In-Park Women's Pool 2013

In-Park Women's Pool shoot off took place yesterday. The winner was Char Wolfrom with Deon Spangler taking 2nd place.

Char Wolfrom and Deon Spangler

Dorral contemplates her next move

Char lines up

Last Year's Magnolia Bloom

Taken in Magnolia Park near the mailboxes.

Sunday Service

This was another great day to attend church at Magnolia Park and hear the teaching of Gods Word....Today Pastor Stacey brought the message from the Book of John with the theme of " Love "....The Book of John teaches us that the love of God for us should also teach us how we should love one another....Pastor brought out the fact that most of us have at least one person in our lives that we really don't care for or like to be around, but we should strive to show love to them as much as we do other people....I know that this is a hard lesson to get around so to speak, but just think of some of the things in our lives that I'm sure God doesn't like and that kind of puts things in perspective....I know that when people do some things that we don't like or that is wrong, we should do as God Word says..."Hate the sin , but love the sinner"....After all we are all sinners , but thank God he will forgive us if we but ask for forgiveness...A great but hard lesson to put to use and a true test of faith for us to live....

Remember to pray for any and all sick that you hear of as there are quite a few with colds , flu and various sicknesses....Again just remember to thank God for all he has done of us cause I'm sure he would like to hear it......God Bless All.....See you in church next week.....

Men's in-park Pool Play off for 2013

Butch Brooker
and Dale Cooklin square off on the championship with Dale being victorius as the 2013 with Dale coming out on top as champion with Butch being in second place.

Men of A-Chord in the Rio Grande Valley

Men of A-Chord in the Rio Grande Valley performed at Magnolia Park on Thursday night and the performance was very much appreciated by over 150 people. Men of A-Chord are barbershop performers their performance being all acapella. One of the members of the group resides in our own park- Erv Hagen is   one of the talented fellows of the group that remembers all of the songs they perform. If you get the chance to see them perform don't pass it up. The fellows of the group have a very good time and they take their audience along for the ride.

Erv Hagen

From Edna Walker currently in Iowa

Edna says:

We forgot what a good "ole Iowa blizzard" looked like.  Getting refreshed today when we can't see across the street because of blowing snow.  Camera in TX.  as we only grabbed a few things before  taking off for Iowa or we'd send a pic to remind all of you.  Don't know when we'll head back as I think another storm is moving this way. We did notice your nice warm temps today.   It's been a sad, sad trip.  It was always one of my greatest fears of having to bury one you gave birth to.  I keep reminding myself I'm not the only one  that has had to go thru the heart ache.  We are just asking God for strength.

Port of Brownsville Tour Offer

I bought one of these as a birthday gift for a park resident and after doing so there were others who also wanted to go so I purchased another set. The deal is a four hour tour of the Port of Brownsville followed by lunch for $69 for four people. You can also buy a two person deal for $35. You do have to join Groupon to get this offer for that price. I am only sharing this info due to the popularity when I mentioned that we are going. I thought there may be others among you who would also like to do this. Here is the link :
http://www.groupon.com/deals/isla-tours-4/raf/UserReferral_pp/121015/10r1act/lk/uu4299705

Mexican border crossing basics

Despite the info below many people do not consider it safe to travel in Mexico.

Barb B.

Mexican border crossing basics
by Rene Agredano

Visit any of the popular RVing discussion forums like Mexico Forums and you'll find that Mexico is still a popular destination for adventurous RVers. If you're thinking about traveling through Mexico with your RV here are some preliminary steps to ensure a smooth border crossing.

Tourist Entry Requirements
Are you planning to visit Mexico for cheap prescriptions or dental work? Tourists who enter the country by foot or by car and stay within 20 miles of the Mexican border for less than 72 hours do not need a visa or vehicle permit. However every temporary tourist over the age of 16 needs a U.S. Passport or less expensive (but more restrictive) Passport Card, while children need an official copy of their birth certificate or naturalization paperwork. If you're staying longer than three days you will need these documents along with a tourist permit that allows stays up to 180 days. Tourist permits are available through Mexican consulates in the U.S. or at an immigration office on the border.

Vehicle Entry Requirements
RVers who drive into Mexico must obtain a temporary vehicle import permit and pay a refundable deposit based on the age and type of your vehicle. If your vehicle is leased you must provide a notarized permission slip (preferably in Spanish) that allows you to bring the vehicle into Mexico. Permits can be purchased online here, at a Mexican consulate office or after crossing the border. Purchasing Mexican auto insurance is strongly advised. Vehicle permits must be surrendered upon exiting the country.

Whether you obtain your permits ahead of time or at the border, always have two copies of every official document. Do your trip pre-planning by visiting reputable travel sites such as Mexico Mike and you're sure to have a safe, fun adventure

More Sunday Pictures

Norma Cooklin sent me these shots taken Sunday at the Valentines celebration.

