The Palms Estates

Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk at the Palms

September 18, 2019

With the enjoyable music of Ben B in the background, 14 of us Palms Estaters sat around the table talking and drinking coffee on a beautiful morning in Lorida. There was laughter and moments of concern for those who are not well or ill and even a bit of story-telling. Harry D. rose from his seat and took the mic and announced that he was todays Emcee! Although he thought he had signed up for October, like a true champion he took the podium and led us to another great Coffee Hour. Harry thanked Ben B for the great music and then Harry opened Coffee Hour with a wonderful prayer of thanks for all the many blessings we have been given and lifted up the sick and suffering for God’s blessing on their lives and on their family’s lives.

Harry then thanked Ben & Vickie B for setting up and making coffee for our meeting and special thanks to Vickie for the yummy bacon she had cooked. Also, thanks was given for everyone who provided us with the goodies we had to share as we sipped our coffee or tea. Harry said he was looking to “Shake it up at Coffee Hour” but alas he found it has already been “Shaken Up” and laughter abounded. The shaking up he wanted to do was move the welcoming of folks back to the top of the meeting but looked down and saw that that was where it already occurred… So he welcomed back Bob & Vicki K and Larry B to the fold. Seeing that there were no newcomers or guests, Harry asked if anyone had a birthday or anniversary to celebrate this coming week. Although no one was present with special days this week, we celebrate with the following good folks Donna C 19th; Judy B 22nd; Pam G and Clyde W 23rd; and Verla H 24th we send the warmest of Birthday wishes to all of you..and many moreeeee. Happy Anniversary to Harry & Donna K on the 23rd.

Bob & Vicki K shared they visited with Verla while they were in PA and we look for her the 3rd of Nov. as excitement begins to build as time for our Snowbird family members to returns draws closer!  Vicki also passed around a sign-up sheet for our trip to The Village Inn next Wednesday at Coffee Hour takes to the road again next week. We will meet at the Hobby House at 11am and carpool for some free pie lol!

Harry then asked if there were any other announcements and Jeff raised his voice with a few items. He is not sure if there will be an EAA breakfast at the hangar this Saturday due to construction at the hangar, Once he gets the info he will share it.

This is Constitution Celebration week and on Friday from 1-3pm the DAR will be having a Constitution Day at the Circle Theater in Downtown Sebring for all. So, if you have interest in our Constitution and celebrating it you will want to come out Friday.

Jeff spoke with Carolyn M and she has asked, due to the shortage of helpers for the Palms of Sebring Apple Fall festival,  would anyone from the Palms Estates be willing to volunteer to work some shifts at the Festival next Thursday, Friday or Saturday. If you have interest in helping out please see Jeff or contact Carolyn M at (863) 314-8998. Thus, the Palms of Sebring is having their annual Apple Festival next week. Get those dumplings while they are HOT.

Peg D thanked everyone for the prayers while Jim had his kidney stones removed and she was sick last week. We are so blessed to be in a praying community causeeeeeee Prayer WORKS!

Today is National Cheeseburger day and Jeff shared that many restaurants are having specials if anyone was craving a cheeseburger in honor of this momentous day!!

Jeff asked if there were questions and he fielded a couple and will get on replacing the light on the island and also call the Roads and Bridges in Highlands County to repair the light on the speed light sign on Hwy 98 at the entrance to our park. Don’t want any of our residents missing the turn LOL.

Please keep Bev V’s prayer concerns in your prayers as she asked for prayer for JB with a tumor and also Jean who is having shoulder surgery.

Jeff was asked about Del and Lavern H as they are still at Fairway Pines but since the meeting has found out that they may be coming back to their home in the middle of October. Also something to pray about.

Antec the company that sprays to keep us fire ant free will be here THIS Saturday 21st at 9am for a complete treatment of the grounds of the park. Please be aware of an ATV that will be spraying pellets for fire ants.

With that we were adjourned to a day filled with the blessings our Lord has in store for us.. Look for those blessings!!!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

September 11, 2019

A happy dozen folks sat around a big table and drank coffee and reminisced about Sept 11, 2001 with strong memories of where they were when the worst attack on American soil ever occurred. I have found that times like these are best shared with those you love.  Since we are a big family here at Palms Estates, it is my belief that today’s coffee hour was important to our group and to our country. As Ben B played his guitar, we ate and talked and took new perspectives on life and the things that really matter. Thus, was the beginning of a great Coffee Hour together. We also celebrated many of our Southerners roots as Ben played Dixie while the Northerners listened hehe It was a good time.

Becky M took to the mic at 9:30am and thanked Ben B for the music he shared with us today. Becky then called upon Agatha J to have our opening prayer and Agatha prayed a beautiful prayer thanking the Lord for the family we have all been adopted into here at the Palms and also for the family we were baptized into in his Son. She remembered those who died that day 18 years ago and the family members who still survive with the painful memories of that day asking God to continue to show them mercy and grace. Becky then read this poem written by a family member of a victim of the tragedy.

Jesus Poem

If I'd been trapped in one of those towers,
and I had a cell phone,
I'd have called my sister and brother
and told them I'd loved my life,
loved them, always would, and to
thank everyone for being so good to me and
to take no avenging actions,
nor support the avenging actions of others,
but to let me die with the dignity of my faith.
Then I'd step out into the air,
something opening beneath me,
the last fall of my life.
It's hard to say what I'd be feeling,
surprise, mystification, terror, glory,
but I'm sure I wouldn't be angry.
In the last moments
there's nothing to fix,
no protest against the speed of the fall.
I imagine I 'd be filled with
something beyond terror,
a feeling which is
(from where we stand)
intolerably bright.

©Susan Birkeland

She then read a brief reading about birthdays and aging and promises and possibilities that we all have the opportunity to partake in as we live each day. She even quoted Dr Seuss who wisely said, “We are only old once. Make it count!” as a challenge for each of us to live each day to the fullest. Becky then read the following quote from a 9/11 ceremony in 2008

 “One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.”
—President George W. Bush at the Pentagon in 2008

This led to birthdays in the coming week and Larry W, who was also a returnee from Cali. Is having a birthday TODAY so we sang to him and wished him and all those with birthdays this week…many moreeeee. Those include Rachel C today also; Don R 12th; and Butch R 17th. Even though Gordon did ask Linda, he was informed that this is NOT their wedding anniversary week and we had no others in attendance but we send out Blessings for a great anniversary this week to Dan & Linda H 13th and Roger & Carol B 14th!!!

Becky then thanked Vickie and Ben B for making the coffee and big thanks to all those who made or brought some goodies for our coffee hour. With no other returnees and no newcomers or guests on we moved with our time together.

Gordon shared with us that he had published an article about himself in the News-Sun as they had asked him to share about Pulmonary Fibrosis. Hope everyone will read this awesome article about an awesome fellow.

Becky then asked for a Moment of Silence as we paused to remember the acts of that day 18 years ago as we each offered up our prayers it was a powerful moment as the silence brought strength. She then asked us to stand and we pledged allegiance to the Flag.

Jeff then shared some announcements: The Breakfast at the Hangar has been moved to one week later because of construction at the hangar. No EAA breakfast this week but we will caravan on Sept 21st to support this very worthwhile group. Also, Jeff said he had 2 seats still available for the EAA Dinner on October 18th.

He announced that in partnership with The Palms of Sebring, Harvest House Fellowship will be offering Grief Support Groups on the first and third Thursdays’ beginning Oct 17th more info to follow.

Sept 26,27, & 28 are the dates for The Palms Apple Festival and you do not want to miss this fun time with food, crafts, and music.

Jeff then asked if anyone had any questions about goings on in the park.. but there were no questions at this time. He then reminded everyone that at Noon today we will have a Practice Emergency Siren from the Lorida Cob’s chimes. Please be advised that this is just a test so you will know the sound of the siren in the event of a real emergency or warning.

Becky closed with a word of prayer that sent us out to live our day in thanks and praise of our Lord and Savior!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

August 14, 2019

It was a beautiful warm and sunny morning when a big group of Palms Estatites, 18 to be exact, gathered around the tables in the Hobby House to laugh, talk, and drink some morning beverages. Of course, everyone there knew who was at Coffee Hour but sometimes the manager just has to make it sound like something even bigger LOL. When Jeff walked in there was talk already about Labor Day picnic and this months Coffee Talk on the Road and he thought he was late but alas we were just getting a jump on things.

After some discussion, we decided to meet next Wednesday at 11am at the Hobby House to carpool it to The Caddy Shack for another installment of Coffee Talk on the Road Again! We hope everyone around will join us. Also, there was a sign-up sheet for those who will be attending the Labor Day Picnic and once we see how many will be attending, we will decide the menu.

With some housekeeping out of the way, Bob K stepped to the mic and asked Jeff to have the opening prayer. Jeff then thanked the Lord for this awesome day and these great folks gathered together and also lifted up the many who are not well for the Lord’s healing and love in their time of need. With our prayer time complete, Bob thanked Harry D for his work to set up for todays coffee hour and also to those who brought something to share in the food department. Then Bob gave a remined that we will be going to Caddyshack next Wednesday and meet at 11am to carpool to lunch in Sebring.

Bob then asked if there were any returnees and Al & Linda G spoke up and we welcomed them from Indiana as they have come down for a couple of weeks to work in their new home on Canal St. With no guests or newcomers around Bob moved on to birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated this coming week.  Today we send happy Birthday wishes to Frank B and Audrey B; Brenda K and Yvonne M tomorrow and a big Happy Birthday wish to Jr K for next Tuesday as he will be 95! And many moreeeeeeeeeeee…

We send out our warmest Anniversary wishes to Greg & Teresa K on their big day tomorrow. Blessings for many more anniversaries.

Bob then gave us a very interesting history lesson on where the saying “Sons of Liberty” came from and it has it origin in a Irishman named Isaac Berry who suffered a devastating injury on the battlefield but returned to Parliament to remind them what a Son of Liberty was and it went forth from there. He also showed us the origin of Wilkes-Barre name in Pa . You truly learn something new every day something else to be thankful for.

Bob then turned it over to Jeff as he had a few announcements to share with the group.

The Sebring Historical Society is having a BBQ dinner next Thursday at the Sebring Civic Center from 4-7pm. For the purchase of a $13 ticket you will be get BBQ Brisket hot off the smoker and Baked beans Coleslaw and Dessert to go but if you stick around you get your drink also and all proceeds go to help fund the Historical Society.

On October 12 the Historical Society will sponsor a trip to the Florida Aquarium with travel included, See the Flier posted in the Hobby House if interested.

Tomorrow the Lorida 1st Baptist Church begins a new session of Bible Study for the ladies. All are welcomed as it begins at 10am and continues every Thursday.

After a brief closure of the pool due to chlorine being out of whack the pool is open for business to everyone again except on M T Th and F mornings from 9:30am – 11am for swim exercises. All are welcome to participate in swim exercises if you are interested.

We still have a few spots open if you would like to attend the EAA dinner with world famous author and pilot Patty Wagstaff on Oct 18th. It will be a great night of food fun and hearing some of the many tales Ms Wagstaff has experienced during her Pilot Hall of Fame career. Tickets are $50 and please see Jeff as soon as possible.

