Hail, hail the gang's all here...well almost!

It is starting to look more like the Avalon we know and love every day. Most of the regulars have arrived and all of the activities are starting to have a following. Thursday night Music has resumed and we had a terrific time with lots of pickin' & a grinnin". We rang in the New Year with "Kenny K" who entertained us with his singing and music stylings on the keyboard, guitar and sax. We had many compliments about the great party and we are happy to say that he has agreed to provide the entertainment for us for next New Year's Eve as well.
I have heard from Geoff and Linda Hixson (Fourth St). Linda has one more specialist appointment and then they are hoping to get things arranged so they can come down for at least part of the season. They will know better in a week or two. It will be nice to see Linda relaxing by the pool and Geoff being...well...Geoff!
I received an e-mail from Evan and Neva who used to own a place on Fourth St. They have been in contact with Art and Joyce Akrill of Fourth St. Joyce has had surgery and is undergoing by-weekly treatments so they will not be returning to Avalon until the fall. I'm sure that we will all keep them in our prayers as we look forward to a full recovery for Joyce and a great reunion next season.
Ed and I are back in Canada for a few weeks. Our granddaughter Erin has been ill and we want to be home to help her as she recovers. While we are gone we hope everyone continues to have a great time and enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine. We have had a few cold spells, but so far it still has been nicer than last year (although that was one year that won't be hard to beat weather-wise) Trust me, a cold January day in Florida is still better than a warm January day in Canada - it just costs a little more, that's all!

I look forward to hearing great things about the January 21st "Hollywood Dance" with Donna and Lenny. Although costumes are optional I'm sure there will be a few "stars" that come out to Avalon to join in the fun.
Hope to see you all at the pool soon!

It's the most Wonderful time of the year!

That's right...it's the Holiday Season, and you know what that means at Avalon....parties and dinners, sing-alongs and Christmas parades! Yep....we're having a great time. And it keeps getting better. This week we are expecting a large number of our friends to arrive for the season. A few more days and the island will be bustling.
Last week we enjoyed a terrific Christmas dinner. Kudos to Mary and Ray (Third St) and their team for preparing and serving a fantastic meal courtesy of Corporate.
On Christmas Eve Kirby led the 2nd Annual Avalon Christmas Parade with twice as many participants as last year. I'm sure the residents of Avalon and Donovan's were WOWED by the beautifully decorated golf carts, trikes & bikes and "seasonally dressed" pets...not to mention the appearance of at least THREE Santas!!! Afterwards we had a great time in the hall singing, snacking and being silly!
I am looking forward to ringing in the New Year with "Kenny K" who is being brought to us by Rick and Dianna Frick (formerly of First St) Shine up your dancing shoes and get ready for a great evening.
All of the regular activities will be in full swing in the new year. Bingo, shuffle, darts, cards, line dancing, bunco, Monday morning exercise, Thursday Night Music, zumba... there is something for everyone. In addition, a large number of residents are going on a cruise the last week of January. Imagine....going on a vacation from your vacation! It doesn't get much better than this folks!

Long time....no post!

Hello everyone. I am sorry for not being more consistent in my posts, but I had to fly back home to be with one of my grandchildren who has been very sick. She is making good progress and hopefully will be out of the hospital soon. It has been nice to be here for her and her Dad, and also to spend lots of "Nana" time with my 4 other grandchildren. What isn't nice is that white stuff on the ground! I think I am getting used to bundling up every time I step out the door, but when a mighty blast of winter hits you in the face it sure makes you long for Florida. I know, I've heard that the weather in Florida hasn't been the greatest lately, but trust me, it's still better than this!
I will be getting back to Avalon just in time to start preparing for all of the upcoming events. We are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Golf Cart Christmas Eve Parade followed by Carols and goodies in the hall. Our New Years Eve Dance is always a great occasion and this year our entertainer is singer and musician Kenny K - on loan from "Eaglewaters Resort" in Wisconsin. Then comes January with all the activities in full swing!
Hope to see you all soon at Avalon.

Avalon Update

Good evening friends,
I thought it was time to catch up a little. I've been enjoying the wonderful Florida sunshine so much I haven't hardly had time to read my e-mail.
Bev and Doug Seddon sent a note on November 17th to say that they had been to the hospital to visit Peter Craske (from First St) He has been in the hospital 3 times in the last 6 weeks, but he is on the mend now and he is planning to arrive in Florida in a couple of weeks. It will certainly be good to see him again.
I had a call from Geoff and Linda Hixson (Fourth St) and although Geoff has recovered nicely from his pacemaker operation and is clear to travel, Linda has been troubled with some heart problems and has to see the specialist before they can come down. They are hopeful that they will make it down this season, but it may not be until well into February or March. I will let everyone know when I get any more news from them.
People are arriving at Avalon every day and I expect there will be quite an influx after Thanksgiving. The weather has been beautiful and the pool is magnificent - of course nobody believes me because I have been seen in the pool on some pretty cool days!
Monday night Bingo has started up again and the crowd is building each week. The Angels and Devils are fighting over the nickels, dimes and quarters every Tuesday, and the Spades and Diamonds are trying to win bragging rights at darts on Friday night. The Mighty Avalon Shuffle Warriors are off to a great start this season with a couple of wins under their belt already. We are trying "Zumba" on Sunday nights until Line Dancing starts in January. If we keep it up we will all have to go shopping for smaller sizes by February - Oh no! ....shopping!!

Looking forward to seeing y'all here soon!

Home, Sweet Home away from Home

Yeehaw! We arrived in at Avalon very early Saturday Nov 6th and it sure is good to be here. Lots of folks are enjoying the sunshine and more northern "refugees" arrive each day. The weather has been fantastic - sunny and in the high 70's - low 80's. Not too hot, not too cold. Tomorrow I plan to make my first visit to the beach for the season. I have been in the pool a few times but apparently they don't turn on the heat until Nov 15th - good thing I'm Canadian!
Music night has started up again and the group is getting bigger each week. We are anxious for the return of all the musicians and singers and are looking forward to some great Thursday nights to come.
For those who have not arrived yet, don't worry, you haven't missed all the construction on US 19. If you are pulling a unit you might be wise to use the Courtney Cambell (SR 60) to cross over from Tampa to avoid having to turn around at Bellaire. Also, be prepared for a tight turn into Avalon. There are signs marking the driveway for Harberson and 2 for Donovans, but Avalon just has a ton of barrels piled in front of it - not bad once you do it , but not easy to see in the dark.
All of the usual activities are getting underway and there is a Turkey Dinner at the hall for Thanksgiving. Yum!
Good to be back!

BRRRRR!

Well, the great chill has begun and I am still north of the 49th. The weatherman is using that nasty "S" word and I hope to get underway before I see a single flake! Ed's brother Norm has arrived in Avalon and he tells me that the place is starting to fill up - not the island of course - that's reserved for Roy and all his friends - the January to April crowd. Norm reports that it has been so hot that one of the Depatie brothers has been in the pool - a new record for sure! He told me to be sure to bring my hedge trimmer. Apparently my bougainvillea is taking over my yard. We hope to head out by the weekend and we will get there when we get there. Hope to see y'all real soon.

A Word to the Wise

I received this warning from Ron and Pat Vanover regarding a very dangerous activity some of us might be engaging in. Make sure you don't end up like this!