Summer at Shangri La Ranch is filled with fun and opportunities to socialize with your fellow residents and guests. Our calendar is packed with activities to keep you moving and entertained. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or prefer a more relaxed pace, there's something for everyone. Join us for our daily pickleball and water aerobics sessions to stay active and beat the Arizona heat. For those who enjoy a friendly competition, our weekly jungle ball games and pool tournaments are sure to bring some excitement.

Looking for evening entertainment? We've got you covered! Every Friday night, get ready to sing your heart out with Karaoke hosted by KJ Lori. On Saturday nights, the dance floor comes alive with different DJs playing all your favorite tunes. If you are a fan of all 3 of our DJ's they will all be playing on Saturday August 9th. If you're a fan of a quiet night in, our bi-weekly Cards & Games nights offer a great chance to relax and mingle. From lively dances to engaging games, the upcoming events at Shangri La Ranch are designed to create lasting memories and foster a sense of community. We can't wait to see you there

Common sense – from Latin sensus communis – is, “knowledge, judgement and taste which is more or less universal, and which is held essentially without reflection or argument.” People talk about it yet is there such a thing? A college professor once told her students, “There is no common sense; everything is learned.” If she was right, then let the lessons begin.

Common sense says: Tie trash bags closed. Too many times loose trash and open bags are tossed into the compactor, especially grocery bags. We all know that flimsy plastic and Styrofoam are not recyclable because they are light, float easily in the breeze and fly away. The same goes for empty chip sacks, Amazon bubble mailers, paper towels, and old JARS bags. When the refuse truck comes on Tuesday and Friday mornings, there is a flurry of loose trash dancing in the wind, especially if the bin is packed full. Help keep the area clean by bagging your household trash AND tying the bag closed.

Common sense says: Leave no food waste in the trailer. The compactor gets locked late Monday and Thursday evenings, ready to be emptied the next morning. Why people go to drop off trash after dark is another story, but a trailer is there for such occasions. Signs were posted but someone with spindly little fingers tore them off so this will serve as a reminder – we are in a desert with a menagerie of wild animals scavenging for something to eat and depositing garbage in an open trailer is an invitation to a free buffet. Please keep food waste at home until the compactor is open and available.

Common sense says: When the compactor is open, use it. Whilst we are on the subject, please put trash, garbage and other discarded material into the compactor when it is available. The trailer is there as a secondary receptacle. Every morning, there is a blue “doggy bag” dropped in the trailer that could have been tossed into the rubbish; why? There will be unwanted items left outside for someone else to throw away; why? If it’s too bulky or heavy to throw away, notify the office and someone will be dispatched to help, but let’s not just dump, run and leave the area looking like a junkyard.

Common sense says: When one side of the recycling bin is full, go to the other side or to the next one. People will actually lift the first lid on the left and struggle to dump recyclables when that side is already to the brim, yet the right side AND the next bin are virtually empty. Seriously, is another three to six feet just a step too far?

A shout-out goes to those Shangers who help keep the area neat and tidy. These are the people who care enough about SHANGRI LA RANCH and their neighbourhood to pitch-in and be a part of the solution. As mentioned at the recent membership meeting, the Ranch will be charged a fine for misuse and abuse of the recycling bins. New stickers explaining what can and cannot go inside are posted on the bins; please read and comply. This is our community, our little corner of Paradise; it’s only common sense that we all are here to enjoy it!

— TRASH: dry waste material, e.g. paper, packaging, other discarded non-perishable items

— GARBAGE: damp, decomposable food waste, e.g. table scraps, putrescible organic matter

Summer Safety Tips for RV Residents

Living the RV life in the Arizona summer offers a unique sense of freedom, but it's crucial to prioritize safety, especially when it comes to the extreme heat. One of the most important things you can do is to be proactive about your RV's cooling system. Make sure your air conditioning unit is in top condition by regularly cleaning the filters and checking for any signs of wear and tear. A breakdown in the middle of a heatwave can be dangerous, so a little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

Another critical tip is to be mindful of your electrical usage. Running your AC, fans, and other appliances simultaneously can put a strain on your RV's electrical system, potentially leading to a fire hazard. Avoid using multiple high-wattage appliances at once, and always be sure to use the correct gauge extension cords if you need them.

Finally, never underestimate the power of the sun. Even inside your RV, the temperature can rise rapidly. Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out direct sunlight, and consider using reflective sunscreens on your windows. Always keep yourself and your pets hydrated, and never leave a person or pet in a parked RV without the air conditioning running. By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer in your home on wheels.

Beneath the Arizona Sunsets

The sun was beginning its descent, painting the sky with a palette of fiery oranges and deep purples as Sarah and Ben strolled hand-in-hand along the edge of the Shangri La Ranch pool. The air was warm and still, the only sound the gentle lapping of water against the pool's edge.

Sarah turned to Ben, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "You know," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "there's something about this place that just makes you want to shed your clothes."

Ben grinned, his eyes following her gaze as it swept across the pool, where couples lounged on sunbeds, their bodies glistening with sweat and sunlight. "I know what you mean," he replied, his hand reaching for hers. "It's like all the pretense just melts away here."

They reached the edge of the pool and sank into a pair of empty sunbeds. Sarah sighed contentedly, her eyes closing as she basked in the warmth of the setting sun.

"This is the life," Ben murmured, his voice a low rumble against herear. "No worries, no expectations, just pure freedom."

Sarah opened her eyes and looked at him, a playful glint in her own. "Speaking of freedom," she said, her fingers tracing the outline of his chest, "I've been thinking..."

Ben's eyebrows shot up in anticipation. "Thinking what?"

Sarah leaned closer, her breath fanning against his cheek. "I think it's time we took this freedom to a whole new level."

A slow smile spread across Ben's face. "I think you're right," he said, his voice husky with desire.

And with that, they shed their clothes, their bodies joining the others in the pool, basking in the warmth of the Arizona sun and the freedom of Shangri La.

A Glimpse into the Arizona Desert's Wild Side

The breathtaking landscape surrounding Shangri La Ranch is teeming with a diverse array of wildlife, perfectly adapted to the desert environment. One of the most iconic creatures you might spot is the Gila monster, a venomous lizard with a distinct black and pink beaded pattern. While intimidating, these shy reptiles spend most of their lives underground and are rarely a threat. Keep an eye out for the fast-moving roadrunner, a ground-dwelling bird that's more likely to run than fly. Known for its speed and cleverness, this bird is a delight to watch as it navigates the desert floor.

Another common sight is the javelina, or collared peccary. These hairy, pig-like creatures travel in herds and can often be seen foraging for roots and cacti. They are a true symbol of the Sonoran Desert. And of course, no mention of desert wildlife would be complete without the elusive coyote. These intelligent canines are masters of survival and can often be heard howling at night, creating the quintessential soundtrack of the desert. We encourage you to appreciate these amazing animals from a distance and remember that we are all sharing this beautiful desert home.

Sizzling Summer Grilling: Easy and Delicious Balsamic Chicken Kabobs

Looking for a flavorful and simple meal to throw on the grill this summer? These Balsamic Chicken Kabobs are a perfect choice. The sweet and tangy marinade pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor from the grill. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Assorted vegetables, such as bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

4. Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies.

5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

6. Grill the kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender with a slight char.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious summer meal!