A WINTER TO REMEMBER

 One late afternoon when the sun peeked out....

I hope your holidays were filled with fun and laughter...ours was!
We decided to open our gifts on Christmas Eve this year right after the Christmas Eve service at St. Michaels.  Our biggest laugh was when we gave Skipper a new toy. I always wonder if he'll take to the ones we choose...

 Yup. Up and at em!   The Red Baron got tossed all over the house and we knew we'd chosen a winner!
Pauline sent a photo of Jazz with her gift: This year she got 12 ducks from Pauline's sister in Edmonton, who keeps her stocked... must say she looks like she's taken possession right away!

Pauline also noted that it would be good for me to inform residents of the Park Passes that National Parks is offering free this year on the 150th year anniversary of the National Parks.  I went online and ordered mine. This is the link: 

http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/parksb2c

From there you fill out the order form.  Don't worry about filling out to whom it will go, as billing and shipping takes that information.   Notice that you are charged"0" at the end of the order  and you have no special numbers to punch in.  The passes will be mailed to you...be sure to put your house number on the address!!
If you are even THINKING of using the National Parks, this pass will save a lot of money. Pacific Rim National Park near  Tofino is one place you'd use it on the Island. Banff, Jasper and several other sites in B.C. use this pass, Barkerville being one and Ft. Steele.

 If you need help, I'd be happy to assist at: 250 2464638.Leave a message if I'm not home and I'll call back. 

More homes being moved in...really muddy and wet, icy and slippery in that area:  be CAREFUL!

Sharon had her Yappy Hour on Dec 26th.  It was HORRIBLE weather, icy, slippery, windy...you get the idea!  She said it was a good success and she met many dog walkers that appreciated her offer to warm up on her porch! 

 Our hookup to Telus has made me very happy, especially for the internet.   

Please feel free to share any news happening around your area of the park...my phone listed above.

Cheers, 

Leslie




                                                                                               

CHRISTMAS TRADITION 2016

When I saw this, I immediately thought of all of us here in the Gardens to be passing on the Light of Christmas to each other!  I wanted to do an immediate post on our Christmas Party, held at the Pavilion yesterday, the 18th of December.
 Because it was such a gladsome time, I really wanted to share it with those who for whatever reason were not able to join us.

First of all I'd like everyone to know that we've always had a Christmas Party, whether large or small.  Every year Len gives out lovely poinsettias to Residents and that kicks off the Joy! 
Little by little, year by year, the KIND of party has evolved to meet the needs and wishes of the Residents.

 This year was no exception, with an all NEW Social Committee!  We, who have been here awhile, love seeing the new group....everyone committed to giving a little joy to the others around them... 

Left to Right:   Cathy, Maureen, Marilee, Fran, Leslie, Louise

note that there are now 2 Leslie's at the Gardens...a first for me!

When I arrived around 2:00 p.m. the whole room was lit up, either with candles on the tables or Christmas trees around the perimeter, shining their multicolored lights...

Sharon and Carlo welcome Claudia and Tom

The decorations, table setup and displays were all finished by this dedicated group of ladies ( and probably their spouses or friends!).  That was another first for me...just arriving to set my casserole on a table and sit down!!

There was plenty already set up when I got there to add my own.

Laden tables!  Lots to share!

Some were already sitting in their groups, including "new" neighbors....

Here's to YOU!! new and old(er)  Left to Right: Chris, Urcel (sp?), Heather, Jeanne, Pauline, Elaine

From Left to Right: Charles, Donna, Lynne, Lois, Jim and Claire

Colin and Doreen

Corina, Laurie and  Wanda 

Diane, Eric and Trevor

Cathy and Lois

Left to Right: Elizabeth, Barry, Karen, Bruce, Karen and John

Happy to sit this one out....mostly!
Kolleen and Gerry

After the wonderful meal...plenty for all, both hot and cold plates.. we had the 50/50 people out and about selling tickets.

The fun was yet to begin!

