The "Gingerbread Fantasy" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Taking my traditional trip to the RLPS Architectural Firm to see their legendary gingerbread display.  For the past couple of years I have posted stories with plenty of photos to give you an idea what it is like to visit a town made out of candy, cookies, pasta, pretzels and plenty of gingerbread.  Reese, Lower, Patrick and Scott resided at the top of the street where I live until this year.  They left their beautiful building at the top of the hill and moved into their new building near the nature preserve on the Oregon Pike.  Granted it is only a five minute drive from my house, but too far to walk as Carol and I always did in the past.  

The interior of the new RLPS building.  Pretty impressive!

I must admit their new digs are spectacular.  I have included one shot of the interior, but after the tons of snow melt with warmer springtime weather, I will post a story showing you what an office should look like.  Amazing!!  For the past 23 years RLPS has sponsored their holiday spectacular that is designed, built and constructed by the employees of the firm.  Most of the architects some up with a house, hotel, villa or accessory to contribute to the cause.  This year's display looks to be about 25 feet long and 15 feet wide, covered with just about every type of sweet you can imagine.  The theme this year, their 24th year, is "Italian Ice."  It reminds me of my visit to Venice which I took years ago.  Around the island they built is an amazing look-alike sea.  The houses, villas, etc. sit atop an outcropping of gingerbread that must be close to 1/2" thick.  What I would've given to have lived on an island such as this.  Places with names such as Scarpe da Giuseppe, Villa al Mare, La Belle Vita Capone's Candy Cave, Casa Caramallo, and my favorite Flurriaro's Ristorante are scattered throughout the island.  Evidently my favorite was also the favorite of many others, since I asked another viewer and was told that Flurriaro's was the top vote getter this year.  My tour guide for the day is the same as it has been in the past.  Jim, a former student of mine in Graphic Arts and Photography, works for RLPS as an architect and has been more than willing to give me a personalized tour of not only the display, but of his new work place.  I mentioned to Jim that I would love to bring my kids and grandkids to visit, but their only time they are open for display showing is the same evening of a family party.  He graciously told me he could come in slightly earlier so we could do both.  So, I plan to make a second trip soon to see the "Italian Ice" under the stars.  Well, time to check out the daytime version of RLPS.  I only hope my photos can do justice to the beautiful and scrumptious display.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them.

One side of the display that shows the beach and buildings.

The display from the other side showing the Hotel de Belle.

This is the large Abbey that was the centerpiece made by quite a few people.

This is called Dolce Casa Sul Lago (Sweet house by the lake)

Another favorite titled Casa Caramallo. 

Check out the pasta on the Villa Farfalle.

This is North Star Villa.

This is the Fish Market located on a small point that juts into the sea.

This is another view of the Fish Market. 

Villa al Mare

Catchy name in Pier One Fishports!

My favorite and the #1 vote-getter called Flurriaro's Ristorante

Close-up view of people sitting at chairs at the Ristorante.

Final photo showing the puffy clouds in the sky and the glossy water around the island.