.

Medal Winners

2012-02-15T09:27:00.001-06:00

Eugene Pratt and Don Soole, our resident expert cribbage players took first place playing cribbage in the Senior Valley Olympics. Leo Tcshetter and Kyle Wickware brought home medals in Darts while Mary Pierce and Thelma Jordan claimed a medal for Euchre.

Pictured left to right- Eugene Pratt, Leo Tschetter, Kyle Wickware, Mary Pierce, Thelma Jordan. ( insert- Don Soole)

Elmer Anderson-

2012-02-13T15:51:00.000-06:00

Elmer Anderson, longtime resident of Magnolia Park is in ICU at one of the major hospitals here in the RGV. He is not doing well and the family has been notified.
I will post more info as it becomes available.

76 degrees

2012-02-13T11:33:00.000-06:00

Butch tells me this morning we can expect 76 degrees today. I am guessing it could happen but first we will need to see the sun. I was feeling kind of sorry for us but then I read a blog from Florida and she said they had 29 degrees this morning! Just as it is in life we can always look around and see someone who is much worse off than we are. We are so lucky!!! Our plants have been safe and we didn't have to cover them. 29 makes 45 look very good!

Sunday Service

2012-02-12T23:25:00.000-06:00

Even on a very cool and damp day it was great to be able to attend Church Services at Magnolia on Sunday....We have had good attendance the last few weeks and today was no exception....It's great to come together each Sunday and be able to study God's Word...

The lesson today was a continuation of Pastor's study of the Book of Malachi, chapter 2 with the theme of "Giving and doing your best to and for the Lord"....This is a great study of just how God feels about us either Obeying Gods word and giving praise to him or not doing his will....I should be an eye opener for all that study the word and heed the message....We serve an awesome God but we should be aware of the consequences of disobeying the Lord...

We also found out that we lost one of our members of our congregation...This morning Jim Vargason passed away about 2 AM.....We need to pray for his family that the Lord would comfort them at this time in their grief.....Remember to also pray for those that are sick and one another in general....God Bless All....See you in church next week.....

Sorry!!

2012-02-12T11:31:00.001-06:00

Sorry is all we can say to those who are visiting for the very first time and to those who can only be here a short time. We have had a streak of cold, damp and cloudy weather. We are supposed to get a break from it mid week and then another dose of this stuff next weekend. Fortunately we are all a hearty bunch from hearty stock and we know how to deal with it from the many years we too were up north for the icky winters. We snuggle in, watch movies, play games, do our crafts but this is not what we came here for. Let a smile be your umbrella!!
I ran across a little story this morning about an Indian Chief and his grandson. It has been a favorite of mine for a long time and I decided to share it with you today.
Here it is...

An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life…

“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

“One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.

“The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

“This same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old chief replied, “The one you feed.”

Char Wolfrom-Pool Champion!

2012-02-10T07:28:00.002-06:00

Char Wolfrom brought home the honor of winning the women's singles 8 ball pool tournament sponsored by McAllen City Park and Recreation Department. The event is held at Fast Eddies Pool Hall in McAllen. There are two divisions; women over 66 and women under 66 but the event is played until there is only one champion. 36 women participated in the event. Congratulations, Char!!

Things you could do today

2012-02-09T09:10:00.000-06:00

Things you could do today:

Play cards with friends
Check out the pool hall and play a game or two
Go to a matinee
Cribbage in the little hall at 1:00 PM
Potluck in Allen Hall at 5:00 PM
Watch the mixed league players in the blue hall at 6:30 PM.
Also the South Texas Whiskey band will be practicing in Allen Hall after potluck and they welcome listeners.

Pat Jones-Artist of the Month

2012-02-08T19:06:00.001-06:00

Our Pat Jones has been chosen Donna Texas' Artist of the month. A picture of her and an article will be in the next issue of the local Donna paper. I think I have a photo of one of her works and I will see if I can find it.

Here is one of the many paintings Pat has done.

Pudding Dessert

2012-02-06T20:20:00.001-06:00

Recipe: Pudding Dessert 2/6/2012
Category: Dessert
Author: Noreen Ergen

1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 sticks butter
1/4 c chopped walnuts
8 oz cream cheese
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. Cool Whip
3 c. cold milk
2 ( 3 oz.) pkgs instant pudding, desired flavor

Combine flour and softened butter. Add walnuts. Press into cake pan and bake for
15 min. at 350 degrees. Mix together cream cheese, sugar and cool whip. Spread
on top of cooled crust. Mix pudding and milk with electric mixer and spread on top
of filling. Top with remaining cool whip. Keep refrigerated.

The recipe above was featured by the hostesses at crafts this afternoon and Swedish Weaving guests requested it. So thought it would be a good idea to post it here. It was really yummy.

Sunday Service

2012-02-05T23:14:00.000-06:00

Well the weather was kind of cool this morning in deep south Texas, but the church service at Magnolia was warm and wonderful.....We had a great crowd for such a cool morning, but of course this is suppost to be our winter time so we should expect the cool temperatures....

The lesson today was taught from the Book of Malachi, chapter 1 with the theme of " What kind of praise do you give the Lord".....Pastor Stacey gave another great lesson teaching that we all should examine ourselves as to just how we praise and serve the Lord....There are times when all of us fail to give our best to and for the Lord either in our giving to the Lord or in serving the Lord.....We should always be will to give our best to the Lord for he is there to provide for us....God the Father gave his best for us when he gave his son to die on the cross for our salvation....This was a great lesson for us to think on and to study and learn from.....We should all examine ourselves to see just how we are doing in our walk with the Lord....

Also to day was the first Sunday of the month so we had Communion at the end of the service...I am always happy when we have Communion as it seems to draw us closer to the Lord....Also after service there was breakfast served for all that wished to partake....It was very good and many thanks to those who cooked and served it.....Continue to pray for those that are sick and any that you can think of as we all need prayer at some time in our walk of life.....God Bless All.....See you in Church next week....

Hunkered down

2012-02-05T15:10:00.002-06:00

This is the week of the Valley Senior Olympics and I must say this has traditionally been a bad weather week in the valley. Two different years I played for women's golf representing Magnolia Park and neither time was the weather pleasant at all. And Butch plays in it nearly every year which has kept me up on the weather situation. I cannot remember one time where it wasn't cold, windy, wet or all three!! And this days weather is what can typically happen this time of year. Yesterday I cleaned house and the sweat was dripping off my face so I finally gave in and turned on the AC. Last night the cold front came through and the furnace was running by 3:00 AM. So Butch will be playing in the Valley Olympics this week and we hope he and all the other participants can enjoy a good weather week even though it isn't starting out that way.
So today finds most of us holed up in our tiny houses because of the weather and the Super Bowl. Have a good one...

