Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Memorial Day

 We had 91 people at our Memorial Day pot luck.  Or...I could say at our Tapas Tuesday held on Monday.  All were dressed in red white and blue for the occasion.  A solemn place was set for the missing soldiers for whom this day is dedicated.


Our giant flag waved proudly overhead at half mast.

We had 91 residents in attendance with plenty of food for all.
Photo by Barb Poole

The palm trees are coming into full bloom now.  We call this Arizona snow as the little white blossoms float down to our patios and streets.



Don sent the drone up last year to get a close up of the blossoms and the bees.



Afternoons heat up but the mornings are still wonderful in the upper 60s.  Clear blue sky with nary a cloud in sight.  Can't remember the last time we had rain.  Golf, pickleball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard fans are loving these mornings.  

Don and I spend the morning on the patio with the cats.  The doves love to torment.


Thursday, May 26, 2022

Owls, Snack Shack, Flowers

 Paul Andrews from London Ontario sent a big article from his recent newspaper about burrowing owls.  He fondly remembers the owl nests we have across the street on Henness Rd.  Yes.....our owls are still there and can be seen frequently as they perch near their nest.  There are two nests on that lot so we're really lucky to have them close by.


According to Canada's list of species at risk, the Canadian population of burrowing owls reduced by 90 per cent from 1990 to 2000, and by a further 64 per cent between 2005 and 2015 with estimates of fewer than 500 breeding pairs in Canada today.

Our newly planted flowers are doing well.  They're called Pentas.  Potted plants are vincas.  Both require at least 6 hours of direct sunshine.  I think we can adequately provide that!! 😎


We have plenty of sunshine....and it's HOT.  I like to carry a pen in my bike basket but guess I'd better find a different place for it.  Here's what I found this morning.


Lots of activity over by the ballfield this week as they have removed the snack shack and are replacing the pavers in that area.  Looks like our new "kitchen" will be available this fall.


A reminder to summer residents that our Tapas Tuesday will be held on Monday May 30 in the ballroom as part of our Memorial Day event.  See you there.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Cancer Awareness Results

 Great news from Marion Nelson today as she announced the total donation list for the Cancer Awareness events from this past season.  



Copied from Facebook


I hope all of us take time to "smell the flowers" around Palm Creek.  I ride around the park a lot on my little "Harley" scooter and always seem to spy something new.

Check out these palm trees in full bloom!





Our landscaping crew has all our new summer flowers planted.  It will be fun to watch them flourish in the summer sun and heat.  Will keep you posted as they mature.




I copied this photo from Barb Poole.  Cute picture of papa duck guarding the crossing for his young'ns.

Photo by Barb Poole






Friday, May 13, 2022

Tidbits


Every year it is rather sad to see the flowers get pulled.  Then the streets lose a little of their cheer. BUT....this year we're going to get new summer flowers!

Stopped to chat with the crew and thanked them for that good news.  It will be fun to see what comes our way.

Early morning golfers enjoying our beautiful morning.


Our temperatures heat up quite a bit in the afternoon but we're still enjoying cool evenings and BEAUTIFUL mornings.  Just love this time of year!  I truly enjoy our morning tour around the resort.

 Take a close look at our palm trees and you'll see the flower spikes forming.  Soon they'll be in blossom and shower us with their tiny white petals.  



We've lived here 17 years now and I still come across plants, birds, or bugs that I haven't seen or noticed before.  Example is this beautiful golden barrel cactus at site 2075 (corner of Molten Rock and Granite).  A little sunshine upon it and it just glows as you drive down the street.  Nancy Aldred is the proud owner and said she rescued this plant as it was discarded from a previous location.  Congratulations Nancy for preserving its beauty.

We stopped to say hello to the electrical crew that is working on our big pump station.  It sounds like they're still repairing damage from that big power surge that hit us back in December.  (See blog page:  power surge)


While on our rounds, Don had a friendly chat with some cheerful golfers searching for a lost ball.


Here is an edited copy of our June resident activities.  Mark your calendars!

*****************
On a somber note, I read this proclamation from President Biden regarding a Covid Memorial tribute and asking that all flags be flown at half staff for May 12-16.  

A PROCLAMATION ON REMEMBERING THE 1,000,000 AMERICANS LOST TO COVID-⁠19

Today, we mark a tragic milestone: one million American lives lost to COVID-19. One million empty chairs around the dinner table. Each an irreplaceable loss. Each leaving behind a family, a community, and a Nation forever changed because of this pandemic. Jill and I pray for each of them. 

