Happy Holidays to All

 Just a reminder that December starts Winter office hours Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm. 

New Years -Eve Reservations open to Resident on Friday December 5th and then to members on Monday December 8th. The Dance is reservation only with a cost of $45 per person, this cost includes a champagne toast at midnight, hors d'oeuvres during the dance, and a gift from us. 

Our Annual Holiday Craft Fair is Saturday December 6th 9am -2pm  come and get some holiday shopping done without having to get dressed. 

Get ready for some festive fun and holiday cheer! Our annual gift exchange is just around the corner, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you.

The gift exchange is on Saturday December 6th at 7pm. Bring an Unwrapped unisex, family appropriate gift, minimum $20 in value, that you would not mind taking home yourself. All gifts will be put in brown paper bags and you will receive a ticket to be drawn for your turn to pick a bag. Previous seasons gifts include, alcohol, blankets, small appliances, chocolate or holiday gift sets (popcorn, smores etc.), small tools, local restuarant gift certifcates. If you have a question on whether or not the item you intend is appropriate please feel free to ask the office.

The Craft Fair and Gift Exchange are just the start of Decembers fun Holiday Activities. Please view the upcoming events section for details on other events this month.

There is nothing quite like preaching to the choir. The goal of Trash Talk is to help bring awareness to the little things which have a big impact around our small community in a humorous yet poignant way. The flaw in this ideal is: the people who NEED a gentle reminder are not the ones who READ this column. So let’s work together and not assume others will carry our load because of, as Felix Unger taught us, what happens when we ass•u•me!
We see the signs which remind us that food items brought into the pool area is against county ordinances, yet food waste and café containers are constantly found within the fenced area.
Water bottles and flotation devices left behind at the end of the day become safety hazards at night. The volleyball pool is open daily from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM during the cold months, and covered after sundown. Penalties from county inspectors, new covers and replacement equipment all cost us money which could go to better use if not for an inconsiderate few.
We appreciate having the spa as a popular gathering spot during these colder months. The fenced area has the same rules as the pool deck and there’s a prominent NO SMOKING sign hanging from the rafters, yet cigarette butts and ashes are found flicked on the side of the tub; why? Also, the Ranch was forced to lock the sauna indefinitely thanks to the indiscretions of an inconsiderate few.
We already know those trash barrels dotted around the Shangri La Ranch are for the little stuff needing to be tossed away. It ought not to require a degree in garbology to understand why kitchen bags have those drawstrings yet people still cannot tie them closed to prevent loose trash flying everywhere when the truck comes to collect. Residents and long-term guests are aware that their household garbage is to be taken directly to the compactor. If the lid you must lift, then take it to be squished! New locking trash receptacles are on their way, bought with funds that could have gone to upgrading amenities had it not been for an inconsiderate few.
We talk constantly about what are and are not recyclable, yet trash like dirty food containers, Styrofoam, plastic bags, and assorted “personal prophylactic items” get pulled from the bins daily. The refuse company levies a fine for egregious misuse of the recycling program, monies which could be earmarked for improvement projects if not for an inconsiderate few.
This editorial could continue ad nauseam but the point is made. The mission for Trash Talk is not to be an exercise in futility but to be a helpful aide-mémoire that – whether a full-time rancher, a seasonal visitor, a club member, or an occasional guest of Shangri La Ranch – each of us has a stake in keeping this place the little paradise that it is. Thank you for your continued support; now it’s time to step down from the soapbox, flatten it and place it in the appropriate receptacle. To all, a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and blessings for the Nude Year!

Maintaining a clean site is essential for the safety, health, and enjoyment of all.  The primary reasons for this requirement are rooted in public health, environmental protection, and the well-being of the community.

• Pest Infestation: Food debris draws unwanted pests into the ranch and onto your site.
• Disease Transmission: Animal feces, especially from pets and wildlife, can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli and parasites such as giardia and roundworms, which pose a serious risk to humans and other animals.This also includes the harboring and breading of mesquitos especially with the recent rains. Please take a moment to remove any unecessary standing water from your site such as empty pots from plants or yard decorations that can hold water. 
• Injury Prevention: Keeping the site free of debris and garbage helps prevent trip hazards and injuries from sharp objects. This is not only for your safety but for that of the ranch staff  when needing to acess your site as well as any emergency responders. 
• These apply to everyone here even if your site is fenced to ensure that your fur babies do not get out proper maintence and pet waste removal is still required. 

