Americana Cove

September song calls our snowbirds home.

Aug 31, 2002

PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER

All powerful God, we learn from Scripture "that all things work for good for those who love you".
Sometimes when events happen, such as the tragic invasion on September 11th last year, our faith wavers. May your Holy Spirit renew our faith in you as we look at this tragedy a year hence.
We thank you for the Spiritual and Patriotic growth that has resulted. This month is very special for those of the Jewish Faith with Rosh Hashanahs being observed from the 7th to the 9th; Yom Kippur the 16th and Sukkoth from the 2lst to the 27th. We wish our friends very beautiful days.
As we close out the month we think of the return of some of our "Snow Birds" and wish them safe travel.
May Your Goodness shine in all that we say, do or think. Thank You, God, for all of your manifold blessings. Amen.
John Whittredge Hill, Chaplain.


Welcome New Residents
By Frances McVay

BRACOVICH, Ronald & Margaret
7108 Mt. Essex Drive 526-0385
New Home

FEELEY, Margaret
YINGER, Marlene
7151 Mt. Georgetown Drive 522-7329
Previously Breen

HAMPTON, Marti
100 Mt. Curve Avenue 527-8952
Previously Ballentine
Moved from 7334 Americana Drive

NEWMAN, Pauline C. - Mother (OH)
7208 Mt. Jupiter Drive
New Resident

TRIMM, Jerry & Margaret
6904 Mt. Pleasant Road 528-2758
Previously MAROA Used

WALSH, Michael A. (IL)
MACDONALD, Charles J.
6703 Americana Drive
Previously Buffa


SUNSHINE REPORT
Peggy Hubrich, Sunshine Lady

DEATHS
Terry Loscalzo
Kay Ferrier

NURSING HOMES
Bob Evans Carrington Place
Jane Bryant Maria Manor
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Erna Wring Carrington Place
Carl Rosenquist Westminister Shores
Mary Higgins Egirt Cove Rehab.

BIRTHDAYS
03 Paul Beauregard
Betty Chase
04 Gary Costanzo
10 Nora Clifford
16 Ken Bryant
Harriet Haring
17 Ruth Horncastle
21 John Bassett
23 Bob Doyle
Bill Gilfillan
25 Lillian Garrett
Midge Bull
27 Ron Undieme
28 Bridget Gricus
30 Albert Dion

ANNIVERSARIES:
11 Muriel and Nicol Lapointe 25 years
13 Marie and Gary Costanzo 11 years
21 Doris and Leo Laberge 62 years
25 Doris and Philip Tarpley 57 years


September 2002 MAA NEWS
Paul Mattina, President
Since Labor Day falls so early in the month, the dinner and events for that evening were written up in the August issue of the Forecaster. We hope everyone has their tickets by now, but if not, get in touch with Barbara Magada and hopefully latecomers can be accommodated. This is a Luau theme, and prizes will be given for the best male and female costumes, and the best table setting. Performers and the audience alike will enjoy the newly refurbished clubhouse stage, with its dropped ceiling, new fans, fresh paint and floor painted to match the room's tile.
You are invited to attend the MAA Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at 10:00 AM in the clubhouse. Then on Wednesday, Sept. 4th at 12 noon will be our first luncheon meeting of the season, and as usual, is free to all residents. This will include an MAA meeting, followed by bingo.
At 9:00 AM on Monday, Sept. 23rd, tickets will be sold at the clubhouse for the Pizza Party, which will be held on Saturday at 5:30 PM, Sept. 28th. Watch the bulletin boards for more details on this event.
The first Old Timer lunch of the season will be held Wednesday, Sept. 11th at 11:00 AM, prior to the luncheon, tickets will be sold for the Oktoberfest. You won't want to miss this event, to be held on Sunday, October 6th. A German band will play from 4 till 7 PM, with dinner and beer served at 5:30. Dinner, beer and a live oompa band for $7 per ticket.
Virtually all clubs have had their meetings suspended for the months of June, July and August, resuming this month. While the calendar is beginning to reflect this new activity, attendance will probably remain sparse, as most folks who have left for the summer have not yet returned. We look forward to having our friends and neighbors back with us soon, as I'm sure we all miss the excitement and hubbub that accompanies having a full park.