Potluck Thursday

2012-02-02T15:35:00.002-06:00

Allen Hall was a busy place this afternoon. New to us curtains were being modified to fit Allen Hall. Last summer Irma Johnson happened to notice that a nursing home in their area was getting new curtains so she asked what was being done with the old ones. Long story short they gave them to her so this afternoon Kay Voss, Irma Johnson, Dorothy Wendt, Edy Larson and Mary Bruun were making the curtains fit the windows of Allen
Hall.

While the women were busy with curtains the men found themselves left to prepare bean soup for tonight's potluck. The ham bones and some ham were left from Christmas and being the thrifty folk we are it is being used productively. There will be other offerings brought as well.

Good to see the men getting their turn in the kitchen.

Dave, Jon , Jim and Mary

Magnolia Park artists

2012-02-01T10:49:00.002-06:00

Latest news flash!! The artists of Magnolia park will have their paintings displayed at the Donna Museum from now until a week from Saturday. They are a very talented bunch and well worth the trip to the museum.

Bingo Pictures from last season

2012-02-01T10:33:00.001-06:00

Photgrapher- Donna Terryn

Miscellaneous

2012-02-01T10:27:00.001-06:00

Don and Edie spruced up their golf cart and it is looking nearly new!!

Butch caught a candid shot of me at the pool hall last Thursday evening.

This and that

2012-01-30T07:50:00.000-06:00

Last week was a fun-packed one here in Magnolia Park. Dick and Leslie Cleaveland chaired the first Steak Fry extravaganza of the season and it was a delicious success. They had many helping hands to get it all done of course. And then a scant two days from that was the second breakfast in January. There were many helping hands putting that all together as well. The people of Magnolia Park are wonderful in stepping up when needed to get things done and it works so well to have the chores distributed amongst many willing hands.
On another note: A group of us met at Riverside in Mission TX to send off Rozetta and Dean Fiscus who have been residents the past two months and are headed for Arizona now. We hope they can come back again and have some more fun with us next year. Riverside is a restaurant-bar-dance hall on the Rio Grande river. They serve wonderful tenderloins there and we Iowans are always looking for a good pork tenderloin.

We all as couples share with our spouse as these are way too much for one person.

There was also a bit of excitement on the other side of the river (Mexico) while we were there. There were armed men in military clothing scanning the riverbank for something. We do not know what they were looking for exactly but the waitress told us they had made a big drug bust in the Riverside parking lot the previous evening. There were also helicoptors overhead. The drug cartels also dress in military clothing so there is no way to know who these people were but we have hopes that they were Mexican Government Military.

I think I was getting glared at. They do not want their picture taken for many reasons.

This is a shot of Chimney Park. It is a winter destination for many Winter Texans and Riverside is their neighbor.

Sunday Service at Magnolia

2012-01-29T23:44:00.000-06:00

Where is the time going???? Here it is the last Sunday in January and we had 5 Sundays in the first month of the new year....I think we are blessed to be able to start the new year in such a way....It should set the tone for the rest of the year don't you think??

We had another nice crowd today with 77 in attendance to hear the Word of God and to worship together....Pastor taught today continuing on the power of prayer and listening to the teaching of God...The theme was "Listening to what God wants for us" and how we must act....Pastor taught us that when we don't listen to God we usually pay the consequences for just doing what we want, not what God wants for us....We wind up having trials and troubles in our lives until we come back to what God wants for us...This was a great lesson and was much to think about.....Remember to continue to pray for our leaders that they will do good and what's right for all of us....Also pray for any sick that you know of....God Bless All...See you in Church next week....

Ropa Usada=Treasure Hunt

2012-01-26T07:52:00.001-06:00

Ropa Usada means used clothing in Spanish and many winter Texans spend their time sorting through piles of clothing looking for something extraordinary amongst the ordinary. There are many such warehouse type buildings south of McAllen and in and around Hidalgo that are Ropa usada places. They are throughout the Rio Grande Valley but seem to be concentrated in the McAllen area. Magnolia Park usually has a style show in March featuring Ropa Usada finds.
Rozetta, Peggy and I ventured on an excursion last Tuesday and I took a few pictures with my phone. A lady lost her purse at one location. Ladies, leave your purse at home. Take your money, ID etc. in your pocket or in a small fanny pack. It is way too easy to lose things in the giant pile of clothes.

Pool Hall Action

2012-01-26T07:24:00.001-06:00

On any given night you can find folks in the pool hall. These shots were taken early and the card players had not arrived yet.

Ray Brewer

2012-01-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

Ray Brewer of Springville IN passed away today. Ray and his wife Sharon along with their dog Beauty were residents of Magnolia Park for many years. Ray was handicapped from birth but it didn't slow him down much. His relationship with God and music meant very much to him.

Photos from last season

2012-01-24T07:40:00.002-06:00

Photographer-Donna Terryn

Just in my inbox

2012-01-23T11:41:00.001-06:00

Just had to share as this was sent to me by one of our friends who is living in Iowa at this very minute...And yes, indeedy this is why we come south and as I am sitting at my computer in my shorts, with the window open, listening to the water aerobics in the pool I knew I must show the reason we are here in sunny south Texas!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=xkk7DX0l95A&Lid=12
Enjoy the video and I do not know the language at the end but we still get the idea!!

Pictures from last season...

2012-01-23T11:29:00.000-06:00

Donna Terryn gave me a CD of pictures she had taken last season so I thought I would share some with you. Particularly ones taken of areas or events that I have missed or overlooked in the past. So ENJOY!!

Be sure to click on the picture for a larger view.

And here is a rare one indeed. It is me Barbara Brooker the person who is most often writing to all of you readers of the blog.

Church Services

2012-01-22T23:30:00.000-06:00

This was another great day in deep south Texas as the weather was warm and a great day to go to church....A good way to start the week with 80 degree weather and God's Word for encouragement to all...

