Papaya Tree

Jerry Burton a former resident of magnolia sent these pictures of a papaya tree that grows in his park.
Jerry says:
"These trees were 4 feet tall in March 2013 and now has fruit and lots of it."

Papaya is a mighty tasty tropical fruit and apparently quite easy to grow in these parts of Texas.
This is a fruit that might be like zucchini in that you will want to share with your neighbors.

Last Monday's craft gathering

We worked on angel table decorations made from a lamp shade, light bulb, ribbons and beads. They will be on the tables after Thanksgiving and I will get more pictures then. It is a bit difficult to not have the holidays bump into each other...especially this year with Thanksgiving being so near the end of November.

And here is a surprise for a few folks because they thought I was unable to get the picture. Wrong!!

Jim and Kay Voss were visiting with Vern and Dorothy Wendt. This scenario is frequent around here as long as the weather holds. It gets a bit nippy and we all head for cover!

Talked to Cleavelands

I talked to Leslie yesterday and they sure wish they could be here. Dick is doing well after his hip replacement surgery. He threw away his walker yesterday and graduated to a cane. He will start therapy before too long. They are still unsure exactly when they will be able to come down. It depends on too many factors at this time to say but they do want to be here just as bad as we want them here. So hopefully it will all work out.

Busyness going on despite heat and humidity

It seems as though the activities are in full force already. It seems a little early for that to be happening but the park is filling up nicely. It seems so strange to me that some years we think people are never going to get here and then this year it isn't that way at all. Cards are being played in all the usual places, shuffleboard is being played, crafts are in full speed and plenty of pool is being played in the blue hall. Butch and Barb can be seen walking around the park twice a day. Peggy G. is spotted regularly doing her rounds on her bike. The pool bobble heads are in the pool bobbling up and down.
We are having a good time here in the Rio Grande Valley so stop whatever you are doing up north and get down here ASAP.
See ya'all real soon!

Computer Malware Trickery and Deceit

This is a lengthy article about how even a savvy computer user can get bamboozled and what to do about it.
I hope you decide to read it and perhaps save you and me a few headaches and heartaches.
Barb
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/new/heres-how-you-get-malware-via-trickery-and-deceit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thundercloud%2FIapJ+%28Cloudeight+InfoAve+Computer+Tips+%29

Joke of the week

A pirate walked into a bar, and the bartender noticed that he had a peg leg, a hook and an eye patch.

"How did you end up with the peg leg?" asked the bartender. The pirate said, "We were in a fearful storm at sea and I was swept overboard into a school of sharks. Just as my men were pulling me out, this huge shark bit off my leg." "Wow!" said the bartender. 

"What about your hook? How did you get that?" The pirate replied, "We were boarding an enemy ship and fighting with swords. One of the enemy cut off my hand." "Amazing!" said the bartender. 

"So how did you get the eye patch?" The pirate said, "A seagull dropping fell into my eye." "You lost your eye to a seagull dropping?" asked the bartender incredulously. "Well," said the pirate, "it was my first day with the hook.

Dick Cleaveland is fine.

Dick is home now after his hip replacement surgery. Hopefully we will be seeing him and Leslie before too long.

Something about Bea Gilbertson

I asked Keith about his Mom and some things we may not know. She had been coming to Magnolia since 1980. She and her husband came at the suggestion of friends and purchased a place in the Spring with the intention of coming down for the next season which they did. Keith said he and his siblings always knew they were very loved and their parents knew they loved them back. He said they always got along well with each other and there was not a black sheep among them. He knows this is very unusual and feels very blessed to have such a family.
Bea did not work outside the home when her children were young but later she worked as a bookkeeper for a fruit company.
Bea will be missed by her Magnolia family.

Herb Jones Obituary

HERBERT R. JONES  on 11/08 Herbert R. Jones, 89, passed away October 31st, 2013, in Canton, MI. Herb was born October 19, 1924, in Gardner, ND. He is survived by Patty, his wife of 54 years, daughter Sandi and her husband Jeff Jones of Kennedale, TX, and son Bob and wife Jill, and grandchildren Jared, Adam, and Kacey Jones of Canton, MI. Herb was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. A memorial in his honor was held in Canton, MI on Nov. 2nd. For those that so desire, the family suggests donations in Herb's memory be made to First United Methodist Church, 228 S. Main St., Donna, TX 78537. 

Bea Gilbertson -Obituary

Gilbertson, Bernice age 94, formerly of Amery, WI, passed away on 9/16/13. Preceded in death by husband, Norman; son, Dennis; and sister, Louise Lentz. Survived by children, Keith, Norris (Debbie) and Lori (Ed) Sundstrom; daughter- in-law, Penny; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Lila Ward; and brother, Otis (Dottie) Erickson. Memorials preferred to Guardian Angels Hospice. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorial service Friday 9/20 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100 - 


Bea Gilbertson passed away on September 16th, 2013.

