HAVE A LAUGH: MENDING THE POLITICAL FENCES

The election is over. It is time to repair friendships with the other party. Governor Sarah Palin is doing her part to do just that.

For instance, Gov. Palin has invited, to her great state of Alaska , the men who defeated her, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. She has set up a moose
hunting trip for their enjoyment and hired three prominent experts in their field to assist them.

Dick Cheney will lead them on the hunt, Ted Kennedy will drive them back to their cabins each evening, and Bill Clinton will entertain their wives and daughters

SING ALONG AND DANCE

Nearing "Season's End" Town Center hosted another great dance on Saturday, March 27, 2009.

Tables were filled with neighbors sharing snacks and finger food. There was plenty of fine food to eat.

In between enjoying the food neighbors got up and took the microphone to sing their favorite song. This brought back memories. In some cases it brought tears.

The dance floor got plenty of use too. This guy licked those slow dances. Maybe that's because he is a romantic, or maybe it's just because he can't move fast anymore. Nonetheless this was another great night.

WEED CONTROL

My Lady Friend had this suggestion for my weed problem: Use her grandson to pull them out, and pay him a little for his efforts. That sounded like a good idea.

The kid was amused with the plan and spent maybe 30 seconds doing "his" job. That kept my cost down so I was happy.

V.W. Resident got the above picture of the lad doing his thing with the plants. Good job kid.

NEW YORKERS ON THE MOVE

The Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recently did a survey to determine what was a persons original home State prior to moving to the Sunshine State. Their study was based on individuals over 16 applying for "new" licenses here.

Based on those applications it appears New Yorkers want to come here at the rate of 42,000 per year. This is double the number of the runner ups: Michigan and good old New Jersey.

At the same time the study concluded there is little or no interest in our State by residents of Wyoming and North Dakota.

Our friends in Jersey have agreed to investigate this migration pattern and will report back to us as soon as they put their snow shovels away.

HOMES FOR SALE

Based on one MLS report the information that follows is believed to be reasonably accurate for Verona Walk. The only purpose of this post is to simply share some data that became available.

Addresses will not be cited here, as they are someone's personal business.

It appears that there are 74 homes on the market currently as of a few days ago, and that is based on, only, one source.

The lowest price observed was $210,000 and the highest was $510,00. The mid point price was $320,000. Various models are above and below the mid point.

VALENTINA CT. ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY BLESSED BY BISHOP

"St. Paddys Day" was only a few days ago but not forgotten. Residents of Valentina Ct. met at the cul-de-sac for to celebrate this fine day, and to do their street elections.

The election business only took five minutes, but the partying lasted a couple of hours. There was plenty of brew and lots of food including corn beef. On top of that there was Irish Music. It was played quite loud, but one decibel below the legal noise level.

At the peak of our party there was a surprise. No, it was not the Sheriff. It was the local Bishop who arrived in the rear of a gold colored golf cart. He accepted our beer and, on behalf of his "Novara Parrish", offered us his blessing. The day was one of fun, where friendships continued to grow.

ROMEO'S CELEBRATES SECOND ANNIVERSARY

Those retired old guys that get together each week for breakfast reached a milestone on Saturday. It was their second anniversary.

The Bistro provided the "guys and gals" with a very nice buffet. It featured shrimp and chicken, with rice and veggies.

Entertainment was provided by our local DJ who was supported by several friends at the microphone. Once again the music took us back to the days when we were young. It was a fun night.

REAL ESTATE SALES WITHIN THE "WALK"

There have been many stories in the news regarding real estate sales. A few years ago investing in real estate was the way to go. Now everyone wishes they had invested in the factory that made those magical crystal balls, if only they worked.

Today South West Florida is a focal point for everything that went wrong: Young couples buying over the ability to pay; seniors putting too much of their retirement funds into the new hacienda; and investors on a shoe string budget hoping to do a quick buy and flip. We all know someone who has been touched by the situation.

This writer may be lucky. The foreclosure guys are nowhere near the front door, and fortunately that is also true regarding the local bank. I am in that group that says: "As long as I stay where I am, I am "ok."

