Unit 6: We Love Block Parties!
Katie Lundgren
On May 17, Marc and Katie Lundgren hosted the 2nd annual Redneck Trailer Party at their home. We had BBQ burgers and dogs, and a variety of vittles for all to share. We even celebrated a birthday with song and cake. The costume contest included prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place gals, guys, and couples. We had around 65 cuzins enjoying the music, decor, and creative outfits. There were funny hats, t-shirts, overalls, boots, and plaid shirts along with tattoos and wigs. Everyone got into the spirit. We didn’t play cornhole this year, but there was a toilet paper toss. Go figure…
Residents of Unit 8A and their guests gathered at the home of Gail and Clarke Latimer on May 17 to celebrate the Unit’s 99th monthly Happy Hour.
Unit 8A Happy Hours—Ninety-Nine Down, One to Go!
Janelle Authur
On May 17, the residents of Unit 8A gathered to celebrate another monthly Happy Hour—number 99!—at the home of Unit residents Gail and Clarke Latimer. Neighbors shared an evening of laughter and celebration with the Arizona sunset as a colorful backdrop.
In hosting the milestone 99th, the Latimers noted that they were among the first to build in Unit 8A and, as such, were two of the “original” Happy Hour participants.
The Unit’s monthly Happy Hours started at the Bistro in March 2016, growing and moving to different locations within the Ranch as new residents moved into the Unit. Undeterred by Covid and determined not to break the streak, Unit 8Ar’s even continued to meet monthly with socially distanced driveway Happy Hours.
The Unit initially kept track of the number of happy hours somewhat informally, with a “let’s keep the streak” theme. At the 65th Happy Hour in July 2021, the “count-up” intensified with the addition of numerical props to the monthly group picture. For the 99th Happy Hour, Unit resident Madoka Knight created a neon bright #99 prop using pieces of pickleballs and yellow flowers.
Planning is underway for the 100th Happy Hour on Friday, June 21. Residents have already agreed to keep the streak going, so more fun and creativity is on the way!
Unit 16C veterans were honored at our May party celebrating Armed Forces Day. Our veterans included, from left, Lowell Graves, Hans Lange, Jon Tschetter, and Elba and Bill McGinn. Not pictured but honored was Dan Ruyle. He left before we got the picture. (Photo by Roger Cowles)
Unit 16 May Party Celebrated Armed Forces Day and Honored Veterans
Lucy Lange
Dar and Brian Nero hosted the Unit 16C May party celebrating Armed Forces Day on May 18. We also honored the veterans who live in the Unit. Patriotic clothing and Raising Cane’s fried chicken took center stage for dinner with every Memorial Day picnic side that one can think of. We all took chicken home so the Neros didn’t have to eat chicken for a month.
Unit 16C April Party
Lucy Lange
Chris Wojnarowicz and Dave Bates hosted our Unit 16C April party with all things Chinese. Food, decorations, and even the dinner plates, silverware, and napkins had a Chinese motif. There was enough fried rice to feed everyone in the Ranch, but we made a huge dent in the roasting-sized pan it was served in. There were spicy-hot to savory treats that got mouths watering. The Chinese-themed desserts were a big hit. We couldn’t decide if beer or wine complimented the food, so we had both. (Photo by Roger Cowles)