Manufactured Home Act

• Manufactured Home Act
  tags: Chemainus Gardens
  
  

This is a portion of the BC Homeowners rules . If our homes are not registered ( they were sold to us by the Gardens) then they should be doing the paperwork here.

However please hang on to your original letter!  The office can copy it to give a lease agreement.  

EVEN MORE!

The recipe for lemon squares was shared with me by Dorothy Newton. ( # 342 phase 1)   It reads thus:

                                     LEMON SQUARES

1 cup of all purpose flour  (250 ml)
1/2  cup soft butter (125 ml)
1/3 cup ground almonds (75 ml)
2 Tbsp ( 30 ml) granulated sugar

Mix flour, butter, ground almonds and sugar together until mixture forms a ball and is combined.  Press into a 8 inch (21) square pan and bake at 350F ( 180 C) for 15-20 minutes. Cool.


8 oz. (250 gr) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ( 125 ml) icing sugar
1/2 tsp. (2ml) vanilla extract
1 cup whipping cream, whipped (250 ml)

 Beat the cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla together until smooth. Fold in HALF the whipped cream. Spread over the cooled crust.

7.5 oz ( 212 gr) pkg Sherriff Lemon Pie filling mix
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup cold water
2 Cups boiling water
1/4 cup (50 ml) sliced almonds, toasted.

Prepare the pie filling according to the pkg. instructions, OMITTING the butter. Cool to lukewarm, stirring occasionally.
Spread over Cheese layer.  Refrigerate until cold.

Spread the remaining whipped chream over the lemon layer. Refrigerate. Garnish with toasted almonds just before serving.

Enjoy!








 These are photos of the bridge construction provided by Paulie...our great builder here at Chemainus Garden.

It is a pleasure to walk the Butterfly Pond now! Just hoping that all the dirt doesn't end up covering the gravel before grass is able to come up!







Thanks, Paulie!!

Christmas Dinner

John Kelly, Len Wansborough pose with Charles Van Gorkom

What a wonderful time we had on Sunday evening!  Hosted by Len and his great staff, we all enjoyed an evening of pretty settings ( did you note the CLOTH napkins and CHINA settings?) and Christmas cheer.  Not one to skimp, it was well presented by Linda Kelly and her able staff.  Saying it was beautiful does not do it justice, but there you are!!  

 I particularly enjoyed meeting new neighbors that came!

The help in the kitchen was so cheerful, especially  when  it became obvious that many more came than were  expected, they just put on a cheerful face and proceeded graciously.  Which is the real test of a host or hostess!
   


  A word here on the phrasing of  our invitiation: 
We were asked to pre-register for this dinner so the hostess could order the right amount of food for x number of people.

             Unfortunately there were 20 more people that showed up 
(not unwelcome, mind you) and there was actually not enough for everyone to have vegetables or salad. So, please, next time you get an invitation read ALL of it.  Some assumed that it would be like the little get together residents had last Christmas where we brought our own things and set them out.  This, however, was a hosted function and though it turned out fine, was rather an embarrassment to our hosts.
Please keep in mind this is only my opinion, no one on staff complained at all.

Gerry checks the meat

Cim MacDonald serves up dessert

By 6:00 it was packed and visiting began.  I got to meet people from the "2nd phase"... newcomers! 

Pauline and Judy

   I met Judy and Kirby for the first time, though Pauline and I
 have met quite a number of times usually walking our canines!

Mary!!

Dennis and Maureen

Beautiful layout

Good lookin' couple...eh, Paulie?

The biggest surprise to me came in form of a beautiful book on Chemainus Gardens by Cim MacDonald!  AND a calendar.  All wrapped up with pretty ribbons, no less and the author willing to autograph it, too!  I read mine through cover to cover and learned a lot about the history of the Gardens that I didn't know.

After all the cleanup of the food there was still lots for the staff to do.  Getting the food put away properly was part of it, but the beautiful plates and glasses had to be washed too. 

 As you can imagine, it didn't get done last night so this morning some pretty tired staff had to finish off.

 Maybe next year a group of volunteer positions could be posted for setup, cleanup and washup or something.  I wouldn't have minded helping after all the layout!

Several people have asked for the recipe for the lemon squares that had almonds on top. If it was anyone that is getting the Blog, could you write out the recipe for me to post? Thanks!

 So now I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, too!!

