HAVE A LAUGH

This is a bit of Seasonal Humor and Good Wishes from a neighbor. Check it out below, and enjoy the Season !!!

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With the Holidays upon us I would like to share a personal experience with my friends about drinking and driving.

As you may know some of us have been known to have brushes with the authorities from time to time on the way home after a "social session" out with friends. 

Well two days ago I was out for an evening with friends and had several cocktails followed by some rather nice red wine. Feeling jolly I still had the sense to know that I may be slightly over the limit. That's when I did something that I've never done before - I took a cab home.

Sure enough on the way home there was a police road block but since it was a cab they waved it past. I arrived home safely without incident. This was a real surprise as I had never driven a cab before, I don't know where I got it and now that it's in my garage I don't know what to do with it.

KOWIACHOBEE CENTER VISITED BY VERONA WALK GROUP

   

   

Approximately Twenty people from Verona Walk took a ride to the Golden Gate Estates area and visited Kowiachobee Reserve on Dec. 28.

Kiwiachobee is not a Zoo or Rescue Facility, but they do  maintain some animals that in fact have been rescued. Their purpose is to educate people about animals, their habits, and behavior. They also stress the need for us to be responsible as pet owners by recognizing a pets needs.

Our Friend, and Our Grand -Sons, went with us. The behaved. that is the good news. Cameron was involved with the presentation ! He raised his hand to answer the guides questions to our group. He always knew the correct answer. One might say He was a little  too smart !  

The Old Guy took a lot of pictures and we all had a good day. We smiled big time when the "Lady" placed the Python around his  Head and Neck. Last year a Lion Cub grabbed his feet and wanted to play. This year that Cub is 200 pounds larger, and is in a bigger cage. That's Him sitting and looking so nice.

Hope you enjoy these pictures of a great day and adventure.

PULTE STOCK

This is the end of another year.

We have been watching the builder stock for a couple of years now. We started with an "imaginary" $6.47 ($6.47 per share - 100 shares) for our starting point.

Now (12/27) the stock is going for $17.64.  This is not bad. I am beginning to wish I actually made a real purchase of these shares. I guess I am still dreaming.  Anyway it is what it is!!!   But look what it was in January - $7.79

CRASH IN FRONT OF VERONA WALK GATE

 

TWO DAYS after Christmas and all was supposed to be slow and easy. Not so.

The "Old Guy" took his Grandson out for pancakes around 9:30 AM.  What a surprise they had when they got to the entry into VeronaWalk.

While waiting at the light, to make a left hand turn, they heard a noise coming from the right hand side. With a quick look in front of them they observed a large truck turning into Lely Resort. That was not the source of the noise. Turning further to the right and to the rear they saw a car also leaving Verona Walk.  It too was not the source of this noise.

Heads turned to the front when a Dump truck materialized at the intersection. It seemed to float making a spin of almost 180 degrees. It flipped over on its side, dumping sand onto Collier Blvd directly in front of our entrance.

Apparently the truck hit a Caravan type vehicle breaking glass on its' sides and rear. While it was in front of us we did not see the car get hit. Our focus was stuck on first the noise and then the truck spinning and floating to the front of us. This took less then five seconds.

Several neighbors left their cars and raced to the scene.

The pictures were taken about 30 minutes after the initial accident.

SIGN UP FOR NEXT GENTLEMEN'S LUNCH

It is time to sign up for the next VW Gentlemen's Lunch. 

The men meet  "Always on the First Wednesday of the Month" and the next event will be taking place early - Jan 2, 2013.

This Wednesday the men will try a Chinese menu at  SZE-CHUAN located on Tamiami Trail by intersection of Airport Road.

The Agenda will focus on "Food, Fun, and Friendship." Keep your luncheon number one in the community by Inviting a friend to join the group, and get your RSVP in early.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas has arrived at Our House, and we are ready to celebrate.


SHE started before Thanksgiving!!!  My Queen began with the usual: "I don't know what to get this one or that one;"  and  "When can we go buy a new tree?"

I was into it too!  I remembered: "You got a new tree last year so, "What kind of pie are you going to make?"  Needless to say,  I am in the dog house again !


Christmas has arrived.  Peace On Earth !  Plus take a look at the  500 lights on her Christmas Tree. It looks great !  She always does a good job!  All I did was take the picture, and eat the chocolate pudding pie.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

SUNSET CRUISE ON DOUBLE SUNSHINE

We have done it before,  but it is always nice to see people from the "Walk" come together for a fun ride on the mighty "Double Sunshine."

