Saturday, March 31, 2012

AED 50-50 Drawing

The winner of this month's AED 50-50 drawing is Ken #409. Thanks to everyone who donated to the program this year.

Please let me know if you'd like to be part of
 next season's program or if you'd like to be coordinator.
 I'll continue if no one else steps up.
 
Thanks again for all your generosity.

Darbi Stolk
9800 N Seminary Rd #3
Edinburg, TX 78541
260-438-4225

In Fourteen Hundred and Ninety Two....

Friday a flock of Sandpeeps flew over to Port Isabel and entered the 15th century via reproductions of two of Columbus' ships,
The Nina and The Pinta.
We had a great tour from a very knowledgeable crew member...

which prompted a remark on Facebook from Louise,

"Best words to live by I have heard this year: I have gotten more from my friends than I could ever take from my enemies. The speaker was a tour guide at the Nina and Pinta ships visiting Port Isabel, and he was talking about Columbus, but I was blown away by the simple truth of what he said. Thanks, friends!"

We learned quite a lot and
truly enjoyed the adventure through his eyes.

Afterward...LUNCH!
The Lost Galleon for fried everything!

Oysters....

 fish....

Great Day!!!

Below is a little Nina history
with a link to more info at the bottom...

The original Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria used by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage across the Atlantic were common trading vessels. The Santa Maria which Columbus never liked, ran aground and sank on Christmas Eve 1492 in Hispaniola (now Cap Haitien). She was a Nao, a type of cargo vessel. The Niña and Pinta were Caravels which were used by explorers during the Age of Discovery. The Pinta returned home and disappeared from History without a trace, but the Niña, now there's a woman with a past.

The Niña was Columbus' favorite and for good reason. She was named Santa Clara after the patron saint of Moguer. A Spanish vessel in those days had an official religious name but was generally known by nickname, which might be a feminine form of her masters patronmyic, or of her home port. Santa Clara was always Niña, after her master-owner Juan Nino of Moguer.

Vincente Yanez was her Captain on Columbus' First Voyage, and he later discovered the Amazon on an independent voyage. Built in the Ribera de Moguer, an estuary, now silted up, of the Rio Tinto, Niña made the entire First Voyage, bringing Columbus safely home. She accompanied the grand fleet of the Second Voyage to Hispaniola and Columbus selected her out of seventeen ships for his flagship on an exploratory voyage to Cuba, and purchased a half share in her.

She was the only vessel in West Indian waters to survive the hurricane of 1495, and then brought back the Admiral and 120 passengers to Spain in 1496. She was then chartered for an unauthorized voyage to Rome, and was captured by a corsair when leaving the port of Cagliari, and brought to an anchor at Cape Pula, Sardinia where she was stripped of her arms and crew. The Captain, Alonso Medel, escaped with a few men, stole a boat, rowed back to Niña, cut her cables and made sail.

She returned to Cadiz in time to sail for Hispaniola early in 1498, as advance guard of Columbus' Third Voyage. She was lying in Santo Domingo in 1500, and we last heard of her making a trading voyage to the Pearl Coast in 1501. The Niña logged at least 25,000 miles under Columbus' command.

In 1988, an American engineer and maritime historian, John Patrick Sarsfield, began building what was to become the first truly, historically correct replica of a 15th Century Caravel. John had discovered a group of master shipbuilders in Bahia, Brazil who were still using design and construction techniques dating back to the 15th Century.

It was in Valenca, Brazil, using only adzes, axes, hand saws, and chisels, in additiion to naturally-shaped timbers from the local forest, that the Sarsfield Niña was built.

Jonathan Nance, a British maritime historian and main researcher for the project produced a sail plan for the ship, which represents the Niña as she would have appeared during the eight recorded busy years of her life following her departure from the Canary Islands in September 1492.

In December 1991, the Niña left Brazil and sailed to Costa Rica on a 4000 mile unescorted maiden voyage to take part in the filming of 1492. Since then, the ship has visited over 300 ports in the U.S. She is the only 'sailing museum' which is continually 'discovering' new ports, while giving the public an opportunity to visit one of the greatest little ships in the world's history.