Thoughtfully, the grandchildren of Fran and Tony were chosen to pick out the winners of the draw.  The "pot" was over $90.00!

Other awards were also given out to the tickets picked out by the children.

And the winner is:

CORINA  BREEZE!!

After the Big Draw came smaller prizes, again drawn out by the children:

Pauline

Gil

I can honestly say this was the BEST Christmas Party ever!

For those who couldn't come, I hope this gets you into the local Gardens Christmas Spirit by being a "part" of the festivities via photos....

I need to pass on this information to newcomers and oldcomers alike, as people new to the Province may not be aware there is a PHONE LINE for  talking with a NURSE 24/7all day and night  in B.C.  You do not have to wait in line, just pick up the phone.  They will answer your questions and be able to connect you to a Pharmacist (9-5 daily)for your convenience.  No need to wait in line at the local Pharmacy for your questions!!!!

 The line can be accessed with this number:

1-866-215-4700  Post it beside your phone...

Also, if you notice a white "dust" in the house that builds up no matter how often you dust...it is most likely salt from the air here!

It ain't your housekeeping!! 

Sharon Low would like to invite anyone walking their dog on Boxing Day to stop by for "yappy Hour" on her front porch! Here is her invitation:

Wishing you all a VERY  MERRY  CHRISTMAS!!

Cheers, 

Leslie

A FEW NOTES FOR THE SEASON

Just a short note to those who have asked for this information!
Our Christmas Potluck signup sheet is at the
Bistro.  HOWEVER some did not remember the way to open the door so that they could go in and sign up.  So here it is:

 3042, the second part of your address at River Rd.,  punched in!! It should be easy for you to come in. Then, after you have used the area, put things away, turn off the lights and leave it tidy.  You can use it anytime and it is a wonderful way to relax and read the paper, as I've said. The wifi connection is: "upisland"I believe you might have to add "3042" to that, but I haven't used it for so long I forgot!
When you leave, turn around and use the button on the bottom of the pad with a little lock on it.  This way it can't be used by those living off our Park and keeps things looking good.

 We have had a very unusual Fall and Winter so far and those who just came are probably wondering about the amount of snow... we've seen a few dumps, but not so long lasting as this one.. Some even don't have shovels to do the necessary cleaning off of sidewalks or driveways.  I checked in several other places where Seniors reside and they don't have any more resources than we do.  If anyone needs assistance in shoveling walkway or drive I would be willing to assist and please call me to arrange a time. My new number is:  250 246 4638


TELUS called us to offer a signup.  It was this telephone number:
 310 2255, no area code.  You might want to note this number if you would like to speak to a Rep.  They haven't come door to door and on the phone they didn't ask for information they shouldn't have. It seemed a good deal for us, though.

The amount of snow has made it a very difficult job for our regular building staff.  Paulie and Kelly are doing a wonderful job when most workers would just take time off.  If you do Christmas baking and want to leave a treat for the staff, just leave some things by the coffee machine upstairs and a note telling them whom it is for!

 Then there is the event on the morning of the 18th at St. Michaels All Angels church at the corner of Mill and Willow St.. This church is still active and a  couple of you have asked about the Nine Lessons and Carols service.  It begins at 10:00 a.m. at the first service in the morning.  If you like to sing the old carols intermixed with straight scriptural verses, please join us....
We'll be going in the morning and joining the Park Residents for our Christmas Party at the Pavilion.  The whole day should be one of joy and goodwill!

MERRY  CHRISTMAS!

Leslie

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

 This is my "thoughtful Spot" as Pooh said, or my "Marmee's Corner" as Jo, Meg and the girls from Little Women would have dubbed it.  At Christmas with all the lights going up near the Laughing Pond it is wonderful to sit in the twilight or early dawn and look out while sipping a cup of English Breakfast tea or a coffee with Baileys added....
 You may notice a Christmas card in the bowl.  I keep beautiful cards year to year and recycle.  I can't bear to have someones gift to me be cast aside, so I treasure it in many ways to honor them.  This card is from Agnes Aaberg.  I have 4 beautiful ones, as we've been neighbors for 5 years now I use them in my Christmas decor inside!

