Sandy's Scribbles Seal Bay

First, a huge thank you to Wayne and all the volunteers who helped make this a great rally!  As the old saying goes..."Many hands make light work" and it was proven so.  Also, to my right hand, Audrey HAUGE, who isn't always seen but is always a part of or behind everything I make happen.  Also, thank you to Clarence & Darlene Zimmerman for the taxi service!
As always, Seal Bay Resort was the perfect setting for our last rally this year. Overnight on Monday, we had some very heavy rain, otherwise the sunshine returned in the morning and stayed with us all week. 
A total of 15 coaches, 29 people, arrived Tuesday and all enjoyed a hot and hearty Chicken Stew with dumplings and Pot Luck desserts.   New members, Joe & Margaret Hazelwood and Dennis & Bev Ross were quickly introduced to our love and abundance of good food!  Unfortunately, Rita Roy called to say she could not join us because of serious health issues.  Rita was bringing Spaghetti dinner for Wednesday dinner, so we did some quick head scratching and planning!  Card Bingo was the evenings entertainment and the winners of every game received cash prizes! Verne & Audrey Hauge volunteered to do the coffee prep every evening, so we had delicious coffee every morning started by volunteers.

Wednesday was off to a great start when Randy & Barb Cooper and helpers, prepared us French Crepes with bacon, berries and whipped cream for breakfast.  Very delicious and much appreciated! Thank you!  Joe & Marg Hazelwood stepped up immediately and saved the day with the missing Wednesday dinner.  They took a trip into Comox and made arrangements for Chinese food, managed a reduced price (!!!!) and went back in to pick it up!  For their very first visit with us, they sure proved their worth!   Thank you!  In the afternoon we had a noisy game or two of Mollke, both won and prizes from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate House claimed by Randy Cooper. Then we just enjoyed the day as someone else prepared our dinner!  The Chinese food was very good and followed by more Pot Luck desserts.  Immediately after dinner we started the Cribbage tournament.  Congratulations to Judy Axelson for First Place.  Judy skunked her opponents EVERY game!  Well done, Judy!! Second place went to Linda Schwagly and Third to Henry Schwagly.  All were awarded prizes of Walmart gift cards. Congratulations to you all!

On Thursday, Don & Bev Purdey assisted by George & Linda O'Briain and a few others, made us a wonderful breakfast of individual omelettes.  A choice of toppings, toast and fruit were provided.  Delicious again.  Thank you!   Another warm and sunny day to go for a walk, sit and visit, explore or shop.  The intention was to play more lawn games, but the company and conversations were too enticing! 
Pizza dinner was delivered to the door and again, Pot Luck desserts were enjoyed by all.  Clarence & Darlene Zimmerman got us an unbelievable deal on the pizzas, more than $100 savings over last year!  And, it was great pizza!  Thank you!
Those wishing to participate stayed for a Court Whist tournament.  Marg Hazelwood finished with the highest score, followed by Arnold Aronoff and then George O'Briain.
Again, all were given prizes of Walmart gift cards. Congratulations!
The Continental breakfast on our last day; muffins, pastries, bagels, hard boiled eggs, fruit, yoghurts and all the accoutrements got us all fuelled up and ready to move out.

By the responses and emails I have received since arriving home, this was another great rally, enjoyed by all.  Next years rally schedule is in the works - stay tuned!

Some things I would do differently...less appetizers so that more of the main meal is eaten and not so many leftovers.  Also, not 3 nights of cards.  Instead, maybe another movie night or an evening of mixed games, so there is a choice other than competitive card games.  As well, I wouldn't mop the whole Pavillion floor myself again!  I have a terrible blister!

Wayne and I wish for you all to have a good winter, whether you are south or home, may it be not too cold and not too wet.  As well, we wish you the best of health or the best you can expect.  For those of you wintering away, or south, please watch for our notice of the Pot Luck we will be hosting in the spring, late February or early March.  Everyone will be invited and we hope as many as can will join us.  If you are near or passing through Yuma, please visit us at 14469 East 29 Place, North Foothills, Yuma.  Phone first 928-247-9302 to make sure we are home.  Happy trails to you all.

Sandy Quesnel