New Recycling Guidelines

As you may know Karen spends a fortune on garbage removal

for Sandpipers...hundreds every week.

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As a cost cutting move and to help GREEN Sandpipers

she is implementing new measures to reduce household waste,

and eliminate the need for dumpsters.

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All households, mobiles and RV's, will in

future burn their refuse in portable home incinerators.

In the beginning we will have to share the incinerators (they'll be on wheels)

but hopefully, in the near future, each two or three homes

will have an incinerator positioned close by.

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For a short while all residents will burn their trash on the day of the week

that corresponds to the first letter of their last name.

For example, Zabritski starts with a Z and as there are no days that start

with the letter Z the Zabritski's may use any day for burning that is convenient.

Now the Morris's on the other hand may only burn on Mondays.

Pretty innovative and clear.

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The costs for these new incinerators will initially be born by management,

until the next contract time rolls around.

At that time the cost will be rolled over into the next price increase.

You'll hardly notice it.

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Now you won't have to burn everything.

For one thing, right now we have a burn ban in effect,

so extra measures should be taken to reduce your burnable trash.

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There are alternatives to burning household and yard wastes:

Below is a list of what you can do to limit the amount of burning.

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Reduce usage--buy in bulk or larger quantities and

demand less packaging on the products you buy.
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Reuse items--find someone else who can use it, have a yard sale,

or donate it to a resale organization.
Recycle newspaper, office paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard,

magazines, aluminum, metal and acceptable plastics.
Compost leaves and plant clippings.

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Consult your local government to find out whether local ordinances

allow you to compost raw vegetables, bread, egg shells and coffee grounds.

Or really, I think we can chuck it all over the fence.

There are goats there, you know.

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Chip brush and clean wood to make mulch or decorative chips,

or use it as heating fuel in wood stoves or boilers.

Karen is investigating a wood chip burning air conditioning system.

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Dispose of allowable waste materials at a licensed landfill.

We'll caravan over to the landfill on Calling All Gals Luncheon Days so we won't waste trips.

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For more information about what items may be disposed

of at licensed landfills, contact the Edinburg Recycling Program.

If we all work together it will be a smooth transition.

It should work just fine, and we can roast marshmallows any time.

Calling All Gals Luncheon

Calling all Gals
Luncheon at Cracker Barrel

McAllen, TX

Expressway 83 & Ware Road

3817 US Expressway 83

McAllen, TX 78503

Located off US 83

(956) 683-1874

Thursday, April 2nd. 2009
Leaving Sandpipers at 11:00am
See Mary at Lot 5 or Phaleta Lot 406 for additional information

Sign-up in the pavilion.

Funs*A*Poppin 2 DVD

Jim has made about 30 copies of the Funs-A-Poppin 2 DVD and delivered a bunch already. He wants to get them to the soon-to-be-goners before they are, well, gone.

He tried to deliver to the following people but they were not home:

Jim & Sandy

Barry & Joey

Lisette & Gary

Toni & Paul

Tom & Louise

Annie & Bill

Jay & Karen

Dick & Sharon

Barry & Carol

Margaret & Earl

Rose & Ed

Sharon & Mike

Try to pick it up at our house #38.

If you are already goners we'll mail it right away.

If your name is not on the list that means we already know we have to mail it.

If you are on the list and already a goner, let me know...I'll transfer you to the mail list.

All on this list and the mail list have already paid, but more are or will be, available.

Price is $5, nothing extra for shipping.

If you buy Funs 1 and Funs 2, the cost is $8 for both(special deal!)

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring Fling by the Pool!

We must make this an annual event!

What a great (if chilly) time we all had.

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I was glad, when I saw the weather report, that it was to cool off a little.

After all, 100 degrees, in the sun, is a bit brutal.

But jeesh!

It was cold!

With the temps in the 60's and a stiff breeze,

playing water volleyball was a challenge.

It did finally warm up enough to be more comfortable,

but nobody ever got warm.

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After playing volleyball for several hours, we all rushed home to

gather our goodies for the Super Duper Happy Hour.
Yummy food, as usual, and the piece de resistance...the bar under the trees!