Board Meeting
Submitted by Pat Ruedy, Director
At the September 2002 meeting the Board of Directors will address Shareholders of Mobel Americana in a discussion of replacing the business office with a newer unit.
As you know we have had the current business office measuring 24' x 46' since 1982. It has served its use well, but now is starting to need more repairs.
We have an opportunity of purchasing a former office building of Meadow Wood Homes, measuring 24' x 56' built in 1996. The structure was built as a business office building, not as a home, and it was constructed to serve the public. Within this 6-room building are 5 office rooms, 2 bathrooms, and a kitchen.
Therefore, there is up-to-date wiring in every room including telephone jacks. It comes with dual air conditioning units mounted higher on the building so the sprinklers and any unforeseen surge of waters over the seawall would not affect its ability to function. These dual air conditioning units supply both cold air, and heat should it be needed in the winter.
We are striving to keep the price of a replacement unit to below fifty thousand dollars. This unit comes in well below that price. According to our manager, the building would cost in the neighborhood of $45,000.00, completely setup on our location with a roof over, vinyl siding, tags, and title. The opportunity of getting an office structure such as this does not come up very often. We would like your input on this subject. By attending these meetings your opinion one way or another will be shown.
In October a vote will be held on this subject. It is important that all shareholders be present to voice their opinions. The October vote will decide the issue to move forward or not.


FYI to Mobel Americana residents,
Submitted by Pat Ruedy, Director
During the winter months anyone who has used the workout room in the early morning hours knows of the logjam of bodies competing for a walk on one of our two treadmills. The morning hours are prime hours, as it seems we all want our day to start out feeling refreshed and robust with a walk.
Many residents have commented to me as well as to other board members about needing another treadmill. I did a short survey during the summer and most agreed the need for another treadmill was apparent.
I did find out that the price of another treadmill would be roughly $3,000.00, including delivery and set-up. Now comes the problem, where would the monies come from? The board feels the monies should come from the other groups within the community who have fundraisers. Would each group be willing to donate money? There are over 20 groups operating within our community, most have dues or a fundraiser of some kind. I am not saying a fair share type of donation, but what your group could donate.
Another alternative solution would be a sign in sheet with time slots of 30 minutes each. That way you would know what time you should arrive at the workout room and not have to stand around waiting for an opening on one of the two treadmills we now have. This would mean being on time and off on time so you do not encroach into another's time slot. These sheets would be available weekly at the desk in the workout room.
I find that anytime after 1PM the room is pretty much void of people. Maybe a walk before siesta would be better than early AM, before our bodies know they are awake!


MOBEL NOTES
By Ken Hopkins
Yacht Club? - Beck and I spend the summer at a seasonal campground in southern Wisconsin. When we first bought our place there, we quickly learned of the existence of something called "The Clearlake Yacht Club". Since we didn't have a boat, we pretty much ignored it although we did observe that they were a pretty active and social group. There were often announcements directed to the members that there would be a potluck supper Saturday night, a treasure hunt Sunday, and similar. In the natural course of events one of our friends invited us to join the Yacht Club. "But we don't have a boat," we protested. "Not to worry," was the response. "You only have to be able to spell WATER". So, for a mere $5, we became Yacht Club members. Although some of our friends DO have boats (and frequently tie up together on the lake for a brief party) many of the members do not but still very much enjoy the club. This year they have held events to raise money for a "Cure for Cancer" walk, an ice cream social, activities for the kids at the campground, etc. Beck and I so much enjoy the Yacht Club that we are going to try and start one at Mobel. We hope you will find this of interest and join us when you see the announcements posted. In the meantime, let us have your comments and thoughts on the subject. And, yes, it IS OK if you do have a boat.