Today we had song specials by several different people from the congregation to share their voices...We had a great attendance with 85 to give voice to God...I know that Pastor Stacey is always glad to see so many come and hear the Word of God being taught.....The theme of the message was "Prayer of the people" and just how much it means...You know that when our children come to us with needs or wants, that we listen to them...It's no different when God hears his children and the best way to get his attention is to pray...We need to pray in these times for our leaders and our country....We sure need guidance and the Lord's hand on our leaders no matter who they are....We need to also remember that as Romans, Chapter 3 verse 23 says "For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God....That lets no one out including you and me, so we need to pray constantly.....Also remember any sick that you know or hear of...God Bless All......See you in Church next week....

What we do down here...

2012-01-21T21:42:00.002-06:00

This is neighbor Donn reading his Kindle in the hammock.

This Grackle guy is watching the mailman

Sante Fe Chicken

2012-01-21T07:58:00.000-06:00

Peggy Gordon gave me this recipe awhile back. I have been going through and cleaning out the box that I stash snippets of this and that and lo and behold I ran across this recipe. So I decided to share. Sounds yummy to me and would make a nice potluck addition.

Sante Fe Chicken
1 can corn
1 can black beans (drain and rinse)
1 C Chunky Salsa
Mix with corn and beans
Place 1/2 of mixture in crockpot.
Add 4-5 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pour remainder of mixture over chicken.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Serve with rice-a-roni Mexican style.

Link of the Day:

2012-01-20T08:23:00.000-06:00

I think we should "photoshop" the entire directory and we would instantly be the best looking park in the valley.

Link of the Day:

Commercial for a new beauty product:

http://vimeo.com/34813864

Hillbilly Rest Stop.....................

2012-01-19T11:12:00.000-06:00

Wild Gorilla Encounter

2012-01-19T07:14:00.001-06:00

This is kind of the ultimate in communing with nature. Watch this short video and see if you could sit still, as the man in the video did, while a family of gorillas sat around you and explored your head. Fantastic!

I don’t think I could have sat as still and this man did. God’s creatures are truly amazing. Hope you enjoy it also.
Wild Gorilla Encounter

I found this mesmerizing!!

Donna Terryn writes...

2012-01-18T08:20:00.004-06:00

Gord's got cabin fever,,...he was up plowing at five thirty this morn..and no place to go...had a nice snowfall yest..more to come tomorrow..don't you miss it????

Redneck Wine glasses

2012-01-16T12:33:00.001-06:00

Peggy Gordon brought the idea to crafts. She had received one as a gift and thought they would be easy to make and she was right. Several of us here in the park have our very own redneck wine glasses and these are mine. A mason jar and a dollar store candle holder and you are in business. The smaller one is a jelly glass.
Great idea, Peggy!!

Oddly Decorated Car in Minneapolis

2012-01-16T12:25:00.001-06:00

Kay and Jim's daughter went to the Science Museum in Minneapolis and this car was in the parking garage. It is a bit reminiscent of the plate flowers we put together last season but far uglier!! It was on the inside too!

Keeping Mom Healthy

2012-01-16T12:07:00.000-06:00

Keith and his mother Bea go for walks. Bea is into her 90's a ways and Keith knows it is important for Mom to keep moving to stay healthy but it is getting harder for her. So son Keith carries a chair for Mom to rest on when she needs to.

From year to year

2012-01-16T07:28:00.000-06:00

This picture was taken a year ago but the same things are taking place today. Shuffleboard is a popular activity on Monday's Thursday's and Saturday's. I am taking pictures for the directory and in so doing need to look back at older pictures. There is a clue in this picture as to the when it was taken. Can you spot what it is?

Magnolia Sunday Service

2012-01-15T22:44:00.001-06:00

Another great day in deep south Texas to go to church....The weather is cooperating with nice temperatures for this time of year...I guess that is the reason we come to deep south Texas in the winter to enjoy the lack of COLD weather, at least it works for me....

We had a nice crowd today in church with around 80 in attendance....Pastor Stacey was back from his trip up NORTH and he was fired up to teach the lesson today.....He taught from the Book of Psalms, chapter 23 with the theme of "God's Promise".....This was a lesson that sometimes we kind of look over as we think we have heard of it so much....It is a powerful message when you study in and think over just what the Lord says and instructs his followers in their ways to do and think....It is awesome to realize just how much the Lord loves us and wants to care for us if we will but let him lead us in our lives....Pastor also sang a special song for us during the service....It's just great to have a Pastor that has a great voice to sing for us and yet give the glory to the Lord for all that is done....Continue to pray for all those that are sick and anyone that comes to mind during the week.....God Bless All....See you in church next week.....

A little different potluck

2012-01-13T07:22:00.000-06:00

Last night we had a slightly different twist on potluck. Porkchops!! Porkchops were provided and then we all brought side dishes. It was successfully implemented by potluck chairpersons Jim and Kay Voss and their crew of helpers.
See if you can pick out people you know...

Tom L(back), Dave B and Jon L on the grill.

Jim and Kay Voss and Edy Larson

Hey Larry, you giving me the stink eye?

Eula,Vera, Vivi, Charlotte and May seated. Betty Roach is walking by. You can find these sassy ladies in the blue hall playing cards most every night.

Mary Bruun tending to the tables of side dishes.

New perspective

2012-01-12T08:08:00.004-06:00

Sometimes it is good to see through someone else's eyes. Ted and Jan Foster who we met in Michigan in 2010 are at Llano Grande Park this year and a visit to their blog will let you see the valley through different eyes.
http://rockytopramblers.blogspot.com/

A Texas Rose

2012-01-11T21:05:00.000-06:00

This picture was taken last year in Magnolia Park. I am not sure if it has been posted before but if so here it is again. Beautiful, isn't it? We are so busy here. This is our busiest time of the year and the pace is a bit hectic from now till after the first week in March and then it does seem to taper off a bit. The activities fill every hall with people playing one thing or another. Cards, pool, music,shuffleboard,crafts etc. Magnolia park is one busy place for the winter months of every year. Years ago a friend of ours who came down every year was asked what we do down here all the time and he said, " I don't know but we never get done." And isn't that the truth. We never seem to get done. And then in the spring we go north to rest up for the next years round of fun.

So to all of you followers of what we do here, I apologize. I do need to get some pictures of the moms and dads, grams and gramps so you can see that we are okay and living life to the fullest here in sunny south Texas and I will do my best to make that happen very soon. So keep looking in cuz you never know ...

Choraliers Last Tuesday

2012-01-09T10:46:00.003-06:00

Tom Beadle is singing!!

