HAVE A LAUGH

Just in from the reliable joke teller down the street. Enjoy it.

                              *******

 IT HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS!!!!!

I Just Realized Something:

My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day.

He has his food prepared for him.

His meals are provided at no cost to him.

He visits the Dr. once a year for his checkup and again during the year, if any medical needs arise.

For this he pays nothing, and nothing is required of him.

He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep.

If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.

He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep.

He receives these accommodations absolutely free.

He is living like a king and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.

All of his costs are picked up by others who earn a living.

I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a ton of bricks ~

MY dog is a CONGRESSMAN!!!

PULTE STOCK

Another year in the books. The stock did well this year peaking over twenty bucks a share.

It is now going for $20.07

That isn't bad considering the imaginary purchase was at $6.43 

Lets follow it again in 2014 and see how it does.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas has arrived in VeronaWalk, 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 !?!"  Drove me nuts.

Needless to say, I am in the dog house again ! I didn't exactly sing Fa La La 

I let "Her" do all the decorating. I just say Good job (As usual).  

Take a look at the  500 lights on her Christmas Tree. It looks great !  She always enjoys decorating, and does a good job!  All I did was take the picture, and eat the chocolate pudding pie.  Stop over and have some too. That's our house. It's easy to pick out, but park on the street.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS AND OUR FLORIDA GANG

Christmas is coming!


Our Florida Gang decided to make a special  treat for Santa.


It was (a mess) Chocolate dipped Marshmallows.


Pretzels made the ears and the nose was red candy.

Can't believe the "Old Guy" ran out of film. He was tasting 

when he should have been clicking.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FIELD TRIP TO NAPLES PIER

On Monday we made an investigative trip ( The "Old Guy's words) to see if the Naples Pier was still there. It was!

We are enjoying a visit with our daughter Cindy, who will be with us over the Christmas Holiday. She will probably be seen quite a bit jogging around the lake.

The "Old Guy" was allowed to place it under surveillance for an hour or so. He made some friends, and took some pictures to share with everyone. Enjoy them.

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KIDS VIIT LEGOLAND

The Kids, big and small, visited LegoLand on the 21st (yesterday). 

They report that everyone was having a good time, and that they would drive safely on the route home.

Amazing, Santa and his deer are "legos". 

A THURSDAY FOR THE GENTLEMEN'S LUNCH

Since New Years falls on a Wednesday the V.W. Gentlmen's Group will have their monthly lunch on Thursday, January 2, 2014. 

The lunch will be at Sze-Chuan in Court House Shadows on Tamiami Trail at Airport Pulling Road. We will meet at NOON

Sign up now to have a spot at the table with the finest Gentlemen in "The Walk."  There will be a planned agenda to assure that everyone has a good time.

CHRISTMAS SEASONAL VIEW OF OUR LAKE

During a little walk by the lake I spotted the Christmas wreaths on the Gazebo. Along with a blue sky it made a nice picture to share.

Enjoy it.

ANOTHER DAUGHTER TURNS 29

The Lady, like us, is always busy, but we managed to find some time to post her a "Happy Birthday" here. WE know that is her behind those rose colored glasses.

Hope she can catch a break and see this Birthday Wish. With the new math Laura is 25 today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BINGO PARTY

If you play BINGO this is a nice way to end the year 2013. Come and play and also enjoy the party atmosphere.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL HAVE FIVE MEMBERS

There was talk over the summer that when the property is turned over to the residents that the New Board of Directors would be comprised of seven to nine members. That is not true.

We have been advised that "according the By-Laws we need to start off with the 5 member board at the initial election meeting."

"The new board can then elect to expand the board to 7 or 9 members"  As residents emerge as candidates for the Board it is important that they be asked their position on such a vote. 

VALENTINA CT. HAS STREET PARTY ON DEC 7

That was the whole gang (minus one with the camera). Who was it? We know who's camera it was, but who clicked the nice picture above.

Valentina Ct is an active street and quite often we have a party at the end of the street at the cul-de-sac. Everyone brings a dish to share.

As you can see below there was also quite a bit of conversation and laughs. Enjoy the pictures.

Special thanks, as always, to our good friends who supply the driveway and tables. In addition Thank You for the surprise Birthday cake. This was the best street party ever!!!!!

Sam and Nancy Thank You !

A fine cake for a surprise Birthday Party

BABTIST CHURCH IN FT LAUDERDALE, CHRISTMAS SHOW AND DINNER

On Sunday, Dec. 8, our Activities Director (above) checked

her list to see who was "naughty or nice" and took those of

us who were nice to Ft. Lauderdale. 

On the way across Alligator Alley we had a picture oppor-

tunity at a stop in the Everglades. Then we were off to the

Babtist Church.

In the lobby of this beautiful Church we had time to get a

picture with a friend and see the decorations (below left).

"Indiana Jones" signaled it was "Show Time." That's Mr.

Jones with his trademark torch (below right).

 

 

YACHT CLUB LUNCH A GOOD TIME

Our neighbor tells us on Dec 4 he went to the Yacht Club on Marco Island. His trip was for the lunch held by the VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Group. 

They meet on "The First Wednesday of the Month" and have been doing so for seven years now.

The Gentlemen started out as just a few neighbors and a small restaurant. Now they have around 50 members at each lunch and vist some of the best restaurants in Naples.

The Yacht Club provided good food as expected but also a great view of the Marco River and the Jolley Bridge. Some say this is the Bridge to Paradise !

The men followed their usual agenda and certainly had "Food, Fun, and Friendship" during a great afternoon out.

Check Viva for information on next lunch.