BRIDGES AND FOOTPATHS

And so, being curious, I decided to see what the big equipment was about and found that the Butterfly Pond was being transformed!
Spoke to Linda Cleft ( before the accident that hurt her foot recently) and she was optimistic about getting the footpath done, with bridge in place, and that is a fact!

First I came upon piles of gravel....and looked down the new footpath towards the Dog Park....WOW...an actual path!


Since there was lots of machinery, I went through to the other side and found work on the bridge and work on the path coming on quite steadily

Since then more has been done and the beauty of the place is being much enhanced! The bridge is almost finished, Paulie is doing a beautiful job.  Lots more stability I really like the wider path, and that it has been built up and gravelled.  Makes it nice...

This shot was after the BIG windstorm that took down a cottonwood and an alder.  Wonder when it will be removed???  Lots of wood there!  
That windstorm, however, got all my leaf raking done!  it blew stuff where it was easy to pick up!!
 Have a nice week!

RAIN and SHINE

"PLEASE, may I have a candy?" says the old lady...".Naar...growls the old man it's Trick Or Treat!"

             This was my prize winner for Halloween Trick or Treat!  

Hope your time with family was good...or just with friends!  Several homes decorated with either Fall themes or outright Skeleton and Witch stuff!  Did anyone get Trick or Treaters?  We didn't, but we had a nice evening watching the Oilers and Canucks play......!!

Wow, what a month!   Lots of rain, as witnessed by the Ponds...all filling and looking beautiful after all the summers work...especially the Waterlily Pond.  A huge effort and I'm sure well worth it on these days...looking at a pond that you can actually see!  I love the new Island and it's golden juniper...especially pretty when a little fog creeps over it....

 There are many "new" people moving in.  Please make them welcome and get to know them... Tony and Fran left last week, but will be back with the sun. Heather is back, too, and it was nice visiting with her and Richard at the Bistro on Tuesday morning.

I saw Bruce walking Shadow, so they are also back and a BIG welcome back to Marjean and Charlie!  

  

Meanwhile, Kelly and Linda Ockey got a new family member:  meet Max!

I really had to insist on them being near, because it gives you an idea of just how tiny he is!  Seeing him being cared for by both the Ockys warms the heart!

 Now is the time to put the garden to bed, Fall fertilize the lawns and prune unruly plants.  Also in the next few weeks wrapping the Emerald cedar ( not against snow, but against deer) because the fodder gets less abundant and your plants become a prime target!

 Now is the time to do pruning and transplanting.  Get the area ready to put in plants that need the good old winter "water in".  Be sure to water things in tubs or ceramic pots ( NOT those from Mexico!).  If you have Mexican made pots be aware to put them on their sides for the winter months to avoid cracking, filling with water from rain and then freezing can crack them.

 I filled in the spotty parts of our lawn area that never got properly put in...hopeing that this will do the trick so our lawn in back looks nicer over the next summer ( even without a lot of water). I also cut back the Ginko in the back to grow from a trunk fork higher up. The lawn guys had a hard time mowing this year, so I lightened it up!

  If you didn't get to see OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS yet I still have 2 tickets available on 2 for 1.  

 Well, that's it for now....

PARK NEWS

It is so beautiful now!  I love to watch the golden leaves swirl down against the blue sky, falling on the green lawns and blowing headlong down the sides of the homes here.  What a blessing to live in such a wonderful place!  

Marjean asked me to inform those who have interacted with her over the past 2 years that may not know, that her beloved friend and husband, Ron, passed on the 2nd of September.  She appreciated everyone who helped during his illness and thanks those who were able to attend his memorial.  
It is really wonderful to know what a great, caring community Chemainus Gardens has become since the first Park Homes were occupied!  

 You may remember the  CHEK  Around camera crew that was here a couple of weeks ago filming an ad for T.V.   Those ads will air on the following dates:
 Friday October 31, November 14 & 28 and December 12.  The 60 second versions will run the first 2 weeks of November.  Each show airs 4 times in the week it is scheduled.  CHEK Around is on Friday mornings.

I am thankful to Lynn Rose in giving me this information.  John Kelly  is busy, and I wouldn't have gotten the information as quickly if she hadn't passed it on to me!  I am sure we'd all like to see what is currently being shown about our place here at Chemainus Gardens!

