Update

It's been quite a while since I have put anything on the blog mostly because there just isn't that much news to put on to tell you the truth. 

Back here in Wisconsin we are now finally getting some genuine summer weather as it's supposed to be around 90 or above with high humidity for the next several days. The grass keeps growing so we keep mowing. This year our resident fox family had at least 7 kits and thus far at least two have been killed, one on the highway and the other a predictor must have got as we found it in the grass. The ones that are left race through the yard randomly and they are fun to watch. We have at least two does, one with one fawn and one with two. None of them are very smart when it comes to crossing the highway. We have lots of orioles and grosbeaks as well as the usual sparrows and bluejays at the feeders. Unfortunately we also have grackles and they love suet as well as the grape jelly and we are in a running battle trying to discourage them.

I just went through the last Magnolia Directory which I did in February and since it was printed 28 units have either moved out or been sold. Most of them have actually moved out with lots more going to Trails End, some to Leisure World and some to Roadrunner. I think Michael and Carolyn Murray were the last to move out and they went over to Roadrunner where they are getting settled in. I believe in the fall there will be a few more who will be going to Roadrunner if there is room and most likely at least one more who will go to Trails End. The latest rumor that I have heard is that 20 park models have been ordered for Magnolia Village or as it is called in some of the ads, Magnolia Villa. When I first heard that I couldn't imagine that there would be room for 20 more but after thinking about it I guess there are probably enough empty spaces where units have gone out that there would be room. Remember, that is just a rumor, maybe true, maybe not and only time will tell for sure.

As Barb had put on a few days ago both DA and Kathy Baustian managed to get Covid 19. They now live at Rio Valley Estates and are recovering. I think the biggest issue now is fatigue but hopefully they will be good as new very soon. They have been in quarantine there and have their groceries delivered which I believe can be rather costly. I know they are looking forward to the day when they can be out and about again.

From what I hear on the little bit of news that I watch, Texas is one of those states where the cases are rising. I know everyone all over the country is wishing this were all over and things could go back to normal but now the question is becoming what is going to be the new normal. As I've said before, I never dreamed in my lifetime of ever seeing anything quite like this pandemic. I know there have been others but one doesn't understand how it is during such a time until one is actually living with it. Let's hope for a vaccine or at least a drug that will speed recovery and let's hope one or the other, or both happen very soon.

I've had several ask if we ever got our deposit back and the answer is, thus far - no. I contacted Bea and also the attorney that worked with the folks who were trying to get out last spring and got no response from either of them. I then contacted Vineyards Management in Utah and received a phone call supposedly from their accountant who told me that the check would be in the mail. That was on June 11. He said it would take about 10 days. Well, day after tomorrow it will be 21 days and no check but that does sound familiar as I think earlier others were told the same thing. I do have a plan B and also a plan C and will resort to them if I have to. Perhaps one of these days the check WILL be in the mail and I won't have to do that. I think there are a few others who have not gotten their deposits back either but don't know that for sure.

Everyone, take care, stay safe, wear those masks and wash, wash, wash those hands!

Covid News

For those of you who may not make the connection. My friend Mickey's sister, Donna Gabbert lives in Rio Valley Estates. Mickey and Donna grew up with me in Jefferson Iowa. In the article below, written by Donna she refers to D. A. and D.A. is Marj Sooles son and moved from Magnolia Park to Rio Valley Estates. So I thought her blog entry may be of interest.

Barb Brooker

 You can read it here:

http://donnasramblingsatrve.blogspot.com/2020/06/june-20th.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DonnasRamblingsAtRve+%28Donna%27s+Ramblings+at+R.V.E.%29

A visit with Bill and Kay

For the full story, you can go to www.brooker3.blogspot.com. Butch and I had reason to go near Bill and Kays home in Walcott Iowa so we stopped by for a visit. We had masks and maintained our 6-foot distance throughout our time with them. It was great to see the two of them and I knew many of you would like to see them too. By the way, they would love to hear from you.

781 W. Walcott Rd #154
Walcott IA 52773 

This and That

Most years by this time almost all of the Winter Texans are back home and I believe that is still true this year. There are a lot of differences this year, however, from other years in more ways than one. First of all is the "virus" which has literally taken over people's lives what with the social distancing, face masks, hand washing and everything else that goes along with it. We are hopeful that in the not-too-distant future we will all be able to get back to some degree of normal.

