“Friends for Life.” Five gals from Michigan, all grade school friends (two even from kindergarten), all Happy Days’ residents, had their last party of the season, saying goodbye to one of the gang who has sold and is returning back to Michigan.
(Courtesy of Ron Graham)
The gals in their 70s must hold some sort of record for longevity by maintaining close contact and enjoying their friendship. Joann Bower, Evelyn Grimm, Rita Little, Sharon Rollenhagen and Dixie Vanderwagen (our honoree) will always be “Friends for Life” — a lesson we all should learn! Our hats are off to you.
Our picture can only show you today, our imagination can only see your beginning. What a great gang. Hip, hip, hooray!
The last ice cream social of the season finally went off without a hitch with good weather and big crowds. Good job, Heather, and your dedicated helpers, and of course husband Ron for entertaining the crowd. The freezer is finally empty until next year. Looking forward to doing it all again even bigger next year.
Our boisterous green clad crowd helped St. Patrick celebrate driving all the snakes out of Ireland. Next year we will attempt to do the same in Happy Days. This may take a little longer, as some snakes crawl at night.
As usual, our own resident disc jockey, and current park king, Jim Howe and his leprechaun helpers Larry and Muriel Oakes, did an excellent job. Irish favorites were mixed with traditional country and some unusual line dancing material that sounded more rap than Nashville, but the line kept up with the beat.
As usual door prizes and spot dances kept everyone happy. See you at the dances next season.
The last potluck supper was at the hall. It was a fine send-off from the gang that cooks, serves, and enjoys the fellowship of their neighbors. Is this the last time we keep stuffing ourselves this season? No, it seems we still have a going home party and free root beer floats. Wow! Thank God for expandable waistbands.
The adjective “last” for many portrays the feelings of sadness, unhappiness, finality. But for us snowbirds it offers us “firsts,” the first apple blossom, the first tulip, the first fresh deep breath of spring, and the first glimpse of our summer home.
And if we think about it, it will bring us back to our first view of our Happy Days’ home in the fall.
We wish you a safe journey, a pleasant summer and a speedy return.
Do not forget to reserve your site for the 2014-15 season, and bring your friends and relatives with you to join us in another fun-filled season next year.
By Ian Marwick
Published April 2, 2014
