Mar
18
2012
Another pleasant surprise! Kelly Lake’s Russ Alsteen and Roberta called after finding out we’re all down here in Bradenton, FL; they’ve been coming down for 12 years. Russ and Roberta are 4 miles north of us. We planned a rendezvous at one of their favorite spots near Bradenton Beach at Pelican Pete’s to celebrate St. Patty’s Day Saturday evening. Russ has known, Don, the singer/entertainer at Pelican Pete’s for some time and follows his itinerary. We found out that Don also entertains near us on 57th Ave.
Along for the get-together were their friends, Marjo (Roberta’s sister), Pete, Bill, Nancy, Pam and Lynda. We had a grand time eating, celebrating, drinking green beer and dancing to a wide-open repertoire of Don’s selections—from classic rock, folk songs to jigs!
Then, to add to our surprise and pleasure, a fully-clad bagpiper (Mel) entered the bar and did Irish tunes including the likes of “Oh, Danny Boy”! It was a marathon of Irish, folk, jigs and classic rock as each filled in during the others breaks!
Russ and I go back a long time. It now was a coincidence we share the same neighborhood down here in Florida, as at Kelly Lake! We’ll have time to visit one-anothers’ Florida homes before heading back this spring. If you know Russ, there isn’t a dull moment! Roger
Click on pics to enlarge.
Me and Russ!
Russ and Pam.
Nancy and Bill.
Me, Russ, Pam and Lynda.
Russ, Pam, Lynda,Nancy, Bill, Roberta, Shirley and me!
Mar
18
2012
(Note: I have a bunch of stuff to post—we’ve been busy! To save me some time and effort here, here’s the text and pics to be posted in our parks, Pescara Lake Tidings, newsette).
As hosts, Shirley and I extend our thanks and gratitude to the special people who helped make our first potluck (AKA March’s “Cab-bash Potluck”, as I coined it—corn beef cabbage added to the monthly ‘bash’) so much easier on us newcomers to Pescara Lake Community! My wife, Shirley, took the reins and set-to-task after I so freely volunteered us (with some reservation on her part; like, “You did what?! We don’t know how they do it! You’re on your own!”). Be that as it may, she took a deep breath, stepped back and charged forward… me in hot pursuit! Any of our credit is all hers, including Shirley taking to stage and mic as MC.
That brings us to the preparation. Not knowing what to serve, Dale said that Butch and Anna have a great St. Patty’s Day dinner of corn beef and cabbage; it’s tried and tested; perfect for March potluck. That was a big relief. Next, Dot, Nancy and Joe offered their experience and expertise, followed by newcomers, Kevin and Marilyn as “Greeters”. The corn beef turned out tender and succulent! Later, others stepped in to help clean up and clean out the kitchen for remodeling.
Without the help offered, I suspect it would be difficult for first-time potluck volunteers to make the night, dinner and get-together enjoyable; something they’d be reluctant to take on again! Thanks to everyone—and anyone—I might have left out! May I note that my visiting 100-year-old mother enjoyed the potluck, as she does all the functions here at the park; she even helped Dot peel potatoes! She arrived January 10th. Roger and Shirley Birr (Lot 237)
Click on pics to enlarge, and once again to make larger.
Mar
17
2012
…and asks to talk to a loan officer. The clerk directs him to Patricia Wack. Ms Wack asks the frog how she could help him. The frog replies that he would like a loan. Ms Wack asks if he has any collateral. The frog replies ” why yes, I have this little porcelain leprechaun and its worth a fortune” Well says Ms Wack, ” I must check with my manager”. She finds the bank manager and tells him of the frogs request and the collateral that he is offering. She asks the manager if the porcelain leprechaun is sufficient collateral? to which the bank manger replies ” its a knickknack Ms Patty Wack, give the frog a loan.”
Joke courtesy of friend, Tim Ulrich! Roger
Happy St. Patty’s Day! Shirley and I are off to rendezvous with Kelly Lake’s Russ Alsteen and Roberta! They found out we were down here; not 4 miles from us! We’re headed to meet/eat at Pelican Pete’s on the Intercoastal. See http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60786-d1156891-Reviews-Pelican_Pete_s-Bradenton_Florida.html
We’ll have our Irish garb on and pics to follow!
Mar
14
2012
Well, we finally talked Mom into joining us in the pool rather than just being a spectator. I don’t think she’s ready for synchronized swimming yet, but she enjoyed the warm water in the pool here in our park at Pescara Lake Community in Bradenton, FL. At 100-years-old, she stills takes to the water like a fish! You should see her in the swim suit competition! Roger
Click pic to enlarge.
Mar
13
2012
I’ve known Jeff since the day he was born; his dad and I were friends long before. Jeff has always loved the summer cottage at Kelly Lake. Here’s wishing a great guy a happy birthday! CHEERS! Rog and Shirley
There’s gotta be a good caption for this!