We all received the disconcerting news that, once again, GST will be charged to us.  I read it and "filed" it under a pile, as I felt very sick when I read it.  I needed to think about it. I had real fear about MORE hassle with the possible clawback scenarios that danced through my head.....
 Yesterday I walked over to Rick and Diana Lenihan's place and asked them about it.  The long and short was that we have an advocate that  has made the final and irrevocable decision about our "the Chemainus Garden case"  at the Rulings Center in Vancouver.  His name is Jeremy Rogers and he is in complete charge of our case. As soon as I read in Linda's letter that yet more applications and forms and waiting would be required, I half decided not to pursue a ruling.  All my experience with the CRA has been brutal and nasty and I just don't need that in my life at this stage.  Jeremy is a breath of fresh air.... he spoke of his role as serving the taxpayer, not just throwing papers out to fill and leaving us without recourse.  He educated himself on this place and has a friend that he stays with whose Park Model  he considers a house!  He assured me that if I just asked for a ruling about paying GST , and this by giving the same information we gave Michelle ie: size, fixtures, decks, driveways.... that this would be all he needs to send us a formal written ruling, which we would then copy and give to Linda Kelly at the office.  A copy would also be included with any form you fill out for past GST payment in error claim you send to PEI.  
 Jeremy wanted me to give his personal number to residents who need a ruling in order to be off the GST tax on pad rent. The number is:

604 658 8512.  Leave a message if he isn't in and he will call back.  You will find an unbelievably gracious person on the other end!

His fax is :   604 658 8666 ATTN:  Jeremy Rogers 

He encourages anyone living here on a permanent basis to write, phone or fax. Call me if you have further questions and I'll try to help.  250 324 4230

Cheerio! 

AND WASN'T IT FUN?

 From 5p.m. till ....hmmm I really don't know!  The poster said 7:00 p.m., but I have a feeling it went on longer...everyone was having so much fun!
 Again we brought food and put it on the tables and hey, presto! everyone had MORE than enough!  Thank you all those that did the hot dogs!

Fran, Karen, Linda and Kelly ham it up!  








And our new neighbors: Dennis and Maureen.... a BIG welcome to our block!

 Larry with Bolt, the only canine present....I heard Larry's skill in fire making came in handy...it was a good blaze!

And Charles with Bill... 






Trevor  and John are having a good time greeting people as they drop in..

 Hadn't seen Gil and Dorothy much, so it was nice to sit and talk with them. They have travelled a lot this year!

The Hot Dog guys did a lot of work!
Or are these the ones that ate them??

 talking to neighbors is fun.  We all had a seat , but also milled around to visit with everyone.  

 Antics like the one above filled the place with laughter.  Koleen made sure we all had enough and no one went away hungry!
Recipes were swapped or promised.  I got one from Gerry that I'm dying to make...looks like I'll have to wait till Friday, though.

 Corina and Jane show the way to the tables for refills!

 I got lots of photos, but they turned out rather fuzzy.  So I want to thank Kelly Ocky for taking these!  I'm glad for PicMonkey, as they were a little blurry, too, but I got them pretty well adjusted here.

 Fran and Tony are leaving by the end of the month, so it was nice to get in some time with them.  It's been great having them here and we hope they make a point of returning soon also.

Allen tended the fire and chopped wood to feed it ( right behind my chair...eeek)

So to one and all:  thanks for coming and see ya next time!








I'd like to extend an invitation to the Bistro on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.  Especially as the days get darker earlier, it is a nice place to gather and meet neighbors.  

FALL IS HERE....

It has been such a beautiful Summer that it is hard to say "goodbye" without a tinge of regret.


But Fall brings other joys and right now the joy of gathering at a campfire at Honeymoon point is upon us!

 Posted by the mailboxes is the announcement, though I am putting it here also, just in case someone doesn't get it soon enough, as it has been set for Monday the 29th of September.

Please come and join us at the campfire.

                     

When:            Monday, Sept. 29th

                        (weather permitting)

Where:           Honeymoon Point Campsite

Time:             5:00 pm

Bring whatever you would like to eat or drink.

Hope to see you there!

 On another front, though the Laughing  Pond is  as low as it will probably ever get, the stands of cattails are still there and the heron stands only knee high in water!!  It looks almost comical to see him come in and land with his knees out of the water...usually he wades a little deeper,  but if there's not much water, well, we see the knees!
  At the top end of Waterlily Pond Don has done a tremendous job of clearing out the cattail.  I see him wheelbarrowing it up the hill to the dump site.  Wish I could this year, but my knee went out, so I have to sit and wait....