 Keith Gilbertson 

3707 E US HWY 83 Lot#238

Donna Texas 78537

First Tenderloin of the Season

The Gordon's have a tradition of going to Riverside over in Mission every Sunday after church for a tenderloin. Pork tenderloins are rare in the RGV and good ones are even more rare. All of us having Iowa roots know what it takes to make a good loin sandwich.
So yesterday six of us went to the Riverside for our first tenderloin of the season.
And here are 4 of us!

                                           Donn & Peggy                      Kay & Bill

And here are some Mexican egrets. How do I know they are Mexican egrets? Because they are on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande river!

Sunday at Magnolia

This was a great day just to be alive....This weather this time of year couldn't be better...We just need to enjoy it while it's here....

A few more of the Magnolia Family has come in and we're glad to see them come in safe and sound....Pastor Stacey brought the message today starting with the Book of Colossians, Chapter 3, verse 1 with the theme of "Real Heaven and a Real Hell"....Pastor used several other verses in his message to explain that Jesus taught his disciples that the realities of Heaven are real and that when we accept Christ as our Savior we will share in all his glory in Heaven.....This was a great message that shows we must not let the things of this earth get a hold of us and keep us from our true way of serving the Lord....When you get time try to study the lesson.....Some how it always helps to read the word for my self to grasp and keep the message....Please pray for all that are sick and for these on the road....See you in Church next week....God Bless All.....

Some people updates

Erma Cleaveland is unhappy with being bedridden and for anyone who knows her this should not be surprising. We hope her two bone fractures, one in shoulder and one in her leg, will heal quickly so she can get back to the busy active life she is used to enjoying.

Dick Cleaveland is having hip replacement surgery next week and we all wish him a quick recovery as well. I spotted this cartoon and sent it to him so he can discuss it with his surgeon. I know Dick will want to make sure he gets the right part.

Eula has been in touch with Kitti Toomire and  says she is doing well. Kitti also has two areas of injuries to get healed up, her neck and her ankle. It seems her neck is giving her the most discomfort at this time. Her spirits are good and she is looking forward to getting back on her feet in all aspects. And we all wish her the best too. Kitti's daughter, Susie has been able to stay with her and help her get situated so she can handle things on her own as soon as possible..

Here we go again...

The season has begun and several people are expected to arrive this week. Last night  we heard a toot of an air horn on an RV. The gate had just been closed as it was 4:02 PM. Don and Marty Harper had arrived and were wanting in the gate. Someone came to their rescue and opened the gate for them. A phone call to someone who is here already might be a good idea if you are calling it close on time. When more people are here to help monitor security the gate will be open but until then it will close at 4:00 PM. And those coming by car will have to use the back gate. Do you remember the code? I had to pull it from the dark recesses of my mind. I was so proud of myself that I was able to do so.
I do not know how much rain we received last night but it seemed it was raining most of the night. It has been a very long time since we have experienced it rain for that long. A nice rain cleans the air and the streets so now we are all cleaned up for our new arrivals.
I do not know how much we received but perhaps someone will email me with that info.

First Tuesday Coffee Hour of November

Some might say it is a small number but it was nice to see all the familiar faces enjoying coffee and donuts and I thought it was a good size crowd for the number of folks we have in the park.
After coffee hour Butch and Jim Rader went golfing and I went for my first walk of the day. It is hot and humid now but the forecast for Thursday will have us shivering with a high of 66 degrees. I was glad I had not waited any longer before my walk. I snapped this shot of new arrivals Edy and Jon Larson. Getting settled in is always a chore and they were just beginning.

Chet Johnson had stopped to welcome them home.

This shot is from last Saturday when a garage sale was taking place throughout the park.

Sandy Williams and Edna Nelson were fighting the wind to keep the clothes racks in an upright position

The palm tree by Van Houwelings is bearing fruit. Yes-sirree we are in a tropical area! But may not feel like it come Thursday. Van Houwelings arrived yesterday.

This next week will see a bunch of new arrivals.

Start of New Season at Magnolia

Well it's the start of the new season at Magnolia...It seems like it's been a long summer, but I'm sure the coming season will seem short for many....The time seems to fly by the older we get...I don't know if that's good or bad, but nothing we can do about it any way....We just need to enjoy every minute that we do have....

We had Services in Allen Hall today....We had a smaller group but as more come in it will grow.....Pastor Stacey brought the message today from the Book of John, Chapter 14, starting with verse 1 with the theme of "Jesus , the Way to the Father".....This was a great message that tells of where Jesus is preparing a place for those of us who accept him as Lord and Savior will go....He even says that he will come and get us and lead the way.....Try to study this lesson for yourself to learn what Jesus has to say for and to us...At the end of the service , communion was served as it was the first of the month...This was a great service to start the season with....Please pray for those that are on the road and any sick that you hear of.....See you in Church next week...God Bless All...

For the Woodcarvers among you...

