Wrangler - March/April 2012

 

Vol. 1, Edition March/April 2012 5

Well, folks, here we are – the end of another “season” at Winter Ranch, our home away from home. Even though things are winding down, there is still plenty of activity in the park.

TALENT/VARIETY SHOW on March 4th was a hoot. My knees shake and my voice quivers if I have to speak in front of a half dozen people, so I have nothing but admiration for anyone who is willing to stand in front of hundreds of people and do anything. I think the synchronized swimmers were the big hit of the night. I didn't get pictures of the show, so I tried to “borrow” some from the blog. Unfortunately, none of them would save and I don't know why. I'll be taking Lee Benfield's photo-editing class next season. Hopefully my pictures will be better; if not, I will at least know why! Anyway, check out the blog for pictures from the talent show. 

ALAMO PARADE pictures did transfer from the blog, so 'splain that to me, hey? Give the parade volunteers a big hand, because they won two trophies for Winter Ranch – first in the senior division and first for overall. Here are those who worked on the floats and/or were in the parade.

 

Above pictures all stolen from the Activities Blog. You can check them out there and get them all identified. Great job, gang! 

These pictures are all from SHOW AND SHARE day last Sunday. Look at the absolutely creative juices flowing in this park!

Beginner? Are you kidding me? Arlene Krebs says she is a beginner. Hard to believe.

 Swedish weaving, crocheting, painting, ceramics. I'd love to try some of this, but it interferes with pickleball. Besides, I'm sure I wouldn't have the patience for it.

 

Needlepoint? My Mom used to do this, before her eyes gave out. Glass bottle decorating. 

Hardanger – I didn't even know what that was! Jerry Blanc made this beautiful table for Diana Mollerus in memory of Leonard Grote, who passed away this past summer. Made from wood that Leonard planned to bring down from his property in Missouri.

 

Mary Hardesty teaches making jewelry out of beads. More Hardanger. 

 

 

Oil painting? Watercolors? Beats me, but it's gorgeous. You MUST see it all in color to appreciate it.

Stained glass. I did try this – I'm sure it's one of Pat Bishop's biggest fears – that I'll be back! 

 

 

Dave Langfield is a man of many talents – he did the eagle in stained glass, and I think I also saw him in the woodworking division. 

 

 

Be forewarned, Pat, I want to make a stepping stone next season. Pat has the patience of a saint! And I am enough to try the patience of a saint. Just ask Jack.

 

Yup, here's Dave Langfield again. 

 

 

Arlene Krebs and Linda Thomas at watercolors.

 

 

 Shirley Birlingmair holding quilt made of hubby Gene's old t-shirts. What a neat idea. We lost Gene this past summer too, along with too many other residents. Sure hope we have a healthier summer this year.

 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL March 15^th. Picture-taking is not allowed in the arena. If you were lucky enough to get tickets for this show, you know how spectacular it was. The colors, costumes, music and acrobatic feats were all breathtaking, plus we had great seats! Thanks to JD & Lynn for arranging this for us.

Each year a different show is presented, so even if you have seen Cirque du Soleil before, the odds are great that it will be a new show. I thought this year's show was even better than last year's. It was well worth the cost of attending. 

PET PARADE on March 16^th was fun. This little guy on the left actually stopped and posed for me.

 

And not all pets are dogs. This beautiful Siamese cat wanted to mingle with the dogs in the worst way!

 

Here's Diana and Rita with their “babies”. 

 

 

Mary H. with Shamus.

BILLARDS YEAR END RESULTS

The season has ended for the pool players too. Above on left is the season's 9 ball singles champion, Bob Wilson. On the right is Don Granger, 8 ball singles champion. Below are Norm Winner and Bob Wilson, 8 ball doubles champions. Congratulations. Sometimes it isn't such a bad thing to spend all your time in a pool hall.

 

But it's only raining a tiny bit.

REMINDERS

ADDRESS LABELS are a huge help in the mail room for forwarding your mail to you after you leave. Most of us have tons of those freebies we get in the mail from outfits looking for donations. Either leave some of those, or have the computer class make some up for you at a minimal cost. Ask in the office if you are interested.

APPRECIATION DAY is March 24. JD & Lynn wanted to give the volunteers a break, so there won't be a meal this year. Instead Razz ma Tazz will be performing at 6 p.m.

LAST SOCIAL HOUR March 20^th at 3:30.

BE SURE to tie down or put away anything in your yard that can blow away. Anything left laying around can cause damage if there are tornadoes and/or hurricanes this summer, and with this weird weather we are having, I'm sure there will be.

I hope you have enjoyed our newsletter attempts this year. We are open to suggestions as to what you think should be included. Email me at mcleff@hotmail.com with your ideas.

I saw seven rigs leaving this morning before 10 a.m. Guess it's that time of year again. As our fearless leader Cathy says – be kind, be safe, and we'll see you next fall. Try to stay healthy – I'm going broke sending out get well and sympathy cards!