As in golf, "winter rules" now in place

Just like when some folks hit the links this time of year and play by "winter rules", such as lift, clean and place or perhaps moving the branch that fell on your ball, there are a few winter rules just kicking in here at Strawberry Park. First of all, for any of our long-term campers, please note that daily trash pick up is now on hold until the spring. Please bring your trash to the dumpster (it will give you a chance to see the vultures, which until recently had all been turkey vultures, but recently have begun seeing some black vultures, which are typically a smaller, more southern bird). Also, our seasonals and unit owners are reminded that daily use of your site is restricted to our designated year-round caretakers (although you may continue to use the site on weekends). The forecast for this week is not too cold, so while Glenn and Jimmy are doing many RV winterizations, it looks like the water will remain live to all sites at least through this coming weekend (Nov 6-8). However, the restrooms in the Timber Trails are closed for the season. Even though many of the oak leaves remain attached, many leaves have been raked, bagged or piled. Those that have been bagged will be removed, and there will be an attempt to remove some of the larger piles. Please make sure that if you are blowing leaves that you do not pile and block a neighbor's driveway, or blow them under an RV. Fo any of our BIC members looking to reserve early for 2010, we will begin taking calls on Monday, November 30 at 8am. Also, BIC members are reminded that you may purchase discounted gift certificates during the month of November. Some of the wiser folks buy each other gift certificates this time of year, saving 5% and putting the amount on their Strawberry Park account...which would then simply be applied on November 30 when reserving a site for next year. Nice 2-out rally by the Yanks last night (too bad I had dozed off during Damon's marathon at bat, just waking to see A-Rod's post-game interview). Might be tough wrapping things up tonight against Cliff Lee, but would prefer that over trying to convince my wife the Red Sox fan to watch the clincher on Wednesday night, as that is our anniversary. As much as I would like to make reservations for a nice restaurant, now I have to wait until Tues to see if we need one with a TV (luckily, we did just get those coupons for the 99 in the Sunday paper--they have TVs everywhere, and even let kids eat free when the Sox win, an offer obviously on hiatus until the spring).