Every liquor you could imagine!

Chocolate martinis!

John #5 made the national drink of...of...some South American country that tastes like liquorice and robs your memory.

All the mixers, ice, cups, and liquors you could ever ask for, to sample, to taste and to guzzle.

But...I think we were very responsible.

Mostly we got drunk on jello shots (more on that later-I did some research)
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On to the games.

The first was a hula hoop contest...hysterical to watch.

Sharon #116 and Pauline #49 wowed us with thier skill, but Pauline was the ultimate winner.

That girl can do things with a hula hoop that defy gravity.

But I must mention Roy...Pauline did take him down, but before he crashed we saw some wonderful moves.

And he wasn't wearing a tie.

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Recognize this?

Ah...the famous Charmin Plunge.

The goal:

Insert stick into hole. How hard could it be?

Harder than you could ever imagine, though some, I swear, practise every day.

I heard that if you don't practise every 3 days you get headaches,

but that may be an old wive's tale...or old husband's.

Pam & Bob must practise a lot, 'cause they walked away with the grand prize,

after a plunge-off against Joan & Roy.

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The GRAND PRIZES for all this hilarity were jello shots. Multi-colored little gems of fruity goodness. Got me thinking of different recipes for the shots, different flavor combos. Who knew there are whole web sites devoted to these tasty treats.

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Most of the following comes from a website that did extensive research

on jello shots...I share with you some of what they found.

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What Is The Best Tasting Jell-O Shot?
The Flavor Challenge
Previously we focused our efforts on maximizing the alcoholic potency of the shots.

But, as we discovered, the flavor suffered severely as a result.

This compromises the basic utility and purpose of the Jell-O shot.

Jell-O shots are supposed to get you buzzed, but they are also supposed to taste good.
In our selection of liquors and recipe combinations, we tried to stick to the basics: liquors and ingredients that were economical and easy to find or likely to be on hand.

Start With the Basics
Here’s a rundown of some of the best basic Jell-O/liquor combinations.

Of course, it goes without saying that you can put vodka in anything,

or use a flavored vodka that matches the Jell-O (Orange and Stoli Oranj, for example).

The following combos and recipes got approval from our panel of tasters.

Standout favorites were:

cherry and amaretto,

watermelon and sour apple schnapps,

orange and Captain Morgan’s,

and anything containing peach schnapps.

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These shots were prepared by dissolving 3 oz. Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, then adding 8oz. (1 cup) of cold liquid – straight alcohol, a mixture of liqueur and vodka, or alcohol and cold water. For flavored liquors (Absolut Citron, Malibu, Captain Morgan’s) 1 cup of liquor was used.

For strong tasting, high proof liquors (tequila and rum) a mixture of 4 oz. liquor and 4 oz. cold water was used. The liquors varied in potency from 30 proof (15% ABV) to 80 proof (40% ABV), which put the shots in the range of 10% ABV to 20% ABV.

In other words, it would take a few of them to equal the alcohol content of one cocktail.

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Lime Jell-O:

Absolut Citron – Crisp and lively citrus flavor.

Tequila – Plain tequila and lime is the quick and dirty way to make a “margarita” shot.

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Cherry Jell-O:

Amaretto – An excellent combination, tastes like the syrup from a jar of maraschino cherries. Can be overly sweet if you add too much.

Peach schnapps – Mild but flavorful, tastes like candy.

Crème de cacao – This creates a chocolate/cherry flavor with more complexity than average. Too much of the liqueur tastes bitter.

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Orange Jell-O:

Peach Schnapps – Use for a Fuzzy Navel effect. Sweet and mellow flavor.

Tequila – Tangy and spicy, the orange really smooths out the tequila.

Captain Morgan’s - Sweet and spicy, would be good for the holidays.

Amaretto – Tastes like a creamsicle or Orange Julius.

Malibu – Very smooth, pleasant coconut aftertaste.

Southern Comfort – Sweet with a bit more alcoholic bite and edge than schnapps.