In the park

Even though I am no longer required to be here by November one I left it up to the mister to say when we would head south and also when we would come further south to the Rio Grande Valley. Either he is a creature of habit and cannot change his ways or he just feels like it is time to be here. I do enjoy November in the valley even though it can be a bit too warm at times. The pace is slower, the traffic is lighter and the stores a bit emptier...depending on the time of day.
And as we walk around the park we ponder the ones who have passed in the past couple of years but then we also remember the ones still with us and look forward to when they will be back. It reminds me a bit of what they do at the end of the TV show Survivor, where they mention each participant and talk about their qualities. We sort of do the same thing on our first walk back as we pass the homes and spaces that past and present people have occupied or will be occupying. A time to remember and then look forward to more good times with good friends.
Hurry on down,Ya'all

RGV info

For those traveling down 281 to get to the valley be aware that the construction in the Falfurious TX area is still on the extreme side and it seems to go on forever. I cannot imagine going through that area after dark with an RV.
 We noticed that they are now calling Expressway 83- Interstate 2 and they are calling Hwy 77- Interstate 69 and it is officially said on the news in that way.
I thought I would give you bits of info as it comes back to me.

Herb Jones Memorials

It has been requested that memorials for Herb Jones go to the
First United Methodist Church
228 S Main St
Donna TX 78537

And if you would like to send a card of condolence to Pat the address is
Pat Jones
1779 Steeplechase Lane
Canton MI 48188

Herb Jones Passed this AM

No details are known yet but we arrived in Magnolia Park this afternoon and were told that Herb passed this morning.
Details later

Remember Hop, Skip and Go Naked?

One of our friends son/brother(?) is getting married and they are having  an unusual type ceremony. So I asked if they would like to have Berwyn's recipe for Hop, Skip and Go Naked. They thought it would be most appropriate so I went searching for it and found it along with a picture of Berwyn pouring the yummy stuff.

Hop, Skip and Go naked
INGREDIENTS:
1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen pink
lemonade concentrate, thawed
12 fluid ounces water
12 fluid ounces vodka
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans or bottles of beer
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Place lemonade concentrate in a gallon pitcher. Measure water and vodka in the 12 ounce lemonade can and add to the pitcher. Pour in the beer, mix well and serve over ice.

You pay for power — read your meter

RVing Tip of the Day

You pay for power — read your meter
by Russ and Tiña De Maris

Spend any amount of time at all in a commercial RV park and you’re apt to get a power bill. Since power is expensive anywhere, it’s a bitter pill for RVers when they're likely to be presented with a bill for rates higher than the locals pay. We’ve all heard the "cost of reading the meter," "administrative overhead," and "Huh?" excuses.

How do you know if you’re actually being billed for what you’ve used? In many parks, old-style clock-type electric meters are used, and many folks just don’t have a clue as to how to "read" them. Digital meters are a lot easier, but not near as common.

Here’s how to read a clock-type meter:
Remember that each of the hands represents a single digit of the present reading. It’s helpful to recall that some hands turn clockwise, others counterclockwise. When the hand is between numbers, that hand is always read to the lower number.

In the picture, the reading on the meter is 43304. It may be difficult to discern that the second three (or the third hand reading from left to right) is really a 3. The giveaway is simple: If the hand to the right of the one in question is past the zero, then the hand in question is to be read as higher. And remember: When meters are read they are NOT reset to zero.

So when you "check in" to your RV site, read the meter and write down the figures. To practice, you might read it every day to get the hang of it, and to see how little power RVers use — unless of course, you’re running the air conditioner! To know how much power or kilowatts you’ve used, simply subtract the earlier reading from the present reading. Knowledge, as they say, is power.

* * *

More

Dale's obit has been added to the post below this one. When it is added at a later date those who get it through their email sometimes need extra help to find it.
www.magnolianews.blogspot.com

Dale Cooklin's Obituary

Dale D. Cooklin

Dale Darwin Cooklin was born on March 1, 1928 to Herman and Effie Cooklin at Estherville, Iowa. Dale was educated in Estherville. In May of 1945 he entered the Navy. He was a Seaman 1st Class who served during World War II and was discharged on August 23, 1946.
On June 10, 1950 Dale married Norma Miller. Dale and Norma made their home in Estherville, Iowa; Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Omaha, Nebraska before moving to Spirit Lake for the past 30 years.
Dale was a truck driver with P.I.E.
One of the things Dale enjoyed was being an usher at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed playing pool, fishing and camping. Dale loved horses and tractors. He enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys. Dale had lots of good times with his coffee buddies also.
Dale is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Vickie (John) Small and son Larry (Janice) Cooklin. He has six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Herman Cooklin.
Preceding Dale in death were his parents and sister, DeLilah Christenson and three brothers, Marvin, Bert, and Max Cooklin.

Mr. Dale D. Cooklin, 85, of Spirit Lake, passed away Monday, October 14, 2013 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.
SERVICE: 11 am Thursday, October 17, 2013 at Immanual Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake.
VISITATION: After 4 pm Wednesday, October 16, 2013, with the family present from 4-6 pm at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake.
INTERMENT: East Side Cemetery in Estherville.