The 50 year honorees Al and May Gehman and Bill and Kay Stilson

Norma and Dale Cooklin and Donn and Peggy Gordon

Patriotic Musical Program Today

Presentation of the flags

As each branch of the services heard their theme song they were asked to stand. This program is always very moving and sometimes the tears will catch up with you/

Robert Jordan Passed

Robert Jordan Obituary

February 05, 1928 - February 14, 2013 

Robert B. Jordan, age 85 of Stockton died Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Lena Living Center.  He was born February 5, 1928 in Lena, Illinois, the son of Harry & Ethel (Woodley) Jordan.  Robert married Thelma Holmes on June 7, 1950 in Lena, Illinois; they celebrated 62 years last year.

 He farmed for many years and retired from farming in 1969.  Over the years he worked at the Stockton Farmer’s Exchange, Apple Canyon Lake Marina, and was the Stockton Park custodian for 12 years which he took such pride in.  He enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing horseshoes, cracking and picking out walnuts, and playing cards with friends and family.  He loved his grandchildren & great grandchildren and enjoyed the Chicago Cubs.  He also enjoyed traveling over the years to Branson, MO, Canada, England, Hawaii, California, and various other trips across the U.S.  Last year he & Thelma wintered in Texas for the first time and really enjoyed their many new friends and the wonderful weather.

 He is survived by 4 sons, David (Debbie) Jordan of Cedarville, Mike (Pat) Jordan of Stockton, James Jordan of Stockton, Jeff (Cammie) Jordan of Germantown Hills, IL; 1 daughter, Patti (Brian) Pierce of Stockton; 14 grandchildren; Chad, Brad (Holly), Brian (Nicole), Tom (Candyce), Steve (Erin), Andy (Sarah), Katie & McKenzie Jordan, Tony & Karly Pierce, Christine (Joel) Ellefson, Brent (Kelsey), Jonathan and Robert Scheive; 16 great grandchildren; and sister, June Fernsteadt of Monroe, WI. 

 He was preceded in death by his wife Thelma, 3 brothers Wilbur, Vernon, & an infant brother, 1 sister, Berneice Keller, and his parents.

 Visitation will be Sunday, February 17, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, IL. The funeral Service will be held at the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport, IL at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 18, 2013 with a one hour visitation starting at 10 a.m. A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Valentine's Celebration

Honored at the celebration were those celebrating 50 years married this year. Al and May Gehman and Kay and Bill Stilson

Jan Brom Stinchfield seen here in the red dress chaired the event.

Left to right, Noreen, Ron, Butch and Larry

Ambrose and Marlene are chatting.

Al and May Gehman then and...


                                                                     now.

Bill and Kay Stilson then....and now.

Gehman's Celebrate their 50th

The pool players honored the Gehman's on their 50th wedding anniversary. There will be another celebration today in Allen Hall.
Here are pictures taken by Ambrose Demers of the Saturday night celebration held in the pool hall where the Gehman's spend much of their leisure time.

From a friend about Java

The Des Moines Register paper has a tech tip section and this info was in there.
Thanks Sandy

 

Q.  I heard the most recent version of Java has fixed some of it infamous security problems.  Is that true?

 

A.  Yes, if you set it up right.  First, you have to download the most recent version (Version 7 Update 10) from the Java site.  Since  the big problem with Java stems from website attacks, you have to turn Java's browser functions off.  Go to Start>>Computer and type in "javacpl.exe" into the search bar to launch Java's control panel.  Go to the Security tab and uncheck the box that says "Enable Jave content in the browser".  This lets you run Java programs, such as, LibreOffice, without allowing hackers the chance to use Java against you in the browser.

 

RGV Senior Olympic 2nd place winners in Men's Bridge

                                                      Butch Brooker and Ambrose Demers

Olympic results thus far...

Dorral Guzman and Char Wolfrom were medal winners taking third place in women's pool. Dale Cooklin and Dick Cleaveland came in a respectable 7th place in men's pool.

Butch Brooker, Jerry Walker for the men and Edna Walker and Janet Rader for the women are playing golf today at Los Lagos Golf Course in the Olympic competition.
Perfect weather today for events being held out of doors. The temperature is in the 70's, sun shining and no wind. I think that is a first that I can remember in all the years I have known about it.

Waka Waka Baby Dance

We were discussing this video at crafts and I was asked if I could get it on the blog. Here is the link to the Waka Waka Baby Dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCQpNVVnSt8

Dave Bruun with two first place ribbons

Dave Bruun, a first time entry in the Chip O Tex woodcarvers competition, came away with 2 first place ribbons.