Becky M then thanked everyone for all their prayers meals and cards during her surgery and her time of recovery. She and Eddie want to thank everyone for their kindness and how blessed they are to live in such a wonderful community.

Bob came back up and asked who was leaving us this coming week and the Cuppers and the Groths will both be heading back to their other homes for awhile and we sang our song of farewell to them til we meet again… soon we hope😉 With the singing completed, Bob sent us on our merry way to enjoy another Blessed day. “This is the day the Lord hath made, Let us REJOICE and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24

Coffee Talk at the Palms

July 24, 2019

On a gorgeous sunny morning in the Hotbed of Florida, 12 Palmers sat down together around a couple of tables and visited in the Spirit of Christ. There was coffee and goodies but the fellowship was the best part of this time together. Peg D was to be our emcee and she started a little early since everyone was pretty much here and we were all eager for the day that lay ahead for each of us.

Peg D asked Harry D to stand and offer our opening prayer. Harry stood and asked the Lord to come into this place and be in our meeting this morning and gave thanks for all the many blessings each one of us have been given this day. Peg D then shared that we have a lot of great books in the library and she highlighted Clive Cussler in particular if you like suspense and intrigue but not with bad language or too steamy content. We hope more of you will take time to enjoy our wonderful resource, the library and all its contents.

Peg thanked all who brought goodies and a special thank you to Harry D for being our coffee maker this morning.

Peg then welcomed Harry D back from his week long journey to the North and also welcomed our guest this morning, Beth, daughter of Gordon & Linda W. So glad to have here in our group this morning. With that covered Peg moved quickly on to the birthdays and we were excited to have Becky M bad back and all in our group as she celebrates a birthday tomorrow so Agatha led us in a rendition of Happy Birthday. Also want to take time to send our wishes to Judy P 26th; and Jewell W 27th. Praying you all have wonderful birthdays!

Peg then asked if there were any anniversaries and with Gordon being clear that his is not this week lol we do send out Happy Anniversary wishes to Ben & Vickie B today.. and many more

Peg then shared the thought on a bookmark she has and it was simply to enjoy this day the Lord has given each of us for it is a special gift as it is the present!

Peg then said, “Jeff you got anything to say?” And of course he did..hehe Jeff then shared that the Caladium Festival is this weekend and the Car show which is the biggest in the area this time of year is Saturday and Gordon reminded us it was from 9am – 1pm  All free along with music and crafts and goodies. Hoping many will go out and support our local growers and craftsmen and eateries.

Jeff was asked to convey sincerest Thanks from Mike and his wife Susan on the many cards and prayers the folks of Palms Estates have sent and lifted on the passing of his Mother. He was speechless upon returning to a FULL mailbox when they returned from Ohio and he was so thankful for all the support given him. It is good to live in a group that loves the Lord and each other!!

I heard they had a great crowd at Virginia Days last Friday soooooo Jeff encouraged everyone to make next Friday August 1st Pennsylvania Days as big a success! It is in Osterberg Pa at the Ivystone Restaurant and it will be a great time of food fun and fellowship. All attendance were leery of the big drive but we hope many of you Snowbirds will take the time to attend!!

We had a good report from Verla H and ask that you continue to be in prayer for Del & Lavern H as Del has a rough week last week but he did get his staples out and the wound is healing nicely so please lift him and his family in your prayers. Becky went to the doctor Monday and told us no surgery for now they are going to let it continue to heal if it will act right and she will behave maybe no surgery and that is an answer to prayer. Thanks for your prayers.

Peg D reminded the ladies that Bible Study will be starting up again August 15th at First Baptist Church at 10am.. Don’t miss it

Harvest House continues to feed children 18 and under on Fridays if you would like to help or donate. They fed 20 last week and that is so awesome!

Harry D asked if we still planned to go to eat somewhere every month and realizing this month ends next week we have chosen to go to Main Street America in Lake Placid next Wednesday. We had a lot of interest so hopefully everyone will go. We plan to meet at 11am next Wednesday at the Hobby House to carpool over for a great lunch and fun time together with Coffee Hour on the Road!!

With no one leaving us this coming week, Peg dismissed us to have wonderful days in the Lord!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

July 10, 2019

After a one-week hiatus away from Coffee hour for the July 4th picnic, a small and wonderful group of 12 sat around a couple of tables visiting and sharing food and fellowship. Looking back on the picnic we celebrated our nation and Thanked God for our freedoms, a large group of 45 shared a delicious cook out and program. Lots of food, great music by Moses & Brenda C, a reading from Howard W and focus on our nation proved to be an awesome celebration and great time was had by all.

Today we were honored to have Harry D as our emcee and with the smaller group Harry decided to emcee from his seat at the table. He opened and then asked Gary W to have our opening prayer. Gary had a lovely prayer as he was thankful for all the beauty around us and prayed for those who are sick in our community, especially Del H and Lavern, and closed by asking God to continue to watch over us.

Now that we were all in a good frame of mind Harry D shared he would not be here next Wednesday as he will be in MI and IN the coming week and it was decided that first one in next week would make coffee for the rest of us. So I wonder who will be first in …hmmmmmmmmm.. we shall see. Seeing that there were no returnees or guests or newcomers, Harry asked if anyone would be celebrating a birthday in the coming week. Though no one was present who will be celebrating we are thankful to wish Birthday greetings to Barry A and former manager Patty R who share the 15th as birthdays.. Happy Birthday to youuuuu! A former resident Max A celebrates his 90th this coming week and I am including an announcement for Judy P’s 80 birthday on July 27th and her daughter Vicki L shared this with me if anyone would like to send her a card and well wishes for this milestone birthday.

We were then off to Anniversaries and Harry & Agatha J have a birthday this Sunday and thus we sang to them and Agatha shared she would be speaking at Spring Lake UMC with Ice Cream Cake served after the service to celebrate their marriage of 23 years. All are invited! Also Skip & Judy L way up in Canada get anniversary wishes from us as they celebrate on Sunday also.

Harry then shared a couple of very funny stories to brighten the mood and then said, “Announcments”

Jeff spoke up and shared that Del H has been moved to Kenilworth for rehab on his broken femur. Please keep he and Lavern in your prayers as this will be a long difficult process as the surgery required them to put a rod in and tie it with a bunch of wire so Del will not be up and walking for awhile and is in a large amount of pain right now. Jeff also shared that Nancy W is doing so well and Praise the Lord also Bob H continues to live his life to the fullest each day as long as our Lord gives him time here on earth. They will not be able to do anything for his heart condition or cancer but Bob is upbeat and hopes to join us once again this winter.

Jeff briefly shared what he learned from the Commissioners meeting last night and asked us to prepare to see another increase in our tax bill in the coming year. With that Jeff told us that the pool is repaired completely and that if no one had any questions he was actually done..LOL

Harry took back over and sent us on our merry way to share with those we meet the love of our Lord in word and deed!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

June 12, 2019

A big group of Palms Estates finest gathered around the tables of the Hobby House this morning and drank coffee, told stories, and generally had a good time fellowshipping. Peg D took the podium and started our Coffee Hour program. With 16 of us in attendance, Peg asked Gary W to have our opening prayer. It was a beautiful prayer, prayed with power and humbleness that set the tone for Coffee Hour exactly as we needed. Harry D then asked us to rise as he led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and then Peg began our time together. Peg thanked Harry D for making the coffee and setting up and also thanked everyone who supplied the breakfast treats we had to share with each other.

Peg welcomed back Linda W who shared she had a busy but very nice trip back to her stomping grounds in the, yessss, Shenandoah Valley and also Gary & Lois W who returned from a week long trip back to WVa. We even had a guest in our midst as Peg welcomed Andy S who informed us he was officially now the fiancée of Gary & Lois W’s daughter Shelly. It was a joy to meet and welcome Andy and Shelly and Andy’s 2 children also.

In our midst there was no one present with a birthday or anniversary in the coming week but we do have some folks celebrating this week and hopefully we can share in their joy… Birthdays; RuthAnn M 13th; and Meg A & Jan S the 17th..Happy Birthday to you,,,

Anniversaries; Frank & Doreen B 15th; Jr & Brenda K 16th; and Jerry & Pat C 18th; Anniversary blessings on all you wonderful couples! Also overheard during this portion of our Coffee hour “It’s not your anniversary” was said by Linda W to G.W. hehehe

Peg then did a brief commercial for the Library and the Left Behind series we have there. It is a great read and with the condition of our world very relevant.

Agatha then was asked to sing us a song and she shared a beautiful song “ How Great Our God” Thanks for blessing us with us gift!

Peg then read a little story about how I haven’t gossiped or complained or lied or done anything not in the Lord’s will was how the writer put it and then the writer shared that they had not been out of bed yet but needed the Lord’s guidance for the rest of the day.. with smiles on all faces we moved on to Announcements:

No coffee hour next week as we will be taking the show on the road, as they say, After some discussion it was decided to go to lunch at Oscar’s In Sebring for our coffee hour roadtrip. We pray everyone will go we will be meeting at 11am next Wednesday morning at the hobby house and carpooling to a “Coffee Hour Lunch”

Jeff then shared the Dirty Dozen Run & Paddle Obstacle Course Fundraiser for 1st Responders was this Saturday at Elks Lodge on Lake Jackson if anyone would like to go out and enjoy the action. Its free for spectators but $5 to park and there will be vendors and food available. It is from 9am – 5pm

Flag Day is Friday and we will be celebrating the 242nd Annual Holiday in observance of the flag being selected as the Symbol of our National Freedom. We are truly blessed and many times take for granted our freedom to worship and live as we choose. Be thankful!

We were reminded to sign up to be emcee it is not hard and it can be fun… Peg approved!!

Jeff shared that if you come in the Hobby house and the side door was open please leave it open right now as Patti R emailed Jeff and said when they did this the ice machine would work so we are hoping that will help the old machine to keep on making ice.

Peg then asked if anyone was departing the park in the coming week and with no one leaving this week we were all glad that our family here was staying intact for a week. She then shared the scripture and challenged us to “Love your neighbor as you love thyself” Matthew 22:39

Blessings on everyones day!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

June 5, 2019

A smaller group joined around tables in the Hobby House as some more had gone north and others were away for a brief time but still 13 of us drank coffee, ate goodies, and fellowshipped in the Lord. Agatha J came to the mic and began our official Coffee Hour and she thanked everyone who stopped by when Harry J was celebrating his 90th birthday in early May. It was a great day with over 70 folks dropping by for great food and punch and time with Harry. Agatha said she needed no mic and then she led us in a great prayer to our God of mercy who blesses us each day here as a family in Christ. And just like family she thanked everyone for all the goodies that had been brought and shared today. Thanks to the Keisters for setting up as the Burgers have flown the coup north to Ind!