Choralier leader Deon

Sunday Service

2012-01-08T23:16:00.000-06:00

Well today was a different service at Magnolia as Pastor Stacey was on a trip up to Iowa for some personal business and his wife Tina was in charge of the service....We were blessed with some music from the Magnolia choir The Choraleers ( I hope I spelled that right).....Also we had some more music provided by three ladies - Char Wolfrom, Barbara Howard, and Joan Kent....Tina gave a reading with responses from the congregation.....The reading and responses were on "The Beatitudes, God's Love, and Christian Love.....We had just over 80 in attendance today....A nice crowd for sure.....Tina told me that she was a little nervous during the service , but she did a good job.....Pastor would be proud...He will be back next week I'm sure rearing to go, so be sure and attend the service if you can...See you in Church....Don't forget to pray if someone comes to mind as they may need God's help at that time.....

1% on bank transactions-fiction

2012-01-08T10:56:00.001-06:00

Been hearing this around the park so thought I would help set the record straight.
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/d/debt-free-America-act.htm

Pledge of Allegiance's to our flags

2012-01-06T21:11:00.000-06:00

Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Pledge of Allegiance to the Canadian Flag

To my Flag and to the country it represents, I pledge respect and loyalty. Wave
with pride from sea to sea and within your folds, keep us ever united. Be for all a
symbol of love, freedom, and justice. God keep our flag. God protect our
Canada.

6 year old drummer from Minnesota

2012-01-05T12:55:00.000-06:00

Tom Beadle sent me this youtube video. Enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJv0ZakanL0&NR=1

New Years Eve Dance

2012-01-05T12:49:00.001-06:00

Dean Johnson and Don Tank make happy music for a happy new year.

Bonnie and Fred hit the dance floor. These photos were taken early in the evening. The place filled up not long after.

Last Friday

2012-01-02T07:41:00.001-06:00

"The Bobbers"Last Friday was exercise day in the pool. The action feels better because of the helpfulness of the water but it is a workout all the same.

Padre Island was on my agenda Saturday and it was the first time for me this season. We had lunch at Dirty Al's and it was every bit as good as in the past if not better. When the memory of the meal is remembered long after consumption you can be assured it was a special one. I had the shrimp basket with a salad and both items were excellent.

Rozetta and Dean Fiscus pictured below

Surf Fishing

Donn has drawn a line in the sand

Walking the dog

Sandcastle builder is giving direction

It was a wonderful day on South Padre.

New Year's Church Service

2012-01-01T23:12:00.000-06:00

What better way to start the new year than to have Church on the first day of the year.....I know that it doesn't happen too often but I think it's a great way for a new beginning of the rest of our lives....Think about that for a little bit....

Pastor Stacey brought the message today from the Book of St. Matthew, Chapter 6, starting with verse 31....The theme of the message was "What is the use of Worrying?"....He brought out of how we are all guilty of worrying about a lot of things in our lives.....He also brought out that all the worrying that we do can't change any results of just what we worry about....We need to start praying about things and trust in the Lord to supply our needs...The word of God tells us what we should do if we will but read it and act upon it....This is a great lesson for us at this time in our lives....We need to pray for the Lord to guide us and our leaders for the right direction for us to follow......Remember to continue to pray for all the sick and those on the road...May God Bless All in this New Year......See you in Church next week....

Happy New Year!!!! 2012

2012-01-01T09:08:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy week. The park has pretty much filled up. I imagine there will be a few more new faces in the next week or two and then before we know it the trend will go the other way.

On Friday we made another trip to Mexico. Our main purpose was lunch. Butch and I like the panchos at Garcia's above the Canada store but for some unknown reason they are closed. There is a sign on the door saying they will be open in a week.
Problem being, I have no idea how long the sign has been there! So we decided on Elsa's who also put out a nice tasty plate of panchos and we were not disappointed. They were excellente! We made a few purchases and returned to the park. Here are a few photos of our trip to Progreso Nuevo MEX.

Butch and Peg pay the bill at Elsa's

Down the line a bit is the tortilla factory. It is a very busy place.

Caught Donn and Peggy unaware

How much would this one cost to bring into Texas? For those who do not know, the fees per bottle to bring alcohol back into Texas have skyrocketed from $1.25 per bottle a year ago to $3.75 per bottle this year.

View is looking north into the USA from the Mexican side.

New Years Eve Party

2011-12-30T18:26:00.000-06:00

Music and dancing!!!
New Years Eve in Magnolia Park's Allen Hall at 8:30 PM till ?
Featuring music from our own musicians, Don and Marty Tank, Dean Johnson and Dave Greening.
Bring snack food and drinks and make an evening of fun and merriment bringing in the NEW YEAR if we can all stay awake that long!
I may not have all the details exactly correct in the above message but I am certain someone will straighten me out and then I will post a correction. So check again later...

Hawk with dinner

2011-12-29T14:39:00.000-06:00

Darlene stopped by and said "Hurry and bring your camera!" On Frizzell's patio sat this hawk with its dinner. (Rabbit ) A crowd had gathered by this time but the hawk didn't move. It was not about to give up dinner because a bunch of seniors had gathered round to watch him. After all, none of us were trying to take it away from him. It is a reminder though to keep small pets inside as much as possible.

Our morning walk

2011-12-29T14:30:00.001-06:00

Our morning walk was a visit infested one. First of all Butch started up a conversation with someone near the dumpster that lasted awhile. I was waiting and chatted a few minutes with Dorothy Brandes. Further on down the road we encountered Larry and Noreen Ergen. Chris and Ron Pearce were in the back seat. The guys said if they had to endure a trip to Michaels there would also be a stop at Harbor Freight.

There was a gathering at the Vern Wendt residence trying to figure out a puzzle with his RV.

Then we went past Santa's place and found him a little deflated. Butch noted he was still able to give us a thumbs up.

I was in a hurry to return home as I was in the midst of cleaning but that didn't last long. (See post above)

Something Special

2011-12-27T20:30:00.003-06:00

This is a you tube presentation sent to me by a classmate of mine and Rozetta's. I felt compelled to share it with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WxjZB5S_g7s#t=0s

Jerry and Kathy Walker Update

2011-12-27T15:02:00.002-06:00

Word has been received this morning that Jerry and Kathy will be back with us in about a month. I am sure the prayers sent on their behalf has been more than a little helpful.

