Mary in a tree

Mary was working on her grapefruit tree. Want some grapefruit? Ask Mary.

Friday night Misadventure

My relating of this story is from my memory of what various people have told to me. So keep that in mind.
The story begins about 5:30 PM Friday when a car came sliding through the back fence. Don Howard and Ron Heberholz heard the ruckus and went outside and nearly got run over. They tried to stop the driver but were unsuccessful. He left the park going south on Midway, hit a culvert and since his radiator was punctured and tires were blown came to a stop. He vacated the car and ran to a house hiding underneath of it. However, his legs were sticking out so he was easy to find. It is hard to say what substance put the guy in an altered state but it was obvious he was not himself.

January Steak Fry

Leslie and Dick Cleaveland, Co-chairs of the steak frys. There is a great deal of work involved in getting everything to work together and come together at the right time. In fairness there are many, many hands on deck for this project as Dick and Leslie would be quick to tell you.

Donn, Pecan Bill and Kay are fixing up their salads.

L to R. Jim, Mike, Myron, Chet and Kenneth are resting before their part of the process commences. Chet has been the main man in charge of the cooking of the steaks and he is ready to pass on the torch so to speak so these fellows are in training.

Bob and Max at the ready. Look at the size of those steaks! We get a steak, baked potato, salad and bread for $5. Come on down!!

Dave is at the ready too.

Duane gets smoked right along with the steaks.

Mike and Myron , tongs in hand.

 The crowd waits!!


Margaret gives out the bread.

There is another of these events next month. If you hurry you can get here in time. Start now.

Jammin' Tuesday

The jam is on Tuesday each week in Allen Hall. It has been attended very well and it doesn't hurt that you can buy a deliciously scrumptious lunch for $5 and then listen to some very fine performers for free!
I am told that the jammers and their followers arrive in time for lunch (11:30) and then get on their phones to spread the word about the menu. And the rush begins! It has become usual for the cook and crew to serve 80 meals.

Peggy G. sent a picture of today's line-up for lunch.

Patio Games

Jan and Roger McIntyre entertain guests with a card game.

Hornets?

 Okay, How many of you know where the hornets nest is located?

Magnolia Golfer gets Hole-in-one

Mike Jordan shot a hole-in-one today on hole number two on the Executive Course. This is the third hole in one among our Magnolia golfers. The other two were Marty Harper and Mary Urbonovic in different years. So congratulate Mike as you see him around the park.

 Witnesses Pat Jordon and Paul Pfeifer

 Other golfers today were Don Harper, Butch Brooker, Warren Pfieffer, and Jim Rader.

"Porch Kitty"

In case you haven't noticed, the neighborhood cat who is called "Porch Kitty" because she likes to sit on Chet & Irma's porch seems to be getting a little bigger. Of course, that could very well be because everyone in the neighborhood feeds her, but on the other hand . . .well, time will tell. In any case, she is a really nice cat who seems to have a lot of friends around the park.

A Park "Guest"

I have no idea where this was caught but it was sitting in a trap/cage up by the office this morning.

Iowa Ham Balls

This is a Taste of Home recipe and a common one in Iowa. I have made these many times and they were a favorite of the "boys" in my family. Perhaps we could enjoy a bit of nostalgia and present them in Allen Hall on some occasion.

Iowa Ham Balls

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 1 hour

MAKES: 15 servings

Ingredients

• 3-1/2 pounds ground ham
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) tomato soup, undiluted
• 3/4 cup vinegar
• 2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Using a 1/3 cup measure, shape mixture into 2-in. balls. Place in two large shallow roasting pans. Combine all remaining ingredients; pour over balls. Bake at 325° for 1 hour, basting frequently with sauce. Yield: about 15 servings.

Originally published as Iowa Ham Balls in Country April/May 1992, p47

Lucy Urius fell

Word has been received that Lucy Uris has fallen and has been transferred to a Des Moines hospital from her home in Newton Iowa.

You think it is cold?

I received word from central Iowa that church was cancelled due to extremely cold temperatures.  That makes our temps in the forties sound downright balmy, doesn't it.
No one is standing on street corners shooting the breeze on this cold but sunny day. We all need a break from our usual routines so stay inside and enjoy it. When you once again can stand outdoors and visit with friends while wearing summertime attire it will be all the sweeter.

Soup supper tonight at 5!!! Allen Hall. Do not forget!!

Movies anyone?

Now that an odd spell of cool weather descends on us every few days I thought you might like a diversion. Here is a list of 23 great movies on Netflix that you probably have not seen. I had seen two of them. If I remember the title of a movie after I have watched it and then a few years pass but I still remember it I think of it as a very good movie. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and The Station Agent were both memorable for me.That leaves 21 that are just waiting for me to watch. I read the entire list and they all sounded good. Enjoy!

23 Best Movies on Netflix you haven't watched. I made a list and there were only 2 that I had seen. You might want to make your own list.

http://agoodmovietowatch.com/netflix/23-best-netflix/

New puppy

It has been reported that Dick and Leslie have a new puppy in their yard. Is its name Whitey?

Edward Urbonovic Passed

Word has been received that Ed Urbonovic has passed. When a full obituary can be located I will post it. This photo of Ed was taken in 2010.

Artwork by Janet Rader

Janet enjoys working with rocks and today she presented me with a special gift she created. Excellent work, Janet. I will enjoy it very much. Meet Liz the Great.

Rio Grande is up

Peggy took this photo while at the Riverside. It is running high these days.

Cold Winters Day

We are in the midst of winter weather. The outside temp was the same at 6:00AM as it was at 6:00PM-44 degrees by my thermometer. Reading books, watching movies, and playing games is the order of the day. Oh and on top of that it has rained most of the day. This too shall pass.

Happy New Year!!

There was a "pool party" last night at the pool hall with a good share of participants enjoying food and fellowship to celebrate the arrival of a new year. There were other neighborhood parties sprinkled throughout the park. The celebration in these later decades of our lives has a different flavor than the wild and wooly celebrations of our youth and I am okay with that!

There have been passed years where a traditional pool party could take place but this is definitely not one of them as the temperatures are in the fifties with forecasts in the forties. We hope this is a temporary condition and by temporary we mean a few days and not weeks, but that remains to be seen. I do believe this first day of the new year will be day three of the undesirable cold, dreary drizzly weather conditions.
Park happenings go on despite the weather and today we have people getting ready for the garage sale tomorrow. Computer class is this morning and do not forget Bingo Saturday night.