Agathe then quickly looked around and realized there were no returnees or guests present but we can celebrate that Larry & Sandy E are here for the week as they completed the purchase of the Grabitz house yesterday and we welcome them. Agatha moved on to Birthdays and there were none present but Ed B and Gene V 6th; Darell B 7th and George Y the 11th are all good reasons to celebrate this coming week. Happy Birthday to all ya’ll!! There were no anniversaries for the coming week and Agatha asked if anyone would be leaving us this coming week and sadly Richard & Kathy U will be leaving so we sang the song of departure and pray for their safety til we meet again.

Agatha then had a few smiles from the Bible, although Del thought they were not too funny hehehe. What was Boaz before he got married?? RUTHless hehe

What do they call Pastors in Germany?? German Shepards OUCH! Chewy liked this one..

Who was the biggest female financier in the Bible”??? Pharaoh’s daughter of course she went to the bank and withdrew a little “Prophet” (profit)

Cars named in the Bible before there were cars??? They all gathered in one ACCORD hehe

God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden in a FURY (Plymouth Fury for you who might not know that one) 😉

Last one I promise, Who was the biggest comedian in the Bible??? Sampson cause he brought down the house…..not sure about this one

When the laughs finally died down LOL, she acted like she was done but then she said. “Announcements!”

Vicki K asked if there were suggestions for our field trip lunch on June 19th and we finally decided to give the American Grill on the Sebring Parkway a try. We will meet at 11am that Wednesday morning instead of having coffee hour and dine together. We hope everyone will attend it makes it more fun! We will carpool so meet us at 11am  June 19 at Hobby House and we will all be in one Accord hehehe. Sorry just had to say it… we also are still in need of emcees for the summer so think about stepping up.

Jeff then stepped to the mic and the enthusiasm was palpable in the crowd gathered for the info Jeff would share… not really but they all did stay awake while he talked…lol

He shared that this Saturday is Breakfast at the Hangar all are welcome and its for a good cause.

Saturday night Cruise at the Circle in Sebring this Saturday from 5 – 8pm if you like Cars

Highlands Little Theater has opening night for “Mama Mia” this Friday and it runs thru the 23rd if you need some good theater with great music.

Jeff informed everyone that for right now the Fellowship Center door would be unlocked in the day because the ice machine in the Hobby House is acting up..

Jeff then gave some updates on fellow family members here in the Park or up North..

Gene & Helen & Dawn Eaton have returned to the Cheese Head state as of last evening when Helen called to let us know she was home safe and sound and thanked everyone here for their prayers and help while she was sick…So  glad you are better and back in Wisconsin.

Rick & Audrey B returned to NC safely and eagerly look forward to being healthy enough to return in Jan this coming season.

Ed & Regina B sent an update from Moffitt Center in Tampa yesterday and it was a big PRAISE. The infusions and medicine are working, his tumors have shrunk significantly, and we are so Thankful for answered prayer.

Jerry & Pat C are on their way home after a rough spring here but Jerry is healed and better and we pray they have a great summer in Indiana.

WE have so much for which to be thankful. as a Christian community let us be mindful from whom these blessings come and share his Love every day!

Linda W is on here way to the lovely Shenandoah Valley, name dropped just for G W and Nelson W, so we ask for your prayers as she goes to celebrate their granddaughters Graduation from HS. We will try to keep Gordon out of trouble 😉

The Harvest House Fellowship is starting a lunch feeding programon Fridays for local children during the summer with backpacks of food to be sent home with them for the weekend. The outreach is a great mission and we can help if you want just contribute food items like instant oatmeal, Ramen noodles, canned meats, crackers, juice boxes all will help a needy child this summer. Jeff has a list in the office and you can contact Pastor Angelo T for more info.

Agatha returned to the podium and shared she had placed a word search at each table for us to do and did them and visited and she sent us on our way to enjoy our day and to search for words!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

May 29, 2019

Another big group of Palms Estates summer-residents gathered to drink coffee, tell tall tales, witness to one another, and enjoy Ben B’s music. 22 of us heat warriors readied ourselves for the emcee of the morning as Audrey “Dixie” B came to the mic. She opened with her lovely southern drawl and asked Emily M to come and open our time in prayer. Emily then offered up a beautiful prayer full of thanksgiving and lifted prayer for healing for the folks who are not well and her prayer was confident enough to lift our spirits and gave me encouragement. Audrey following the emcee’s outline, found there to be no returnees or newcomers. She thanked Ben B for his music and the Burgers for setting up for our Coffee Hour. Audrey then thanked everyone who had brought goodies to share.

Audrey then asked if there were any birthdays in the coming week and finding none she asked for couples celebrating anniversaries and she found such a couple. Del & LaVern H will be celebrating 67 years of wedded bliss this Friday and after applause we sang to them. Also, Mike & Anita K are celebrating their anniversary today!!!

Audrey then told the story of how she was driving here in Highlands County one time and all of a sudden a local sheriff’s deputy got behind her and of course she then began to stress out as she knew they would be looking for any reason to pull her over. As she drove, she saw ahead a group of Black Buzzards feasting on the carcass of some unfortunate animal that had met with its demise in the road. As she got closer, she thought for sure they would fly away as she approached and they realized there was a car coming, all the while being totally aware of the officer hot on her trail. When she got really close they all flew away except for one and she hit the buzzard as she could not sway to miss it and it hit her vehicle square head on and it flipped into the air and she saw in her rearview mirror as the big buzzard hit the deputy’s car with full force from her hitting it. The lights came on and she pulled over when she found a spot she would not sink in the sugar sand and the officer stepped to her vehicle and asked to see her license and registration and upon receiving them she noticed he began to issue her a ticket and a voice in our crowd said but “What was the Ticket for?” as it appeared she had done nothing illegal and Audrey in all her southern drawl and splendor said The officer told her it was a ticket for” flipping a bird at a cop.” LOL and everyone erupted in laughter… she got us!

With a good laugh had by all she said it was time for announcements: Vicki K reminded us that we still need emcees for the summer so please sign up; also she said Jeff had June calendars and that on June 19th we were taking Coffee Hour on the road and going out to eat as a group and asked that everyone be thinking of a place to take this group for a lunch time meal. She also shared that with the Burgers leaving for Indiana next Tuesday Harry D had so kindly agreed to set up on Wednesday for our coffee hours! Big thanks to Harry for stepping up.

Jeff then came to the mic and informed the group that there was an All American Car Show this Saturday at All American Grill on Sebring Parkway from 10am – 2pm with music food and lots of cars for the car show enthused. He also shared that Harvest House Fellowship will be having there Mens breakfast this Sat at 8:30 for all men if they wanted to attend and also that the Harvest House is starting a backpack program to feed school kids who are out of school and in need of food for the weekends during the summer if anyone wanted to contribute to this worthy cause.

He reminded everyone to please keep the Pool locked unless a resident is swimming to make sure we don’t have uninvited guests that are not covered by our Liability Insurance Policy.

Jeff heard from Pat S this morning and asked that we be fervent in prayer for the farmers there as none had been able to plant any of their crops in the fields as it continues to be too wet.

Jeff talked to Brenda K and conveyed she is improving and that it is slow but the Lord is blessing her as these blood clots dissolve and the swelling in her legs goes back down she hopes to be totally well in the next couple of weeks.

Peg had spoken with Dorothy K and she is back in the hospital and needs our prayers as she is in a lot of pain. Prayer for all our family members, please.

Audrey then asked who was leaving us in the coming week and Rick & Audrey B; and Ben & Vickie B will be departing us this week and so we sang to them to encourage them to return to us as soon as possible. We wish that you could stay!

Audrey “Dixie” B closed our time by declaring “That’s all I have!!” and off we went.

A closing footnote as Jeff is asking if there would be anyone in our community who might step to the plate and purchase or help to purchase and awning for the West end of the Fellowship Center, please give Jeff a call in the office. It would be a great help!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

May 22, 2019

On a rather Warm morning in Lorida, a wonderful group of 23 good Palmites gathered in the Hobby House to drink coffee and visit til time for the official Coffee Hour. Ben B played his guitar as friends visited and Gary W prepared to be our emcee. Promptly at 9:30am Gary W stepped to the mic and opened our time together. Gary started our time with a great story about the importance of being faithful to the Lord and keeping our eyes on him in all we do. He reminded us to focus our thoughts on him and not ourselves although today it seems as if it is the other way around. Gary then led us in a beautiful prayer giving thanks for the beauty we are so blessed to have all around us here in Palms Estates.

Gary then thanked Kathy U for the wonderful job she did decorating the Hobby House as we close in on Memorial Day. Also he thanked Ben B for the music he provided for us and to the Burgers for setting up for Coffee Hour. Gary also thanked all those who brought some of the many goodies we had to nipple on as we visited one with another. YUMMMMYYYY.

Moving right along Gary asked for returnees and there were none but we were treated to one Guest as Rick & Audrey AKA “Dixie” B introduced us to Audreys bro Kenny who was here to visit them. Welcome and hope you enjoy your time with us!

When asked if there was anyone in attendance celebrating a birthday this week there were no one but to those who are back north we send greetings to Sylvia S 24th; Toni W 25th; and Wanda H 30th.. Happy Birthday and many moreeeeeee. On we went to Anniversaries and Rick & Audrey B are also celebrating 51 years on the 25th!! So we got to sing and wish them a great anniversary. Also Anniversary wishes go out to Don & Sue R 22nd listen in your head to her us singing to you guys also.. Hehehe.

Gary then told a story about the wife reminding how Biblical it is that the Men of the relationship are to make the coffee in the mornings because she opened the Bible and pointed out over and over that HE brews and HE brews hehe

Announcement Time

Monday at 2pm the Military Sea Services Museum will have a Memorial Day ceremony featuring Medal of Honor recipient Major General James E Livingston  with an open hose with refreshments to follow his presentation.

Memorial Day picnic here at the Palms at 12:30 bring a covered dish and join us for Fried Chicken and fun Monday as we honor Memorial Day with a get together.

Vicki K also reminded us we need emcees thru out the summer so sign up and remember it is easier in the summer 😉

Vickie B shared we need to be in prayer for Brenda K as she deals with blood clots and is on a walker. Praying for her complete healing!

G W thru G W the emcee announced a program this coming Tuesday at Rotary will be about the Center for Great Apes and should be very interesting as it is the only preserve in America for Great Apes. And it is located in Wachula.

Jeff then got up and shared that Food Truck would invade Lake Placid next Monday evening if you were looking for a fun time with great food and music at Stuart Park off Inlaken Dr. 5-9pm

He shared that today is National Solitaire Day so everyone here can participate with a good game of Solitaire hehe

Jeff also reminded those that he still has the free tickets for any veteran for the meal the First Bapt Church is serving this Sat evening. Just see Jeff.

With no questions and a light activity schedule going on Larry B gave a big applause as Jeff was brief and done quickly this morning hehe WE know how to have a good time in Christ here.

