Fleeting Festive Fragments

As the Christmas Season, and indeed 2011 draw to a close, here is a two minute review of some of the work that went into the activities, some glimpses of the activities themselves and, hopefully, some memories of time enjoyed and time shared.
Do have a Great New Year,

Pete

Luminaria Labor Camp discovered in Webster

A luminaria labor camp was discovered last week just east of Webster. Inside the commune, inmates have been coerced into producing hundreds of candle powered lamps without any form of compensation, medical benefits or even a decent pension plan. A few recalcitrants, like the lady shown at right, stamped their feet and resisted for a while but finally succumbed.
The lamps were later set on fire and discarded the following day. See more shocking scenes from this drama right here.

Morphing into Christmas

As folk recover from the often unintended excesses of Thanksgiving there is a gradual refocus on Christmas and all that it entails. Turkey day items are returned to storage and Christmas items are brought out producing a gentle metamorphosis to the mistletoe and candy cane period. How fortunate we are that we take all of these seasonal changes for granted, so much so that we are in danger of missing many of the cues.
Here are a few of the Yuletide elements that have appeared throughout the park over the last few weeks as we coasted toward the end of another year.

Around the Park in 90 seconds

If, when moseying through the park at a sedate 10 MPH you have ever wondered what it would be like to floor the gas and have yourself a little Monte Carlo fantasy, you are in luck. Even better, if you have never experienced a drive with Marian at the wheel then you've probably never maxed out your adrenalin production either. Suffice it to say, in Marian's eyes, the picture at right might just be another trip to Winn-Dixie.
So here you have it - Two vicarious thrills for the price of one!

The Second Annual Cookie Cook-Off

Sunday December 11 saw the 2nd Annual Florida Grande Cookie Show. With nine entrants it was perhaps fortunate that most were numerically challenged for, if they had each brought the 12 dozen cookies suggested, there would have been 1296 treats to get through. As it was, there were more calories than enough to go round.
In the picture is the current champion in the World's Biggest Cookie class. Baked in 2003 by Immaculate Baking Co., this tempting treat was 100 ft. across and weighed in at 40,000 lb. The picture was taken from a height of about 100 ft and you can just make out a person with a red jacket standing in the middle.
Our refined Cookie Champs at Florida Grande went for Quality over Quantity as the results here show.

A Christmas Parade

For several years a Golf Cart Parade has been part of the annual rituals that comprise the silly season at Florida Grande. This year would be no exception. Following a sumptuous complimentary ham dinner at the regular Friday Night Happy Hour yesterday, it was time for all cart owners to strut their stuff.
Thus it was, that earlier in the week our Social Enforcer, Mugsy Moran, had been dispatched to visit all cart owners and explain that, absent a current Death Certificate, they were expected at Friday's parade or risk needing such a document shortly. As a promotional technique this proved very effective resulting in an excellent turn out.
Before starting the slideshow however, do make sure you have something useful to do such as laundry or a trip to the Villages since it is quite lengthy.

Which Craft Would You Pick?

You've probably witnessed the almost daily procession of sundry groups into and out of the hobby room. You may even be one of the participants with clear purpose and detailed knowledge of your pursuit. But what about the rest of us mere mortals? Beyond the thrill of threads, needles, material scraps, wood chips, paint smudges and the like brightening our otherwise mundane lives, we seldom get to see the end products.
Finally, the Florida Grande Craft Show changes everything. In one colorful montage the entire repertoire of own cottage industries is laid out for all to see.
Having exhausted the delights of the Craft Exhibits it was, you guessed it, time to eat. This evening's treat provided by Judy and Ernie Finch, awesome Turkey Soup followed by half an acre of Gingerbread. More pictures right here.