Del Tura Tower - December 2022

In Memory of

CHORALAIRES CHRISTMAS CONCERT

It’s happening: our very own Del Tura Choralaires have come back together to present a holiday tradition for you. On Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm the Choralaires will present a Christmas Concert in the Starlight Ballroom. Tickets are free and available at Tuesday Coffee on November 22, 29 and December 6.

This year the Choralaires group is directed by Janelle Shellenberger

with Ruth Ann Lugten as the accompanist. Jim Hooper is the alternative director. Choralaires have been meeting on Tuesday evenings and have added several rehearsals to make up for Ian. The smaller, but dedicated, group of singers are committed to carrying on the tradition, presenting a Christmas Concert for residents. Come and enjoy a special time together.

PRESIDENT’S KORNER

By Lisa Bellanca, President - Board of Directors

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the preparations for a wonderful Holiday Season.

The community has so many wonderful events planned for December. “Holiday Hollywood” presented by the Entertainment Committee, Del Tura’s Annual Community Craft Show and Bake Sale, the always spectacular Holiday Concert by the Choralaires, the Holiday Cart Parade,

HOA’s Holiday House and Pool decorating contest, CERT’s Santa Shuttle, and the always well attended New Year’s Eve celebration.

We are lucky to live in a community where we can share the holidays with so many friendly and caring neighbors.

Season Greetings and Happy Holidays!

~ Lisa Bellanca

SUGGESTION BOX

In addition to the suggestion boxes in the Starlight Ballroom and the HOA Office, you can email your suggestions to us at DTHOASuggestionBox@gmail.com. Please include your NAME, STREET ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER along with the issue you would like the HOA to address. Briefly describe your issue/concern and any possible solutions. You will be notified when your suggestion is brought before the BOD, and what actions will be taken regarding it.

By sharing your concerns with us you can help continue to make Del Tura our piece of paradise!

Your HOA Board of Directors

By Ginnie Benjamins

Sad News for FISH of Del Tura

After 12 years as FISH president, Ginnie Benjamins is retiring. Being president is not a difficult job; however, sometimes it can be time consuming, at other times, not so much. It has been a joy to donate my time to this organization, but it is time for someone new to take the lead. Please think about this position. I have years of information that would bring you up to speed. I would be delighted to assist anyone taking over. Call me at 239-322-9863 if you feel you can be a new addition to FISH.

FISH means “Friends in Service Here” and was created to help people who need assistance. Some of the services we offer are driving residents, both full time and part time, to their doctor or dentist appointments or even to the grocery store for those who can not drive for any reason. The driver will pick you up at your home, wait for you while you keep your appointment and then drive you home. THERE IS NO CHARGE! We have a sunshine lady who sends a card if someone is in the hospital or just under the weather. We have a trailer full of medical

equipment. There are wheelchairs, canes, and walkers with wheels, walkers without wheels, commodes, and shower chairs. These items can be used for as long as someone may need the item; there are no time limits. The needed medical equipment is delivered to the resident’s home and when the person is through with it, we will pick it up. THERE IS NO CHARGE! We also have a group of volunteers who will call you on your birthday to wish you a wonderful day.

FISH operates on contributions from many different places. We receive donations from residents, golf groups, game groups and this year from a pancake breakfast that Hurricane Ian interrupted. We are a non-profit organization, which means we use the money on our phone bill, repair of the medical trailer and new equipment. No volunteer ever receives any money for his or her work. The drivers pay for their own gas and wear and tear on their personal cars. They are the heart and soul of the best Del Tura has to offer. Please consider volunteering for FISH of Del Tura!

“Wonders of Christmas”

Today as I sat and began to think about the approaching holiday season my thoughts once again took me to places that are near and dear to my heart. Thoughts spurred by emotions, calm, reflective at the beginning...then suddenly my thoughts somehow wandered back to my childhood years. A sudden childlike excitement began to overcome me…. a surge of tingling began running through my body. Magically, I was transformed back to that young girl with a sense of wonder…standing in front of a beautifully decorated storefront windows. I was awe-struck! There, before me stood a huge pine tree so stunningly decorated, each ornament symmetrically placed on each branch, sparkling lights twinkling the beautiful colors of Christmas. Holiday gifts festively wrapped with huge, shiny, bows that matched each package and placed so perfectly underneath its lower boughs.

The next window featured Old Saint Nick, sitting on his huge gold chair holding a long, scrolled list of all the good boys and girls that would be lucky enough to receive that one special gift this year. His eyes were twinkling and bright. His velvety, red suit was as red as his rosy, red cheeks. Santa’s elves were preparing the children for their very special talk with this jolly soul. The excitement began to show on the faces of each child waiting in line to talk with Santa. Oh, to keep that child-like wonder!!

All too soon reality returned and as I pulled myself away from this beautiful, magical experience I began to feel enlightened by the activities surrounding me...Christmas Carols were playing and shoppers were busy, bustling from one place to another, juggling their packages as they scurried by. Their moods were merry, and as I passed each of them I couldn’t help but feel the cheeriness of this very special time of year. As I turned the corner to head home I felt a surge of renewed energy. You know the kind that one gets when they surround themselves with the happiness of knowing that the holidays will bring families and friends closer together.

By Dianne J. Roderick

Yes, we need to hold onto that feeling of happiness, and to make it so we realize that family and home are two very important factors of the holidays. No matter where we are, our first thoughts are of family and being together to celebrate this special season. Although this is not always possible, our hearts will always connect with our loved ones. Coming home for the holidays can’t always mean in the physical sense…as we know. Our loved ones in the military wish it so… loved ones that we so desperately miss can’t always be with us. Throughout our childhood and adult lives we create memories that our families can take and keep with them wherever life may lead them. So, when we are children and imagining with our childlike ways we are actually creating a life of special memories that will eventually help us through each passing year.

So many memorable holiday moments! Every year our family gatherings seemed to grow larger and larger. In my mother’s words, “everyone is family; no one should ever be alone-especially during the holidays! There’s always room for one more and plenty of food for all!” As I was growing up I didn’t think that all those holiday gatherings would become the memories that would be the ones that would be the most memorable. The memories of family and our celebrations are what “built” me. Every family, every culture, has traditions that shape them… My most special memories include my parents, our children, and all those Christmas Eve’s that we spent together with family and friends; dancing, singing, going to Mass, Santa’s visits, preparing and eating the various ethnic foods. Sharing our love….eventually realizing that the lesson of the season was not in the receiving of material gifts, but most importantly in the Giving of oneself! We were so blessed!

As the years bring changes and holiday traditions are handed down to our children, we realize that the most important things in life are built around the heart of family. The most important gifts of the season we can give to each other are those that are felt within the heart.