Crafters meet today

2011-12-26T18:46:00.000-06:00

The crafters met this afternoon as usual but today was special in that the projects for the weeks coming up were shown and decided on. There will be lots of different projects worked on this season.

These are the cute Santa fridge magnets the crafters put together as favors to all on Christmas Day

Christmas Service at Magnolia

2011-12-25T23:00:00.001-06:00

Today we had 63 people in attendance at Christmas Service....A nice crowd indeed that seemed excited about Christmas and getting together to worship the Lord.....On this day we had a shorter service as there was much going on at Magnolia Park and no one wanted to hold up some of the other events....We all sang Christmas Carols to mark the season....Pastor Stacey brought the message to the people with the theme "The reason for the Season"....He taught that God gave his only begotten Son to the world in order for us to be saved.....We just need to be ready and willing to accept the gift of Christ....On this day of giving and receiving we mustn't forget to accept God's Gift....

Remember to continue to pray for those of the family that are sick....We shouldn't forget the family's of the sick and injured as they also are going through some tough times also....We just need to count our blessings for you don't have to go far to fine someone a lot worse off than we are......See you in church next week.....Merry Christmas one and all......

Christmas Dinner

2011-12-25T14:25:00.001-06:00

Committee Heads Marlene Harkin, Thelma Domer and Jan Brom-Stinchfeild and many of their elves put together a delicious Ham and scalloped Potatoes dinner. We were greeted at the door by a welcoming crew of Lil Droogsma and Susan Van Houweling. Many, many more elves helped out with all the facets needed to put on such a feast. It was wonderful in every way.
Below are a few pictures from the event:

Lil asks Art Wildeman to sign the guest book

The dessert table is a busy place before the meals

Pat Jones cuts her festive popcorn cake

Fran and Noreen visit before the meal

The table next to us were creating hats. Mary Bruun shows hers off.

Merry Christmas from Droopy

2011-12-25T10:23:00.002-06:00

A mockingbird I have dubbed Droopy has been a resident of our park for quite some time. I have a picture of Droopy taken in 2008 and I am thinking he may have been here even longer than that. For the 2008 picture go to www.brooker3.blogspot.com and look for the post a few days ago. Below are pictures taken today. Droopy stops by and chirps his little heart out to get our attention then Butch will go out with peanuts and feed him. Today being Christmas Butch is giving him a Christmas feast. I looked up the average lifespan of a Mockingbird and it is 8-9 years so if we and he are lucky we can enjoy his company for a few more years. He does have his longstanding wing injury so he never gets very far away.

Merry Christmas Droopy!!

From all of us

2011-12-24T14:59:00.005-06:00

To all of you!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiTGXP_p9mo&feature=share

Remember this?

Hidalgo TX Festival of Lights

2011-12-23T19:03:00.000-06:00

A group of us went to Hidalgo TX last evening for the Festival of Lights. The festival begins December 1 and runs through the 31st. You can find out more about it on the site below.
http://hidalgofol.info/

We decided to ride the trolley for the 3 mile distance of the lights. We chose a perfect night for it. We have all decided it was well worth the trip. Below you can find a few pictures. As you might expect it was far more impressive in person.

Killer Bee

Update on the Walkers

2011-12-21T09:25:00.002-06:00

Jerry has a broken hand and some lower back injuries. Kathy has internal injuries and bleeding. Their children are with them. The doctor told Jerry it would be 5 or 6 days before they could even talk about going home. Kathy is the one in most need of concentrated prayers at this time. So we all will continue to do that.

Jerry & Kathy Walker

2011-12-20T14:04:00.001-06:00

Word was received this morning that Jerry and Kathy Walker were in a serious accident on the way back to Oklahoma for the holidays. Jerry and Kathy live in a park model on Cherry street in Magnolia Park. Kathy is in critical condition and Jerry has some broken bones. So as always happens with our Magnolia Park family we need to pull out the heavy duty prayers for them so we can once again see their happy smiling faces on the streets of Magnolia Park.

Jerry and Kathy Walker

Church Service

2011-12-18T22:57:00.000-06:00

Well it has been very cool, wet, and very little sunshine for the past few days but it was still a good day to go to Church at Magnolia on Sunday morning...It's always good to see members of the Magnolia Family getting together for Church Services and learn the Word of God together...

Pastor Stacey in the sprite of the season taught from the Book of Saint Matthew, chapter 2 starting with verse 1 thought 12....The theme of the lesson was "Who or What are You searching for".....He taught that the wise men in the Bible were searching for the Christ Child to worship....He ask the question of just what we are searching for in our lives....Looking for God in our lives or just the material things of the world...This is a great lesson to study and think on, so read and decide for your self....Remember to continue to pray for those around us that need some encouragement or healing in there lives....See you in church next week.....Merry Christmas to all....

Guess Who?

2011-12-18T14:09:00.000-06:00

Hints: They are in the park at this time. Some people think he is kind of nutty.

Piquant Pork Chops For Two

2011-12-17T07:38:00.001-06:00

Piquant Pork Chops For Two
    Throw this in the oven with a couple of scrubbed potatoes or a rice pilaf ready for baking, and dinner is almost ready.

2 lean, meaty pork chops
4 thin slices from a whole lemon
Medium onion, diced
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons ketchup
    Find a baking pan just big enough for your two chops. Put pork chops in sprayed baking pan and top each with two slices lemon. Sprinkle with onion. Drizzle with molasses and ketchup. Cover with foil and bake 30 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees. (Shorter time for thin chops, longer time for thick cuts.) Uncover and bake another 20-30 minutes until chops are glazed.
Optional: de-glaze pan with a little water or wine and pour over potatoes or rice.

After the parade

2011-12-16T07:38:00.000-06:00

After the parade 159 sub sandwiches, chips and cake were served up by the association officers and board members. I know there were that many sandwiches served because 160 were ordered and there was only one left! A few more sandwiches were ordered than the number of people who signed up but that was cutting it a might close.
We also had a bit of a panic moment when it was thought we had run out of sandwiches but a box of them had been overlooked in the fridge so all was well.
After everyone was well fed the warblers treated us to a few Christmas tunes to up our Christmas spirit a notch or two. I think it worked. I know I am feeling all Christmasy.
HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS. IT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

2011 Christmas Parade

2011-12-15T20:19:00.001-06:00

John and Judy Warner

Carmen's little yellow bug

Mary and Edie

Mary P

Carmen in her bug.