Dale Cooklin passed

I received word last night that Dale Cooklin passed away. A spot on his lung was discovered this summer and it was found to be cancerous. He had started treatment and did well at first. Leslie talked to him after his first treatment and he told her he felt fine. But shortly thereafter things started to slide. He passed away yesterday. As soon as an obituary is posted I will place it here.

If you search this blog for Dale C. you will discover he was a very active member of Magnolia Park.

Error

The clean windows tip went a little wonky on me so for those of you who get yours in email you might have to go to www.magnolianews.blogspot.com to see it in its best shape.

A Great Tip from Doris J. Nelson

  

CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS     

   

HERE'S A MAGICAL WAY TO CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS!!! 

This is the best way EVER to clean your windows!!!

 No drying is needed, and you won't have any spots or streaks on your window! You can clean 2 big sliding glass doors and 8 large windows in minutes!!! Here are the ingredients you need to use: 

1/2 gallon warm water 

1 Tablespoon of liquid "Jet Dry"

 2-3 Tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent or dish washing soap 

Mix all of the ingredients above. Spray your windows down with your hose to get 

them wet then wipe or brush on the solution onto your windows, then 

immediately hose it off. That’s all there is to it and you're done. The remaining 

water just sheets off and you don't need to dry it off! 

RV parks explain poor Wi-Fi service

This is why I do not feel pushing for park wide WiFi is a good idea. It has been our experience that park wide WiFi leaves much to be desired and is a hit or miss thing depending on all the reasons listed below.
Barb B.


RV parks explain poor Wi-Fi service

A common complaint among RVers is the poor quality of Wi-Fi service experienced at many RV parks around the country. Now an RV park manager, Pamela Wright, has produced a handout she wants as many RV park owners to hand out to guests explaining problems. You may not agree with all the "explanations" given, but we're publishing the information for your perusal.

Why isn’t the Wi-Fi in the park the same as the Wi-Fi at my house?

Several factors can affect the speed and responsiveness of the Wi-Fi in the park that may not be a factor, or as big of a factor as it is at home. The Wi-Fi in the park is shared among many users and devices. You may have a dozen Wi-Fi enabled devices at home, but there may be hundreds of devices online in the park.

At home you may be fortunate to have very fast cable or fiber Internet service, however in many rural and semi-rural areas slower DSL or satellite based service may be all that is available. This slower service must be shared among many users and dozens or hundreds of devices.

Why can’t I download movies and music?

Movies, music and videos consume a lot of data bandwidth. Since the Wi-Fi system in the park is shared by many users, downloading movies and videos can seriously impact other users in the park.

How much bandwidth is consumed by different actives? For comparison:
Sending or receiving an email (no attachments) requires 1 kilobyte of bandwidth
Sending or receiving an email with a picture attached requires 1.5 megabytes
Downloading a 3 minute song requires 5 megabytes
Using a social networking site for 10 minutes (i.e. Facebook) requires 20 to 50 megabytes
Downloading a 3 minute movie trailer in HD needs 180 megabytes
Using Skype or VoIP for a 20 minute voice chat requires 4 to 10 megabytes
Using Skype or other video services for a 20 minute chat needs 40 to 60 megabytes
Watching a streaming 30 minute TV show requires 400 to 600 megabytes of data
Watching a streaming 2-hour movie can consume 1,800 to 4,000 megabytes of data
In other words, a single two-hour movie can be the equivalent amount of bandwidth of more than 4 million emails.

The RV next door to me is getting a stronger signal than I am.  Why?

Wi-Fi is based on radio signals, and just like the radio in your car, the signals can be affected and blocked by both physical obstacles and interference from other devices. Some Wi-Fi devices have better quality radios and antennas than other devices.

You may have something physically blocking your reception such as another RV, a building or vehicle. Or there may be some other electrical or electronic device in or near your RV that is causing interference.  Or your neighbor may have a Wi-Fi enabled device with a really good quality radio in it.  Or your neighbor may be closer to the Wi-Fi access point.
Often it is a combination of all of these factors.

I can’t get the park signal to show on my device.  What should I do?

If no Wi-Fi signals are showing on your device, ensure that the Wi-Fi is enabled on your device. Sometimes, there is a physical button on laptops to turn off the radio to save battery, or there may be a software setting to enable Wi-Fi, some phones and tablets feature an "airline mode" to turn off all radios (Wi-Fi and cellular).

If you can see other Wi-Fi signals, but not the park Wi-Fi on your device, check to see if other devices on your site or near you can see the park Wi-Fi. If you can’t see the Wi-Fi signal on any device on your site or near you, be sure to mention this to the park staff. You may be in an area that they have not extended Wi-Fi into, or the system may be having issues.

Why is Wi-Fi in an RV park different than at a hotel?

