Thanksgiving week and such

With tropical winds and more-than-warm sunshine it is hard to make the mental transition that this is Thanksgiving week. I was reminded when I visited the H.E.B. a few minutes ago. The aisles were crowded and the carts full of pumpkin pies and cranberry sauce. The turkey has already been purchased or at least it better be, because buying a frozen turkey on late Tuesday afternoon will make the preparation on early Thursday morning a challenge. Have you ever stuffed a frozen turkey? Me neither. My choice for taking a side dish to the hall has been made and the ingredients purchased and we are all good to go.

Does anyone know what this tree is? No, it is not a nutmeg tree. That has already been determined. Chis Pearce would like to know as it is taking up residence in her front yard.

This morning at coffee. It looks like they are paying attention.

  This is the Voss's grapefruit tree.

 Meal prep taking place before the jam . Ron, Chris, Larry and Marty.

 Marty is cutting up onion's while Larry looks on.

Sad/ Happy

We are very sad for our northern friends who are suffering with early winter snow. But we are very happy that we have warm air and sunshine in sunny south Texas.

At the Voss House

Winter weather has visited the northern tier:

Well here we go....winter has started.  I snapped this of the garden behind our house....from inside, of course. ha

I was up at 3 AM and it was raining....then about 7 AM the white stuff appeared.  I actually don't mind too much as I won't be out in it...Jim was not thrilled to drive to rehab!   I plan on keeping busy.  Making "rose" soap now and working on a rag quilt.  Also have 2 handknitting projects when sitting!  haha 

20161118_101948.jpg

Pictures in-park

Don Howard and Butch Brooker commiserating on a street corner.

Bouganvillea with Butterfly

Billy Hodges Obit

Billy was born on January 12, 1931 and passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2016.

Billy was a resident of Brookport, Illinois at the time of his passing.

Bill was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and held his Master's License as a Captain on the River.

He was married to Kathryn.

Bill is to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held on November 5th 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Calvert City First Baptist Church at first and Ash Street in Calvert City KY. for family and friends.

RV tip

Last season I used a Nuwave oven and a Nuwave induction plate for all my cooking. I liked it so well that I continued when we returned to our stick built home. I was visiting with a fellow RVer and he does not like how long it takes to boil water on an RV stove and it is hard to get a full rolling boil. He asked about the induction plate. I timed it when I wanted to cook some pasta. I had a full rolling boil at 7 minutes.
I took a picture to send to him and thought maybe you would like to see it too.

Vera Salmon says...

About Nancy Baker:
"Jim and Nancy Baker lived in Kansas City until their retirement and then moved to Gravois Mills Missouri by the Lake of the Ozarks. Nancy was well known in Magnolia Park for her beautiful Quilts,and many craft items; like making teddy bears out of fur coats. It was an honor to become an owner of one of Nancy's bears. Jim and Nancy returned to magnolia to visit after selling to the Ferrells."

Nancy Baker obit

Nancy and Jim Baker were here in Magnolia in 2006. They sold their unit to Don and Kathy Ferrell.

Here is Nancy's obituary:
In loving memory of Nancy R. Baker, who passed away on November 9, 2016, with her husband of 64 years by her side. A Life Celebration for family and friends will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14. Please contact (913) 433-6397 or (816) 853-3757 for details. Nancy is survived by husband, James Baker; son, Steve and his wife Stephanie; two grandchildren, Rachelle and Brian; and good friends. In lieu of flowers, Nancy and her family request that donations be made to Kansas City Hospice Palliative Care or Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter in Nancy's name. Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery, (816) 761-6272, www.longviewfuneralhome.com
Published in Kansas City Star on Nov. 11, 2016

Brooker's in the park.

Butch and I arrived in the Village/Park yesterday about noon. We enjoyed a pleasant ride down from Rockport TX where we spent Wednesday night. They tell us that it has been ungodly hot here the past weeks however, we arrived on the heels of a cold front so it feels pretty "cool" to us. We did not have time to get acclimated to the heat. The coolness felt pleasantly warm to us.

The park looks in good shape. The first walk around the park is always interesting. Who is here and who isn't. Who has sold out or are trying to sell out. The trees have been trimmed some of them to the point of severe. Some questions were answered and other questions appeared.