FMO - The Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of Florida, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose specific goal is to support our way of life. As a consumer advocate, they have a lobbyist in Tallahassee working with the state legislature to enact laws that protect mobile and manufactured home owners. They have been successful in the past with this effort. The FMO offers a magazine (FMO News) published October through April as well as July. They offer money saving prescription plans, optical plans, motor club and similar benefits. They also offer educational materials specific to manufactured homes such as tie-down information, storm preparation and recovery and similar. The FMO is headquartered in Largo. I called and requested a sample copy of FMO News, which they promptly sent me. I enjoyed the magazine including several ads for homeowners insurance, which I am shopping for. If you're not already familiar with this organization I think it would be worth your time to do a little exploration. They can be reached in Largo at 530-7539 or check out their website at www.fmo.org.

Mount Mitchell - This is a lovely state park in North Carolina off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mt. Mitchell is about 30 miles northeast of Asheville, NC. One of our own, Ann Berdeen, found a summer job and free lodging at the state park working as an Administrative Assistant. Mt. Mitchell is the tallest peak (6,684 feet) east of the Mississippi and abounds with wild life. Ann has delighted all of us on the Mobel "listbot" with stories of her adventures there through the summer both with four legged and two legged wildlife. We are hoping that Ann will be back in the Fall for us to all hear some more of her stories but since the state park is open year-round and Ann has been so happy there, who knows? Thanks for the lovely stories, Ann. P.S. I'm sure Ann would welcome a visit while she is still there.

TENNIS, ANYONE? - We all know how popular and active the Par Seekers golf league is but did you know there is also a very active (albeit smaller) tennis group at Mobel? On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday a small group from Mobel finds their way over to a small park across from Mangrove Bay golf course and plays doubles tennis with a group of regulars from the neighborhood. This small but consistent group plays every week and they are always looking for additional players, both men and women. Everyone is welcome regardless of skill level and you will be immediately welcomed into the group just by showing up. For more info see Harry Atwater, Morris Dion, or myself. Fore! Oops, got confused for a moment.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR - What do you call a Brit. who lives in Canada but spends half the year at Mobel Americana? Harry Attwater, that's what. Although Harry comes from Crawley, Sussex, England, he and his wife, Gert, now live in Sarnia, Ontario. Harry has been a Mobel resident for 20 years and was on the Board even before the residents purchased the community. In fact, Harry's career as Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis at Dow Chemical prepared him to help sell shares to the residents during the transition.
After retirement, Harry spent his time grooming his tennis game and the results show. He is one of our better tennis players. He has also organized the Tuesday night Euchre group as well as playing golf when he can't find a tennis match.
Harry's passion is his work on behalf of the American Parkinson Disease Association. He raises money for this charity and organizes the annual walk on behalf of Parkinson's research. When asked what was the biggest change he has seen at Mobel, Harry responded, "Resident Ownership and more control by the residents."

SUGGESTIONS WELCOME - Have some news from your club or group? Have an idea that you'd like to express in this column? Want your chance to be heard? We're on our way back from Wisconsin so email us at hopken@mindspring.com. Since we are away, we are particularly anxious to receive news items from those of you who spend the summer at Mobel!


Golf (maybe)
Submitted by Gerri Lyons
A man stood over his tee shot for what seemed an eternity, looking up, looking down, measuring the distance, figuring the wind direction and speed. He was driving his partner nuts.
Finally his exasperated partner says, "What's taking so long? Hit the blasted ball!"
His friend answers, "My wife is up there watching me from the clubhouse. I want to make this a perfect shot."
"Forget it, man," said his partner; "you don't stand a snowball's chance in Hades of hitting her from here!"


