Mardi Gras Celebration
KD Lundgren
On March 1, Unit 6 celebrated a Mardi Gras block party in style! From the festive Mardi Gras inflated entry balloon to the decorations inside and outside, balloon arches, beads and masks adorning the home, we knew we were in for a high spirited occasion. A New Orleans style band was playing authentic Mardi Gras music. The food was catered and included genuine New Orleans style, chicken gumbo, red beans and rice, hushpuppies, bread pudding, beignets, and let us not forget the king cakes. Although we cut into three of the cakes, no one admitted to finding the baby? And did I mention the Hurricane beverages … they definitely snuck up on you.
Almost everyone attending wore something in the Mardi Gras costume category. Some had well thought out costumes, while others enjoyed wearing something with a little Mardi Gras flavor. We enjoyed the dialog by our court jester, Hazen Kreis, who informed us that there was to be a King and Queen crowned that evening. After much deliberation, the Queen Michele Reyes was crowned along with the King Hobie Richards. All hail the King and Queen and now it was time for all to parade around the yard and house, accompanied by the trumpeter. What an extraordinary evening with our friends and neighbors in Unit 6! The dinner and band were provided by Carl and Nancy Wesley, and the home was graciously provided by Karen Handschy.
Love was in the air as residents on E. Dead Wood Trial celebrated Valentine’s Day with champagne and chocolate.
Unit 16C Celebrates Valentine’s Day
Lucy Lange
If there was a theme or motto for the residents on E. Dead Wood Trail, known corporately as Unit 16C, it would be “Random Acts of Kindness … Daily.” It’s getting fresh blueberry muffins from a neighbor who loves to bake. It’s getting last–minute help to make sure “Fluffy” the cat gets fed. It’s getting a handmade comfort quilt to make healing from surgery go fast. It’s a pot of soup just in time for dinner when you were about to call the Grill for curbside pick up. It’s donating dollars and food to help our neighbors to the north. It’s monthly Unit parties sharing some of the best food known to man. And the list goes on. So was Valentine’s Day weekend.
Love was in the air up and down the Trail. There were secret Valentine bags left at home entrances. There were cards distributed. All weekend one could hear Happy Valentine’s Day greetings from someone walking down the Trail. It was a warm weekend so front doors were open so everyone could hear. Dogs barked greetings from behind screen doors. We continued the love fest into Sunday evening when Glenna Matthews and Lucy and Hans Lange hosted a Champagne and Chocolate celebration. So much chocolate, so little time. Everyone went home with baggies full of rich chocolate gooeyness. We think it will become a tradition.