We sailed from Tin City around 4:30 on Dec 23rd. Unlike Gilligan's voyage our boat made it back on schedule.

The trip provided a nice look at Christmas  decorations, some Big Boats and One Big Bird. This was the Eagle. He stood proud in a tree off the Port Side of the boat and gave me his good side for this picture.  

To conclude our trip I was able to get a good sunset view, as well as Mr. Moon.

Hope you all enjoy the pictures, and Santa please buy me the boat.      

LAST BINGO OF 2012

The VW Bingo Players had a treat on Dec. 19. On top of the usual games they celebrated the Season with fine food and beverages. Christmas and Hanukkah wishes were shared by all.

It was the last games of the years, and their was a fabulous turnout for the event which included some fine prizes. 

STRANGE LOOKING ANIMALS AT TOWN CENTER

It is almost Christmas and I am seeing strange things coming from the North Pole. 

These three guys landed right in front of our Town Center door. I waited all night to see if the go away, but it looks like they will be here awhile.

The lights at Town Center look good !!! They are here to remind us of the Season: Christmas and Hanukkah. May our Neighbors of both Faiths enjoy their Holiday.

STILL ANOTHER VISIT TO DISNEY

During the last few weeks several residents from Verona Walk made a trip to Orlando. On the schedule was Disney World.  It is our favorite.

We try to get there a couple of times a year (The Old Guy wants to make sure He got his money's worth on the Season Pass). I just like the magic of the characters, the shows, and the rides. When you visit with friends the  magic simply doubles your pleasure.

While we were away our trusty neighbor ran this blog's keyboard. He promised that the Old Guy would share several hundred pictures from our last visit. Now that is not going to happen, but I will allow him to post a few of his pictures here, since my favorite the Giraffe is included.  Enjoy them, and of course, if you have any of your own to post please submit them to our email address.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT IN FORT LAUDERDALE'S BAPTIST CHURCH

On Saturday Dec. 15, 2012 We took the VW Wagon (Bus) over "Alligator Alley" (I-75) to Fort Lauderdale's Baptist Church. 

I thought My Queen was taking me there to see John the Baptist and get my head submerged in a bucket for religious reasons. That was not the case. Her intentions were good.

She took me to see the 29th Annual Christmas Pageant presented by the Baptist Church. Actually we attended last year, so I knew what to expect. While I was not baptized I was immersed in a   historical story of Jesus presented with music and a cast of members of the Church.

First there was a two part show featuring children and adults, along with Camels, Horses and Donkey's.  Everyone was a star, and the message was  moving. It all contributed to a meaningful, show.

After the show we were again treated to a great buffet. Of course it included a great dessert table. I liked that. I also like to take pictures and did get a few to share with you. Hope you enjoy them.

ANOTHER CHECKERED FLAG FOR "LJ" OR JUST HAPPY BIRTHDAY

The years are speeding by, and it is once again time to extend birthday wishes for our daughter "Lead Foot." 

The picture below shows her in her red car driving to work, across the bridge, on Marco Island.  OK that really isn't her, but today is her birthday. Like all of her sisters it is number 25 (we don't dare say any higher then 25).

The "Old Guy" is giving her a new FOP Card which reportedly has been very useful to her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA

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2013 BUDGET - MERRY CHRISTMAS

It's that time of the year that Christmas Tree Lights go up, and that letter arrives saying your monthly dues have also gone up. Merry Christmas.

I am not complaining, but I do hope Santa brings me some tissues to dry my eyes. I get that way when I have to dig a little deeper on Taxes, or in this case H.O.A. Dues.

The quarterly dues on our Oakmont Model went from $794. to $837. That is the new  quarterly rate. It breaks down to $14.33 a month more. There were similar increases with other models in the VeronaWalk Community.

Everyone has a different way of looking at this. Some of us complain, some cry, some do nothing. That is life. I offer no argument with the increase of $14 per month.

I would, however, like to see attached to the budget the top ten items that resulted in this increase, along with just a short explanation. I would also like to see a "seminar" on the proposed budget prior to receiving the "adopted"  budget.

A "hearing" gives all who participate the opportunity to be part of the process, and in the end they have ownership of our budget. 

The thoughts above are not intended as criticism, but as constructive comment on a well done document.

COLLIER SHERIFF EXTENDS HIS SEASONAL WISHES

The above card was emailed to members of the community by our Collier County Sheriff. In addition to Holiday Greetings it also contains some safety information. Our Safety Guy thought readers would enjoy reviewing it. The web address and non emergency telephone numbers are listed in the message.

OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VERONA WALK WE LISTENED TO MUSIC AT THE PHILHARMONIC

On  Sunday Night, Dec. 9, 2012 we went to a holiday party in Naples. The scene was the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts.

At 8:00 PM, by way of self introduction, we saw John Bauman, a/k/a  "BOWZER."

The show took us back with singing visits from Peggy March, Jay Siegal, and Little Anthony and the Imperials. Since we like animals the song that made the night for us was "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." It seems like everyone liked that one, and I still catch myself, every now, and then singing it to myself.

If you like the song click on the link below. It will take you back in time, and save you the cost of a show ticket.

The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight - YouTube

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CERT TEAM ENJOYS HOLIDAY DINNER AT CAFE VERONA

The CERT Team will be celebrating tonight, Dec. 13.  

It is the Holiday Season in VeronaWalk and the Cafe Verona will host CERT'S celebration. 

The Thursday Night Event features Spaghetti and Meatballs, plus Salad and Bread. It sounds like a great meal !

Based on the advance report there will be a good turnout at this annual event.

SELL OUT FOR GENTLEMEN'S BRUNCH

CAFE VERONA was the host restaurant for the First Brunch sponsored by the Verona Walk Gentlemen's Group. The event was on Sunday December 9 at 11:00 AM. The ladies of  J.U.L.S. assisted putting this day together which "Sold Out" quickly. 

Once the meeting was called to order we heard a few words from the "Boss Lady," also  known as the "Mayor of Verona Walk."  Her help was deeply appreciated.

The group did not need any encouragement to get into the food line and fill their plates. The choices were many and it all was hot.

After the gang finished eating there was a drawing for two prizes. First Place won a gift certificate. Second Place won a beautiful Christmas poinsettia plant. Everyone else won a good time and enjoyed an hour or so with the friends, who have become the core of a our wonderful community.

BOSS IS BACK

My boss (and neighbor) will be getting in soon. They had a week at Disney spending time with a friend from up North. This was emailed from Orlando. That is them by the "Mouse Tree."

He will be bringing a million pictures, and I am sure, once again, he will post them for our viewing. Check for them in a couple of days.

This neighbor will return to retirement, filling in here when needed.

DOUBLE CHECK WHEN LOCKING CARS

"Our Safety Guy" wants to remind everyone who parks outside to "lock your car doors", and consider bringing portable garage door remotes in the house at night.  If this device gets in the wrong hands it can serve as a "Key" to your home. You don't want that.

With the Christmas Shopping Season upon us it is also wise to double check locking your car when at the Mall.

As always keep yours eyes open, and report suspicious behavior to the Sheriff's Department. This time of the year they will have plenty of patrols around the Mall - say Hello !

CHORUS WELCOMES CHRISTMAS SEASON

The bosses are in Orlando so this trusty neighbor will do the news for a couple of days. It will be brief. 

It's official, as of  December 3,  the Christmas Season has arrived in Verona Walk. There was a big party, over 200 residents, at Town Center. The cookies were great. The Chorus was great. And, of course, the People were great.

The above tree stands in the main room overlooking the lake. It is nicely decorated as you can see. Unfortunately a picture was not available of the "official" tree. It was turned on yesterday (Dec 3).  New Residents placed an ornament on the tree, greeted each other, and sang a few Christmas songs..

Our group was also treated to beautiful music by our own V.W. Chorus. Their songs included a lively version of  "Santa Be good." 

The founders of the Verona Walk Performing Arts Center are pictured with the Chorus Musical director after the show, and the reindeer were taken before the show. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

NEIGHBOR IN CHARGE AGAIN

They are gone !

I can't complain as it has been a couple of months since they both went away. She did get to go to N.J. in October, but that was not for fun (baby sitting). Of course it should not be a surprise that Disney is their destination.

I have the keyboard and my instructions. There were, as usual,  a lot of  "Don't s."  That's OK. I know they want to keep what appears here looking good, and sound accurate. I also know that our Editor, is up the street. He is always on the job about spelling.   

I think I'll just post a picture or two during their absence. The one above is appropriately from Disney's Safari in Animal Kingdom.

DECEMBER DATES TO NOTE

There is one date "He" has to remember this month. 

It is a birthday and I will do this post "Now" so "He" won't be yelling at me: "Any birthdays to note this month?"  

I will give him a hint too - Indianapolis Race Car Driver, or a daughter. They will both figure this one out !!!