HAVE A LAUGH

This piece of humor was submitted by a V. W. Neighbors to share with friends and neighbor:

EMERGENCY ROOM

A woman went to the emergency room, where she was seen by a
young new doctor. She complained about constant hiccups. She had them for days.

After about 3 minutes in the examination room, the doctor told her she was pregnant.

She burst out of the room and ran down the corridor screaming.

An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was; after listening to her story, he calmed her down and sat her in another room. Then, the doctor marched down the hallway to the first doctor's room. "What the hell's wrong with you?" he demanded. "This woman is 63 years old, has two grown children and several grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?!!"

The new doctor continued to write on his clipboard and without looking up said:

"Does she still have the hiccups?

COMCAST PROVIDES HOT DOGS FOR RESIDENTS

It is looking like this is going to be an annual affair. Comcast took up some space at the Town center parking lot and grilled up some lunch time goodies for residents.

This "cook out" is there way of saying thank you to residents of this community who have contracted with them fo TV, Internet, and/or Phone service. A nice group of neighbors came out for this event.

PULTE STOCK - JANUARY

There have been many conversations in the community regarding the Stock Market, the Economy in general, and Real Estate. Some people are interested in the price of PULTE's stock so here is the end of the month figure: $10.55

TIGER WOODS

Everyone seems to be looking for Mr. Woods. Could this be Tigers' Golf Ball ?

SICK DAY

Does this kid really look sick? I remember when I was under the weather and unable to go to school I had to stay in my room. No TV or Radio for me. Times have changed. I guess spending the day with the grandparents is therapeutic. He is looking pretty good from this angle.

JERSEY BIRTHDAY

Our Neighbor Lady asked us to say "Happy Birthday" to her grandson up in those mountains in Jersey. Glad to accommodate: Happy Birthday Thor ! The kid is a Viking, and he is 15.

Enjoy your day.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY

Those were the opening words to an old song by a group called the" Tune Weavers." Some of our friends recall it like yesterday. Unfortunately it wasn't in the great list of songs that were performed for our neighbors at Saturday's Birthday Dance.

Music was by Shelly and Kelly. Shelly knew the first few words of that song the "Old Guy" wanted, but just didn't have it in the repertoire. She did a great job singing, and getting people up and out on the dance floor. We even saw Mary and her friend V.W. Resident enjoying the evening.

This was a good night. Everyone had their birthdays celebrated, and topped the night off with a huge plate of birthday cake. You couldn't ask for a better night.

THE TRAVEL CHANNEL

We have added a new name to the "Sites Of Interest" section of this blog.It is The Travel Channel.

The young lady who worked on creating this page is very dear to our publisher. She even lent a professional hand in creating this blog, and some other blogs with which we have a relationship. This was a lot of work, and in the end, it is a wonderful page that friends and neighbors, who dream of traveling to special places, might enjoy.

Just for looking you can sign up for news letters or enter travel contests. Go to sites of interest or use this address: http://www.travelchannel.com

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Our good V.W.Neighbor was just named "Teacher of the Year".

The story is reported in the Jan. 22 edition of the Naples News (page 10A). Check it out.

"Our" teacher is a 22 year veteran of the U.S.Army, and reached the rank of Lt. Colonel. For the last few years he has taught R.O.T.C. classes in Golden Gate. He is a shy guy so we won't spell out his name, however his friends and neighbors know very well who he is. Congratulations friend.

TRAVEL PLANS WITHIN VERONWALK

This isn't exactly a reference to traveling to some exotic location, or even to the Mall.

The purpose of this "Post" is to let some of our friends and neighbors know that road work is heading our way, so there is a need to make some plans as you travel inside our walls.

The message that we secured reads as follows:

"On Friday, January 29th, curbing repair will begin on Toscana Court,
Deimille Court, on VeronaWalk Circle (from Zurigo to Sorrento) and the North
end of Sorrento to the faux bridge.

Work will be done in the order stated above.

On Friday, February 5th, paving will begin on Toscana Court, Deimille Court,
on VeronaWalk Circle (from Zurigo to Sorrento) and the North end of
Sorrento.

The plan currently is to do Toscana Court and Deimille Court on the first
day and VeronaWalk Circle and Sorrento on the second and third day.

