Community News

 We welcome the Angry Crab Shack!

New colorful signs are mounted on the building (the previous Thirsty Donkey) on Florence Blvde.  Hoping to open soon.

The new ice cream store is now open for business.

Used to be Cold Stone.  Certainly looks interesting.

La Michoacana..The Ice Cream Storet 

I'm also very interested in this new establishment.  It might be a great place for "the girls" to hang out.

Here is a link to the November Happenings newsletter:

November Happenings Newsletter

(Thank you, Barb Poole!)

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Disaster Flight

Many many readers have stopped by, written, or texted about how much they enjoy Don's drone videos.  We had a very SAD crash today as he was trying to get some close ups of the new Texas Roadhouse for you.  The drone has sensor warnings on front and back so it alerts if it gets too close to an object.  BUT...no sensors in the sides!  So....as Don flew around the building, he unexpectedly crashed into the trees on the corner of Henness & Florence.  DANG!!  It stuck way up in the tree so we made a valiant rescue attempt.

We tried to reach it with our light bulb pole but the drone was too high.  We needed a ladder.  There were plenty around the construction site so Don went inside the building to talk to the crew.  (Yes...they're working on a Sunday again).  He told them our story and they gladly offered a ladder.  We managed to knock the drone loose but it had a hard landing on the ground.  Upon inspection back home, we fear it is hopeless as it started to smoke and smelled like a strong electrical fire.  In other words....it is fried.  Don researched the web to see if he can find help for a repair but no luck.  It is a sad day at the Hepler home.  😢

Passing our pole through the fence for retrieval.

WOW!!  The great horned owls are back.  We spotted this beauty resting atop a light post at site 1856 just before dusk tonight so keep your eyes peeled as you cruise down Oasis.

Earlier this week:

Early morning sky showing the jet trails.  It's a beautiful sight as it means folks are now brave enough and safe enough to travel after a year behind closed doors because of Covid.

The softball players will enjoy their new batting cage.

Getting ready to put in pavers at the pavilion.

We really enjoyed this week of the Tiffin rally.  There was so much excitement in the air as the 350 rigs arrived.  We eagerly met the people parked across the street from us and enjoyed their stories about the rally.  LaMesa RV was here with at least a dozen new rigs to display.  They sold 17 this week!!  Don and I toured the units on display and were quite impressed with the price tags.  Averaging about $350,000 each, that means sales amounted to $6,000,000.  LaMesa RV will be celebrating!

The people we met were very impressed with Palm Creek.  They commented on all the friendly people they met, the nice meeting rooms, good food at the Bistro and food trucks, good entertainment and informative seminars.  Plus....the weather was absolutely beautiful.

It was also fun watching the mass exodus as all the rally people had to leave by 11:00 Friday morning unless they extended with reservations.  

Now we look forward to the Class C units entering and being parked for their turn.

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I came across this newspaper article from July 2019 announcing the start of the Best Western Hotel being built on Henness corner.  Very interesting.

Construction was expected to be completed by August 2020.

Mouse wasn't excited about the rally.  He still enjoyed his afternoon naps.

Any available open drawer is an invitation for a nap.

Tiffin Week

 There have been quite a few courts full of pickleball players so took the drone over this morning to say hello.  Lots of friendly people and waving.

Tuesday:  The resort is abuzz with rally activity.  Look at all those pretty rigs:

All Club Leaders received this letter from Marion Nelson this week:

 

I am writing to let you know about the Military Pickleball Tournament (Battle of the Branches) that we are hosting from November 18-20.  The first tournament was held here in 2019 with 200 registered players, and we were unable to host last year due to COVID.   I am happy to say this year’s tournament (2^nd Annual) will be substantially larger than the first one by growing to over 300 registered players!   

 

In addition to providing comradery  and competitive play for our veterans, the tournament is a fundraiser for the Gary Sinise Foundation whose mission is to support our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.

 

The Tournament Director is holding a Silent Auction and would be most appreciative of any items you would like to donate.  If you have anything to contribute to this worthy cause, the Activities Office will be happy to accept and hold on their behalf.  Please bring items to us no later than November 16^th. 

 Our son has been busy with a special painting for us.  Cute:

Rally News

 It was a happy day for Mouse when our Costco order arrived.  Great box!

Next came a new medicine cabinet with an even better opportunity for exploring.

Mouse eagerly hid inside but Kat was a little more cautious.

Boxes entertain them for hours.

Saturday:  We spent a lot of time driving around the resort today watching all the traffic action with so many RVs arriving for the Tiffin rally.We salute our rangers and security staff for helping to get everyone parked and in their correct spot.  The Tiffin volunteers helped the rigs back into their spots so our staff could be free to guide and direct to the proper locations.

We attended a morning coffee sponsored by Magne Shade which is a custom RV shading system for RVs.  It was surprising to see about 60+ people in attendance.....most of whom were Palm Creek residents.  It was fun to say hello to so many returning residents after a long hot summer.

It was announced that John Ross will have his hot air balloon tethered in the park this Tuesday from 4:30 - 6:30 to offer tethered rides for the Tiffin guests and rally members.  He is also taking reservations for single balloon rides to those interested.

Scott Honodel got a great picture of a sphinx moth dining on the new petunias.

I got this close up of one we spotted this morning. 

Very striking critters.

LeMesa RV is bringing in big expensive rigs for display.  It's a wonder they got so many parked so close together.