Gary then asked who would be leaving and Becky M is headed home for a week and we sang the song of departure to her. Gary closed with a really cute story about the Young Lady who was attending a wedding with her Mom and she asked her Mom why was the girl all in white and her Mom said that was because she represented all that was good and pure and wonderful in the world and then the girl asked so why then is the Man all in BLACK >>>>LOL

God’s blessing on everyones day as is has richly blessed each of us!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

May 15, 2019

Another beautiful morning here in Lorida, found a large group of 26 Palms Estaters gathered around the tables in the Hobby House drinking coffee, eating GREAT goodies, and sharing wonderful conversations this Wednesday morning at Coffee Hour, After great tales of love bugs that have finally dwindled down to just a few and still partially full tummies from the great meal we all shared last evening, Donna H stepped to the mic to be our Awesome Emcee for this mornings festivities! As Donna started off her time as emcee she led us into a time of prayer drawing on the full armor of God to challenge each one of us to be all that Christ has for us to be in Him. After this victorious prayer, Donna opened up our Coffee Hour by asking if there were any returnees and there WERE and it was a triumphant return of Rick & Audrey B. We all rejoiced with their return as Rick continues to be treated for his multiple myeloma. Their stay will be brief but they seem to be enjoying every second and I know we all are loving every moment we get to share with another couple from our family.

After the pleasant surprise of having returnees, Donna found there to no guests and off she went to find those celebrating birthdays this week. Not only did she find celebrators for this week we had a birthday boy in our midst. Larry B is celebrating his big day today along with Linda W this Sunday and we celebrated Howard W’s 80th as he was gone to Ohio during his birthday so we ended up singing Happy Birthday twice but enjoyed it both times!! And many moreeeeeeeee Also celebrating this week are Roger M & Cliff M the 17th; Norma B the 19th; and Sylvia S the 24th… Happy Birthday wishes to all our family members.

In the way of anniversaries, after Gordon W checked to make sure it was not his and Lindas, we had none in attendance but pray the following enjoy wonderful anniversaries this coming week; Don & Sue R 22nd.

Donna then shared with us the amazing story of her first trip every to Canada for work to Montreal the city that speaks French only. After a delightful tale of misplaced luggage from her flight, her missing books and materials she needed to teach her class, unexchanged money and a hilarious trip to Canadas Walmart and clothing that was too small but all they had, Donna shared how thru that all she was able to witness to the top brass of this medical group she was doing the classes for and how in it all God was in the details and suppled all her needs according to his riches and glory. They even called her Amish since she chooses not to drink and thru that a door was opened to share about her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. She even got a limo ride back to her hotel and found that her suitcase had finally arrived not not before she had to Trust in the Lord and by her Trust in him was able to plants seeds that I am sure have no doubt produced fruit but that we will not know about until we gather together in Heaven one day. God is in the Details! It was a hilarious story but also powerful as to what God will do for us each one if we get out of his way and allow him to be the lead in all situations.

Announcements:

Vicki K asks that we sign up for the Memorial Day picnic and also we need emcees. She took a vote and it was decided we will have yummy Fried Chicken for our picnic the 27th. Thanks Harry K “the chicken man” who will be going to get the chicken on that day.

Donna H shared that her folks Ray & Harriet M made it safely to MD and were busy holding great grandbabies.

We rejoiced that Helen E is coming home today and that Jerry C had successful surgery for his kidney stones yesterday! Also, Toni W is recovering from her heart attack and stint and we need to keep them all in our prayers! Rejoice in the fact that our God is in the healing details for each one.

Jeff then came up and made everyone aware about the newest SCAM going around involving Social Security and phone calls seeking to get your coveted SSN, he shared that the SSA or the IRS neither one would EVER call you so hang up and even though these Hackers can make it appear they are calling from the Social Security Admin it is all a scam hang up and never give out any personal info over the phone.

Jeff also announced that the new Manufactured Home will be available to only Park Residents from now until May 31st if anyone would like to buy it and join our park as home owners. The home is a brand new 16x60 wide home with 2 BR 2 Bath Master Bath with 2 sinks in vanity and 2 walk in closets and Dishwasher, Granite Countertops, a wrap around counter with lots of storage cabinets in the dining area with crown molding. Call Jeff he would love to sell it to someone who is a part of our community already but after June 1st the unit will be open to sale to anyone who qualifies and wants to become part of Palms Estates!

Jeff also reiterated to please be respectful of each other and NOT drive your golf carts IN and AROUND others homes or units. Please be kind to one another and understand that some folks have planted flowers and such and there is no need to be between units. Thank you!

After this great time together and a motion to adjourn to make Jeff hush hehehe Donna returned to the mic to ask who would be leaving this week and Barry & Meg A and Robert & Donna H will be departing and we sang to them wishing they would stay but praying for their quick return to our wonderful community.

Donna them dismissed us to enjoy our day and to live as Victors in a world that may not appreciate us but needs us to live as Fully Armored Warriors for Christ!

April 24, 2019

Having made the move to the Hobby House for the summer season, we had a large group of 37 Palm Estateites gather together to laugh, reminisce, and have an all around good time this morning at Coffee Hour. Ben B took to the podium and after some technical issues were resolved and the new mic and sound system were working off we went. Ben asked his wife to have our opening prayer and Vickie B offered up a lovely prayer of thanks for our community, prayer for healing for the many who are sick and afflicted in our midst, and asked for safety for those family members who are traveling. Ben then asked us to rise and we had the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Ben thanked Vicki k and Vickie B for setting up the Hobby House for our Coffee Hour today and a big thanks to Harry K for running and getting the doughnuts of the last doughnut run of this season. Thanks everyone!!

Ben then asked if anyone has a birthday in the coming week and Jeff P shared his was this week and then Agatha J shared that Harry J is turning 90 this May and will be in Massachusetts for his big day with family and friends. Frank B 27th and Gene E 28th also celebrate birthdays this coming week. The group then sang Happy Birthday and with their being no Anniversaries it was time to move on in the program.

Ben then quizzed us on Being Older than Dirt if you remember any of the following: Black Jack Chewing Gum; Wax coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water;candy Cigarettes; Soda Pop Machines with Glass bottles; Howdy Doody!; Restaurants with tableside Jukeboxes; Home milk delivery in glass bottles; Party Telephone lines and a few others. SO who is older than dirt??

Ben asked for Returnees or Guests and found a couple of both.. Ed and Becky M shared Rick & Pam B from NC who are both guests and returnees to the park having camped here before and Stan & Sylvia K shared Merle R who is both also. Again just like ol family week here at the Palms!

Ben then shared some Points to Ponder..deep thoughts and some will crack you up!

If the No 2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still No. 2??

What wassssss the best thing BEFORE sliced bread??

Why do “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same thing?

Why do British people NEVER sound British when they sing???

When French people swear do they say “Pardon my English?? Think about it hehehe

With those deep thoughts in our heads off we went to ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Bob K is looking for volunteers to help with the Night Watch program during the summer to add to our safety here at Palms Estates. Please see enclosed with email for information and then sign up to help out. If anyone gets a toy badge also see Bob K to give it to Steve lol

Vicki K is looking for emcees for the summer please sign up. Also Jeff handed out may calendars and Vicki brought the National Day of Prayer to everyones attention. It is May 2nd at the Crosses and Flags across from 1st Baptist Church of Lorida at Noon.

Peg D stepped to the mic to offer her sincerest Thanks to everyone who has been praying for her and bringing food and visiting as she went thru her surgery and is still recovering. We are blessed to live in such a great Christian community.

Vickie B reminded everyone that at 4pm tomorrow Thursday we will meet at the Hobby House to carpool it over to Jaxson’s for some great food, fellowship and probably some fun. If you need to use a coffee mug

Howard W shared he had some information on aging and memory problems if anyone would like to read it. He also has info on the medicine he is taking and how it is helping him with his memory.

Jeff P then came up and informed the crowd that Statistics proves Those who have the most birthdays…..live the longest!!! The Blueberry Festival is this Saturday in Avon Park at Donaldson park from 10am-4pm. If you are going take a chair to sit and enjoy the music as the locals usually have the tables full when others get there. They have crafts and food and blueberry everything. If you have $495 burning a hole in your pocket Jeff shared that Friday April 26 you can drive your car on the racetrack ( then get a new alignment hehe) and they will even supply a light breakfast and lunch for the low low price of $495.

Updates on Palms folks. Jerry C has his next doctors appt on May 6th still will be awhile til they blast up his kidney stones, Helen E is improving and hopes to be back at the Rehab hospital today, Becky M (Glady’s daughter in law) got great news regarding her cancer the tumor has shrunk 25% and they were hoping for 8-10% Praise the Lord he answeres our prayers. Soooo keep on praying for those in our park family who are still facing battles. Jeff then answered some questions and thanked everyone for their continued support.

Ben then shared some items that appeared in actual church bulletins:

The sermon this morning “Jesus Walks on the Water” The sermon tonight “Searching for Jesus”

Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands!

Miss Charlene mason sang “ I will not pass this way again’, giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?”. Come early and listen to our choir practice.

After those funny ones Ben asked the sad question of who would be departing Palms Estates in the coming week. David & Marilyn E on Thursday; Stanley Sylvia and Merle will be leaving Saturday and Howard is heading to Ohio for a few weeks on Sunday. We sang the sad song and wished them Godspeed till we meet again.

Ben then encouraged us to start each day with a smile and positive attitude and our world will be a brighter place. Blessings on your day!

Coffee Talk at the Palms

                                         April 17, 2019

With Brenda K playing the organ and Ben B playing his guitar, a much smaller group of Palms Estates residents sat and visited and enjoyed the music and company of one another. Being as no one else had signed up to emcee, we were blessed to have Bob K back at the podium for our Coffee Hour. He asked Jeff to lead us in our opening prayer and Jeff did so giving thanks to the Lord for the abundance of blessings he has bestowed on us and also asking for the Lord’s healing on the many who are sick or in the hospital. Bob K then tried to remember who were the Doughnut runners this morning and did call out Harry and Donna K for their service and also thanks John & Loretta G for working in the kitchen this morning.

Swiftly he moved on to see if there were any returnees or newcomers to a few chuckles and also asked if there were any guests, finding none we moved along in the program. Thus was issued the call for birthday or anniversary celebrators and sadly there were none of thus either. Please be mindful the Sandy M 21st is celebrating this coming week but that will be back north in Kentucky but we send her birthday greetings from Sunny Gorgeous Lorida!

Then came the part of our program we have come to dread ..those who are leaving us this week! Junior & Brenda K back to MI; Bruce & Margaret U next week; and Gene & Beverly V this coming Monday and Verla H heads north later today. WE sang the song of departure to them and wish them safe travels and quick returns to our midst.

Bob K then threw out some more terms to see what reactions he would get from the crowd such as what is a Yupper; Punch Ball; Alligator Pear; Stoop and Fixin.as in I am fixin to go home. With our brains tested, we moved right along to Announcements!!

Vicki K Reminded us that Easter Dinner is at 1pm Sunday and they will be setting up table and such Saturday at 2pm for anyone who would help. Water exercises continue at 10am and Game nights continue in the week. IT was decided to move Coffee Hour to the Hobby House starting next Wednesday as our group has dwindled to about 30-35. We will need one more week of doughnut runners then we will return to our bring a goodie Coffee Hours and Larry B reminded Jeff he would need to make some “Pigs in a basket” then hehehe Vicki lastly asked for Emcee volunteers over the summer months and hopes many will sign up.

