CALOOSA WINNIES

Local Chapter

   By Nancy Miller

 November 3 – 6, 2005 was the first Caloosa Winnies campout of our new season and we were happy to get together after the long summer break. Encore RV Park – Sarasota North was the meeting place. The weather was great which was a welcome treat after this past hurricane season!  Our members in attendance were Bud & Paula Geng, Judy & Glenn Mercer, Jerry & Nancy Miller, Jim & Jane O’Neill, JoAnne Weber, Barb & Chuck Wood.  Thursday afternoon was our first Happy Hour and we all shared travel stories from the summer adventures. Dinner was at Miller’s Dutch Kitchen Restaurant, followed by our fun card games at the recreation hall.

Friday morning breakfast was pancakes with all the trimmings, then we were off to visit Red Barn Flea Market with all the shops and booths just waiting for us to explore. Happy Hour was celebrated at 4:00pm, and dinner was at Roaring 20’s Pizza & Pipes in nearby Ellenton, FL. What a unique experience! This restaurant has a Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ from the 1930’s, and the organist of the evening played a variety of music which was just wonderful! Many of us remember the days of theater organs, and this display of instruments was just incredible to see and hear. Later in the evening we returned to the campground and Bingo was the game for the evening, with “exciting “ prizes.

Saturday morning was our traditional “pitch in” breakfast. It’s amazing how we always have such a variety of good food! After breakfast we had our business meeting, which was called to order by our President, Barb Wood. The minutes from the previous meeting and Treasurer’s report were read and accepted. The nominating committee reported they have selected a potential slate of officers for 2006, to be voted on at our December meeting. Our special 35^th anniversary celebration originally scheduled for December was changed to the January campout to allow members to attend who have not returned from up north.

Saturday afternoon some of the members relaxed and enjoyed shopping in the area, while some members visited the Earth Box store. Earth Box is a unique concept of growing plants in a box with special dirt, fertilizer and watering techniques, which can be grown anywhere.  You just can’t beat locally grown fruits and vegetables – on your own patio or lanai in Florida! Later in the day we had Happy Hour and a delicious Pot Luck Dinner. We have the greatest cooks and had another wonderful dinner! Joining us for dinner were members Phil & Shirley Halstead. Phil had surgery this summer and it was great to see them both!  Card games were enjoyed by everyone for the rest of the evening.

Sunday morning was a continental breakfast, before we said our goodbyes! We’re looking forward to our December campout at Lakeland RV Resort.

January 5 – 8, 2006 will be our 35^th anniversary celebration of the Caloosa Winnies! We have a special party planned and invite anyone in the area to join us at Sun n’ Fun RV Resort at Sarasota, Florida.

Barbara Wood  239-945-0190