Time flies, doesn't it?

Where did the summer go?  Our Brentwood children are returning to school in a week or two. Well, part of it for the Summerset residents went toward rehearsals for the Summerset Singer's Annual Concert. This year it was titled "From Classic to Contemporary."  The contemporary half of the concert ended with a Mama Mia Medly and a Beach Boys Medly.  It brought us a You can see a short video at the Brentwood Press web site:  http://www.thepress.net/pages/video_special_single/push?article-Summerset+Singers%20&id=14846129&instance=vid_thumbs

I'm in there, but bet you can't find me.  I'm hiding behind Ernie, our director.  

My sisters, sister-in-law, and I celebrated my birthday in June in Austin, Texas.  How great to be able to spend time together at a fabulous spa, have some great meals together, and just have time to talk.  Thank you Leslie, Sandi, and Nancy.  I enjoyed it more than I can say.

We're looking forward to our daughter and son-in-law visiting with the grandchildren next month.  With them living so far away, we don't get enough time together.  As we have in past years, there will undoubtedly be a family portrait session.  The five grandchildren always have fun coming up with new poses.  It will be a shorter visit than past years.  As the children get older and have more commitments, it's harder for them to get away.  I was able to visit them in Houston this year and see Veronica in a very funny play as the only teen among the adult actors.  Three of the grandchildren have birthdays in August.  Hopefully we can celebrate together during the visit.

The Summerset Social Club (yours truly is on the board this year) is planning our 2011-12 year of activiites.  We have a great year planned, starting with "Happy Daze" on August 24th.  If you still remember your high school years (fondly or not) and live in Summerset, dress up in your 50s and 60s styles (even 70s for one or two of our neighbors) and join us and the cafeteria ladies for a fun time.  Hope to see you there.  Did you graduate around 1958?  If so, you may be at my table.

~Basha

May Day 2011

Yesterday April blew away.  Felt more like March, didn't it?  But do you remember the song:  "April died and stepped aside, and along came pretty little May"?  Those lyrics from "Oklahoma" certainly fit us this year.  Today it's nearly 80 with a soft breeze and the birds are chirping outside our windows.  It's definitely "Pretty Little May" in Summerset.

April was a busy month, with sports activities with our grandchildren and social events around Summerset and with other friends and family.  We celebrated Passover as well as Easter.  There were lots of baseball games and soccer games for the grandchildren.  And there were several birthdays among our family and friends with lots of celebrating.

April 25th was National Red Hat Society Day.  A few of the Scarlett Ladies and I went out in our red hats and enjoyed a yogurt and some conversation.  The people around town seem to enjoy seeing us in our purple outfits and red hats just enjoying ourselves.  As you may know, Red Hatters is a "disorganization" with no agenda other than to have fun.

Unfortunately, we lost a few members of Summerset Singers in April.  There will be a memorial service for Ben Smith this week.  It's one of the hard things about living here.  Many of us moved in at the same time, and many at nearly the same age.  So the good news is we're growing old together, and the bad news is, we're growing old.

Later in May I'll be heading to Houston to see my granddaughter in a play.  It's been too long since I went to Houston last (I checked; it was 2007).  Veronica was playing the part of (Little Orphan) Annie in "Annie."  I'm looking forward to the trip and to spending time with my daughter Julie, son-in-law Rob, granddaughter Ronnie (Veronica), and grandson Kenny.  Might even get a chance to see my nephew Marc and his wife Laura.

Wherever you live, I hope you're having a beautiful May Day.

It's Finally April

Our good weather is finally here.  Oh, we're still getting some chilly nights, but the days are spectacular.  I hope that wherever you live, spring is either there or on the way.

 Spring means Little League Baseball and Spring Soccer.  My Saturday started early with an morning soccer game.  Alex was goalie for the first half and played midfield the second half.  His team won 3 to 1.  The 8 of us, Graffs and Lachers, went to lunch and then to Melissa's baseball game.  Her team is now using the pitching machine.  They don't score, but the 6 and 7 year-olds are really good.  I must say I was impressed with their hitting and fielding.  Their league has acquired a portable pitching apparatus which must be doing a world of good. I think Alex and Nate were wishing they had that machine when they were in Little League.

Then it was back to Brentwood for my evening's entertainment.  Although people are still taking about "Hooray for Hollywood," last night was yet another enjoyable Summerset Vista event.  It's the Single Club's Talent Show.  Many of those who entertained us last night were members of the Summerset Singers.  The emcee was Pete Latner, who told some great jokes with his excellent timing. We were entertained by the Old Folkers, The Summerettes, and the Dahlin'Divas, all groups of  "Singers" members.   Don Palmer was back after an illness.  We were so glad to have him singing for us again.  Also singing for us were  Jim Wagner, Jim Rankin, Ernie MacIntrye, Gloria Batchelor-Salas,David McClellan, Ben Smith, Trisha Brittain, and Ken Young.  Don Lilly accompanied several singers on guitar.  Mike Spellman did a wonderful drum solo, Ray Carter did a reading of his lyrics and also sang the lyrics he set to an Enya tune.  We have an amazing amount of talent here at Summerset.  Thank you to the Singles Club for continuing to gather them together to entertain us.

