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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | AUGUST 2021 | 3 By Marsha Midgett With August upon us, it is so true that the older you get, the faster time goes! l hope everyone is enjoying the summer, even though it has been very warm. The pools have been well used and the sunshine is great for your health, in moderation of course. The Fourth of July parade and barbecue were big hits. Carts were festive and the crowd was happy to be out and celebrating Independence Day. Though it wasn't quite the same without the games and activities outside, it was a great time! Thank you to all who participated and to the Recreation Department for putting it together. This year has been a unique one, starting with everyone staying at home to wonderful times on the veranda and in the lounge with music and dancing and just enjoying each other's company. I would like to say that everything is back to normal. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The restaurant and lounge are still trying to fill open positions, both in the kitchen and with the serving staff. Yet, everyone wants to come and enjoy this amenity, dining with friends and enjoying the fun and laughter on the veranda or in the lounge and restaurant. When you were young, do you ever remember being told "Patience is a virtue"? The definition of patience is "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset." Well, that phrase applies now more than ever before in our community. Please bring your patience when you come to dine or enjoy the lounge or veranda. Patience is not only the ability to wait, but how we behave while waiting. A smile and kind, understanding words go a long way if you find yourself waiting longer than you think you should in the dining room, lounge, or veranda. Have you seen the price of homes for sale in Sun Lakes? How about the price of groceries and home goods? It is difficult to pay $75 to fill your car with gas! Your budget is probably taking a hit. Can you imagine what it may do to the Sun Lakes budget for 2022? The Board is beginning the daunting task of creating a budget that will meet the needs of our community. Our community is beginning to show its age. We cannot ignore needed repairs based on the Reserves Study. Cost of food and goods continue to climb. The cost of labor will increase. These are a few challenges we will need to address. If you want to observe the budget plan in process, please join the Board and staff on Aug. 16 at 9 am in the Ballroom. Hope to see you there. During these summer months, please be safe in all that you do. Keep hydrated and exercise early. Most of all, enjoy our wonderful Sun Lakes amenities. Quote of the month: "Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious." ~ Phillips Brooks From the President's Desk