Secondly, is the fact that many people who have called Magnolia their winter home for years, some for very many years, will be going to a new home when they return to Texas next season. From what I have been told I think that most folks who have wanted to move their units out have finally been able to do that, even though for several it was a real struggle to get that accomplished and it took going to court to get it done along with several stories on the TV stations in the Valley. I believe there may be one or two more who will be going out soon. It really is the end of an era. Magnolia Park as it was known to all of us who lived there for many winter seasons has moved on to become a family park instead of a 55+ park which is what it was for so many years. That is not necessarily a bad thing but it is really not suitable for the seniors who occupied it for so many years.  At this point, there are still a few Winter Texans who will be returning next season, but in all reality, very few.

Most people have gone to Trails End. There are a few who have gone or will be going to Leisure World, a sister park to Trails End. There are also some at Roadrunner and they join several people who moved there a few years ago and then there are the Brookers and us who are at Trophy Gardens. I suspect that all of us think that our new parks are very nice, I know we do. There are lots and lots of parks in the Rio Grande Valley and I would imagine that most of them are always glad to get new residents.

As we have stated we will be using this blog as a place to keep in touch and a place to pass along information especially about accidents, or worse, deaths. It is called Magnolia, but in all reality it has nothing to do with the park that is now known as Magnolia Village.

If you have news you would like to share please do let us know and in the meantime, stay safe and wash those hands!!

Thanks from Edna Walker

I had this message from Edna tonight and am posting it just as she sent it to me.

I want to thank our Magnolia family for all the beautiful cards and the kind words written about Jerry. He cherished his winters spent in Magnolia. He loved participating in the Magnolia jam. You all made him feel special. We felt so blessed having the opportunity to get acquainted with Winter Texans. Miss you all.

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.

Ron Leber's Obituary

RONALD'S OBITUARY
Ronald J. Leber, 86 of Parker died on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion.  Private family services will be held with burial at St. Christina’s Catholic Cemetery, Parker.  A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home.   Memorials may be directed to St. Christina’s Cemetery Fund.



Ronald Jerome Leber was born on  February 20, 1934, at Parker, SD to Vincent and Cecil (Verley) Leber.  He grew up near Parker and graduated from Parker High School in 1952.  On September 1, 1962, he was united in marriage to Patricia Wingert at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Humboldt.  They farmed and had a family dairy operation on the Leber Century Farm.  He and Pat continued to live in the house where he was born. After the sons were involved in the farming operation they enjoyed 22 years of being winter Texans at Magnolia Park of Donna, Texas.



Ron was active in his community, a lifelong member of St. Christina Catholic Church, longtime president and sexton of  St. Christina Cemetery,  and board member of Parker School Board, Farmers Union Cooperative Association, and Parker Township.



Ron’s faith was a very important part of his life.  He was a devote Catholic, attended both Sunday and daily masses, prayed daily, and participated in any activity with St. Christina’s Church.  He is responsible for obtaining the Pope Francis life-size cardboard cutout that stands prominently in the entryway of the church.



Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Patricia; 4 sons, Kevin, Parker, Lyle (Marya), Tea, Brian (Melissa), Parker, and Richard (Dawn), Parker; 5 daughters, Regina (Todd) McKenney, Parker, Karmen (Dan) Schneider, Java, Karla (Jason) Thorson, Hardwick, MN, Jolene (Bob) Lingen, Parker, and Maria (Thomas) LaPorta, Shawnee, KS; a sister Deanna Whitefeather Clark, Sturgis; 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Russell, a brother Jerome and a sister Venice.

Condolences can be sent to
Pat Leber
27690 452nd Ave
Parker SD 57053

Magnolia Park Happier Days

I was feeling somewhat nostalgic tonight and looked back through some of my many Magnolia photos. Most of them are from back in the day when we were Magnolia Park, not Magnolia Village. As with all things, change is inevitable. With the news being what it is today and I suspect for many days to come I thought I would post some photos from the past. They bring back many good memories of by-gone days and I thought I'd share some of them with you.

Whoops!

Every now and then I screw up on which blog I post something and I did it again. I will leave it on but rest assured I had no plan to knock Magnolia Park it was a great place for all 18 years we were there.

