Old Photos

Trivia

Down in the dumps? Look through old photos! A study done by a psychologist in the U.K. found that looking through old personal photos can improve your mood and help you relax. In fact, it has a stronger effect on your mood than listening to music, having a glass of wine, or eating a sweet treat.

And while looking for old photos I found these, for another idea, make yourself a scarecrow!

Max Tangled with Lawn Mower

I had a note from Pat Jordan this morning telling me about Max Pierce having an unfortunate accident. Max was on his riding mower on an embankment and it reared up on two wheels and bucked him off. Thank goodness it did not tip over and land on him, it could have been very much worse. He ended up with a broken right arm and I'm thinking he's right handed so that's not so good. Right now they are looking for a lift chair for him as he cannot use his right arm to manage the lever on his recliner.

I'm betting he would enjoy getting some cards from all his Magnolia friends and here is his address. Max Pierce, 2325 IL Rt 78 S, Stockton IL 61085. Whenever I think of Max I think of him riding his bike with a cigar in his mouth, and his "friend" in the bicycle basket and right about now I suspect he could use some cheerful thoughts so let's get those cards in the mail.

This and That

It is such a strange time right now, never in my wildest imagination did I ever think I would see a situation like the whole world is in right now. I'm guessing everyone is getting mighty sick of the "social distancing", staying at home, stores closed etc. Just think how much we are going to appreciate it when the restrictions can be relaxed, even if just a little bit. As an old saying goes, "this too will pass" and I for one hope we all use some common sense when that does happen. We have been trying to stay busy. I have rediscovered knitting as our new park, Trophy Gardens has a knitting group with a great leader and it has been fun. I have been busy making headbands and scarves. I had bought some yarn in Mexico which as it turns out, wasn't really the best yarn but it has kept me busy. Jim is gearing up for the arrival of the hummingbirds and the orioles. Last year we went through 69 jars of grape jelly! They almost always arrive on Mother's Day but this year has been so cold, that may not happen. We have yet to reach 70 degrees, here in Central Wisconsin although today got up to 65 and it was really a beautiful day. Jim has also decided we need to house some Purple Martins so he has a house, pole and a couple of decoy martins ordered. We'll have to see how that goes!

I know there are still changes going on at Magnolia as one by one almost everyone has gotten moved out with the bulk of the folks going to Trails End, a few to Leisure World (sister park to Trails End), a couple to Roadrunner and of course, Brookers and us are at Trophy Gardens. A lot has happened in the last couple of years that's for sure.

I think most people have gotten home safely, Chet & Irma arrived back here in Neillsville on Tuesday, and I believe it won't be too long before Gail & Darlene get totally settled at Trails End and head out for home. I know Harpers are back in Iowa and we have been home a month. Barb and Butch are still in Texas but his leg is healing nicely and in a few more weeks they will also head out. I imagine the people who are still in the process of having their units moved or waiting for that process to start will be waiting until that is accomplished before heading home. Irma did report that they had absolutely no problem finding gas stations, truck stops, rest areas and hotels all open. The truck stops had plenty of hot food so that was not a problem either.

If anyone has news they would like to share on the blog, send it to me and I will see that it gets on.

Everyone, be careful and stay healthy. Safe travels when on the road!

Gerald "Jerry" Walker Obituary

July 29, 1930 - April 18, 2020

Gerald “Jerry” Walker, son of John Edward and Juanita Grace (Wheat) Walker, was born July 29, 1930 in LaCrosse, Kansas. Jerry entered eternal rest Saturday, April 18, 2020, at his home in Corning, Iowa, at the age of eighty-nine years.

Jerry graduated from McCracken High School, McCracken, Kansas, with the Class of 1948, and he attended two years at Kansas State University. Jerry served his country during the Korean War by entering the United States Air Force on January 8, 1951. He worked as a Hydraulics Instructor and was honorably discharged November 9, 1954.

Jerry was united in marriage to Phyllis Rein and they had three children: Cindy, Katie, and Kelly. They later divorced. He worked ten years as a Farmers Coop Manager in McCracken, Kansas. He then began a long career with New Idea Farm Equipment and was a Territory Manger for many years. His work for New Idea moved him to many places across the Midwest. Because of his travels he made friends coast to coast and stayed in contact with them all.

Jerry married Edna Keefe on November 7, 1975, in Corning, Iowa, and he gained three stepchildren: David, Patti, and Peggy. Jerry always stayed active and was most recently selling equipment for Frontier Composting Machines.

Jerry had many interests and was always busy with them. He accomplished one of his lifelong dreams when he became a licensed pilot and spent many enjoyable hours in the air. Jerry and Edna attended many Bluegrass Festivals. His love for this music led him to learn to play the guitar at age 70 and eventually singing at the jams. He loved “jamming” at the Chicken Inn. Jerry and Edna loved traveling and Jerry was always happy when he was behind the wheel of a vehicle. They wintered at the Magnolia Park in Donna, Texas for over 20 years. There they would golf, their love of dancing led them to many dances and Jerry would do more “jamming” at local venues. Jerry was a true gentleman. He was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church, McCracken, Kansas. For all his interests, family was most important to Jerry. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Edna Walker, Corning, Iowa; daughters: Cindy (Paul) Cannatella, Houston, Texas; Katie (Marvin) Wills, Gatesville, Texas; son, Kelly (Alannah) Walker, Magnolia, Texas; stepson, David (Linda) Keefe, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; stepdaughter, Patti (Clif) Morrison, Scott City, Kansas; stepson-in-law, Mick (Esther) Templeton, Corning, Iowa; six grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; sisters; Pat Derr, McCracken, Kansas; Juanita Caviness, Prattville, Alabama; brother-in-law, Larry (Donna) Clark, Shawnee, Kansas, many nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends and very special friend, Dick Blazek, who was like a brother to Jerry.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents; infant brother; sister, Karen Clark; stepdaughter, Peggy Templeton; brothers-in-law: Bob Derr and Ed Caviness, first wife, Phyllis Higgins.

(I believe a memorial service will be held at some later date)

For those wishing to send cards, Edna's address is 400 16th Street, Corning IA 50841

Jerry Walker

I just received a message from Edna Walker that Jerry passed away last evening. I'm using my phone to post this but I did want to let people know.

HEB Senior Support Line

HEB Senior Support Line can be reached by phone 1 833-397-0080, 9:00-1:00, Monday thru Sunday.
Senior citizens, ages 60 and up, will be able to order supplies and groceries from a curated list over the phone or online through the Favor delivery website and app. The line will be staffed with volunteers to accept and process home delivery orders via phone daily from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

You can find many of the answers to how this works here: https://blog.favordelivery.com/h-e-b-favor-senior-support-online-ordering-101-b2848ebbee1

I decided to test it yesterday and was amazed at how well it did work. The only glitch was my fault. I needed to be more specific about the things I wanted and will do better when I use it again.