To read more about these ships and the crew click:

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Howdy From Karen & Bill

Hi Sandpeeps,

The Desert is in bloom and the colors are vivid!
 Bill and I have a challenge for you!
Find in one of the pictures the ruby throat-ed Hummingbird.

The Cactus are full of orange, red, purple, yellow, white blooms.

We never thought the desert could be so beautiful.

We will be here a few more weeks.
Saddle Mountain RV had a ladies day today
 and I was invited.  It felt like home.
 Good shopping, good food and good laughs.

Miss you all.
Big Hugs to all and a Happy Easter.
 There will be a little gift from Arizona
if you find the hummingbird.
God Bless.
Karen and Bill Hazlett

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

A Cutie-Pie of a Horsey and EEK! A Snake!

I got a couple of interesting tid-bits in my email this morning.

*************
Hey Y'all,

The attached photo was taken by Sherry at the National Chuckwagon Races last fall.
Can you name any of the critters in the picture?

Love,
Guess who?


******************
And now, a bit closer to home...shudder!

From Tom B.:

We had a great bike ride.
 Despite all the large rain puddles
at the park this afternoon
 we had just a few drops of drizzle while on our ride at
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

 I thought everyone would enjoy
 a picture of the wildlife sighting of the day.
If you didn't go on the trip, this is what you missed.
 It's 8 feet long and has 14 rattles and a button!



So sorry I missed that critter!
Not!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Come On Cool Cats...Pool Party Time!

SPR Pool Party
Friday, March 30
 7p.m.

volleyball - keg of beer - Fun for all!!

At the Movies

Monday me and Mr. SueZ went to the movies.
The Hunger Games!

Wowza! 
What a fun movie!
We ate a huge tub of popcorn and it felt very wrong given the title of the movie, but then I consoled myself with the news report
about the husks being full of antioxidants. 

 Having those little suckers stuck between my teeth
 felt somehow good for me.
I recommend the movie...can't wait for the sequel!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Rumble at the Brothel...

Last night was the first showing of The Murder Mystery
Bordello of the Damned

Wonderful entertainment, great food, free flowing beer
(could that have been part of the problem?)

I went as Lola Montez, Femme Fatale, carrier of quirt, all around dangerous women...did I mention outrageous?
Ain't I purty? 
 Remember this look...it will change!
Being an early feminist I didn't take kindly to an impudent remark be a low born cowpoke....
shouted, no less, from across the crowded saloon floor. 
 I vowed revenge.
  Approaching him with my trusty quirt by my side,
my intention was to paddle his posterior for the insult. 
He had other ideas.
No outlaw would take a public rebuke, by a woman no less....chauvinistic piglet!
Soooo...
we tussled,
we wrestled,
we toppled!
onto the spittoon scarred floor of Miss Iggy's Brothel!!
My glasses did the damage...
Said cowpoke went on to fame and fortune
penning such songs as the now famous
Mama, Don't Let Your Girlies Grow Up to Love Cowboys
and
Girls Who Wear Glasses Should Never Make Passes
*****
Don't worry 'bout me...it feels a lot worse than it looks!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Easter Dinner

Cher & Steve


 are the "official sponsors"
of the
Dinner 
 
Sunday, April 8
2 pm at the pavilion.

 
It will be like Christmas dinner,
with one exception (the cooking of the meat).
 

We will be setting up tables for 12.
 Each table is responsible for bringing the meal for that table.
 Karen & Jay will be providing a spiral-cut ham for each table & it is the responsibility of that table to prepare their ham.

 
Sign-up by the Wednesday before Easter.
I have the sign-up sheet (#423).
You can sign up one of two ways.

(1) you can host a table of 12
(2) you can sign-up at a table.

