This and that

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer-Donna Terryn

Just in my inbox

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...

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

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...

This is neighbor Donn reading his Kindle in the hammock.

This Grackle guy is watching the mailman

Sante Fe Chicken

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:

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.....................

Wild Gorilla Encounter

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...

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Beadle is singing!!

Choralier leader Deon

Sunday Service

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

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

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

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

New Years Eve Dance

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

"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.