A Time For Thanks

This is the one holiday where the question of, "What are you thankful for?" comes up the most often.  It's because it is Thanksgiving, you say.  True, but shouldn't we be asking ourselves and those with whom we work, play, love, and live this question more often?  It is good for the soul to be mindful of the many things God has graced us with.  Sure we may have struggled financially, or maybe we didn't get that job promotion, but if we just stop and ponder, really be still and think...we have much to be thankful for.  We live in a country that still allows us the freedom to choose where we live, what career we want, what we buy, and where we worship.  We are a blessed nation!

I am thankful for a beautiful and loving wife that loves this imperfect man.  I am thankful for an intelligent and talented son that loves his mother and father.  I am thankful for my friends and coworkers who challenge me to "go further".  I am thankful for loving and supporting parents, in-laws and grandmother.  Lastly, I am thankful for my salvation that comes through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For what are you thankful?  Leave your reply below.

Chris

Berm Improvements!

Last week you may have noticed it was a little inconvenient getting in and out our subdivision Friday...we had a lot of work going on!  With the recent improvement over e summer with new lights and irrigation system at the front entrance, it was noted that the greenery on the berms were blocking the lights from properly reaching the signs and needed more frequent trimming.  The board recently approved a makeover for the berms that would allow for an easier maintained area.  Our landscapers planted  3 Dwarf Buford Holly bushes and 5 Blanket Roses per berm.  It looks great!  The next time you leave our subdivision, pause and take a look at their handiwork...I think you'll like what you see!

What's with THAT snake?

 Eastern Hognose, Loachapoka, AL (C. McDuffie)

      

How do you know if a snake is "good" or "bad"? With the weather getting hotter, snakes are on the move more trying to find a cool place to escape. You may see one in passing, or as one of our neighbors recently experienced, the loss of a pet to a poisonous snake. While it is not always possible to avoid snakes, it is good to be able to identify those that are beneficial. In fact, there are only 4 poisonous snakes in Alabama: copperhead, rattlesnake, coral snake, and cottonmouth/water moccasin. Here are a few links to good sites that help identify snakes in Alabama.

Preserve Venemous website

Outdoor Alabama website

To avoid being bitten by a snake, the Alabama Department of Public Health recommends the following:

· When entering any area, use caution.

· Use a stick or some type of rod to move objects slowly and carefully to check for anything hidden behind them.

· If possible, wear boots and heavy gloves when clearing an area and work with someone else.

· Make noise when entering an area to alert snakes to your presence and to cause them to make a sound or movement that will tell you their location.

· Snakes will not usually bite unless cornered, handled or stepped on, and most snakes are not poisonous.

· If you find a snake, it is best to leave it alone. Snakes will return to their own environment away from humans as quickly as they can. Snakes help keep the rodent population down, so it is best not to kill them unless absolutely necessary.

· If you must kill a snake, one of the most effective methods is to use a long-handled hoe to strike it in the back of the snake's head.

· Be sure to warn children to watch out for snakes and not to get close to them. Tell them it is best to back off quickly and quietly from a snake to avoid making it feel threatened.

April Board Meeting Highlights

Hey Y'all!  I have posted the latest Board Meeting Summary down in the Board Minutes link over on the right.  If you have any questions, let me know by emailing me at either mcduffiechris@yahoo.com or at cmcduffie69@gmail.com.  Have a great week!

Check out some of our new photos!

Look down to the right at some new photos of our community---the flowers, nature trail, horses, and of course, Saugahatchee Creek!  More photos will be posted soon.  Do not forget to send me your photos.

Chris

Board Meeting Minutes Posted

Recently, the SCPOA Board met to discuss regular association business and to plan out what we hope to accomplish this year.  To see the minutes summary, please download the minutes at the below right.

Spring is just around the corner!

Have you noticed the many signs of Spring are around us?  There seems to be a lot more animal activity around our place---birds, squirrels, and of course, insects!  As I drive through our neigborhood, I notice the grass starting to green up and the leaves budding on the trees and shrubs.  If you would like to share a photo or two of your "Signs of Spring", please email them to either cmcduffie69@gmail.com or mcduffiechris@yahoo.com and I will post them for our neighbors.  Also, if you have any ideas for our blog, feel free to share them as well.  Have a great weekend!

Chris