HAVE A LAUGH

This is the first of the "NEW YEAR."  Our Thanks to those neighbors who continue to share their best jokes with the community.

This is a good one (our opinion) for starting the New Year.

We hope you enjoy it.

"A COWBOY FROM MONTANA"

A cowboy appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. 
'Have you ever done anything of particular merit?"  St. Peter asked.

"Well, I can think of one thing,"  the cowboy offered.

"On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen."

"So, I approached the largest and most tattooed biker and smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled: 'Now, back off or I'll kick the stuffing out of you! 

St. Peter was impressed, "When did this happen?"

 The Cowboy replied: 

"A Couple of minutes ago."

JOEY & MARIA GOT MARRIED

First I don't know anyone named Joey or Maria. None the less The Lady insisted we go to their wedding. I said, "No."  Like she really listens to me saying "No."

When she told me I didn't have to get a gift I relented. I even agreed to waste gas and drive. I guess She played the money card and it worked.

Well we skipped the Church and went directly to the reception. She told me I paid for a ticket. I still can't figure that one out. I thought receptions were free.

The bottom line is this was a real "Show."  I knew it all along. She  just thinks I am asleep all the time. It was a very funny and enjoyable Show too.  My sides hurt when the Best Man described the Groom as "Hot & ready" using a pizza box for emphasis. Yes, I had a good time! Then the cutie in the picture said, the baby in the little picture looked like me. Hmmm.

I noticed several of my neighbors in attendance and they also seemed to be laughing real hard. This was a good way to enjoy a Saturday Night. Maybe I'll even take My Lady to  a Broadway Show in the future.

PULTE STOCK

January. A New Year and a new watch on my special retirement plans.
  
We will continue to watch our "play" shares of the "builders stock."

We made the original purchase at a cost of   $6.47 and will be starting 2012 with the price at the end of the month at  $7.79

BEWARE OF IDENTITY THEFT

Identity Theft is getting to sound like Old News, but our Safety Guy recently reminded us to keep our eyes open, and be aware. Unauthorized use of one's identity is present Day News.

The most important thing a person can do to protect themselves is to be proactive. We have all (at least a few of us)   heard the "tips' from law enforcement and insurance companies on how to protect yourself. Never let your credit card out of your sight has been pounded into our heads, along with shred documents, keep valuable papers safe, and don't hand out "your papers."  

You have also been warned about locking your car, and carrying only "enough cash" because someone is ready to rip you off. How many times has it been said turn on the alarm, lock the car, lock your house door and so on. I seems like the bad guy lurking everywhere.

As present day safety is examined it seems that there are some conflicts. It is possible to carry no cash, and use the credit card for even the smallest purchase.  By doing this that credit card is being scanned and handled by some one who also might be a bad guy who just might cause financial harm.


What do you do to be absolutely safe. That is the million dollar question. The more one tries to be safe, the more Big Brother (or his little cousin) want to protect you. Have you ever noticed that even your own bank wants your ID to cash a check, as does your Security Guard, the Supermarket or Walmart and Target.  Now you are giving the data you wanted to protect away for the sake of additional safety, so that's OK.

If you think about it, is it OK?  Where does this information go? Where is it stored?  Who looks at it, and is used later?  Is it sold?

What this means is that when your safety is in focus make sure the words "proactive" and "aware" are also in view.  Cooperate "YES," but ask questions.  In an extreme case ask to see a higher authority. Get the explanation you are entitled to have.  Know who and why your ID is being handed over!  

To be proactive with your identity information one should be comfortable responding to someone who wants your "papers".  It is wise to read up on this subject.  When you are out, know your situation, and always Be Alert.

VALENTINA CT STREET PARTY

It didn't take long at all.  The Place only opened a day or two after New Years. The neighbors on Valentina Ct. came together real quick and made a reservation for Jan. 21 at "Cafe Verona."  The purpose was to have another Street Party.

Fifteen, or so couples,  attended this time, and were very anxious to see what "our new restaurant" had to offer. Judging from their smiles they were happy campers. 


