HAVE A LAUGH

This from the neighborhood. It surely comes from the other side of town. Hope you can deal with it. The Lady that sent it said it is a true story.

A wife asks her husband, "Could you please go shopping for me and buy a carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6."

A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk. The wife asks him, "Why did you buy 6 cartons of milk?"

He replied, "They had eggs."

WE SNEAKED AWAY

We sure enough are getting tired doing all these trips, but here we go again. This time we went with neighbors from the "Walk" pictured above.
 
For some reason we didn't tell Bob, our trusty Neighbor and Safety Guy when we went. We didn't give him the keys to the house or  keyboard either. He can consider this trip his vacation too. Bob is going to cover for us big time next month.

Our trip was brief and of course  Mouseland was just great.  

We will post some more good shots down the road.

"SPECIAL NEEDS" IT IS TIME TO REGISTER WITH THE COUNTY FOR EMERGENCY HELP

The information below was first brought to the attention of our community by us in 2008  with a similar post.  If you have a "Special Need "  this is important for you to note.  Also  If you know someone who needs this information please share this message so they can be prepared by June.           

*****

Hurricane Season is starting soon.  Residents with "special needs" are encouraged to take precautions in the event of a storm.

Collier County has addressed the issue of “special needs” citizens. This concern is assigned to County Staff in the Emergency Management Department.

Emergency Management Staff will send help to “special needs” individuals if they are registered.  This requires that the person complete an initial data form, and then update it yearly. Further information may be obtained by calling:  252 8060  or using the web site below:

www.collieremergency.org   

VeronaWalk  residents, who have “Special Needs,” need to “self report” who they are, first to the Emergency Management Staff, and then to our Town Manager. Their “needs” should also be identified so if there is an emergency  needed specialized equipment can be matched to individual needs.

PULTE STOCK

The May figure for Pulte Homes Stock is  $10.08

That still has the  investment in the GREEN and at double digits. 

Remember the initial cost was $6.42

A TRACK STAR SHE IS

There is NEWS from New Jersey. Joanna is ready to race.


Her Mom sent proof so we have agreed to share it. Go Kid.

MOV05796.MPG 4208K   Download

COLLECTIONS ON OUR "BAD DEBT"

A few months ago the members of our H.O.A. were asked to vote on two amendments. Both related to "bad debt."  Both were recommended by the attorneys recently hired by the Board of Directors. One passed. One failed.


The Law Firm that "We" hired is Goede and Adamczyk.  Our Board asked this firm to pay special attention to unpaid Association Fees or monthly maintenance dues. This is   roughly $250.00 per month  per home.


When someone does not pay their dues,  it is the remainder of the community that picks up the cost. We see these costs  added into our budget. On an individual basis the cost is low, but the trend is going up. The focus on collections is wise.


Since the above mentioned firm was hired we have recouped $118,769. 66.   

This is "Our Money"  and it is nice to see it coming back to us.  This is a positive for our community.

WHO TO CALL: THE GRAND PARENTS OF COURSE

These guys know who to call while Mom is working.

"Come get us" is all it takes and the "OLD GUY" is on the fly. Good to see them, and get an up to date picture. The "Queen" enjoys seeing them too.

One looks like he swallowed something the Cat, but the big guy is very cooperative. He behaves well and is only a little sarcastic. But he is a teenager, so a little sarcasm is expected.

GENTELMEN"S GROUP RIDE THE SEMINOLE TRAIN

On Thursday,  April 19  a caravan of members of the VeronaWalk Gentlemen's Group and their Ladies  headed up I-75. We met at the Train Station for a night on the iron rail. 

Our group boarded just before 6:00 PM. The train pulled out and headed North. There were over two dozen of us in the antique railway car. Thank God it was renovated and had air conditioning.



Our five course dinner was prepared on the train and served to us as we chugged down the tracks into the swamp. It did not take too long before strange people started appearing in "our car" speaking about a murder.


The actors did not know that our residents were prepared for such a mystery. We had a full crew of  LEO's on board ready to  cuff  and book  some deserving suspect.  We even had our very own sketch artist  (good job Sue). Our Team was under command of  Hank, an experienced homicide Detective Lieutenant. Of course his mind was on  prime rib.


After a few hours on the tracks the murder was solved. Our officers departed the scene of the crime and returned to HQ with our four "suspects".  Hank said "You will all be getting a letters of commendation," and allowed us to keep whatever few bucks we found  at the crime scene.

This was a good night, a very good night. Friendships became a little stronger.  The laughs we had we will  remember.

ANNIVERSERY OF BLOG

Time is moving fast. We recently checked some "Old Posts" and note that on this date four years ago a decision was made to keep this blog alive. 

In the months that our first posts were made we endured all sorts of negative comments in an effort to end this endeavor before it started.  We are pleased that we ignored the pressure and continued to post stories and pictures regarding our community, our friends and our activities. We are pleased we listened to those who encouraged us to "stay the course."

We have found that the best part of doing this blog is that it has helped us meet many new friends. They have helped with many contributions.  We thank them, and hope they continue to be part of it. We need their positive thoughts.