 
Let me know if you have any questions.
Cher #423

Park Wide Garage Sale


Don't forget...
Saturday, March 24, is the
Park Wide Garage Sale
9 AM til you give up.
Just haul your stuff to your curb, driveway, lawn and let your neighbors and friends go into shopping frenzy!

 Got too much stuff?
 Clear our your old stuff and buy new or used stuff.

 Looking for special stuff? Put your requests on Facebook with Sandy Pipers Friends.

 Getting rid of stuff after the sale…..Angel’s wagon will be here on the 24th.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Memorial Bell


Perhaps you have noticed the new Memorial Bell
 just erected in the Sandpipers Court of Honor. 

 It memorializes not only Joe Miller but all Sandpipers who have passed away recently, and those who will in the future. 

It is the inspiration of Stan Croonquist,
Barry and Carol Wood and Rich Wood,
who were searching not only for a lasting memorial to Joe but one as well for those who will leave us in the future. 

 The cost of the Memorial Bell has been paid for by those Sandpipers who donated so generously at Joe's memorial service February 7th and over time since then. 
In one sense it is Sandpipers gift to Joe, and,
 in another sense, it is Joe's gift to Sandpipers. 
Carol handled the Internet search and purchase for the bell,
 while Rich and Barry did the construction. 
 Really Good Job!!! 

The bell is solid brass and weighs 34 pounds.
It's lanyard is made up of intricate "Bos 'n's Knots,"
 an old Navy tradition. 

 It was manufactured by Brass Bells, Inc.,
a charity which performs cleft palate surgeries
for children in Third World countries. 
Thanks to its customers, Brass Bells, Inc., has donated enough money to pay for 126 surgeries! 

If you would like more information on Brass Bells's
 support for The Smile Train, go to www.brassbell.com.
You might also check out Brass Bell's sister site,
A Simpler Time, at www.asimplertime.com 
for delightful nostalgic and vintage gifts. 
 Purchases also support The Smile Train.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Back By Popular Demand-Meditation Returns!

March 29
11 AM
JAKZ


Breath and relax.
An opportunilty to practise breathing exercises

 and guided meditation to
 reduce blood pressure,

heart rate, 
stress,

and to help manage pain

and promote recovery.

Doors will be locked a few minutes past 11 AM,
 so get to JAKZ well before then.

Led by Pam, so if you have questions see her at lot 324.

Wednesday Night at the Movies-Last One!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

Under the Tuscan Sun

March 21, 7:00 PM
BRING A BEVERAGE AND SOME POPCORN AND ENJOY

 
An author struggling with writer's block, Frances Mayes (Diane Lane), is also struggling with the break up of her marriage. Her best friend Patti (Sandra Oh), a lesbian who is expecting a baby, convinces her to go on a tour of Italy to get away from her troubles. At first she is not interested, but after becoming depressed in her gloomy apartment she decides to go. While on the tour she happens upon a notice of sale for an old Italian villa, which she eventually ends up buying. During the course of the remodeling of the villa, her life undergoes a little remodeling as well as she comes to terms with what has happened. She even has a little fling with an Italian man, Marcello (Raoul Bova), along the way. Frances will end up finding her happiness eventually 'Under the Tuscan Sun'.
************************
There will be no movie on the 28th as Bernie and Bob will have returned to Indiana.






Saturday, March 17, 2012

CANADIANS BEWARE!!!

CANADIANS BEWARE!!!
 
The April 15 deadline for filing your United States income tax
is less than a month away!
 
Now some of you will say that you have been
in the USA less than 180 days.
 THAT DOESN”T MATTER!
 The 180 days refers to your status as a
visitor under the immigration rules.
The Internal Revenue Service uses a different formula –
THE SUBSTANTIAL PRESENCE TEST –
which means if you are in the USA for more than 120 days,
you better pay attention!

Others will say that you earned no income in the USA,
 and have no income to report.
 THAT DOESN’T MATTER!
As I understand the rules, your income for US tax purposes is your world-wide income, which includes CANADA!
You don’t want to be filing 2 tax returns!

