The "Gingerbread Fantasy II" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Sitting in the employee's parking lot of Reese, Lower, Patrick and Scott (RLP&S) with my wife, daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters waiting for Jim to appear.  About a week or so ago I wrote a story about my visit to the architectural offices of RLP&S to visit with a former student of mine, Jim, and see their new digs as well as take a look at the gingerbread village that they make every year.  This year's edition is titled "Italian Ice" and resembles the town of Venice, Italy.  After my first visit I asked if I could return with a few members of my family to see the display after dark.  Jim told me that the day after Christmas he would be there from 5-7 PM for visitors, but if I wanted to come about 15 minutes earlier he would let us in early to avoid the crowd of about 400 or so that were expected.  All of a sudden Carol says "There's someone waving to us from the walk back there."  Out we hop and head in Jim's direction.  He escorts us through the employee's entrance and into the large room were the display is located.  Now, I have seen this about a week ago and I know what to expect, but when my family sees the display…… they are awestruck!  And, if you care to look at photos of "Gingerbread Fantasy" scroll back to December 19th for a look. The photos I am about to post are evening shots when the room is beginning to get dark and the lights of the display are illuminating the village that is made of just about anything sweet that is edible.  So, I hope you enjoy my evening shots as much as my family enjoyed the display.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - click on photos to enlarge.Gingerbread

Family members from left: Camille, Brynn, Courtney and Dave.

Inside one of the windows is a small Christmas Tree. 

This is the #1 choice of clients who voted.  Called Flurriano's Ristorante.

Closer view of the people (all made from dough) in the restaurant.

A diver preparing to enter the water.

This is the Abbey which is in the center of the island and was made by a number of employees.

Closer view of the Abbey.

This is a chocolate fountain that actually worked.

This is the North Star Villa's stairs leading to the water.  Here someone is walking two dogs. 

Another of the many villas that circle the Abbey.

Villa al Mare. 

Looking inside the Cobbler's store.

This is one side of the Fish Market.  Inside you can see the display of fish for sale.

Above the display is an aircraft made of pretzels.

This is a view of the Fish market from the water's side.  It is right alongside the beach that has many umbrellas raised. 

And yet another Fish Market view.

An overall view of the display looking toward the Abbey.

This is the fruit and vegetable market.

Final villa along the waterfront.