Please try to give this paving at least three hours to dry before driving on
the street and into your driveway or you could end up with some tough black
marks that will be hard to get out of your pavers."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "CALI"

V.W. Resident is back on the keyboard, learning how to use "spellcheck", and to to write "Happy Birthday" to Callie.

She is a big one year old today and a holy terror. The Lady of the house is quite proud of her twelfth grandchild. My Lady also says she appreciates the help the kid gives her cleaning the kitchen. I'm happy when it's 5:30 PM and the kid goes home. Happy Birthday again. !!!


(Any spelling or punctuation errors Mary?)

WHO'S GOT A BIG MOUTH?

This could have been a problem. I didn't have my hearing aids in, and the "old guy' yelled (He said he wasn't yelling) that our nice V.W. Neighbor caught a fish. I mean so what !

I did finally go see what all the fuss was about. It seems this fish is a "Big Mouth Bass" which is very close to what I call that "old guy" who lives with me. It weighed 5 lbs. 15 oz. I guess that's big. He said he caught it in the big ocean off Sorentto Lane.

Good Job Neighbor.

CERT TEAM MEETING

Our local volunteers will have their monthly CERT Team meeting on Jan. 21, 2010. The location is Town Center, and the time is 7:00 PM. Residents, who may have an interest in joining C.E.R.T. are also welcome to attend the meeting.

SITES OF INTEREST

The Publisher Dude had a good idea several months ago when he created "Sites Of Interest." The first site listed here is the official VeronaWalk web page. All one has to do is "Click" on the named link and "presto" you are at the Home Page.

There are links to the "County Sheriff's Office," "County Appraiser," and the local "Jans Knits for Kids. These sites offer information that may be interesting to a variety of neighbor's needs.

A problem with these links is that The Old Dude forgot to tell anyone the "What & Where" concerning "Sites of Interest." It is located on the right side of the Blog just above the local weather information. Take a look at it, and if there are any suggestions for additions let us know.

BEAR SIGHTING

There has been a report that a Bear was seen on Tomassi Ct. This street begins by the Reserve and many animals have been viewed around this area. The most recent report has not been verified, and sadly we do not have a picture.

HOUSE INVADER

I sent Grandpa bowling by himself today, and then spent the morning getting professional help cleaning the stove and cabinets. Although "She" did most of the work I am somehow exhausted. She is a handful, but I wouldn't trade her for anything. On the other hand I am very happy when I hear the sound of her Mom's car !

THE AVON CONNECTION

For your JANUARY "Avon" needs here is the contact information you may want:

Cathy Killian, 908-790-8892

email: cathylkillian@yahoo.com

Shop her store: http://youravon.com/ckillian

LOTTERY WINNER AT MATTIES PLACE

The big winner is $317.50 from a lottery ticket purchased at Matties Place this month. It is also the most dollars won since the lottery came to town.

YEEHAW - A FUN NIGHT

Hillbillies and Rednecks had a good old fashion Bar B Q at Town Center on Sunday Jan. 12, 2010.

There were 150 (+/-) residents who put on the garb to have a great time around the campfire. This Lady was especially happy that she didn't have to cook. The cooking was left to the new guys in town from Ricks Place. Ribs and Chicken was the main course and it was smoken hot!

Jersey Joe, the local Redneck, provided the musical entertainment. He had his best cowboy hat on, and played the songs the gang wanted to hear. Joe did a great job. This Ranch hand wants to see more of Joe in the future. For info on his future performances check out Joe's web site at: http://naplesmusicalentertainment.blogspot.com

As usual the dance floor was crowded constantly. This was true especially with those slow tunes. I even saw V.W. Resident up on the floor a few times. He even dance once with his girlfriend Mary. I guess he didn't know I was looking.

PUBLISHER TO ADD TO STAFF

It has been suggested that the publisher of this blog retire or use the "Assistant" to write more articles. One of our friends has pointed out that our temporary help is excellent with spelling and grammar. In some quarters that would make one grab his blanket and take a walk. This, however, is a friendly family blog so the suggestion will implemented.

When V. W. Resident ultimately grabs a pen to write maybe the critics can give the Big Ape a break on his spelling. Personally this neighbor would like to see him do some real work.

JERSEY REPORT

The kids in Jersey's hills report: "It's freezing here." At least they are not seeking refuge in warm sunny Florida !!!

THE PANTHER'S NUMBERS ARE GOING DOWN

The Florida Wild Life Service recently reported that there were 15- 16 Panthers killed in this area in 2009. Most were hit by motor vehicles.

