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CLUBS & GROUPS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2015 37 Pioneers had it tough. With limited natural resources out on the almost treeless prairies, early settlers built their homes from sod. It took an acre of sod to build a typical house. Sod was cut into 4 inch thick by 12 inch wide by 24 inch long pieces, laid grass side down and overlapped like bricks. Some roofs were thatched and some were sod. It was not a clean house, with dust and crumbling dirt, rodents and bugs always a problem. Before a better house was built, a barn was necessary in which to keep grain, hay, seed, straw and livestock. Turnips were a fast crop and would feed both man and beast. Cow and buffalo chips were collected from the prairies and used for fuel. Good building materials were scarce and expensive, and had to be shipped out to the prairies by wagons. It could take several years of hard work to be able to afford a decent house. Just when things looked encouraging, locusts would swarm over the land and devour everything, including the crops needed for food. And diseases like measles and cholera would strike, often taking the lives of children, and sometimes wiping out entire families. Today we have it good. Everything we need is convenient and nearby. No house made of dirt for us! No rampant diseases or swarms of locusts here! So we can the thankful as we start this new year that our lives are comfortable, safe and enjoyable. ~ Willis Fagan Discovery Club Seasoned Solos January was a busy month for the Seasoned Solos. We enjoyed lunch at Grand Oaks, played miniature golf in Colton following lunch at our Bistro, and attended the Lunar Festival in Riverside. At the meeting the Town Hall information was announced as well as information regarding the CPR classes. Some of the topics to be discussed in February include an American Legion Dinner, Distillery Tour, Deacons Gardens, Dickens Festival in Riverside and ticket to a TV show. Seasoned Solos always welcomes new members. Our monthly planning meeting is the first Friday of each month. For more information please call Monica at (951) 922-8805 or Mary at(951) 769-5444. ~ Mary Castle There exists a group of Four Season residents who participate in RV trips. In the past we have traveled to many fun and interesting places. January we attended the Quartzsite and Lake Havasu Balloon Festival. If you would like further information on future trips, you can contact, Ann Williams @ annwilymz@yahoo.com. You can also attend one of our meetings the second Tuesday of the month in the Ballroom at 6 pm. Our next meeting will be Feb. 10. ~ Rick Brower All Seasons RV A sod dugout house, built into the side of a hill. Note the horses and wagon on top. Typical pioneer prairie house built of sod.