Rio Nido Magic by Elena Chronis - December 2017
The Holidays are upon us: How did the time fly by us so quickly? I suppose it is time to bring out the Xmas décor as Thanksgiving doesn’t leave much décor except pretty pumpkins adorning my dining room table. Speaking of Christmas... how many of you are going to be running around purchasing gifts this year?
What saddens me every year are the throngs of people lined up overnight in their tents in front of big box stores scrambling to be the first in line. It’s time to get back to the real meaning of the holiday. I can understand if you have small children…a few gifts for them is the norm. Please look at the Gazette’s Small Shops guide this issue for ideas of gifts that are EXPERIENCES. Some you share, which is fun for the giver as well as the receiver.
How about adopting a family that lost their homes in the Tubbs fire? You can make a meal for them, or contribute warm clothes and blankets for people who have no place to call HOME. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to offer the most valuable gift you can give…your time. I believe getting family and friends together over the dinner table sharing a holiday meal is the best way to ring in the holiday season. Life is precious. Sharing it is the best gift.
Happy Holidays everyone. Blessings to you and your families. Stay safe.
Rio Nido Lodge: As some of you know, our historic lodge is undergoing some positive changes. First off, it is under a new management team. There are three Innkeepers. Elena Chronis – Breakfast Maven and Innkeeper, Martine Widmann – Innkeeper and Manager and Jenn Beasley, Live-in Innkeeper. We also have a wonderful cleaning staff. We have hosted several families this past month from the fires and enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people. We hosted our first event of the holiday season with a Wine tasting from the exclusive Landmark Wines. We had a stellar turnout of fabulous folks from Rio Nido, Guerneville, Forestville and Sebastopol. I’d say about 70 people for our very first event. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. We will be hosting other soirees open to the public all year. We are in the final stages of opening up our Coffee shop. We look forward to serving you. Our Holiday décor goes up the day after Thanksgiving with a beautiful tree. Come on by and check it out. Visit us at: rionidolodge.com.
The Tide has changed: Has anyone noticed all the changes in Rio Nido? Times have changed and change is good. Hanging out at the RN Dog Park most of us locals discussed all the wonderful things happening in our neighborhood. First off a lot of people have moved away. In their place we have new neighbors. And when you see a lot of children and young families moving in, you know that the tide has turned for the better. Some people complain about the influx of Vacation rentals, but the ones I have seen in our neighborhood haven’t bothered us at all. Most have been very respectful... it’s all about good Landlords not Slumlords, there IS a big difference.
Rio Nido Community Garden: Taking my Rotty out for an afternoon stroll the other day I saw a group of Garden Elves in our Community Garden. It’s such a delight to see them all. The Community garden was an absolute gorgeous sight this past Spring and Summer. If I had a green thumb I would be happy to join, but alas I’m not good with plants. Looking forward to Spring to see all the beauty our Garden Elves bestow on this magical little enclave.
Pet of the Month: Sweet, loving and playful Cassie was found wandering Willow and Canyon 3 Road three years ago. The neighbors tried to find her owner but the phone number on her chip no longer worked. However, it was just a fork in the road for the beautiful cat. Ann Thomas, who welcomes hungry cats and dogs took her in. Since then Cassie has been a loyal and constant companion and a gracious co-hostess to all her new furry friends. A happy ending for sure.