RV parks and resorts face all of the same issues as hotels in providing Wi-Fi to guests and have some additional unique challenges. RV parks and resorts are often in rural or semi-rural areas where Internet speeds are slower and more expensive, electrical supply to the system and access points may be less stable and links between access points is usually wireless instead of wired. Add exposure to elements such as rain, wind and lightning and the equipment is subject to more wear and needs attention more often.

Why do I keep getting dropped?

Getting dropped can mean actually losing the radio signal connection, or it can be maintaining the connection but the flow of data stops or slows to a point where it is not usable for what you want to do. The radio signal connection can be dropped for several reasons:
You are too far from the Wi-Fi system access point.
There are other electrical or electronic devices nearby causing interference.
There are physical obstacles such as RVs, buildings or vehicles.
There are too many users on the Wi-Fi system and it is overloaded.
You may be able to maintain the radio signal connection, but the flow of data stops or slows to a point where it is not usable for all of the reasons above, and additionally there may be to many users on the Internet connection shared by the park, the Internet service provider for the park may be experiencing issues (common on satellite-based systems) or the website you are accessing may be experiencing high volumes.

What can I do to improve the Wi-Fi reception at my unit?

Sometimes just moving a few feet or moving outside of your RV is all that is needed to make a big difference. If that does not work try plugging your device into AC power, as some devices reduce the power to the radio and screens when unplugged to extend battery life.
For laptops with internal Wi-Fi cards, if the range is not good, then consider investing in an external Wi-Fi adapter. These devices plug into a USB port and have external antennas that are often better than the internal antennas manufactures build into their laptops.

Avoid "signal boosters” and “range extenders.”

There are device sold by different manufacturers that allegedly increase the range of Wi-Fi by picking the signal up off the air and rebroadcasting it. Generally these devices create more noise than usable signal, and will not help you get better Wi-Fi. Oddly, some Wi-Fi enabled devices will misinterpret the noise as signal, and report better signal strengths, but at the same time the speeds will decrease or stop altogether.

Dick Cleaveland working

What he does when he isn't playing pool or painting. I snipped it from Facebook.

Bob Toomire Obituary

October 4, 2013
Bob Toomire
Ottumwa Courier

OTTUMWA — Robert “Bob” Toomire, 79, of 1409 W. Finley Ave., died October 2, 2013, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic in Iowa City of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

He was born March 21, 1934, in Martinsburg to Leo and Lucille M. Barnhart Toomire. He married Katherine “Kitty” Mungoven on January 9, 1960.

A graduate of Martinsburg High School, Bob had served in the U. S. Army. He had worked at John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed golfing, car races, working on cars and spending time with family.

Bob was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Kitty; a son, Matthew (Nichol) of Ottumwa; a daughter, Susie (Robert) Toomire-Mayo of Charleston, S.C.; five grandchildren, Laura West of Los Angeles, Calif., Matt West of Athens, Ga., Racheal Toomire of Raleigh, N.C., Camille Toomire of Ottumwa and Dylan Hedgecock of Ottumwa; two sisters, Donna Carruthers of Ottumwa and Deanna Dodson of Albia; two brothers, James Toomire of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Gerald “Jerry” Toomire of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation begins at 11 a.m. Monday with the family present from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

Do It Yourself RV.Com

A superb website about do-it-yourself projects for RVers. And I know many of you who would fall into this category. Hammer on!!!

http://www.doityourselfrv.com/

Bob Toomire's funeral arrangements

Funeral arrangements for Bob have been completed. Visitation on Monday evening,October 7 at the Reece funeral home in Ottumwa.  Family will be there 5-8PM.. Funeral at the funeral home at 10:30  October 8.  It has been decided that Kitti will not have back surgery but not sure she will be dismissed by this time. Their    daughter Susie will be able to stay with her for awhile.

She needs our prayers.

FYI

At the bottom of this page is a slot for you to add your eamil address and then click on submit and when you do this any new blog entries will come into your email. This way you will never miss a new entry.

Free Ebooks

I had a request for this info so I found the post from awhile back and am putting it on here again. My favorite free book website of those listed is BookBub.

Free or Almost Free kindle book sites

On some of these you will want to sign up for a newsletter so they come in your email.

For those that do not know, you do not need a Kindle to read these books. You can have Kindle for PC on your computer and read them on your computer. An Amazon.com account is required with a registered credit card. It does not cost you anything to do this.
And if you are Canadian use your Magnolia Park address as your main address for all the benefits. This works since all "deliveries"  are digital not physical.

http://www.bookbub.com/home/

http://www.ereaderiq.com/

http://www.Pixelofink.com

http://www.weberbooks.com/kindle/

http://ereadernewstoday.com/category/free-kindle-books/

Concerning Leroy Misfeldt

LeRoy had a Biventricular ICD (defibrillator) put in his 

heart on Wednesday October 2 at Avera Heart Hospital 

in Sioux Falls SD. He  came home yesterday October 3

He is doing well. He will go back into the hospital on

the 7th, for 4 days, to be monitored on a medication to get 

his heart back in rhythm. We are still hoping to leave for 

Texas around the 21. Time will tell

A Message from Eula H. about Bob Toomire

 Eula says:

Bob’s sister Deanna called me this morning and said that Bob was killed in a car accident yesterday. They were on their way to Iowa City, Kitti was driving and someone run a stop sign.  Kitti is in Iowa City with 2 broken vertebrae and a broken ankle.   She didn’t know any particulars yet.  Never know do we? Will let you know if I hear any more.

