Monday, August 31, 2015

Update

Monsoon storms continue to plague us.....mostly in the evenings toward dusk.  

Winds get tough with strong gusts.  I suppose we'll have to go around up stand up some tipped over flower pots and BBQ grills again tomorrow.  When you leave here, be sure to secure all outdoor furniture, plants, and equipment.  We have STRONG wind gusts quite frequently!




We're amazed at all the new houses that are arriving and how fast they get set up.  I guess practice makes perfect!  It's not just Blount's crew that gets credit for a set up.  Here's our housekeeping team getting a house ready for inspection.  That's Dora outside washing the windows and Marie is helping to clean the outside and new sidewalks.




Over in Phase 3, the tonka trucks are still active digging, smoothing, and leveling.



 Empire Fence has been busy on the new courts.  It's like a giant erector set to put it all together. 



Here you can see those "boulevards" we mentioned previously.


Cement trucks abound.....not only in construction areas but around all the new houses.


Driveways


and steps.


Here's some progress on the new streets.


Yesterday we saw the crew dropping off these boards....and today they're getting installed for the next phase.


This is like the form for the new curbing that will come shortly.


Finishing touches on the new house on Granite.  


I like to show these pictures so you get a feel for how much work is being done throughout the resort.  Crews are busy everywhere.....and remember that the temps are over 100 degrees EVERY DAY.


On the way home, we spotted Fred and Popkorn out for their morning coffee before they start their daily round of golf.  There's always time to say "Howdy".


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Saturday, August 29, 2015

Busy Busy Busy

T'was early morning but already a busy day for lots of people as we try to get as much done as possible before the triple digits arrive.

Larry Gray, John Hennessy, and George Costa were out cleaning the pickleball courts so they would be in excellent condition for Friday morning play.  "Picklers" are devoted to their sport.



There was some kind of work going on at the ballfield but couldn't tell exactly what it was.  It looks like the big vacuum machine.  



Another brick wall going up near the food wagon at the ballfield.


It would certainly be impressive to know how many tons of concrete have been poured here this summer!  Concrete trucks are part of the scenery on a daily basis.





Yesterday they dug the hole and today the house arrives along Granite.


Over on the lake by #9 we spotted a crew launching a boat.  


Didn't see any fishing poles though and since it was a large American flag and not a jolly roger, we assumed things were still safe.


Whoa!!  As we were driving past site 95, I spotted "something" run across the driveway.  STOP!  Couldn't tell what it was so I made Don go take a look.  Careful Don.......


After some fast scrambling, he got it cornered where we could zoom in for a close up.


Awesome!!!  It was a MEGA lizard!!!  He's half crawling up the wall but he stretches out at least 8 to 10 inches long!  


We left him where we found him but I'd love to have him living in my flower bed.  He would be more beneficial than bug spray! 


It didn't take long to receive this email from Kathy Clapp at Site 95.  She and Mike have evidently seen this critter in the past.  Here's her message:

Haha, amazing! We are sure we have seen him on our back wall this past season.
We were a little shocked one day when we were watching the small salamanders scurrying back and forth and this big fella showed up!

Thanks for the pictures...

Over in Phase 3 it looks like they're getting ready for the curbs.



I 'think' these boards will be strung so the curb machine can follow the line.



John Blount's crew is all over the park working on the new houses.  I'll try to get some actual numbers of new houses for you.  


This is 1943 on Granite.  


Now we're on the other side of the lake and see that the boat has been abandoned.


Abandoned?  Shipwrecked?......Nothing that exotic.  I'll bet just waiting for the maintenance crew to continue their work.


Empire Fence is still working on installation of the posts on the pickleball courts.



We met these young men starting work to install the "boulevards" that connect the fence posts.  Yes...these cross connectors are called "boulevards".  Always something new to learn.


The guys all seem friendly and ready with a smile.



Friday was "banana split" day!  Thank you to MaryAnn Brown and crew for providing us with another way to enjoy an afternoon of fun and fellowship.



Yes, Joni was there with camera in hand doing her job for the Facebook page.


Two anxious customers waiting at the window.   
Suzette Taylor, Avis Gray.

Joy and Dennis Miller enjoying their treats.


YUM!




This photo is a tad blurry but I'm putting it in anyway because Sandy Milner says every picture of her this summer has been when she's eating something.  Yup.  Caught her in line for more.  LOL  We have fun!