Linda W fresh off being asked by her loving hubby Gordon if it was their anniversary as he does weekly(LOL), announced that the Sebring Historical Society is having a lunch time talk at the Society office today at noon on Floridas Emancipation.

Pat C thanked everyone at Coffee Hour for their many wonderful prayers as Jerry did come back home from the hospital and is still scheduled for surgery to blow up his kidney stones on April 30. Please continue to lift them in your prayers. Also Pat was able to give us an update on Helen E and shared she was sitting up and eating a little which is great news and we pray she is able to return to the rehabilitation hospital to have physical therapy.

Jeff asked the group to please prayer for George Y as he had to go to the ER Monday night and will be seeing a doctor tomorrow about his condition. His son Mike is flying down today so lots for which to pray! Jeff also shared that Donna C came home from the hospital yesterday and was flying home to Ohio today with Ken and Kim to drive up in a couple of days.

With those updates completed, Jeff gave us plenty of Easter week services to participate in if we so chose. Thursday 6pm Lorida CoB Love Feast Spring Lake Methodist 7pm Love Feast Good Friday Spring Lake Methodist at Noon the stations of the Cross 6:30pm Good Friday Community Service Spring Lake Presbyterian Church ( IF you can sing a lick come out at 5:15pm the Spring Lake Presbyterian to rehearse ‘It is Well with my Soul” and sing in our combined Community choir led by Jeff P.. or Good Friday service 7pm at Spring Lake Methodist Church. Easter Sunrise Service 6:30am Spring Lake Methodist Church and at 7am at Lorida CoB followed by a big community breakfast in the churchs Fellowship hall. Either way Jeff asks that you find a place and celebrate the LIVING Son of God somewhere this Easter Sunday.

Next Saturday to be put on your calendars Jeff shared that the Avon Park Blueberry Festival April 27th all day at the park by the beach just up the road from Jacarandas with great food, music, crafts and fun. Make sure you bring a chair to sit down and enjoy the music and the blueberries!

Del H came up to announce the Maranatha Baptist Church would have their Easter Cantata on Friday night at 7pm and again on Easter Sunday night at 6pm at the church on Arbuckle Creek Road.

Bob K then adjourned us to a great day that the Lord has made here in Sunny Lorida!

ADDENDUM Things the Manager forgot to include in the Coffee Talk Minutes for April 17, 2019

The Grabitz House on Live Oak Dr has sold and Larry & Sandy Esworthy are the new owners to be. We will miss Lee Grabitz but we welcome The Esworthys.

Coffee Talk at the Palms

April 10, 2019

On a breezy warm morning in the Fellowship Center in Lorida, a smaller group of nesting snowbirds gathered around the tables with coffee and pastries and lots of story telling and laughter. Most of them knew that it would not be long till they join the rest of the flock who have flown the coup here and migrated north for half a year, but the rest of us hard core year-rounders welcomed their good company as we watch the group thin out for the summer It was with this slew of activity that Bob K stepped to the mic to be our emcee with some wit of his own to encourage those among us who will be here awhile yet to volunteer to emcee or endure his good humored quizzes😊.

Bob would call out a word and ask if we knew another word for that item and I thought it was fun others maybe not so much but upon a groan at this game, Bob said the best way to ensure you don’t have to play this game again is to volunteer to emcee or I will.LOL and off we went to our meeting. With that Bob K asked Pastor Bob C to open our time in prayer. Pastor Bob led us in a very nice prayer covering those among us who are not well and asking to travel mercies for those who will be leaving us and thanking the Lord for his many blessings all around. Bob K then thanked Ben B for the music and Brenda K came up and asked to use the mic as she also wanted to thank Ben B for his sharing of his talent with us. Bob then thanked Brenda K and Karen C for their great work in the kitchen this morning and a big thanks to Gene & Bev V for being our doughnut runners who did it with ease this morning.

Upon finding there were No returnees and No newcomers and No guests Bob asked if anyone had a birthday this coming week to celebrate and with none in attendance he asked for Anniversary couples and there were none present but here are those who we celebrate this coming week who were not in attendance; Birthdays; David E 12th and Don(Jacob) S 15th!! And these happy couple are celebrating Anniversaries this coming week Mike & Diana C 14th and Richard & Yvonne N 12th. Sing amongst yourselves!!

John G did ask what state has the smallest soda pop…Mini Sota hehehe Minnesota

Given the choice to do Announcement or Those who are Flying the nest for the North.. Bob K chose to see who was flying home…..Mike & Anita K; Ken & Donna C( who thanked everyone for their prayers and shared she is feeling so much better. PTL) Frank & Doreen B; Ken & Peggy W; Larry & Karen C; Miller & Connie D; Jesse & Norma B, Cliff & June M; Gordy K; and saving the best for last Verla H. It is sad to see you leave but you go with many prayers for your safety for a good summer and a hasty return if the Lord wills to our little “Hidden Gem” here at Palms Estates!

Announcements:

It was asked if anyone knew where the Recipro Saw ( hopefully spelled correctly) might be located?

Marilyn E shared she had brought 3 “chrysalis” baby butterflies to be here today if anyone wanted to see them before they become Monarchs within the coming week and if you want some Milkweed to be habitat for Monarchs come get them at 105 Canal St and please take at least 5 plants as you need that many to properly create a place for them. She also shared another clothes rack had been donated in the Hobby House to hang clothes on for next years Festival and the shelves are marked please put your items where they belong.. and there is an Abundance of hangars if you need some come get some but before Friday as they will be given to Salvation Army on Friday.

Vickie B thanks Bob & Vicki K for doing so much work to wipe and clean all the chairs and build the fires and clean up after our very successful campfire last Saturday. It was fun and well attended and just not able to happen without great volunteers like the K’s.

Vicki K reminded us that there are a lot of empty slots on the April calendar for emceeing or kitchen work or doughnut running so please step up and help out. Also, she reminded us to sign up for the Easter Lunch Meal on Sunday April 21st at 1pm so we will know how much Ham to get to serve so everyone gets enough to eat. WE need a number and the way we get it is from you signing up so we know you are coming to dine with us on Easter Sunday!! Take a little time please and sign up for you and your guests or family.. you all know how we love to eat!!

Tomorrow night a change of the April calendar due to she and Jeff missing that the 18th is Maundy Thursday and many of our people will be at church so we moved Carry-In/Card Bingo to April 11th so we would have a decent crowd because later in the month would be after sooo many more leave us for the trip North. 5:30 pm Tomorrow night Carry In and then Card Bingo.

Gordon W then shared that he and his lovely wife Linda were dressed In their Univ of Virginia shirts because his Alma Mater won the NCAA National Championship in Basketball on Monday night and for him a very touching part was the last points the Cavaliers scored in winning the championship were scored by Braxton Key who just happened to be a cousin of the Great Ralph Sampson who was the best player in college basketball in the early 80’s but was never able to get his team to the Final game. Great story and connection for a team who well deserved this championship.

Ben B then Congratulated the Cavaliers on their big win Monday night and Jeff came up and shared his favorite part of the UVa National Championship was seeing Gordon in the same Wahoo T shirt 3 days in a row HEHE

Jeff the shared how the devout faith that the coach of the UVa mens team, Tony Bennett, and his willingness to share his faith with his players and anyone else who would listen was a great inspiration to me. It is always a blessing when one who has a big audience does not forget that it is only through the blessings of the Lord that he is where he is today and that is Tony Bennett. Although I am a huge Carolina Tarheel fan it gave me great joy to see my brother in Christ celebrating a great victory and giving our Lord the Praise.

Jeff also announced a concert at the Circle Theater this Saturday night to help supply musical instruments to students who need them to be able to participate in school bands and he encouraged any one who like 60’s to todays music to go and help with this fundraiser. Also an old fashioned movie under the stars is Friday night at the Circle in Sebring. He was reminded that the Breakfast at the Hangar at the Airport is this Saturday.. some of us usually head that way around  8:30am and it is for a good cause as well plus it is great fun.

Jeff spoke with Dorothy K and shared she sent her great thanks to all those who have had her in prayer as she deals with C diff and thanks for those who have sent her cards. Keep her in your prayers please as she continues to heal and get well. We miss you Dorothy. Also please lift up Gene and Helen E in your prayers as she continues to heal. It is such a blessing to live in a community where prayer is real active and makes a difference is so many lives!!!

Jeff adds this thought.. What did Mississip??? She sipped her Minne Soda!!! HEHE that is just for John G.

Blessings to all from Jeff.

Bob then adjourned us as Jeff offered a video to show how to use our New AEDs. We will have it again in the fall along with CPR training.

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Coffee Talk at the Palms

April 3, 2019

After some Mic trouble was cleared up, Paul L the Iowan, came up to be the emcee for our wonderful Coffee Hour on a gorgeous Spring Day in Lorida. Paul being shy and all LOL started us off with a good laugh and then he asked Pastor Bob C to lead us in our opening prayer. After a very nice prayer of thanks for those here and those who have returned to the north, Bob closed his prayer asking for continued Grace and Mercy from our Lord. Paul then thanked Roger & Glenda S for working in the kitchen this morning and thanks Bob K for being our Doughnut runner earlier and also thanked Brenda K & Ben B for their lovely music as we visited with each other.

Upon learning there were no returnees, Paul asked for any newcomers and Gordon (Gordy) K stood up and introduced himself to everyone as our newest member of Palms Estates family. He hails from Michigan and will be leaving in a couple of weeks but will be back down here this coming season for a longer stay in the RV park. Paul then did something so out of character for him… he gave the new guy Gordy a hard time lol .. Paul being Paul.

He began to read a story about some city folk taking a field trip to the country to a farm and promptly passed off the reading to Madge E when his eyes did not work like he wanted them to. Madge read the story the the young lady who asked what the purpose of this one particular cow. The farmer shared that horns can cause more damage than they are worth so they will saw them off or use a little acid to keep from growing when they are young then he politely shared with the young lady that she did not have to worry about this one particular cow getting horns as it was a “Horse” LOL

After a good laugh Paul moved on the those leaving us for some reason although he did have those who tried to steer him hehe get it “steer” him to birthdays and anniversaries but Paul would not be deterred and asked for those who would be leaving us in the coming week. So here they are Roger & Glenda S; Don & Sue R; Jake S and his “cute” friend Patty( who thinks Jeff is cute also)😉; Carl & Sylvia S; Bob & Ruth M; David E is headed to see his brother in Belize but will be back; Dave & Pat D; John & Carolyn V; Colleen D back to the Racoon Valley; and she is gonna take Paul L with her especially since he is her driver; and Mike & Diana C. With this long list of those leaving, we serenaded them with the sad Farewell song and they are still gonna leave us!

Paul then told the story of the lady who was speeding down the highway and the policeman pulled out as she flew by to stop her and give her a ticket, she kept going and then there were 2 police cars chasing her and she sped up faster and then there was a third and a fourth police car trying to get her to pull over and she just got faster till all of a sudden she jerked over off the road into a rest area and hopped out of the car and ran in the restroom when she came out she was greeted with a lot of police officers and she cheerfully said to them “ Bet you didn’t think I was gonna make it in time!” LOL

And off we went to those celebrating Birthdays in the coming week… Jesse B shared with us he will be celebrating 80 years of life Saturday and Emily M was not able to be here last week but shared that she might have turned and upper 80’s number and it was not a trick on April 1st.. so we sang to them to let them know we are wishing them the very best for another year and many moreeeeeeee. Also Happy Birthday wishes to Peg D on Sunday and Mary P on Tuesday.