 As a  residential group Valentina Ct,  is very active in our Community. They seized the moment at "Cafe Verona" to take care of some street business. One item on the agenda for the afternoon  was to make sure everyone had a great time. This they did !

MARSHAL DILLON, "WAIT FOR ME"

Anyone remember the above line. It was Chester in the old TV Series "GunSmoke."  That tells you how old I am.


Well times do change. GunSmoke is gone, and both My Queen and I both limp. Maybe we will become movie stars.


If all goes well "She" will be limping for just a little longer. She is getting her knee "scoped" today. The doctor said "Don't worry. It will take me about 15 minutes and then you will be fine !"  I hope so. Of course with a quick recovery she will be taking control of this keyboard, especially during the recovery period. Guess I'll be doing the shopping !

Footnote: Surgery went well - patient is home (4:30PM)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALIANA

Well it is three years already. Our little Caliana is now reached that age.

Her Grandfather just yelled something like: "Buy her a bike so she can come see us more often." That's smart. But he does care so I'll give him a break on that thought (maybe a kick in the pants too).

                                 HAPPY BIRTHDAY  

Have a great Day little girl!

OUT WITH THE DOG

The "Old Guy" recently developed an interest in dogs since he started walking our neighbor's pet every other night.  He doesn't know this, but the walk is for his benefit not the dogs.  He needs the exercise.

While out and about a couple of nights ago HE found a nice little dog who just begged to have a picture taken. Here it is.

BUCKAROO

 

Saturday Night the old Red Barn was full of local Cowpokes. They came with their "Boots and Hats" for an old fashion Country Dance.

After the doors swung open it was observed that there were "No Hats" and only couple of "Boots." Maybe that was the other way around. There wasn't even a Bull Ride. This was a Town Center version Buckaroo. Yew Haw!  

Well the tables sure enough looked like the "Wild West". The Lone Ranger would be happy. Tonto would also be pleased.

This Lady's husband looked just like "Chester" from Gun Smoke. He hobbled nicely to our table, after checking his old .45. He then was quick to start a conversation with his friend Jack Daniels.

The evening progressed very nice. Music was provided Greg and Claudia. They did some great country songs and I think I even heard  a great version of "Crazy." That was when I went outside to check football scores.

There were no gun fights at the OK corral, although I did hear a report that someone killed the Old Guys friend - Jack.  No tears here. It was a nice night as always.


 

CAFE VERONA ANNOUNCEMENT

WE ARE OPEN SERVING FROM 11:00 AM TO 9:00 PM EVERY DAY ENJOY OUR DAILY SPECIALS AND  HAPPY HOURS FROM 11:00 AM TO 7:00 PM DAILY 239-732-6003

JOANNA PLAYS WITH HER HOUSE

This picture just arrived from New Providence. That's in New Jersey for those of you who have never heard of this tiny metropolis.

Joanna is now nine months old. 

As her picture reveals she is standing and getting her tiny hands into and onto things. This time it is "her" house with which she enjoys. It looks like the house is also something to hold onto as she figures out how to take those first steps.


Have loads of FUN  Joanna.

MEN OF DISTINCTION

Good News for a VeronaWalk Resident, and a Valentina Ct Neighbor.

The Naples Daily News published  (1/12/12 page 16A) the above full page article and identified the Ten Gentleman pictured as 2012 "Men of Distinction".  We notice our neighbor and good friend in the top row with a huge smile. He is a hard worker, and always giving back to the Community.

Our congratulations Colonel.  Well done, Sir !

WHERE'S THE MONEY

Another year and more frustration. The Bills are higher and the pension is cold (that means frozen).

A couple of neighbors have sung the same tune.  One, with high hopes, checked on line to see if anyone was enjoying a better situation. 


Here is what he found:

Salary of retired US Presidents ...............$450,000    

Salary of House/Senate members ..........$174,000 

Salary of Speaker of the House ..............$223,500  

Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders ........$193,400 

Average salary of a soldier DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN -     $38,000

Average income for Seniors on SOCIAL SECURITY                  $12,000

Wow!  Well some people  are doing better!  