TOWN HALL MEETING
Jo Waldron
Betty Chase and her kitchen crew served an excellent, free lunch of barbecues, chips, fruit, cookies and beverages, to approximately 100 of us on Wednesday, August 7th.
Board President Bob Larsen called the meeting to order and Dawn Simmons got us all in a good mood with a joke.
Joan Geiger asked the first question by stating that they were planning to install a new carport floor but questioned who was responsible for the rest of the paving in their quad area. Bob answered that the park would eventually get around to all repairs on the roads, walks and lawns but only after the work on the seawall is completed.
John Bassett asked if the canal drains would be reconnected. Dawn said existing ones would be reconnected but if your property never had one, you must request it.
Barbara Magada asked about bringing in a voting machine to demonstrate how to use them. There was no conclusive answer on this when someone said the whole precinct would have to be invited.
Along the same lines of the election, Dick Nemi asked if we wanted politicians to come in and speak. At first, everyone said "no", but Wilma Jones pointed out that, if they are elected, we can certainty use their support in our state capital. Bob Larson's suggestion was to wait and see if the candidates make it through the primaries, then invite them. Bert Zanaglio suggested having one meeting for all the candidates to speak. MAA President Paul Mattina's idea was to allow them to come in and speak and if the residents don't want to hear them, they can stay home. Someone asked if this forum could be restricted to park residents only and the answer was yes.
Bob Larsen announced that the Board has hired a new lawyer, Sheryl Edwards from Sarasota. They are satisfied that she is knowledgeable and has found that she does make herself available to our needs.
Dawn Simmons received two rounds of applause, for the superb park-beautifying job she is doing. She gave much of the credit to the maintenance crew and said that we were fortunate to have them. She mentioned a few additional projects she has in mind. She has, on order, a 9-foot lighthouse with a strobe light, to be placed at the entrance. The ceiling on the stage will be lowered and several other improvements made to the stage area, including new curtains and lights. Gerri Bassett brought up the sad condition of the carpet in the atrium. Dawn said new carpeting is on her list. But first is the stage work, followed by the Mt. Piney Laundromat, then the carpet. She is looking into high-grade commercial carpeting. Betty Chase added that the carpet must be stain resistant and that cleaning equipment should be close at hand where everyone can get to it and spills could be cleaned up immediately. She also stated that the kitchen helpers should be thanked for their contributions, they work very hard and all the money earned on the dinners is used for improvements. She mentioned too that by the end of a dinner they are very tired and would appreciate help in cleaning up. Bob Larsen thanked Betty and the crew for all the work they do, this received a round of applause. It was also mentioned at this time that the ice machine in the clubhouse was only to be used for park functions. There is an ice machine available in the Mt Piney Laundromat for private use.
Pat Ruedy is trying to get funds together for an additional treadmill, she is still shopping but the best price she has at this point is $3250, she will be asking for contributions from the various clubs in the park.
Bob Larsen reported that the seawall construction is three weeks behind schedule, mostly due to all the rains we have been having. But he added that it would be worth all the effort, it will probably add about two million dollars to the value of the park.
The atmosphere of this meeting was cooperative and friendly, I think much of the credit goes to our new manager, Dawn. In my opinion she tackles our problems in a non-combative, open-minded manner. Refreshing.


From The Editor - This and That
First, far from being a this and that, it is my pleasure to announce that Jo Waldron has agreed to be the Assistant Editor. Jo brings a lot of experience to the table and has proven herself to be an excellent writer. At present Jo does not wish to become the full time editor and so the search for another full time editor continues. But whoever takes the job will have Jo to rely on as a capable and experienced assistant and backup. Thank you Jo for throwing your hat into the ring. And as you will notice Jo has brought her own touch to the September issue.
As most of you know the assessment notices are out and you have until the end of August to appeal your assessment. Obviously by the time you read this it will be too late for this year, but check it out anyway, and if there is a problem, you can get it corrected for next year.
The County does a good job, but with so many properties they are not foolproof. Both the office and myself do an examination of the assessments, and over the years, with the strong hand of Bert Zanaglio, most of the discrepancies affecting Community owned properties have been corrected. Your property is of course your responsibility. I have noted in examining the details online that all of the features on which the assessment is calculated are not shown on your notice. The one thing that you need to check, if you are on a waterfront lot, is whether or not you are being assessed for boating facilities, such as docks or lifts. I am aware of a couple at least that are not correct, but it is the homeowner that must do the appealing. Please check your assessment, in particular for these details.
The front entrance to the community is being redesigned. Although no design can please all of us, I am hearing a current of dissent from the distaff side of our residents. My expertise as a decorator would not fill a thimble, so I would bow to the other sex. And as, I believe, most of the residents are of the fairer sex, I think the door should not be closed on further discussion of this redesign. All I would ask is that high bushes, or any other sightline obstruction, not be placed in the front entrance flowerbeds. Many people use the sidewalk, particularly children when school is active, and it is so much easier to see the sidewalks now.
And on a final note, have you noticed how quiet the community is this year, now that all the aggravations from previous years have been settled, well most of them anyway. I can't think of any at the moment. Let us hope that it continues this way.