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Lemon Jell-O:

Absolut Citron – Tart and clean, like a lemondrop but not as sweet.

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Watermelon Jell-O:

Sour Apple Schnapps – Fantastic flavor, tastes exactly like a Jolly Rancher candy.

Tequila – Complex, tangy flavor, has a bite to it.

Midori – Sweet, more of a generic melon flavor.

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Strawberry Jell-O:

Peach Schnapps – Sweet and candylike.

White rum – The quick and dirty strawberry daiquiri.

Tequila – Peppery, tangy, not overly sweet.

Sour Apple Schnapps – The schnapps enhances the berry flavor for a sweet/tart effect.

Midori – Fruity, tastes a bit like bubblegum.

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Peach Jell-O:

Malibu – Very smooth, alcohol flavor almost unnoticeable.

Captain Morgan’s – Tastes like peach pie, a little spicy.

Southern Comfort – Sweet, with a mild bourbon flavor.

Peach Schnapps – Very, very sweet and very peachy.

Sour Apple Schnapps – Tastes like Sweetarts.

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Raspberry Jell-O:

Peach Schnapps – Fruity, sweet, tastes like red Twizzlers.

Midori – Very sweet, fruity, tastes like bubble gum.

What research!

A few last must-do recipes and I'll let you go...

Chocolate Covered Cherry Jell-O Shot
A few readers suggested Jell-O shot recipes involving various combinations of whipped cream, chocolate topping, chocolate liqueur, and alcohol soaked cherries. We combined them all into a chocolate/cherry concoction that was insanely delicious and really takes Jell-O shots to the next level and beyond. We started with maraschino cherries soaked in rum, and embedded them in a cherry Jell-O shot made with crème de cacao and vodka.That in itself was pretty tasty, but then we covered it with a layer of “Magic Shell” chocolate topping and added a dollop of Reddi-Whip. The refrigerated Jell-O was not cold enough to make the chocolate shell harden, so we popped it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to achieve the ideal consistency.. We prefer to add a little vodka to take the edge off the crème de cacao's bitterness, but if you want a stronger chocolate taste, you can omit the vodka and use a full 1/2 cup of liqueur.

Finally...The Mojito Jell-O Shot
Mojitos are very popular right now, so we muddled some fresh mint and added it to lime Jell-O with rum. The result looked like that mint jelly that your mom would serve with lamb. It was refreshing and different, but your average partygoer might be put off by leaves floating in the Jell-O.

3oz. package lime Jell-O

8 oz. (1 cup) Boiling water

6 oz. white rum

2 oz. cold water

Mint leaves, chopped and crushed

And to see the original site and get more info on why to never use

Bailey's in jello shots, click on this url:

http://www.myscienceproject.org/j-shot-3.html

Big Weekend!

It's going to be a beautiful weekend. Not as hot as today, perfect for a lazy day by the pool, or for frantic, last minute indulgence in all the fun activities that Sandpiper's offers.Read the Spring Fling blog for an idea of what to expect...just scroll down.

Lots of sports to play...or just soak up the sun one more time.

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Then on Monday plan on another Super Happy Hour, hosted by

Tom & Teresa Lot #207 and Rick & Donna Lot #208.

Monday, March 30, 4pm

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They will be providing grilled hot dogs and condiments

all you need to bring is your chair

and of course your favorite beverage

(perhaps a snack to share)

See you there!

New Event & Report on the Burgers.

Next Wednesday, April 1st, (FunBuzz Day) a new event will be debuting at the pavilion. Be in the audience to laugh...or better yet, participate. Tell a funny story or a joke. Work up a quick sketch with your neighbors.

Being "onstage" is addictive.

The more you get involved with this kind of thing, the more fun you'll have.

I guarantee it!

Look at how much fun we had making the Bodacious Burgers last night!

It was theater, it was food!

All the chefs, and there were eight of us, made what anyone would consider,

Gourmet Burgers.

Some had wonderful presentation.

Some had unusual ingredients.

All put much thought and preparation into the event.

There were 45 attendees who enjoyed munching their way through the selections.