Marty and Don Harper and their babies

Lucy U

Dave and Mary Bruun

Jack and Marlene

Tony and his assistant Lili

Chet and his tropical theme

Sandy W

Edna and Sandy

Don and Marty H

Dean and Betty Lewis

Arleen and Carol

The McIntyres

Lucy

Roy and Shirley B

The Wingert's, Ron and Elaine

John and Judy

Dorral

Bonnie and Fred

Spectators

Lime Street Gathering

2011-12-15T19:51:00.001-06:00

The Jay's, Voss's and Wingert's are decorating Lime Street

Nice Rain

2011-12-14T08:20:00.000-06:00

We had a nice rain in sunny? South Texas and the sun has once again returned with warm summer like temperatures. The rain was a pleasant respite and cleaned the air. This morning everyone is walking around enjoying the warm tropical breezes.
Our Christmas parade is coming up on Thursday and I will take pictures of all the floats. People really get into decorating their golf carts, pets and even themselves. The creativity of our merry elves of Magnolia park is absolutely amazing.
More later...

Ropa Christmas party

2011-12-12T20:46:00.003-06:00

Today 8 of us went to a Ropa Christmas party! We searched the piles of clothing, ate lunch and enjoyed music and people-watching! Such cute little children---prizes were given to some lucky people and a we had a fun time....

2011-12-12T20:41:00.001-06:00

Chet joined in the fun.....

Sunday Service

2011-12-11T22:38:00.001-06:00

Well we finally have gotten some rain in the valley and it's been welcomed by the folks that have complained about the dry weather....We sure could use some more if it's slow and soaking in like it has been....The only thing is now some have complained about it being so dreary and no sunshine....Oh well I guess that's just how we folks are most of the time( never completely satisfied with our circumstances)...

Well today Pastor Stacey brought to us a lesson for the season.....He taught from the Book of 1st Corinthians Chapter 13 with the theme of " God's Gift of Love"....With the Christmas season here what could be more fitting than teaching on God's gift to us of his only begotten Son and his gift of love for us....In the days to come we need to think about just what all this means for us and just what the season really should mean to us....We should be ready and able to give and receive love....Not just through Christmas season but through out the whole year.....Something to think about for sure....See you in Church next week.....

Nifty idea

2011-12-11T07:13:00.001-06:00

May have to click on it to make it large enough to read.

Granny's 85th Birthday Party

2011-12-08T18:24:00.001-06:00

Allene Fawcett, otherwise known as Granny was surprised with a birthday party in Allen Hall this evening.

Allene "Granny" Fawcett

Granny with her daughter Pat.

Granny thanking everyone who came to share a meal and wish her happy birthday

Harold Shelden

2011-12-08T09:25:00.001-06:00

Word has been received that Harold Shelden, a former resident of Magnolia Park has passed away. Harold and Esther were a wintertime fixture in Magnolia Park for many years. Their daughter is Dorothy Wendt. Dorothy and her husband Vern are also wintertime residents of Magnolia Park. We send our condolences to the family.
Esther's address is:
Esther Shelden
Park Place Apts.
122 4th St W.
Brookings SD 57006

Decorating Allen Hall

2011-12-06T07:23:00.001-06:00

Irma gets the decoration s out of storage.

Rozetta, Peggy, Shirley B. and Carol K. working on table decorations

Doris, Katherine an Fran assembling our Christmas gift.

Lucy working on wreaths

Rozetta, Marty and Irma working on one of two trees

ornaments all shiny

Kay V caught by surprise

Elaine and Edna working on the front tree

Doral, Her name isn't coming to me, and Chris. Shirley B and Doris in the background.

Magnolia Services

2011-12-04T22:42:00.001-06:00

Another great day to attend services at Magnolia.....We are still having people come in for the winter season and I expect even more in the next few weeks , especially after Christmas as many have Christmas with the grandchildren before heading for warmer weather for the winter....

Todays lesson taught by Pastor Stacey comes from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 3, starting with verse 14.....The theme of todays lesson was "Praying for the Church"....We sometimes forget that we all need prayer in our lives to give us guidance and strength....Many times we need to pray for others that may need Gods hand to guide them....I know that most of the time we may not know just what we are praying for, but if you are lead to thinking about someone, then maybe they need someone to pray for them at that time.....We don't need to know just what for , just that God will meet their needs....So if someone comes to mind during this week, you might just say a prayer for them...I know that you and them will feel better if we would just follow the leading of the Lord in these things....See you in church next week....

Riverside

2011-12-04T17:14:00.001-06:00

A group of us made our way to Riverside for a tenderloin today. Pictured are Donn and Peggy Gordon, Bill and Kay Stilson, Dean and Rozetta Fiscus and Butch. I am taking the picture.
Pepe's and Pepe's on the River are a thing of the past. Neither of them have been rejuvenated after the floods of a year ago.

Mexican side of the Rio Grande

Rio Grande River

Rio Grande River Bank is eroding.

Garage Sale Day

2011-12-03T15:59:00.001-06:00

The first Saturday of the month is always garage sale day. Butch and I save things that we know are too good to throw away but would not sell for a nickle in central Iowa and we bring them to sunny south Texas to sell. And they do!! We only do this for one month but some of our Magnolia Park friends are there with their wares every month. So today was the day and we had very little left over and what we did have left we offered to the association for their table. I snapped a few pictures before the action started this morning.

I am ready. How about you?

Lunch is ready

Open the floodgates and let the selling begin!!

Potluck Thursday-5:00PM

2011-12-02T11:25:00.000-06:00

Turkey Surprise is in the oven

What I Heard...

2011-12-02T11:14:00.001-06:00

I received an email from the Cleaveland's and Dick and Leslie will be arriving the middle of next week.

Tom and Judy Hunt arrived from Canada yesterday. Judy was hoping to get in the hot tub but she was very disappointed when she found out it was incapacitated.

Donn and Peggy Gordon are en route and will arrive next weekend.

Tom and Dee Beadle are here. They skipped last year so it is nice to see them back.
Don and Estel Garrett are here also after a two year absence.
I most likely have missed some folks so if you know so and remind me I will make note of it too.

The park is filling up fast.

Last night was potluck and the menu is Turkey Surprise. Just like home after Thanksgiving. So bring your table service and a side dish or dessert at 5:00PM in Allen Hall.

Saturday is garage sale day so those of us who have signed up for a table will be getting our items marked and ready tomorrow.