Wishing you all Peace, Hope, and Love throughout this holiday season.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Attention Del Tura: The Tower has a new email address! Effective immediately all articles, flyers and photos should be submitted to dttoweredit@gmail.com.

We understand it may take a few months to make the transition to this new address so will continue to maintain and monitor the old address for several months.

Thanks for your help and continued support. I look forward to working with all of you to keep the Tower the important community resource it has always been. ~ Cindy Swisher

AT THE HYDRANT

Hello fellow dog lovers! We are Chris and Kim Macomber of Via Del Sol, and this is our rescue, Chucky! We just moved to Del Tura September 1st! Yes, right before the hurricane! Chucky has met some new friends at the dog park here at Del Tura and Gordon’s mom asked that we share his story with you!

We really don’t know who rescued who in this relationship because my husband and I were very depressed in 2019 when we decided to adopt Chucky. Our beloved Jack Russell Biggie Smalls went over the rainbow bridge in June of 2018. Biggie was our fur baby for 16 years, and we were so heartbroken that we swore we would never get another dog! When we purchased a new home in NJ in 2019, it seemed empty with just the two of us, so we began searching online for another Jack Russell puppy. What we discovered was that pure bred Jack Russell puppies cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000!! I found Chucky (aka Chestnut) on a rescue site called “Mommy and Me” in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. They focus on rescuing dogs and cats abandoned by their owners when pregnant. Chucky was the only boy out of a litter of 12 puppies all named after trees. His sisters had names like Maple and Sassafras. “Mommy and Me” is a great organization! The adoption fee was less than $300!! Chucky had all his shots and was neutered and microchipped when we got

By Justine Fitzgibbons

him. Who knew that in a short time we would be dealing with a pandemic!? Chucky was there for us through the whole thing as our little furry antidepressant! Chucky loves attention and loves other dogs, and all people! He may jump on you, but that is because he wants to shower you with kisses! Chucky’s adoption papers say he is a Parsons Jack Russell mix, but you can look at him and tell he has some Boston or Staffordshire Terrier, maybe even Chihuahua or Basenji. We are not sure of his breed, but we are sure he is 57 flavors of fun, energy, and love! We are so grateful for our Chucky and the warm welcome we have received here at Del Tura! See you at the dog park!

GOOD TIMERS’

Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. This will be my last Tower article as President of the Good Timers Women’s Club, so I thought I’d do a year in review to show everything this club has done in just this past year. First let me say this was originally a Singles club but we changed into a Women’s Club and membership has doubled in size to 72. In the past year we went to seven luncheons held at different restaurants, we had five game days, we went to a movie and lunch, we went to a dinner show at Broadway Palm, we took a walking tour through Punta Gorda to see the murals, we had a restaurant walking tour in Punta Gorda too, we had three Bingo games, one LCR game, a few members ventured out and saw the Beyond Van Gogh museum and some also went on the Mystery Dinner Train, a group of us went on a seven day Caribbean cruise and we are going on a 3 day/2 night bus trip to St. Augustine for the Christmas Lights Trolly Tour. The last thing on this year’s agenda is our annual Christmas party the middle of this month. This year has been a busy year for us and now it’s time for the

By Liz Poniatowski

election of officers. We need a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Hopefully in the next edition of the Tower you’ll find out what motivated women have been elected to keep this club going! I can’t begin to thank ALL the women who have stepped up during my tenure to make this club what it is today. Without you stepping in with new ideas and following through with them we wouldn’t have done half the things I listed above. I am eternally grateful. I am looking forward to being a part of the changes that this club will be making in order for it to grow. I enjoyed watching us grow from having a birthday luncheon each month, and a road rally and a racing day from when I first started with the Singles Club, to all the things we’ve been doing over the past few years, and I can’t wait to see what the new officer’s will have in store for the future of the club!

Our December meeting will be held in the POINCIANA ROOM beginning at 4:00 on Tuesday, 6 December.

President Liz Poniatowski signing off!

CERT INFORMATION

At the time of this writing, ‘Nicole’ is making her appearance on the east coast of Florida. Bertie Dugo has already assessed the number of CERT members available to help in our community should the winds and rain predicted cause damage. Interesting fact: If Nicole is upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane, it will be only the second hurricane to hit the east coast in November since 1935. The hurricane of 1935 hit Miami Beach on November 4th as a Category 2 storm. The storm was dubbed the ‘Yankee’ hurricane because if came from the north. Please remember, hurricane season does not end until the end of November. Always have a plan!

Connie Ziegler was announced the winner of the CERT Veteran’s Day themed raffle on Tuesday, November 8th, at community coffee. CERT would like to extend a big thank you to Linda Peterson and her husband for their donation of the beautiful handmade quilt and stained glass flag.

CERT will be hosting the 2nd Annual Santa Shuttle on Monday, December 12th. CERT will

treat residents who don’t normally get out to see Christmas Lights to a ride throughout the community. This group of residents will be the first in the community to see the winners of the Holiday Light Decorating Contest hosted by the Homeowners Association. The next day, at Tuesday coffee, the winners will be announced to the rest of the community.

This month we have two residents who are taking their basic CERT training. If you are interested in joining the CERT team, contact Bert Dugo at 617-974-8502.

Happy Holidays!

Clifford Law Firm, LLC

Trusts, Estates, Probate, Divorce Cape Coral, FL

Ellen W. Clifford Attorney-At-Law ellenwclifford@gmail.com

18 HOLE WOMEN’S GOLF

Welcome to cooler weather! And also, welcome back to many seasonal members!

We continue to golf each Thursday despite the many obstacles throughout the golf course. Every day progress is made on the clean-up of the debris surrounding it. Thanks goes to all the hard workers who are involved the process. And a big shout out to everyone working in the pro shop the last couple of months; their job cannot have been easy.

December Events

The Member-Member Tournament will be on Wednesday and Thursday, December 7th and 8th. Start times and details should be posted in the dungeon.

The Association’s annual Christmas Party will be held at The Standard at Sabal Springs on Thursday, December 15th, at noon. Don’t forget to sign up in the dungeon and make your entrée selection.

By Margie Blackwell

Hole-in-One

Sandy Vassallo had a hole-inone on 4 West back in May 2022. And by the way, that is the only one this year! No one before and no one after. Congratulations to Sandy, job well done!

And finally… This is my farewell article in this the final edition of the Tower for 2022. Even though I didn’t come close to Carol Marra’s record of 13 years reporting for the 18-Holers, it has been 3 years for me. As of this writing, I’m not sure who may take over the assignment.

Thank you to all of the staff of the newspaper who have helped me. It has been a pleasure being a contributor and I couldn’t have done it without the help of so many, including my fellow golfers who have helped with article suggestions, submitting photos, and just being a positive support group!

