It's time to crank up the blog and illustrate the human interest side of our events. Dan Mayer (PalmCreekInfo) does a wonderful job of keeping us informed of upcoming events and announcements so we'll use the blog for pictures and stories.
What’s that saying... 'if you build it they will come?" Two hundred and fifty Palm Creek residents celebrated the 250th birthday of the US on Thursday, July 2nd. Expecting 100 folks, never have so many summer residents attended an event. All decked out in their red, white and blue, our folks enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, topped off with rootbeer floats. And that was before the Stars and Stripes Palm Creek Ninja contest, where 32 folks competed in four games ranging from corn hole to pulling cherries out of whipped cream with your hands behind your back.
Roy, Glenda and Deborah became the finalists and advanced to a round with a bit more challenging games, ending with an Icy Toe contest filling containers with ice using just their feet. Roy was our Ninja champion. The event would not have been complete without our Flash Mob setting the tone with America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner, and then closing it with God Bless the USA. A special thanks goes out to Amazing Dental for their sponsorship of the event, as well as to our more than 40 volunteers and employees who made this event come to life!
This photo looks like a hurricane (haboob in Arizona language) but it is just the result of palm trimming. When they finished on the street, everything was immediately cleaned up like nothing had happened. They're not done yet as they still have the far reaches in the NW corner to do. Our summer wind is the biggest challenge as its too dangerous to go up in the crane to trim. Our afternoons have been quite windy....and it is NOT an easy job at triple digit temperatures.
iPhone workshops resume on Saturday, January 10 from 9:00 - 10:00 in the Ocotillo Room located on the street behind the Sales Office. No need to sign up.
#1 -- Meet ChatGPT + Tips/Tricks for messaging
#2 -- New features in IOS26.
#3 -- What Does This Button Do?
#4 -- Apple Watch + Photos
(If you enjoy the class, donations are gladly accepted.)
Our iPhone class has been so much fun! We held a series of five classes each Saturday and will now break for the holiday season. We'll repeat those same five classes starting January 10 so if you're just arriving for the season, come join us.
January 10 All about Texting & Messages
January 17 -- What's New in IOS26
January 24 -- What Does This Button Do?
January 31 -- iPhotos
February 7 -- Tips for your Apple Watch
Join us on Saturday mornings at 9:00 in the Ocotillo Room behind the sales office. No sign up required. No fee to attend but, of course, donations are much appreciated. 😀
Be sure to check Dan Mayer's site for all the news and announcements at Palm Creek!! Dan does an excellent job of keeping us informed.
Once our participants found the mysterious Ocotillo Room and were able to join us😊, we had a good time talking about the tips and tricks of texting on our phones.
Next Saturday's class (Nov 29, 9:00 in Ocotillo) will introduce the top 10 features of the IOS26 update.
Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve posted something new. I guess I just got a little lazy — I haven’t been writing much these past couple of months.
If you’re looking for the latest happenings at Palm Creek, your best bet is to visit Dan Mayer’s site: palmcreekinfo.com. Dan does a wonderful job of putting all Palm Creek activities and information in one convenient location — something I think the park should have done a long time ago! 😊
Dan runs this site on his own and isn’t paid or rewarded by the park for his efforts. He’s also the President of our Computer Club, which meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 in the SanTan Room. Come join us if you’re interested!
My Big News
I’ve had so many requests to bring back my iPhone classes that I’ve decided to start a new series of regular workshop sessions!
There’s so much new information about our phones that it’s impossible to fit it all into just one or two classes. Each session will include tips, tricks, and “how-tos” focused on different apps or features of the iPhone — and we’ll also cover the Apple Watch. The new iOS 26 update includes some interesting changes for the iPad as well.
If you’re interested, join us in the Ocotillo Room at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings starting November 22.
Even if you’re already an iPhone pro, come along — you can share your knowledge and help others learn to navigate their phones.
Our first topic will be texting and getting more out of Siri.
Chef Maywalt has left Palm Creek but remains a busy man these days with his catering and ready made meals. Visit his website at Plate n Palette.
SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
After your iPad workshop, hurry out to the softball field from some action. Margie Lundy has asked me to post the schedule.
Iowa State Party
Bill Handsaker is busy organizing the Iowa State party to be held on February 6, 2026. I'm sure he will post more when details are ready.
Palm Creek Chorus
Betty Stelle has asked to spread the word about Chorus.
Have you heard the buzz at Palm Creek about the NEW, REVISED, EXCITING PC SINGERS?