The above statement gave me an OOOPs moment. I announced I would have computer class in the little hall and I am signed up for a garage sale table too. Time conflict!! I just asked Butch if he would man the garage sale table for me if I get the items marked. Do not remember hearing an answer but will assume it is "Yes."

"Happiness is that bit of time between having too little or too much."-anonymous

Pool news and other stuff

2011-11-29T20:13:00.001-06:00

In late summer our pool was vandalized and considerable damage was inflicted. So the pool has its share of troubles. Fixing it has been initiated but it is unclear as to how long this might take. This distresses quite a bunch of pool users as you might imagine. Dottie hated to have to tell us this sad news as she too knows how much it means to the Bobbers as I call them. We hope this can be resolved and soon.
People have been arriving in the park every day. Today I happened by Charlotte Nigh's place shortly after she arrived with her daughter and son-in-law. They had an interesting trip down in sort of a zigzag pattern. They stopped in Joplin to see the tornado damage, then to Oklahoma City to see the memorial there, stopped in Galveston where the hurricane damage is still evident and was also a return trip for Charlotte as she had been there years before. I am sure I have missed some of their stops but it struck me as an interesting and "Disastrous" trip.
Late this afternoon our friends from Adel Iowa arrived for their first stay in the Rio Grande Valley. Rozetta and Dean Fiscus. Rozetta and I were classmates from elementary school on. It will be fun to introduce them to the valley and Magnolia Park. They are in lot 66 so stop by and say "hi". We have a mere two months to sell them on the idea of wintering in Texas. No sweat as we know how to do friendly!

Sunday Service

2011-11-27T22:27:00.001-06:00

The day was just a little cool for deep south Texas, but bright with the sun shining to brighten the hearts of all on the day of the Lord....

The study today was a continuation of the study from the book of Ephesians....Pastor Stacey taught from the 2nd Chapter with the theme of "Mercy and Grace of God"....This was a great lesson and study that we can learn from....Pastor brought out of the lesson that we aren't saved by works but by faith in
God...He taught that God has a plan for us if we will but study the Word of God and see just what God wants us to do in life....We need to listen and pray that God will show us just what he has planed for each of us...Remember to pray for the sick and any one that comes to mind....Sometimes a prayer is what God wants us to do at that time just to see if we are listening.....Think about that for a while...See you in Church next week.....

Thanksgiving dinner

2011-11-24T18:44:00.001-06:00

We attended another wonderful Thanksgiving meal this year in Allen Hall with 100-150 of our South Texas friends. The Thanksgiving meal committee did a wonderful job of getting it all put together for their grateful participants. These clever Turkey centerpieces graced the tables.

We send out a big gigantic THANK YOU to the many hands that went into making this day special.

And do stop by the office and thank Dottie for the turkey as it was provided by the park.

Thanks Giving

2011-11-23T21:26:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day. We will be having our thanks giving meal with 150 of our South Texas friends. I plan to tell them and you my thoughts of thanks giving as it is my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving day and Christmas both suffer a similar malady in that they are too often thought of as just another holiday. The family gathers together and eats an enormous amount of food, maybe plays some games, maybe have a few disagreements and then return to their homes and jobs. For a very long time this day has been my favorite holiday because some people do take time to truly reflect on the meaning of the day. Giving thanks from the heart for all we have. Dwelling on what we are blessed with and forgetting what we lack. Some people seem to have difficulty thinking of what they are thankful for. I have difficulty thinking of something I lack! How many times do we say things like, Thank God I was there at just the right time? Isn't it lucky how that turned out? If we acknowledge those moments for the miracles they are and take just a moment to be sincerely thankful from the bottom of our hearts it is amazing how they multiply and suddenly our days are filled with miracles from morning to night.
So I thank each of you for being our friend and adding so much to our lives and this day of Thanksgiving.

Little Hall and a cactus bloom

2011-11-22T07:07:00.001-06:00

Dottie told me they spent a month this summer refurbishing the little hall and I must say the results are extraordinary. It has a polished yet homey look and if you haven't popped in you certainly should. Here are a few photos but they do not do the place justice.

and a cactus bloom!

Sunday Service

2011-11-20T22:28:00.001-06:00

Another beautiful day in deep south Texas and Sunday Church Service as well....You can't beat that for a great day....I want to wish everyone a great Thanksgiving day next Thursday....I know that we all have much to be thankful for over the past year, I know that I do......Happy Thanksgiving....

This morning Pastor Stacey continued on the study of the Book of Ephesians, chapter one with the theme of "Praying in the Church".....A good study that we must learn to grasp in our lives....Pastor Stacey taught we should be in continual prayer for each other in the Church and for the wisdom of God to lead us in our lives......The power of prayer is sometimes taken too lightly, and the word of God tells us that through prayer much can be gained if we just would ask of God and follow his plan for us....I told Pastor sometimes it's hard to take time to pray when we are also busy thanking God for all the blessing that he already has given us....And to think that in a few days there is a day set aside just for that....I think we should think and act upon that accordingly, don't you? See you in Church next week...

The Footes

2011-11-20T12:16:00.001-06:00

Floyd and Eva have not been able to come down yet this season due to some health issues they need to get resolved first. It happens to us all. Floyd and Eva are well into their 90's so no one is very surprised when health issues pop up for them. Knowing how spunky they are I am sure they are still surprised and disconcerted. We still hope to see them a bit later this season.
Eva has remained active in park activities for the many years they have been coming here and I cannot begin to tell you how many that has been. But let's say a lot! I was asked to take some pictures of Eva's plaques in the pool hall so I did and then decided to share them on the blog. Eva has been the ladies pool champ or coming in second in 14 different years. It took several photos to get them all in so they could be seen. I certainly hope I haven't missed any.

This first one is an overview of all the plaques.

90 Degrees! Really?

2011-11-19T18:58:00.001-06:00

Yes, really. 90 degrees. Came south because we were freezing our patooties off. Well no more. I put up with the heat all day and then on the news they announced it would most likely NOT drop below 70 tonight. I told Butch it is time to turn on the AC. He said, "Why? Is it going to be hot again tomorrow?" I said, "Yes, but that isn't why. My ideal night time sleeping temp is 65 and it isn't going to drop that far so let's turn on the air and spend the kids inheritance." He didn't waste a minute getting that done.
We made out first trip to H.E.B. and they still have my vote for the best grocery store in the country. They have done a bit of moving things around but we will get used to those changes in no time. They have shortened their hours we noted. I do believe they were open all night before but they are no longer open past 9:00PM. I will check again to make sure before I state all of the hours. Change...it happens!!
Here are pictures I took yesterday on our walk.