That’s all folks…

NINE HOLE WOMEN’S GOLF

What a great turnout for our league’s first event of the season, the Couples’ Challenge!

After an afternoon of golf in the ‘warm’ sunshine, the Social Committee brought everyone together for pizza and an opportunity to catch up with returning and new members.

Upcoming is our MEMBER-MEMBER, which is held over two days, Wednesday December 14 and Thursday December 15. Following play on Thursday, there will be a Holiday Luncheon catered by our own Nick in the Ballroom followed by the General Meeting. Details will be posted in the dungeon, so be sure to check out this fun holiday event.

We are happy to have our Canadian friends returning and pleased that Janice Dodge is back with us. Welcome to our two new league members, Teresa DeMille and Marcia Waddle: we look forward to playing with you! Should you be interested in our group or have questions about it, feel free to contact Kathy Klein, Membership, at 715-927-1163.

As the new season begins, it’s a good time to consider those things that make play more

By Denise Rose

By Sandy Gove

enjoyable for everyone. Following are reminders to keep in mind while golfing:

DO:

Park to the side of the green-not in front of it.

Play “ready golf” to speed up play. Proceed to the next tee before recording your score.

Use the 90-degree rule while driving carts on the fairways.

Carry treated sand to repair divots (available at Hole #1 on each course.)

Choose safety over heroics in difficult or unusual situations.

DON’T:

Move or talk while someone is hitting their ball.

Hit your shots until the group in front of you is well out of range.

Ask another player what club she used-or offer play advice. Hold up other players. Scale wooden bunker walls! ~ See you on the tee!

HEAR YE, HEAR YE, it’s that time of the year, to either renew your HOA Membership or join for 2023. The cost is a mere $12.00 per household per year. With your membership, you will receive 10 issues of the Tower (Community Newspaper); have access to the members only sections of the Del Tura Website; have the right to vote (one per household) in HOA elections; first day of ticket sales for professional shows and dances, and in most cases, a discount on said tickets; and, if you signed the email permission section on the member application, you will be able to receive all HOA official emails.

October 4th through January 13th there will be a membership table at Tuesday Coffee (from 8 until 8:55 am) to assist you with renewing your membership or joining the HOA. Please note, to have the right to vote in the 2023 HOA Board of Director elections you must pay your dues

by January 13, 2023. You may also sign-up at the temporary HOA Office in the clubhouse lobby. Checks should be made payable to HOA in the amount of $12.00. If paying in cash, we ask that you bring the exact amount. For those of you who are current HOA members we will only need you to verify, and if necessary, correct the information we have in our database. New members will be required to fill out a full membership form (and you will be an HOA member immediately and through 2023).

We encourage you to sign up before the end of this year. Otherwise, you will be removed from the HOA membership and will not receive any of the HOA perks listed above. We are working hard to bring accurate and up to date information to everyone in a timely fashion.

Thank you from your Membership Committee, Ruth Ann Blevins, Cindy Brinton

“Bocce & Burgers”

This is How We Roll. Every Sunday evening starting Promptly at 5 PM. Very Social, Non-Committal and Tons of Fun! We have Adult Beverages & Dinner at the Pub following the game(s). Let’s see How You Roll, come join us. Please contact Janet DeCosmo at 239.776.9161 for more information.

Del Tura Contact Info

Choralaires

Coffee

Librarian

Del Tura Repertory Company

Entertainment Committee Chair

Janelle Shallenberger765-437-2130

Kathy Williamson 239-825-5708

Barb Jones 239-543-6922

Jacquie Keen 239-464-5544

Dot Barilla Lynn Brenfleck 239-850-2306 603-738-1001

Fish Medical Equipment Loans 239-997-3474

Loan

FISH - Friends in Service Here

FISH - Fruit Picking Contact

FMO Membership

Denise Rose Sandy Vassallo 815-222-6466 248-755-1176

Ginnie Benjamins, Pres. HELPLINE 997-3474 239-322-9863

Sherry Plisch 239-707-5613

Alberta Dugo 617-974-8502

Front Gate Guard 239-731-2523

HOA Website

Cindy Brinton 267-642-6477

HOA Membership HOA Office 239-731-3461

HOA Office - 609 Sierra Madre (off Catalina)

HOA GROUNDS Committee

Homeowners’ Issues/Grievances

Tuesday after Coffee until 12pm Wednesday 8 am-12pm Thursday 4pm-6pm 239-731-3461

Darlene Fincham 609-617-6869

Clubhouse Office 239-731-3433

Memorials Kathy Williamson 239-825-5708

Name Tags Wendy Wells 309-264-9147

Save Our Strays/ Feral Cat Information “SOS”

Outdoor Electronic Billboard

Sherry Plisch Karen Azza 239-707-5613 239-220-0563

Cindy Brinton 267-642-6477

Tower - Advertising - BrionPalmer@yahoo.comBrion Palmer 941-312-0665

Tower - Editor Cindy Swisher 727-542-9653

Tower - Co-Editor Karen Handley 720-341-6352

Tower - Circulation Coordinator Sue Brown 847-910-8031

Tower - Distribution Coordinators

Frank Bellanca Dan Larson Sue Larson

847-833-3258 763-360-3192 763-360-3192

Veterans Contact David Jacobs 239-292-8834

Jeff Meehan 651-398-6964

MONDAY

HOA OFFICE HOURS

1:00pm - 4:00pm

TUESDAY 8:00am - 9:00am & after coffee - until noon

WEDNESDAY 9:00am - noon

THURSDAY Closed FRIDAY 9:00am - noon

Veterans:

Welcome Committee Sherry Cottini 239-770-7711

The Tower Editorial Staff

586-567-9290, justforfun300803@yahoo com

The Del Tura Phone Book is not compiled by “The Tower”. It is produced by Hometown America. Please contact the HT office 731-3433 for errors and omissions.

GENTLE REMINDER

Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability.

LOAN CLOSET

:

COTS, “PACK n’ PLAY, HI-CHAIRS, ETC

PLEASE CALL: Denise Rose 815-222-6466 or Sandy Vassallo 248-755-1176

NOW LOCATED IN THE MAINTENANCE AREA

Anyone needing to borrow equipment from the Medical Equipment Loan Trailer. Contact FISH at 239-997-3474.

Tower

are subject to the approval of the publisher. It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in TheTower to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town, county and state codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that when you hire an unlicensed/uninsured person to do work at your home, you accept the liability. Island Visitor Publishing is not respon sible for claims made by advertisers.

RYAN’S HOPE FUNDRAISER HUGE SUCCESS

amount of money for Ryan’s cause. The Committee did a fantastic job, we had fabulous volunteers, and it all came together beautifully because of each and every person that participated in this tournament.

