Just a Monday Around the Park

Here I am busy at work having my morning coffee and preparing for another computer class.  Microsoft has complicated my life once again by coming out with the new Windows 8 operating system.  How do I teach a class when half the students are on Win 7 and others on Win 8??  It means having TWO computers side by side so I can tell students how to get from one location to another.  Whew!  I must admit that the more I work on Windows 8.1, the better I like it.  It has some wonderful features.
 
After my study session, I just drove around for a while to enjoy the beautiful weather and ever present sunshine.  With camera in hand, I just clicked a few photos to share with you so you quit complaining.  LOL

The chorus was busy practicing for their spring concert.

 
The duplicate bridge players were busy trying for a grand slam.

 

 
Folks at the front desk hard at work.

 

 
The library was a nice quiet place to puzzle or read.  Lots of folks just stop in to read the daily newspaper which is always available on the table.

 
The Activities Office is seldom quiet.  Congratulations to MaryAnn Brown (center) for her new position as Activities director.  Her fun and warm personality will be put to good use here.

 
The lawnbowlers were out in full force.

I noticed all the tables and chairs set up already in preparation for Tuesday's upcoming Craft Fair.

 
In the ballroom, the gracious volunteers were setting up tables and chairs for the weekly Monday night bingo game.  We seldom think about all the work involved in setting up for an event.  Without helpful volunteers, we'd be in sad shape.  Volunteering is FUN and a great chance to meet new people and get involved in your favorite events.

 

We all LOVE the comfort of our new chairs but they are a bit more difficult to put up and take down for events.  No complaints though as we all enjoy our comfort.  Thank you to this group of volunteers.
After the bingo event, the pickleball folks come charging in to take down all the chairs and tables and tuck them neatly away.  This day though they'll be rearranging everything in preparation for the craft fair.

 
Since I was just walking around, I want to remind everyone to take time to enjoy the flowers all over the park.  They look so nice!  Thanks to the ground crew for planting and our wonderful deadheader volunteers for keeping the beds looking so nice.

 
The bulletin board out on the sidewalk is full of exciting fun events.  Some busy little elf creates all these nice signs for display.

 
AND......always a big thank you to the folks who staff the welcome stand for all the incoming guests.

 
Later that afternoon, Don and I were guests at the Nunley's lovely new home over on Granite Road.  Some of the homes along this street have BEAUTIFUL spacious patios built and crafted by Jim Dawson's talented crew.  I'm envious of their nice entertainment space.

 

 
It's a great view overlooking our luscious golf course.  This little cluster of ducks were enjoying a nice shady spot there too.

 
It's fun to watch the golfers tee off and hear words of comfort when they DON'T end up in the creek.

 
Later Monday night, we had a big turnout for the bingo game

There are 4 or 5 of us that take turns being the caller and this was my turn again.  How fun!  I'm too active and flighty to sit still and just call numbers so like to add a few comments now and then to make sure everyone is awake and paying attention.  By the way......#55 is my lucky number!  

Another BIG thank you to the pickleball folks who come in to pick up the chairs and tables.  Your help is truly appreciated!

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Now it's Tuesday afternoon and I'm back at my desk to post this.  Had to take time for the craft fair this morning first though.  Enjoyed a nice chat with Bob Herinck and his wife Alice as they staff a booth every month to showcase Bob's "other hobby".  Bob is a highly skilled craftsman when it comes to his wood working.  I bought my third piece from him this morning.  See the beautiful urn there on the right?  That's MINE now.  Thanks, Bob.  Did you know that "Painter Bob" as he is known will be 81 next week AND he and Alice will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in March!!  Yes, this is the same Bob that climbs ladders, walks around on roofs, and paints houses inside and out all year long.  Congratulations!

 
The craft fair was really busy but I didn't take time for many photos.  I was amused at the number of bicycles and golf carts, and cars showing a great turnout for the event.

 
That's my post for the day.  Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Welcome Party

 This Saturday was our annual "Welcome Back" party.  The weather was absolutely perfect and the band was GREAT!  On behalf of the 2500+ people that were present, we wish to thank our sponsors, Sun Communities, and the hard working volunteers and staff that labored so hard to make this event highly successful.  Our new Palm Park stage made its debut as well.  This new staging area and seating in Palm Park will host many fun events in the future.