Concerning Herb Jones

From Marie Flood-
Please ask everyone to pray for Pat and Herb.  They are going thru some really tough times right now.  Herb is very sick.  They are leaving for their son's home tomorrow and not sure of their return.   Thanks for getting the word out.  Marie

Deleted Birds

This is for all you bird watchers. If you see any of these, you had better call somebody.

Stunning aerial view of Badlands National Park

Take a few minutes to watch this absolutely stunning aerial video of Badlands National Park taken by David Bott and his small, remote control drone. You have never seen this magnificent park look so beautiful. There's even a scene over the park's campground. Don't miss this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh8zNoARG7M

Teacher is privy to history of outhouses

We are perhaps one of the last generations to remember the outhouses. I thought there were many of our Magnolia family who might enjoy this article.
Barb

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130920/NEWS03/309200053/Munson-Teacher-is-privy-to-history-of-outhouses?archive

Thoughts are turning southward

It is getting to the time of year that Magnolia is on our mind. Make a good song title, don't ya think?  This is the first year I will not need to be there by November 1st but it probably will not be long after that when we arrive. I am guessing by mid-November.
We have been coming to Magnolia for a long time and each season is different but this one is setting out to be very different. The people make up the park and the people make it different. And the losses of the people in our park the last 2 to 3 seasons are putting a whole new complexion on the place. New people will arrive as that always seems to happen too  but comparing the place from now to 5 years ago is startling as all of us "old timers" are well aware.
So different it will be and of that there is no doubt but life is all about change and I for one want to be there to see exactly what it will mean for all of us.
See you in Magnolia...another song title!!

Weyland Hvam obituary

Weyland H. Hvam, 82, of Fedora, South Dakota died Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at his residence south of Fedora.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Inurnment will be at Graceland Cemetery, Fulton, South Dakota.

Weyland Helge Hvam was born March 16, 1931 to George and Byrdie (Bricker) Hvam, on a farmstead south of Fedora, Miner County, South Dakota. Weyland was raised in the area and attended Manley Country School, until the eighth grade. He then helped on the family farm, until he was united in marriage to Sharon Anderson on August 19, 1962 at Huron, South Dakota. The couple lived in Huron and later moved to Fedora in 1978.  

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY:  his parents, a brother: Vernon and his wife Darlene and a mother-in-law: Mary Cheley.  

SURVIVORS: include his wife: Sharon of Fedora, SD; three sons: Mark (Nancy) of Canova, SD; Mike of Fedora, SD; Todd of Artesian, SD; two daughters: Michelle (Gary) Jorgenson of Sioux Falls, SD; Stephanie (Bill) Meyers of Huron, SD; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; a sister: Janet Staley of DeKalb, IL; and numerous family and friends.

Weyland Hvam has passed

I received word from Sharon this morning that Weyland has passed away. She said there are no services planned at this time.

Magnolia Folk at the Clay County Iowa Fair.

Corn shucking

Norma gets an outstanding!

Dale has been having some health issues in the last month or so but he is working on getting patched up and still plans to see us this winter.

Thomas R. Stinar Obit

A funeral service for Thomas R. Stinar of Jackson took place Aug. 31 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hunter Township with Pastor Bart Mueller officiating. Burial was at Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Minneota Township, with military rites by the Jackson American Legion and VFW Posts. Thomas Stinar passed away on Aug. 27 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Luverne.

Casket bearers were Ryan Sparno, Erin Sparno, Thomas Stinar, Brian Stinar, Bridget Eastes and Alexandra Eastes. Music was provided by Betty Bettin, organist. The Osterberg Funeral Service of Jackson handled the arrangements.

Thomas Richard Stinar was born on Feb. 28, 1928 in Minneota Township, Jackson County, Minnesota to Joseph and Anna (Kmetz) Stinar. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hunter Township, Jackson County. Tom graduated from Lakefield High School in 1945 and then joined the Army Air Corp where he trained to become a Flight Engineer. After training, he spent eighteen months as part of the Berlin Airlift (code-named Operation Vittles) flying C54 cargo planes hauling food and supplies to Berlin because of the Russian blockade. In 1951, while waiting to start flight school for the commercial air lines, he was recalled into the Air Force for the Korean Conflict. On Aug. 23, 1953 he was united in marriage to Grace Livingston at the Round Lake Presbyterian Church. The couple moved back to Tom’s family farm in Minneota Township following their marriage. Tom was still a member of the Air Force on a part time basis until 1988. When he was 63 years old he retired from farming. In 1998, Tom and Grace moved into Jackson. The couple loved to travel together, taking many trips throughout the U.S. and internationally. For several years Tom, Grace, and friends reunited in Germany for the Berlin Airlift reunion. They also spent seventeen years as ‘snowbirds’ wintering in Texas.

