Linda Davis

If you are on my Christmas list, your gift may be late this year. My normal holiday schedule was interrupted the morning of October 24^thwhen I received an email from Bruno Hayn of Home Designs by Bruno. The subject line was "Help I Need Volunteers". Bruno's email went on to explain that he had been contacted by the Producers of the ABC show "Extreme Makeover - Home Edition". They asked him to participate in building a new home for a local family in 106 hours.

My holidays are usually well planned, complete with shopping and "to do" lists. I hate running around at the last minute; my body doesn't function that way. You know how some people are born athletes, artists or musicians? I was born organized. And while it isn't as glamorous as playing the piano or singing an opera, that is what I can offer to a project or event.

I was at my computer when the email arrived. I immediately called Bruno and offered my help. Along with Peter Morneault, I was assigned the task of Lead Volunteer Coordinator. That's why Christmas may come late this year. The past few weeks have been filled with creating lists and attending meetings for the Extreme Makeover project, as well as running my real estate business.

I spent most of Thanksgiving Day scheduling volunteers. It was important work because Ty will be knocking on the door on December 4^th. It turned out to be a memorable day as I read through the comments people made when signing up to volunteer. That very morning I had received Seth Godin's blog post in my inbox. He talked about Thanksgiving being his favorite holiday; "For me, the holiday celebrates people who contribute with no expectation of anything in return." I wrote a little about the volunteers at my Eastern Connecticut Real Estate Blog .

Although Extreme Home by Bruno will be the "official" place to visit to volunteer, find photographs, and make donations, my blog will be more of a collection of stories about the people and events that will change a family and a community over the next couple of weeks.

P.S. Here is an inside tidbit: Bruno had never seen Extreme Home MakeOver - Home Addition before he received "the call". I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that Bruno's life has been changed forever! I think mine too!

Lake of Isles, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, is nice looking most times of year but absolutely magnificent during the fall. Managed by Troon Golf, Lake of Isles is located in North Stonington, CT but is just a golf ball throw away from Ledyard, home of Foxwoods Resort Casino. It offers two championship courses, one private and one public. Both were designed by legendary golf course architect Rees Jones. They have been opened since 2005 and have won several awards since their debut.

The property has all of the niceties you might expect, including a spectacular 50,000 square foot club house, good food and a pretty impressive golf academy. But to me, it is the rolling terrain, the natural landscaping, and the wonderful vistas that makes golfing at Lake of Isles so enjoyable even though my golf game is nothing to brag about. I love how the cart path winds through the deep woods and criss crosses over the 90 acre lake and wetlands areas. On a quiet day I might never come across another golfer but see plenty of deer, geese, ducks and hawks.

This year was the first year I've been a member and when I joined in the spring, I couldn't wait to see what fall had to offer. Last week I packed my camera along with my golf clubs and spent a leisurely 5 ½ hours on the course taking the best shots I could with both my camera and my driver. My score wasn't very impressive but I think I got a few good shots!

P.S. The photo is of the 16th hole of the South Course. I mostly miss the green but I do enjoy the views.

You'll find more of the shots I've taken this year at my

Lake of Isles Flickr Photo Set