CHASE'S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE SAT. SEPT. 21, 4:00PM
Betty and Jim Chase
We wish to extend an invitation to all residents of Mobel Americana to an open house at 7216 Mt. Georgetown Dr. We love to share with everyone the joy and happiness that we have found in our wonderful "little town by the bay." We hope you all know how very blessed we are to live in such a friendly and caring community. Just bring yourself and your beverage and a big smile. We will have plenty of food to share!! The idea is to be so-o-o-o crowded that you mingle with and get acquainted with people you have not had the opportunity to meet before!!
The fun will begin on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 4:00pm. We hope to see you all there!!


NOTICES
Forecaster Deadlines
All items and other information for the Forecaster may be placed in the box just inside the entry doors to the Atrium. All items to be in Black Ink on full size 81/2 by 11 paper. Deadline for October (now 5 p.m.) for general articles, the 19th of September, for last minute items, the 21st Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven.

Ice Machine Usage
Please note: The ice machine in the clubhouse is to be used for community functions only. For private use and home parties please use the machine located in the Laundromat on Mt. Piney.

A WORLD OF THANKS!
There are not enough words in the English language to express our gratitude for the prayers and well wishes that have been bestowed on both Nick and I. Without all the prayers, I know I would never have come as far as I have, both mentally and physically. Thanks to all of our dear friends in Mobel Americana who have encouraged me all the way. You are truly great people and we love you all.
Sincerely,
Hazel Misciagna


DUPLICATE BRIDGE
BY Gerri Bassett Director
Had three tables so we were able to play. The winners were.
Howell Movement
Sunday July 21st
1. Jo Waldron & Tex Batchelder
2. Gerri & John Bassett
3. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
Sunday July 28th
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
3. Jo Waldron & Beverly Hamel
Sunday August 4th
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
3. Maretta Dimke & Beverly Hamel
Sunday August 14th
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Lucy & Roger Laberge
3. Beverly Hamel & Don Delzell

Thank you all for coming!
MONTHLY BRIDGE will be held September 18th at noon. It will be a Brown
Bag luncheon. Dessert will be furnished, so just bring a dollar. Prizes will be given.


EXERCISE CLASS ON AGAIN!
An informal, anyone welcome, exercise group continues its regular exercise time in the Atrium in September on Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 8:15 AM. The group is following instructions via video tapes from Sally, "Body Electric" and "Sit and Be Fit". The 45 minutes include warm-ups, stretching, aerobics, strength and tone, use of light weights, and a cool down time. Participation at one's own fitness level is possible and encouraged!
If questions, please call Sharon Miller at 527-8150


Dear Crafters
By Annette Solomon
Did you know that Dear Crafters also includes all members of our Mobel Americana Community?
Did you know this also includes men and women? Did you know that all lessons are free? Did you know that most supplies are provided free?
Did you know that basic techniques in crochet, knit, counted-cross-stitch, plastic work, gift boxes and bags, embroidery and chicken scratching are taught at every meeting?
Did you know that our members meet in the air-conditioned clubhouse all year long? In the craft library area.
Did you know that our Snowbirds create in their homes during the summer months?
Did you know that we meet on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. all year long?
Did you know that we have a yearly Craft Bazaar?
Did you know that you may rent a table at the Craft Bazaar for $15, display and sell any handmade articles and keep the money?
Did you know that these articles need not be made at our meetings?
Did you know that the Craft Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 30th this year?
Did you know that we will be selling our articles and taking orders for them before and after each MAA luncheon?
Did you know that we conduct only one business meeting a month on the first Monday of the month?
Did you know that our crafters group has grown to over 50 members? Did you know that we welcome anyone interested to come by and check us out? Bring a friend. Maybe join us?
See you soon.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
By Nora Adell Andrews
Questionnaire: What do you like most about our Library?

