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Working up an appetite for turkey in a creative way is Matthew Shaw.

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For all residents of Davidson who stayed in town and welcomed family and friends to their Thanksgiving table, what a wonderful holiday it was! The Wednesday traffic was a nightmare but with a little patience, out-of-state cars finally rolled into town and the celebrations began. The weather was picture perfect causing a few to request turkey on the picnic tables out under the trees. How spoiled we are!

Now our focus changes to Christmas in Davidson and other area holiday events. Today Around Davidson has notes about a few of these and also news of a new book you might want to give for a holiday gift. In addition we include a “Connie Beach trip report” of her adventure in Holbox.

MADAME PRESIDENT IS HERE

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Authors Margo Williams and Jon Guttman want you to read their new book, "Madame President."

“Madame President,” a political thriller written by Davidson residents, Marguerite (Margo) Williams and Jon Guttman, has been released in electronic versions for Kindle and Nook and also in print as a paperback. You often hear it said that each of us has a novel inside just waiting to be released. But, indeed, what a daunting task once you begin. Margo has long had a business called “A Way with Words,” and in writing this novel with Jon, she got to try new ways with those words.

As the press release states: “In writing the book, Margo and Jon experienced their own adventure of discovery, forging bonds of friendship through the collaborative process. Each brought individual abilities to the experience, proving that, in this case, the sum is greater than the whole of its parts. “For us, the blank canvas became a dynamic challenge, rather than something scary. With each other, we could be free to imagine, write, rewrite, argue, flesh out, and create. We helped each other stay in the chairs in front of the computer. Some days were hard. But most were exciting. And no days were ever boring.”

“Madame President” is an exciting tale of Kate MacIntyre, America’s first woman President. The book is considered an epic adventure for the President and those close to her. Margo and Jon will be at Main Street Books from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, during Christmas in Davidson signing copies of their book. Be sure to stop by and congratulate these authors and take a look at their new book. (It retails for $16.95 plus tax.)

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Holbox Island, Mexico

A BEACH FOR A BEACH – Connie that is!

Connie Beach has been in the travel business for decades and never passes up a chance to explore a new vacation destination. This fall Connie was off to a beach on an island called Holbox Island, Mexico, thanks to Distinctive Properties who asked a small number of East coast travel agents to visit a boutique hotel they market and to encourage tourist traffic to it, in this case the Casa Sandra Hotel.

The island is very remote, with few visitors, having electricity only since 1984. The group flew in to Cancun, then were taken by shuttle bus 2 hours northwest through the jungle to the coast, where they caught a 20-minute ferry to the island. Connie said they did not see another vehicle for the entire 2-hour ride, coming or going.

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Holbox Island, Mexico

The island was very striking, with gorgeous white sand beaches, thousands of unusual birds, and a rustic town full of narrow streets with tiny cafes and shops, dogs wandering everywhere. There are no paved streets on the entire 26-mile long island, just packed sand, so everyone rides bikes or golf carts. On a boat ride the group took, about a dozen porpoises approached and leaped continuously around the boat, with a blazing sunset in the background. Whale sharks, each “the size of a school bus” according to folks there, are present off the island from May to September which is the main time visitors come.

The group was hosted at the Casa Sandra Hotel, owned and run by a Cuban artist, a lovely boutique-type property right on the beach. There were many artistic touches, such as the shower head, which was a huge conch shell with holes drilled in it, and the dining room and lobby lit only by candlelight after 5 p.m.

Holbox is a great place for people who love nature and simple living, best described as “Mexico 60 years ago.” After their five days or marvelous rest and relaxation, the agents were told to come back soon. The fear is that in 10 years it will be unrecognizable once developers discover this beautiful spot. (Google Holbox Island and check it out. You will love the views when the winter winds are blowing in Davidson!)

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Doggie Fashion Show

CALLING ALL DOGS

Davidson’s Doggie Fashion Show has evolved from a bit of nonsense in front of the Post Office in 1988, with “Big Daddy” Shaw Smith as the emcee, to a more organized occasion. (Does anyone remember the first one, when Ellen Winkler’s dog lunged at another and pulled her down? Or the two school children dressed as a dog with a third holding the leash?)

This year the Doggie Fashion Show will be held on the Davidson Public Library Stage on Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 7 p.m. The show is limited to 30 “decorated” dogs with each needing a $5 registration fee. All proceeds go to the Doggie Park in the New Neighborhood. (They are hoping to have lights in the future…)

Davidson veterinarian Dick Hay will be the master of ceremonies to interview the dogs and owners. Kathy Tyson is assisting. There will be goodie bags for participants and a raffle item as well. Email davidsonpaws@yahoo.com ^[7] for more information and to pre-register, which is required.

HOLIDAY PLANTS AT NORTH MECK

The Horticulture Club Holiday Sale at North Mecklenburg High School will be on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9-noon in the greenhouse. There will be poinsettias (red, white, pink and burgundy) for sale starting at $7. The students will also sell amaryllis (red, white, and pink) and paper whites for sale at $7 and Christmas cactuses (red, white, and hot pink) for sale at $6. What a good idea to support the program and the morning sale hours fit perfectly before you must travel back to Davidson to secure your spot for the North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade at 1 p.m.

MORE ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN DAVIDSON

Read our Monday preview of the Dec. 1-3 festival: “We’re ready for Christmas in Davidson: This year’s festival has carriage rides, entertainment & an ice skating rink.” ^[8] See also the town’s Christmas in Davidson ^[9] website.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Have news for Around Davidson? Write to Brenda Barger at hbarger@bellsouth.net ^[10].