Couple of good threads going on where I could post this, but sometimes I think readers miss the point on my diatribes at times. I go to great lengths to try and incorporate history into discussions because it does matter. As pointed out on the 55Places thread regarding Sun City on top of the list, they said "we have history." Most age restricted communities have none. They simply were built, sold out and the developer moved on. We were not only the first, but we have been the benchmark for anyone coming after us. I'm having coffee today with my best friend Ben, who has spent the last 2 days at the state archives. He began this project more than a year ago where he has been reading both local newspapers from the community starting late 1959. He's worked his way into 1967, taking copious notes as he plodded through miles of newsprint. Our get-togethers are great for me, because I know some of what's been written and on file at the museum. His efforts have filled in so many blanks, it's truly amazing. And better yet, he will be offering a session at the Sun City Life Long Learning Club this winter that will fill quickly. Back to the point, history matters because Sun City didn't just open and become an immediate success. They're been hundreds of starts and stops by those building it to those running it from the community. I won't belabor them, suffice to say we have traveled a very bumpy road to get to where we are today In spite of the mistakes and changes in direction by boards who saw things differently; in spite of some very good and some very bad management; in spite of boards who had too little authority and others who had too much, we have succeeded beyond anyone's wildest expectations. In another thread, Emily suggested the "best is yet to come." How ironic! Just two weeks back we began working on our next magazine for the February annual meeting and the working title is Sun City 1960-2016 The Best Is Yet To Come. I 100% believe this is the case. There's a whole different level of buyer moving to Sun City. People are looking at this community because it has history, because we are self-governed, because we take ownership and because we are the best value in the country. Perhaps they understand to maintain those values/qaulities, they will have to take part in the process of ownership. The community will continue to change, grow and evolve into a better tomorrow...which is saying something when you consider how damn good it is today. How does it get any better than that?
The value of Sun City is what drew our attention. We knew if we wanted to retire (early or ever) we would need to move from the Seattle area. Neither of us is from here, so the decision to leave the area and it's high cost of living, was easy. Only after visiting, and making Sun City a serious contender for where we would retire, did I begin to realize there was a rich history to this community. I look forward to learning more about Sun City past and contributing to Sun City future.
And therein lies the beauty of Sun City. Every buyer has been a part of shaping our history and everyone that comes along will do the same. The only real question is...how big a part will you play?
I'm out of luck unless I can get an extension on the calorie-free munching. My taste buds left when the flu hit. I received many of my favorite treats(chocolates & licorice) for Christmas and I want to wait until I can truly enjoy them.
My family must want to fatten me up. I got a 2 1/2 pound box of chocolate truffles, 2 boxes of sausage/cheese/crackers. A package of 6 boxes of chocolate covered macadamia nuts and a can of cashews and a can of almonds. Also an extra large bag of pistachios - shelled! I think I will be doing a lot of sharing! I brought home all the leftovers from Christmas dinner at Bucca di Peppos. It was shared with a neighbor who has been housebound due to illness. She also got a few truffles. And what did everyone else get for Christmas?
We kept getting asked what we got each other for Christmas, so I posted pictures of the new house, new washer dryer, golf cart, etc. I then noted that this was not just the greatest Christmas present ever, but it it's the best Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, 4th of July, Arbor Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc. present ever for a very long time.
We got a new vacuum cleaner! That's better than the year my dear husband bought me a Stihl Weed Whacker for our anniversary. We did get each other a few small niceties.
Damn aggie...I gave my wife a new vacuum cleaner (an 8 lb. Oreck at that) and at that point we stopped exchanging gifts. Turns out it was the best gift ever; it freed her from having to vacuum. And for the record, I love my Oreck. Too funny.
