Where did the six months go? Maybe in your house it lasted longer, or maybe, for some poor souls, it was too short. But, thankfully it is past. Many of us have the simple task of closing one trailer and heading south. Others have the more daunting task to wrap up the old homestead, check off the million and one mechanical and clerical duties, cram the last dishcloth in before slamming the car door, and then find the on ramp to the Interstate. No wonder you look frazzled when you arrive!
(Photos courtesy of Judy Olson)
Funny, how in retrospect, you look back on last season and your mind focuses on the good times and the great moments that made 2014-2015 memorable. Maybe it was the activities, or the sports, or the crafts, or the new friendships you formed and the past ones nurtured.
We watch the park gate eagerly each day to see our snowbird friends fly in. Not like other years with residues of salt and road sand covering, but with air conditioners humming and summer attire on all aboard.
We have all heard of global warming, but for this season, at least for the short term, it is almost all right. The old bones relish that Florida sun.
The park, as usual, is in fine fettle with the off-season work of Dan and Judy Olson, and staff. I do not know if their hard work is more obvious, or is it just because we are back home, but it is a warm feeling when we cross these gates of Happy Days for another non-winter.
And, why is it that the urge to clean is almost as strong as the urge to unpack the old buggy? We all know, time is on our side at least for a few days to get it all done, but the lingering aroma of cleaning solvents and the hum of power washers drives us to exhaustion. Oh well, maybe next year we will take our time! I would not bet a plug nickel on it though.
A great winter season is ahead.
The activity chairpersons are fired up, and with the largest activities calendar in the ‘Z,’ you will not be bored. With more than 20 weekly activities, plus specials like dances, food days (breakfasts, lunches or dinners), sports, and music jams every Friday and Saturday, all eating up your energy, you will need your ‘V’ pills — vitamins, of course.
We also need your funny bones, and the passion to continue these, and the volunteers to prop them up. Volunteer… you know you want to.
Oh, oh, another car horn! Better get on the porch and see the new returnees. Talk to you later.
By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)
Published November 11, 2015