“On behalf of our son, Ryan, we would like to thank each and every person that participated in this event. The outpouring of love and support of everyone in Del Tura is truly amazing! Bryant and Darla Greer”

Congratulations to our Winners: 1st Place:

“The Trout Team” (Men and Women Mixed) with a total score of 49

Top Men’s Group: “The Divis Team” with a total score of 53 Top Women’s Team: “The Miller Team” with a total score of 63

● Committee: Justine Fitzgibbons, Bertie Dugo, Darlene Fincham, Beth Wilkerson, Debby Taylor, Ann Abramsyk, Dorothy Cook, Marty Williams, Dave Tomezekewski and Darla Greer.

● Volunteers: Richard Dodges, Jerry Leafer, Ruth Ann Blevins, Donna Billins, Karla Havlicek Newman, Andrea Bennett, Lisa Hatt-Woodruff, Lorraine King Hernaez, Steve Fincham, Donna Henriques, Rita Immoor, Kathy Klein, Maureen Monroy, Justine Fitzgibbons, Pat DiNitto, and Sharon Daniels.

● The Raffle Baskets were generously donated by: Lisa BeatyBellanca, Sandy Iosco Lewandowski Raymond, Lori McFerrin, TK’s Hair Design, Darlene Fincham, Bertie dugo, Donna and James Wilson, Patty Large, Wendy Wells, Karen Duran and Deb Devlin.

● Jerry Leafer did an amazing job as our Master of Ceremonies.

● Paula Lafreniere, thank you so much for spending your day off running around taking pictures of everyone playing.”

Beginner Ballroom dance lessons will be offered on Mondays in January and February in the Starlight Ballroom from 5-6pm beginning January 9. Partners are not needed. Come and learn some basic beginner steps to popular dances that can be used on the dance floor of Del Tura.

For safety, please wear smooth soled shoes, no flip-flops.

Contact Cindy or Ken Baron at 603-398-8001 with any questions.

Hope to see you in January!

Halloween Dance Halloween Dance

Del Turians did not let Hurricane Ian dampen their Halloween spirit! Hippies, Ghouls, Aliens and Minions alike enjoyed the music of 1969 at the annual Halloween Dance. Thank you, to the

entire Entertainment Committee, especially Lynn Brenfleck and Dorothy Barilla for making this fun-filled evening possible.

Best Individual Costume: Pam Miller

Best Couple Costume: Keith and Cindy Swisher

Best Group Costume: Lisa and Frank Bellanca, Darlene and Steve Fincham, Sue and Jim Hooper, Donna and Bill Hyatt

1st Place: Entertainment Committee

2nd Place: Dusty, Glen and Lulu. Jack and Jackie. Jungle Tour

3rd Place: Charles Puxley and Tara Fuchs

Floyd Light, Del Tura Rover, led the parade

What a Spooktacular Golf Cart Parade! A big thank you to Darla Greer and Larry and Linda Bistricky for organizing this fun event and to all who participated.

Do you like to laugh? REALLY like to laugh? Then save the date: March 18 and 19, 2023 Those of you who have been here a few years will remember the hysterical MAKE ‘EM LAUGH SHOWS And, for those of you who are new to Del Tura, you are in for a real treat!

“NIGHT OF SHENANGIANS” Still featuring your Del Tura Asylum Players Directed by Bob Harmon and Produced by Linda Storma.

This promises to be a night of pure fun. You know what’s even more fun? Join the cast or crew! We have a lot of fun. We have a flexible rehearsal schedule, and we have all the skits ready for you so very little memorization. All you need is to enjoy making your friends laugh. No experience necessary. Please join us if you are interested or want more information. Call Linda Storma at 239-357-4546 and leave a message. HOA Sponsored

CERT SANTA SHUTTLE

Entertainment Committee Upcoming Events

Activity

Tai Chi

Tap Dancing

Tura

Water Aerobics

Exercise

8:00-9:00 8:00-9:00

8:00-9:00

Marjorie Lord 543-9072

Starlight BallroomDeb Cali 239-567-2925 11:45-12:45

9:00-10:00 9:00-10:00 9:00-10:00

Starlight BallroomAdele Guthreau 973-865-8336

North Pool Betty Scheetz 609-477-9147 11:00-12:00 11:00-12:00 11:00-12:00

Water Noodle Aerobics North Pool Marylou Buss 612-718-7878 11:00-12:00 11:00-12:00 7:00 PM

Yoga Relaxation

Billiards, Men’s

Billiards, Women’s (Nov-Apr)

Starlight BallroomDea Wells 283-5603 10:30 - 11:30 10:30 - 11:30

Sports

Billiards RoomHarry Christopher 997-7345 1:00-3:00

Billiards RoomAnn DeGrande 989-2206 6:30-9:30

Bocce (Nov-April) Peggy Terrasi 603-236-2209 peggyterrasi@gmail.com 4:00 PM

Bocce Ball CourtJanet DeCosmo 239-776-9161 4:00

Bocce and Burgers (Sept-May)

Bowling For Fun Bowland Cape CoralDenise Goodell 614-792-3024 2:00

Bowling Mixed League (Nov-Mar)

Golf, Men’s 18 Hole League

Golf, Men’s 9 Hole League

Golf, Women’s 18 Hole League

Bowland Cape CoralDenise Rose 815-222-6466 1:20

Bill Gronek 810-990-5878 8:00

Bart De Graaf 239-599-4404 8:00

Margie Blackwell 239-789-8060 8:30

Golf, Women’s 9 Hole League Kathy Klein 715-927-1163 8:30

Horseshoes NEW Horseshoe CourtBob Brinker 586-431-0022 3:00

Pickleball Pickleball CourtJanice Dodge 608-225-5227 open playopen playopen playopen playopen playopen playopen play

Ping Pong Jacaranda RoomLois McDonald 505-228-1222 2:00 - 4:00

Shuffleboard Shuffleboard CourtGlenn Tointon 920-309-1294 12:30

Shuffleboard, Fun Couples Shuffleboard CourtDarlene Brinker 586-431-0022 7:00 PM

Shuffleboard, Open Shuffleboard CourtJudy Lessard 239-217-0924 2:30 10:00 Shuffleboard, Traveling Team (Dec-Mar) Glenn Tointon 920-309-1294 12:30 Softball Punta GordaJim Hamilton 208-313-1321 5:30 5:30 Tennis, Mixed, Open Alice Harmon 954 478 4033 allieoop33@gmail.com 8:00-10:00 8:00-10:00 8:00-10:008:00-10:00

