We Need Mosquito Fish, We Need a Drain!

Greetings all,

(From Tom)

We had a little rain last night. 

 A thunderstorm set up camp right

over Sandpipers. 

We had thunder and lightening for about two hours

 with constant heavy rain. 

 The radar during this storm showed a rain hood
coming off this thunderstorm that extended about 50 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.  Through the whole storm the radar showed the red area of heaviest rain right over Sandpipers. 

 

It's no wonder that we look like this.

Rain gauges in the park showed between 4 and 5 inches of rain.

  I took pictures about 11:30 p.m. and then did quite a few more this morning.  We've seen this before.  The last time was after Hurricane Dolly in 2010, shortly after we got our house here at Sandpipers. Preparing our lot for the house we removed the topsoil and put about 18 inches of fill rock in to elevate the lot. 

It is paying off.

These are two panoramic photos.  When you view them, you can enlarge them to fill the vertical dimension of the screen.  They will spill off the sides of the screen.  You can then scroll the pictures to view them as a continuous 180 degree view using the hand tool or the scroll bar at the bottom of the screen on most computers.  I left these at full file size so you can make this enlargement without losing resolution.

Tom

Water, Water, Everywhere

Tom sent a few pictures of our new water feature...
 lovely new Lake Sandpipers. 

 

 "These were
taken from Lot 44 on the North Shore. 

 

 I guess we'll have to replace the
speed limit signs with No Wake signs!

Tom"

 

And this is after just 3.73 inches...hmmm, I guess that is a lot compared to what we normally get.

From Dick & Frankie...

Another fun and successful winter season

with the most marvelous people on earth!!  

 

 Thank you all for making Sandpipers your winter home.  

Dick & I wish you all a spectacular summer, safe travels with outstanding adventures and look forward to more exciting escapades in the 2015-2016 season at Sandpipers.

BLUE SKIES & BUTTERFLIES EVERYONE!!

 

Oh Woe, another Bike cancelation!

The last of our regular bicycle riders are departing

 for the far North this weekend. 

 

 As a result, we'll call off the bicycle ride previously
scheduled for April 14. 

 

The bike ride on March 31 was our last ride for
the season.

Tom & Louise Butler
Lot 44

A Round-up of Blogs and Recipes

 

We have some mighty interesting folks at Sandpipers and here is an addition to your must read blog list...
 

 Mightybus.wordpress.com

 

 

It's the blog of newbies Wendy and Jim and the last few months posts are about the people and events here in the park. 

Read through the posts.  She has some great foodie recipes...salsa and such.

 

And of course you all know about Louise's thought provoking blog...

 

http://butlerblaisdellblog.blogspot.com

 

and

Steve & Judy Taylor have a great blog about their travels
 and bird photos,

steveandjudystravelblog.blogspot.com/

Jim & B do one too...
From the Turtle's Shell
 

 

any more????? Let me know.

 *******************

Easter Sunday we spent the afternoon with friends eating and talking and enjoying the great weather.  Our delicious spread included this yummy treat brought by Frankie.  Just make it! 

 TO DIE FOR!

 

Boursin Cheese Dip Recipe

Cut up 1-2 large onions, thinly sliced (or better, chopped roughly) Place 1-2 TBS oil in a skitllet.  Add 1/4 cup brown sugar, pinch of salt, 1-2 TBS balsamic vinegar.  You can also add 1-2 TBS of red wine if you are drinking some or need an excuse to open a bottle.  Throw in the onions and cook on low until they are carmelized. (45 minutes or more)  Don't rush it!  Stir often, and watch them....they can burn if ignored. 

 

Once cooked, add a goodly amount over Boursin cheese (any soft cheese will do) and serve with crackers.  Can be made ahead and warmed before serving...yum!

 

Boursin cheese is mighty good stuff but also pricey...here is a great alternative..

 

 

Homemade Boursin-Style Cheese

 

Do you want to fancy up a party? How about having a great snacking cheese? What about something wonderful to put in scrambled eggs, or on a bagel, or atop grilled meats? Well, here you go then! This is a homemade Boursin-Style Cheese recipe that costs a fraction of the price stores charge for a teeny tiny tub; it makes a bunch; it freezes well, too!

Author: The Saucy Southerner modified from Southern Living Nov 1994

Recipe type: Dip/Spread

Ingredients

• 1- 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
• 8 tablespoons butter (real butter- this is one stick or ½ cup), room temperature
• 1 small clove garlic (if using raw- 2 cloves if using roasted garlic)
• ½ teaspoon dry oregano leaves
• ⅛ teaspoon dry basil leaves
• ⅛ teaspoon dry dill weed
• ⅛ teaspoon dry marjoram leaves
• ⅛ teaspoon dry thyme leaves
• ⅛ teaspoon dry chives
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredient into the bowl of a food processor, or use an electric mixer with a whip attachment.
2. Whip thoroughly until smooth and fluffy.
3. Place in an airtight container to refrigerate for a couple of weeks, or freeze for up to 4 months

From Bill and Jocelyne

Bill and I would like to thank everyone for their concern and good wishes, it was well appreciated. 

 

  The injured foot is painfully and slowly recovering,

fortunately nothing was broken. 

 

We hope to leave sometimes next week or as soon as we can travel.

We  wish  everybody a nice summer and safe travelling and we are looking forward to seeing everybody in the fall. 

 

Hugs, Jocelyne and Bill.

 

A Big Thank You From Margaret & Irwin

We would like to say a big thanks to Cindy & Jim,

and Wendy and Jim for a

surprise 50th anniversary celebration

and to all our Sandpiper friends

thank you for the anniversary wishes!

Love,

Irwin & Margaret