As a Nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow. To heal, we must remember. We must remain vigilant against this pandemic and do everything we can to save as many lives as possible. In remembrance, let us draw strength from each other as fellow Americans. For while we have been humbled, we never give up. We can and will do this together as the United States of America. 

In memory of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset May 16, 2022. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.


Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Sauce Boss Food Truck this Friday!!

ATTENTION SUMMER RESIDENTS:   Friday, May 13

Sing and dance with Dusty's Karaoke in the ballroom from 4:00-7:00.  Sauce Boss food truck will be parked by the ballroom and provide dinner options from 4:30-6:30.  BYOB

The menu will feature:

  • Battered cod fish 'n chips $15.  Served with beer battered cod fries, handmade tartar sauce & coleslaw.
  • One dozen jumbo party wings $15: choose buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan
  • 1/2 dozen jumbo party wings $8:  buffalo, bbq, or garlic parmesan
  • BBQ bacon cheddar burger $13:  1/3 pound angus beef patty cooked to order.  Topped with thick cut apple wood smoked bacon cheddar cheese, house made onion rings, chipotle honey bbq sauce, served with seasoned fries.
  • Mushroom swiss burger $13:  1/3 pound angus beef patty cooked to order.  Topped with grilled mushrooms, Swiss cheese compound butter, served with seasoned fries
  • Classic cheese burger $9:  served with seasoned fries
  • Classic hamburger $8:  served with seasoned fries

Feel free to text or call to place your order ahead of time:  520-224-8990


 Our normal summer sky is just crystal blue but give us a few clouds and it makes for some lovely sunsets.


Saguaros are coming to blossom.  This one at 1017 (Jim & Kathleen Koch) is solid blossoms on top.


Saw this beauty this morning behind 214 (Ron & Sue Bernth)



There is even a bird nest tucked away in the crotch of the plant.


We smiled & enjoyed seeing these three ducks safely resting in the middle of the pond.  Their heads were tucked under their wings.  It was nice knowing they felt safe and secure.


We're certainly having some mechanical problems with the pond pumps.  The Main Lake is down for electrical repairs and the North Lake recirculation pump will be replaced this week.  No wonder our crews have been trying to clear the moss and algae with nets.








Tuesday, May 10, 2022

City News & Tapas Activity Calendar


Safeway Parking Lot






The Safeway store complex is definitely getting some action.  There's a sign that says a car wash is coming and the city council posted that Scooter's Coffee will also be on site.  Interesting to have a coffee shop right outside of Safeway and their Starbuck's counter.




*******************

I copied this from the web:

AUTO MALL PLANNED AT OLD SAMS CLUB CASA GRANDE

Mullin360 - the same people who have developed the San Tan Motorplex, and Scottsdale Auto Show along the 101, as well as others, has started the process to amend the zoning for the Sams Club building, and the land around it - to become an Auto Mall.
The first step is to get the current "Planned Area Development" amended to allow for this, and a couple of other uses they have in mind on that entire parcel all the way down to the AZ Water facilities. My understanding is it will be at least 2 dealerships, and possibly more. This first public step is just that - the first step so lots of details still to be released - and will likely be at least 6 months to a year before anything goes in officially as this will all have to go to both Planning & Zoning and City Council for approval.
But, this is a great spot for this kind of use - and auto dealerships are great tax generators.
-- John McGuire

HOME | Mullin360

*************
My Google calendar is really filling up!



Just FYI:  All residents received a letter from Sun regarding COVID policies in the park.  Today, Sun's policy is that the use of a face mask is optional.  Clubs may no longer set and enforce their own requirements. 

**************
Scuttlebutt for the last week or so has been that we must be expecting company from corporate as our crews have been very busy cleaning and polishing getting ready for show.   There was continual sound of chainsaws and leaf blowers for trimming plus we saw two workers hand skimming the sludge off of the ponds.
May 4, 2022
The clean pond doesn't last long though.  Maybe we will get some kind of filtration??
May 10, 2022

Aha......they have arrived.  Two big black limos parked in the lot Tuesday morning.

Scuttlebutt also says some of the guests are from the UK as Sun has made some purchases there recently.  (This is unsubstantiated by management but I feel safe with my source.)

With all the cleaning and polishing, I'm surprised no one thought to put up a fresh flag.  Ours is really quite tattered and should be replaced.

May 10, 2022