Happy New Year Greetings!

Hello you lucky folks down at Sandpipers...

Francine and I would like to wish each and everyone at
Sandpipers all the best for this new year coming on shortly.

We had sent our wishes for Christmas but it seems we sent
it at the wrong address so better late than never we hope
that this attempt will be crowned with success.

Health first, money next and the possibility to enjoy both.
Happiness goes together with the two but cannot be
achieved without the first.

Our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers are with you every
single day. Special thanks to those of you who inquired one
way or another about my health. I will be in nuclear medecine
at the end of January to establish the best possible picture
on my heart condition.

I will keep you posted when I get the
results.

Again and again, happy New Year to all.

We miss you soooooooooooooooo much!

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*And a snowy greeting from Patsy & Garland*

Every year, I hear the classic song "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" with a certain nostalgia. Since I've lived in Texas, and mostly South Texas, all of my life, I've only experienced a few white Christmases. These were all at ski resorts in Colorado or New Mexico where you were on vacation and didn't have to get up, shovel the driveway (some employee had already done that), pick people up at the airport, go to work, go to the grocery store. or any of the other myriad tasks of everyday life. We were there to play, ski, sit by a blazing fire (fed with logs provided by another employee), eat, drink, and be merry, or any of the other myriad pleasures of a Christmas vacation in the Rockies.

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I don't think I'll be able to sing that song again with the same enthusiasm. We arrived in Woodinville, WA on Dec. 20 and found the ground and trees already covered with snow. When we got to my daughter's home north of Seattle, I thought, "Isn't this beautiful!" Her yard with its huge fir trees covered with snow, the jaunty snowman in the yard, the large Christmas tree blazing with light in the living room, the warm fire crackling in the fireplace--what more could we ask for? Maybe more snow?

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Well, that's exactly what we got! It proceeded to snow without ceasing ("Oh, aren't those big flakes beautiful?) until Xmas Eve when my son arrived from San Antonio. We couldn't pick him up at the airport because we couldn't get out of the driveway any more, so we engaged a limo service to pick him up. The person who took our reservation warned us that they might have to use an SUV with 4-wheel drive at twice the price if the streets hadn't been plowed. Guess what? Yep, you guessed it! They had to use the 4-wheel drive vehicle, but hey, that's OK because we all wanted to be here together for Xmas.

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Xmas Day was great--opening presents, listening to traditional music, and watching those HUGE flakes drift down outside our windows. On Xmas night, the doorbell rang. We thought it was packages that Chad and his girlfriend Jena had shipped from Texas several days earlier after paying extra for 2-day delivery. But NO! It wasn't the packages--it was Jena herself, a big surprise to all of us except Paige and Doug. Chad was totally blown away, and of course, it really made his Christmas. Jena got to meet Paige and Doug and their boys, Emery and Wilbur. We had met her at Thanksgiving in San Antonio.

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The next day,Chad continued trying to track the gifts, but UPS finally admitted that the packages wouldn't get here until after Xmas. ("No, we're not open now; No, you can't pick up the gifts in person. No, there is no refund for packages delivered late.") By now, Chad had given UPS a very large piece of his mind and vowed to use Fed-EX from now on.)

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Today, as I compose this, the snow has melted off the trees but is still covering the yard, the driveway has been shoveled again this AM, it is NOT snowing, Paige has driven Chad and Jena to the airport, and all is well with our world.
We will be here until Sat. Garland is hoping to get out to a casino this week to play poker. All in all, a delightful Christmas. But, I now have a great appreciation for you Winter Texans from the snowy North who NEVER dream of a "White Christmas."
See you soon.
Patsy

Trip to Santa's Texas Workshop

Last year the Red Hat ladies ventured up to Falfurrias to tour The Christmas House and Santa's Texas Workshop

owned by the Minten sisters.

They had a great time and vowed to return this year, despite their run in with the border patrol at the Falfurrias checkpoint.

We are sure it was the hats that alerted the authorities.

So this year...no hats.

Everyone is welcome, both guys & gals, Thursday, Jan.8.

The plan is to queue at the front gate by 10:30 for the one hour ride to Falfurrias. (If you need a ride just show up)

Then lunch...somewhere...followed by a tour of the house at 1 o'clock, and then shopping the sale at Santa's Workshop.

Phaleta says they have some really great stuff at half price!

The tour is $8.00 per person, and Phaleta has to call 3 days in advance with the number ...so sign up in the pavilion by Monday, Jan. 5.

We support the troops!

New Year's Eve 2008

In recognition of our troops and allies, Lee & Denise extend their invitation for you to join them at lot #627 for a special toast for our freedom fighters as they celebrate their New Year 2009.

Please bring a drink and arrive 15 minutes prior to the toast times so we can recognize our troops on foreign land.

