|  | | A special thank you to Charli, Peg Gilstad, Tom Wybranowski, Sally Mulka, Sharon Lane, Lois Stover & Ivan Thane for their contributions to this newsletter.
| | | | | |  | Hi Everyone, My Name is Charliana Grace Potter, better known as “Charli”.
My Papa & Grammie Euliss live in Boulder Creek. A lot of you know me. I love Boulder Creek, and everyone is so nice to me. In the summer I like to fish in the pond with my Papa (Grammie hates worms!). In the Fall, I make S’mores in our firepit, and go Trick or Treating and get lots of candy from everyone . . . Thanks for that! And then there is Christmas. My Grammie turns our house into something she calls “pretty”, and my Papa calls “too much work”! I can’t wait until Santa Claus comes! But before Santa comes “Elfie” comes to Grammie & Papa’s. That means I have to be extra good, as he reports back to Santa each night . . . REALLY!! But Grammie tells me over & over that is not the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Baby Jesus was born on that day and it’s His BIRTHDAY! We bring out the manger with baby Jesus, his mommy and daddy and everyone else that was there. Auntie Carol gave it to me when I was just a little girl. You all know her too, Auntie Carol Landis. She prays at every meal when she comes to our family gatherings. Then, we finally get to bake our Christmas cookies. I love that time with Grammie. The kitchen smells sooo good, and I can make a HUGE MESS! Well, then it is time for ♥ Day, and I make cards for lot’s of my friends, and, my best friend, Luke, gives me a big hug! March blows in the Leprechaun for St. Pattie’s Day. I try so hard every year to catch that little rascal. My Pappa and I build traps, but he is so frustrating! He just leaves us big messes and turns the toilet water green! So, this is why I decided to write to everyone in Boulder Creek. You all are so nice and it is so much fun here!
Thank you and . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR! CHARLI
| “I've learned that all grandchildren are beautiful, brilliant, and take after their grandparents" --- author unknown | | | | | |  | There is a place about 120 miles southwest of Midland where a breed of elk roam called “Costco Elk”.
It is a “grand” place with lots of “rapids”. Two of the herd lived near a house that had a wonderful lawn for grazing. Unfortunately it was a place of very high winds and despite the size and strength of the elk, they were constantly being blown over. One day near Christmas time Tom and Peggy noticed the elk in the yard of relatives they were visiting and commented on the beauty of these stately animals. Not long after arriving home, they received a call asking if they would like the “Costco Elk” to migrate to their home which was located in the wetlands of Boulder Creek… a place with woods, water, grass for grazing and minimal high winds. An agreement was made and the “Costco Elk” moved to 4121 Boulder Creek where they are very happy but can only be seen at Christmas time.
FYI: Rumor has it from a very good source, that more of the herd of “Costco Elk” may be migrating to Midland this next year!
Submitted by Peg Gilstad & Tom Wybranowski | | | | | | Approximately 20 women of the Boulder Creek Community gathered December 19th for a Christmas Cheer celebration.
Linda Euliss was gracious to open her beautifully decorated home for the festivity. Sally Mulka was the co-hostess. Sloppy Joes and hors de’ ouvres were on the menu. Each gal brought a dish to pass; and what a feast was enjoyed. All agreed we should try to meet quarterly for continuing friendships.
Many asked about gathering for card games. Sally asked all the women who are interested in playing Euchre, Bridge, or Pinochle to send her your E-mail, noting which game interests you, and what night or day you can play. Sally will try to set up a schedule. Couples are also invited to participate.
Submitted by Sally Mulka
Pictures submitted by Sharon Lane
| | | | | | | THE POWER OF FICTION
Emily Wilson’s splendid translation of The Odyssey is a must read. In this, the first English translation of The Odyssey by a woman, Emily Wilson relays what has been described as “the first great adventure story in the Western canon.” Homer’s The Odyssey is a poem that explores the ramifications of war and violence, the intricacies of marriage and family, and the magnetism of wealth and power through one hero’s journey and subsequent search for home. Wilson’s translation, which matches the number of lines in the Greek original, conveys this stirring tale of shipwrecks, monsters, and magic in iambic pentameter verse while proving accessible for contemporary audiences....
Reading is so important. It provides demonstrable benefits: cognitive (increased knowledge, enlarged vocabulary, improved writing, sharpened memory and concentration), health-related (reduced stress, enhanced brain elasticity and functioning, prevention against mental decline), and interpersonal (judgment and decision making, empathy and understanding). Literary studies in particular correlates to improved emotional intelligence as well as heightened reflection and tolerance for complexity or ambiguity. In a fast-paced digital world bombarding us with distractions, it’s more important than ever to slow down and make time for fiction and poetry.
Sharon Lane announced she would like to start a neighborhood book discussion group in the fall during the Women's Christmas Cheer Celebration. Contact Sharon for more details.
| “I've learned that there's nothing you can't teach yourself by reading" --- author uknown | | | | | | Larry Stover asked me to test the new Electronic SQP. I was able to submit several test SQP’s and found it very easy to use and intuitive. To use it you will need to fill out your email address, name, address and unit number. After that you put in the information for the SQP; ask a question, make a suggestion or make a proposal. A few more fields to fill out and a couple of dates and you can submit the form. I was able to attach a picture to the form with just a couple clicks. I think if you give it a try you will find the form easy to use and it saves you from having to deliver a hard copy of the form to the board. A big thanks to Larry for creating this electronic form, he did a great job that will make filing an SQP so much easier. Ivane Thane
| | | | | | Eggs In Toast Cups - A Favorite for Sure!
English Toasting Bread, Butter, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Eggs
Butter and parmesan both sides of bread. Cut triangle shape (corner to center to corner) from bottom edge of bread. When doing more than one egg these pieces laid points together, make your butterfly toasts. Fold cut piece of bread into a large muffin tin cup. If holes are visible fill with pieces from another piece of bread. Put egg in bread cups. Season if you like with Herbs or an essence spice mixture. Bake @ 350 for approximately 20 minutes.
Submitted by Lois Stover | | | | | | Santa House
Making Spirits Bright
Joy. It's a simple word to write, but it takes commitment to deliver, especially over the holidays. Cue the Purdue Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan, whose members are faithful volunteers at the the Santa House in Midland. Each year, they help children and their families experience the joy and magic of Christmas.
Larry was able to get a picture with Santa during a special photo shoot for the article on the Midland Santa House recently published in the Purdue Alumnus Winter Edition. | | | | | | | Save the date - July 22, 2020- Annual Picnic | | | | | |
