Pelicans Return - April 2013

April 2013 and here come the pelicans again. Just in time for the town's annual Pelican Fest which is still scheduled for this coming weekend of April 14th.  Unfortunately, with no fish in the lake yet this year, they may not stick around long for the weekend events if they decide to find a more palatable place to feed. These two were swimming right up to my shoreline yesterday but when I stepped outside to take this picture they turned and fled back across the lake where there were several more gathered -  probably searching hopelessly for something to eat.  Wish they could help clean up the dead fish still remaining along everyone's private "beaches" from the big fish kill of last fall.

As for this weekend events - there is a pancake breakfast/lunch scheduled to help raise funds for the new playground equipment, a pelican pedal event for kids and the ever increasing popular "Pelican Plunge" into the waters at Crescent Beach.

Elephant Window Display

The library has been "invaded" by elephants galore for the month of April!!  This particular collection is owned by Carla Lawrence of Wall Lake. There are enough elephants that our library display designer made use of two top shelves above some of our magazines to help showcase the items.

I have been remiss lately in keeping up with some of our library displays. We have had displays of items related to a child's firemen items and a colorful collection of Blenko glassware. It never ceases to amaze me at all the different collections people do have and are willing to share with the library.

Murder Mystery Dinner Production- 2013

Lake View's first ever such dinner theater production was held in March of 2013 in the old high school gymnasium.  This location brought back many memories to many of us who were not only in the "cast" but for many in attendance at the meal as the stage in this gym was the site of many play and musical productions before the new additions were added to the school.

The title of the mystery was" Murder on the Black Hawk Casino" and was directed by Paul W. of Murder 4 Fun. Cast characters represented a mob boss and his wife from Chicago who were hoping to convince local residents to approve a floating casino on Black Hawk Lake. Characters in favor of this were the president of the chamber of commerce, a wealthy real estate saleman along with his spoiled daughter. The town mayor was somewhat undecided along with his teenage son.  Those characters against the casino were an avid environmentalist and one of the town's weatlthy widows. The "play" allowed for a lot of local jibes that brought laughter from not only the audience but even from some of us in the cast as we tried to "stay in character" while on stage. 

Since the performance was held on two nights, the murdered victim and murderer were different causing some of the characters to have to change some speaking lines to accomodate this change.

Hats off to the great crew who decorated the room and another round of applause is due the two "mom and pop" type restaurants that were the sole means of caterers for the delicious meal that was provided. 

I am hoping Lake View will be able and willing to do this again in the near future (several months in the future at least) despite the fatigue that can be seen on some of those who did the most in putting all the fine details together to make it the success it was!

The FAME 2013 Show Choir in Orlando

I had the absolute joy of getting to watch live the FAME 2013 annual show choir competitions from Orlando, Florida, this past week.  The event was held in the Hard Rock Cafe's special Live Auditorium.The main reason I wanted to attend was because the grandson of one of my dear friends was one of the band members of this group.  The group pictured here are from Omaha's Westside High School.  They did an absolute awesome job and took 2nd place which qualified them to go on to the national championships in Chicago should they decide to make that trip. Wish I could share the dvd of their performances on this site but any reader of this blog will just have to try and see it on the FAME show choir website.

February 2013 Snowfall

This was only our 2nd really significant snowfall this winter season and was actually one most residents welcomed!  Last year was such a dry winter/summer and this winter has almost been as dry. The wild cats I have been feeding (see the paw prints) haven't liked all the snow though as I usually feed them from that deck doorway that is still snow packed. These picks are 2 days old and being on the south side don't show as much snow as what was there on Friday morning after a night of heavy snow. The patio table probably had close to the reported 8 inches had I gone out with my ruler that morning and measured. Sunshine since the snowfall has made the snow "picture perfect" in many places and thanks to crew workers the roads are easily driven upon. With possible more snow expected in another day or so the needed moisture will continue to be a blessing.  Just so Spring doesn't forget to arrive soon thereafter!!

2013 Arctic Golf Event

These are pics of the very last team of golfers out literally golfing on frozen BlackHawk Lake. About 45 minutes after these pictures were taken an sudden heavy fog and snowfall began. The fog rolled in so fast it was actually unabelievable. I suddendly couldn't even see across the lake. The homes and trees seen in these pictures were totally "fogged over"! I attempted to find out who was playing on this team but noone evidently heard me calling out to them. Too engrossed in their game I guess.

It was good that the Men's Club were able to have this event this year as they weren't able to last year.  Unfortunately, there wasn't enough snow around for me to have my "Kid's Sledding Fun" at the log cabin.

December "Babies"

The library was blessed with two more infant "arrivals" recently. The library gives out free board books to any new arrival and we encourage them to come in to have their picture taken.  The little boy pictured here was actually one of the 2013 New Year babies to be born in a near by hospital. Looks like both families picked the same book but we have other choices for those who may come in in the near future.