February 2012

Melody Park Notes

Hello Residents,

Belated New Year wishes to all. Now that Christmas and New Year festivities are over we look forward to a positive New Year. Although we have experienced heavy rains and some flooding here on the Gold Coast, our gardens will benefit, and lush growth is already evident, particularly in our lawns.

How fortunate we are to be high and dry. There are many people in nearby low-lying areas who are in distress and we can only hope that the "wet" will not be long lasting.

Our Social Committee changed venues to "Poolside Melody Park" for the Australia Day luncheon to suit the rather damp weather conditions. It was a successful day with an emphasis on celebrating the 90th Birthday of Bob, our friend and neighbour who is such a willing helper to many of us here in the village.

As the years pass, our Residents grow older, and it is heartening to observe how many in their eighties and nineties are bright and active. Modern medicine has certainly given us a longer life span.

For those of use who do not have caring relatives nearby to make regular phone calls to check on our well-being, do consider arranging reciprocal calls with a neighbour or friend to ensure all is well and to prevent that isolated feeling. Above all else, I wish that good health abounds in our village during the coming year.

To confirm this wish I am including a Scottish Verse that is illustrated on a wall-hanging on my kitchen wall. I acquired this on a trip to Scotland many years ago and treasure it greatly.

** Note ** The translation of these three Scottish words are: - GIRNAL - Pantry; LUM - chimney; REEKING - smoking.

A Scots Toast

May the best you've ever seen

Be the worst you'll ever see.

May the mouse ne'er leave your girnal

Wi' a tear drop in its e'e

May your lum keep blithely reekin;

Til ye'r oauld enough to dee

May you ay'e be just as happy

As I wish you now to be.

Auld Lang Syne, Dawn

Rain Report

January has certainly lived up to its reputation as the start of the "Wet Season". Nea reports a whopping 879mm over 14 days, and 509mm of that during the last 8 days!

Residents Committee Notes

Snakes!

There have been reports of some snake sightings recently, so please take all precautions to keep them out of your unit, keeping the doors shut, etc. Should you see a snake in or around your unit, do not try to crowd or corner it, just keep your distance, and in most cases they will go on their merry way.

Au Revior for now,

Dawn and Andy