Category Archives: Celebration

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.

What will Halloween 2020 be like?

Oct 16, 2020 Celebration, Creativity, Uncategorized
What will Halloween 2020 be like?

That’s still under discussion. With the pandemic, we definitely have to modify Halloween traditions. There’s a push to go all out decorating your house this year. The kids and I have really gone wild on my own porch, and a group of kids decorated the play structure. We’ve enjoyed walking the neighborhood and seeing some creative and spooky houses.

Homemade Sugar Skull Picture

If you want a haunting sugar skull in your window, as pictured above, let me know- the kids and I had great fun creating the masterpiece in our window and would love to make one to decorate your place. If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely drop by and take a look.

Me, when I’m angry

If you don’t decorate, I might put on my scary witch costume and put a curse on your house. (Yes, I’ll wear a mask.)

Over the Horizon

Jul 29, 2020 Celebration, Creativity

For Sue on the occasion of her retirement.

What lies in store for you,
For any of us,
in these uncertain times
When the world that we knew
is falling away.

We’re all taking leave from routine
Retiring from our usual pursuits
Adapting ourselves, 
our behaviors,
our thinking,
to a stricken world 
unseen in a century.

On this turbulent tide of change
Your little boat slips out of the workaday world
bobbing along with a motley fleet of vessels
As we navigate through the chop and fog
To a new world across the sea. 

Get Your Hat On

Jul 25, 2020 Celebration, Creativity, Social

As part of Sue’s upcoming virtual retirement party, she is hosting a hat making contest and asking people to submit a photo of their entry. While I’m usually not keen on costumes and dress up, I decided to go for the gold in submitting my Carmen Miranda inspired entry.

Parting from our Sweet Inger

Jul 1, 2020 Celebration

Inger Easton is away for a year living in Holland with her son’s family. We had a picnic party in her honor, face masks and all. There was music from the Common House balcony, ping pong, badminton, and lots of good food.

We give Inger a celebratory send off