For all the newcomers who have moved into Phase #3: my sincere condolences and congratulations!  You have moved into the Park at the very wettest year we've seen yet and have survived...albeit wondering what you've let yourself in for!

 Really, though, it has been quite a strain on everyone, as instead of the usual put ups it has been a struggle for staff and those who are hired to make the place liveable! Garden staff and workers are really trying to find a balance between showers and deluges... it isn't easy being green....

 That said, I must reiterate that Vancouver Island has been the recent recipient of a near drought for the past 4 seasons and I cannot really say I'm sorry to see the rain.  When you witness large trees dying because there is no groundwater and fall just because they can no longer sustain the weight, you'd rather have the rain to help them.  I do agree that enough is enough, but it was the same when month after month of heat didn't give a break, either. It'd just be wonderful to have the regular seasons back and not such extremes!

I know everyone who walks a dog has seen the mess made at the bridge, but Lyle pointed out 2 more trees that could also fall without warning in the same area.  I took photos to let you know which stand to avoid being on the "fall" side of . The Alder amongst the Fir in the photo are leaning precipitously at angles that, if a good wind came, could snap them off. They'd probably go inward toward the grass ( that's where people go).  Just be careful!

Going along Cherry Lane and through the Woodlands area you will notice huge mounds of dirt.  This is fill for the land development and the trucks are bringing it in to use when Phase#5,6 goes in.

As was noted via email, there is no "closing down" of the Woodlands.  Plenty of notice will be given when the time to really develop comes. HOWEVER it is very dirty and muddy and noisy for those in the Woodlands.  Some have left already.  Larry is one and he writes that he has relocated near Coombs and is happy there. Charlotte and Mark left on the weekend to Duncan and mentioned that with a new large house they'd be camping more!!

This is our Bistro.  Lynda redecorated it for us, making much better use of the area with the bookcase in a "dead spot".  

 It is such a wonderful quiet spot for a coffee, tea or hot chocolate, all provided there with the TIMES COLONIST for a good read.  Books are there to read also.  Coffee, Tea , hot Chocolate or cider packets are available for $1.00, by far the cheapest coffee in town! proceeds go to fund our get togethers!
 I've met friends there and had a chat many a time, either outside or in, depending on weather!  Lynda has done a wonderful job of redecorating, too.  

cedar and holly for Residents use

If you wondered where the cedar and holly are for our use, I took a photo so you'd know what I was referring to.  Many asked what the cedar was for and when I asked Lynda she said it was for Residents, but she didn't have time to make out a sign ( it was pouring) so I told her I'd put it here and people could help themselves.

You may have noticed in the Waterlily Pond a couple of new residents...some blue heron are scoping out the place and I've heard that the Koi are back there again.  I KNOW there were 3 when we moved in and 2 Springs ago I saw at least 1 still there.  Now it's been spotted again!  I'd like to ask someone to write a little bit about Koi...someone like Dennis or Maureen!  

 All in all a wonderful place to live....

Linda Ocky would like to know if anyone is interested in getting bottled water from the Old Victoria Water Company.  The number for them is 250-744-2333 and the email is: sales@oldvictoriawater.com if anyone is interested.  They deliver to the Gardens.
Also, anyone who remembers Gord and Gloria Schiller ( one of the first Managment team in 2011) there is great news!  They are moving back to Chemainus!  They have a place on Chemainus Rd. and would love to hear from anyone else that remembers them. I have further details, but they need to move first! Anyone interested in seeing them, contact me.

 Just to let you know about our Pavilion Party for Christmas!  date and time above.

This was our view this morning. It was so pretty!  I'm looking forward to this evening when the lights are around the pond lighting up and twinkling off the snow.   Hummingbirds are also needing food, so keep your feeders clean so they don't get a fungal infection that would kill them!

Happy Day!!

Cheers, 

Leslie