I like the way the library is organized. It is easy to find a book or subject. I really like the honor system: it is important to take out books and not worry about the due dates and overdue fees" Annette Solomon

I think it is wonderful that we have this library that we are able to use anytime."
Laura Paige

I like the large print books that are in our library. Recently I read a book about a missionary in Beirut who was captured by Muslims. It was called Hostage Bound, Hostage Free."
Edith Unverzagt

I like the library because it is convenient to walk over and get a book. There is a good variety. Two of my favorite books are Beach Music by Pat Conroy and Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher."
Ellie Oliveira


POTPOURRI
Contributions this month from Hazel Misciagna, Lucille Laberge and Conrad Weiser

From Hazel: "I Have Learned"
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.
That being kind is more important than being right.
That you should never say "no" to a gift from a child.
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

From Lucille:
"Rules For Better Living"
No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.
Most people will be as happy as they decide to be.
Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
Whatever you are willing to put up with is exactly what you will have.
He or she who laughs lasts.
Life is a journey. Not a destination. Enjoy the trip!

And Some Puns from Conrad
A group of boy scouts were camping for a week on a small island. The person cooking for the group noticed a few porpoises gathering near the island. He decided to cook extra food the next morning and put it out for the porpoises so that they would come closer to the island. When the morning meal was ready he announced, "Breakfast is ready for all in tents and porpoises!"

Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it, too.

Finally, there was the person who sent ten different puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.


CONA Meetings
By Conrad Weiser
PARK RESIDENTS WELCOME TO ATTEND
During the summer months when no MAROA, MAA, or RAMA meetings are scheduled, those of you who are still here in the park should consider attending the monthly meetings of CONA, (Council Of Neighborhood Associations), the umbrella organization which represents over 50 member neighborhood associations, (including Mobel Americana), here in St. Petersburg. CONA is recognized at City Hall as the voice of all resident homeowners. They have effectively represented the public with the Mayor, (i.e. Mayor's Neighborhood Partnership Office), the Police Chief, (monthly breakfast meetings with CONA), at hearings before our City Council, and at other decision making, governmental decision making groups, (e.g. Planning Comm., EDC, MPO, etc.). The CONA meetings provide an opportunity to hear and meet many state and local leaders as well as being a forum to present citizens concerns to rally consensus for issues that CONA may vote to support before city government. Police response, taxation, traffic control, zoning ordinances, prostitution, all have been vigorously discussed and effectively promoted to improve the quality of life in our community. You are welcome at these meetings and are encouraged to participate. Barbara Magada is our community representative; I am currently the CONA Secretary. We meet in the Conference Center of All Children's Hospital at 701 Fourth Street South on the third Wednesday of each month. The meeting includes a social hour, (with refreshments - no booze!), at 6 PM followed by the business meeting at 7 PM. They conclude at or before 9PM. Care to ride along this summer? Give Barbara or me a call. If you're online you might want to check the CONA Website, (looks familiar?), www.neighborhoodlink.com/stpetersburg/cona. I support a weekly update of their Community Calendar, (covers all neighborhood meetings for the week), as well as posting their monthly Newsletter, (also printed by our own Monarch Publishing).