Three judges, Irwin, Yvon, and Karen, struggled to pick the three winners,

since all eight were outstanding.

They finally narrowed it down to :

3rd Place

George & Pauline for their Greek Burger,

with a delightful combination of typically Greek tastes.And yes, they posed for this picture while accepting the award.

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2nd Place

went to me! Jim & Sue for the JayBurger, inspired by Jay's love

of all things cheesy and bacony and burgery.

It was a bacon cheeseburger nestled between two grilled cheese sandwiches!

Jay was not able to attend but sent in this picture of himself to show his delight.

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Drum roll, please.....

1st Place

Larry Dean & Donna for their Squealer Burger.

Ground bacon mixed with the ground meat!

Inspired!

And yes, Larry Dean posed for this picture while accepting the award.

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Other contestants were John & Sue with their Bratwurst Sliders,
all the taste of Wisconsin rolled up in a burger.

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Mary & John presented a $50 Burger (and tried to buy the judges).

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Rose & Ed made Italiano Burgers, full of fresh herbs, and Italian seasonings.

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Robert wowed us with his open-faced French Chef Creation with more ingredients
than I could possible name..oh, I'll try.
Duck pate', Camembert, blue potatoes, red cabbage, olives, cherry tomatoes....more I'm sure.

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Tony & Sherry with Philly Cheese steak impression. (made without Don's help).

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Truly a great dining experience. Hope you were there.

Terry & Tommy's Most Excellent Adventures!

Terry & Tommy sent this so we'd stop

complaining that it's getting hot!

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I just wanted to share with all of you, our Sandpiper family, some of what has been going on with us since we left. It is hard to believe that we have been gone for 3 weeks today. Our trip home was uneventful except for me getting attacked by a Rottweiler at a campground just over the Oklahoma/ Texas line. Luckily I didn't need stitches, only a tetanus shot and his rabies vaccine was up to date. We arrived home to find a couple of inches of snow on the ground and of course, it was cold!!! Still it was good to get back home. Why did we come so early....?

View from out front porch. No water volleyball in sight!

The livestock looked as though they had wintered well and all was well. That was just until the next day when Tommy found two cows down. One was an old cow and the birthing event was just too much for her. She had a nice calf, but couldn't get up to feed it. Another one slipped on the ice and was unable to get up again. Long story short, Tommy ended up euthanizing them so they wouldn't suffer. Our wonderful son-in-law took the calf to his house to bottle feed.

Some of our new calves and the reason we are in the cold north!

mmmm....good!

We were lucky that the weather warmed up and the snow was gone within just a few days. Since that time we have been blessed with a couple warm days then a cool down, then warm again. We are so ready for it to warm up and stay there. I have nearly lost my tan. Bummer!

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One of our replacement heifers had trouble calving and Tommy had to assist to get the calf out. He was a large bull calf and had a very difficult birth.

Mom getting held up so blood can circulate in her legs.

Afterwards neither the mom nor the baby were able to walk, but both have good appetites. The baby finally got up and is walking since Saturday morning. We borrowed a hoist of sorts that hooks to the cows hip bones and lifts her up on her feet by using a loader tractor.

Her front legs work well and she would get us if she could!

The bad thing is that mom is still mad about the difficult delivery.

Must be part elephant as she has a great memory. The baby calf has imprinted with Tommy. Thinks he is mom.

She tries to kill Tommy every time he goes to take care of her.

If she doesn't improve soon she may be our next beef.

No baby, your mom is over there.

I know it's there somewhere, but he never gets a hold.
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We just wanted you all to know that we miss everyone and all the good times that are going on down there. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this fall/winter and anyone that wants to stop by on their way north. Our weather is improving and we are having a good time even with the bad luck we have had. Tommy told someone that things couldn't get worse. I sure hope not. Our son-in-law was quick to point out that nothing went wrong until after we got home. Hmmm.....maybe we should have stayed in Texas.

Terry & Tommy

Spring Fling!

We are gonna have the BEST time!

As you get ready to head back north

take a day off to celebrate living at Sandpipers.

