HOME & GARDEN Lake Home in The Highlands is a Warm Retreat For All Seasons

BY JAN HENNING PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN

Warm memories are handsomely present in The Highlands Lake home of Sandy and Bill Gates. Their light filled lake house lies perfectly nestled among five acres, and cordially welcomes family and friends to the abundant inside and outside gathering areas – seemingly made for entertaining.

The couple has deep roots in Oxford; Bill grew up on campus where his father was director of athletic publicity for 38 years; Sandy transferred to Ole Miss as a junior from Texas where her family had moved several years earlier. When Bill retired in 2011 from his insurance

January/February 2023

Wcorporate casualty career after 40 years in Memphis, the Gates returned to a place they already loved.

“Our son William was the one who found The Highlands,” Bill says. “He loves fishing and the outdoors and encouraged us to take a look, and we fell in love with the area.” The couple found the house plans for their onestory home on the internet and with some clever tweaking transformed the design to suit their preferences. “Bill got a wine cellar and I got half a laundry room,” Sandy explains with a smile. “We knew we wanted built-ins for books and treasured mementoes in the living room. Our decorator, the late Virginia Roberts suggested taking out a wall of cabinets in the kitchen,” Sandy says and the kitchen was given a big dose of wide-open space.

Thoughtful and intentional planning however has given the house what the couple both agree is their favorite part - the lake views. “I stood on the lot and laid out where the house would sit for the best views. I wanted to be able to see from the front door all the way through the house to the lake.” Bill says. “I drove a stake where the back doors are.” Marty Daniels built their home expertly situated to ensure the outdoor scenery has a continual aesthetic of light, water and nature.

The couple’s daughter, Christy Miller, of Memphis helped the couple decorate their home using most of their former furniture and antiques while melding in newer pieces that offer subtle contrast where needed. “We used all the furniture we had and made it work,” Sandy says. The foyer welcomes beautifully with a tapestry Christy found depicting a fishing scene with a palette of soft gold and green suspended above a 130-year-old library table from the home of Bill’s mother. The dining room includes an eyecatching chandelier that sparkles in the oversize gold leaf mirror above the expansive sideboard. Polished dark hardwood floors flow throughout the formal areas and are softened with area rugs in a palette of subdued blue, cream and soft orange creating a serene tone.

Ease and elegance converge in the living room where cushy seating upholstered in calm neutrals fit comfortably around an iron and glass topped coffee table. Soft pillows in a bold salmon shade add strokes of color, and a wall of windows and French doors frame picturesque views of the outdoors. The coffee table features one of Christy’s exquisitely carved sculptures. “She shapes the piece from a big piece of marble.” Sandy explains. “She looks at a big piece of stone and know what it’s going to be.” Strikingly displayed on the custom built-in bookcase is Bill’s “Alumni Service Award,” an artfully crafted crystal bowl atop a dark brown base. Providing another conversation area and functionality, a perfectly proportioned chestnut table with four creamy upholstered club chairs translates into a “great place for dinner and looking outside,” Sandy says.

In the kitchen, Christy chose a wellappointed veined marble countertop composed with a fluid curve that mimics a flowing river. Another marble sculpture Christy created graces the kitchen with its luxurious design. A backsplash in ceramic glazed tiles in a mocha hue and walnut cabinets add a bold contrast to the light-colored walls throughout the home.

Bill’s study is the heart of the couple’s love for all things associated with Ole Miss. Anchored by his sizable desk, the bookcases abound with an arsenal of memorabilia and awards that distinguish a life dedicated to the University and service. Walls are highlighted with framed photographs of championships and special moments in all sports including the baseball team’s recent national championship. Helmets and footballs signed by coaches and notable players intertwine with numerous plaques to commemorate milestones such as “Rebel of the Year” and leadership roles of various organizations. An especially treasured photograph features Sandy and Bill’s mothers standing together with Tom Brokaw in the Grove on a beautiful football Saturday.

A hallway leads to the home’s wine cellar that Bill describes as “more wine than we’ll ever drink.” An intriguing light fixture boasts a dozen wine bottles in the perfectly temperature- controlled room. “I’ve been collecting wine for 25- 30 years,” Bill says of his cellar that includes vintage wines from around the world.

