CALOOSA WINNIES
Local Chapter
By Nancy Miller

December 1 – 4, 2005 the Caloosa Winnies celebrated Christmas at Lakeland RV Resort at Lakeland, Florida. The weather had cooled off and we actually got to check out our heaters in the coaches since the temperature dipped into the 40’s! The wonderful sunshine warmed up the days and the festivities of the weekend.

Thursday was arrival day, and Happy Hour commenced at Nancy & Jerry Miller’s coach. We welcomed back some of our members from up north, and shared in a joke telling contest that produced many laughs! Dinner was at Harry’s Seafood and Grille in downtown Lakeland. This city really lights up the whole town and that evening was the BIG parade and celebration. We were among the crowd enjoying all the bands, horses, and numerous floats sponsored by local schools, civic groups and businesses. It was heart warming to see so many young people involved in a project that was a big event for the city.

Friday morning was our pitch in breakfast which once again proved our members are really good cooks! After breakfast we held the business meeting. The nominating committee presented a slate of officers for 2006 and the nominations were voted on and approved by the group. Officers will be installed at our January campout. Happy Hour began at 4pm, a 50-50 drawing was done and our Treasurers Jane and Jim O’Neill were the winners! Dinner was at Fred’s Market, a southern buffet restaurant which was delicious. The remainder of the evening was spent at the clubhouse with our fun games of cards.

A great Saturday breakfast was served at the campground recreation hall, complimentary to everyone.  The rest of the morning the ladies on our group enjoyed a craft project thanks to the work of Sue Fuss. We made note holders to hang on the outside of our coaches for visitors to leave messages. It was a fun and useful project, thanks to Sue for getting this together for us. After lunch we played shuffleboard to get us in practice for the BIG tournament coming up at our January campout.

At 3pm we had our Christmas party celebration, complete with food, drink and fellowship.

 Our annual White Elephant Raffle was held, and we had a great time opening and trading those prized possessions!  A pot roast dinner was served, with all the trimmings provided by the members. We enjoyed the Christmas spirit, spending time with good friends which is such a great gift!

Sunday morning breakfast was at the recreation hall once again, THANKS to Lakeland RV Resort for a great campground and hospitality. Soon we said our farewells and headed home.

Our campout in January will be a celebration for our group 35^th anniversary to be held at Sun’n’Fun RV Resort in Sarasota, FL.! We are proud of the fact our group is one of the oldest in WIT history! We welcome visitors anytime to our campouts!.

Barbara Wood  239-945-0190