PULTE STOCK

Oh my, we are getting near the end of another year. The good news is Pulte is still alive and kicking, and so is their stock.

Our original investment was $6.43 on our mythical investment a couple years ago.   Look at it now:  $18.23

That number is in the green and even though the money is not real it still feels good to know you made money on your investment.

HALOWEEN

We spent a few days at Disney a couple of weeks ago. Nothing new there.

We had the opportunity to "click" some pictures around Main Street. The Magic Kingdom was set up for Halloween. 

Above are a couple of pictures we hope you enjoy. Take a look around our home community and you will be treated to many decorations. The kids have a great Trunk or Treat Event thanks to our activities office.

ENJOY HALLOWEEN

We spent a few days at Disney a couple of weeks ago.  What else is new.

Once in Magic Kingdom we  had the opportunity to "click" some pictures.  

The Station and Main St. were set up for Halloween.  Back here in the "Walk" the kids enjoyed another fine Trunk or Treat  experience. Thanks to our Activities Office for putting it together.

Above are a couple of pictures from Disney. We hope you enjoy.

HAVE A LAUGH

They keep coming, and the best keep appearing here for your enjoyment. As you chuckle remember it was a neighbor that sent this in to tickle your funny bone. Enjoy this one:

A blonde suspects her boyfriend of cheating on her, so she goes out and

buys a gun. 

She goes to his apartment unexpectedly and when she opens the

door she finds him in the arms of a redhead. Well, the blonde is really

angry. 

She opens her purse and takes out the gun, and as she does so, she is

overcome with grief. She takes the gun and puts it to her head

.

The boyfriend looks over and yells, 'No, honey, don't do it!!!'

The blonde replies, 'Shut up, you're next!'

*****

WATCH MY PENNIES

The wife and I rode the auto train a few days ago. We took the train because our home budget would not allow air fare, as well as a rental car, for a two week visit to see the kids and the family matriarch.

We took this trip because, on our fixed income, we placed the right dollars in the right boxes. We cut our expenses where necessary. In the end our "out go" does not exceed our "income". That's because its' our money, and we watch it carefully.

As we enjoy the colors on the trees up North,  our Board of Directors will be working on a budget for 2015. Their decisions will impact on the personal budget for sure.

We understand that increases in certain areas must be made. Our hope is that the Board will look at the source (residents) for all increases in monthly fees, and then use their good judgement during their review process.

Please Board, go through each line item and make sure the numbers are justifiable. We do not need to pad certain accounts or have fluff to perhaps get us up to the level of spending in certain areas as one of the other "walks." That spending attitude needs to be derailed.

We pray Board, you do a good job, and that residents keep you on track. In the end we all will learn from this process, and be better for it.

GOODLAND LOCATION FOR NEXT GENTLEMEN'S LUNCH

It is time for the men in the Community to sign up for the next VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Lunch.

It will be on Nov. 5. The host restaurant will be "The Old Marco Lodge."

Sign up now.

OPEN MICROPHONE TOMORROW AT CAFE

Tomorrow night (10-26) Cafe Verona will be hosting a special night for friends and neighbors.

Stop in at 7:00 PM enjoy a few drinks, maybe more. Do whatever it takes to get you on your feet and over to the microphone to sing your favorite song.

Sounds like a good night

*****

ANOTHER JERSEY BIRTHDAY

The "Queen" caught me at the keyboard and said Haakon is eight today  - make a note on the Blog.

I knew it, but having help on these things is appreciated.

Now that name. Its Swedish like his father who wanted something to remind him of his roots. Okay, that is the story Gerri.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Haakon

*****

OUR PICTURES FROM GUATEMALA

It took a while to edit all the pictures. The "Old Guy" said he took close to 1100.  He spent a couple of weeks editing and figuring which ones to give me to post for him while he naps.

Guatemala was/is a very poor country. The hotels however that we stayed at were five star and a real pleasure to be in at night.

Our first stop was Antigua. We stayed there a couple of nights. During the day we toured Churches, old areas damaged by earth quakes, and shopped. We even saw a Volcano spout a little fire a dark smoke.

The second stop on this tour was Lake Atitlan. 

It was located about a mile high in an old volcano. It was also sitting next to a couple of still alive volcanoes. 

Bottom line was the Lake was pretty. The roads on the other hand were an adventure.
Check the guy on top of the bus tying down luggage.

Hope you liked seeing a few from our latest adventure

GONE AGAIN

I heard the whistle calling. It was my neighbors. They told me to: "Watch the Key Board for a few days (two weeks is more like it).