Sunday Service

A beautiful day in deep south Texas to go to Church and hear Gods Word being taught...We are still having a good attendance each Sunday as most of the Magnolia Family is finally down to their winter home from the cold NORTH....Pastor Stacey brought the message today from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 1 thu  14 with the theme of "Be Prepared "....This tells of the 10 virgins who took their lamps  and went forth to meet the bridegroom.....Five of them were wise and had oil for their lamps and five were foolish and didn't have enough oil to light their lamps....This is a lesson that teaches us to be prepared to be ready to meet the Lord when he comes back....Gods word says that no man knows when he is coming back so we must be ready at all times....It's so easy to let our guard down so to speak at times but we must be ready and keep the faith.....Don't forget to pray for any sick and for each other in the coming days...Prayer does a lot to keep us in touch with the Lord and we all need that in our lives.....God Bless All.....See you in church next week....

Incident on Saturday night

This info is second hand and I am not guaranteeing the accuracy. The Spangler's take a walk each evening after dark and last night they spotted a pick-up and recognized their Toad or Dolley( a trailer that is hooked behind the motorhome to tow the car)attached to it!! As luck would have it, the gate, usually closed at eight o'clock was closed one minute early so the pick-up with their stolen dolley could not get out of the park. The police were called and the people playing cards and bingo surrounded the vehicle. 3 patrol cars came and arrested the fellows involved. It isn't often that burglars are caught in the act and justice is served so quickly. A word of advice might be to secure our belongings being more diligent about it. I know we tend to be lax at our place.

Cake mix banana bread - from Donna Gabbert in Rio Valley Estates

Cake Mix Banana Bread

A good recipe using a cake mix.  I am not sure where I got the recipe from, but I have been holding on to it forever and finally gave it a try.  Now, you can use a white or yellow cake mix to make it. I decided to try it with a butter pecan cake mix.  You can mix in some nuts if you like.  However, I didn’t this time.  It is so easy, yummy, and moist. 

Cake Mix Banana Bread

• 1 (18.25 oz) pkg cake mix (yellow, white, or I used butter pecan)
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl blend together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and bananas for 2 minutes.  Pour batter into a greased 5.25 x 9 x 2.75 loaf pan.
3. Bake for 40-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely.  Makes 1 large loaf.

Decked out Rose bush at the Gordon Residence

Macramed lawn chairs

Dave Bruun is giving instructions on macramed lawn chairs. They meet on Thursdays at the Floyd Flynt residence on Peco's street. Marty Harper

Floyd (L) is getting some guidance from Dave(R).

Kathryn and Chris

2 feet of snow

 Hello to the Magnolia folks:

We haven't been in a postion to come down and stay these past two winters..and we miss it...but all is well..enjoy your blog..seems like family..

 

Thought I'd send your winter Texans a pic..to remind them what 'two feet of snow' look like up north..ha...

 

Gordon and Donna Terryn...Scottville MICHIGAN.. 
 Lois Terryn's bro & Sis-inlaws..

Busiest Time of the Year

January and February are the busiest time of the year in Magnolia Park. It is when we have the most people  here and all of the different activities have an abundance of participants. It is when choices have to be made as to which activity we are going to take part in because it is impossible to do it all. We do keep trying however.
We seem to be having an unseasonably warm period right now and it looks to stay that way. Some like it and some do not but as I always say...

Whether the weather is cold,
Or whether the weather is hot,
We'll weather the weather whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!

Next week will be Senior Olympic week and that is a week when they venture outside the park to do us proud as they participate in the different events.

Dean Lewis update

Betty brought Dean home where he is recuperating.

Derwood Pratt Obituary

Blaney Funeral Home & Cremation Services

---

Derwood "Derby" Pratt
(March 14, 1922 - January 26, 2013)

Derwood “Derby” Pratt, 90, Green Bay, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2013. He was born March 14, 1922 in Friday Siding, MI to Ernest and Florence (Youdan) Pratt. Derby was born and raised in Upper Michigan in the logging camps. He was a lifetime member of NACCCA and UPCCCA. He later served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Campaign. He learned the trade of being a machinist while serving in the military during which time he met his bride in California. On July 28, 1944 Derby married Bernice Robb in Oakland, CA. After his service with the Navy, he settled in Middle Inlet, WI where he worked as a farmer and a machinist while raising his five children. Derby moved his family to Green Bay in 1966. In 1984, Derby retired from FMC/Hudson Sharp after 23 years. Derby enjoyed traveling in his retirement and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survived by his wife, Bernice; five children, Donna (Marv) Baranczyk, Don (Pam Eggers) Pratt, Darlene (Dave) Wilson, Dorothy (Jim) Van Pay, Dennis (Debbie) Pratt; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lola Newton; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Family and friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Family and friends may also call at Graceway Fellowship Church, 1750 Dousman St., from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at church with Rev. Rick Schulze officiating. Entombment will be in Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. To send online condolences please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

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