Wednesday, December 31, 2008

NEW YEARS PARTIES

It is tradition to party on the last eve of the year, and bring in a New Year with good spirit and good intentions. V.W. Resident wishes every a fun, but safe, evening, with friends and neighbors.

Lets have a great 2009.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

TRAIN CRASH IN PERU





V.W. Resident
is back from "warmer weather" in South America.!

First a big thanks to our friends who kept the blog going - even with a little help via email.

Second V.W. must confess he made a huge error thinking going South would lead to warmer weather. That was true on the beach in Rio, but, truth be told it was cold in the mountains of Peru. I guess that is why they wear blankets all the time.

V.W. and his Lady took 430 pictures, with their old "Kodak Brownie Camera", and with that many pictures one can't possibly post them all on line. At least one person will be happy about that. He can look at them on line.

There is one picture and a "youtube" video that warrants a peek. The blue train was our transportation from Cuzco to the Town of Machu Pichu an hour up into the mountains. It was an hour ride where we were offered "coca tea" to help fight altitude sickness. We were treated to wonderful views the entire trip, and, with seats up front, we had a clear view of the empty track ahead.

The "youtube" video shows a different view of that track when two trains ran "head on" into each other a few days after our journey. No major injuries were reported, but it is hard to believe that someone actually took this clip. Check it out on the link below (you may have to cut & paste).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfFCC71vhDM

Saturday, December 27, 2008

HAVE AN AFTER CHRISTMAS LAUGH


Returning home from work, a blond was shocked to find her house ransacked and burglarized. She telephoned the police at once and reported the crime. The police dispatcher broadcasted the call on the radio, and a K-9 unit, patrolling nearby, was the first to respond.

As the K-9 officer approached the house with his dog on a leash, the blond ran out on the porch, shuddered at the sight of the cop and his dog, then sat down on the steps. Putting her face in her hands, she moaned, 'I come home to find all my possessions stolen. I call the police for help, and what do they do? ... They send me a BLIND policeman!'


(Hope this humor offends nobody)

Thursday, December 25, 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAY

No opinions, jokes or pictures of the kids today. We are enjoying it and wish everyone a good day.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

ANOTHER STREET ACTIVITY - JAN

Those guys' on Valentina Court are at it again. This time neighbors will get together for a New Years Day "Wine and Cheese" event. The party is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that their will be minimal impact on New Years Football. V.W. Resident will be there and is looking forward to some fine wine, and neighborly talk.

See you all then.

Monday, December 22, 2008

GOV. CRIST SLOWS FORECLOSURES

This is good news for the Holiday. Gov. Crist asked the banks to put a 45 day "hold" on foreclosures within the our State. It was reported a few days ago that the banks have agreed.

This is a nice short term gesture. Hopefully some people can find a long term solution to their problems with this extra time.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

AN END TO "OUR BUDGET"

It is near the end of the year and hopefully all the bills have been paid.

For those of us in "The Walk" a new year will soon be upon us and the first of our new Quarterly fees will be due. Yes, there was an increase. It was far from huge. It is hoped that it is a manageable increase for all. It is what it is.

The "Opinion of One" will cease with this post. It was fun looking at the budget lines that impact our community. We gained some understanding and perspective on the 'nuts and bolts' that go into our H.O.A. Dues. In doing this we certainly did not become an expert on the budget, but did become informed. That is good and hopefully not offensive to anyone, as our goal was to be positive.

Now is time for the Northern gang (NJ-NY) to sit down and look over their income and expenses. A little planning will make you happy campers down the road. Know where it goes guys.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

OUR BUDGET - CAR WASH

Is this a waste? Is it just a convenience?

Who knows the right answer to those questions. If you don't own a car. golf cart or a bike one might argue the Car Wash is a waste. That would be their view. So be it.

If you do own a vehicle and use the facility it may be argued that it is certainly convenient. Great place to spruce up the Model T for Christmas. Who wants to go to war over these different points of view.

In the 'opinion of one' it is positive that the Car Wash is doing very well and that our H.O.A. is looking at making a gross income of $20,000.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

LITTLE GIRL'S BIRTHDAY


Here at the computer is V.W. Neighbor trying to figure out how to do this blog thing while the real publishers are vacationing in Brazil.

We just received an email from some place in South America. It was from that Lady who knows all those "special dates." She wants us to post a "Happy Birthday" to a special person, her daughter - LJ.

Under strict rules we cannot say LJ's age. But we can wish her a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY today, with the hope that she has many many more.

Monday, December 15, 2008

TEN DAYS TO CHRISTMAS






As a kid V.W. Resident always looked forward to Christmas. As of today there are ten days to go. Last minute shoppers get their wheels turning, get out, and buy someone a present. For the sake of the economy that's a good idea, but pay with cash.