ROMEO LUNCH

Don't forget the ROMEO Lunch on DECEMBER  12 at Cafe Verona.

Join this group at Thursday's Lunch with your neighbors and friends.

The time is 12:00 Noon

PUNTA GORDA TRIP

We don't get to visit with family that often, but on Monday Dec 2, we drove up to Punta Gorda. There we met the "Old Guy's" cousin Patty.

This is a good location to look in the stores for bargains. Dennis found a shirt, marked down 30%. It was only $98, before tax! He let stay on the rack. 

The surprise of the day was the birthday cake for Aunt Gladys. Nice, and  only one candle.

We left when the "Dog" needed to be walked. Enjoy the pictures of our fun day.

VW GENTLEMEN'S GROUP WILL HAVE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY DEC 18

The VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Group will have a Seasonal Party December 18.  This event will include the wives or significant other.

The party will be at Gordons' on the River. This is above Jack's River Bar by Naples Airport.

Cost is $32. p/p.  Sign up early as seats may be limited.

Meal will include sliced Prime Rib, and Mahi Mahi. A cash bar will also be available.

DECEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER

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

It is a birthday.   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 - a daughter. 

As a hint I will tell him to think of  an Indianapolis Race Car Driver!!!

NICE DAY TO PEDDLE AROUND VERONA WALK

Can you believe the crisp but nice days of late. If I were 40 years (OK 60  ) years younger I'd get my bike out and take a ride around the "Walk" or around the lake.

For now I'll settle to click a picture or two of the granddaughter on her bike.

HEALTH CARE WEB SITE FIXED ON TIME !

We have just been informed from friends in Washington DC that the Web Site for the Affordable Care Insurance Program has been fixed, and done so on time (Nov. 30).

If you would like to check it out, you can do that by clicking here ­ 

Once you're at the website­ simply click on the  "Apply Now"  button to get started.

PULTE STOCK

Near the end of the month Pulte Stock closed at $18.76

Remember our investment was 100 shares at $6.43.  That means after a couple of years we are doing good, but maybe it is time to get out. After all it peaked over twenty and has been declining ever since.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

To Our Friends and Family we wish  you a very

 Happy Thanksgiving !!!

NEW VIVA AVAILABLE

The word is out - VIVA for December and January is now available.

It may also be downloaded a link provided by the activities office in email to residents. Check your mail file..

GENTLEMEN'S GROUP NEXT LUNCH AT YACHT CLUB

Members of the VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Group it is time to make plans for your next lunch. "The First Wednesday of the Month" is upon you.

On Dec 4 the Marco Island Yacht Club will open its' doors for you to enjoy a year end treat at this fabulous location. It is located on Collier Blvd. at the foot of the Jolley Bridge.

The plan will be to follow the standard agenda: Food Fun and Friendship. The men  will also observe the Holiday Season with some appropriate music.

Check the Viva for all the details and rsvp soon. 

A ROYAL TIME IN BAHAMAS

We were gone only a week. We went to the Bahamas (Nassau). We sought a week of rest and relaxation.

The Blog was in the hands of our neighbor who did a good job.

While we were there we took a couple small trips to see some historical points of interest. We saw ancient forts, the downtown shopping area and Police Headquarters (The Old Guy was giving the taxi driver directions).

We had a few Police Officers inquiring at their back door as to, "What did we want?" A Handshake and a Picture was the request.

Well the request, after a few more questions, was Okay-ed  by Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, after he personally checked Sir Dennis out.

Pictures were take on the spot, and even Lois got asked to be in them. Then the Commissioner said,  "We should do this in front of HQ." After following The Boss Cop to the front of HQ, for more pictures, he invited us to lunch. Even Marvin our Marvelous Taxi Driver was in shock.

A couple of days later we were picked upon at our Hotel and taken to Police HQ. There, we were given a fabulous tour of the building. It was built by the police officers themselves. It was impressive. The officers are quite proud of it. It is a tribute to their history, and their personal "special" relationship with each other.

Somewhere during this wonderful lunch, prepared by police officers, Sir Dennis was presented with a Plaque, and a book titled: The Story of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Now he, along with the Taxi Driver, was in total shock!

Once our Mr. Beyer was revived we took another set of pictures around a fabulous Christmas Tree. An Officer of each Rank stood side by side, forming a semi circle in front of the tree.

The Officers stood at attention, proud to show the uniform that they wear in service with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. To further top the day The Commissioner made Sir Dennis an Honorary Inspector (which, fortunately, did not cause a cardiac arrest).

Words could not express the emotions that were felt that November 18th.

If all this was not enough two days later, we were dispatched to a an Encounter with The Dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island. This was amazing. This trip is truly one for the books. My birthday is on November 22. This experience was a great present and one that will always be remembered.

I can't thank Marvin Armbrister (1-242-4567517), who took me wherever I wanted to go while we were on Paradise Island. It was Marvin who let me twist his arm to drive into the back of the Police Dept. to ask just for a "handshake and a picture." While he was a little reluctant to go where it was marked "Police Vehicles only," I got him to put his concerns aside with my best island talk with the words, "Don't Worry, Have Fun." Thank you Marvin (marvinarmbrister@hotmail.com).  

The wife and I also acknowledge and thank Superintendent Stephen Deans for taking time, from his duties, to bring us to break bread and have lunch with the Commissioner, and also to see the Dolphins. The picture below is from the Encounters Photographer, on Nov. 20, 2013.

For this entire once in a lifetime experience, our thanks, and the memories of a handshake, a salute, and our friendship, goes to one man in particular:  Commissioner of Police (COP),  Royal Bahamas Police Force,  Ellison Greenslade.

THANK YOU !

*****