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

BACK ATCHA!

After 5 years, the Laughing Pond people are truly happy!   

Well, it's been a productive year in the Residents Association for both the Executive and the Residents!  Lots has been happening since my  "Last Post" in March and more will be happening in the future.  I decided that, instead of standing for the Executive this year or Garden Club Chairman I love to write and that is what I'd like to do again.
 I've been urged by some ( especially those who go away for up to 6 months) to write again and tell the story of the Gardens  in pictures as well as words while they are not here. Some do not subscribe to FaceBook and won't be doing so in future.    SO....

I need to ask you, as Residents, to please give me feedback or inform me when things  happen in your part of the Park that you think others might like to know.  Several times I have passed on information directly via email to the group when bears have been spotted or (as last year) a Cougar was in the area. So please help me with the Residents news and views.... If there is a photo you take of birds, ducks, weasels, otters, or raccoons and you'd like to share it with others via this venue, please attach it in an email and send it to the above address and I'll include it in the Blog.

Fran makes coffee

Today, November 19, was our 2nd Annual General Meeting!  It was so great to see such a good turnout. Coffee was served along with Timbits....a big thank you to the Social Committee!!

2015-16    Executive 

                          Brian , Rick , Barry , Karen , Elizabeth 








Outgoing Chairperson, Barry Kimmerly, addressed the Agenda for the meeting and all items were voted on by show of hands.

 Announcements:  anyone not on the email list were asked to sign up if they wanted news via email from the Residents Association. A signup sheet was provided for this.  Also a signup sheet for each of the Committees: Social, Garden and Emergency. 

Item 1:  questions about what the outgoing executive has done over the past year.  No one had questions! 

Item 2: Whether the one vote for one household was good or did we want to change it?  the vote was to keep this.

Item 3:  Acceptance of the Mission Statement: voted to keep

Item 4: Discussion on number of Executive: voted to keep numbers higher than lower

Item 5:Whether we wanted to continue to elect a chairperson by ballot or if the group that stood for the Executive elect their own from among the group:  voted to allow Executive to choose their own chairperson

Item 6: Discussion on Term limits for Executive: voted to keep 1 year terms for a good changeup yearly, keeping it fresh.

Item 7:  Executive Election: this year 6 people volunteered to take up the Executive positions so no ballots were needed.

    It was a really open discussion time for the new Executive to hear the questions Residents would like put to Management on concerns around the Park. Several items were added to the list for the new Executive to address to Park Management. So far we have a good relationship with the Management. We all need to be patient for some things, for others it will be good to have representation that will bring up our concerns  to Management. So we all wish the new Executive well!

                                    2016-17  Executive
            Ron, Sharon , Maureen and Dennis, Bruce and Jane 

I am sending this first blog out to the previous list of people who wanted to subscribe last year.  If you are interested in receiving this blog, you don't need to do anything. BUT I will take you off the list if you'd rather not have it come to your email.  Just write me, my email address is :  lvgmal@hotmail.com  Because this is a "private" blog what I write has only my own bias! Please let anyone new to the Park know if they'd like to be on the email list of mine..I do not have any lists of people unless they personally give me their email.



I'd like to take the opportunity to announce that the Residents Coffee Time is at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays.  Sometimes there are many, sometimes a few, but it's always nice to have coffee and talk about a variety of subjects that DO NOT include Politics or Religion.  Respect for everyone's opinion is the key, whether you agree or not. Winning arguments is not the point, being friendly to your neighbors is! Several new residents who will be moving in after the New Year already attend to get to know their neighborhood. The Park is growing so fast that it is nice to be reassured that it's only getting better!


Cheers!

Leslie

 

LAST POST

   I would love to continue this blog, but my duties are getting ahead of my abilities.  I write 2 other blogs and a FB page for the Garden Club, and maintain the garden at St. Michaels All Angels church downtown.   I need time for each of these commitments.




  Since the establishment of the Residents Association I personally feel the blog has served it's purpose in keeping communications between residents open and as positive as possible and now the newsletter from the Residents Chairman should be plenty for anyone to read.  There is also to be an information booklet for new Residents so that the blog becomes redundant!  Management maintains a FB page if you are interested in what's happening at the Park.

  I have truly enjoyed writing my monthly blogs with photos for the Residents and thank you for your trust in me as your "reporter". 

Cheers!

Leslie 

FEBRUARY... MONTH OF HOPE

So for the past month we've had lots of RAIN.  Dripping, dropping, pouring....it's all been included.  Sometimes with wind, sometimes without!
 As I walk around I really admire what is happening here.  People are friendly and dogs well mannered.

 The other day I was talking to a possible  new resident who was thrilled to find a place where her dogs were treated well and it seemed everyone lived "by the rules".  She liked the fact that there was a Residents Association and that management was listening to our voice here.

 The Dog Park is well used now  and the toys there are adequate for most the bigger dogs, but since small ones use much smaller things to play with, owners usually bring theirs in pockets to throw while the dogs run to fetch happily.







Taking a walk on the upper level of the park we find Linda hard at work doing what she does best:  rediscovering the beauty of the original layout!  It is indeed a very well thought out design and the cutback to the original rockery and "river" will be very nice to stroll by when it's done.  This is the PERFECT time, by the way,  to rearrange your own garden!

Garden Club  News

Speaking of Gardens, the Garden Club is getting excited!  We had our first meeting in January to organize a bit and set out basic courtesy measures for all who wanted to participate in this years Garden Club. Everyone who had signed up came and we had a good conversation on how we wanted to proceed.