Say goodby to old friends and new,

remember the great times we all had this Winter,

and just have a good time being a kid again.

We are gonna PLAY all day long!

Start off the day enjoying your sport of choice, then grab a bag lunch

and sit by the pool to watch volleyball.

Or join in.

There will be music from the 50's-60's. Relax with your neighbors...noodle for awhile.

Then at 4pm regroup for a SUPER Happy Hour at the pool.

Too much liquor in your cabinet from the many trips to Progresso?

Bring your excess to the pool.

There will be tables set up under the trees by the east pool gate for a makeshift bar.

The pavilion will be ready for your crockpots full of meatballs or chicken wings.

This will be a SUPER DUPER HAPPY HOUR!

Clean out your fridge. We will need the strength to continue into the evening.

Jimmy Buffet music will be playing about now.

Poolside games will commence.

Wait til you see what the winners of the games will receive!

After stuffing ourselves with the offerings of our friends and neighbors

a spirited game of night volleyball will commence, possibly with a surprise.

So...plan to play on Saturday. You'll have all summer to remember the fun!

Bodacious Burgers!

Tuesday at 5:30, PAVILION!

(even tho the poster says comm room, it will be in the pavilion)

This is gonna be great!

Although we only have 6 chefs signed up there will be plenty to eat.

If you would like to be a chef it's not too late.

See Roy #24.

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The individual chef tables may be, could be, should be,

decorated in a theme to match their burger.

(As I just made this up on the spot it may not be true, but one can hope)

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We are all inspired to create the best burger experience, ever, in the history of man.

After all, this is a contest for the best burger chef, so be prepared to be WOWED!

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Take you cholesterol meds. You are gonna need 'em! Especially for my burger.

It is inspired by Jay, in fact it's called the Jay-Burger.

My lips are sealed. I'll say no more.

A Biblical Experience.

Bob & Bernie, Jon & Donna trekked over to Water 2 Wine to make a batch of vino.It looks like a lot of work what with the botttles and scary looking equipment and such, but I'm guessing it's pretty rewarding to whip out a bottle of YOUR wine to sip and share. Now this torture device was a real workout!They took turns.Look at those muscles!Bernie was busy trying out her wine...

Where'd you get that?....

"From this one..."

Even after the wine is made the work continues. The all important label.

Ta-Da!

Wine Makers Extraordinary!

Viva la vino!

Bike Ride at Bentsen.

Tuesday 9 of us caravaned over to Bentsen State Park, the center showpiece of the Birding Centers in South Texas, to ride our bikes and maybe see some wildlife.
The office is surrounded by butterfly gardens, each plant labeled. As we are going to be making a butterfly/hummingbird garden here at Sandpiper's I was interested in how the area was arranged.

After admiring the plants we hopped aboard and off we pedaled.Some of us forgot our binoculars.......then we ran into some birding enthusiasts with a scope that got us up

close and personal with the birds.I was able to get a picture through the scope of a Ringed Kingfisher.

The small picture is from the ID sign. I think the real thing is more handsome.

Lanny did a lot of study on the signs. He was afraid of getting lost again.

We overheard one birding group tell another about the possible sighting of a Blue or Indigo Bunting up ahead.

That got us talking about Painted Buntings, which have occasionally been sighted in this area.

Jim got all excited thinking we had found Painted Bunnies...

He was on the wrong tour. They can be found only on the Hugh Hefner Tour.

We did find a javalina eating birdseed.

After a seed snack he wandered over to the blind for a drink where we got to see him up close.

This is Donna & Tom quietly taking pictures of the javeina and the red-winged blackbirds.

After the javelina sighting I noticed Lanny's T-shirt.

Looks like he was ready for BBQ javelina.















Another scope picture. I think that dark spot is Jim's thumb.We met up with Dave who volunteers at the Hawk Tower four mornings a week, to explain and interpret bird behaviors.

It was a great day. Cool breezes and an easy 4 mile ride. We had a great lunch afterward at Danny's Mexican Restaurant. Next week promises to be just as enjoyable. Join us!