7:00-10:00 Bridge,

Canasta

Dominoes

Euchre

Farkle

Hand,

Jacaranda RoomKen Knight 305-746-3782 1:00-4:00

Poinciana BallroomPatty Large 559-285-2389 6:00-8:30

Jacaranda RoomJean Cornwell 239-731-1580 1:00-4:00

Royal Palm RoomRuth Anten 997-9779 5:30-9:30

Poinciana RoomMarcella Carothers 731-3315 7:00-9:00

Poinciana BallroomRuth Anten 997-9779 6:00-9:00

Poinciana RoomDonna Moore 543-5262 1:00-4:00

Mahjong Jacaranda RoomJean Cornwell 239-731-1580 1:00-4:00

Mahjong

Mahjong

1:00-4:001:00-4:00

Card Room IIPat Steele 863-446-2685 6:00

Card Room IDianne Bevilacqua 567-2234 1:00-5:00

Mahjong Card Room IRheta Kanen 731-0809 7:00

Mahjong Card Room IIRuth Anten 997-9779 6:00

Royal Palm RoomJane Sheaffer 330-201-6128 1:00-4:00

Jacaranda RoomBarbara Turner 301-367-0917 1:00-4:00

Mexican

Pinochle Jacaranda RoomMarcella Carothers 731-3315 6:45-10:00 Rummi-kub Jacaranda

TOWER

If

MY DAY WITH IAN

September 28, 2022

This is how I spent my day with Ian:

My husband made the best feta/spinach omelet for breakfast (in case it was our last meal) and a pretty good “healthy” version of turkey bacon. We were able to brew coffee also. I made a batch the day before to put in a thermos for the next morning.

Louie, our cool cat, knew something was not right so as the last TV warning for us to hunker down was spoken on the news, I started to panic a bit. Louie had fled in the house to try to hide somewhere. I wasn’t going into our bathroom shelter alone! Needless to say I needed a dosage for calmness. Thank goodness I still had some left over from my previous life (BF=Before Florida) for anxiety before moving to Florida 10 days prior to Ian’s arrival.

It was now after breakfast around 11:30 am, Ian was in Sanibel Island and Captiva. He still had a few towns to go through before he was visiting us in North Fort Myers. Louie and I hunkered down in our middle bathroom/tub with a mattress sort of hovered over us just in case.

Now it was time to eat some stress food, perhaps it was a second breakfast.

At 1:27 pm we lost power. I believed that we would lose power and of course the girl scout organizer that I never was, was prepared. Heck I even taught a few friends not to leave the house without water or a snack because you never know. Even if it was just out for five minutes I’m always prepared!

After gathering some more food, into the she shed (bathroom) I fled. I took a nap in the tub but my husband has impeccable timing and the second I fell asleep he shows up in the small cramped bathroom and starts talking to me. So, I’m awake and now it was time to have some candy. But now as I’m writing this, I don’t even know what my favorite candy is or was that I ate at the time. LOL! So, after the sugar high, on came a second nap (yes in the tub) and then guess WHO did what again! Well, he’s the only one besides Louie, our cat, that’s crazy enough to stay put in a manufactured home in a storm that has not happened in 100 years. Oh, did I mention that on the prior Sunday, to avoid Ian, we were skipping town to go to Dothan, Alabama? Yeah, ok so I needed a deck of playing cards from there as I collect decks of cards from all the states. Continued on

But, where the heck is Dot Ham, Alabama? Well since my husband was glued to the TV and news on the hurricane for days, we now hear that Ian was heading North now. So, we then decided to stay put. He was heading towards Tampa and so was everyone else. We had heard that we were better off staying home now because otherwise we would be camping on the highway with the rest of the people in the state of Florida, running out of gas and no hotels available. Camping at home-more appealing!

Ok it is now approaching 5:30 pm and it got “lighter” outside. I was hungry again and made some “lunch”. Good smoked turkey sandwich. Ian was chillin’ for a bit and then the eye came in turning the winds the other direction. Come on Ian be done, it’s now 7:50 pm and you’re still BS’ing around taking down more trees and our house shingles row by row. Music to my ears, sounded like card shuffling, row by row, running off the roof. I used to live in a townhouse and my upstairs neighbor, Nick, the inconsiderate above my head living neighbor would let his kid run back and forth, back and forth and so the shingles flying off also reminded me of that nightmare kid running above my head. Oh no, Nick and his kid are back! Oh, did I tell you that this thought came about while drinking a delicious 1 part (well could have been more!)

RumChata with three parts of Fireball Whiskey (well could have been more)! Hey, let’s party through a hurricane. Puts more thrill into the experience. J Takes the edge off the what ifs and the worries of the mind. I had my fill of worries the past two years and not even a hurricane was going to put me back to that state of mind ever again. My friend in NJ was stressing for me. She was very anxious for us as her friend in Boca Raton (an experienced Floridian) told her to tell us to get out of our manufactured home! I told my friend to chillax and that made her even more stressed. Party time girlfriend! Oh, how she was not happy hearing me say this to her, that I wasn’t taking her seriously or the hurricane!!! (I wasn’t obviously)

As I am now indulging with my second yummy drink of the day… I’m chillaxing and petting my Louie who also was very chilled in the bathtub the whole time. Of course he was, doing his MO =sleeping all during the day, didn’t matter where it was. So, as I am chillaxing (nicely buzzed, I’d say), I see WILSON! Wilson was on the mattress pattern that was hovering over the tub for cover up shelter. “Castaway” is one of my favorite movies with Tom Hanks. A must see to meet “Wilson”, if you have never seen the movie! Wilson was “staring” at me from the mattress design. I laughed (humoring myself) or it was the fun activities that I participated in, in the course of the day!

Well now, that is what “inspired” me to start journaling this memorable event. I waited 30 years to move to Florida and I am finally in my happy, happy, happy place and not even a do-zee hurricane named Ian is going to ruin it for me!!

It’s now 8 pm and time for some chili that was prepared in advance in the crock pot. Funny, I found out the next day talking to a friend, she also made chili. It must be a hurricane meal. (I made it when we had hurricane Sandy, living in NJ, several years ago and that made me think of making it for the Ian occasion.)

Oh, I made sure that I filled my belly that day with favorite foods in case I was going to be taking off with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. So at this point I WAS signing off and ending my writing but………..

I was actually still thinking and had to keep writing in the tub (yes that’s where ALL of this took place). It was now 8:30 pm and Ian just didn’t want to leave our area. He has been here for 7 hours by now! My friend from Palm Coast (east coast) texted me to say they were getting the brushes of Ian, so he was spreading pretty far but he was only going 10 miles an hour! How is that possible?

So far, that we know of, we were safe inside. What an experience this is (was).

My husband was sleeping on his recliner in the living room surrounded by windows! He hung out there most of the time, other than the timing of waking me from my naps. He had NO fear because of the direction of the wind blowing.

I have lots of pictures from this storm and the devastation of the immediate area of where we live. I’ve never been part of a statistic of being one of the 900,000 Floridians without power and to be in the LAST 50,000 to finally have power restored. I didn’t know I was moving to Florida to go “camping” in my own home. We got out of the house early every morning to go on bags of ice hunts. I said to my husband after power was restored that I don’t think I ever want to see another cooler.

