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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | MAY 2022 19 By Theresa Rossetti, Resident This month's word is "resourceful", defined as "the ability to overcome problems or to make do with what is available to create a solution." I remember the word being used for people living during World War II. During the war, tires were rationed, then gasoline, sugar, coffee, meats, fats, canned fish, cheese and canned milk. People were encouraged to start victory gardens to grow and can their own veggies. While things aren't as bad as during WWII, it still pays (no pun intended) to make the most of what we have and figure out ways to create a solution to a problem. To be resourceful doesn't just mean "do it yourself." Sure, it's great if you can, but knowing how to reach out for help is also being resourceful. One of our best resources here at SDV is our neighbors. A few years ago, we had a pretty extensive blackout. Sadly, many neighbors lost appliances due to the surge. Some of us were lucky enough that our warranties on the larger appliances were still in effect. Once power was restored, my husband and I realized our hot water heater wasn't working. We had no idea what to do. Soon after, standing outside talking to neighbors, we found out this had happened to a number of homes in our section of SDV. All we needed was a fuse. Before we could even get into our car to drive to Lowe's, a neighbor gave us one from the two pack he had bought earlier. Since he refused payment, we "repaid" him with a box of strawberries from KS Strawberry Stand. Obviously, we weren't the resourceful ones, but he certainly was! Another wonderful resource is the Vendor List found on the SDV website containing contact information for local vendors used and recommended by residents. Our thanks to a neighbor who compiled and updates it (you know who you are). Our neighbors can also be a resourceful safety net. Consider informing neighbors if you will be away for any length of time and please do share contact information in case of an emergency. It's very heartening to know that if we don't have a certain tool, or don't know how to fix a common problem, or need to borrow an egg, we have wonderful neighbors around who can come to our rescue. As for me, I volunteer to be relied on for Italian restaurant recommendations, where to find the best NY style pizza, and snarky comments any time. A Year of "Ful" By Susan Lewen, Resident Memorial Day is fast approaching and the Solera Diamond Valley Quilt Club has a special opportunity for you. The Veterans and Friends will be hosting a silent auction and one item is the handmade patriotic quilt pictured. It is an absolutely stunning work of love and art. You can get a glimpse of it in the showcase across from the lodge library and later in the month the quilt will be on display in the lobby so you can see for yourself the spectacular work of art. You'll note it's roomy enough for two people to snuggle under or to use as a bedspread. Be sure to come to The Lodge on Memorial Day to place your final bid. All proceeds from this quilt will be used to purchase more supplies to keep the ladies busy for another year making Quilts of Valor for our Veterans and children's quilts for donation to ChildHelp, which gives blankets to children of abuse and neglect. Donations are accepted as well. Please come by our station at the Memorial Day event to say hello. Silent Auction Opportunity

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