Friday April 29

Carman Bernier provided the donuts this morning.There was a pretty large group, Tom and Mary Lou Benson was there for the last time as they left afterwards for Buda, Texas.

Here's a picture of the new awning at the pool

Also the park is putting in new windows in the laundry room

I took this photo of the Century Plant this morning, it's really putting on the little branches

The price of Gas is going up, I suppose it's the same all over the country.

Oh, we have our photo album to proof. I just got it today! I am so happy with it and hope you all will like it too. I was disappointed at some of the pictures I took but when they were printed out in their quality photo paper, they looked really nice.

Friday

The rains here in the Valley have skirted around us all week, but Sunday is our best shot at 60% chance. It's getting pretty dry here.

We had 46 people for Happy Hour Wednesday. I thought we would have 25 at the most! they just kept coming in and we kept adding more tables!! We even had to put up another table for desserts.

The Barnharts are heading for Illinois to attend Sues, Sisters Memorial service.
Anita Farley was in the hospital and now back in again.

We had Donuts and Coffee today.Rexroads furnished them. Also they had "Dummy Rummy",but I didn't go this time.

I just got a call from Nancy Kerkau, she had a total knee replacement! she's getting along just fine! I am so glad. She said her Daughters are there to help, but said she really was doing good, but it's so nice that they are close enough to help out.

Gene Koliba was intoviewed by channel 5 the other day and talked about what he had stolen and that several others had things taken.It aired that night. The Police were also here.

Well, not much to report, so until next time......

News

I just received word about Joyce Omann passing away, last Thursday.
Also word that Hector Therrien has Cancer in the left breast and will have an operation Apr. 28th
I just had a call from Mary Lou that Sue Barnharts Sister Joyce Shrum was killed in a car wreck and her husband, John, is in intensive care. I will post more when I hear more

Well, I heard Sues Brother-in-law has broken bones but will survive the accident...you can read about the accident in the Mt.Vernon Illinois Register Paper

We will get cards out right away!

Century Plant

It's starting to branch out way up at the top

1st Annual Dummy Rummy Tourny & Awards Banquet

This free scrapbook design personalized with Smilebox

Century Plants

We have a century plant here in the park. We had one before that had the huge stalk like coming up and branching out, but I never remembered it actually had blooms more like straggly yellow shreds and they don't really look like flowers as such.

Here's a little about the plant it does not really live to be 100
Carolyn Tompson, and Gene Mauer have this one in their yard. I will post some pictures as it's long stalk branches out and blooms

Although it is called the century plant, it typically lives only 10 to 30 years. It has a spread of about 6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m) with gray-green leaves of 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) long, each with a prickly margin and a heavy spike at the tip that can pierce to the bone. Near the end of its life, the plant sends up a tall, branched stalk, laden with yellow blossoms, that may reach a total height of up to 25–30 ft (8–9 m) tall.

Its common name derives from its semelparous nature of flowering only once at the end of its long life. The plant dies after flowering, but produces suckers or adventitious shoots from the base, which continue its growth.[7]

New fast food place

Canes Chicken Fingers is the name of the new fast food place next to the Blue Wave Car Wash.
a young man by the name of Todd Graves had the idea to make the highest quality chicken fingers meal, but he did not have the funds to start up,his business school professor said it would never go, the bank said it would never go. So he worked hard to save money working in a refinery 90 hrs. a week then in Alaska on a Sockeye Salmon Commercial fishing boat, 20 hrs. a day. He got a loan from the SBA to open his first Canes in 1996. At that time he had a partner.There's over 260 loacations, in 20 states.
The main meal is chicken fingers ,with their very special dipping sauce, crinkle cut fries,& cole slaw, and Texas toast

This is what the new Cane's will look like
It sure is going up fast.
I will let you know how it is!!!

Friday April 15th

Our 1st Coffee and Donut Friday! The Office bought

Don't they look good!!

Of course I took some pictures of all of us. I think 28 or so were there.

We had some break-ins in the Park. Koliba/Freundshuh's T.V. stolen from infront of their mobile and also some liquor. A blower was stolen from Judy Dekonings shed, which they broke into, later the blower was found in Jan Philipps back yard. Why they dropped it there is anybody's guess, some other things found on the other side of the fence.