Sitting here looking at Verona Lake I remember those "old days" when I heard: "Do good on your report card and Santa will bring you a set of Lionel Trains." That was good. But that was then, and now it is just a memory - a good one at that.

Well kids, since I have seen more Christmas's than you, I Can say as an expert: "It is the thought that counts." Do not add to credit card debt because "you have to buy something for someone." A plate of cookies is fine. A glass of wine or a beer is also great. Heck with enough wine I can see that old Lionel Train steaming around the Christmas Tree. Today I hope you shop wisely; don't overspend, and see no traffic or full parking lots in your shopping endeavors.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas.

HEARING SEMINAR

Town Center, here in "The Walk" will offer a Hearing Seminar tonight at six pm.

This V.W. Neighbor probably will go, but really thinks if everone would stop mumbling, and speak up there would be no need for such a seminar....What?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

OUR BUDGET - IMPACT OF FORECLOSURES

Line 846 was a little thing that caught a neighbors eye. He wondered what this was all about. He let his fingers dial the correct numbers to get an explanation.

It took about 15 seconds to learn that this expense is what we pay for those who don't pay.

Roughly 3% of Verona Walk is in or close to foreclosure and the related monthly fees are not being put in the "bucket" to pay the bills.

Those of us that do pay our HOA fees are kicking in about $1.70 per property. That is less than a dollar a month.

The "opinion of one" on this subject is that: This is a minimal impact on the individual property owner; but their is concern for the financial crisis hurting more of our neighbors and adding to this cost. Let us hope for better days ahead of us.

Friday, December 12, 2008

ON THE BABY FRONT
















The "Princess" has been doing real good with her baby brother. Mom gots about five seconds worth of help here. Every little bit helps. Connor seems to have gotten quite a few little bites from all that turkey a couple of weeks ago. No wonder he is stuffed !

Thursday, December 11, 2008

ON THE BUDGET: HELP US CHARLIE

Wow, I see the concern about budgets has hit the Governor's Office.

Up in Tallahassee Gov. Charlie Crist is selling off one of our State Executive Planes. He is getting a tad over a million dollars for it. Good move as he is also getting public support for his effort.

Now you guys up in Jersey and NYC let us know how your politicos are helping you !

As to us guy's we too have major issues that need attention. Our TV costs will be scrutinised in a future post.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

OUR BUDGET - CABLE TV CHARGES

Recently V.W. Resident heard a neighbor saying the charge for our cable TV is too high. She said, she was able to get her TV on her own using the antenna she brought with her when she moved into "The Walk. Of course those "rabbit ears" only bring in 6 channels.

If we all did as she suggests we could reduce our monthly maintenance fee by $30. Thirty dollars is a nice chunk of change. This deserves a closer look.

Most (not statistically determined) people only watch 6 channels. The problem is "my" six channels versus your six channels, versus everyone Else's adds up to a much larger number of channels. Where is one going to find "rabbit ears" that can get all the channels most people want?

In the "Opinion of One" $30 is a good deal, as if she purchased basic service on her own it would cost her more than $50. Occassionally she could look at some other channels.

Unfortunately she is 'set in her ways', and is going to pay her $30 anyway in her maintenance fee, but still use her "rabbit ears" for those six channels. She also is going to, with government help, upgrade that signal. She advises to check her out on the link below.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMeaX8Kz2TM

We hope You Tube still has this clip on their site. It makes the whole question of cable costs understandable.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

HOW COME THERE ISN"T A GAME TODAY


The young man is in the football mood as one can see. He wonders when he will get to see the next Patriots game and maybe drive the bus again. It will be a while, but well worth the wait. He also says: "Thanks" to his Aunt up in Manhattan, who had the wisdom to buy him a Patriot's bottle holder, and tattoos.

REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR

Dec. 7, 1941 - "The day that shall live in infamy."

Those were the words of F.D.R. to the American people following the attack on our Naval Base in Hawaii. The Japanese sneak attack brought us into World War II.

Most of us were kids or not even born when this event took place, but we sure learned about. If not the lectures from our history teachers, it was the stories (or lack of stories) from our Father's, Uncles and neighbors, about this terrible day. The family recalls that "Mom's" father sepent 20 or so days in a life boat fighting in the Atlantic several months later.

Dec. 7, 1941 is an important date. It calls for a moment of silence, and reflection.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

CHRISTMAS DANCE AT TOWN CENTER

Shelly & Kelly provide entertainment at tonight's Holiday Dinner Dance at Town Center.

This Dance will get everyone in the holiday mood, and allow for more getting to know your neighbors. We will be there and look forward to some good close dancing.

HEADING FOR WARMER WEATHER

V W Resident's good friend is leaving us for a while. It seems we have had a couple of cold snaps that require heading to warmer weather.