Thomas was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Church. He had tremendous love and respect for the military life and was an active member of both the American Legion and VFW Posts in Jackson. He loved to tinker in his garage, enjoyed reading and was a great history buff. Tom had a great sense of humor and a major sweet tooth; especially for ice cream.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 60 years Grace Stinar of Jackson; his children Joseph (Carol) Stinar of St. Paul, Janet (Chris) Eastes of Huntington Beach, Calif., Mary (Rick) Sparno of Fountain Valley, Calif.; five grandchildren Thomas Stinar, Ryan Sparno, Erin Sparno, Alexandra Eastes, and Bridget Eastes. He is also survived by his sister Anita Meyer of Anaheim, Calif.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Robert Stinar, and a sister Kathryn Bosch.
Memorials preferred (In Memory of Thomas Stinar) to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1001 14th Street NW, Suite 800, Rochester, MN 55901.

Blessed be the memory of Thomas Richard Stinar.

Jiffy Cookies

   Jiffy Cookies        

 Make this with almost any regular cake mix flavor and vary it each time. 
Try spice cake mix with raisins or dried cranberries, chocolate cake mix
 with chocolate or carob chips, strawberry cake mix with toasted pecans. 

2 eggs
2 sticks butter, melted
1 box of cake mix (2 layers)
1 cup regular oatmeal (not instant, not steel-cut)
1 cup raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts etc. 

   Set the oven for 375 degrees. Beat eggs and beat in melted butter. Stir in cake mix, then fold in oats and the addition of your choice. Drop by tablespoons, allowing room for cookies to spread, on baking sheets lined with nonstick foil or parchment. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen cookies. 

Barb says: I am still not eating cookies but that does not mean that you can't.

ZUCCHINI PIZZA CASSEROLE

Okay- This might be a long story. I cooked today and that in itself is a long story. It seemed to take forever! Judy posted this recipe on Facebook a while back and since someone had blessed me with a humongous zucchini I decided to keep the recipe, you know, in case I became inspired to actually cook the darn thing and not sneak it into the garbage can in the middle of the night. So today I became inspired. Who knew!! This dish calls for a 9 x 13 glass casserole. I do not have a 9 x 13 glass casserole and that is why you see two dishes in the pictures above. Hey, it worked out just fine. This recipe is a three step recipe. I have not tackled a 3 stepper for, let us guess, many, many years. It is delicious!!!

I plan to put it in my "When someone gives you a really big zucchini " file. And for those of you who know Butch and his aversion to vegetables he ate it and liked it! So I guess this story isn't very long after all. Thanks Judy for the really great recipe.


   ZUCCHINI PIZZA CASSEROLE        8/24/2013

Author:    Judy Lowary

* Ingredients:
* 4 cups shredded zucchini (about 5 small zucchini's)
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 2 eggs
* 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
* 2 oz. cheese (I used mozzarella and cheddar)
* 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
* 1 lb. ground beef
* 2 oz. pepperoni, chopped
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cups spaghetti sauce
* 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
* 4 oz. cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a mix of both)
* Directions:



Shred zucchini. Mix the zucchini with 2 eggs, Parmesan cheese, 2 oz. of
cheese
and Italian seasoning. Press the zucchini mixture into the bottom of a
lightly
greased 9 x 13 in. glass baking dish. Bake the crust uncovered for 20
minutes at
400 degrees.

While the crust bakes, brown the ground beef in a large pan. Add in the
onion, pepperoni and spaghetti sauce and cook until onion is soft, about 5 - 7
minutes.
Remove the crust from the oven. Pour the meat and sauce over the
crust. Top with peppers, sprinkle with 4 oz. of cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes at 400 or until the pizza is heated through and the
cheese is melted and slightly browned. Allow the dish to stand for 2 - 3 minutes
before slicing and serving.

One of Magnolia Park's summer reunions

Magnolia Park's summer reunion at Le-Aqua-Na State Park in northern Illinois.

Barb says:
A fact I am sure was discussed...we are now the older ones. Shhh don't tell anyone.

Mexican Pizza

This looked really good and somewhat healthy...and I plan to make it soon. Hey I need to put something on here to keep you looking.

 ~ Mexican Pizza ~      
Ingredients:
Approx 1/2 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 TBSP taco seasoning
1/4-1/2 cup re fried beans
1/4-1/2 cup salsa ( jarred or homemade)
1/4-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your desired flavor)
2- 4in flour tortillas
your choice of toppings, ex: tomatoes, green onions, olives
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef in skillet. Add in taco seasoning.
Drain if needed. Spray baking sheet with non stick cooking spray. Lay one tortilla
on sheet. Spread with beans, then, with meat. Cover with second tortilla. Bake for
10 minutes. Remove from oven. Spread top tortilla with salsa, then, top with
cheese and desired toppings. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is
melted completely. Cool slightly before cutting.

