Groundhog Day, Rainy Days, Happy Days

The groundhog has spoken, and we're supposed to have six more weeks of winter. However, if you look closely, leaves are beginning to sprout, and soon enough it will be spring!

We celebrated the end of the year with the completion of the park just inside the gate. It is beautiful in daylight as well as at night, as we had the Diggin' Dutchman install lights on the lovely old olive tree. The dry creek adds some nice interest and breaks up all the grass. You'll notice we tucked a park bench back against the fence.

All the parks have trash cans and notice boards, located near the mailboxes. Please be sure to check the message boards for special announcements, and use the trash cans just for trash. There special receptacles for dog waste at each park. Please do not put dog waste in the large park waste cans! Your neighbors have volunteered to empty those trash cans, and they have been unpleasantly surprised to find smelly doggie-doo instead of paper those cans.

Speaking of dogs, a reminder: Dogs are to be leashed at all times in the neighborhood. Your neighbors will thank you for your consideration.

Your Board has been busy since last December's homeowner board meeting. We have met with Elizabeth to discuss roles and responsibilities. We've also been keeping an eye on the neighborhood and grounds.

This past week the tree trimmers were busy, trimming the oaks in the main park, the cypresses, and the trees along Akers and Goshen Avenue.  This is the time of year to prune your own trees -- or have them done professionally. Brian Kemp, a Visalia arborist, recently told my sister that young trees are like young children: they need to be trained and shaped during the early years so they will grow properly for many years!

With all the rain we've had lately, we've been pleased to see that the gutters are working properly. Thanks for keeping the gutters clear of debris so they can do their job. Speaking of rain, please turn off your sprinkler systems. The lawns don't need the additional water. And when you do turn them back on, please check to make sure they are watering your lawns, not the street or your driveway.

As warmer weather comes, along with it comes that urge to get out and spruce up our homes and yards. A good place to start is with your gates and fences. Homeowners have a responsibility to maintain their fences and gates that face the street. A good time to apply a fresh coat of stain is just after the rain and cold. Lawns appreciate a dose of pre-emergent weed control and some fertilizer.

We have a lovely neighborhood...let's keep it that way!