Panthers live in the woods around our development. While some have been observed on the edge of our property they roam as far as Interstate 75, and Marco Island.

These Big Cats are beautiful to look at, and make a great picture. Our Safety Team advises that these animals not be approached. Respect them, and be aware of your surroundings. Make 2010 a good year for them as well as us.

AUTISM BENEFIT

The community will be hosting a benefit to fight Autism in a couple of months.

Twenty dollars is what a ticket will cost to attend the Charity Show. Several men will dress up as calendar girls in hopes of being selected Miss VeronaWalk. This is a must see.

The show is on March 27, 2010.

Tickets are being sold throughout the community by volunteers, and at Town Center. This Lady is also selling tickets. The Autism Societies of SW Florida will be the beneficiaries of this event.

PUBLISHER RETURNS WITH DEEP FREEZE

That Publisher guy finally got kicked out of Disney and will be taking my temporary job away.

Along with his return he has brought some horrible weather. It was below 30 degrees around Big Lake "O". This weather will change, and so will our buddy's spelling ! I am leaving my dictionary on his desk, and have volunteered to write something every now and then.

COUNTRY COMES TO VERONAWALK

That V. W. Neighbor is bringing his guitar to the Local Barn on January 10. Mark your calendar now, and start making plans to have a great night with friends and neighbors.

Jersey Joe will be kicking and stomping for our pleasure during this event, and a first class BBQ will be available for hungry residents.

This sounds like it will be a good time, so grab a neighbor and join the fun. Also check out our V W Neighbor's web page below:


https://sites.google.com/site/joefuscosite/jerseyjoelivedjkaraoke

NEW YEAR: ADJUSTING THE OLD HOUSEHOLD BUDGET

2009 went out without any new bills to figure out and budget for 2010, except the HOA Fee. That was a minimal increase and manageable. I'll eat the same, drive the same, and go out the same. No big surprises on the "out go" side of the budget. Adjusting should be a piece of cake.

Now with things being manageable a quick review of the 2010 "Income" side of the budget. At bat first: Federal Government reports "No increase" in Social Security. This was not expected, but it's OK, I don't depend on this as the primary income source.

At bat second: State Government reports "No Increase" in their pension. That's not good, as it is the primary source of income. But maybe I can handle this .

At bat next is the old 401. Unfortunately this is easy to figure. It went further South than that V.W. Resident guy did moving to Florida. Nothing to calculate here. I'll just rename it the 201 and hope for a better day soon.

At bat last - Those safe and sure CD's that got what was left of stocks, bonds and 401's. They are offering a solid 2% - if you look hard. The good news is it makes counting interest dollars quicker.

Well Manageable just got a little bit harder, but it still could be worse. Perhaps that V.W. Resident guy will open his wallet and help this Lady balance the books. Maybe we will purchase a winning lottery ticket at Mattie's Place. In any event we will manage and we will have a good 2010.

VACATION TIME

Hard to believe but the publisher is taking off for a couple of days. The Lady is going too. That means the "trusted assistant" will manage the keyboard for a short time, and hence there will be no spelling errors.

Any ideas as to where we are going?

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Another month (and year) has gone by. I can't believe it. Well first things first. Happy New Year to family, friends and neighbors.

The Lady of the House is searching her files and will let me know what dates I must remember this month.

I know Elvis has a birthday on the 8th, so I definitely will be blasting some of my old 45's. I need to note the Kings birthday to prove my memory is good.

NEW YEAR'S PARTY

Dec 31. The last day of 2009. It was time to put on real shoes, and the jacket that still isn't retired.

We then joined several friends at Town Center to end the year with lots of cheer. One of our neighbors counted 193 residents there, but she can't count. I can't count either, but there were a lot of people present. From the noise that was made it appeared everyone had a good time. That's what the party was for - to a good time with friends and neighbors.

Some of the people at our table were especially happy because there were cheese platters. That could have been the meal for some of us.

Music kept everyone happy from Dinner through midnight. Michael Cole provided DJ entertainment with music that made one neighbor think he was back in Jersey. A good deal of the songs were old which is the way many of us like it. The dance floor got such a workout the old jacket took an early retirement.

The main meal was served and that was a treat. By nights end we watched the Times Square Ball drop once more time. Finally 2010 arrived. Happy New Year everyone.