25 July 2015

Time truly does fly when you’re having fun. We celebrated our 1-year anniversary here at Silk Cotton Villa back on 21 July 15. And we’re close to wrapping up our commitment to the owners as caretakers and hosts. Sadly, we depart 07 Aug and head back to Blue Ridge, GA.

Back in December ’14, after 5 months as caretakers, the owners asked us to stay on for another year. We were surprised they asked so soon but were grateful they liked us and our work. They wanted an answer by mid-Jan because if we did not accept, the next caretakers (runners-up to us last year) they were considering to hire needed some time to get their affairs in order. The renters of our home could not commit to another year back in January so Sharon and I decided it was best to decline the owner’s invitation and get back to Georgia to put our home on the real estate market. We want to continue this lifestyle into the future unencumbered with a home and all that goes with one.

In hindsight, we probably should have asked the owners if they would allow us August and September off-island to go back to Georgia and get the home on the market. Plus, we have a wedding to attend in late September we will not miss. Like the old saying goes, “Hindsight is 20/20.” But no regrets. Things usually work out for us in a good way.

We welcomed our last group of guests yesterday – a full villa here for a small wedding and reception that will take place next week in the villa. The owners return 31 July for their usual late summer stay and to also welcome the new caretakers who will arrive 01 Aug.

The owners asked us months ago if we would stay for a week after the arrival of the next caretakers and train them. The owners trained us. We are honored they think enough of us and our work to be in charge of training the newbies.

This has been one of the most exciting, interesting, and enjoyable years for Sharon and I. We were both a little nervous and apprehensive when we accepted the position. But it was nothing more than not knowing all the details of a new place and new job. And it all worked out perfectly. A great experience.

We met so many nice people here and made many life-long friends, too. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ve seen some of these friends in photos we have posted. Below we posted a few more. We will truly miss these folks and hope to see them again soon. We made some great, lasting memories.

Scott and Carol, the owners, could not have been any more accommodating and welcoming from the first time we met them. We have met numerous other villa caretakers and property managers during our stay here on St Thomas and we know that every owner is not as nice, kind, and easy to work with as Carol and Scott. We definitely hooked up with one of the best villa owner teams on the island. Oh, and if you decide to book Silk Cotton Villa, remember to tell Carol that Richard and Sharon sent ya … you might get the “good buddy” discount.

They have become life-long friends, too. They are a lot like Sharon and I in many ways; they love each other greatly, they love working together, and they enjoy their down time together. They have been wonderful to work with and who knows, we may work with them again someday.

Two weeks from yesterday will be a sad moment but who knows what adventure is around the corner for Sharon and I. Stayed tuned. And keep smiling!

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.