Napa Valley Mobile Home Park, in North Napa

Senior Adults hit a home run when they chose to live in this lovely North Napa Community. First introduced to this area about 20 years ago when friends moved there. Then again 6 years ago when they contracted hubby, Jim Gentry to rebuild the falling down gazebo that graces the entrance of the park. Hubby finished before the rains set-in that year.

Gazebo's are nostalgic and silently say, "slow down, sit, shhhhh, listen!"

In that framework of slow down, sit, listen, friends agreed to host a BBQ so residents could listen to Doris Gentry. So the community could sit down and slow down for a minute over dinner and common understanding.

The plan fell into place. Invite residents the Saturday before the Monday BBQ. Well, Saturday rolled up on the calendar, so we traveled around the neighborhood passing out flyers. We invited 300 residents to the BBQ hosted by 4 of the members from Napa Valley Mobile Home Park.

On Saturday, we circled the park, going up and down every street. Sweet names like Pattie, Daisy & Camilia Street. Gracious residents greeted us walking their dogs, riding bicycles in the park and many out for a stroll. It was like stepping back in time to the 1950's when everyone knew everyone.

Some stopped us, "Do you have permission?" we did. "What are you up to?" we said. "When is this BBQ" we shared.

Saturaday was a lovely day of inviting. Greeting. Chatting. Visiting.

Then today rolled around, should I plan for 10? 20? 50?Who knew?

Hubby called the park office, "Do you have a BBQ" NO. Ooops, never thought to ask that question. How can you BBQ dogs with no grill? Hubby had to load up the grill, the charcoal, the lighter, the flame throwing torch he uses to ignite it all - it was like going camping. Ice chests of food, dogs, fixins. drinks & ice.

How could I guess the turn out, what if nobody came? The invite said "Free BBQ and meet Candidate Doris Gentry, hosted by Hal & Gwen Hannigan and Bubba & Wanda Andrade" It was a nice flyer and we met many wonderful people on Saturday that said they would love to attend - but what if nobody wanted a free hot dog? What if potatoe salad with freshly sliced eggs on top did not sound like a nice dinner?

That is always the problem with party planning, the fear nobody will come.

Well they came, and came and came - they ate BBQ hot dogs and hubby had to cook more. Then he toasted the buns, they ate and we visited and then I spoke to them about the Doris Gentry plans for a better Napa - a Napa that offers good roads, safe sidewalks and a promise to listen when they call.

They ate the food. The drank and nibbled on the dessert and best of all they came. They listened and were so very gracious. the Napa Valley Mobile Home Park is a gift to Napa and the residents are charming. When you want a quiet stop in your busy life, go see this delightful spot in North Napa. You might decide to make this your home too!