Patrolling the Pond
The First 10 Days
Mike Miller, VP Lake Lotawana Homeowners Association
We are just around the corner from the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the first day of winter. For those who love the four seasons, your adventure continues. For those who prefer warmer seasons, you are getting closer (ok maybe just a little)! In fact the day after the first day of winter is when our days start getting longer! There is hope! Fortunately, while the days are still getting shorter and just feel shorter even as they start getting longer, we are in a season of light. I have been checking out some of the beautiful holiday lighting around the lake and enjoying the creativity. I still need to make the full loop to take it all in. I personally like the different seasons. I grew up with four seasons and winter was always the longest. And now, as I tack on another year this month, I get a chill when I think of the brisk winds of January and February. Yes, I like the four seasons we see in Kansas City, but my favorite part of winter is the first 10 days.
The first 10 days of winter are some of the busiest of the year. Be it business or personal, there is always a lot going on. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can sometimes feel pretty overwhelming. We can easily lose sight of the things we take for granted. We can get swept up in the swirl. It can happen to anyone. In fact, it sometimes feels like it happens to everyone. We were in the parking lot at a local sporting goods store that has become a shopping destination. A lady was backing into a parking spot while a guy walked nearby. For no obvious reason he started shouting and yelling at the driver like she had just run over his foot or something. It was crazy. He was out of control. It was so bad I thought it was he knew the person. I actually thought it was a joke. Seriously? You’re shopping at a busy store during the holidays and don’t expect a little hassle? In our family when we see episodes like that happen we tend to laugh it off and sing and off-key chorus of, “Happy Holidays…Happy Holidays.” And yet as busy as it gets, taking time to enjoy the basics, the simple pleasures, can be the remedy to you or anyone being that guy. If you’re looking for ideas on some of the basic joys out there in this busy season you need look no further than our community.
As you can imagine sitting on the Board exposes you to a lot. As the saying goes, you get to see, “how the sausage is made.” Sometimes it’s not a pretty view. As Directors we all sign up for that job when we put our name in the hat to represent our districts. It’s a choice. If you let the negatives trip you up, you end up being like the guy in the parking lot. I like to stay focused on everything that going well and on seeing problems and complaints as opportunities to improve and serve. One of the bright lights in our community is this fine publication, the Lotawana News. I read every edition cover to cover and am always impressed by the positive perspective and upbeat views of all of the stories. Oh yeah there is the occasional editorial piece on things that could be done better in the community. That’s ok. But for the most part the articles in this paper are about the fine work being done by the hundreds of volunteers who serve our community organizations and committees. The Lotawana News is a breath of fresh air and a light in a news world that is typically pretty dark. Thanks to Noel Runkle and all of the contributors for helping us all keep our focus on the good and the basics that we can sometimes take for granted.
In this season of light, sometimes the easiest way to find it is to be it…be a light. Nearly all of the holidays we celebrate in December are about light. If during this season you celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ, I wish you the warmest and merriest of Christmas’s! Be a light. If you celebrate Hanukkah, enjoy your time with family and friends. Be a light! If you celebrate other Holidays or are just looking for ways to enjoy the season, be a light! As the waning days of autumn draw long shadows on the Pond and darkness sets in before late afternoon, how can you plan on making the first 10 days of winter different this year? How can you be a light in our community? What will you do in 2026 to be a light with your family and friends? How’s that for a New Year’s resolution? Being a light definitely takes intentionality. Winter may or may not be your favorite season. But with a little extra planning, some careful thought, and one or two kind gestures toward others, you too can make the first 10 days your favorite part of winter. Until next time…See you on the Pond!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Holidays!
Safer Seven Quiz: A Special Holiday Edition.
Patrolling the Pond wants to HEAR FROM YOU! Help shape this column in 2026. Please send your responses to the following question to vp@lakelotawna.net before January 1st, 2026:
What TWO or THREE Topics would you be interested in hearing more about from Patrolling the Pond in 2026?
The Patrolling the Pond staff will be drawing FOUR names from entries submitted and each will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Beautification’s store at the Lake Lotawana Office.
Again, send your responses to vp@lakelotawana.net. The drawing will be held on January 3rd, 2026, and winners will be notified by January 5th. Please include your Lot and block number in your entry.
Thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Safer Seven Quiz!