We will toast the troops at their respective midnights of December 31, 2008.

Afghanistan: 1:30 pm

Iraq: 3:00 pm

The Last Week of 2008.

On Monday we are taking down the Christmas decorations in the park to get ready for the New Year's Eve Dance.

With lots of help it shouldn't take very long. The decor always comes down much faster than it goes up.

Come to the pavilion at 10 am to help and you'll earn un-dieing gratitude.

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New Year's Eve Extravaganza!

See in the New Year, 2009!!!! at Sandpiper's. Denise and her crew have been working hard to make this an evening to remember. Tickets are a very reasonable $5 per couple. She's at #627...stop by and get your tickets today. They need to know how many will attend.

The festivities start at 8pm, in the pavilion.Above is a picture of our charming New Year's Eve chairman Denise, with our esteemed director of fun and madness, Jon, skulking in the background. He shoveled so much snow during his Wisconsin Christmas trip that he didn't have time to shave.

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JUNQUE & JAVA
Junque & Java for January is coming fast. Clean out a closet quickly and make a few bucks in the process.

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Saturday, Jan. 3rd is the first sale for the year.

Free tables, free coffee.

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Even if you have nothing to sell come to the pavilion between 8-10 am to visit, have some free coffee and get one of Bev's delicious pastries.

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Also, Don & Vanessa will be selling tickets at Junque & Java for the much anticipated

"Taste of Alaska" dinner which will be towards the end of Jan.

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They really, REALLY want to sell the tickets early and it is strictly limited in number,

so plan to buy your tickets on Jan 3rd.

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So come to Junque & Java...who knows what treasures you might find?

Merry Christmas!

Last night was Sandpiper's annual gift exchange. What fun...it was like being a kid again!


As we entered the colorfully decorated pavilion through an arch of Christmas lights elves exchanged the gifts we had brought for a numbered ticket.


We found seats and chatted with our friends while waiting expectantly for Santa to arrive.


First there was a short moving program with Dorothee and Ekerhard, holding lighted candles, singing Silent Night in German, followed by Pierre & Diane singing in French, then Marijanne, in Dutch. We all then stood and sang in English. Lovely.


Santa then made an appearance. I never knew Santa was so small. Candy was showered on all.


Then it was on to announcing the winners in the parkwide decorating contest. There were so many RV's & Mobile's decorated this year the judges had a really tough time. Our judges, who wish to remain anonymous, did an outstanding job. They are fairly new to the park, did not know who lived in the homes they picked. They worked, literally for days. They did walk-bys....they did drive-bys. The revisited sites after making tough decisions just to be sure. They were sneaky about it, too. Making sure nobody saw them. And they worried . They even lost sleep over these decisions, but finally narrowed it down. But even then they had to add some extra categories because the original 6 places just weren't enough. Everyone did a super job in making the park look festive, but these homes were extra special.

RV'S:

The Most Glamorous ***#431 Richie & Judy

The Most Original***#232 Barry & Carol

The Most Colorful***#332 Irwin & Margaret

Special Mention***#627 Lee & Denise

Mobiles:

The Most Extensive***#40 Tony & Sherry

The Most Original***#37 John & Sue

The Brightest***#38 Jim & Sue

Special Mention***#24 Roy & Kathy

Then the merry mayhem of Xmas thievery commenced!

Numbers were called, gifts chosen and stolen all evening. The elves and their helpers did a masterful job of keeping us on schedule and controlling the mayhem. I think everyone went home, if not with their first choice, at least with a fine gift. This year there were plenty of restaurant gift cards and bottles of wine & spirits.

What a fun time we all had. Thanks John & Sue, Marijanne, Dorothee, Mary, Margaret & Ellen, all the helpers putting dots on the presents, all the decoraters and behind the scene planners.

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Today, at 2, is the Christmas feast, with hams provided by Karen & Jay. Don't forget your dish to share.

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Then...on Monday, Dec 29, at 10am, the decorations will come down in preparation for the New Year's Eve Dance.

WE NEED HELP!

Twelve Days of Christmas.

Several days ago Alan sent me this interesting bit of Christmas trivia. While he and Stevie have been battling Stevie's illness he still has time to share some Christmas joy with the rest of us.

Thanks, Alan. I really enjoyed learning about this carol.

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There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.

What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans,

and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree

have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning

known only to members of their church.

Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality

which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.


The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol.

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone!

SandPiper Santas

From Elsie:

Once again we had a successful year for over 60 actively involved

volunteers for our Sandpipers Christmas Adopt-a-Family Program.

This year 19 children plus a new baby boy scheduled to arrive on January 12th received newly wrapped gifts.

The Sandpiper's Family response to the non-perishable food drive was overwhelming with its generosity. The food was augmented with a 10 to 12 lb. Boston Butt (pork), 10 lbs. of chicken, chorizo, eggs, bread, tortillas, apples, carrots, potatoes and onions, etc.