The area around the dumpsters has been tidied up.

Blooms on the Cooklin lot.

Brooker's have arrived!

2011-11-18T07:35:00.001-06:00

Butch and I arrived yesterday afternoon. There are quite a few people here already of course. We are usually one of the first but not so this year with Butch's back surgery delaying us a few weeks. He is doing fine with his back. I had some great concern for him prior to the surgery as this was his third one but worry was a waste as he is doing great. Next week he can even return to playing golf.
The park looks wonderful!! Neat as a pin. I saw Tony, our park worker, picking up stray scraps of paper out front of the pool this morning. He is a good man.
I have a great view from my window by my computer. Wanna see?

When we go on our walk a little later I will carry my camera so you can have a look too.

Magnolia on Sunday

2011-11-13T21:03:00.001-06:00

This weather is just great this time of the year down here is deep south Texas and the folks up NORTH should come down and try some of it.....I know that the cold is starting to kind of get to some of them as a few are trickling in to join us....I see some new old faces each week when I get to church each week and that's great...

This day of learning of the Word of God given by Pastor Stacey was a great teaching on the children of God.....The lesson was taken from the Book of Ephesians , chapter one with the theme of "Gods plan for our Adoption".....Pastor told us some of his experiences as he knows first hand about adoption and just what it means.....It's a great feeling to know that we are picked and wanted instead of just happening to be there if you know what I mean....This was a great lesson that we can take hold of and take to heart for a better out look on life with the Lord.....Continue to pray for the sick and all those on the road coming down to join us in the valley for the new season.....See you in Church.....Spread the love as much as you would like to recieve it.....Something to think about!!!!!!

Magnolia Church

2011-11-07T10:36:00.001-06:00

Sorry I'm late posting for Church, but this is the starting of the busy season as you well know....

We had a good attendance for Church on Sunday morning even if it was the first day of REGULAR time for the winter season....We are slowly growing with more people coming in and talking about their summer season and looking forward to seeing old friends in the valley.....

The lesson for the day was a continuation of the study in the Book of Ephesians, chapter 6 starting with verse number 11....The theme was "The Whole Armour Of GOD"....We need to realize that we need all the armour of God and not just parts of it....Pastor Stacey brought out just how important it is to have the whole suit because with out all of it we are unprotected in that area of our lives.....As usual it was a great study and much to think and act upon in our daily lives.....At the end of the service Communion was given as this is the first Sunday of the month.....Come and join us next Sunday and learn more of the Word Of God with us.....See you then....

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

2011-11-05T16:12:00.002-05:00

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant ... Asian factories are kicking into high

gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --

merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This

year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine

concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift

giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes

there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in

a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates

from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some

health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned

detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a

book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down

the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift

receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or

driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift

certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about

a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this

isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town

Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or

motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a

local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is

struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin

their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery

and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave

your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at

your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese

lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about

fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to

burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that

China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about

US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow

their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our

communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion

groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in

your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,

and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,

and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Sunday at Magnolia

2011-10-30T20:58:00.002-05:00

Another beautiful day in deep south Texas and a great one to go to Church at Magnolia....Our group is slowly growing with each Sunday and that's great as the Magnolia Family gathers for the winter season....Again we had service in Allen Hall as we have out grown the little hall so we have room for all the rest of the congregation when they get here....On a different note I called Eva Foote this afternoon to check on just how she and Floyd were doing.....She said that she is coming along but still has a long way to go to get to 100%....She also said that it looks like she and Floyd may not get to come down to Magnolia this year, but is looking to the future....I told her that we all loved them and missed them very much....She said that they missed all of us too....We all need to say a prayer for her and Floyd as they are sure good people and I'm sure could use a little prayer....

Todays lesson was taken from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 6. starting with verse one through verse ten.....The theme of the lesson was "Instruction for the Family"...Pastor Stacey gave a great sermon as usual, bringing out some really good ideas to study on.....The subject came up of "They don't have a book on how to bring up children", but Pastor Stacey showed us that yes there is one written that tells us all just how we should act and live....This was a great lesson with much to study and learn from....Continue to pray for one another and for those that are on the road...Remember the sick in your prayers also.....See you in Church next week.......

Church at Magnolia

2011-10-23T22:28:00.001-05:00

Well today was a beautiful day to have Church and hear the Word of God being taught....Today we had services in the big hall (Allen Hall) as the group has slowly grown with the coming family from up NORTH gets here for the winter season....It's nice to see old friends and to talk about the past summer and of the things to come this season....

Today's lesson was taught by Pastor Stacey from the Book of Ephesians , chapter 5 with the theme of "Submitting our selves unto the Lord"....This was a great lesson that is very relevant in todays world with all the trials and troubles that are in everyones lives...Many things would take care of themselves if we would just call on the Lord and submit ourselves to him....If we did many things in our lives would change for the better....I know that it's not easy to put into practice as most of our lives we have tried to take care of things ourselves....Sometimes it works and a lot of the time it doesn't, but in the Word of God it tells us just what to do to take care of it.....We just have to try it and submit to one another as unto the Lord....A great lesson for us to study and put into practice.....

Come on down and join us as the weather is great this time of year.....See you in Church next week.....

Herb Jones and Eddie Urbonovic's Birthday celebration

2011-10-19T18:32:00.002-05:00

house auction

2011-10-16T20:52:00.002-05:00

Today we went to a house auction at Del Rapids SD.....It was a 14 bedroom , turn of the century home!!!

They allowed 5 or 6 people for a guided tour at a time, and we stood in a long line for over an hour waiting for our turn. The home was built in 2 sections; in 1901 and 1902...they had 21 children, 17 that lived. There were 10 hired men and ladies--they slept in 7 bedrooms on the 3rd floor. The family slept on 2nd floor.....they farmed 1700 acres with 60 horses! The hired ladies were a full time seamstress and 2 cooks! If those wall could talk---imagine the laughter in the home! Every Sunday after church, they opened up the parlors downstairs and invited all to come.....drinking lemonade out on the lawn, and children running everywhere!

The house was to be sold to move or sold to take it apart....lots of beautiful stairs and woodwork, wood floors, original wallpaper. Needless to say, we really enjoyed looking. Kay

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