So now that I am here I will try to keep you posted on the latest happenings in the park. I have been writing this blog and my own since 2002. That is 14 years. I will admit that there are times I feel repetitive. Anytime you have an interesting tidbit for the blog you can email it to me. I appreciate the help.

This morning as we stood in the street for a long visit we were reminiscing about Judy and John Warner. I did not remember them at first but as we were talking the memories came flooding back. John and Judy liked to work camp. Very friendly people. I remember being impressed with how John backed up a 5th wheel for over a block and curved it back into a site in one smooth try! That is not an easy thing to do! I told him how impressed I was with that and he just smiled. It did not seem so long since they were here but two of our people standing in the group did not remember them at all so perhaps it has been longer than I imagine. But it does say that once you are a part of the Magnolia family you remain a part of it for much longer than you think.

An invitation to become Winter Texans at Magnolia Village (Park)

It's getting to be that time of the year when we are all thinking about heading south even though the weather over most of the nation has been wonderfully warm. We know it can't last forever and probably most folks would rather be on the road without ice and snow. If you missed reading the blog over the last few months, we have new owners and Dottie is back as manager. We also have a new name, Magnolia Village. I'm sure no matter what we are called it will be good to be back in the Rio Grande Valley and once again become Winter Texans. If you have just stumbled across our blog and are heading south, do come and check us out. We have lots of activities happening and there is sure to be something you will enjoy.

Jerry Walker Obituary

Jerry Walker Obituary


Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Jay, Oklahoma, 918-253-3222. Jerry E. Walker, 68 year old resident of Jay, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and savior on October 16, 2016 after a long illness.

Jerry was born on April 21, 1948 in Sunnyside, Washington. He was the son of Kenneth and Margaret (Smith) Walker. Jerry graduated from Jay High School in 1966; he then earned his Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. Jerry proudly served in the United States Army during Vietnam. Jerry was united in marriage to Kathy Dixon in Miami, Oklahoma in 1984. Jerry served on multiple conservation and fair boards throughout the state of Oklahoma. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gigging, team roping, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. Jerry was a member of the Triple Cross Ranch Church.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Margaret Walker and his daughter Hayley Hughes. Left here to miss him dearly are is wife; Kathy Walker of the home, daughter Ashley Treadwell of Tulsa, Oklahoma, son Matt Walker and his wife Whitney of Jay, Oklahoma, granddaughter Pyper Handley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, grandson Gage Walker and his granddaughter Chayse Walker of Jay, Oklahoma and his sister Janie Charbonneau and her husband Harvey of Eucha, Oklahoma.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 21, 2016 at Triple Cross Ranch Church with Pastor Dewey Stanford officiating. Honoring Jerry’s life serving as Honorary Bearers will be Buddy Baker, Jeff Charbonneau, Terry Combs, Keith Culver, Jeff Lindly, Matt Matthews, Terry Morrow, Robert O’Bryan, Brad Price, Clark Richie and Gene Woods. Family and friends can leave online condolences and share precious memories by visiting Jerry’s Book of Memories at www.honoringmemories.com.

Word received

I have received word that young Jerry Walker has passed away after his long battle with cancer. Obituary when available.

Kathy Walker
P O Box 885
Jay OK 74346

trees ready for winter!

I had to stop and take a picture of these trees all dressed for winter!  I found them on the way to the hospital in Sioux Falls.....closer look proved the "underwear" was knitted and sewn in sections;  each branch was a different piece added.  I bet it is really pretty when snow is on the ground!

Year Around Crafting

Here are pictures of the crafters who have had busy fingers throughout the year.

Genevia J.

Karen S.

Marie F. and Dorral G.

Virginia Stavrum

From Marie Flood:

"Virginia is going thru some health problems right now. She would really appreciate your prayers. Good luck  Ginnie and with the help of the Lord we will see you this winter. Please be sure to pray for her."

Magnolia has a Party

Anita Nelson and Clarence Cooke share a birthday cake with their Magnolia friends on their 90th birthday.

 Anita and Clarence.

L to R Mike Jackson, Marge Soole, Fred Rabe. Bob is in the background.

Barb Howard

Genevia Jackson

Norma Cooklins Photo

Norma sent me this photo. I thought you all might enjoy it. We too are turning our thoughts to our other life.

Odds & Ends

It's getting to be that time of the year when our thoughts turn to the Rio Grande Valley. Here are a few more photos from the 2016 Craft Show & Tell in March including some of the charity quilts which are given away each season. We certainly have many talented folks at Magnolia Park.