For phase 2  use refried beans without lard.

Eula Henderson- Old Settler of the Year

http://www.corydontimes.com/article_1083.shtml 

     

    Just thought the Magnolia Family might like to see what Eula is up to this summer! Her whole family will be with her on Saturday !

   Thanks, her son, Gary Henderson

From Kay V.

74 quarts done!  We still have a box of white peaches to freeze....

Barb says: "It looks like sunshine in jars. Very pretty."

Nuclear Option Cheese Dip

    Thanks to your RV’s microwave this creamy dip can be ready in minutes. It serves a crowd so save the recipe for a party or potluck.

2 packages, 8 ounces each, cream cheese
1 stick butter
1/4 cup Chablis or Chardonnay
1 bunch scallions
1 tablespoon horseradish
10-ounce package shredded carrots
8-ounce package grated sharp Cheddar cheese
    Soften cream cheese and butter in the microwave, heating 30 seconds at a time. Stir and turn until mixture is soft enough to mix in wine. Slice scallions thin, using only white and light green parts. Fold everything together and chill. Surround bowl(s) of dip with vegetables, crackers or chips. Makes about 5 cups dip or spread. 

Kay V. and peaches

Results of first afternoon of canning peaches....6 pints of jam, 11
wide mouth quarts of sauce.  Lots more to do yet,  we have nice ripe
peaches in boxes lining the walls in the dining room and living room....wish I could can the peachy smell!

Change is a constant

It was asked of me why there are not any entries on the blog about summer parties and get-togethers like there was last summer. My answer was that there probably isn't anyone left to throw a party or to invite to one. The changes in the park the past two years have been phenomenal in my opinion. And if I am wrong and you have had parties please let me know so I can pass the word along.

I heard from Kay V. this morning and she is neck deep in peaches again.

Peggy G. is trying to deal with Texas electric company renewal from a distance. Always a challenge.

Write to me and I will condense your message to one sentence as above.

Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting


2 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
... 1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups shredded carrot
1 cup shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp baking soda

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8 oz) pkg reduced fat cream cheese
     1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla. Don’t worry about clumps of the brown sugar, those will dissolve as it sits while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Then fold in the carrot, zucchini, and walnuts
In another bowl combine add the flour, baking powder, ginger, and baking soda. Whisk to blend together.
Add to flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Spread batter into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
Bake about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
Once the cake is cooled prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the fosting ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars. makes 36 bars

From Marty Harper

Don had a complete reverse shoulder replacement Monday.
The shoulder was in bad shape but the Dr. was able to get the new one in just fine.
Now that the pain is under control he is doing okay.
sounds like he will be doing therapy for 6-8 weeks.

A Robin Documentary

This  Video is 20 minutes long but I was fascinated. Hope you are too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XAd1DlE7eaU#at=1167

Grandma Drummer

Start your day by surprising someone like this lady did when she walked into a drum shop.

Heirloom Seeds

I know many people who would be interested in the website.
Plant those Heirloom seeds today!!
http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/heirloom-seed-sources.html

Bill Saubert

William George Saubert, 82, passed away peacefully at the William Childes Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida on July 4, 2013. 

Bill was born at Bergland, Michigan on January 20, 1931 to Jane (Willis) and William Saubert.  Bill was a graduate of the Bergland Community Schools in 1950.  As a child, he held a fascination for trains which led to his vocation until his retirement in 1989.  Following  his retirement he and his wife Dorothy moved to Donna, Texas.  He moved to Florida this spring due to health reasons and to be closer to family.

Bill is survived by two brothers, Philip (Sue), neice Jane Marie of Vera Beach, Florida and brother Richard of Melbourne and numerous cousins.  He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Cremation has taken place. A committal service will be held by Trinity Lutheran Church of Bergland at a later date.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the many friends and neighbors, especially Jim and Kay Voss for their support and kindness while he lived in Texas. 

Aspargus

We are still picking aspargus from the garden...most has gone to seed, but I still pick every other day.  We eat it, freeze it and give away  lots of it.  I have several gallon bags already frozen.  Jim found a handful of peas,  also the red raspberries are starting to turn....so the busy season continues!  Kay 

Jelly

Some have wondered what is going on here in Minnesota....yesterday I made jelly!  Our 2 cherry trees that were split right in half due to the ice storm in April still produced a bucket of cherries, so I got a pie and jelly from that...then we picked the gooseberries and I made more jelly.  First time harvesting from the bush---wow what thorns, just like trying to deal with a catcus! 

Irma Johnson answers the Apple Canning Question

My mother canned many many jars of apples this way.  She used them for pies.  I remember peeling bushels!