WELCOME TO FLORIDA!

Thanks, Ian, for having us and having us experience the worst storm that has hit Southwest Florida!

But I am telling my friends that I’ll take a hurricane anytime versus ever to deal with another snowstorm elsewhere.

Signed R.L.Kurza who LOVES FLORIDA!

Thanks for reading my welcome to Florida first hurricane experience.

“YOU DON’T HAVE TO SHOVEL SUNSHINE THE NEXT DAY.”

TENNIS AT DEL TURA

2 FREE LESSONS IN DECEMBER

The Del Tura Tennis Association hosts a number of activities throughout the fall and winter season at our tennis courts situated by the North Pool.

There is Open Tennis on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for anyone wanting to play from 8:00 to 10:00 am. You don’t need to find a partner. Just show up during these times and you will automatically be included in the group.

Two more free lessons for beginners or people who need to refresh their skills are being offered December 6 and December 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

On December 11, we are hosting an Up and Down tennis afternoon for DTTA members followed by a Potluck dinner. Sign up in the screened room. The first 16 people to sign up will be playing.

The intramural leagues for Group One on Mondays at 10:00 am and Group Two on Tuesdays at 9:00 am are well under way. Come and watch some of our players at the North courts.

Our traveling teams playing in the Lee County Women’s Tennis League and the SWIFT

team will not be playing until after January or until further notice.

We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a great New Year.

If you have any questions, please contact Jacqueline St-Jean at 239-599-4468 or jacstjean2016@gmail.com or the Del Tura Tennis Association at DelTuraTennis@gmail.com.

~ Jacqueline St-Jean

President, Del Tura Tennis Association

TUESDAY NIGHT EUCHRE

9/13/2022

First: Lynn Everet

Second: Tony Winn

Third: Dave Ehrenman

9/20/2022

First: Garry Zygrof

Second: Tony Winn

Third: Bruce Mars

10/11/2022

First: Joe Pollock

Second: Tony Will

Third: Bruce Mars

10/18/2022

First: Garry Zydron

Second: Marcella Carothers

Third: Kathy Williamson

10/25/2022

First: Lynn Everett

Second: Marcella Carothers

Third: Jeff Czuchaj

By Marcella Carothers

11/01/2022

First: Dave Ehrenman

Second: Bill Opsahl

Third: Jeff Czuchaj, Jamie Wyman(tie)

11/08/2022

First: Dick Boesol

Second: Kathy Boesel

Third: Bruce Mars

WED NIGHT PINOCHLE

9/21/2022

First: Diane Nicholosi

Second: Tom Demshack

10/12/2022

First: Diane Nicholosi

Second: Ken Nicholosi

Third: Marcella Carothers

10/19/2022

First: Diane Nocholosi

Second: Ken Nicholosi

10/26/2022

First: Linda Scivilia

Second: Diane Nicholsi

Third: Marcella Carothers

By Marcella Carothers

11/02/2022

First: Jeff Czuchaj

Second: Diane Nicholosi

Third: Dick Boesel

11/09/2022

First: Ken Nicholosi

Second: Sonny Jelonek

Third: Daine Nicholosi, Jeff Czuchaj (tie)

Classifieds PICKLEBALL FUN

PROFESSIONAL PAINTINGWITHOUT PROFESSIONAL PRICES! INTERIOR/EXTERIOR, OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, POWER WASHING, HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS! DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL JIM SMITH 239-247-1917

AIRPORT? SHOPPING? ERRANDS?

LINDA STORMA, RESIDENT & DEPENDABLE CALL (239) 357-4546

LOCKSMITH: DEL TURA RESIDENT AUTO/HOME LOCKOUTS, LOCKS REPAIRED, INSTALLED OR RE-KEYED DEL TURA RESIDENT LOUIS RIVET 543-1434

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE, DEL TURA RESIDENT: RELIABLE, HONEST, & FRIENDLY SERVICE DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL KAREN @ 603-543-7457

AVON PRODUCTS SOLD BY DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL PAT 239-800-5057(HOME) OR 631-838-4323 (CELL)

GIRL FRIDAY – RELIABLE & TRUSTWORTHY HOUSECLEANING, ETC DEL RESIDENT CALL LINDA 239-560-1948

HANDYMAN - PAINTING, LANDSCAPING, POWERWASHING & REPAIRS EXPERIENCED RESIDENT CALL JOHN AT 757-952-9485

SKP HANDYMAN SERVICE30 YRS CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE, QUALITY SERVICE, reasonable rates, Del Tura Resident, License & Insured 239-471-0258, 941-465-9246

WE BUY AND SELL old coins, jewelry and collectibles of all kinds Del Tura residents Will & Kat Rossman 989-1757 WWW ESTATEBUYZ COM

NEED A NOTARY?

CALL BRENDA BLASIE A DEL TURA RESIDENT, AT 239-543-6104

INDOOR PAINTING – RELIABLE, REASONABLE AND HONEST NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL KAREN 518-802-0277

LANDSCAPING

RELIABLE WITH REASONABLE RATES GUTTERS, ROOF CLEANING, PALMS, POWER WASHING, MAINTENANCE OUTDOOR INSTALL JOBS INCLUDING SOD CALL CHARLES @ 239-440-9148

“WHO LET THE DOGS OUT” I’LL WALK YOUR DOGS OR WATCH OVER THEM WHILE YOU ARE AWAY REFERENCES IF NEEDED SUSAN @ 303-725-0666

DON’T LEAVE YOUR HOME UNPROTECTED AGAINST RODENTS AND INSECTS GET SHIELDED!

SHIELD HOME & PEST CONTROL (239) 910-1133 WWW SHIELDPCS COM VETERAN OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED ASK ABOUT SPECIAL RATES FOR DEL TURA RESIDENTS

PRESSURE WASHING KEEPING DEL TURA BEAUTIFUL ONE HOUSE AT A TIME CALL RESIDENT, BOB 954-448-1171

INDOOR PAINTING - RELIABLE, REASONABLE AND HONEST NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL DEL TURA RESIDENT CALL KAREN 518-802-0277

TAKING OVER FOR CAROLYN - CALL SHELLY 309-696-7944 OR KRIS 515-2506674 IF YOU ARE WANTING TO RENT YOUR HOME WE HANDLE ALL PAPERWORK & PROCESSING FOR YOU JUST LIKE CAROLYN DID

By Jamie Wyman

Well hello all, I hope you are all ok from the hurricane. I feel overall, Del Tura was very blessed. It feels good to be back home and to see so many friends that I missed over the summer.