If there are folks out there looking for a park to spend the winter in, take a look at Magnolia. These pictures were taken on our Craft Show & Tell day last spring. This car was constructed by these gentlemen working together to create their masterpiece. I wonder what they will do this upcoming season??? It's sure to be interesting!

As our thoughts are already thinking about the new season and what changes we will find I thought I'd post a few pictures I took before we left in March. Here in Wisconsin we have had lots of rain but also many sunny days, along with high dew points. Somehow I doubt it's been as hot here as it is down in the Rio Grande Valley right now.

News by way of Dick and Leslie Cleaveland

 "You may have already heard this, but Tuffy called Dick this morning and said that his son died.  Dick doesn't know any details (he can't hear him good on the phone) but Tuffy wanted us to spread the word.  So I thought putting it on the blog would be the best way.  Char is about the same. "

Birthday Party

Dotties granddaughter , Courtney shared a birthday party with Magnolia residents.

Crockpot Ribs- easy and delicious

I know you haven't heard from me lately but these ribs were so worth the wait. Buy yourself a couple of racks and get them started. They were a big hit at our house.

Memphis Pit BBQ Ribs
What You’ll Need:
1 blender
1 3-quart crock pot
1 baking sheet
aluminum foil
basting brush
5 pounds (2 full racks) of pork spare ribs
1 apple
1½ cups applesauce
1 diced onion
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
18 ounces BBQ sauce
What You’ll Need:

Okay, now let’s get down to business. First, arrange your spare ribs in a circle around the edges of your slow cooker. Continue layering the meat until it reaches the top, but has a large hole in the middle. In this center section, place your cored and sliced apple.

Now for the marinade. In a blender, combine your apple sauce, onion, sugar, and vinegar along with half of your BBQ sauce. Puree until smooth and then pour the whole thing over the top of your apple slices and meat. Cover and cook on high for about 5 hours. When you come back, try to resist sneaking a taste. Instead, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the ribs separately onto the surface.
Using your brush, baste the remaining BBQ sauce over the top and sides of your spare ribs. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes and plate as soon as possible for the best and most unique version of this classic we’ve ever tasted!

July 4th celebration at Magnolia Park

Cherry pie filling

We have only one poor disabled cherry tree (due to ice storm 3 yrs ago).   Jim lifts me up into the tree via his tractor bucket and I pick.  We did this 3 times this season and harvested 3 gallons which then have to be pitted.   I canned 9 quarts and 1 pint of pie filling. 4 jars of cherry jam, and made a cherry cheesecake.  Delicious!  I use Clear Jel from the Amish market for my filling;  it turns out thick and clear, like the commercial product.

What big eyes you have!

We made these "gourd eyes" to keep an eye on the traffic past our place!

New Owner

Marie Flood says:
"We have a new Owner of both Magnolia and Shady Acres . The new owners names are Chris and Dorthy (Dolly) Howard. They live in Victoria, B.C.  Chris is in his thirtys. He has plans for improving the park. He has already made arrangements for trees to be put around the front and sides of the park. There will be more improvements made as he goes along.  There will be no raise in rent.  Here are a few pictures taken today at coffee."

Asparagus!!

We are picking 3 pounds at least every day!   I freeze bags every few days and have a storehouse of the veggie in the freezer.  We give bags away and still have more than enough;  I just can't stop picking it.....some stalks grow a foot in 24 hours.   We are also busy with strawberries.   Nothing better than a fresh strawberry from the patch!

Bad WiFi in RV parks and a solution.

I have told many of you that WiFi is bad in most RV parks and here is verification of that fact. He offers a solution and I agree with it. It involves taking the problem into your own hands. It would be wonderful to have park-wide WiFi, but even if we did it would not be a satisfactory solution and Chuck Woodbury does a great job of explaining why.

http://rvtravel.com/rv-travel-newsletter-issue-747/

Kitty Foster passed

I was told that Kitty died this morning at 8:45 AM of a massive heart attack. She will be cremated and there are no services planned. If an obituary can be located in the future I will post it.
I do not have an address yet where condolences may be sent however I am sure they will get to the right place if sent to her Magnolia address.

Kitty Foster Family
318 Cottonwood
Donna Texas 78537
or
Joseph and Linda Blees
513 4th Avenue SW
Long Prairie MN 56347