We are "ok" because nobody is knocking on our door, and we should be thankful for that. We are "ok" despite watching the equity in our homes evaporate. We are "ok" even if the market cut into those retirement funds we were counting on in these golden years. We are "ok" because, by comparison there are those, who are hurting big time. That's sad, but it's life. Be thankful for what you still have.

Looking around our community one might be interested in knowing that in the year 2008 forty of our neighbors sold their homes and moved on. This number comes from a MLS report and is believed to be accurate. Most of these sales were private party sales. In the first quarter of 2009 there were five sales: Two Carlyle, Two Capri, and One Caymen. At that rate there will be twenty sales for the year.

What does this all mean? Who knows, but this guy isn't going anywhere. He's content to think: "As long as I stay where I am, I am "ok."

Down the road we will try to do a summary of active sales within the community just for informational purposes.

ST. PATRICKS" CASINO BUS

Well the bus wasn't green, but it rolled out of Verona Walk on time, and arrived at the Casino ahead of schedule. V.W. Resident isn't sure if that was good for the wallet.

Our group did "our thing" with the ladies heading quickly to the slot machines, and most of the guys looking for a nice spot to sit. This guy found a nice spot by the poolside bar.

Eventually I found my way to those machines. I wanted to give up the free play and leave, but I ultimately cashed out $35. Must have been the luck of the Irish.

BIRTHDAY GIRL'S PICTURES FROM SPAIN

The Kid sent these picture from her trip to Spain. It looks like she had a good time, and I for one am glad she has her feet back on the ground here in the US.

Not only is she back home, she is planning a trip to Florida. Looks like My Lady is going to get some free help with all that web stuff that needs the professional touch. I'll just be happy to share a good beer.

LOST IN THE FIFTIES

It was like traveling in a time machine at Town Center on Saturday. And it was a "big machine" as it took over one hundred residents back to the 1950's. V.W.Resident and his lady were excited to be there.

Entertainment was provided by Joe Marino and All the Kings Men. They navigated the "time machine" along with Johnny Rivers, Bill Hayley, and Louie Prima. Then Elvis appeared and guided everyone to the dance floor for a lesson in nostalgia. It was like we were all kids again and "all shook up."

Ten o'clock rolled around way too quick. It was time to put the hula hoops away, clean up the tables and go home. We had to be careful leaving as some "hoods" were in the area all decked out in black leather. Fortunately they caused no problems.

Maybe next year the "time machine" will take us all back to "Happy Days" again.

VOLUNTEER'S LUNCHEON

Come one, come all. Anyone who volunteered to do something to help out during the year was invited for a lunch in their honor. Our Town Center was the location for this event that kicked off at 12:00 Noon.

Our Activities Director started the session off with some fine words thanking everyone for all the help they did. Special thanks went to a great friend of our community, Adele, who donates hours to help all events stay on track.

Following the opening remarks everyone was treated to a very nice lunch which included salad being dished out by our Town Manager. That was a real treat.

RETURN OF CAMERON

This little guy has been missing for way to long.

This was a beautiful day, and only once did I have to tell him: "Don't chase the birds, and stay away from the water."

He told me he wouldn't hurt the birds; He just wanted to give them a hug because he likes them too. He'is a good kid.

CONNER LOOKS FROZE

My Lady tells me it has been quite cold here. She thinks I don't know it. My bones really shiver which actually helps me walk better. But what about this kid?

That's Conner. He is only a few months old here, but he has grown. Even in the N.J. cold he still manages to get outside and have a nice healthy look about him. Who got that hat for him? I thought they stopped hats like that ages ago.

Stay warm Conner. We will see you soon kiddo!

SPAGHETTI DINNER BENEFIT

Town Center was the location, and 5:00PM was the time. Just about two hundred people turned out for a Spaghetti Dinner to benefit "Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation."

The meal was prepared by the Bistro, and was enjoyed by all. V.W.Resident even got to check the bread out before it was served. It sure smelled good.

After the meal there was a drawing for the "Bear" that was used as a centerpiece. Each table had one winner, and they gathered together for the above group shot.

Once again the event provided an opportunity for neighbors to sit, talk and have a good time. On top of residents having a good time a good charity benefited.

Entertainment was provided by our resident DJ who let us travel back to the 50's and 60's.