The solution to either scenario is the IRS form 8840 –
CLOSER CONNECTION EXCEPTION
STATEMENT FOR ALIENS.
If you complete this form (one per person) EVERY YEAR,
it verifies to the IRS that you are a Canadian,
and you should not have to get a
taxpayer identification number,
or file a US income tax return.
If you don’t submit this form by April 15,
you may be hassled coming into the US next time,
or worse have to file a US tax return
 as well as a Canadian tax return!
And if you have a bank account in the US,
you should have filled out a W8-BEN form
so that your bank does not deduct tax
from any interest you earn!
 
The form 8840 is available on-line
 and includes the instructions and (most importantly) the formula for calculating the Substantial Presence Test).
If you don’t have a printer, or you need any help,
you can talk to Ian at 502.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Bike Ride Change

Since Tom & Louise will be out of town
 (hard to lead a bike ride from Missouri!)
Yvon has stepped forward as our new temporary leader.

When:
Tue, January 20, 9am – 12pm
 
Where:
McAllen Bike Trail,
 6-7 Miles,

Description:
 The McAllen Bike Trail extends from Trenton Road south to near Business 83 along Col Rowe Boulevard (2nd Street). We will meet at the office at and travel together to the starting point near Trenton Road. We will ride about 7 miles. Other than a few street crossings, the paved trail is level and entirely off the road. We’ll venture into a few neighborhoods to see the homes and decorations! Lunch at Gotti's Pizza Buffet near Nolana. Bring an appetite and a bike lock!

Darbi's 50/50 Drawing For Defibrillator

Hi Everyone!
 
So far we have done well raising money for our AED program through donations and this months 50-50 drawing.
At this time our winner would win $60.

Today I was able to pay EN-PRO
for this years medical and legal oversight.
Unfortunately, the price went up this year to $199
 (from $159 last year).
I still need $50 to resupply the AED with a new mask and pads.
 If we could raise another $100 for the drawing
then we'd be back in compliance and the
winner of the drawing would win $110.
 
If you haven't heard about the 50-50 drawing here's the scoop.
$1 gets you 1 ticket;
$5 gets you 6 tickets;
 $10 gets you 15 tickets AND a beautiful, versatile wrap--
your choice of several different prints.

You can reach me by phone: 260-438-4225,
 or come on by lot 3 (you can usually find me outside in the courtyard and you're welcome to walk on back) if you are interested in helping to support our AED program.
 Also, I would be happy to answer any questions
about the AED or EN-PRO.

The drawing will be held the last day of this month
during Happy Hour.

While I have your attention, I still need first responders.
 How can you become a first responder?
You need to have valid CPR and AED certification and know how to do the incident report after the AED is used (if I'm not on site). You'll also need to be familiar with our program description should you need to contact EN-PRO.

THANKS to all of you who have supported this program.
 This park is full of generous people.

Darbi

Thursday, March 15, 2012

April Gal's Luncheon.

Calling all Gals Luncheon!


Tuesday, April 3rd.


Meet at the gate 11:00 am.

 

We'll be going to ''Just Between Friends''

1037 W. Ferguson

Pharr

For information for the restaraunt...

I need to give them an approximate

count of what you would like to eat.

Such as...
a high tea (scones & tea sandwiches)


or

 lunch (soup & salad)

You can change your mind when you get there,
they just need to have an idea of how much of what to fix.
An R.S.V.P. to Nancy is a must
so they know how much to set up for.


Nancy can be reached at #212 or 949-375-6805

Now for the fun part !!


 Wear your Easter bonnet or borrow one
of theirs and play dress up while there ! !


Bring your camera so
your/our pics can be saved for posterity ???


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Killer Bee's Hockey

 
Ken M. is organizing a trip
to the last hockey game of the season on
 Sunday, the 25th of March. 
The tickets are $10 each
 and the game starts at 6:00 PM for this event. 
We will leave the park at 5:00. 
 Anyone interested, please contact Ken at Lot #409.
 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Wine Lovers-News Flash! Tickets available!

