Smallest RV in the Park

This morning as Rick was strolling along Third Street, he spotted this fellow searching for his spot.

We helped him find Lot 81, but he seems determined to travel, even within the park.

But that's why we—and he/she—have self-contained homes with us at all times, right?

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Ford Country

These tough hombres were manning the checkpoint at the entrance to Ford Country this afternoon. They had heard that a Chevrolet might try to enter the hallowed area so quickly took action to secure the perimeter.

Shortly, they added one more to their number and were preparing to draw lots to determine who worked each shift. They could not leave the post unmanned!

Bev happened to be on guard when the Chevy arrived. Here, she's seeking the credentials of the occupants seeking entrance.

Apparently the occupants were, somehow, able to convince Bev that they had the right to enter into Ford Country. Something about they were working undercover and had to disguise the true identity of their truck, I believe. Anyway, tough as she is, Bev allowed entry—possibly on a probationary basis.

NOTE: Please be advised that the Webmaster had nothing to do with this event except publish it.

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An Interesting Presentation

This link below provides information on 200 countries over a span of 200 years—all in less than five minutes. It relates health of the country's population relative to the income of the population.

The data itself isn't terribly exciting (interesting, but not exciting). But the way it is presented is rather unique and makes it interesting.

If you don't care for it, I'll just remember that you can't please everyone!

Here's the link: http://www.wimp.com/countriesyears/

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I Won!

I won a game of pool last night. Normally, one winning a single game would be not be newsworthy.

In this case it is!

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The Flavor of Rockport 35 RV Park

We'll have our turkey dinner today, but Tom and Dianne and their family will have the true flavor of Texas and the Park at their dinner!

One of the last things they did before leaving Rockport last Spring was to go to H.E.B. and purchase beef brisket. They cooked it a couple of days ago and Tom reported that it was absolutely delicious.

But they didn't "just cook it." They cooked it according to the detailed instructions Tony provided!

The whole gang (T & D, his parents, his two brothers and their families, and Tom and Dianne's sons and their families) will all gather to enjoy not only ham and all the other fixin's but the true flavor of Rockport 35 RV Park through Tony's brisket recipe!

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Merry Christmas!

Pat and I wish each of our Rockport 35 RV Park friends a Merry Christmas!


This is our 6th year at the park and we have met many wonderful people whom we now consider our friends. Some are still here, a few have gone to their eternal reward, some have gone to different parks or different areas of the country, some are unable to travel due to family situations, and some will be down after the holidays. We always look forward to arriving to see our friends!


The first year we were here, we were met at the office door by Gene. He and Donna were great representatives for the park and for Iowa. This year, Terry met us in the parking lot and directed us to "go park" because choir practice was in session. In each case, we instantly felt at home.


For those not here, Christmas is in full swing at the park. Many units are decorated with lights. Christmas Eve we had the traditional finger food snacks and gift exchange. Hot item: bags of pecans!


At nine, about 35 folks returned for the Christmas Eve candlelight worship service—a touching service of music, reading of the Christmas story plus the prophecy of same from the old testament, and communion.


There was no Saturday breakfast. We'll make up for it at the one-o-clock Christmas Feast!


Clearly, we live pretty well here at the park: good friends, good food, good weather! What more could one ask for?


Merry Christmas, Friends!

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Comment:
If the 1 pm feast didn't do you in the 6 pm re-eat  should have done you in!!!

Joe & Carolyn

Update from Tom

This message is from Tom, pictured below a few years ago, and is an update on his encounter with cancer.

"Hope everyone is having a spectacular Christmas season!!!!!  Remember the reason for the season!!!!

Just wanted to give everyone an update on the medical events in my life.  A week ago I had a bladder biopsy and the doc discovered another tumor.  Dianne and I met with the doc yesterday to go over the pathology report and discuss the situation.  The new tumor was considered "High Grade", non-aggressive, and had NOT invaded the bladder wall and linings.  He removed it successfully.  We all agree that is GOOD news.

I am going to undergo 6 more treatments with a little different "cocktail" over the next 2 months (Jan/Feb).  Then wait another 6-weeks and do another biopsy.  By the way, the 6 previous treatments (Oct/Nov) successfully dealt with the original tumor............good news!

Needless-to-say, we will be sticking around home this winter.  We are very disappointed about the annual Texas trip (we have been going to Rockport for the past seven years), but we will return next year and probably stay longer!!!

The good news is we have a plan and it will work!

For those of you that live in the McHenry area, if you need the piles of snow removed over the winter, give me a call.  I'll think about it ..............................yeah, right!!!

Keep you prayers coming.................it works!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Tom and Dianne"

We'll miss you this winter!

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Missed in Cedar Rapids

Yesterday (Sunday) at 3 in the afternoon, we missed a wonderful event in Cedar Rapids.


The event: a "flash mob" singing the Hallujaalh Chorus! (Flash mob = when people set up a time to gather in a public place (usually a mall, food court or airport) and sing something to the unsuspecting shoppers or travelers.)





I spotted one lady from my church choir and a flying buddy who is also a singer in the video.


How neat it would have been to have been sitting there in the food court sipping a Coke and then have this break out!

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Oscars Awarded

The play has been "played" and everyone was a winner at the performance of A Christmas Carole: the audience because they saw a performance to remember and the cast because each of them was awarded an "Oscar" for their performance! Plus, all shared wonderful cookies, punch, and a social time afterward.

The "Srooge" theme was continued into Allison's design of the "Oscar"—ably hand-crafted in secrecy by Tony.