Capture Shangri La Ranch: We Need Your Photos! Dear Shangri La Ranch Family, We are putting together some exciting new advertising materials to showcase the beauty and tranquility of the Ranch, and we need your help! Your unique perspective often captures the essence of Shangri La Ranch better than anyone. We are looking for human-free photos to help us tell the story of the resort. What We Are Looking For: - Facilities: Shots of our common areas, pools, main buildings, etc. - Sites & Rooms: High-quality photos of individual sites and rooms that were not taken by resort staff. - The Outdoors: Stunning views from the hiking trails. - Natural Beauty: Close-ups or wide shots of the diverse vegetation in and around the resort. - The Essence of Shangri La: Any photo you feel truly represents the resort. Please help us show others the Ranch through your eyes! Thank you so much for your support!  Click HERE to Submit (this will take you to another page) 

Poinsettias are a classic Christmas plant, bringing vibrant bursts of color in shades that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. While well known for their festive combination of green and red foliage, poinsettias can also surprise you with blooms in white, pink, and even speckled variations. Adding to their symbolic connection to Christmas, the star-shaped leaf pattern is said to resemble the Star of Bethlehem, further solidifying the poinsettia's place as a cherished holiday tradition.

Poinsettias offer long-lasting beauty beyond the holidays. With proper care, they can be coaxed to rebloom year after year, bringing festive cheer again and again. Surprisingly versatile, poinsettias can thrive indoors or outdoors. They require minimal light to flourish, making them ideal for low-light settings. Plant them in mass arrangements for a splash of color in partially shaded landscapes, use them in containers to add cheer to shady patios and porches, or bring them inside to brighten up your holiday décor

Poinsettias thrive with well-drained soil and prefer partial sun during the day. Cooler temperatures are ideal for their growth. To maintain their vibrant color and promote healthy development, consider using a slow-release fertilizer. During the warmer months, provide some afternoon shade for poinsettias kept outdoors. Pinching them back during this time will encourage bushier growth as you prepare to bring them indoors for the holidays' dazzling display.

🎄 Get Ready to Get Ugly! Christmas Sweater Contest! 🤣

Hey everyone! It's time to dig out those horrendous holiday threads because our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest is back!

Join us for a night of festive fun, terrible fashion, and some great dancing!

• 📅 When: Saturday, December 13, 2025
• ⏰ Time: During our regular weekly dance!
• 📍 Where: The Clubhouse

The rules are simple: the tackier, the more lights, the more ridiculous, the better!

We'll be judging based on sheer ugliness and holiday spirit, and the proud owner of the most hideous sweater will walk away with a FANTASTIC PRIZE! 🏆

Start planning your look now—your grandma’s closet might hold the key to victory! We can't wait to see your creative (and cringe-worthy) ensembles!

Who's ready to win? Hit the like button and tag a friend who needs to bring their A-game (or their D-game, depending on the sweater)!

Holiday Cookie Exchange at Shangri La Ranch!

🗓️ Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM 📍 Location: Shangri La Ranch Clubhouse 🧑‍🍳 Hosted by: Lisa Coombs

Bring your favorite homemade holiday cookies to share and swap with fellow cookie enthusiasts! It's the perfect opportunity to discover new recipes, enjoy delicious treats, and mingle with friends.

Important Dates:

• Sign-ups Begin: Monday, November 24, 2025
• Sign-ups End: Monday, December 8, 2025
• Don't miss out on this festive event! Please sign up by December 8th on the bulletin board in the clubhouse so we can get a headcount. 

🎄🦌 Reindeer Games at Shangri La Ranch! 🦌🎄

Mark your calendars! Join us for a night of festive fun at our annual Reindeer Games!

🗓️ Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM onwards 📍 Location: The Clubhouse

We'll be hosting a variety of fun indoor games that are perfect for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a competitive spirit or just looking for a good laugh, there's something for everyone!

Come on down, bring your friends , and let's make some wonderful holiday memories together. We can't wait to see you there!

🎄 Shangri La Ranch Christmas Golf Cart Parade! 🎅

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer! It's time for our annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade!

Dust off those decorations, string up the lights, and let your creativity shine! We encourage everyone to deck out their golf carts with the most festive holiday themes. The more sparkle, the better!This is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with your neighbors and friends. Come join the fun, whether you're decorating a cart or just coming to watch the spectacle!

Parade Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
• Time: Starting promptly at 6:00 PM
• Starting Point: The Shangri La Ranch Office.