We gave honor to a special Annversary as Verla and Carl H would be celebrating their 75th this weekend so we sang to Verla and wished her a blessed day of wonderful memories of her awesome husband, Carl.

Announcements:

Marilyn E informed us that Defibrillator Awareness Dad is next Wednesday after Coffee Hour for those who would like training to use the newly purchased AED. There will be another D.A.D. day when everyone returns next season as well.

Vicki K announced Robber Bingo tomorrow night bring a snack and a $1 gift to be stolen; Swim Exercises are moving to 10am unless it is not 70 and then will be 11am if 70 then; Campfire this Saturday night at 5:30 at the fire pits in the picnic pavilion. She also asked for volunteers to emcee, doughnut run or work in the kitchen throughout the rest of April. Vicki then shared some decisions from the last Fellowship Board Meeting they voted to give any monies left over from the up to $13000 they will half with the Board for the A/C in the Fellowship Center to the Board to help with the Security Camera project. And also they voted to take $200 from the Benevolent Fund to give to Lorida Volunteer Fire Dept.

Gordon W gave us some hints on culture and he closed with a good story with Jeff in his office when Howard walked in and told him  “X Y Z” and amazing yes I said amazingly, G W did not know what that meant so he asked Jeff and he let him know it was Xamine Your Zipper and he said he had always heard it called “ Zip up your Doodah” LOL with a big laugh he had brought culture to our group..HEHEHE

Vickie B shared that Corn Hole would be at 2pm on Wednesday and she thanked Harry D for taking the time to build a very nice scoreboard for our Cornhole game. Thanks Ducky!!!

Jeff then came up and had not much to share.. he needs a volunteer to help in the recycle shed and also asked for volunteers to paint the bridge over to the island where the repair work was done. He let the group know if they are hungry for some fast driving this Fri at the Race track the Performance Driving Group would offer some high speed driving experience on the Race track from 12noon to 8pm Also Jeff reminded everyone about the Sebring Sofa Festival this Fri and Sat at the circle in Sebring and Ducky shared that the Soda Shop on the circle has AWESOME Ice Cream and every good Brethren heard that one!!! He answered a couple of questions then shared he thought Patty was adorable also and with that he finished his time at the mic. Short and sweet.

He did forget to mention the Gospel Glory would be at Lorida 1st Baptist Church this Sunday night at 6:30 pm if you want a blessing of good music come on out. And also he had received a email from Dave and Judy B in Puerto Rico and they were off to a good start in the rebuilding effort there. Please keep them in your prayers.

Paul closed with a short story that went like this.. The power at an elementary school went out one day before lunch and the Head lunch lady was trying to decide what to fix her students for lunch since they had no way to cook anything.. she decided to make a huge stack of Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches and as they came thru the lunch line that day one child was heard to exclaim, “FINALLY a home cooked meal!!!” LOL With much laughter and applause Paul thanked everyone for coming out today and off we went to enjoy another beautiful day in Lorida!!!

Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!

August 8, 2018

13 wonderful folks gathered around the table in the Hobby House to share our Coffee Hour. The numbers have gone down some but the spirit and love still grows. Agatha J was our emcee for the day and she opened by thanking Harry D for making coffee and also thanking all the people who supplied our goodies for today.

Agatha then asked for birthdays.. and as no one with a birthday was present for which to sing we do have members of our family celebrating this coming week and they are: Waneta T tomorrow; Gary W 10th; Angelo T 13th; Audrey B 14th; and Frank B also the 14th. Happy Birthday to you all!!! Then Agatha asked if there were any couples with anniversaries this coming week at our meeting and there were none but there are some up North: Dan & Karen P today and Gene & Bev V 13th. Wishing both couples a wonderful Anniversary!

Agatha then focused her attention on her main point for today and that was dealing with Meds and Doctors… many of us have to take meds daily… drugs with hard to pronounce names and many with terrible side effects yet necessary for us… for many of us life often revolves around taking of meds.. pouring up our meds … yet we have one who can do miracles in our life as we  look at Psalms 6:2 “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” WE are blessed to have a community that understands these pains and shares love with those as needed to help bring healing. With that Agatha led us in a wonderful opening prayer about health and Gods ability to heal us.

Then she shared a couple of skits about Doctors and patients… One that stood out was a dialogue between and patient and a hospital administrator

Patient “I’m here to file a complaint.”

Admin “What’s the complaint?”

Patient “The doctor used to four-letter word during my surgery.”

Admin “What word was that?”

Patient “Oops!!”

Everyone laughed and all of us could relate to this and other real life times when our interaction with a Doctor or nurse was just as funny. Teaching us to be careful what we say. Words have Power!

Announcement Time:

Vicki K reminded us that we need emcees for the rest of the month of August and Howard W agreed to emcee next Wed to fill that void.

Ray and Harriet M have called and shared the good news about their grandson Mike B. His surgery was a success and they could not find any other cancer and was able to remove that whole tumor from his pancreas and test his lymph nodes and could not find any other cancer at all. Praise the Lord for answered prayer. They asked for continued prayer as he recovers and has chemo/radiation treatments still ahead.

Norman C emailed Jeff and requests prayer for Rick and Opal S’s son-in -law Chris who is undergoing treatment on a brain tumor. Reports have been positive but much prayer is needed. Please lift up this family. And Thank God for answers so far.

Eddie & Becky M prayer for them as they travel home and the selling of their house in NC.

Jeff then got up and shared the following events coming up:

Aug 10th Chow Down Food Truck at the Fairgrounds 5-9pm Take a lawn chair

Aug 11th Annual Grape Stomp at Henscratch Vineyard 10am -2pm Stomp Grapes and food and Lucy look a like contest

Aug 11th Breakfast at the Hangar at the airport for the Aviation Club 8-10am

Aug 11th Indoor Flea Market  American Legion off Hwy 27 in Lake Placid 8am -2pm

There was discussion of the group going to lunch one Wednesday and we decided to go to the Cheese Hut on August 22nd for our Coffee Hour leaving the Palms Estates at 12:30pm and we pray all will go!

Gordon W then shared his Show and Tell item for the week and it was a Porcelain License Tag from Florida. License Tags were originally made from porcelain but they kept breaking and finally they began to make tags out of pressed steel. He shared other little known things named Florida. Like the Florida islands located just above the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. He shared that 18 states had porcelain license plates at first but now none do. The first tag for Florida was in 1906 and issued by the governor at that time Napoleon Bonaparte Broward and when he signed into law what all autos should have a tag as a way to identify all these new moving vehicles it was funny that he did not even have the first tag. #1 was given to a man from Jenson Beach and the reason Mr Broward did not get the first tag was that he did not own a car. Lots of learn when you attend coffee hour with us!

Agatha then asked if anyone was leaving us this week and Eddie & Becky M will be departing for a while tomorrow morning and we sang the “Miss you” song!

Agatha then sent us off to our busy days in a very warm Florida Sunny Day!

I was fortunate enough to get to speak with Margaret U right after Coffee Hour and I am sharing with you all that she was able to remove her sling but is still in the very early stages of rehab on her shoulder. She called because she wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and words of encouragement. They have meant so much to her as she and Bruce mean so much to us. She is now beginning 4 months or so of intense rehab and still cannot use her arm to eat or anything basically but she is just thrilled to see progress as she recovers from her Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Please keep them in your prayers… We hope to see them soon!

Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!

August 1, 2018

Well our streak of well attended Coffee Hours continues with 23 wonderful Palms Estates people gathered around some tables fellowshipping one with another. After some time visiting with each other, Jeff P took to the mic to introduce Ricky T. our new Asst. Maintenance Man to all in attendance as everyone said Howdy and Jeff asked that we would make Ricky feel at home as he brings his skills to our community. Vicki K asked Jeff to have the opening prayer since he was already at the mic and thus Jeff led us in a prayer of thanksgiving for all the many wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon us.

Vicki K then came to the podium and informed us that Peggy D had said she would be emcee if her health allowed but sadly it did not and Vicki had assured her she would fill in for her if her pain was too bad.  Vicki opened our Coffee Talk with cutest story from our Worship Service Sunday at Lorida CoB, when one of our young children lifted up a Praise that her Mom had had oral surgery and God had taken care of her which prompted Pastor Bob to ask the little girl what was her name and the little girl looked at him and said, “ Her name is Mommy” And a little one shall lead them… so precious!

Vicki K then looked around a room for returnees and there were none and Ricky T was our only newcomer of the day. As she scanned the room for birthday celebrators there were none but we do have some great folk who will celebrate this week and they are Nancy W and Sylvia R-K on the 6th!! Happy Birthday northerners hehe… Now was time for those celebrating Anniversaries and we had one couple with us Pastor Bob and Bertha celebrating 31yrs August 2nd and so we sang the Anniversary song to them!! We also have more anniversaries within our Palms Estates family this week: Jim & Peg D Aug 3rd ; Roger & Glenda S Aug 5th.

Vicki K then shared “Walking on Water” a reading that had been given to her by Emily M and originally came from Anna Ruth F a former resident on Live Oak

Dallas heard that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all walked on water on their 21st birthdays. So, on his 21st birthday, Dallas and his big brother Damon, headed out to the lake. “If they did it, I can too!” he insisted. When Dallas and Damon arrived at the lake, they rented a canoe and began paddling. When they got to the middle of the lake, Dallas stepped off the side of the boat… and nearly drowned! Furious and somewhat embarrassed, he and Damon headed for home. When Dallas arrived back at the family home, he asked his grandmother for an explanation. “Grandma, why can’t I walk on water like my father, and his father, and his father before him?” His sweet old grandmother took Dallas by the hand, looked into his eyes, and explained, “That’s because your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were born In January. You were born in June, dear” HEHE

ANNOUNCEMENTS: No swim exercises from August 8th to the 24th except by appointment since the crew will be down to one.

Jeff P then got up and shared that August 10th Chowdown Food Truck Event from 5 – 9pm bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the food and live music.  Also, tomorrow is the day for PA Days in Osterberg PA 10am – 3pm join the Lorida crowd in Pennsylvania! There is a Carry in Meal at the Lorida Church of the Brethren this Sunday August 5, 2018 after service. Also, Moses & Brenda C asked to be signed up for the group we are putting together to go to SFSC for events in the fall and winter. See Jeff if you are interested or call him if you are up North.

Then Jeff shared an update from Norman & Rowena C and he read a note from them Just wanted to share with you Jeff and friends of Wed meeting something interesting to us: we received a notification that our submission of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher was accepted by the Florida Ornithological Society Records Committee at the July 22, 2018 meeting. We feel so honored. It was a quite thrilling experience to watch this bird for six weeks. We have shared this information to a number of people already, but wanted to let others know. Miss you all and God’s blessings on all of you.. Congrats Norman and Rowena that is so AWESOME!

