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Behind you, all your memories, before you all your dreams, around you all who love you, within you all you need…. today is another chance to get better! 2022 is here! Doesn't that sound like some futuristic date in a sci-fi movie? But I stray… New Year's Eve is one of my favorite holidays. It's not because of the New Year's Eve party; it's not because the holidays are done; it's not even because there are so many college football games on TV. I adore New Year's because it marks the end of a chapter, one that most likely did not live up to my expectations but yet carries the hopes, dreams, and potential of a brand-new year. Every year, I try to set some short-term goals (those that can be accomplished in a day or a week), mid-term goals (those that can be accomplished in a month to a year), and long- term goals (ones that may take years or longer to reach). There are common denominators among these goals I refer to, whether they are spiritual, emotional, economical, physical, or relational goals: They must be clear; if you don't comprehend your goal, you won't be able to achieve it. They must be attainable; otherwise, what good are they if you can't achieve your goal? They must be conveyed, and you must remain accountable to others while also being encouraged by others. They must be written down, as you must keep your objectives in mind at all times in order to achieve them. This year why not look forward to seeing what you haven't seen before. Don't let another year pass you by; make this the year you leave the past behind. Always remember, the new year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. I wish you a Happy New Year in 2022. The Garden Club meets in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom on the second Wednesday of the month. This month's meeting is Jan. 12 from 10 am to 12 pm. The guest speaker will be Woody Catalano who will feature slide pictures and knowledge of the many varieties of birds and a selection of wildlife that live among us in Sun Lakes. A correction to last month's article on your 2022-2023 officers-the VP position is being held by Beverly Agner and Barbara Maslowski. On the garden front… here it is-our deep winter. In January and a couple weeks before and after that, we can really get to enjoy a fire in the fireplace and sometimes we have the chance to see a little frost on the ground. The holidays are now past, and it's time to break down your decorations and put everything away. Before hauling the tree to the curb, consider how much of it can go into your compost pile. The same is true for all those live garlands and wreaths. Here are a few gardening activities you can do in January: plant bare root roses, berries and fruit trees, order you spring planted bulbs, divide and replant perennials, prune and spray your fruit trees, plant cool season annuals. Walk around on a cold evening or morning to notice warmer and chillier spots; note them because later you'll want to put plants in those spots that like those conditions, observe where afternoon shade is. Have some fun and visit a virtual (via YouTube) CA native plant garden such as Master Gardener Betty Richard's beautiful garden which illustrates three to five-year growth. Betty's yard is a great example of transitioning a 1980 landscape of front and back lawns to a low-water use garden, with primarily California native plants in the front yard and a mix of California natives and other water-wise plants in the back. Whatever you decide to do in your garden, make sure it makes you happy! "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." ~ Walt Disney For membership contact Sherry Case at (951) 533-3584 or Linda Powers at (951) 769-3101. Vegetable garden questions, contact Pat Pennington at (951) 314-9229. For general information contact: President Jo Formino at (951) 769-1775. Happy Gardening! ~ Raelene Kretchman Garden Club 38 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2022 |

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