I just have to tip my brand new Easter visor to Carla Cooper (Events/Activities Coordinator for the Heron Bay Community Association) and the Neighborhood Association volunteers. The Spring Fling and the Easter Egg hunt were a soaring success – and as both a Heron and an airline pilot, I know soaring when I see it. Haley made the Easter visor for me in one of the festive arts and crafts activities at the Spring Fling. When I wear it, I look, uh, stunning. If only she hadn’t chosen pink. Haley made a bookmark for Helen (lucky Helen!).

Spalding’s favorite part of the day was lunchtime with hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy. He enjoyed the egg hunt, too, for the first time in years. Usually, they’re for younger kids, but this egg hunt had a section for children up to 12. Teenagers even had a special area with activities just for them. I saw a lot of musical chairs and other games going on. That’s the way we are at Heron Bay. We include everybody in the fun.

It was great to see all the little ones dancing to the bunny hop, playing “Bunny Says” and running in sack races. It just reaffirmed for Helen and me that Heron Bay is definitely the right place to raise our nestlings in a close knit, community environment. I think I’ll talk to more of my friends about flying south here this spring.

I don’t know how things are going at your house, but things are humming here in the Heron nest since the Sweetheart Soiree on Valentine’s Day. Helen has had a sparkle in her eye ever since we flew into the Heron Bay Lodge that night and saw all the candle light and red roses. Of course, the dessert bar was a highlight for her, too. (Just as a note, I made only one trip to the dessert bar because I’m still working toward that New Year’s Resolution. I’ve been faithful to work out at the Heron Bay Fitness Center several times a week, and only had one piece of dessert at the dance – one piece of cheesecake, one piece of strawberry shortcake, and one piece of each of the chocolates.)

The five course meal was delicious, but my favorite part was getting to know new friends and neighbors. And what better way to get to know people than to get on the dance floor to the sound of a live band playing contemporary jazz? Some of the neighbors have got moves, and I think they were impressed with my moves, too, judging by the stares I got. I was so footloose and fancy free that Helen’s cheeks turned red just watching me. I’ve been practicing at home. When I fly in from work, I sneak up behind Helen and whirl her around. I hope the Heron Bay Neighborhood Association and the Social Activities Committee plan another dance soon because we will be ready. Thank you to all the volunteers who made it such a special night for all of us.

Visit my photo album for a great pic from the Sweetheart Soiree.