ADJUSTING WITH AGE

Because of high gas costs the "Queen" thinks I should get a golf cart. I said I would if it looks like my current form of fuel.

CERT MEETING

Hope nobody forgot. Thursday at 7:00 PM is the monthly CERT  meeting.


If you are interested this  meeting is  open to everyone.  Just Show up at 7:00 PM at Town Center.


This group volunteers its time so that they may be able to help you in the event of an emergency.

I'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE

"It's a jungle out there."  That was the theme of Saturdays' Dinner Dance.


Town Center looked like a jungle. In one corner I saw an Elephant.   It looked like it was doing a dance. It was a very slow dance.   

In another corner there was a Zebra  It appeared to move a tad quicker then the Elephant. It certainly was faster then  the "Old Guy" that escorted me.

This Lady took a step back when a Lion  appeared. It was big. My man thought it was were real and planted himself near the door. I think he just wanted to go home, but he did wait until he finished his very nice meal. 

Music was provided by a group that took their name from out local favorite highway - 41 (Tamiami Trail).

POOCH OF THE MONTH

We were introduced to this "Pooch" a few weeks ago. He was quite nice and glad to have his picture taken.

Hope you enjoy looking at him, as he is the "Pooch of The Month."

GOOD CROWD AT SHULA'S

On the "First Wednesday of the Month" the Verona Walk Gentlemen step out for lunch and camaraderie at  local restaurants. This month the "Gentlemen" traveled to North Naples.  There were 50+ in the group that worked their way through traffic for fine steak at SHULA'S  located in the Naples Hilton.

The primary choice was Prime Rib.  As usual this was a Treat, and certainly satisfied one of our Agenda items. More then likely it served as the meal of the day for our Group.
 
Next month the group will enjoy lunch at St George and the Dragon on US 41 by Tin City.

HAPPY EASTER

It is EASTER.

It is the time of year when the eggs get colored, gum drops are all over the place, and the kids are jumping more then the rabbit.

When the playing is over it is time to eat the cake. This one has been made over and over in the family clan. Sometimes I think it is the same cake.

BUS TRIP TO ST PETERSBURG

 
Thursday (3/29) was a long, long day.


This Lady started around 5:00 AM trying to get someone out of bed. With a little coffee poured down his throat he finally was able to maneuver. I got him to Town Center and on the bus by 7:00 AM.


A few hours later we arrived and visited the Dali Museum. Our group had the benefit of a tour leader who explained the artist's life and influences.


It was then off to lunch, and a great "Pastrami and Corn Beef " sandwich  which we split. It was a country mile tall. He said that was the best part of the day.


After lunch it was on to the museum  that showed the work of Gil Chiluley, and their gift shop. I would have purchased something but the "guardian of the Credit Card" had to be on his toes, and would not give the card up. 

Later we traveled to where we could observe glass blowing and the making of some real nice items. Enjoy some of the pictures taken by the "Old Guy."

200+ SIGN UP FOP LOMA

 
Many of you will recall the information given to us regarding a Letter of Map Amendment (L.O.M.A.). A letter from a survey company that shows our homes to be above the new flood levels for this area may help with the cost of flood insurance.


A company on Marco, familiar with our development offered a group price to do the survey and paperwork necessary to get home owners an amendment to the new FEMA Map.  April 15 is the cutoff date to join in the survey at a group rate.

So far there are over 200 homeowners who have decided to join in the project. Results will show actual elevation for each home. These results may help with flood insurance premiums which could rise dramatically in the next few years.

The L.O.M.A.'s will not begin to issue until after May 15^th. This is the date the new F.E.M.A. maps goes into effect. The surveyor can then make the formal request to amend the map showing your correct elevation, which insurance companies will use in charging a premium.

Marco Surveying & Mapping, LLC is the company providing the survey at the group rate of $125.  They are located on Marco Island. Residents may also use a surveyor of their choosing. An informed decision is encourgaed.

JERSEY GIRL - ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

 
This Old Guy did not need any help remembering this kids birthday.

I recall the paranoia that was in the air at least twenty-five years ago with this birth. I was so afraid she would be born on April Fools Day. Thank You God for moving the date up to today (April 2).  


Planning is everything. With this birth every base was covered, except one. We never asked the doctor which hospital to go to for the delivery. 

When you assume you know what happens. We went to the wrong hospital, and they even assumed we were at the correct facility. They admitted Mom.  After 30 minutes they asked us to leave and drive to the correct hospital.


It didn't take long once we arrived at St. Mary's for daughter number three to be born. That is her with "Her" daughter  - Katelyn. Nice !


These memories lead me into a special wish today.

Cathy - Happy Birthday

THE BIRD SPEAKS

The "Bird" is screeching again: "Last call for lunch Gentlemen."  That First Wednesday of the Month is coming upon us quickly.  Mark your calendar if you plan to attend lunch with the VeronaWalk Gentlemen, your original Men's Group.

APRIL DATES TO REMEMBER

"He" already forgot to do some work here, but there is nothing new to my helping him out with a reminder.  I'll just say the "middle child." that should be enough for him to do a birthday note.