George and Pauline will not be able to attend this
 Sunday's Wine Class
due to their getting ready to leave on Monday.
 Their 2 spots are available.
It would be best for whomever would like to obtain their spots to get in touch with either George or Pauline as they will be still available and are centrally located....lot 334.


Thank You,

Bob and Bernie

It's Tuesday!


Don't forget to get your
 St. Pat's Dinner Tickets!
D & V will be at today's (It's Tuesday!)
Social Hour on the JAKZ patio. 
They'll be happy to set you up with traditional
corned beef & cabbage dinner tickets for $8.
 (bring your money-they have to go shopping!).
Or catch them at #308.

And you can watch the parade of painted lovelies & studs at the Social as they show off some fabulous body paintings!
Meet at Laura & Dakota Bill's lot (430) at 2:30
to paint or be painted on.
  They have all the stuff you need, or bring your own if you prefer.
Afterward the canvases and artists will strut their stuff
at Happy Hour...come see!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Soup, Stickers & Body Painting!

Soup Night
Come and join us to support our Adopt-a-Family Program

Tuesday, March 13th. @ 5:30p.m.

Flip Flopz

$5.00 donation
Taco Soup.........Barb and Clint

Corn beef and cabbage Soup..............Phaletta

Desserts.......... Elsie, Nancy and Mary

BYOB

Help needed to set up and clean up.
Thank You!
Mary

***********************
******************
***************

 From Sharon & Mike:
Directions for applying
 Sandpiper Vinyl Graphic's

This is a simple 4 step process

1) Clean the area where you wish to apply your graphics. Apply on any outside smooth surface, ie, glass, golf carts.

2) Carefully peel off the back paper on graphic.
3) Slowly place in the exact location you want it. Smoothing out any air bubbles. Rubbing over the entire logo.
 Allow it to sit for a few minutes.

4) Beginning at any corner of the front coverage paper very carefully peel back as gently as possible. If the graphic begins to lift off the surface go back to step 3 and rub over ithe logo again and allow to sit again.

**Should you ever wish to remove the graphic at a later date, warm it up with a hair dryer and peel it off.

If all else fails, come see Mike at Lot 25.
************************
*****************
*************

Even though the Olympic Body Painting was canceled,
the girls decided to do it anyway.
Laura and Marijane and anyone that wants to paint is
 invited to our house, lot 430, on Tuesday at 2:30 PM.
Paints and brushes will be provided
unless someone has their own stuff.

The painted bodies will be shown off at the 4:00 pm social/happy hour by JAKZ, weather permiting of course.

Thanks, Dakota Bill.

March Wine Class- Cab's and Chardonnay

WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

Perfect Stranger
 
March 14, 7:00 PM

BRING A BEVERAGE AND SOME POPCORN AND ENJOY

Things are not always what they appear to be. A cop is a robber, a decent man a cad. In the Perfect Stranger, murder, intrigue and a bit of dual role playing is found as this tale weaves it way around spellbinding thrills. An investigative reporter, Rowena Price (Halle Berry), thinks that foul play has caused the murder of her best friend. By accident she finds out that Harrison Hill (Bruce Willis), a big wheel advertising executive, might have a connection to the murder. Price poses as Veronica, a woman who flirts with Hill online, and as Katherine, a worker at Hill’s office, to obtain details on Hill. While she changes her identity to gather information, she finds that isn’t a novel idea as others might be doing the same. Every time she turns over a stone, a new plot complication arises and danger lurks.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Park Wide Garage Sale

PARK WIDE
GARAGE SALES

March 24th
9am till ???
 

 Got too much stuff?
Clear our your old stuff and buy new or used stuff.

 Looking for special stuff? Put your requests on Facebook with Sandy Pipers Friends.

 Getting rid of stuff after the sale?
Angel’s wagon will be here on the 24th.

 
Coffee anyone?
Stop, chat and have some coffee at Ken and Elaine‘s #29.