Maybe we should rethink "Frozen".  It could be worse, but let's hope for greener days ahead.

WE REMEMBER ELVIS

What can one say. This is the "King's Day." It is Elvis' birthday. Even the young guy's know who he was, and enjoy hearing his songs.


The old tunes will get a good deal of "air time" today. We hope the music gives one, and all, some great memories

Click here:

Elvis Presley Memories

CAFE VERONA OPEN - Street Parties & ROMEOS Scheduled for Business

CAFE VERONA is now open.

It seemed like forever that the doors to "Our" local restaurant were closed.  It was just a few months. Most of the problems were in the area of permits.

The new owners persevered with their mission to "Open." Finally they finished the construction to complete a full face lift. The made a view of our lake a focal point in the new layout. This was a Great Idea.
 
With the construction complete, the owners also have their all important liquor license. With all that accomplished the doors finally opened for business on Saturday Jan 7, 2012.

The Community has been patient,  but are now ready to give the New Management their support. Lets hope everything goes well for Cafe Verona owners and residents. Street Parties for January are already scheduled:  

Valentina Ct. will be doing a luncheon on the 21st; 
ROMEO's (local breakfast Group)  will be relocating here after the 21st; and
Other Fun Seekers are also making plans to support new management.

Best wishes to our new establishment. We hope you are here for a long time.

AROUND THE WORLD AT TOWN CENTER

This was not quite a trip that went "Around the World" but it was a very nice local event.


Our resident Travel Agent hosted a seminar on travel excursions and how to do them. Speakers were present and discussed their company.  They discussed travel items that were of interest to our residents.


In addition to the excellent information there was a World Class presentation of Wine and Cheese. It managed to hold our attention.

"WE'RE BACK"

Disney was good to us. But it is good to be home. We went over the Golden Gate Bridge, landed on an aircraft carrier, then went back to surfing and letting the "Old Guy" fool with that old car.  It was tons of fun, as usual.

We were not gone long enough to put our good neighbor in charge of the keyboard, but we got him a little something from EPCOT,  and it did not have a long tail !!!

Unfortunately we brought some cool weather back with us  -  SORRY.


Check out a couple of the pictures and see if you know where they came from.

JANUARY'S DATES TO NOTE

2011 is HISTORY. It is now time to start writing those checks with the year 2012.


V.W. Resident, a.k.a. "The Old Guy" just can't believe how time sails along.


Well first order of business: Happy New Year to family, friends and neighbors.


The Lady of the House is searching her files. She will make sure the dates that need to be noted here are remembered (3 grand children) this month.  It was a good idea giving her that responsibility.

ALL SYSTEMS ARE A "GO" FOR 2012

All of our blogs have been checked by the nice volunteer above. She has made sure that the Design, Layout, & Links are properly set and running in a Professional Manner.


We are lucky, as are many large Corporations (really), to have her services. It is easy to make a mistake. Just one "Setting" in the "wrong position" can cause a huge problem. 


We are fortunate to have someone to call who can provide a little professional assistance when needed. She has provided encouragement to keep us posting and enjoying a very nice hobby.


Our Publisher also enjoys just having her visit for a few days. The "Old Guy" can't wait until her next visit.


Here are some sites her hands have touched. They are: 


http://veronawalkcertteam.blogspot.com/     or     


http://badgecollector.blogspot.com/     or


http://www.travelchannel.com/


The last link is a favorite. It gives us some travel destinations to think about.

NEW YEAR - 2012

Happy New Year Everyone. 

The year 2012 has arrived, and we will be starting it off right. That means we are at Disney.

Even our trusty neighbor (the guardian of the keyboard) doesn't know about this trip out of town. He needs time off too, so we just didn't say anything to him.

Included in our reservation is a meal at the Canadian Steak House in EPCOT. The "Old Guy" has been trying to check their food out for a long, long time. That makes this trip extra special.

With the above reservation in place The New Year is looking very good. Hope yours is too.