Pool news and other stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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!

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

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

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

  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?