We enjoyed a large turnout of summer residents at our morning coffee and donuts today to meet and greet our General Manager, Dennis Jordan.
Dennis started the morning with a final farewell to Marion and JD Nelson as they depart from the Palm Creek roster and head for home (at least for the summer). We're so sad to see them go as they have done so much for ALL of us during their tenure here.
Later a group met at the 4-way stop to wave that final goodbye.
Dennis talked about the attempts being made for better communication of park-wide maintenance issues through the temporary use of the texting program.
Follow this link to an old page from my blog for full instructions:
A new covered area is being installed by the softball field. New pavers will be installed and sails will be overhead for sun protection.
The new GetAway cafe is planning to open on or by October 15.
Dennis announced that Palm Creek was able to secure a beer and wine license for the coming season. That will make a difference for the BYOB events.
The new Director of Facility will be Terry Fosmore who starts on June 27. He will live on the south end of the property while Dennis resides at the north end. That should provide good coverage for both.
Regarding site improvement forms, it was mentioned that they were inundated with requests when people left in April. There is a backlog so please be patient as the team works through the volume.
Regarding water issues through the lakes, it was mentioned that a well pump went out and is not an easy fix. A temporary pump couldn't be found and there were many issues in pulling the pump for repair or replacement. Recent water shut off issues were explained.
A testing company has been hired to work on the silt and algae problems facing our ponds. Last year an attempt was made to reposition the silt to the far end of the pond but it was only a short term fix. More work has to be done starting with the testing process.
Trimming of the palm trees hasn't started yet but is being addressed. The quote for trimming has more than doubled since last year.
Dennis mentioned that he will try to hold a coffee like this each month. We appreciate his time for today and look forward to more.
We are definitely into summer weather here enduring triple digits on a daily basis. We can still enjoy the wee morning hours outdoors but we soon head for shelter.
Some relief for the current triple-digit temperatures may be on the way. Meteorologists are predicting thunderstorms for the weekend that may signal the start of the monsoon season and a risk of wildfires from lightning.
I ventured out into the "storm" last night to prove that we actually had some raindrops fall from the sky. The pavement never got wet but it was our first sign of rain in months. Notice the pretty bright blue sky overhead.
Our first hint of the storm was a weather alert about a lightning strike 6 miles away. Really?? But sure enough, we could finally hear the rain drops.
See the TINY little blurb on the weather map. Monsoon season has begun!
Dusty Brown held a karaoke session for summer residents Friday night accompanied by a catered lasagna dinner from The Sauce Boss. Great food!
This is the biggest news of the century for us "creekers". Marion and JD Nelson are retiring from the Palm Creek staff. Talk about some BIG shoes to fill.
Marion was the Director of Resort Hospitality and JD was the Gate and Ranger Manager. Here's the letter that was delivered to all mailboxes today.
I wish them happiness and certainly thank them for their dedicated years here in Palm Creek. They will DEFINITELY be missed.
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The WeedCo is here in full force spraying the entire 300 acres to keep weeds from popping up all over. The spray vehicles run over the large gravel areas and a tech person sprays each individual site throughout the park.
Doug Blakely sent this sketch after reading about our triple digit temps. It seems quite apropos for our upcoming forecast.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