SUMMER ADVENTURE
By Jo Waldron
Things are pretty quiet here in Mobel Americana in the summertime, but Rita Lewis and I managed to find some excitement on our latest PSTA (St Pete bus) trip. We've taken a couple other bus trips, the Art Museums and a Baywalk movie, it's a bargain at 60 cents and you can be dropped near any point of interest downtown.
On this trip we planned to catch the beach trolley at Williams Park, and in spite of what you hear about that Park, at 11 a.m. we thought it was beautiful. There was an eclectic mix of people, but that just added to our sense of adventure.
Rita was the tour guide, she made sure we were always at the right place at the right time and sure enough, we were right on time to catch our beach trolley.
A nice young man with a Jamaican accent sat next to me on the bus, he was going the same direction we were, our destination was the Hurricane restaurant in Pass-a-Grille and he was going to apply for a job at the Trade Winds. I only mention this because we saw a lot of him that day and at times, he took on the role of our protector.
We just missed our connection at the beach so we had to wait for half an hour for the next bus. It gave us a chance to get better acquainted with our new friend, a young man, probably in his 40's. Rita could understand him much better than I could, he smiled and laughed a lot and helped the time pass quickly.
It was 1:30 p.m. by the time we got to the Hurricane, and we were both starving. We had a delicious lunch and an excellent view of the water from our upstairs table. It was a pleasant break for us, but it would be 2:30 before we got out of there so we decided it was best to just catch the bus back to St. Pete.
As we were riding back I looked over and noticed Rita was frowning and wiping the side of her arm repeatedly. I looked up and saw the air conditioner was dripping on her. And I mean dripping. I suggested getting the driver to stop and switch her to the other side but she insisted she was OK. She was OK but wet the rest of the trip.
We finally reached the bus stop where we could get a connection back to Williams Park. It was here that we also ran into our new friend again, we greeted each other like old friends.
Our bus arrived and when we were all on except Rita, the driver lowered the lift for her. A metal flap didn't come completely down; it was a couple of inches higher than the sidewalk. Rita thought she could get over that, and our Jamaican friend who had gone out the back door when he saw there was a problem, came to the rescue and lifted the front wheels over the lip. When she was on the ramp, the 8 to 10 inch metal flap that keeps the scooter from rolling off flopped up and she was ready to be raised. That's when the stuff hit the fan, the lift would not raise. After ten minutes of trying we discovered that the bus driver had pulled up beyond the cement slope and the lift was now caught on the curb. The bus could not back up and get into place with the lift extended. The driver was, of course, frustrated; she finally asked our friend if he could lift the back of the scooter over the 8-inch flap. Rita said it was too heavy. I was standing beside the driver and I said, "You can't do that, the flap might catch on something under the scooter or she might fall out". The bus driver just looked at me and said "You are making me nervous, you get on over there and sit down!" She just got those words out of her mouth when I looked out and saw our friend lifting the scooter over the flap and Rita coming out of her chair. I know now what they mean about time almost standing still. There was absolutely no way I could reach her to help; for one thing the bus driver was in my way. There was a young man standing near Rita and he said, "Is there anything I can do?" The words came out sooo slowly; Rita reached for him and said "CATCH ME!" Luckily, he moved faster than he spoke, he held on to her while our friend lifted the scooter over the last few inches. What a relief.
A back-up bus arrived and we all piled onto that. Of course the bus was way off schedule and so were we. The driver, in a hurry now, only put one restrainer on Rita's scooter. She took off and the first stop she made, Rita lunged forward about 6", when she took a corner Rita almost tipped over, we all yelled for her to stop. Our friend was reaching out to help stabilize her but it was impossible with the jerky driving. The driver finally stopped and she, with our friend's help, secured the chair.
Just to add to Rita's frustration, the young man who had caught her earlier moved into a seat near her and engaged her in a lengthy conversation. I saw Rita keep shaking her head, and afterward she said he was insisting that she sue the bus company.
We were exhausted and a little silly on the ride home as we relived the day. It was quiet for a minute, and when I looked over at Rita, she had a far away look in her eyes, and then she said, "You know, maybe next time we could take the beach trolley North and see those beaches". I didn't need to say anything; the look of disbelief on my face said it all. We both burst into laughter at the same time. It was 5:45 when we trudged home; our little beach jaunt had taken seven hours.
I see in reviewing this article, that this day was an adventure for me. It had to be a frustrating, at times harrowing, experience for Rita, but she rarely complained, never got angry and she seemed to see the humor in it all, an amazing lady. One last note; I'm ready now too to see the North beaches. Anyone care to join us?