The visual effects were stunning! Tony and his crew put lots of hours in recreating Scrooge and Marley's office and the Cratchit Family's home.  The costumes appeared early-1800-ish. And a theatrical spotlight, manned by Dean, made the set sparkle when it was supposed to sparkle and be drab when that was appropriate.

Here are a few photos which will refresh your memory if you were there or which will make you sorry you missed it if you were unable to attend.

Allison did a great job of utilizing the talents of first-year visitors to Rockport 35 RV Park. What a great way to get to know new friends!

Above, Don and Herschel are slaving away at Mr. Fezziwigs warehouse before being dismissed by the owner to leave work and party with their families.

Below, Connie and Gary did well in their first gig as actors at Rockport 35 RV.

The unpleasant and debilitating effects of medical treatment kept Al from his appointed rounds as Scrooge but did not deter he and Audrey from enjoying the performance and social time afterwards. 

He was replaced during the last week by a "mystery actor." Some thought Scrooge's voice sounded a lot like Allison's, and it was noted that Allison was nowhere around while the play was in progress. Is it possible that she brought this all together as director and played the title role?

Here are a couple of shots of the refreshment crowd:

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Performance is Saturday Night!

Saturday night, Dec. 18, several of our friends and neighbors will present A Christmas Carole, the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens.

To help set the stage, we'll sing a few familiar Christmas songs. Then we'll sit back and enjoy the performance! The actors have been honing their skills to assure that you'll have an evening to remember!

After the presentation, there'll be refreshments and a time to socialize.

Come, and bring your neighbors! You and they will both have a great evening!

There is no admission; a free-will offering will be accepted.

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Garden Decorated

Calhoun's Botanical Garden, 4th and Main, is all decked out in holiday lights—as are most other well-known gardens in the country.

Terry created this garden a couple of years ago, for all to enjoy. Each year, something new is added. This year, the lighted star and cross were added for our winter enjoyment.

Be sure to stroll past after dark so you can enjoy it, too!

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Cratchit Given Christmas Day Off!

Robert Cratchit, long-time employee of Ebeneezer Scrooge of Scrooge and Marley, applauds his boss after being granted the entire day off work on Christmas Day. After Robert's persuasive pleading, Scrooge grudgingly granted the request—provided that Robert would be at work early the day after Christmas!


This scene was taken at practice for the play "A Christmas Carole" which will be presented Saturday night at the club house. The cast of roughly a dozen of our friends and neighbors has been working hard to bring a great night of entertainment to us.


And the set! That is something else! It looks as if Tony and his crew went to England and gathered up an entire office and shipped it over.


Here's the bottom line:

     Don't miss it!   

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Why We're Here!

Here's a picture of Rick demonstrating one reason we are glad to be here at Rockport 35 RV Park and why he and Dianne are eager to head this way!

According to rumor (I hate to state anything Dick says as fact), Rick and Dianne will head this way Sunday.

Head on down, folks! At seven this morning, it was 65* here!

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A Neat YouTube Video

Every once-in-a-while, someone sends a link to a YouTube video which I enjoy and feel is worth passing along. This one came from Pat's sister in MN, where she says there is 15" of snow!

But the music is warm and beautiful. (You may have noticed that most of the YouTube videos I post are of music. I can't help it; I just love good music! I also love polkas, but that's a whole 'nuther story!)

Enjoy:

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Here's a comment from Tom Carl:

"I just watched the YouTube posting on the Blog.  What great timing!  Tomorrow (Wednesday) I go into the hospital for the bladder biopsy that is a follow-up to the treatments.  I was overcome by the singing and the truly public display of the real meaning of Christmas.  "King of kings........................Lord of lords...............Forever, forever....."

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TC"

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It's Great to be Back!

We pulled in this morning about 11 and were greeted at the office steps by Terry. The we saw Dick and of course our great next-door neighbors: Gordon and Janet. With Gordon's expert help, I got the trailer parked better than ever!

It's great to see friends from previous years!

Walter and Ruth aren't here this year; they chose Florida for family reasons I heard. Don and Janet are back, after a one-year sabbatical.

Jeannie had a big smile and for me as I sure she will for you, too!

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Open House At The Pickle Factory!

Old-timers at Rockport 35 RV Park might have already discovered the Pickle Factory in Taft. If you're a newcomer, listen up: there's a hidden treat for you to explore!

Saturday, December 11, from 10 to 5, Dave Smith (that would be the pickleSmith!) and his able crew are hosting an open house. There'll be samples, a tour, and shopping. Hopefully, Dave will give his "Texas Agriculture" presentation also. It's very interesting and informative, especially to those of us who come from afar and are not familiar with what grows where in Texas and how it can be used.

We enjoy visiting the Pickle Factory. You might, too!

It is at 300 Green Avenue in Taft, right across the street from the Taft Blackland Museum which is also worth an hour or two!

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It's White in Cedar Rapids

Friday, part of Iowa was blessed with an all-day snow. Not a storm; just a nice gentle snow. We got only 3/4", but areas of NE Iowa got as much as 8". Good for them, as we have little interest in that much snow!

And I suppose those of our friends who have already arrived at Rockport 35 RV Park or other area parks say, "Serves you right, you should be here!"

You'e probably right. Or at least on the way. We hope to leave sometime within the next week or so.

Although Pat is feeling really comfortable, sitting in her chair with the fireplace burning. She said she wouldn't mind staying here—as long as it was right there by the fireplace and she never had to go outside!

Speaking of the fireplace, after church today I took a few pictures for possible use in a potential Christmas letter. Might as well use them, so here goes:

Pat & Keith

Still where it's cold!

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