Sixty-some-odd degrees out today; “somebody pinch me, it’s January”, I thought to myself today. It was absolutely gorgeous outside on this January day. People out and about mingling, enjoying the weather, and playing lots of golf.

It was unfortunate that I had to work on this Monday because I would have loved to have been on that very same golf course that I had done a few slow laps by on the way in to the Village for lunch. I usually grab the quick sub or Chick-fil-a, located just down from the Villas, but it was just too nice out today. I had the opportunity to take the time to enjoy getting out and talking to some of the friendly people you run in to around the Village. You might not think it but you meet people from all over the world and from every walk of life in Pinehurst.

Eating in the Village is always a treat. The small town feel of downtown Pinehurst is one of the cozy settings in the south in my opinion. It is a great combination of little shops, family owned restaraunts, and world class food. Today I chose to eat at The Villager Deli. The Villager is classic mixture of American food that hit the spot on a warm day. Nestled right in heart of downtown it offers a historic setting with the family feel that makes it seem like your eating with folks you’ve known for years. It seemed like everyone else in the Villager today had the same idea. You could sense the up-beat feel of the people today. Men, women, and children of all ages were laughing over fries and ice cold Cokes, in the glass bottles no less. Sharing golfing stories seemed to be on the menu today. Some telling tall tales of incredible birdie shots and the old “one time I had a hole in one” story. Some were better than others needless to say.

It just seems like the warm days in the midst of cold winters always break up the monotony of being shut up in the house because it’s so cold outside. It brings the best out of people. It makes me want to hear stories, share opinions, and meet new people.

One could tell the difference around the Villas today too. For those who didn’t get a chance to get a round in today were  either out walking the dog, doing some planting, or just soaking up some sunshine. The warm weather also seems to bring out peoples interests. The new units at the Villas are getting shown constantly. People are loving them! “The hardwoods are incredible, the countertops are gorgeous, and it’s been 68-70 degrees inside the whole time and I haven’t heard the HVAC units kick on once?’ are just a few of the comments I hear daily. I love explaining the inner workings of the Energy Star (www.energystar.gov) certifications and how the homes are the only nationally recognized Green Certified (www.nahbgreen.com) homes located in Pinehurst. Pretty cool stuff, or warm, well comfortable…

Whether you’re touring around the Village, on the 12th green, or strolling around the Villas on one of these warm winter days stop and take the time to sit down and eat a hearty lunch, tell a story to a friend, or shake a stranger’s hand.