Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Waking up in another year can be unnerving. Not that this is a new phenomenon by any means, but the clock of life ticks off one more. This is OK, but to add the drop of 30 degrees and top it off with cloudy drizzly mornings makes you ask, welcome to January? We knew that that fellow south of the border, Senor El Nino, was coming to visit and known as a poor houseguest, and would probably hang around for a month or two. Oh well, it could be worse; it could snow.

Looking out the window, however, the rest of the park seems to be acting normally. Our intrepid walkers are wearing down the paths and following their pooches as they chase down their favorite aromas. Life does go on as normal. Well then, let us move on to the last week of 2015.
Those pesky Christmas decorations that we struggled with to untangle are now carefully packed away to guarantee next year will be different. But do not hold your breath. The shed gods will work their magic, and twist and turn them over this summer and laugh in glee when you unpack next November. The park takes on a barren landscape when all is put away. But, what is that fellow next door doing? Oh no. Pink hearts and cupids, and taking out his ladder. Here we go again.
Our new king and queen for 2016 were crowned at the last coffee hour of the year.
Jim and Mary Ann Homrich were a popular choice and well thought of in the park. The first thing you notice when you meet is their almost permanent smiles. We know you will have a happy reign, but you never saw the fine print. This is not a paid position, your crowns and all belong to the association, and on exit, you have to pay closing costs, but the free access to all park functions is non-taxable.
Maggie Johnson, our 2015 queen, is now back home and recovering. Thanks to all who wished her well over the Christmas weeks. Looking forward to seeing her out and about again.
The New Year’s dance, although not sold out, was one of the best we have had. The old saying, if you were not there, too bad for you. It was great. Jim LaPlante did an excellent job as our house disc jockey, with a mix of styles and tunes, and kept the dance floor hopping. Again, the dynamic duo of Toni Fisher and Linda Jenkins put on the show. Hooray for the volunteers.
January is full of activities, so get that rest over these dog days of New Year’s. See you there.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published January 20, 2016

 

The rest of the country was not enjoying the last few weeks as much as the lucky few of us snowbirds lolling in the Florida sun, but boy, has it not been grand? Some of the old sages in the park fondly reminisced about all the winters they had in days gone by, when the cold winds never arrived and only a sweater or two could be seen. Good story, but we will take this any day. This is the reason we came, to escape winter, and this is exactly why we were enjoying it to the limit.

Christmas was not even out of the distant past yet, and summer activities were still abounding. Gatherings of like-minded people were everywhere. Parties had even started up by just taking down a neighbor’s Christmas decorations and then rolling into a happy hour. Mary Ann and Charles Evans, new in the park this year, from Indiana, brought her electric piano and rhythm maker down to John and Pat Sweet to entertain happy hour friends. Rick Carrey brought a guitar, Cliff Pryde brought an amp and mike, with his trusty guitar in tow, to form an ensemble. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts were mandatory, and all joined in the hootenanny to sing songs, practice karaoke, dance some steps and, of course, hoist a few frosties. Hey, it was a nice way to pass a December afternoon, especially outside in 85-degree heat. Throughout the park on any afternoon, you heard people enjoying it (warm weather) while we had it. However, it is coming. Those northern winds are at the door. Get out and enjoy the warmth and your neighbors.

On another note, our new king and queen for 2016 were crowned at the morning coffee hour. Jim and Mary Ann Homrich are an active couple in the park, and have been involved for many years. The first thing you notice is their smiles. They are contagious. Jim, for many years, took on the lead of our golf league, a challenging time-consuming job. Thanks for your service from all the duffers. Jim and Mary Ann still have not been told yet, but all the crowns and regalia are not theirs to keep, but free admission to all activities will be nontaxable. Whoopee! Have a great reign.

Our outgoing queen, Maggie Johnson, has not enjoyed the best December, but is improving as this is written. Fast recovery Maggie. Looking forward to seeing you up soon.

This was also the time to make resolutions for 2016. We all have sworn off something sinful in the past, but at our age, we have little sin left to give up, so this year the resolution is to hopefully keep what we have. What is wrong with real butter on toast, a glass of wine, or a chocolate or two? We might be able to keep these.

Did you hear the music coming up the road from the rec hall? Happy New Year one and all from the residents, park management and corporate.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published January 13, 2016