Vicki K then returned to the mic to ask who would be leaving the Palms Estates in the coming week and Vickie & Ben B are leaving for 2 weeks; Gary & Lois W leave Sat for a couple of months; and Skip & Judy L head to Ohio for a couple of months and Lodema G flies home Fri hopefully to be back soon. We will miss you and eagerly await your return! We then sang the sad song of departure and Vicki adjourned us to another wonderful day in God’s creation!!

Please lift up Peggy D, those traveling north from the park, Diana C, Bonni R, Bob K and Dorothy K, Barry A., and anyone else who is struggling with health… God answers Prayer!

Please let Jeff know if there are any other prayers concerns in our midst.

Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!

July 25, 2018

Rarely is the emcee of our coffee hour also the birthday girl but today was our lucky day as Becky M was emcee and the celebrator and 24 people turned out for a good time at Palms Estates. Even Paul L surprised us with a visit and some say it was for Becky’s birthday but others say he had other reasons for his visit, either way we are glad to see him.

Becky then introduced Moses & Brenda C and Ben B who led us in Happy Birthday to open our time together celebrating Becky’s special day. Becky then shared they would be back to sing more in a bit and then Becky introduced Paul L and his son-in-law, Larry, and then she shared that “Her rememberer is not as good as her forgetter!” After some laughter, Becky led us in a beautiful prayer thanking our Lord for the many blessings he has given us. She then gave a special thanks to Vickie & Ben B for their outstanding service to make sure the coffee is ready and everything is set up each Wednesday for our time together. Becky then asked Moses & Brenda C and Ben B to lead us in a song and they led us in Amazing Grace and it was so beautiful!

Becky then told us today her emphasis would be on Love and challenged each and everyone of us to love each other and our neighbors as Christ loved us and the result would be a much happier world to live in.

Upon those words she asked if we had any returnees and of course it was time to officially welcome Paul L back to Palms Estates and also Peggy D back from Ohio and then she welcomed our guests Larry, Paul’s son-in-law and special guest Wanda L to our coffee hour. Everyone was so happy to see faces we have been missing and add so much to our life here in Lorida. With no other birthdays present to celebrate or anniversaries, we did not get to sing anymore but we do take this time to celebrate the following birthdays this coming week in our Palms Estates family; Judy P the 26th and Jewell W on the 27th!! Share the love with those near and far.

Becky then read I Cor. 13 the love chapter as her reading for the day to draw more attention to the fact that God’s love is unconditional and so special. There was a great feeling of love in the room then.

Del H then thanked everyone who had sent him cards or prayers during his recovery from a broken hip and he said the only bad thing about it was none of the cards had money in them LOL. Other announcements were that water exercises are now at 8:30am to avoid the heat and direct sun and Vickie B reminded us there was plenty of unused room in the pool if anyone else would like to come join them.

Jeff P then took the mic and shared that the Caladium festival is this coming weekend and he posted Musical performance times and who would be performing in Lake Placid this weekend. Also Gordon W announced that the Car Show Saturday at the Caladium festival is the largest in all the area and if anyone wanted to attend they would enjoy it but he could not attend this year as the Sebring Historical Society is having a Pot Luck meal with Rick Arnold as the performing and speaker and invited all to attend as it is free and in the Sebring Civic Center behind the Historical Society offices at 12noon Saturday.

Paul L then shared he may sell his home here in Palms Estates but that he would be back to stay in the winter.. he said we were not getting rid of him that easy and all had a good laugh.

Jeff then asked for everyone in the Palms Estates family to please lift up Dorothy K and her son Bob K especially in prayer as he has stage 4 cancer it is inoperable and the doctors have given him 2 – 12 months for his prognosis. We are a praying community and that is why Dorothy called me to asked for special prayer. Peg D also asked for prayer for her 16yo grandson, Grant F, as he has tests on his stomach. Peg D also had a HUGE thank you for Lois W who took such good care and locked up the library and did work in the library while Peg was in Ohio. Thanks Lois!!

Quick update from Jeff Florida Days in Virginia had a group of 31 and they had a great time together and we also want to remind everyone that August 2nd in Osterburg Pa will be Lorida Days in PA from 10am – 3pm.

After some more wonderful music and cake to celebrate the emcees birthday, Becky asked for those who would be departing the Palms Estates for awhile and Ray & Harriet M are leaving next Tuesday and Paul L will be leaving til he returns sometime this winter. We sang the song of departure Boo Hoo.

Becky then asked Moses & Brenda C and Ben B to sing one more song for us and we departed in Peace to enjoy another day in a great place to be after some wonderful music, food, info, and laughter. God is Good!!

Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!

July 18, 2018

18 wonderful Palms Estates folks gathered around some tables pulled together to visit and fellowship until our emcee for the day, Ray M., stepped to the mic to officially begin our Coffee Hour. Ray opened our time together with a great reading titled “The Light Turned Yellow”. The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing by stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit the car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached her and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed your ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally.. I assumed you had stolen the car.” PRICELESS

After a good laugh and also getting everyone’s attention with such a true and present-day story, Ray then had an opening prayer about possibilities with God and thankfulness to Jesus. Ray then gave us some Fun Facts from their recent trip to Alaska. The Iditarod race that is held annually was begun in honor of the doctors who mushed their way thru the tundra in the early 1900’s to deliver medicine to those suffering from a diphtheria outbreak. The distance also honors that Alaska was our 49th state with the race covering 1049 miles. It is run the 3rd week of March each year and the mushers run most of the race and only ride a very little. Was very interesting to learn all this. Then Ray read us a hilarious reading about Squirrels that hit a little too close to home for Eddie and Becky M.

Squirrels – Brilliant

There were five houses of religion in a small town: The Presbyterian Church; Baptist Church; Methodist Church; Catholic Church and Jewish Synagogue. Each church and Synagogue was overrun with pesky squirrels.

One day the Presbyterian Church called a meeting to decide what to do about the squirrels. After much prayer and consideration, they determined that the squirrels were predestined to be there and they shouldn’t interfere with God’s divine will.

In the Baptist Church the squirrels had taken up habitation in the baptistery. The deacons met and decided to put a cover on the baptistery and drown the squirrels in it. The squirrels escaped somehow and there were twice as many there the next week.

The Methodist Church got together and decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creation. So, they humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free a few miles outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back!

But – the Catholic Church came up with the best and most effective solution. They baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and Easter.

Not much was heard about the Jewish Synagogue, but they took one squirrel and had a short service with him called circumcision and they haven’t seen a squirrel on the property since!

Ray then thanked Ben B for making coffee and Vickie B for helping set up and to all those who brought goodies to eat and make our time together even more special. THANKS!

Welcome back to returnees Eddie & Becky Motley! So glad to have you back in the fold for a brief while. There were no newcomers or guests but Gordon Black a twin of GW hehe.

As there were no birthday celebrators present for the coming week, we celebrate with Roger B as his bday is today and Joanne K July 23rd.  We did get to sing Happy Anniversary as Vickie & Ben B celebrate the joyous event next Tuesday but we also send our well wished to Richard & Kathy U for their anniversary is TODAY!

Upon asking we were pleased to find out that no one is departing us this coming week but we had mixed emotions as we heard the Nelson & Jama W had arrived back home safely earlier this morning in the Shenandoah Valley. This brought us to Announcement time.

Jeff stepped to the mic and asked for everyone to be in prayer the rest of the day for Diana C as she is having heart surgery as we spoke back in Indy. Please keep Mike and the rest of her family in your prayers also! He then shared that the only thing really going on is the 28th Annual Caladium Festival in Lake Placid next weekend. Check it out for more info! Jeff then read notes from Richard & Dottie M thanking the wonderful folks of Palms Estates for all the prayers, cards and thoughts lifted up for them upon the passing of their daughter Lori Gould and he placed a copy of her obit on the bulletin board for anyone to read. Also, Jeff read a thank you note from Dianne Weber thanking everyone for all the thoughts, prayers, & cards shared with her during her time of loss upon Nanny Eleans passing. She shared that her Mom loved the Palms Estates and was so thankful to have been in a community of believers that showed her and everyone so much love. Dianne had sold her home and moved to a smaller place and her new address is 4823 Smoketalk Ln Westerville, OH 43081.

Jeff then shared that he had spoken to Jesse B and that Norma was improving nicely. He asked Jeff to do a commercial for Lorida Days in Pennsylvania on August 2nd, 2018 at the Ivy Stone Restaurant in Osterburg PA. He hoped that many would join them for more than a meal but a time to sit and visit and catch up as they have the room at the restaurant from 10am- 3pm with lots of time to eat but also to sit and share with each other. So, come for the food but stay for the time to be with one another and share memories and stories! It was also mentioned that this coming Friday is Virginia Lorida Days at Wood Grill Buffet in Harrisonburg Va Friday July 20,2018.

The Sebring Noon Rotary Club is having a Spirit Night at Beef ‘O’ Bradys in Sebring on Tuesday, July 31st and if you attend and eat, 15% of all sales will be donated back to the club to help them in their many ongoing projects! This is from 5-9pm with Music Trivia beginning at 6pm

Jeff wants to add an announcement that Bible Study is back tonight at 6pm in the Hobby House after a short holiday break. So, if you have time and are seeking to know the Lord better join them tonight and every Wednesday.

Ray M then came back to the mic to close our time together with a wonderful story about The Seniors Breakfast Special. It pays to think outside the box.

We went to breakfast at a restaurant where the “seniors special” was two eggs, bacon, and toast for $1.99. “Sounds good,” my wife said. “But I don’t want the eggs.” “Then I’ll have to charge you $2.49 because you are ordering a la carte,” the waitress warned her. “You mean I’d have to pay for not taking the eggs?” my wife asked incredulously. “YES!!” stated the waitress. “I’ll take the special then.” My wife said. “How do you want your eggs?” the waitress said. “Raw and in the shell,” my wife said. She took the eggs home. DON’T MESS WITH SENIORS!! WE’VE been around the block more than once! Ray then sent us on our way to another wonderful summer day in Lorida!

Late breaking Update: Mike C just emailed me that Diana C was out of surgery in recovery and everything went smoothly in surgery and the doctor is hopeful that the surgery will be a great success! Praise the Lord for answered prayers but please continue to life them in your prayers!

I have copies available of the stories Ray told this morning in the office if anyone would like a copy.

Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!

July 11, 2018

As the group of 18 smiling happy Palms Estates folks gathered around the big table set up for Coffee Hour, the sun was brightly shining outside on another spectacular summer day in Florida.  Linda W stepped to the mic a little early to begin our time together. She welcomed everyone to Coffee Hour and then asked Jeff P to have our prayer. Jeff offered up our prayer of thanksgiving for the beautiful day and ended the prayer asking for guidance for our leaders and thanks for his wonderful blessings to us all. Linda then thanked Ben B for making the coffee and we thank Vicki and Vickie for cleaning up. Linda then asked for returnees to Palms Estates and we welcomed back Ray & Harriet M and Bob & Bertha C. We had a guest in our midst and it was a pleasure to welcome Tonya Leigh K-H, daughter of Nelson & Jama W. There were no birthdays for today or this coming week in attendance but we did sing the Birthday song to Harriet M as she had a birthday last Tuesday. Birthdays of those who flew north; Barry A July 15th; and Bruce U July 17th. Linda then asked if there were any anniversaries this week and no one was present at Coffee Talk but the following are celebrating this coming week; Skip & Judy L and Harry & Agatha J on the 14th.

