Magnolia's Memorial Day Cookout

Crafts-from Marie Flood

 Genevia finally finished her queen sized bed spread only took 10 months.

Ely showed his appreciation with this sign he made.

Happen at your house?

From Nancy H.

May Flowers:
Doris Nelson's Cactus Flower

From Nancy H.

May Flowers:

Perfecto's New Awning built by his brother, Hector and his new rose bushes that he planted.

Dottie is the manager

Most of you already know that Dottie is back, but for those that don't. This to let you know she is back.

A Message from the Magnolia Park Family

Something wonderful happened at Magnolia Park 5/16/16. Last week there were bikes and 3 wheelers stolen. One of those 3 wheel bikes stolen belonged to Eli who is a disabled Marine Vet and a newer resident. He used his bike on a daily basis.  Monday at Crafts it was discussed to see if we could get enough donations to replace Eli's bike. Several residents contributed on Monday and more gave at Tuesday morning coffee.  Because of everyone's generosity the amount received was enough to purchase the new 3 wheel bike and a chain and padlock. Everyone gathered and the spokesperson presented Eli his new bike. The tears flowed. Eli was so humble and grateful as he thanked the people. Eli asked if he could pray. It was beautiful. It wasn't about him, but for the people of Magnolia Park. This is what a compassionate loving community is all about.

Message sent for Karen Steil via Marie Flood about Eli.

Nancy Herberholz's 63rd birthday

 On May 10 at 8:30 am, we had a great group to celebrate Nancy Herberholz's 63rd birthday with donuts, coffee and Cinn-a-bon cake.  A fun time was had by all as we discussed and tried to solve the problems of the world.

Eileen Lowrance Obituary

Rose Eileen Lowrance
(September 22, 1922 - May 10, 2016)


   Mass of Christian Burial for Rose Eileen Lowrance, 93, of Farber, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 13, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Vandalia with Father Paul Hartley officiating. Burial will be in Farber Cemetery.
   Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Bienhoff Funeral Home.
   Mrs. Lowrance passed away at 7:30 a.m., May 10, 2016 at Tri County Care Center in Vandalia.
   She was born September 12, 1922 in Rutland, Illinois, the daughter of William and Rose Ehrnthaller Schmillen.
   She was married to Gerald Lowrance on March 6, 1943 in Oklahoma and he survives.
   Other survivors include: three sons, Michael Lowrance of Farber, Gerard (Laura) Lowrance of Osage City, Kansas, and Timothy (Maria) Lowrance of Vandalia; two daughters, Mary (John) Wallace of Vandalia, and Susan Sheridan of Greenwood, Mississippi; three brothers, Gene Schmillen of Normal, Ill., Donald Schmillen and Gaylord Schmillen, both of Toluca, Ill.; two sisters, Delores Tapay of Los Gatos, California, and Colette Rogers of Peoria, Ill.; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
   She was preceded in death by one grandson, Tanner Lowrance; and three brothers, Tom Schmillen, Bill Schmillen, and Frances Schmillen.
   Mrs. Lowrance moved to the Vandalia area in 1962 with her family as they set up a farming operation. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society, and Homemakers Club. During her life, she enjoyed gardening, embroidery work, and working with crafts. When they spent the winters in Texas, she pursued her artistic talent including many mediums of painting.
   Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Steven Sheridan, Scott Sheridan, Chad Wallace, Patrick Lowrance, Aidan Lowrance, and Tyson Lowrance.
   Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society.

Eileen Lowrance's passing

I received a call from the son of Eileen Lowrance the other day;  Eileen passed from complications of a stroke and pneumonia.   I have waited to send along her obituary in the local newspaper, but none has surfaced as of yet and there might not be one.   Eileen and Gerald were our neighbors when we lived in # 21.   They sold to Ron and Elaine Wingert about 10 years ago.  I still miss Eileen;  we had  lots of fun together.   Gerald loved to  play cards with his special group of men;  he is in a Veteran's Home now near Farber, Mo.   I will forward an obituary if I find one.   Kay Voss

From Dick and Leslie Cleaveland

"We will be celebrating Erma's 98th birthday on Thursday, May 12th. I know she would love to hear from her friends. Her address is 737 No. Hwy, #317, Oakland, Ia. 51560"

Miss Steak

I, by accident, posted the "Cold to the Bone" entry on this blog first so it is posted on this one as well as my own at www.brooker3.blogspot.com. I do not usually do that because the two blogs have two distinct personalities or at least I like to think so. I feel a bit freer to express myself on my own blog. That being said I will say I am very aware that things posted on the Internet are there for posterity so I try to behave myself no matter where I am posting.  I thought about deleting this one but changed my mind. I will not put it both places every time I post.
Bottom line is that you are welcome to look at both of them at any time.

Cold to the Bone!

It has been very cold here this past week and we weather it much better in the house than the motorhome but it is still not good. Yesterday we went to an auction. It is in a big old building that is not heated. Once we became thoroughly cooled we came home. My only purchase of the day was an ironing board I acquired for a dollar. It wasn't even on the auction. I have been looking for one and there it stood right by the door so I asked the auctioneer about it and he sold it to me and even asked me how many I wanted. Apparently they are not a hot item at auctions. If you start looking on Pinterest you will want an ironing board too.

These folks are better acclimated than I am.

They do not appear cold at all.

So we came home and heated up some leftover chili, the perfect meal for the day.

A few days ago when the sun was still shining the neighbor cat came over for a visit. She laid claim to our place and many others over the winter. Her name is Fluffy and she keeps her distance. I do not mind having cats around as they keep the mice away. So meet Fluffy:

 I spent too much time on Pinterest this morning getting inspired for projects. Butch will soon have lots of things to do. If you feel you are in a rut just visit Pinterest and soon you will be flooded with all kinds of ideas for all kinds of projects.

This afternoon we will be going to a birthday party for a new teenager, Devon Hiller. He is a good kid so I think we are all safe for now.

Whether the weather is cold,

Or whether the weather is hot,

We will weather the weather,

Whatever the weather,

Whether we like it or not!