The food helps to tide the families over the holiday when the

school food programs are shut down during the holidays.

After the delivery of food and gifts, a chili dog lunch served

to the volunteers was open to all residents of Sandpipers.

Many thanks to all for your efforts.

The next Adopt-a-Family fundraisers will be:

A soup night will be on Tuesday, January 13th at 5:30 PM.

Menu will include French Onion Soup, a meat based soup, crackers, bread, homemade mini-muffins and dessert.

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The ever popular "Taste of Alaska" fish dinner will be

on Saturday January 24th.

Tickets will be available at the January Junque & Java.

See you there -

Happy Holidays from the Adopt-a-Family Committee!

From Tom:

The faces of these children show the gratitude that we found at each of the homes.

These are just a few of the children at each house. Some of the older children were camera shy. Seeing the living conditions these families have is truly an eye opener.

The faces of the children certainly touched the crew of elves.

Seasonal Info

A reminder: Wednesday is Christmas Eve.

The gift exchange at Sandpiper's is one of the most fun events of the whole season. Not just because everyone loves to receive a gift but because it's well thought out, and planned, and executed to be an event to remember.

There is a poster in the pavilion with the how-to's, and I've published the info here in an earlier blog, but it's time to touch on the gifts.

Make sure you bring something you are proud to give...something you would love to receive.

The suggested amount is $20. But also keep in mind we all live in cramped quarters with more to store than we have room for. (I don't suppose you can get an extra closet for $20?)

Items like restaurant or store gift cards, or consumable gifts (fire water comes to mind) are always appreciated. Unbreakable wineglasses, serving trays and containers for pot lucks...use your fertile imaginations!

This year the elves suggest you may put your name & lot number inside your gift if you wish, so delighted recipients can thanks you. Optional, but nice.

See you Wed. night, at 6 sharp. The elves will be waiting by the door.

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Here is a Happy Holiday card from Tony & Helen in Cambodia:

And Alan sent this picture of his house in Canada with vain hopes to enter the Christmas decorating contest. He points out the authenticity of the white stuff decorating his lawn...no artificial snow for Alan & Stevie! Nice try, Alan.

Don't forget the Fire Pit Garden Christmas Carols & S'More Party. Whew...say that 3 times fast!

Tuesday at 7pm. It should be nice weather but if not we'll move it indoors and lay a large fire in the center of the community room. (Just kidding, Karen!)

We are providing all the S'More makings but bring a toasting fork if you have one. Also...bring a flashlight and your reading glasses. We have song sheets chock full of seasonal songs.

S.N.O.W. Tournament Results & A Report From Points North.

The umpteenth Annual SNOW Tournament just concluded with petanque players

happy to have survived the cold and foggy weather.

Congratulations to the winning teams!

First place: Team #4

Dorothee # 506
George 31
Karen 403
Adele 31

Second Place: Team #2

Kathy # 24
Vanessa 209
Tommy outside park

Don 209

Third Place: Team #6

Maryjanne # 203
David 211
Bill 605
Paul 46

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From Jon & Donna:

Hi All,

We made it back to Wisconsin safely. It was snowing when we landed on Tuesday night. Cleared up for a couple of days. Then the BIG ONE hit us. We woke up this morning to 12 - 14 inches of SNOW. Enjoy the pictures, because we sure didn't enjoy cleaning it all up at both of our Mom's houses.

Jon is still not done shoveling because we are waiting for the snow plow to come through at his mom's house and pack the driveway in! At my mom's house, the snow plow left hard packed snow at the driveway at least 4 - 5 feet deep. YIKES!!!

Hope you all are basking in the warm sun.

Hugs to all of you,

Jon & Donna

Got Golf?

Our golf league has decided to change the location from Monte Cristo to Los Lagos beginning Jan. 8th (Thursdays) at 9am.

The green fees will be $30.00 including tax, cart and gps.

They have a lunch room which will deliver food directly to your golf cart if desired.

They will also offer a 15% discount in their pro shop.

Any questions - contact Bob, Annie or Joey.

At this time of year we are flooded with cute e-cards and seasonal images of colorful Christmas trees. Sometimes, when a really cute one comes my way I think, "Oh, this would be good to put in the blog!" Then I'll see another, and another, and I let the moment pass by.

Alan, one of the most prolific blog readers and commenter's, has sent several images that are truly worthwhile sharing.

Arlington National Cemetery

You may be interested to know that these wreaths, some 5,000, are donatedby the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine.

The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths,

but covers the trucking expense as well.

He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy.

Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an

educational trip to DC with this event to help out.