ANTIQUE CAR SHOW TODAY

An Antique Car show will be held just up the trail at the Naples Depot today. It will run from 10:00 to 4:00

This just might be something to see. Might even bring back a memory.

BOWLING TODAY

Today is the first Friday in March, and as usual there will be bowling for residents at the "lanes" just off Radio Road.

A few lanes have been reserved for our group. If you have the time this has been a nice activity. We do three games and breakfast. This is a lot of fun, and no stress.

WHERE IS THE BIRTHDAY GIRL

Oh no, the child has decided not to come visit My Lady Friend here in sunny Florida.

I can't figure it out. She could enjoy walking around the big lake and meeting some of our retired friends. What is wrong with that?

Well she decided to spend some time in Europe and catch up with some of her "old" friends. I'll bet they are not as "old" as mine. What on Earth could she possibly do over there?

Those locations on her itinerary all sound funny. Barcelona? I thought that was a chair. And, why in the world does she want to find out about ski rentals. At least that should keep her feet on the ground, which makes skiing in Spain better than jumping out of an airplane again.

Happy Birthday again kiddo, and glad you enjoyed that "pre birthday travel gift" you gave yourself. You deserve it. Now call home.

THE ANNUAL MEETING

Democracy in action!

That's what homeowners meetings are all about. It doesn't matter if you belong to a large H.O.A. or a small one. Every now and then there is a meeting, and you attend, and you ask questions, and you "vent" a little, and above all you participate.

Last night the H.O.A. had its annual meeting. It was at Town Center. The room was full of Homeowners who had a variety of issues that they wished to bring to the floor for a response. There was an expectation that information would flow both up and down from our Board.

The agenda specifically set time aside so members could make their comments, and ask questions. Comments were limited to H.O.A. issues which is appropriate. These areas of concern included budget, foreclosures, sheriff's patrol, establishment of a covenants enforcement committee, and "doggie matters."

Issues that may be described as builder items were not on the agenda. It was correctly reported that these items belong in a different forum. This distinction could have "ruffled some feathers" especially when the "builder issues" are serious concerns.

Last night the Board President recognized that there currently is a builder concern within the community. While keeping his focus on H.O.A. he gave a sympathetic ear to the situation, and identified the individual employed by the builder who needs to be contacted. Given the parameters of the situation our Board President did a good job.

VW TEAM PARTICIPATES IN COUNTY CERT DRILL

V.W. RESIDENT was sleeping nicely when the "emergency horn" signaled a disaster at one of the local schools. It was time to forget that nice dream, and grab the equipment bag and run.

Within five minutes (I wish) the car was filled, and our team drove of to the local H.S. Once there we quickly assembled, and broke into specialty teams to provide necessary help to students caught in a huge fire.

Our Captain sent our "fire guys" in first to put out all the flames. Once they were done my team got to search and clear the building. We got most victims out quickly and sent them to a triage area where other team members worked miracles.

The day was a great exercise and benefited not only those who participated, but those who the team may someday help.

MARDI GRAS AT VERONA WALK

It was the last day in February and Mardi Gras time at Verona Walk.

My lady friend dragged me up to Town Center around 5:30 to watch the parade, and then enjoy the best food in Collier County. Pot luck was provided by the best culinary experts around the shores of Verona Lake.

Our parade lasted only a few minutes, but the enthusiasm, shared by participants and observers, lasted the whole night. This was impressive, and a ton of fun.

I was happy to see the "Pope" come bless our community, but was I seeing things with what looked like a M.A.F.I.A team of bodyguards? This was just unbelievable.

Hope everyone enjoys a few of the memories.

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

New Month so it's time to do a birthday check. I always need help with these things. That's why I count on my Lady to keep my posted on important dates. She's good at that, and keeps me sharp as a tack.

Well the Lady friend showed me her calendar. She had circled, at the end of the month, the 27Th. That marks her favorite daughters' birthday. That is "favorite" for the month of March. Each kid gets to be number one for "their month."

I don't know why I had to look at the calendar. I remember the date well. I recall what looked like a wink of the eye, and blowing me a bubble. All that to say "hello, Dad." Yes I remember that day 25 years ago very well.

Congratulations Ms. Cindy, and we hope you have great day up there in N Y. City. Your day will have the whole month's attention. Enjoy it.