Season Events are in Full Swing

Have you ever seen this many cars with California license plates, other than in California? And of course, there’s New York, New Jersey, Montana, but Iowa? We don’t see those very often. And we have our old faithful Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, etc. But I don’t recall ever seeing one from Iowa but once a year. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people in this high season before. We get lots, but we have so many people here from other places, other states and other countries, we have to hope Florida doesn’t break off from the rest of the state and fall into the ocean because of all the visitors!

* Speaking of visitors: I went to Goodland last weekend for their Pancake Breakfast – and as I always say – they have the best pancakes I’ve ever tasted! And again, they outdid themselves, and I overheard them say they were surprised at the attendance. Of course, all the regulars were there, as always, like President Greg Bello is always there, along with his sidekick Jim Inglis, cooking away. I’d really like to name all the other volunteers who get the place ready, keep up with the crowds, greeting people, setting and resetting the tables, cooking and cleaning, and servicing the guests, but there just isn’t enough room. I overheard the Goodlanders say they think more people came this year than in past years! And oh, those sausages!! Yum yum! But what really surprised me the most is that people from many, many states found the place as well!! I’m sure many have never seen anything like Goodland before, and we’re so proud of this Island and love the people! ****By the way, mark your calendars: Goodland will hold their 10th Annual Arts and Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13 in the Margood Harbor Park area of Goodland, 321 Pear Tree. J. Robert arranged the Art Show and Live Music. Food, raffle packages, free golf cart shuttles, and there’s always plenty of terrific food! 

* Just a side note: I have a lot of problems with my computer and am always trying to find a computer repair business rather than continuing to ask friends to help me. So, I called my daughter and asked if she knew anyone, because she works in an industrial section of Collier County and knows the shops there quite well. She came up with the name of a computer company. I had tried the one who’s car rides around to let us know they are there, but they don’t open until 11:00 AM, and by that time I was frantic, so I took her suggestion, and when I called this place, the owner said we can send someone out by 11:00 AM tomorrow. We all know what that means - you’ll have to wait till someone comes to help, but I tried it anyway, and I couldn’t believe my eyes! The young, neatly dressed man was at my door at 11:00!!! Wow, that’s unheard of! I told him of my problem, which started when I got a message on my computer that said ”they” had updated my program. What does that mean? What changes did they make? How does it work? Wonder if I have a problem? But the statement they sent had NO answers for any of these questions. I explained that my “upgrade” now features three different pictures on my computer at the same time and I’m supposed to write a newspaper column, but I can’t even separate those three different pictures. Now granted, I explain the problems from a kindergartner’s speech book, but he said he’d try. He sat down and within seven minutes he had it all straightened out. “Don’t tell me what you did, '' I said. I wouldn’t understand it anyway. But I do have a few other problems. “Sure” – So I told him I couldn’t get some of my files arranged alphabetically, and he fixed that. Then I told him there was another bunch that I needed to be programmed numerically. “Oh sure, I’ll take care of that!” And he did! He did it all! I had a few other questions, and each one was fixed!! I was finished asking him questions and getting a positive response. I asked how much, (but I won’t say the amount), and I was HAPPY to pay that amount. I had expected a lot more. It was WORTH a lot more to have a working computer again. The Coastal Breeze News has been so understanding when I get into this dilemma, and I thank them for all their patience and encouragement. You want to know who it was? Computer Help USA, who sent Drake to my home. I always hear of other people who have computer problems. This company was a winner and I want to share it with you! 

* Boy, the electric bills went ski high last month because of the really cold weather, but it was worth it. I had one friend call to say she and her husband hadn’t turned on the heat in over 10 years, but she did this year! Mine was on already. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than being cold. You can’t sleep, and you can’t get the chill out of the air, etc. Just sayin,’

The East Naples Civic & Commerce Association is growing so nicely. They have combined efforts with the Merchants Association, the Civic Association, and the Commercial Association. It feels good to be working together. Their next luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 16th at 11:30 AM at The Players Club. Our speaker will be Mr. Jerry Starkey of Metropolitan Naples, the building under construction on the triangle-shaped land between U. S. 41 East and Davis Boulevard that has been the talk of the town since it first began. You won’t want to miss this presentation! For reservations and to pay online go to encivicandcommerce.org. You’ll find the info under the Events heading on the main page.

* If you have never attended a Military Ball, here’s one for you. The Military Officers Association of Southwest Florida Foundation’s is sponsoring their 54th ball. The theme is “Let Freedom Ring” and will be held Saturday, February 19th at the Vanderbilt Country Club. Valet parks your vehicle and you enter under the sabers (provided by the JROTC) and walk the red carpet to registration. Register at www.moaswf.org/calendar - cost is $130 per person. Deadline to register is February 16th. It’s spectacular and lavish and well worth attending!

Our sympathies go out to Connie Fullmer of Goodland, on the loss of her husband, Ed, RIP Ed.