Monthly Archives: December 2020

Reflecting on the year

Dec 31, 2020 Celebration, Editorial

What a year! The pandemic has kept us shuttered inside, but the world continues to spin and time marches on. I watched a humorous year in review that sparked me to think about the community’s own year in review.

“2020- A year so momentous they named it twice.”

Death to 2020, Netflix

In the past, we would celebrate the new year with a progressive dinner party, traveling from house to house for a different course of the meal . At the party, our resident shutterbug would put together a slideshow of photos they took throughout the year so that we could watch the year in review. I enjoyed seeing the photos of parties, work parties, social hours, and special events. Since visiting each others homes in large groups is ill-advised during the pandemic, we obviously are not hosting this event this year. Maybe we will have the photo slideshow over zoom instead.

It has been a very dark year because of the pandemic, wildfires, political division, and violence. But there were some really bright spots despite the dark cloud hanging over 2020. Let’s take a brief look at some of the positive things in the community over the year:

  1. Everyone in our community is alive and healthy!
  2. The units that were for sale or rent are all occupied now.
  3. The huge siding/trim/gutter/painting project is complete and our buildings are beautiful and in great shape.
  4. The new play structure was installed in the north side courtyard.
  5. A baby was born and welcomed into the community.
  6. Community members participated in activism with a peaceful BLM vigil and Goodies for Good Causes.
  7. Community members learned how to sew face masks for other members.
  8. Community members learned how to cut hair for themselves and others.
  9. We have figured out new and different ways of maintaining connection with each other.
  10. We have figured out new and different ways of celebrating holidays together.
Make a wish and then blow out this candle made by community members out of beeswax from our resident beehive

I am looking forward to starting a new year, and I hope it is filled with more bright, happy, successful times. I wish good health, peace and harmony to all of my fellow community members.

Winter Lights

Dec 10, 2020 Celebration, Social, Uncategorized
Winter Lights

The southsiders have done a tremendous job decorating the courtyard for the holidays. The trees and houses are lit up beautifully, and there’s a laser light display that’s a lot of fun. I must applaud them for this collaborative effort, since this is a lot more decorating than in years past. Because of the pandemic, we are still not planning any indoor activities together, so it’s really nice to have something so beautiful outdoors.

Drop by for some cookies and cocktails any day after dark. There is a latke party coming up- be sure to stop by for some homemade goodies. Later this month we will participate in the physically distanced night parade up the street, so get your battery operated lights out and we will light up the whole neighborhood.

There will also be some exciting lights in the night sky. I heard about the “Christmas Star” which is the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn. We should be able to see it even with all the holiday lights. I expect our resident astronomer will bring out the big telescope for a viewing party.