 Last year was the first year the Club got together. This year many of the residents wanted to have a little bit of space (behind fences) to put in some crops of their choice.  We met a second time in February and had another great meeting with anyone who wanted to speak to whatever question came up. We all got a chance to contribute and then we all left with a place marker for our personal 'site'!

Various members presented thoughts on garden design.  Here Laurie shows us her former gardens on rocky soil.  They sure look like they produced well!

 I think it won't be long before you'll see gardeners from all over the Park trudging up the hill to do the magic that Gardeners have a knack for!  Keep an eye out for further news in this department.  Though things are pretty well divvied up, please let me ( Leslie) know if you'd like a spot for next year.  We'll be adding beds as they become necessary.  I was personally grateful for the assistance that Management gave in encouraging us to apply for needed supplies for the garden structure as they become necessary.






 


In town it is sad to see CHEMAINUS  FOODS close permanently. I really miss walking down River Rd. and over to the store and downtown area.  It seems really empty now and actually sad.  It's pretty on Main St., but there isn't the same atmosphere without the food store.  Yes, Rexalls has some things on hand for emergencies,  but not having that bustle in the middle of the town is kind of a let down when you go.  When I'm in the church garden there is much less bustle and the stores are mostly specialty meant for tourists now.
An old time resident told me to cheer up, as there have always been "cycles" in Chemainus and we just got in on a downswing!


 On the other hand it is nice at 49th Parallel  for coffee and shopping, but it is a much longer walk and carrying home the groceries is doable for now, but I will miss the closer store in another 7 or 8 years!
 As was noted in the Residents Association newsletter, 49th Parallel delivers groceries Tuesdays and Thursdays for free in town.  The phone number is noted in the letter, which is emailed and posted in the Bistro as well as by the mailbox and at the laundry house..

Yesterday at the church I noticed a new sign that said a transportation bus will pick up and take Seniors to shop there for free, with a return trip with groceries.  I'll get particulars for anyone interested.

Of course everyone has noticed the huge structural differences being made on Phase#3.  I was taken aback by all the old trees coming down, but then that had to happen in Phase# 2 also.  I'm sure everyone will be pleased when it's all up and running ( though I warn you, it takes awhile!)

So for now, enjoy the rain of the "Wet Coast" and know it will help revive our lovely flora and fauna.

Cheers,

Leslie

A MONTH TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER

Sorry this has taken so LONG to come out!  I had more stuff to do than I remembered and now it's all caught up it's almost the end of January.  Time to put the photos out along with the good memories!

 We had a wonderful get together in December and it was such good fun.  New neighbors, old friends and lots of great food!  It never fails to amaze me how generous the folks here are with bringing great eats to our gatherings!  Koleen, Karen and I set up the tables and put the tablecloths on.

 Karen and I had the fun of decorating the tables.  Though it was a little misty and drizzling , I was able to  gather  from bushes and shrubs in the Gardens , while Karen put together and set up the centerpieces.  

It was cozy and warm looking when everyone started arriving with food in hand.

I can honestly say everyone had a wonderful time together and Mary won the 50/50 draw, which must have been a nice surprise Christmas gift!

 A little later Len opened the Taphouse at the new shopping center at the 49th Parallell.  Everyone from the Gardens were invited to join in the celebration.  It was really neat to see the groups of people who came.  Some sat couple and couple, others with large tables and some alone who joined a "set" they met there.  I think I saw nearly everyone there enjoying good food and company.

We were met at the door or the counter by really nice staff who proceeded to explain how the food worked!  We got to pick from a basket for our appetizer and from another for our entree.  Charles and I got a nacho appy and then he got seafood and I got a pizza.  Wow.  I took home some for later! The   whole experience was very "UpTown" and a welcome new place to have locally.

 Since then we've been enjoying the rain!  And it is soooo pretty when it rains and all the trees sparkle when the sun hits them.

 I have a creative writing piece that our grand daughter wrote that I'd like to share, just for fun.

                                           DOGGIE  BAGS

A businessman is walking down the street.  In front of him is a little old lady walking her small Schnauzer dog.  This man is walking as fast as he can, because he's going to be late for his most important business meeting of the year.  As he walks he suddenly smells something everyone dreads to smell just before a meeting!  DOG
 POOH.
 So this man arrives at his meeting ( that he's already late for) and is walking in at the same time as trying to clean his shoe.  He smells gross and his meeting goes down the drain.

  How would you like to be that man?  I'm sure we've all stepped in some unwanted gooiness before!

PEOPLE! pick up after your dogs, it's not that difficult! even if it's a small one! I know that one day these could be way better smelling streets.  I know some of you people don't care, but this stuff is hard to get off the shoes!! Think about it...you may think, "oh, he's just a small dog. I don't need to be his personal cleaner", but  YES YOU DO!  Some people don't have time to go all the way back home and wash off their shoes.  Sometimes people who have lots of money like to buy overly expensive shoes.  Respect the Street!
 Another reason you should pick up after your dog is that other dogs will come along and see the other dogs waste and decide to see if it tastes good.  Before you know you have a pooch addicted to doggie droppings!  That's the way dogs get worms. 

 Well, at least the Vets will be getting better pay...

   So this is why you should pick up after your dogs.  I've got two words for you people:  DOGGIE BAGS!

 Though we are doing pretty well with this issue, a reminder is always in order!  

 Have a great day!