The guy and his lady are going to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru ! The bad news is there will be some pictures to be looked at when they return, and the blog is to be handled by staff a staff of hundreds ( two neighbors and one friend).

The plane is taking off as this article goes on line. We hope they have a good flight and enjoy the trip. The neighbors "have your back." Now it is off to work and write something for the kids and our gang.

Friday, December 5, 2008

OUR HOA BUDGET - LANDSCAPE


Landscaping was the first item V.W.Resident looked for on the 2009 budget.

This item was looked at close because I had some issues during the last year. From neighbors I talked with they too had some things that were annoying. So a close look at this item is warranted.

We spend a lot of money on maintaining the grounds. That includes cutting lawns, trimming plants, mulch and watering. The bottom line is $1,780,191 This is the single largest expense that a homeowner pays. Could it be done for less? Could the job be better. From this viewpoint the answer is subjective.

Looking at the dollar figure each property in "The Walk" is assessed, the charge is between $114 and $128. On that amount this writer recalls that the amount paid at his previous residence was $125 for cutting and trimming. Watering was extra, a lot extra. Maintaining sprinklers was extra. Fertilizer was extra. Pest control was extra. The monthly costs here, again at previous residence, was an easy $200 per month. The job they did compares to that which is being done here. It was not perfect, but it was not a failure by any means.

On this expense the "opinion of one" is that this expense item is necessary, and reasonable. For less than $30 per week one does not have to cut, trim, edge, water, replace a sprinkler head etc. This means this one person can stay inside the house, enjoy the a/c, read a magazine, and watch TV. Best of all one does not have to get towed out of the lake.

WILSON BLVD SEMINAR















Once again this writer was treated to a very informative seminar regarding the planning of a new road designed to reduce congestion on Collier Blvd. A couple of options are on the drawing board and one runs just in back of our development. It would be located one quarter mile off our community property line.

Another proposal placed a new road a few miles behind our homes connecting with US 41. While away from our homes this proposal is said to not have the traffic removal impact that is wanted.

Mandated protection of wild life and green lands prevents a plan that would "split the difference" of the propose Wilson Blvd project.

Hearings and lots of time appear to be in the news for the next few years, unless a developer decides to build something and take on the cost of a new road. For now it is "wait and see."

Thursday, December 4, 2008

BOSTON COLLEGE - ONLY GAME THIS WEEK


Due to extreme pressure from within the clan the only game of interest this week will be BC.

They are not ranked number 0ne, two, or three. They might not even be ranked. So who cares? One alumnus up yonder, and her family. It could be a depressing month if the Eagles crash, so are fingers are crossed.

Thus the only prediction is - Boston College, with a memory of the Wallkill Valley season and maybe a BC player in a few years.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

BUDGET INCREASE IN VERONA WALK

The Verona Walk Budget was recently released. All homeowners received a copy a few days back.

Listening to the "talk" there has been a variety of comments - mostly positive. Some were negative. Nobody was talking about a war or rebellion, so that is generally good news.

Bottom line is the budget is UP. It is an out of pocket increase of 5.5% or in most cases just under $10. per property. This seems reasonable, but always there are questions.

Over the next few days V.W. Resident will take a look at some of the expenses and share the "opinion of one."

Look for more especially you readers up in NJ and NY. You guys really know expenses and might have an opinion on these H.O.A. fees as they compare with your out of pocket expense.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

TREE TRIMMING PARTY





Once again Town Center was the location for another great neighborhood get together. It was last night at 7:00PM.


About seventy residents attended, and enjoyed refreshments as well as wonderful music provided by our resident V. W. Teacher.

He brought students from his music class at East Naples Middle School. The "kids" considered this performance a real treat, while on the other hand we were treated to a fine concert.

The Chorus will perform again this Thursday on Fifth Ave. and Eighth Street in downtown Naples. The time is 7:00pm and follows the tree lighting at McCabes is at 6:00.

BLOG OWNERSHIP

This blog is believed by a few to be owned by Pulte, or that Pulte somehow pays for it. That belief is without a basis. Should a reader want the Pulte Blog they can click on the underlined words to the right reading: Naples Fl Community. They have an excellent web page that is very informative. Just click on this link.

Remember this blog is privately owned and operated as an endeavor to have some fun, and share some items of interest with our kids, neighbors and especially friends.

Comments and suggestions, of a positive constructive nature, are always welcome.

Monday, December 1, 2008

HAVE A LAUGH, START THE MONTH WITH A SMILE


Bambi, a blond in her fourth year as a UCLA Freshman, sat in her US Government class. The professor asked Bambi if she knew what Roe vs. Wade was about.

Bambi pondered the question; then, finally, said, 'That was the decision George Washington had to make before he crossed the Delaware.'