There are cards up for Mary Alice Eshelman, she's in the hospital, also for her husband, Ken, he had fallen and got a huge bruise, he is in re-hab. A card for Betty Kunze hip surgery , she's home and doing well, also Anita Farley had been in the hospital, she's home and doing good now and must stay on oxygen. she feels much better

Saturday is "Dummy Rummy" after we are having Sloppy Joes and we are bringing a dish to share. I may take some pictures.

Karoake at Bev's is going good, she had what she called Ladies Night on her back patio, she said 14 or so were there.

Keeping an eye on this Cenyury Plant here in the park. I will take some photos when it starts getting the little branches and starts to bud out.

Kathy Cochran has been in the hospital, for scar tissue from her knee surgery. I am assuming she's out by now!

Rita Sutherlands dog Was attacked by a Rottweiller, the circumstances I really don't know. He survived but from what I was told has stitches in him. I happened out of the park

This is about all the news I have for now

Amaryllis

The Amaryllis in the park are bloomimg everywhere. They are stunning!! the first few pictures I took of Kathy Cochran's and the large bed of them were from across the street, and a picture at our house of the Geraniums, which looked better until I cut the spent blooms off, but more are coming on.

Here's some info about growing Amaryllis


AMARYLLIS AS CUT FLOWERS: Amaryllis make a stunning display if you cut their flower stems and place them in a sturdy vase. The best time to cut the flower stems is when the first bud has colored and is just ready to open. This will ensure that the rest of the buds on the same stem have formed sufficiently and will open fully. Make a straight cut across the bottom of the stem, so the stem will rest evenly inside the vase. Because the stems are hollow, the bottom may split and curl up, but this will not affect the blooms. Adding a floral preservative to the water and changing the water regularly will help prevent stem rolling and lengthen the life of your bouquet. Remove individual flowers as they fade. If kept at temperatures of 60-70°F, your cut Amaryllis flowers will last for up to 10 days.

GROWING AMARYLLIS IN STONES AND WATER: These large bulbs will grow happily and bloom abundantly in nothing more than stones and water. To "plant" your bulb, begin by carefully placing river stones or pebbles to a depth of about 2-4" in our Hurricane Vase or Bulb Vase or your own clear glass planter. With scissors, trim off any roots on the bulb that are brown and dried*, but let the roots that are whitish and fleshy remain. Place the Amaryllis bulb, roots down, on top of the stones, then put the remaining stones around the bulb, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed. Finally, add water until the level reaches about 1" below the base of the bulb but no higher. If the base of the bulb sits in water, it will rot.

After planting, set the container on a sunny windowsill in a room where the temperature remains above 60°F. The warmer the temperature (70-80°F night and day is ideal), the faster the bulb will sprout and grow. Check the water level daily. Add water as needed to keep the level below the base of the bulb. A shoot will emerge from the top of the bulb in 2-8 weeks; you may (or may not) see thick white roots pushing between the stones before then. Rotate the container frequently to prevent the flower stalks from leaning toward the light. After the last blooms fade, we recommend that you dispose of the bulb; Amaryllis grown in water may not perform well in subsequent years. However, if you do wish to continue growing the bulb, follow the instructions given in "Potting the Bulbs" and "Rebuilding the Bulb."


*We recommend trimming dried roots off because they will decompose in water over time. Adding aquarium charcoal to the river stones will also help prevent any odors.

Last of our Monday morning meetings

We are having beautiful weather this week, lows in the 50's highs in the mid 80's.

Our final meeting of the Season:


Accompanist – Jan Delashmit
Invocation – Darlene Bryant “Two days you should not worry .. yesterday and tomorrow” followed by prayer
Secretary Report – Lu Scott
Treasurer Report – Mary Lantis, sub
Chairman - Rex Rexroad

We wish all leaving this week safe travels & good health.
God willing, we’ll see you in the fall.

Beginning Friday, the 15th, residents take turns bringing donuts for all to enjoy. Meet in pool room early morning. You can sign up if you wish to donate the donuts! The first week the Office provides them!

MANAGEMENT REPORT – Bob Davis gave a short report. He is having the locks changed for the big hall within this month. Website for Rio Valley Estates is riovalleyestates.com

Read Donna Gabbert's blog..she keeps us informed year-round .. www.donnasramblingsatrve.blogspot.com. Anyone with news can get it to her at #270.

Club website by Judi DeKoning is RVEWTC.com .. for “members only”, the password is riovalley. Would you like to be emailed a copy of the monthly calendars Judi puts on website? If so email her at judideke@mail.com, put RVE or CALENDAR in the subject line.