Linda W then shared with us why she chose to be the emcee at todays Coffee Hour. Because her father would have been 100 years old this very day, she honored her Dad and brought a picture of him in the grove and passed it around for all to see and reflect on his time here at the Palms Estates!. Thank you Linda for keeping us in touch with where we have been and that will keep us focused on where we are going in Christ! Linda then shared some things that happened in 1918, the year of her Dads birth…Russia becomes the Soviet Union….Daylight Savings time began in March… US Airmail service began in May… there was a total eclipse of the sun from Washington to Florida that all could see…the New York Times began home delivery…and last but surely not least at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month the armistice was signed ending the Great War( WWI). What a year!

Linda’s hubby, GW, also shared that his shirt was worn in honor of the successful rescue mission to save the soccer team in Thailand as it had the Thai flag on it and a saying in Thai as well.

Linda W then shared that she and Gordon had attended the meeting about what Florida residents will need at the polls to be able to vote and was made aware that voters really needed to read the ballot as well since there are 13 amendments on this Novembers ballot. She reminded those in attendance that a Valid Photo ID would be required to vote.

She then shared that she had received word that John Y was in the hospital and not doing well and asked that we all be in prayer for he and his wife, Dorothy and family at this difficult time!

Announcement Time:

Vicki K asked that folks sign up to be emcee the next couple of weeks as she will be gone and there is no one signed up at this time to emcee for our Coffee Hour. Bob C reminded the group  that the Lorida CoB would be having a movie night this Sunday July 15th at 6pm with an Ice Cream social. The movie is “I Can Only Imagine” Please bring your favorite topping for the ice creamand also your hanky you will need one!

Jeff P then took the podium and shared that Vet Jam is this Saturday at the Moose Lodge on Hwy 98 with Live music a car and motorcycle show and Food from Noon til 8pm if anyone is looking for something to do in the area. Also he reminded the group about the monthly breakfast served at the last Hangar at the Airport from 7:30am – 10:30 this Saturday and it is a fundraiser to help with funds for a great project the Aviator Club for High School students that are building an airplane. We hope that many of you will get the chance to support this worthy group.

Jeff then discussed the County Commissioners meeting he attended last night as part of the Fire Assessment fee was looking to be increased by 700% for Fiscal Year 2019. He was happy to report that after much discussion and great presentations the Commissioners have adopted a plan that is fair and equitable for everyone in the county and will pass on an increase of 50% to Palms Estates in the coming year. If you have questions Jeff will answer them to the best of his ability if you call or email him.

Nelson W announced that Lorida Days in Virginia will be held next Friday, July 20th at the Wood Grill Restaurant in Harrisonburg Va and he encouraged all to attend!

Ray M then asked for prayers for their oldest grandson Michael as he is facing a tumor of some kind on his pancreas and is in great pain. He and Harriet asked that we all be in prayer for him as he faces this challenge.

This brought us to the sad part of our time together as Linda asked who would be departing Palms Estate this week and Nelson & Jama W and Vicki K are all leaving in the coming week so we sang that song that makes me sad and wish them safe travels till they return here to Lorida.

Real life signs shared by Linda W in closing:

Front yard of Funeral Home: “Drive Carefully.. We’ll Wait!

Radiator repair shop: “Best place in town to take a leak”

Car Dealership: “Best way to get back on your feet less a car payment”

Muffler Shop: “No Appt necessary We will hear you coming” Does this one remind you of anyone????

Restaurant window: “Don’t stand out there and be hungry come in a get fed up”

Linda then adjourned us to another blessed day in Palms Estates as family!

Coffee Talk at the Palms Estates!

June 27, 2018

Another lovely summer morning in Lorida was greeted by a great group of Palms Estates residents joined around a big table for Coffee and fellowship. After some great fellowship, Harry D took the podium to officially begin the Coffee Hour for Wednesday, June 27,2018. It was a very feisty group of folks today that Pastor Bob lead in an awesome prayer that celebrated our Savior and the family we are here at the Palms Estates. Harry D then thanked the Burgers, Ben especially for setting up and making 2 pots of regular coffee  since he was not sure he had made the first pot. LOL! Harry then welcomed back Gary & Lois W who joined us this morning upon their return to the park. He also mentioned that Nelson & Jama W were returnees also but had to go to West Palm for a doctors appt and asked us to make a point to welcome them back as well when we see them out and about. And we also welcomed back from his trip up North to Ohio Howard W!! After some laughter and joy shared as we had some returnees, Harry asked if there were any birthdays and anniversaries in the group and as there were none, no singing was done. But alas we do have members of our community celebrating this coming week and they are as follows: Happy Birthday to: Cathy M & Everett M share the 28th; Pat C & Bev V share the 29th; Harry K 30th; and Diana C & Harriet M share July 2nd. There should be a lot of celebrating in the coming week!! Happy Anniversary to: David & Judy B 29th; and Pastor Wayne & Pam G 30th!!! And GW gave us joy as he once again tried to avoid getting in trouble with his love Linda as he checked with her to make sure it was not their anniversary hehe.

Harry back at the podium shared a cute story with the group… A man and his wife were going for a stroll one night when they spotted what was obviously a blind man taking a walk with his seeing eye dog. “Wow Isn’t That something” he remarked “ look at that man taking a stroll just like us.” They continued strolling a few minutes when they heard the man let out a loud YELP. The dog had walked him right into a parked car and he had banged his shin badly. Rushing over to help, they were surprised to see the man reach into his pocket and pull out a treat for the dog. Isn’t that weird? Whispered the wife “giving him a treat even when he is mad.” “Why are you giving him a treat?” “ I AIN”T GIVING HIM A TREAT!” said the enraged man, “I’M JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE HIS HEAD IS SO I CAN GIVE HIM A SHARP KICK IN THE BEHIND!!!”

After some good-hearted laughter. Harry shared a story about being polite as a Mother took her young child to have a shot. When the nurse opened the door to the examining room to give the little girl a shot she started screaming “ NO! NO! NO!””Jessica” her mother scolded, “that is not polite behavior!” At that the girl continued to scream”NO THANK YOU! NO THANK YOU! NO THANK YOU!” Hehe such is with life also….

Off to Announcements:

Vicki K shared that water exercises would be at 9am tomorrow and asked everyone to sign up for the 4th of July picnic and what they were bringing as the chicken will be provided by the Fellowship and a cake and ice cream will be provided by Peg D. Thus no Coffee Hour next week with the picnic at High Noon.

Gordon W suggested that we start a Show and Tell time every coffee hour and to commence this new tradition GW brought a Kamikaze Hachimaki to show and he told us he bought it at one of our festivals and that it was worn by a Japanese Pilot in WWII.

Jeff then got up and had few announcements: Tonight a group of park folk are going to the Patriotic Concert at SFSC Wildstein center. If anyone else would like to go Jeff still had tickets to share they are leaving the church at 6pm. He then talked about 4th of July celebrations in the area and answered a few questions. He shared that Debbie A had fallen and broken her leg and was not doing well as Rich had shared that she still needed another surgery but her kidneys and liver were not functioning well at all with a very low Blood pressure. So please be in prayer for them and the doctors caring for her. If you would like to send a card Rich and Deb’s address is 808 Woodlawn Circle, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or email them at debbierichappen@yahoo.com. If you want their phone number just call Jeff and he has that. That brought up the idea of adding a page in the directory for former residents address so we can stay in contact with everyone.

Harry then asked for those who would be leaving the park in the coming week and Peg & Jim D are heading to Ohio; Agatha & Harry J are heading to the lovely Shenandoah Valley VA; and Pastor Bob & Bertha will be in Cinncinati OH and our very own emcee Harry D heads to IND next Monday… he refused to lead the departing song but we sang it to them anyway LOL

Harry then closed our wonderful time together with this story--- A man found a bottle and when he rubbed it a Genie came out and told him he had one wish.. well the man thought about his family over in Europe and how he missed them but being from the old country he was terrified to fly so he wished for a bridge to connect over the ocean to Europe so he could drive to see them.. well the Genie said that was too hard and requested he make another wish… soooo the man thought hard and he said “ I want to understand everything about a woman” and the Genie responded to his wish “Soooooooooo do you want a 2 or 4 lane bridge????????”

A good time was had by all and we adjourned to a busy hot day at the Palms Estates!

Note: if anyone has information about our family members who are sick or recoering from surgeries please call Jeff at the office so he can share that with all the residents here or everywhere thru a One Call or email. Prayer works!

Coffee Talk “On the Road Again”

September 25, 2019

The last Road trip of the summer was an excellent belly-filled trip to The Village Inn in Sebring. Today as 18 full-timers joined around a big table at the Village Inn for Coffee Talk on the Road again, we had a great time with laughter, excitement, great food, and FREE Pie!!! Since there was to be no emcee as we were all gathered together, we ordered and visited one with another and I truly believe a great time was had by all.

Jeff even sang us a song about older age and he has agreed to share it again when more of the family get together in the coming months. Jeff gave away 2 certificates for FREE Apple Dumplings at The Palms of Sebring Apple Festival which just happens to be tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at the The Palms of Sebring. Jeff encouraged us all to attend and buy some goodies to help support this wonderful living place. Hint Hint there are more than dumplings being sold there this week sooo check it OUT!

We send Happy Birthday wishes out to Tom G 25th and Gerry C 29th and many moreeeeeeeeeee. Also we sent out Happy Anniversary wishes to George and Sandy Y 30th all the way to Ohio.

We talked and shared the news we had of those who will begin to return to our little slice of Paradise over Big slices of Free Pie.. So it was truly a WIN-WIN situation..hehehe We always so look forward to the return of our Snowbird family members for a busy winter. October calendars are in the office and in the Hobby House and have quite a few valuable dates of things beginning to happen in Lorida.. so Check one out and get involved.

Jeff shared that David B our Asst maintenance man was called away this morning as his partner went into labor early and jeff even shared a pic of David in scrubs ready to go in and help deliver his first child. Praying for safe delivery and healthy baby girl. We are having a Diaper Party next Wednesday during coffee hour for the lucky couple and their newborn baby girl. If you don’t want to buy diapers, monetary donations will be accepted by Vicki K.

Men’s Breakfast NEXT Saturday October 5th to put on your calendars at Harvest House.

First Baptist Church of Lorida is having 3 wonderful Preaching Meetings at the church this Sun Mon and Tuesday with a different blessed speaker each night. Sun there will be a Pot Luck meal at 5:00 pm with the service to follow at 6:30. ALL are welcome and invited to come out and hear the Word of God.

Besides all the good food and good fun, we were blessed with two great servers and when the end of our time to Luncheon together ended, we went separate ways. But we all ended up back at our common home, one that we love and share as family members in Christ!!