Sunset at Circle Bay
LIVING IN AMERICA
We own a flat (or condominium or condo) at Circle Bay in Stuart, Florida. http://www.cityofstuart.com/From the sitting room and lanai as we have breakfast, or sip a wine in the evening, we have a fine view of the St Lucie River (as above) and the various ships, boats, yachts and other water craft that sail past.
We had been visiting American friends in the area for some years and it had been our ambition to acquire place in the vicinity for quite a while and in 2001 we managed it.
Circle Bay is a boating community for the over 55s, (though having a boat is not a condition of ownership). It has two entrances off the St Lucie River, two small lagoons and berths for yachts up to 36 foot. it also has a clubhouse, swimming pool, and a workshop.
Stuart is a small town, though it calls itself a city and is, in fact the County Seat of Martin County. It has a population of 16,000 which doubles in the winter when the 'Snowbirds,' people escaping the harsh winters in the northern states and Canada migrate south.
As you can imagine living in a condominium in Stuart, Florida is very different to where we live in East Grinstead, West Sussex. American's are very friendly - very friendly - and each time we return it is an excuse to have a party on the deck to welcome us back. Living in America - rather than spending a two-week holiday there - is interesting, educational, amusing, great fun and above all - enjoyable.
We usually move over to Stuart twice a year and spend anything between one and three months each visit and have been doing so since 2001. We have a good circle of friends there and a very decent social life. I occasionally write a column for The Tides, Circle Bay's magazine, when the editor is unable to fill the four pages she produces each month. I write about British politics, the Royal Family, places other than London and Stratford to visit in the UK and anything else I think may entertain our American friends. Some examples are included in this section.
We had been visiting American friends in the area for some years and it had been our ambition to acquire place in the vicinity for quite a while and in 2001 we managed it.
Circle Bay is a boating community for the over 55s, (though having a boat is not a condition of ownership). It has two entrances off the St Lucie River, two small lagoons and berths for yachts up to 36 foot. it also has a clubhouse, swimming pool, and a workshop.
Stuart is a small town, though it calls itself a city and is, in fact the County Seat of Martin County. It has a population of 16,000 which doubles in the winter when the 'Snowbirds,' people escaping the harsh winters in the northern states and Canada migrate south.
As you can imagine living in a condominium in Stuart, Florida is very different to where we live in East Grinstead, West Sussex. American's are very friendly - very friendly - and each time we return it is an excuse to have a party on the deck to welcome us back. Living in America - rather than spending a two-week holiday there - is interesting, educational, amusing, great fun and above all - enjoyable.
We usually move over to Stuart twice a year and spend anything between one and three months each visit and have been doing so since 2001. We have a good circle of friends there and a very decent social life. I occasionally write a column for The Tides, Circle Bay's magazine, when the editor is unable to fill the four pages she produces each month. I write about British politics, the Royal Family, places other than London and Stratford to visit in the UK and anything else I think may entertain our American friends. Some examples are included in this section.