It's an easy job, so I agreed. It gives me some fun time too. They should have some fun too as they are riding the auto-train. Toot toot.

He left me a few notes, and of course some pictures. I'll do my best. If I make an error try to give me a break.  Thanks.

JUST A THOUGHT

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day.

Teach a  person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks ... months ... maybe years.

OCT 22nd BOARD MEETING CANCELLED

We have been informed that there will be "No" Board Meeting on Oct. 22. 

We previously posted information saying there was a  meeting concerning the 2015 budget. This is not the case.

The Board will meet on Oct 31. Look for a formal notice in Post Office or on line.

Please note that the official publications of meeting dates comes from the Town Manager, and is on the community web page. 

Keep an eye out for the official notification and agenda. 

*****

PACKARD MUSEUM

It doesn't take much to get us to travel. This time we did an overnight to Ft Lauderdale. We stayed at "Bahia Mar Hotel" and had a balcony view straight down a canal.

After checking the local yachts, and the work for the upcoming Boat Show, we did an evening on the Jungle Queen. That was a fun night. We had an all you can eat dinner, plus a show.

The next day we found a Packard Automobile Museum. It was fabulous visit and might even be worth a future day trip coupled with a nice waterfront meal. Here are some pictures of the old cars.

*****

TV 195 IS KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE

Not all the news comes from this blog. In this community the residents can look at CH 195.

The local network is kept up to date by our "Old Guy" who is best known for all those pictures he takes.

If you need to find an activity maybe the community channel is for yor you. Check it out

BIRTHDAY FOR CONNOR

The Queen said to note our Grandson has now turned ONE. Today is his birthday.  

The Old Guy was hoping that nobody buys the Kid gas for his tank. He seems to have a full tank every time we see him, and silently we pray he slows down a little, but not today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

CONNOR

COLUMBUS DAY

Most places are closed today. That ought to tell you something is up.

Now, there was a Naples News outside. Checking through the paper it was evident that this was Columbus Day.

Now, if I can find a BOLO for an Italian restaurant we can do this Holiday justice.

Enjoy the Day everyone.

SWIM MEET AT GOLDEN GATE PARK

The "Old Guy" took his camera over to Golden Gate Park. There was a swim meet there and he sat and clicked. The Grand Son, Mr Zachary, was on the team and was quite impressive.

Here are some pictures of Zachary, and also of the family group that went  to support his effort in the water.

Catch that world class dive !!!

BUDGET WORKSHOP AND BOARD MEETING

As we understand it the 2015 Budget must be approved by Nov. 1, 2015.  That is exactly three weeks from  today.

In the past our budgets were approved by Pulte, and then after the first of they year given to residents as a matter of fact. They were adopted with no input from the residents through the previous Board.

On October 22, 2014 "our" first year Board of Directors is scheduling a meeting to review the proposed budget.  This writer has mixed feelings regarding this process. We like the idea of having a meeting (plus a workshop at later date) for discussion however we believe there should be more time allotted for public comment. Regarding the non public workshop it is just not enough.

The Board has set Nov 1st as a date for approving the 2015 budget. In doing this they have put themselves in a position where they are almost forced to approve it. There is a better way. Simply start this process in September, and of course recognize who is paying the Bills.

Concerned residents should sign up to speak at the Oct. 22 Board Meeting and ask that all items be justified, that the Board note that this is residents money, and that it is their responsibility to, do as promised, and hold the line on spending.

TOURING SAN FRANCISCO

The first focus on our recent trip was to see the Golden Gate. We did that every day we were there catching it in the fog, and also in the sun. 

After seeing the bridge our next attraction was Alcatraz. We took the tour boat out and enjoyed the ride, although the "Old Guy" was quick to look for elevators. God that prison is high on that cold rock. We share a few pictures from "The Rock " below.

We also put some pictures below from around the Wharf area, and from the City Tour including the Presidio Park. The Lady hanging out her window was cleaning them. At least that is what the tour guide said.

Hope you enjoy looking at these.

Here are some from the Wharf.  That was just a great place to sit and watch the tourists, the boat, and everything else.

 

BACK WITH PLENTY OF PHOTOS

The Queen and I took two weeks off for a wedding in San Francisco. We managed to work that into five days in the City by the Bay.

I got to bring my new Nikon and tested it out about 1100 times. Well it works, especially when it is turned "on."

The Queen said to edit the pictures,  then post a few a time. So down below are just a couple of the Golden Gate Bridge.