The homeowner’s screened-in back porch and multiple decks seamlessly transform the outdoors into a soothing retreat to enjoy the beauty of nature without ever having to leaving home. The porch provides an intimate seating area, and tucked into one corner of the deck a wrought iron table and four chairs clad in a subdued kaki color invites morning coffee; in the opposite corner custom built-in seating with soft cushions is ideal for relaxing; twin swivel chairs have front row seats of the water and enjoying evening beverages. The couple loves to entertain, and the decks became particularly relevant during the pandemic when neighbors and friends could safely social distance outdoors. Large stone pavers and gravel paths lead to the pontoon and fishing boat docks, and the north facing backyard ensures everything is drenched in soft, serene sunlight.

Lake living has something special to offer the Gates family year-round. They enjoy sunset boat cruises in the summer, and their five grandchildren love to fish and swim in the lake. “The fall is beautiful and the lightning storms are fascinating to watch,” Sandy says. “It’s a little slice of heaven.” Winter, however, has its own special pleasures. Bare tree limbs stand silhouetted against the sky, shadows bouncing off the shimmering blue water. A cozy fire beckons inside. A collected home celebrates the best of life and a reminder that life is a fun journey.

WWhen Ross Hester and Joe Stinchcomb opened Bar Muse in the newly renovated lobby of the Lyric Theater, the vision did not stop there. The former Saint Leo managers partnered with former sous-chef Patrick Hudgins to create Good Day Cafe, the newest local lunch spot in the alley between the Lyric and South Depot.

Drawing inspiration from New Orleans favorite Turkey & The Wolf, Good Day is quickly establishing itself as a fan-favorite in a town full of options.

“We wanted to carve out a niche for something that Oxford didn't have,” said Hester. “A place that focused primarily on elevated, craft sandwiches.”

Good Day Cafe prides itself on sourcing ingredients locally and maintaining a relationship with the north Mississippi food community.

Home Place Pastures in Como provides the beef for The Good Burger, a best-burger contender topped with house-made pickles, fried shallots, and a garlic mustard aioli.

During the Spring and Summer seasons, one can expect to find playful uses of fresh, local produce from Oxford Community Market. Good Day also values its relationship with Chicory Market, and has plans for continuing its chef pop-ups in 2023.

Head Chef Patrick Hudgins, another Saint Leo alum, uses his creative kitchen experience to craft the Good Day menu and introduce Oxonians to new flavor profiles.

“We try to take a classic chicken sandwich and elevate the flavors by incorporating a Korean fried chicken marinade and a kimchi cucumber slaw to take the sandwich to the next level,” said Hester. “ I try to come up with clever names to keep things fun.”

When asked about how their time at Saint Leo has helped them in the genesis of their newest venture, Hester notes that the hospitality industry teaches both problem-solving and teamwork.

“You learn how to serve and take care of not only your guests and community but your team and staff as well,” said Hester. “Managing at Saint Leo taught me a lot and having an MBA also helped.”

The alley has a history of fun lunches. In years past, Corbin Evans’s Oxford Canteen occupied the space and provided a unique and affordable option to both locals and visitors.

“I remember the first time I ate in the alley and the first time I had a Mexican Coke and the Brisket Grilled Cheese,” said Hester. “It was incredible. It's really exciting to get to reinvigorate the space and build on what Canteen started. We still carry Lulu's Iced Coffee from Corbin, so a little piece of the original Canteen lives on.”

Success for Good Day Cafe is a customer who comes back to the window to give praise to the sandwich. Financial success comes from happy guests, according to Hester.

With students returning from Winter break, Oxford’s biggest attractions, Springtime and Baseball, give Hester, Stinchcomb, and Hudgins a lot to look forward to.

Good Day envisions growth in the Spring and hopes to open for more days during the week while maintaining a steady stream of happy patrons.

Mississippi’s curious weather patterns have not stopped business in the alley, as online ordering and Fetch delivery have ensured that anyone can have a Good Day.

Lyric owners Bradley Bishop and Lindsay Dillon-Maginnis have created a masterpiece by utilizing their newly renovated space to include not only Oxford’s finest cocktail bar, but also its newest culinary treasure, Good Day Cafe.

“Bradley and Lindsay have been incredibly supportive of both Bar Muse and Good Day Cafe,” said Hester. “They opened up their space to us and have always been some of our biggest supporters.”

Good Day Cafe and its customers are thankful that the long-vacant alley window kitchen is back, serving an exciting and creative menu. Tacked onto the side of the historic Lyric Theater, the new restaurant is poised to have a busy Spring, with plenty of foot traffic returning to the Oxford Square.