When the Cat's Away
By Ion
The folks had returned up north from their winter home. Oh, there had been a couple of problems, Mother had to be sent back with a nurse because of a medical problem, and Father had gone back a week later, when the airlines could offer a reasonable fare. So there I was with their winter home to look after.
Actually I had taken Father back because he was no longer capable of taking care of himself travel wise, and so it was a couple of weeks later that I went over to look at the house. Funny I thought to myself, there are only two nuts left in the nut bowl, which sat on the living room coffee table. Mother liked to keep a bowl full of walnuts; brazils, pecans and whatever else pleased her fancy. But now there were only two, and one had a hole in it. And I thought to myself, Father doesn't usually eat whole nuts. He likes the canned version. Already shelled and seasoned. Oh well, I thought, I guess he decided to eat them rather than waste them.
I thought nothing of it until about a week later, as I checked the house once more, there was definite evidence of small furry visitors. I' m sure you know what I'm talking about. I cleaned up the evidence and hoped they were gone, but no, the evidence had returned when I checked a week later. Damn, I said. I'll have to do something. I've heard of the poison that dries them up, but oh, it seems so cruel. I know, I'll put out glue traps. Boy are those mice smart. They carefully avoided the traps, walking around to get the goodies, small pieces of cheese. I'll fix their little wagons. I carefully surrounded the bait with glue traps. Now they'll have to walk over them. A few days later, hurrah, there was one stretched out full length stuck to the trap. That'll fix their wagon once and for all. But said my wife, maybe there's more than one. Hmmm, maybe you're right. Back I went, out went another glue trap. Success I said, a couple of days later, as I opened the door and there was another one, caught in the trap. Oh, no. It's moving. Now what do I do? This is terrible. I can't kill a defenseless creature. Oh yes you can, said my darker side. Well, how I thought. You'll note, it didn't take long for the dark side to win.
Now let's see. I'm not using a hammer, can't stand the sight of blood. I'd probably faint. I know, I'll fill a plastic grocery bag with water and put the mouse and trap in the water. Hell, the little devil is swimming for his life, holding his little nose up out of the water. How did I get into this? I know, I'll put a brick on him and hold him down under the water. The bubbles slowly ceased, and there I stood crying, holding a little dead mouse in a plastic bag. What a softie.
But where are they getting in? I'll take a look around and see if I can spot where they are coming in. What's this, behind the living room couch? A whole row of nuts, all with little holes in them. I thought that little devil looked pretty prosperous. Had a whole bowl of nuts to feast on. Well, he's finished. Let's see if there are any more. Out went more glue traps surrounding more bait, but this time I used mouse poison. All pretense of being nice was gone. It was war. Boy, this one is smart; he's eating the bait and not stepping on the glue trap. This went on for several days. Man, I said, all I'm doing is feeding this little devil with food. He loves this mouse poison. It keeps disappearing. I'll fix him (or them) once and for all. I'll use rat poison. Over to K-Mart, back with the rat poison. Put it in a corner of the kitchen behind a glue trap. Came back a couple of days later. No poison, no glue trap and no dead body. What's going on? How can this be? Back to the car, backing out of the driveway. What's that over there in next-door's driveway? Oh, no, it's a dead cat. How could it get in the house and eat the poison? Oh, I cried, the mouse ate the poison and the cat ate the mouse or rat or whatever. God, I'm a cat killer, forgive me. It wasn't intentional. It won't happen again. And it didn't. And so ends this chapter of "Of Mice and Men".


Community Notices
There is located at the maintenance shed on Mount Piney Avenue an air pump that you may use to inflate your bicycle tires.

Newspapers and Magazine Recycling
All newspapers are to be placed in the newspaper bins. Please do not put brown paper or plastic bags in the newspaper bins. The bins are only for newspapers.
A magazine bin is located at the storage compound on Americana Drive. Please take all your magazines to this bin.

Aluminum Cans and Scrap Metal
Please put these out on Tuesdays only or take to one of the Old-timers Aluminum sheds. Do not put in the garbage compactor. It is for household garbage only.

Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Place all yard brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage and it will be picked up. Do not put it with the regular garbage. This only increases the amount we must pay to have hauled away.

Help the Park - There is a shed at the Americana Drive compound where you can place your old phone books. By keeping as much as possible of all these materials out of the garbage we save on garbage hauling costs as well as generating some funds, not only for us, but also for a school that turns these in for recycling to raise school funds.
Bertram Zanaglio, MAROA Board member.