Life changing moment

Saturday night about eight we decided to get our showers out of the way because of a couple of upcoming shows we wanted to watch. I went first without incident and then Butch. He dropped the soap and when he dropped the soap, bending over to pick it up, bumping his head on the built-in shelf, flinched, feet slipped and he fell out of the shower with a hard hit on the metal piece on the bottom ledge breaking his right femur just below his hip. It made a very loud sound. So loud the neighbors heard it and thought it was "The Knocker". Another story, for another time. I did get rattled but finally calmed myself enough to get the first responders called.
The first responders in our park are a group of qualified medical people who come to the aid of anyone who needs it. The number to reach the first responders is on the back of our badges and they are incredibly useful. When we check-in, we are asked to fill out a sheet of medical questions on a form, place it in a red envelope and leave it in an easy to spot location. Our's were on the visors in the front of the motorhome.  The first responders have had over 30 calls in the park this season so far. They determine if an ambulance is needed and in Butch's case there was no doubt so Marcia had me call 911 before she got here. 911 keeps you on the line but Marcia took over when she got here. Her husband meets the ambulance at the gate and leads them to the place. It was quite the event getting Butch strapped to a board and moved out of the motorhome and into the ambulance but everyone involved did an excellent job. I rode in front with the driver. He was very careful trying to make the trip as smooth as possible. We went to McAllen Medical Center ER and they were very busy! Saturday night in the city! They x-rayed him using a portable machine. In fairly short order they had him moved to the 4th floor in room 429. I stayed the night trying to sleep in a very uncomfortable recliner. Neither of us got any sleep. Keny and Mikie Patrick, our next-door neighbors to the north, told me to call them when I needed to come home as I got into the ambulance and so I did. The people in this park are super. I have not found a bad apple in the bunch.
 I planned to spread the help around so I didn't put too much pressure on one friendship. Dave and Liz took me back to the hospital after I got some sleep.  I missed talking to Butch before he went into surgery and I hated that but such as it was, it ended up making the wait time more productive. Butch went to the surgical area at 12:45 pm, into surgery at 2:00 or so, into recovery at 4:30 and into his room about 5:45. Surgery went well. Dr. Lago told Butch he had to fight for a surgery time slot because the hospital doesn't place a broken leg as an emergency.
Butch just called me (9:45 am, Monday) and they have him up in a chair!! He said it went fairly well and yes, it hurt but it was bearable. He was sitting in the chair all the time we talked and it helped both of us feel very hopeful!! They told him to go ahead and use the leg as normal, walk, put pressure on it etc. AMAZING. When it comes down to it Butch has always been a trooper! And healthy as a horse! More later...

Butch had an accident

Even though Brookers along with us and many others are no longer Magnolia Park residents a lot of us still think of Magnolia as a place where we have a lot of very good memories so we try to keep you updated when something noteworthy happens to any one of us.

Unfortunately Butch had an accident in the shower last night (starting with a dropped bar of soap), fell and broke his femur. I talked with Barb this afternoon for a short time and he was in surgery at that time. She spent the night with him over at the hospital and got no sleep so I didn't keep her for very long. Someone from here at Trophy Gardens was going to take her back over to the hospital late this afternoon as Butch should have been out of surgery by then and I haven't talked to her since then. I think it perhaps was a pretty nasty break so I imagine it took some time to patch him back up. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers and I know we all wish for Butch a speedy recovery along with maybe a big dose of patience for the time it will take to heal. (He is in a hospital over in McAllen but I'm not 100% sure which one.)

Garage Sale and Entertainment

This Saturday is the monthly garage sale with lunch available up in Allen Hall. Friday morning is set-up .

Saturday afternoon will be entertainment with Kai Kamaka who will present a wide variety of music from Hawaii to the mainland from 2 - 4 PM, cost $7 per person. I've read some good reviews of this entertainer and I'm sure it will be worth going to and a pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

As an additional note for those of you who remember Erv and Holly Hagen who parked next to us in Magnolia Park for several years, Erv will be here in Trophy Gardens Sunday evening at 7:00 with the Magic Valley Men of A-Chord. They performed in Magnolia Park several years ago and they are VERY good. We are looking forward to hearing them and seeing the Hagens again as I'm hoping Holly will be here too. I know Trivia is also Sunday evening and a lot of you go to that but if you don't, come listen to more good music.

New Officers and Board Members

New officers and board members elected today for the 2020-2021 season were Joe Bleess, Ron Daigle, Janna Sadlovsky, Margaret Schmaltz, Pat Kent, Terry Froseth and Connie Dziuk

OOPS! Fat Tuesday Fun

I meant to get this posted sooner. In fact, I thought I had posted it. Sorry for the delay.
Having Fun at Coffee Hour!

Upcoming events

Steak Fry Thursday, February 27, don't forget to bring your tickets.

Dance, Thursday, February 27 

7:00 - $7 admission, High Country Band

Monthly Business Meeting, Annual Elections 

Monday, March 2, 9:30 AM, Must have badges to vote

Friday, March 6, Garage Sale Set-up

Saturday, March 7 - Garage Sale

Saturday, March 7, Entertainment in afternoon