 

 

 

 

There were tables displaying many of the clubs and activities that are active within the park.  It was a perfect opportunity for guests to ask questions and learn about all the events that occur here.

 

 

 

 

The food line looked LONG and discouraging, but it moved rather quickly.  It's hard to feed 2000 people that fast!  Congratulations to the kitchen staff!

 

 

 

Our softball teams are gearing up for big tournaments coming up next weekend....January 17 and 18.  Be sure to go to their blog and check the schedule.  Then reserve time to come out to the ballfield for a delicious lunch served from the Ballpark Grill and cheer for our teams!

 

 

Bingo games on Monday night are very popular.  Congratulations to Connie Morin as she won the big blackout jackpot last week for a total of $945!

 

Don and I took a short ride out to the future sight of the big Phoenix Mart that is going to be constructed out east of Overfield Road.  So far all we see are some flags and a sign.  If this complex really gets built, it will be HUGE for Casa Grande.

 

 

Sam's Club is a reality.  The exterior of the building looks almost complete.  Proposed opening is by May of this year.  It's hard to get a picture as we drive past but we'll try it again one of these days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Surrender

Hello Readers,

Okay....I surrender.  Wherever I go around here, I hear the same complaint.  Why haven't I been blogging?????????????  It's actually heart warming to hear these complaints because it means folks like to read the blog and they actually miss it.  I'm flattered.  Thank you for all your kind comments.

I thought since so many folks were here now that they wouldn't really need/want/or desire to check the site but guess I was wrong.  I get emails from folks who are late arrivals or who have friends back home that like to check in................but the ones who tug at my heart strings are the ones who want to see what's going on here because they're home due to health problems.  I'll try to write more often although the season keeps us hopping here and the calendar gets mighty crowded with FUN adventures.

I've also been receiving more awesome cartoons about the nasty snow weather....especially from Canada and the frozen north.  I'll post a couple here today to share with you.....and I'll carry my camera around for a day or two to gather photos.  Till then......enjoy these:

A busy week

Say Good Morning to the hard working, dedicated troop of Urban Miners that take care of our recycling program here at Palm Creek.  These folks have been in charge of the recycling for the past several years.  Special kudos to Kent and Leslie Evans (on the left) as they maintain the recycling program all through the hot summer as well.  The "gang" does their work in the early wee morning hours and then huddle up in the bistro for coffee and camaraderie. 

 

 We had a nice morning coffee on Thursday as a thank you to many of our volunteers.  They were from all areas of the park.  Thank you to one and all.
 

The fire pits were very welcome in the early morning.

 

 

Later in the afternoon, we held a FUN Picasa class to learn more about my favorite photo editing program.  Eager students will meet again next week for phase 2. 

 

Friday I attended a Facebook and a Pinterest class conducted by park managers.  Palm Creek Facebook page is becoming more active now.

 

 

Cate Leu has a new Assistant to help her through the myriad of activities and duties to keep our park running smoothly.  Say hello to Christie and welcome her aboard.

 

 

Saturday was busy again starting with the big card sale up in the Santan Room.  Avis Gray and her brother have this sale each year where you can stock up on Hallmark greeting cards, party supplies, Scentsy products, and many more fun items.  We worker bees were busy helping with set up.

 

Great turnout! 

 

Later Saturday afternoon, some avid Omaha poker players gathered in the Adobe Room for some action.  Again.....we thank Sun Communities for all the new chairs and tables.  Thank you, Thank you.  Much appreciated! 

 

 

 

The weather this week has been perfect for our softball teams as they held a big tournament Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

 

 

What a lovely day to head out there for a delicious hamburger!

 

 

 

Many folks truly enjoyed a bit of shade under the new tent canopy by the ball field.

 

 

 The grill did a great job.  Thanks!

 

 

If I were a weatherman in Arizona, I would begin to wonder about my job security.  Forecast has been the same day after day this winter.  60-75+ by day, cooling to a wonderful 45 by night.

Sunshine.  Sunshine.  Sunshine.  We LOVE it!