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.
(Courtesy of Ian Marwick)
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