First, there is an online store that you can order a “Del Tura Pickleball” shirt from if you would like to. I have nothing to do with it except to deliver the shirts approximately two weeks after the store closes. Make sure you read all the way through because there are several choices; Dri Fit, different blends, colors, logos on front only, back only, both and so on. The site is “delturapickleballnovember. itemorder.com”. I also have the link on the “Del Tura Pickleball” facebook page.

Now onto playing pickleball. Last month we started the game. I start the game on the deuce side announcing: “0-0 start”. I serve deep cross court from the deuce side to the deuce on the other side of the net. “You” are on the other side in the deuce court. “You” try to return it to the other side as deep as you can, giving yourself time to get up to the net, where your partner already is. Now you and your partner have the advantage of being at the net. You should try to return the ball deep in the middle of the court. A middle return leaves more room for error and can also cause confusion between the two players on the other side.

Ok, that’s it for this month. Happy holidays. Stay safe.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

12/01 Scott Lovrin

12/01 Mary Lou Cannata

12/01 Dorothy Barilla

12/02 Edward Ippolito

12/02 Bruce Raymond

12/02 John Bradshaw

12/03 Teresa McConnell

12/03 Sharon Carlson

12/03 Bob Dellar

12/03 Kay Thomas

12/03 Karen Hahn

12/03 Debbie Welty

12/04 Bill Johnson

12/04 Ray Hahn

12/04 Stephanie Barney

12/05 Jim Miller

12/06 David Tomaszewski

12/06 Jacqueline St-Jean

12/06 Sandy Rolando

12/06 Andrew Halek

12/06 Karen Guzzi

12/06 Sue Douglass

12/07 Linda Nakaishi

12/07 Kim Manuel

12/08 Jody Weigand

12/08 Diane Brodsky

12/09 Mike Stephens

12/10 Julia Guffey

12/10 Deb Hunter

12/10 Jean Furlong

12/11 Victor Robitaille

12/11 Susan Koppenhofer

12/11 Kathy Simmons

12/12 Kenneth Scott Sr

12/12 Jan Mismas

12/12 Joan Sullivan

12/13 Brenda Blasie

12/13 Bobby Iwankow

12/13 Tom Ziegler

12/14 Marc Morrison

12/14 Debbie Norton

12/15 William Jones

12/15 Karen Farrar-Ledger

12/16 Henry Shahar 12/16 Shirley McGilvray

12/17 Melinda Gallup

12/17 Brenda Benge

12/18 Joe Ptashinski

12/19 Bill Grimes

12/19 Thomas Hayden

12/19 Joan Smith

12/19 Jean Newquist

12/20 Ron Ruotolo

12/20 Michael Abbitt

12/20 Linda Petersen

12/20 Wendy Smith

12/22 Teddy Reid

12/23 David Jacobs

12/23 Faye Dean

12/24 Dave Toothman

12/24 John Moore

12/25 Scott Gallup

12/26 Bart DeGraaf

12/26 Sandra Ptashinski

12/27 Bryant Greer

12/27 Jacquie Johnson

12/28 Barie Fez-Barringten

12/28 Bev Swisher

12/28 Laureen Divis 12/29 Stew Williams 12/29 Joyce Simmons

12/29 Mary Fitzgerald

12/29 Sherri Kramerson

12/29 Carolyn Forsey

12/29 Donna Thake

12/30 Francis Furlong

12/30 Jerry Pyle

12/30 Beverly Magnone

12/31 Rick Tobias

12/31 Lindy Sacuta-Baney 12/31 Mary Dold

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

12/02/06 Dave & Sue Frost, 16 years

12/02/61 Bill & Judy Michael, 61 years

12/03/05 Linda & Peter Moreton, 17 years 12/03/83 Mike & Barbara Newman, 39 years 12/6 Bill & Emily Mormann, ?? Years 12/07/01 Victor Robitaille & Brenda Jacques, 21 years 12/07/74 Tony & Karen Durand, 48 years

12/09/76 Mike & Justine Fitzgibbons, 46 years 12/09/81 Warren & Carolynn Wyckoff, 41 years 12/10/11 Richard & Mary Charlebois, 11 years 12/11/20 Kathryne Montemaggi & Tom Bannister, 2 years 12/11/99 Jeff & Kim Bartleson, 23 years 12/12 Jack & Janet Blevons, ?? years 12/13/91 Kevin & Anne Zimmerman, 31 years

12/14/01 Bob & Peggy Deems, 21 years 12/16/81 Harold & Sandra Teter, 41 years 12/16/89 Ed & Nancy Fries, 33 years

12/17/07 Vickie Rogers & Dan Rethman, 15 years 12/18/71 Sharon & Bruce Hirschlein, 51 years 12/21/91 Gilbert & Gail Lawrence, 31 years 12/23/78 Curtis & Linda Nakaishi, 44 years 12/24/90 Dan & Wendy Smith, 32 years 12/28/01 Will & Kat Rossman, 21 years 12/28/13 Daniel & Germaine Duffy, 8 years 12/28/62 Wayne & Jane Shepherd, 50 years 12/28/73 Gary & Dorathy Biddinger, 49 years 12/28/91 Jeff & Mary Jane Wolfe, 31 years 12/29/06 Paul & Marie Nolan, 16 years

GARDEN CLUB

By Rosemary Eiden

Composting in Florida

Good, nutritious soil is the basis for any plant’s success. Unfortunately, what Florida gardeners have to work with is mostly sand. This fine “sugar sand” doesn’t hold water or nutrients very well. But you can improve your soil with a host of Floridafriendly amendments, such as compost, manure or even worm castings.

Composting is a great way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into what gardeners call “black gold.”

Pick a shady spot and close to a garden hose. Compost needs to be moist for the magic to happen. If you use a covered bin, it will be easier for the pile to retain moisture during the hot but dry months in the early summer.

Green materials include: plant-based kitchen scraps (vegetables and fruits), egg shells, farm animal manure, grass clippings, palm fronds and young green plants.

Don’t add: meat, fish, fats, or dairy products. And while the manure of animals that eat plants (cows, horses, etc.) is a great “green” material, carnivorous animal waste (dogs, cats, etc.) should not be used due to the possibility of diseases. Avoid weeds that have set seed.

Brown materials include: fallen leaves, pine needles, twigs and chipped branches, sawdust, shredded newspaper or cardboard, paper towels, tea bags, and coffee grounds.

The pile should be built in layers, each three to four inches deep. First lay down a “green” layer. Next, add a layer of “brown” materials. Then add another green layer. Sprinkle between all layers.

Compost can be produced in roughly six weeks, if you occasionally turn the pile and keep it moist. Gardeners should be happy to know that even if you don’t turn or water your pile, the materials will still decompose and become compost; it will just take much longer. With little effort you can use the compost you produce to create a prosperous garden.