The Israeli army on Tuesday officially opened the doors of its field hospital

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=israeltoday

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 | Ryan Jones

The Israeli army on Tuesday officially opened the doors of its field hospital in the devastated northern regions of Japan.

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=israeltoday

The clinic is situated just outside Minamisanriku, a village that was all but destroyed by the tsunami that followed the massive March 11 earthquake off Japan’s northeastern coast.

The facility includes surgical, pediatrics and maternity wards, an intensive care unit, a pharmacy and a laboratory. The buildings for the clinic were built by the Japanese government, and the 58-man IDF Medical Corps and Home Front Command team is being housed at a nearby hotel.

The Israelis brought along their own medical equipment and supplies, as well as their own food and water so as to not further tax the already-limited local resources. Also on hand are several officials from Israel Atomic Energy Commission to make sure radiation levels in the area do not get too high.

On Monday, several of the Israeli officers spoke to Japanese reporters asking them to publicize the opening of the clinic so that victims in the area know where to find assistance and treatment.

Israeli Ambassador to Japan Nissim Ben Shitreet thanked the Japanese authorities and volunteerts on the ground for not only accepting Israel’s help, but assisting the set-up of the clinic.

“The Japanese people in the affected area went above and beyond to help us,” said Sheetrit. “The assistance of the Japenese from the moment the aid delegation landed in Japan has been exemplary.”

Japan’s Ambassador to Israel, Haruhisa Takeuchi, in turn delivered a heart-felt thank you to the medical delegation:

“I thank you, the crew of medical personnel, from the bottom of my heart, for volunteering to help in the aftermath of this tragedy and for carrying out this difficult mission.”

The ambassador also thanked the entire nation of Israel for standing so strongly by his nation:

“In this difficult hour, we will remember the warm and merciful embrace, the goodwill and the solidarity of the people of Israel. …Your support is a source of hope and encouragment.”

An Israeli officer speaks to a Japanese reporter


Officers prepare a ward in the new field hospital to receive patients

A beautiful day -- and it's nearly April

The sunshine can sure change my mood.  Does it do that to you?  It's got me thinking of planting flowers and watching grandchildren play soccer and baseball.  And then I think about the pool opening in just over a month.

Wake Up Your Garden! Take 10% off orders of $75 or more at Gardener's Supply Company! Offer ends 4.13.11.

The Hooray for Hollywood was fabulous.  Did you get there?  Great costumes and entertainment, good food, martinis, wine, and friends.  What more can you ask for in Summerset?  Here are a couple of pictures. 

Jo and Mel

Patty, from the Village People

Another Patty from The Village People

Our country stars

The ladies from Chicago

We know Lindsay Lohan had a great time.

Hope to see you at the next event. 

It's STILL March

Today reminds me of Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.  More rain on the horizon, too.  I just keep reminding myself that I may actually miss this weather come August.

The Kare Bear Fashion Show, as those who attended will agree, was a big success and a lot of fun.  There were so many door prizes that about 30% of those there took something home.  And the centerpieces were a great prize for those lucky enough to get to take one home.  There were wonderful silent auction items, too.  Some women got a really good deal on those.  Thanks to all the donors of door prizes and silent auction items.  Kare Bears will be hosting a dinner event with speakers from Hospice.  Be sure to sign up.  The dinner is free, but you will have to have a reservation.  The next event will be our All Kare Bear Luncheon, which is hosted by Summerset III this year.  The profit from our fashion show will help to offset the costs of both of these functions.

Tonight is the Social Club Hooray for Hollywood event.  We're all looking forward to the surprises that are in store.  I'm still trying to decide what glamorous outfit to wear. 

My grandson and the Insomniac Team took their robot to Sacramento this weekend.  They made a good showing, but didn't make it to the final round.  I'm sure they had a lot of fun, but also learned a lot.  Meanwhile Melissa's baseball game was rained out and Alex's game was played in the rain and cold.  Alex's team won 1-0, but were frozen and wet.  Hope we get a little better weather next weekend!

Well, time to pick out my clothes for the gala.  Hope to see many of you there.

March is bringing more rain

Seems like we've had a lot of rain this winter...that and colder temperatures than I would like.  I know -- at least it's not ice and snow.  But we Californians are spoiled.  I'll be the first to admit it.  Even though I've only been here half my life, I do consider this home and consider myself a Californian and not a Chicagoan any longer.  Don't get me wrong.  I do root for the Bears and the Cubs - but only if they're not playing against a San Francisco team.  

The Scarlett Ladies Red Hat group had a great time last week when we had our soup lunch. Four members made the most delicious soups.  Yours truly hosted and supplied the salad, wine, and bread. We finished the afternoon with a White Elephant exchange. There was not much stealing; everyone was too polite. However, I was quite happy to steal a large cocktail shaker from another member.  I hope she'll forgive me and is happy with all the lovely scarves that she exchanged that shaker for.  My hubby, B.J., has learned to make a Burnt Almond Martini just the way I like it, and now he can make more than one at a time!  I'm happy to share them, ladies.