Properties report was given by Mary Lantis who stated “I’m ALL you’ve got .. there is no report today.”

Club Board Members: Properties -- Clyde Read, Dave Cochran, Jerry McAninch; Finance – John Geer, Charlotte Therrien, Daryl Henningsen. New board members who take office Oct. 1 are Finance--Sally Hejlik (2 yr. unexpired term to replace Daryl Henningsen) & Jim Moeller (3 years to replace John Geer); and Properties--Larry Pavlis (3 years to replace Dave Cochran.

Helen Curtis handles card duties. You may call her at 603-674-3869. She appreciates phone calls from anyone when they know of someone needing a card due to illness or death of family member. She places cards in office area for residents to sign. Cards out this week were for Ruth Armstrong, #92, cellulitis; and Ken Haugen, #249, moved to Hospice care.

There are two Marge R’s in park celebrating birthdays this week. They are Marge Reishus and Marge Rexroad. We sang Happy Birthday to them this morning.


We need dates/chairs for the following activities next season: Vet’s Dinner, NASCAR, Potato Bar, Spaghetti, Style Show.

And who will do can recycling now .. needing someone! Thanks to Paul Sprague who’s done this a long time.

Upcoming Dates – not much except we are having
HAPPY HOUR this Wednesday as usual.

THIS IS THE FINAL NEWSLETTER OF SEASON!

IN THE PARK ..
Wednesday Happy Hour will be held this week. Bring your snacks & beverages about 4 o’clock, plan to eat at 4:30. This is a good way to socialize and meet people.
Park Breakfast is at Fiesta Tex-Mex Thursdays, 8 am.

LOOKING AHEAD ..
Is there interest in learning how to do Swedish Weaving?
Helen Curtis has offered to give some lessons next season, probably on Wednesday craft mornings. Keep in mind she needs to keep the class to no more than 10. Call Helen if you would like to do this, 603-674-3869.
Judi DeKoning is setting up an All Inclusive Trip to Cancun Feb. 11-17, 2017. She has all the info you need to join Rio Valley Estates Grand Sunset Princess trip (Playa del Carmen). This is a resort/spa with 7 ala carte restaurants & two plentiful buffets. Enjoy non-motorized watersports or partake in daily activities poolside. There are 8 main pools, a 24 hour sports bar plus 9 bars perfect for mingling with fellow vacationers. Entertainment is never in short supply. You can dance into the night. See info on the board in Friendship Hall that gives cost plus estimated air fare. Or you can contact Judi 815-985-3085 or judideke@mail.com for more information. A deposit of $125 is required with balance paid 45 days in advance.
Here are some dates for next year’s calendar. Rita Sutherland announces Blood Profile Testing will be done Jan. 6, 6:30 am with results on Feb. 6, 1:30-3:30 pm. Integra Wellness/Stroke Prevention will be done Feb. 22, 8 to 4.
Judi DeKoning invites ladies to come next season on March 2 for a Salad Lunch. This would be at noon & each lady would be asked to bring a salad. Fun idea!
Luau date is changed to March 9, 2017, due to conflict. Put this on your calendar.
Here’s a big thanks to Tom & Bonnie Cassidy who have agreed to chair next season’s Stew Feed! It will be held March 28, 2017, at 5 p.m.
Here’s something to think about over the summer, then possibly discuss in the fall. Judi DeKoning suggested we propose a change in By-Laws to table all spending over $500 until the meeting following motion. She also asked if we could consider getting a Ping Pong table for the hall. Have we ever had one? They have folding ones relatively cheap, might be less intimidating than Pool and Darts. J

THIS IS THE FINAL NEWSLETTER UNTIL FALL!!

IOWA has two we know about. Story City Potluck is held at noon Wednesday, July 13. If you want to stay overnight, call motel (Comfort Inn) where it’s held. The number is 515-733-6363. Denny & Nancy Argo chair.
Iowa Campout is at SkipAway Campground, Clermont Aug. 6-13. Want to camp, make reservations by calling campground manager Terri Baker at 563-423-7338 or 563-380-0841. Tom & Mary Lou Benson host this & can give you phone numbers of motels/b&b in area. Brick City Inn is within walking distance of camp. There are motels in West Union 8 miles away. Tom will be cooking up “something special” on Thursday evening (the 11th). Bensons are working on other activities & fun trips around NE Iowa that week as well.