I tried to copy the agenda for the rally.

Dozens of carts were brought in for the rally.

It was a tiring few days for poor Kat.

Sunday is Don's drone day so here's an update on the steakhouse and a quick fly over to see how many rigs are here already.  Another 100+ expected tomorrow.

Another October Week

Beautiful clear blue sky.

The pool yard looks lovely.

Fresh green grass.

Don took the drone over the restaurant construction again.  Will do on a weekly basis until completion.  

 From the RC Flyers Club

Enter to win two 18 hole rounds of golf with a cart at the Robson Ranch Golf Course.

 

Come to the National Model Aviation Day celebration on Saturday November 13, 2021 between 9:00 AM and Noon and enter to win two free 18 hole rounds of golf with cart at the Robson Ranch gold course. Come watch the flying, take a free flying lesson and/or a free first person view airplane ride and support the Boys & Girls Club of the Sun Corridor. The event is at the Casa Grande RC Flyers field which is only 12 minutes from Robson Ranch. Directions are on the club web site: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com This is a FREE event to attend.

Another Day in Paradise

 Have I mentioned yet how much I LOVE the month of October?!!  What a beautiful day today.

Pavers being installed near the main pool.

I can't believe how fast our flowers got planted this year!  Such a pretty array of snapdragons and petunias.

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Patty McClure is rounding up residents to join in a Halloween Party.

When: Saturday, October 30, 2021, 6:00-10:00 PM

Where: Ballroom

Bring: Potluck, BYOB (plates/utensils provided)

Music by: DJ John Winston

Costumes Encouraged – Prizes given

Sign-up Sheet at Activities for headcount

 

Sponsored by Water Volleyball Club, donations accepted

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POKER

There are some avid poker players who want to play on an interim basis until the season gets started.

WHERE: 

Adobe Room

DATES: 

Texas Hold’em - Tuesday 10/5 & 10/12 @ 6:30PM

Omaha Hi-low - Thursday 10/7 @ 1:00PM

Additional Hold’em game Friday 10/8 @ 1:00PM

Arrive by 6:15PM and 12:45PM and receive a BONUS chip!

Standard Poker rules (kinda informal)

Everyone is welcome - just show up!

Not associated or affiliated with ANY group, organization or club - just guys & gals wanting to play some Poker.

T. David Stone

805-636-9368

**NOTE:  Reminder that all card rooms will be inaccessible during the big Tiffin rally.

 October 18-22 (320 Class A motorhomes)

October 25-28 (150 Class C)

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From a Canadian newspaper:

Canadian snowbirds question why land border is still closed as they prepare to fly to U.S., ship their RVs

Canadians currently can't drive to the U.S., but they can transport their cars and RVs across the land border

The U.S. has kept its land border with Canada closed since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Snowbirds are questioning why they can fly but not drive to the U.S., and planning costly workarounds if the land border doesn't open. (Christinne Muschi/Reuters)

As the United States land border closure to non-essential travel drags on, patience is wearing thin for some fully vaccinated Canadian snowbirds who live in their RVs year-round.

That's because if the U.S. side of the border remains closed next month, the snowbirds will be shelling out big bucks to fly to the U.S. and transport their RVs by land.

"It's ridiculous," said Laura Fordham who lives in an RV full-time with her husband, Fred. "It just does not make sense why they would let people fly, but not let people drive."

The couple's current home-base, an RV park in Puslinch, Ont., near Guelph, closes at the end of the month.

The U.S has extended its land border closure until at least Oct. 21. If that date is extended into November, Fordham said the couple will pay a commercial driver around $700 to transport their RV across the Michigan land border. Although Canadian travellers currently can't cross by land, there are no restrictions on them importing vehicles to the U.S.

October Update Plus Drone West Wall

 I LOVE the month of October!  It is such a welcomed relief to be out of the hot high temperatures so we're able to be outside and enjoy the day.  The golf course is reseeded and is turning its luscious green color.  Crews are busy all over the park preparing for residents to return.  It's like a fall festival of preparation.

Tuesday:

Work continues behind the admin building as they're preparing the area for new pavers.

Work on the pickleball pavilion continues.

Inside walls are up with electrical work completed.

Next comes the awning.

The lawn bowling area is greening up nicely.

 

Looks like they're hand seeding and fertilizing some spots.

The pump people are back with more activity by the main lake.

That black fountain of water turns clear when the pump gets clean.

Wednesday:

WOW!  The patio people made great progress yesterday.  The pergola section seems complete.

I believe our trusty garbage truck is down for repairs.  The city of Casa Grande has given us some big dumpsters to fill until our truck can be fixed.  Hopefully it will be soon, right?

These big dumpsters are at both big trash areas.  The area by the maintenance building is bustling with activity this morning.

As landscaping debris gets picked up, it goes into another of these big white containers and then gets hauled away to a recycling area.

Crews are carrying fertilizer to the golf course.

.....and I saw activity at the little doggie bath house.  Since I don't have a pup, I haven't been inside this cute shelter.

What a great set up!!

LOL......smile puppy.  His name is GQ and he's a therapy dog.  

(This is the same dog I photographed earlier this week with his sunglasses.)

Speaking of dogs.....we came across the most darling young puppy I've seen in a long time.  Such a tiny little miniature schnauzer.

We met a couple this week that told us they enjoyed the drone videos but were hoping Don would capture more along the west wall.  Here it is: