The August board meeting will have a routine agenda as we return from our summer siestas. However, I am aware that we will probably have major items on the September agenda. Peter Dersley, our Infrastructure Director plans to have the report of the Master Association Bulk Cable Services Committee and Mickey Wheeler, our Treasurer expects to have the 2026 budget ready for discussion and approval.
So far so good for our windy season, at least through the middle of August. However, the peak of the season is really the latter part of August through the early part of October. Many of our palm and hardwood trees have been seasonably trimmed to withstand windstorms that might come our way. Let us remember the “I” s of September: Irma, Ivan, Ian and Irene. Each of those caused major damage in the U.S. including SWFL. I am pleased to report that your Master Association plans to have over $100K in our Restoration Reserve this year which should be sufficient to repair any damage we incur especially since we do not have any buildings to worry about. Our concerns are the greenery that sets Grandezza apart from our newer developments on East Corkscrew. Speaking of Corkscrew, have you seen the work that our Village is doing on the path along Corkscrew Road? It is a very interesting development with a curving pathway and room for a lush greenery border for Grandezza’s southern border. I believe that it will present a very attractive entry for the Village of Estero from the east!
The month of August brings back many wonderful personal memories. Many are centered on returning to colleges and the studies, but, more than that are the beginnings of the separation of our children from our daily control and communication. It was a time of starting the transition to what our family life would be when the last child was dropped off at their first dorm! Fortunately, both of our children chose to attend a school about 3 hours from our home, so we did see them occasionally but more seldom as they finally mentioned that they were going back “home” when they returned to school after breaks. But this was just another step in their and our growth! Our eldest chose to take a job on the west coast after graduation but our daughter chose to join Rand McNally (yes, she was a cartography major) and stay in the Chicago area. But by then my wife and I had returned to the status of a childless couple. Did you ever face the same situation?
On a personal note, I had cataract surgery in July. I had noticed that my reading vision had become more difficult this year, and things were not as bright as normal. I decided to visit my optometrist to see if new glasses were required. She performed the “refraction” services and recommended that instead of stopping at their glasses counter to order new lenses that I see an eye surgeon (who advertises on tv) about my cataracts. Being well trained by my late wife, I followed her advice and made a clinic appointment. They did a very complete exam and confirmed that my cataracts had reached the level that the lenses needed to be “exchanged” for “new and improved” ones. Their recommendation was the top of the line ($10K) lenses that require laser surgery and usually negate the need for glasses. However, certain other items alerted me to consider visiting another surgeon for another opinion.
The 2nd surgeon (another who advertises on TV) also did a complete exam, but their conclusion was very different from the first. They agreed that my lenses needed to be replaced but recommended the Medicare covered lenses that are inserted with bladed surgery (and only cost $700). I asked about the $10K lenses and they indicated that they could insert them but felt that I would still need glasses for reading “so why waste the cost of the fancy lenses?” Making the long story shorter, I did go with the 2nd surgeon and have completed the procedure. It was painless (even using the blade instead of the laser) and very little hassle. My vision has improved. I recommend cataract surgery for anyone who needs it and getting a second opinion when you are concerned about the first opinion!
All for now! Hope all are enjoying the quiet summer (so far) here in Grandezza!