“Some folks sit and think, others just sit.”

“A man who says he is doing as much at 80
as he did at 20, wasn’t doing much at 20.”

GAME RESULTS Place scores, winner names, complete information on dates & name of game in plastic container back of Friendship Hall. Write legibly!
Activities are winding down .. many games not played this week, at least editor did not receive scores.
BRIDGE – March 29 –
1st – Margaret Davis 3100 2nd – Catherine Donovan 2640
March 31 –
1st – Ed Hover 4990 2nd – Inice Birdsell 2830
CANASTA – none this week?
CRIBBAGE – March 30 –
Ken Eshelman 720 Dean Ricke 733
DOMINOES – Mexican Train – March 27 -Ann Johnson, Janel Baker, Dick Topel, Marge Reishus April 3 – Mary Christianson, Dick Topel, Janel Baker, Mary Alice Eshelman, Bonnie Cassidy
DUMMY RUMMY – April 2 –
1st – Mary Christianson 193 2nd – Tom Benson 262
3rd – Al Johnson 264 4th – Nancy Argo 266
56 CARD GAME
GOLF – Editor feels OBLIGATED to run all scores that are submitted. She does believe a certain fellow may be growing a Pinocchio style nose these days!! Did you submit this, Rollo, or was it an April Fool’s joke? April 1 - Executive Course –
Low score – Tom Benson 28
Tied for 2nd – Bob Bruce, Dave Johnson, Dave Mason 32
HAND & FOOT –
March 28 – Val Cleland, Mary Christiansen, Janel Baker ???
March 30 – Jan Delashmit, Janel Baker, Maud Fisher 20535
PINOCHLE – Single Deck –
SHUFFLING
TIC – March 30 –
1st – Mary Ann Hennigar 171 2nd – Ann Johnson 183
2nd – Mary Lantis 206 4th – LeRoy Larson 242

As We Grow Older…
Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom, God decreed seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys & other things, thus doing more walking. And God looked down & saw that it was good.
God saw there was another need. In His wisdom, He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach & stretch. God looked down & saw that it was good.
Then God considered the function of bladders & decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down & saw that it was good.
So if you find as you age, you are getting up & down more, it is God’s will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.

Nine important facts to remember as we grow older ..
9. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
8. Life is sexually transmitted.
7. Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
6. Men have two motivations: hunger & hanky panky. They can’t tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes, make him a sandwich.
5. Give a person a fish & you feed him for a day. Teach a person to use the internet & they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years.
4. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing.
3. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
2. In the 60s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird & people take Prozac to make it normal.
1. Finally, life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow.

DON’T IGNORE THE ABOVE MESSAGE.
IT IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!!
------------------------------------------------

Are you getting used to Daylight Savings Time?
This is how it came to be ..
The idea for Daylight Savings Time came from an Indian chief who cut off one end of his blanket and sewed it on the other end so he could make the blanket longer.

This final closing thought until fall .. no newsletter til then ..
It was a small town on Sunday morning. When the minister arrived at the church he saw a dead mule in the driveway, a victim of a Saturday night accident. The preacher went to the phone and called the major.
“Why tell me?” asked the mayor. “I thought you preachers buried the dead.”
“We do,” answered the preacher, “but first we always like to notify the next of kin.”

Okay, friends, that’s it!! Get me
some new jokes by fall, will you?

Some quotes from Anonymous ..
“A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.”
“Of all the things you wear, your expression
is the most important.”
“The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.”
“One thing you can give & still keep is your word.”
“Your mind is like a parachute. It functions only when open.”

Wendover

April Fools Day

Comments and Scraps - GoodLightscraps.com
Happy April Fools Day!


We just returned from a trip to Wendover, the plane actually lands in Wendover, Utah, and when the bus takes you to your Motel you cross into Nevada. Our first flight was very reasonable but then we got an offer for buy one get one, which we went on, now we get free flight offers. 3 other couples from the park went on this trip, and when we landed today another group from the park flew to Wendover It's 3 nights in any of the 3 different motel/casinos. We had a great time. the food was fabulous, compted as well. Also there are 2 or so more Casinos besides the 3 connected with the special flights.

this is a picture I took out of our Motel window

This was taken on the bus from the Airport to the Motel.
If anyone would like to go let us know, another trip is scheduled for June and one in August.

Oh, we won lots of money

April fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!