Making this even more remarkable is the fact that

Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

This poem was sent to me by both Alan from Canada and by Kathie #106. I found it timely and interesting in that Alan's version had the sleeping soldier a British Peacekeeper, while Kathie's (sent to her by her Air Force granddaughter Dana) is a U.S. soldier. Whichever version, it is thought provoking and touching.

ITS CHRISTMAS DAY ALL IS SECURE

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,

IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,

AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

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I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,

NO TINSEL NO PRESENTS NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY THE MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND.

ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS.

A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND

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FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY.

I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING SILENT ALONE,

CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

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THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER

NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ

CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

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I REALISED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT

OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON AROUND THE WORLD THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,

AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

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THEY ALL ENJOY FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR

BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY ALONE,

ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

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THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE.

I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE

'SANTA DON'T CRY THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE.

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM. I DON'T ASK FOR MORE.

MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY. MY CORPS'

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THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP.

I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL,

AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHTS CHILL.

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I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD DARK NIGHT,

THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOUR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,

WHISPERED 'CARRY ON SANTA, ITS CHRISTMAS DAY ALL IS SECURE'.

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT'.

MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT'

Christmas is Coming Fast!

Let's make the season sparkle! It's not too late to participate in the park wide decorating contest. Secret judges have been chosen and are itching to give away lots of goodies. There is not going to be anything as "tacky" as 1st, 2nd or 3rd place...'cause we are all winners at Sandpiper's. Gag...can't believe I said that. What is wrong with me?

There will be 6 prizes, three for the RV's and three for the mobiles. Judges probably can be bribed, but you didn't hear that from me.

Judging will be done on Dec. 23rd. Plunking a red bow on your rear view mirror counts,

so don't tell me you can't decorate.

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Now....if it is really bad weather we can move to the community room but the fire then won't be as big, or the marshmallows as warm and toasty. So let's hope for good weather. Plan on singing Christmas songs and roasting your chestnuts by the open fire.

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One of the highlights of the Christmas season is the Christmas Eve gift exchange. Not only is it fun to receive a present, it's even more fun to steal one.

Ahhh, the joys of theft at Christmas....

Brrrr...!

Our intrepid newsletter editor, John #5, sent over this picture to make us

eternally grateful that we are here...not there!

Remember these moments? I don't miss 'em at all! **********

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If you came to the community building on Monday afternoon, you'd have seen some people on the floor, others sitting quietly with their eyes closed, people drawing and writing with the hand they don't usually use for those tasks, music, quiet conversation: it was a workshop presented by Marsha Nelson (and arranged by Sue Ross) to help Sandpipers put the joy back in the holidays.

It is easy, oh so easy for us, particularly the female ones of us, get caught up in hundreds of old "have to" ideas around the holidays. Marsha guided us through an hour and a half allowing us to catch our breath (and learn to breath deeply), to explore the creative side of our brains that get little workouts in the time of lists and obligations, and to check in with our bodies about where it hurts and how we might heal. She also encouraged this female audience to support one another, to treasure friendships, and to be kind, gentle, tender with ourselves.

Marsha will return on January 19th to create a workshop that uses images in new relationships to tap into our deepest desires and anxieties, our hopes and fears for the new year. All her work (and her life's work) harnesses deep creative impulses to heal ourselves and the world. She says she loves to come to Sandpipers because as nudists we are already open to integrating our bodies and our minds and living healthily.

Everyone is welcome to to her next free workshop.

It is a mind expanding experience.
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Thanks Toni, for the report.

Wine Tasting Evolves into a New Sport!

Yesterday's wine tasting in the community room began in a very civilized manner. Upwards of 40 connoisseurs of good wine, gourmet food and sparkling conversation gathered to sip and savor. Commercial wines from all over the states and Canada mingled with wines from Germany, Italy & Spain. Homemade wine too, was represented by a sweet blackberry wine and some Cabernet from Mexico. Bob & Bernie, our resident wine experts had samples from the Indiana State Fair Wine Competition and also shared their extensive knowledge about the wines we brought. Very civilized.

Then something happened.

The half finished bottles of wine, the bits of cheese, the little chocolates, the few tortilla chips...all were gathered on one table. They looked a little lonely. Everyone was having such a good time nobody wanted the party to end...so the whole kit and kaboodle was moved to the petanque court where the party continued for the next several hours. Happy hour devotees wandered over. Neighbors joined the games. Jon brought an almost full bottle of cognac, which didn't stay full for long. The lights were turned on and excuses made to have one more drink.

"Medicinal" was heard frequently.

"Keeps out the chill." and

"Protection from the night vapors." All valid excuses, I believe.Bob & Bernie reported getting home somewhere between 7:15 and 8:45...they couldn't quite remember.

Also...They have a "Thank You" to pass along.

Santa left them a nice little gift. An unbreakable wine carafe. Should come in mighty handy when drinking wine above concrete floors.Thanks Santa!