Del Tura Garden Club will be hosting a compost demonstration at the Demo Garden in December. Date and time will be announced at the Tuesday coffee. Visit the garden table to sign up.

CREATIVE WRITERS

As our recovery from Hurricane Ian continues, our first November gathering was held indoors due to the approach of Tropical Storm Nicole. Before reviewing that meeting, I’d like to share a whimsical poem from one of our Creative Writers, that reminds us that humor can often be a welcome relief:

Hurricane Ian by Nancy Ashe

You came in with a fury Certainly, in a hurry You destroyed our gentle balance Wiping us out and disturbing our dance I asked Mother Nature what was the cause? She told me Ian was unfaithful and blamed it on menopause We had a long discussion To understand her original mission She admitted she lost control And knows no man is worth her soul She is done with Ian and promised Not to do it again. I hope she’s being honest She’s asking for forgiveness Delivering weather that makes us feel blessed Cool breezes, sunshine, warm nights Mother Nature has settled down and ended the fight!!!

As we smile with the visual that this poem brings to life, remember that if you’d like to join us as a new member, please text me (607-769-5766) OR email me to let me know you are interested. My email address is ndavy01@gmail. com. You’ll need to provide me with your name, your email address, and your cell phone number. We try to meet twice a month, and I routinely contact everyone with reminders before each meeting.

Our first challenge of the season was to write a personal essay, which often describes an important lesson gathered from a writer’s life experiences. It can portray a significant event from a first-person perspective. Any moment in your life that sparked growth or changed you in some way can be written about in a personal essay and enriched by your opinion. The following is my example, followed by some group responses. I hope you’ll enjoy them!

Lesson Learned by Joan Kachel

What could possibly go wrong being alone in my Vermont ski house for a few days???? As a recently divorced woman, and adjusting to single life, I joined a group of single people renting a ski house in Vermont. I had what is called a “full” share, which entitled me to go up there every weekend, as well as anytime during the week that I wanted to.

As a fun-loving social person, I was both surprised and happy to find out that in this location in Vermont, there were 5-7 ski houses with 8-10 singles in each house. It was a revelation to me that there were so many singles in my age group!! I had been surrounded by couples while married, and figured most people around my age were devoted to someone.

By Nancy Davy

As the winter progressed, my skiing skills improved (skiing well from the tops of mountains was a joy for me) and I had several new friends. In addition to skiing, we gathered in the scenic lodge, went dancing, had house parties, and travelled to other New England locations.

Spring vacation arrived, and I went to the ski house for a few days before the others came up. Well, a blizzard joined me! Sooo, I decided to make popcorn. I was getting my ski garb together and saw an unusual light in the kitchen. Fire in the pot! Do I try to get to the sink and put out the fire (which was getting very close to my shirtsleeves) and probably burn to death, or leave the house to burn and I live?? That’s what I asked myself, and I chose to try and put out the fire. Success! I did it!

THEN, the electricity went OUT. No heat! At 4:30 a.m. I started digging my car out to go to the mountain. I managed to get there and five minutes later they closed the mountain. Now, aside from the workers, I was the only person at the mountain. When I called a friend at another ski house, the questions was, “What are you doing at the mountain, Joanie?”

The lesson I learned is this…watch things cooking on a stove! LOL

Taking Up Golf by Margie Blackwell

Who would have thought forty years ago that I would not only start playing and learn the game of golf, but that I would actually enjoy the challenges it has to offer?

My husband has always been an avid golfer, even when his professional career and home responsibilities did not allow much time for the pursuit. So it was only natural that he would suggest I learn to golf with him. We were both in our early 20s and “how difficult could this be?”, I thought. Even though the ball seemed very small compared to a softball (which I had played for years), it is most certainly stationary when you hit it and no one would be screaming from the stands like when you are at bat or trying to catch a fly ball!

Boy, was I wrong! Not only did I underestimate that tiny ball, I underestimated everything you could imagine –the long grass, the ravines, the sand, and oh; did I forget to mention - the water. Our first golf outing was a disaster… and over the course of a couple of months, I decided that golf was a huge waste of time and money. So I retired my clubs and let Mark enjoy any time he could manage to take for golf with his buddies.

But, fast forward to our move to Florida upon retirement some forty years later, and I gave golf another shot. First, by going to the driving range and putting green only! Then Mark wised up and bought me a really nice golf outfit. It was so cute, I simply had to buy more and, therefore, golf more.

I now enjoy the challenges of the game. And I can’t stress enough how the camaraderie and social aspect of golfing has been so rewarding. So now I waste no more time and money; the time and money that Mark and I spend on golf is an investment in us and our many friends!

December 2022

Almost Home by Cindy Swisher

There are many things in life I’ve had to learn the hard way, things I’d never do again, such as: don’t wait until your last semester of college to take required courses –chances are they won’t be available; if you wake up with a young child standing over you saying, “I don’t feel good,” don’t ask questions, move quickly; that the label says Do Not Shake for a reason; and one of the most important, don’t fall asleep when your husband is driving

It had been a good vacation. We camped in the Smokies for a few days enjoying nature and doing some hiking. The kids even got to see a mama bear and her cubs walking through a meadow beneath the old stone bridge we were crossing – a real Blueberries for Sal moment. From the mountains we headed to the North Carolina shore where we frolicked in the waves, collected seashells, and tried our best to spot dolphins (and sharks) on the rolling waves.

When it was time to head home, we decided to wait until evening to leave, having learned from experience that is almost always better to travel with sleeping children as opposed to the “are we there yet” variety. When the hum of the road finally replaced the chatter from the back of the van and the darkness settled in all around us, I realized I was, in fact, exhausted. I tried to keep my eyes open, but before I knew it, I had drifted off.

I don’t know how long I slept, but when I woke up the sun was just peeking above the horizon. I stretched, yawned, and took in my surroundings. Nothing out of place until we passed a road sign: Washington, D. C. Next Five Exits. What?! We lived in Michigan! I sat up straighter and stared hard out the window. Sure enough, off in the distance I saw what I was certain was the dome of the Capital building. “Do you have any idea where we are?” I shrieked. “Almost home” came the reply. After several minutes of rather heated conversation in which I pointed out the difference between east and west, it was determined that my husband had turned right when he should have turned left. Read directional signs? No way. That would be like taking the instructions out of the box before attempting to assemble the bike, the toy, the piece of furniture. Without GPS (that was still years down the road) it took a hot minute to figure out exactly where we were and how to get back to where we wanted to go, but we made it home. Eight hours later than we should have, and amidst a steady chorus of “are we there yets,” but safe and sound, nonetheless.

We took many vacations after that, but NEVER, EVER again have I fallen asleep while my husband is driving in unfamiliar territory. Isolated incident or not, I have learned my lesson!