Don’t miss out! Starting October 29 and through all of November, come Mondays and/or Wednesdays, SanTan, 1:00 to get in on the action! It’s good for your health, your happiness and just plain fun. No experience, no auditions and no charge! Can’t beat that deal for fun and friends! Questions? Betty Steele 660.726.2227
buzz at Palm Creek about the NEW, REVISED, EXCITING PC SINGERS?
Don’t miss out! Starting October 29 and through all of November, come Mondays and/or Wednesdays, SanTan, 1:00 to get in on the action! It’s good for your health, your happiness and just plain fun. No experience, no auditions and no charge! Can’t beat that deal for fun and friends! Questions? Betty Steele 660.726.2227
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The summer Bistro is now open! Specials may be announced in November after they get the new crew trained and ready for the season.
I'm trying to get a room scheduled so we can have some iPhone classes. It looks like Saturday mornings may be available. Will keep you posted.
Be sure to watch Dan Mayer's website for ALL the news, menus, newsletters, etc. regarding life at our lovely Palm Creek.
It is with a heavy heart that we bid adieu to our awesome Palm Creek Chef, Chef Maywalt. Chef is off to a greater adventure and is starting up his own catering company. You can access his website at platenpalate.net
I received an email from Margie Lundy asking for help to spread the word about softball line up. I'm always glad to help the softball folks because I love watching their games. Grab a burger at the Getaway Cafe and watch the game! Great way to spend an afternoon during season.
Have you signed up for softball yet? We've worked hard on the field all summer, so it'll be ready to go! Get yourself registered now so we can have another fantastic fall season! (If you don't, I'll be needing a doctor's note!) Sign up here & let us know when you're in! https://palmcreeksoftball.sportngin.com/signup
Don't forget to order your event tickets on September 16 after 9:00 a.m.
Dan Mayer does a wonderful job of posting all info including menus, events, and activities.
Thursday, September 04, 2025
These past 3 weeks have truly been haboob season as we have dandy dust storms and some occasional wonderful rain. It certainly leaves everything dusty with plenty of debris.
Yesterday Avis texted me a picture of a dust cloud approaching. I thought what???
Looking outside, the wind was very calm with blue sky and pretty white clouds. What was Avis talking about? Soooo.....we went outside to take a better look. As you can see from this video, it was a pretty blue sky with nice white fluffy clouds. Whoops....as we turned to the east, we could see the ominous dust cloud approaching. This was so unusual because it normally comes with very strong wind and this one just casually passed over only gusting to about 7 mph. Weird!
Then came the big thunderstorm with constant rolling thunder and steady lightning. It was noisy!! The good part is the nice heavy rain that came with the noise.
Here's a picture of some of the aftermath:
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Google Photos sends frequent "Do You Remember" stories from past photos. This came from Geeks On Tour website:
We had a dandy dust storm last night plus even about .52 of real rain. We'll ALL be out cleaning our cars, carts, bikes, and patios!
I copied these pictures from the news report this morning. They reported a lot of downed tree branches blocking roads but we haven't heard of any major damage.
This photo is from the front page of today's Dispatch.
Here is a little video from our driveway.
Temperature dropped all the way down to 73 after the storm. WOW! That's almost cold for us. 😎
Laura Bellis has requested that I post this new info:
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Our first iPhone/AppleWatch class was FUN yesterday. More classes to come each Sunday for the next three weeks. SanTan Room, 1:00-2:00.
I received this email from one of our residents about an Apple Watch.
Sue, If you know anyone that want a new apple watch SE we have one will will sell for a low price. Lynell replaced it with a watch 10 with almost no use.
I've received quite a few requests for another iPhone or Apple Watch class. Ok. Mark this Sunday, August 24, at 1:00 in the SanTan room. We'll go through the newest AI features on the iPhone, demo some AI capabilities, and review a few items from the Apple watch. No need to sign up. A $5 donation is appreciated. 😻
My Google Photos app occasionally brings up a "history" of photos from years past. Today was quite interesting so thought I would share it here.
July 2017 -- Ballroom expansion
2017 Constructing underground work for the new "North 40" expansion. It was interesting to see the different layers for the different systems. sewer...water...electric, etc.
July 17, 2015 Tractor Supply was being built.
July 2013 The Bistro patio was just getting started.
July 2012 -- An open field to be turned into pickleball courts and a softball field.
July 17, 2009 Monsoon Dust Storm - View from our patio.
A few homes were damaged during this storm.
July 2007 same type of storm.
Luckily, we haven't had any nasty storms like this in quite a while. Maybe with the territory getting built up, there's not as much dust to blow our way. ??
News Flash: I wasn't at the Tuesday morning coffee this week, but I was told that Gabby was there and announced that Sun is not going to trim the palm trees this year. 😶