The Summerset Vista Kare Bear Fashion Show is this Saturday.  We are pretty much ready for it.  The models have selected their outfits, the food is all ordered, everyone has their jobs, and we have a bunch of wonderful door prizes and silent auction items.  I'll be taking pictures and sharing them on Shutterfly at http://SummersetVistaKareBears.shutterfly.com/.  

Here's hoping for sunshine on Saturday.  

Basha

Is March here?

The wind has been howling, it's raining, and once again our temps are in the 40s.  That wind feels like March, not February, but it sure feels cold out there.  And I'm a little disappointed in Punxsutawney Phil, aren't you? His prediction was NOT for six more weeks of winter, but we're into our third week since Groundhog Day.  Then again, we could be experiencing that snow from New York and Chicago.  I'd better stop complaining.  

So what do you think?  Do our Summerset Vista friends need this video?  Some of them were quite good, don't you think?  Made me feel like I should consider these lessons, though.  If you missed those videos from our Social Club Hypnotist/Comedy night, you can see them at my YouTube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/BashaGraff. 

Stay warm. 

Happy Valentine's Day

As we feared, the colder weather and clouds seem to be coming back. However, we heard Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so spring is around the corner.  

Meanwhile, there has been a lot of activity in Summerset III - The Vistas.  I hope you were able to attend the Hypnotist/Comedy Evening on February 4th.  If you missed it, be sure to check out a few of the videos from that evening.  They're on my YouTube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/BashaGraff.

Hooray for Hollywood is sold out, but be sure not to miss the next Social Club event.  Get your name and your check in early.  There is a luau planned for the summer, so be sure to check that out in the upcoming newsletters.

Many of us enjoyed a concert at Liberty High School.  It included the choruses and barbershop quartets of the school as well as guest group Voices In Harmony.  An excellent show was put on by all of the groups.

This Thursday (2/17) is Bunko at the Summerset Vista clubhouse.  Let Lucy Heymann know if you want to attend, or bring a check for $10 to Jennifer and sign up.  There are some great prizes each month.

Coming up from the Kare Bears is the annual Fashion Show.  It's sure to be a lovely day with clothing from Coldwater Creek and Jos. A. Banks.  Food is being provided by MJ's Downtown Cafe and Bakery and dessert by Sticky Chicken and Ribs.  There are lots of door prizes and some amazing silent auction items to bid on.  Hope you've got your reservation in because there's a waiting list for that as well.

With all of the clubs activities, there's no reason to be bored living in Summerset.  Join a new club.  Get involved.  Meet wonderful people.  Stay young.   

Enjoy your valentines day.
~ Basha

Spring Tease in January

Wow, the weather in Northern California has been spectacular.  But those of us who have lived here a while know that mother nature is just teasing us.  The cold weather will be back, leaving us to long for the spring that's ahead.

Meanwhile, activities are in full swing here in Summerset.  The Summerset Singers are hosting the annual crab feed this Saturday.  The singers will be entertaining the sold-out crowd once our guests have had their fill of crab, and the Darling Divas will add their special talents to the show.  The crab promises to be wonderful, so if you've got your reservation in, you're in for a treat.

Kare Bears at Summerset III (The Vistas) are working hard on the Annual Fashion show, held March 5th this year.  This one is on the way to being sold out, so hope you'll join us for what promises to be a great time.  This year we have clothes from Coldwater Creek and Jos. A. Banks.  The theme is Glamor in the Garden.

The Social Club here at The Vistas is working on the new slate of officers and yours truly has been asked to join the board.  They tell me that's what retirement is for, so I'm looking forward to a busy year.

Hope your year is getting filled with happy times and good friends.

January 2011

Is it just me or is the month of January rather depressing?  The fun holidays are over, the weather is dreary, and there are very few holidays between now and Easter and Passover to cheer us up.  I can see why so many people go to warmer climates in January or February.  The weather has been cold and rainy or cold and foggy.  The sun hasn't shined very often.  Guess it's a good time to stay home and watch a movie or read a good book. 
This one might be fun.  I think I'll check it out.

Fortunately there are a few other things to do around Summerset.  Our Red Hatter Luncheon is today, so I am cheering myself up with my purple clothes and red hat.  A glass of wine with my friends might cheer me a bit too.  There's Summerset Singers rehearsals every week for our Summer Concert.  It always feels good to sing.  I've started playing mahjong after about 18 years.  Let's just say I'm learning it again, anyway.   It does come back and it's enjoyable, and I've met three other very nice neighbors by playing.  Then there's Bunko a couple of times a month and I do get out to the movies with a friend pretty regularly.  And she and I love to have our sushi fix most weeks.

I was just asked if I'd run for an office in the Social Club here at Summerset.  Since my term as secretary of our Kare Bears group is nearing it's end, I said I'd consider it.  I'm also the Scarlett Ladies Red Hat Queen Mum this year.  So I guess I really don't have time to worry about how gloomy the weather is outside.  I've cheered myself up just thinking about all I have to do and to be thankful for in this new year of 2011.  Hope your year turns out great.