Life at Beautiful Bella Terra



The Gus Bus "campsite"

Today is not the most beautiful day we've had. It's gray and a little chilly, but since the  rest of Alabama, and a big swatch of the South is under  a Winter weather state of emergency, we can't complain! 

Life here at Bella Terra (BT) is very pleasant.  Our "campsite" is well designed and we are fortunate to have very nice neighbors.  In fact, everyone we've met from the Bella Terra staff to the owners of the the fanciest lots and biggest rigs are friendly and welcoming.  Bella Terra is every good thing we heard about it and it's starting to feel like we've always lived here.  Our lot, which is rented from it's unknown owner, faces a pretty man-made lake which is calming and interesting to watch as the weather changes.  There are several lighted fountains that are beautiful at night and a few herons and a cormorant have taken up residence.  No alligators, yet.

Our lake view!

Some of the lot owners have erected structures for shade or storage.  All are well-built and have a lovely island design.  And there are a few gorgeous outdoor kitchens...unfortunately, the weather has not been conducive to barbecuing.  Our lot is unadorned...obviously purchased as a rental investment.

I use the term "camping" lightly when speaking of what we are doing here...it bears no resemblance to the tenting adventures of my Girl Scout days.  The center of activity here at BT is a wonderful club house that is decorated in an island motif and contains lots of comfortable seating, a bar area with dining room and a movie theatre.  There is also a fully-equipped gym, which we haven't used yet.  Behind the club house is a heated pool and jacuzzi ...also unused by the Belikoff's.  But, perhaps best of all, is something they don't advertise.  Gus and Larry have discovered the undeveloped portion of the property; a field that is perfect for "chuck-it."  But more about that later...



One of the owners "storage sheds"



I think it was a good choice for us to travel to a distant place and stay put in order to get used to our new home which has lived up to our expectations and more.  We are still learning about our Gus Bus.  Larry discovered that our "surround sound" is not broken; he just needed to find the right button on one of the numerous remotes.  And we are settling into our new routine of working in the converted bunkbed/office and filling in my time as a new retiree.  Actually, keeping up with the dishes and dog hair occupies alot of my time...this small space works better if it is uncluttered and clean.  I am also teaching myself how to crochet (can you teach an old dog new tricks?) and I'm keeping up with my reading on my new Kindle.  So far, my fears of missing the privacy of our home in the woods have not been realized.  The planners at BT knew just how to stagger and landscape the sites to maximize privacy and the residents here are quiet folks!



Celebrating the New Year







In fact we have been so busy socializing and adjusting to our new life, that we have not had time to explore the area until this weekend.  More on this later...we are off to see if there is still oil on the beach here.