 We hear busy activity at Karen and Johns end of  Waterlily pond, too!  My goodness, the pond looks clean and clear!  They not only loaded tons of cattail out ( by the roots) but also cleared the "island" and put a lovely golden cypress there to grow and be beautiful in years to come.

 New homes are coming in and being set up by a tireless crew! It is good to see!  

   The blue jays are back for a bit.  I saw some really pretty ones at Cathy and Dougs' feeder today while having coffee with Lynn. It is pretty to look out on a different pond and enjoy our friends here!
 It is probably one of the best reasons we are all here! to find friends and form friendships that are enjoyable day to day.

 The Dog Park has been well used and it looks like everyone is cooperating in keeping   THE CAN from getting too heavy.  To all those who help in this community service, a heartfelt "thank you"  from all of us that use the park!

 I went to the opening session of the MILL WHISTLE PUBLIC MARKET.  So did many others from here!  We enjoyed coffee and a bite to eat and listened to the ideas for it pitched by the people who are  presenting  it here in Chemainus. Sounds like a great concept and I'll be quite interested to see it begin and wish the people involved the best. It certainly looks promising.

 Well, hope to see everyone at the cookout, even if just for a short time!  Drop in and meet your neighbors, we'd all love to meet YOU!
We'd love to meet those of you who aren't here YET to come and join, too.  I've met several folks who are still in the contemplation stage and this is a very informal affair where you'd be welcome to join us.
  

AND WE SAY GOODBYE

Malcolm and Linda Garfoot 

Linda and Malcolm are retiring..at least for awhile.
My memories of Linda come from 2011 in September when we became her near neighbors  in the RV area at number 30. 


    I first met Linda at the Wash House where we were both doing clothes that day.  We had a great time, sharing our stories of how we came to be in Chemainus Gardens.

   Linda has always been thoughtful and helpful in whatever way she can be to everyone.
I especially liked to visit on those long winter days when the skies are grey and a quick chat at the office perks you up for the day! 

 Though originally Skipper (our dog) thought "Linda" was Linda Cleft, he soon associated "Linda" with Linda Kelly. Whenever I said "lets go see Linda", he would perk right up and trot to the office for a pet.  When Linda Garfoot came upon the scene he was a little confused.  Was there no end to "Linda's"??
It was great for me because I could always say the same thing, get the same response and have at least 3 ways of being correct!!

 That was in 2011.  Linda has worked hard for the Gardens and will always be remembered here.  She promises to come back for visits and has stored her RV unit here in order to make good on that promise!  So it's really "adieu" and not Goodbye.

Linda greets her guests, Mary and Harry

Pamela and Irene

Add caption

Linda Kelly was busy getting things ready and also helping campers find their places while we were visiting.  

She called us together to give Linda and Malcolm a little gift from the Gardens.

 Linda got a bit misty eyed, but, then didn't we all? and yes, BOTH Linda's had the same sort of sheen to the eyes.

A beautiful personal fan! Linda needed one in the office and now she has one for her new home!

Linda thanked everyone for coming, saying she was surprised and touched that there were so many.... Well, I guess that is because you touched so many lives, Linda!

When this was done, she was also presented with a beautiful bouquet from our new Office Girl:  Koleen

 And we all agree she is the perfect person for the job!  

On another note:  aren't the ponds low?? what an opportunity has been taken by Don (at the near end)  and Karen and John ( at the far end) of Waterlily Pond.  It doesn't look that great at the moment, but it will be beautiful when rain fills it again. To see the water again clear and the lilies pristine...what a treat!

My only wish is that the beautiful gazebo at the end could be restored.  It has always been a lovely place to go to gaze at the surrounding garden.

Please do not ask me what has happened to our garbage bin!  I have never seen it look like it does right now!

It is quite the eye sore to new visitors and I can't imagine camping near it.  Hopefully this will be taken care of soon!!

 As it is the Labor Day weekend, please take the opportunity to thank those that do labor...especially here at the Gardens.  Linda Cleft has done a beautiful job of keeping things as neat as can be expected from one person...I certainly appreciate her care for our home area. Lyle is a fixture of happy smiles and cheerful comments. He also goes out of his way to be of assistance to any who hail him!!  

 To Linda Kelly and John Kelly ( no relation) also our appreciation for all that you do.

 So, thanks, all you who work so hard to make our home lovely and compelling!