BY MARTHA CATLETTE

HHave you thought about trying something new for your health and wellbeing in 2023?

There are many alternative health practices that have become popular within the broad category of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) tracked by the National Institute of Health. In the United States CAM is used by approximately 38 % of adults and 12% of children.

Examples of CAM include alternative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Ayurveda and Oriental medicine, as well as nutritional, mindbody (meditation and yoga), and energy therapies. Many of these CAM practices are also used to help people cope with illnesses such as cancer and can specifically help with the side effects of treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue, as well as to help comfort and allay anxiety and bring peace of mind.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/ health/wellness-and-prevention/typesof-complementary-and-alternativemedicine

WHAT ARE ENERGY THERAPIES?

Energy therapies are alternative health practices based on the concept that every cell of the body is made of energy and that energy is continually flowing within and throughout the body. Energy blockages can occur at specific energy center points along the spine and cause imbalances of mind and body that can lead to illness and disease. https:// www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ energy-therapy

WHAT IS REIKI AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?

Reiki is a popular energy therapy that is recognized and practiced worldwide in treating a variety of health conditions. Reiki is non-invasive and uses the hands to transmit energy to the body for stress reduction and relaxation. Reiki is used to complement traditional therapies in a variety of settings to include private healing practices, hospitals, and hospices.

The practice of Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1900’s, The term Reiki comes from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (vital life force energy). The effectiveness of Reiki is based on the concept that life force energy flows through all living things. This same energy is known as “Chi” in Chinese medicine and “prana” in Ayurvedic medicine which originated in India. A Reiki practitioner is trained to channel life force energy through the palms of the hands directly to the recipient. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ reiki/

“Reiki is a safe and gentle ‘complementary’ therapy that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to heal body and mind. It has potential for broader use in management of chronic health conditions, and possibly in postoperative recovery. Research is needed to optimize the delivery of Reiki.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC5871310/

What Outcomes for Reiki Have Been Studied?

The primary areas of Reiki benefit that have been studied and measured include pain, anxiety, and stress by assessing heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels. Since Reiki is an energy practice it is difficult to study it in the traditional way. Measures that incorporate the lived experience, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and stress reduction may more accurately reflect the benefits of Reiki. https://www. takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explorehealing-practices/reiki/what-doesresearch-say-about-reiki

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT A REIKI SESSION?

The Reiki recipient lies on a massage table fully clothed while the Reiki practitioner places the palms of their hands on or just above different energy centers of the body. During the session other therapies such as aromatherapy and crystals may be used.

the flow of energy. The session generally lasts 30 to 90 minutes, with one hour being typical.

The Reiki practitioner only holds their hands in strategic places and no massage takes place. If touch is used it is very light, no more than the pressure of a coin being placed on the skin. The recipient may feel tingling, warmth, or pulsation does not mean that Reiki is not effective.

The practice of Reiki is based on the understanding that energy knows where to go. The practitioner has been trained to channel energy; they are not doing the healing themselves. The channeled energy enhances the recipient’s own healing capacity. Some people become so relaxed that they fall asleep. Often the benefits of the session are noticed by the recipient at a later time. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/reiki-overview#091e9c5e816f3690-12nges

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN REIKI PROVIDER?

Like many alternative modalities, Reiki certification and training is not regulated so it is important that a Reiki practitioner has completed a reputable certification program. Most Reiki certification programs offer beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Level I Reiki certification focuses on learning to provide self-Reiki which is a great way to educate oneself and have easy access to Reiki benefits. Level II requires a high level of self-understanding and considerably more knowledge for providing Reiki to others. Level III is the master level that prepares the practitioner to teach Reiki to others. https://rtt.com/ reiki-/

WHY NOT TRY REIKI?

If the idea of Reiki resonates for you, I encourage you to try it! Many people find benefit and will testify that Reiki is helpful in creating calm, peace of mind and healing. Having an open mind is essential so that you can receive the full benefits. Energy flows when there is openness and willingness, so if that describes your attitude-Give it a try!

House of Eve

by Sadeqa Johnson

Taking on another fascinating under-told piece of women’s history in this well-researched new novel, the author of Yellow Wife illuminates the impact of unwed pregnancy through the alternating narratives of two young Black women in the 1950s.