Alert All Carvers!

by Keith.

There's a fellow in Tennessee who's really handy with a chain saw!

Tom sent this picture, and more, and suggested that if the park carving crew wanted to "kick it up a notch" they might try something like this.

Bears Carved in a Log

You can see more samples and read about the carver here: http://abundance-acres.com/

Thanks for thinking of our chip makers, Tom!

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Another Great Evening of Food and Fellowship

by Keith

The ladies, headed up by Janet, put on another great feast last evening. It sounded pretty simple—a soup and baked potato supper—but it was delicious!

There was a great variety of soups from which to choose and plenty of fixin's for the potato. And this was all topped of with a huge variety of delicious desserts! One couldn't go wrong!

The evening ended with a very short skit, written by Pat's granddaughter. Keith enlisted the talents of four newcomers to the park for their Rockport 35 RV Park acting debut. They each did a superb job. David was included as an aid to bringing him out of his shell and make him less bashful.

Hershel, David, Tom, Dennis, and Guy
Expert Actors

Carman (Guy's wife) made a video of the skit and did a great job of it. You can see it here:

http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx?nRecipient=&nFrame=REFFRDgwQzEtQTY0Ni00RDY2LUI1N0MtQzc4NjU3QTUxQUQy&nT=

The video runs through the skit, then begins to repeat. Rather than wait until this is corrected, I preferred to put it up so you could enjoy it now.

Thanks for the video, Carman!

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Our Home Town - Bay City, MI

by Dianne

Historical Video of Bay City, Michigan

Thought you might be interested in watching this video portraying Bay City's historic homestead, their rich architecture, scenes around the city, and the restoration of the lumber baron era mansions. Featured speakers in the video include locals -- Dave Rogers, Eric Jylha, and Dr. Ingersoll. It's about 15 minutes and will give you a flavor of what our home town has to offer. I have to say, it's a great place to visit, especially during the summer months. We have the River Road, the fireworks, Tall Ships, the Pig Gig, and great downtown shopping.

http://vimeo.com/14871556


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Clark's Creature

by Dianne

The Creature from Lake San Cristobal, CO (Sept 2010)

In an earlier article titled "Night Creature" there was mention of Jim and Gayle Clark's "creature." Here's the follow up story to their little adventure -- edited and condensed with permission from Gayle.

Back in September Gayle and Jim, vacationing in Colorado, were invaded by a visitor who woke them one night with loud gnawing and scratching noises coming from beneath the sink cabinet at the foot of their bed. Having heard stories of mice getting into campers in that area they went to town the next morning and bought necessary supplies. Jim thought it probably was a mouse but Gayle said she wasn’t convinced of that. Baited traps in place, they went to bed confident that by morning they’d capture the unwanted visitor. In the middle of the night the little varmint started making noises again and Scruffy (their faithful cat) went out to investigate. A short time later they heard a loud bang. They thought "creature" took the bait and was caught. When Jim got up in the morning to retrieve the critter from the trap it was empty. Meanwhile, Gayle went to turn on the coffee she’d prepared the night before and discovered a big mess in her kitchen. Evidently, that night during Scruffy’s hot pursuit of the critter, the pot was knocked off the stove and water and coffee grounds were everywhere. That’s when Gayle noticed the little creature had taken bites out of 2 apples. This was proof enough for her that this was not a mouse or chipmunk they were dealing with.

The following evening the pitter patter of little feet running under the floor returned. When Scruffy jumped down to investigate Gayle said she knew the Creature was back. Jim once again baited the rat trap, this time with apple pieces, and they went to bed expecting to hear the snap of the trap. They did hear a loud noise at 2:00 am but it was not the trap, it was the frying pan and baking sheet that Gayle had forgotten to put back into the oven. She had left them on a step stool and the creature had knocked them off. OK, back to bed. Jim has his glasses within easy reach, along with a broom, and two flashlights. Finally around 5 am the trap went off. Jim opened the cabinet door and sure enough it was in the trap. THEY GOT CREATURE!!!! When it was light outside Jim went to retrieve the body. They weren’t sure what it was – not a chipmunk, not a tree squirrel, but what? They said it looked like a rat but then they’d never seen a rat like this with a furry tail and big wide-set eyes. They decided to take him to the campground host for identification. The host told them that they were the proud owners of a dead PACK RAT! They wondered if this guy was a lone traveler or were there more to come. Nope -- don't think I'd want the likes of him invading our RV either. Fortunately for Jim and Gayle, they had their one and only “creature” and for the duration of the camping trip their evenings were quiet and restful.

If you're a Pack Rat, don't mess with Jim!

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Happy Birthday, David!

Sonia saw to it that David's friends helped him celebrate his birthday in style this morning by providing an ample supply of birthday donuts. Jim and Colorado Bob weren't sure they were any good, so they had to try another one just to make sure.

Probably a dozen folks showed up to recognize this special event, which only occurs once each 73 years.

While age and birthdays where a subject touched on, fishing and politics were, as usual, the main subjects. Then Chet left and conversation reverted to only fishing.


A special highlight of the gathering was delivery of a poem—by Jim! Terry now has competition! From this single sample, I'd say that Jim would make a great cowboy poet!


Thanks, David and Sonia, for starting our Friday out on a high!

And to David: Happy Birthday and we hope you have many, many, more!

Comment!

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Yosemite Nature Notes

Here's an interesting video form Yosemite. There are some neat and beautiful pictures, especially toward the end.

I suggest watching it full-screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9V9p4mFEYXc&vq=medium#t

This came to me from always-the-educator Tom. Thanks, Tom! It was good, just as you said.

Comment!

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Patriotic Concert: A Sample

At least five couples from the park enjoyed the 8th annual Patriotic Concert by the Rockport-Fulton Music Department Monday evening.

The "big news" was that the school trustees had just approved a vote on a $28M bond issue. They spent, in the eyes of many Winter Texans, too long in "selling" that to us. We would have preferred music, of course!

But, as you heard in the above video, the music was good—as usual. The video below includes the band and chorus.

The audio from my camera isn't the greatest, but I'm sure you get the idea.

The auditorium was full, but there was one couple notably missing: Tom and Dianne. I'm sure they would have rather been there. 

We would have been glad to have them there, too! Next year, folks!

Comment!

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How Much Rain?

by Keith.

Not much.

Only 0.3" here. But that's OK; most places had some left over from the previous storms.

Comment!

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One Comment, from Dianne:

So Keith, if we use the most common ratio of 1 inch of rain equals 10 inches of snow, I guess we can count ourselves lucky that we weren't shoveling 3.3 inches of that dreaded white stuff. 

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Something to Celebrate

by Dianne

Recently, January 11th, to be exact, Cliff and Lois Calhoun celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. It was a surprise for Lois, orchestrated by Cliff, with the help of family and friends residing in the park. Actually, everyone participated to some extent since we all had to keep our mouths shut about the planning and somehow we pulled it off. Yes, Lois was surprised and Cliff was quite proud of himself, as he should be, for a job well done.


Fifty-eight happy, healthy, productive years together is an accomplishment for sure. There was cake and ice cream and warm well wishes from all who attended. Cliff may have a bit of an advantage over most men in remember their anniversary -- it's the day after his birthday. Congratulations Cliff and Lois.


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One Comment:

I have the best grandparents in the whole world!!!! 

Love,

Deanna Lynn Calhoun 

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A Bunch of Bubbas

Saying Hello to Tom Carl


by Dianne           See update below original message.

The Bubba Bunch

There's a group of guys who get together early, just about every morning, for coffee and conversation at the "liar's table" -- although none of them would lie, says Rick. I'm told that their discussions cover a multitude of topics from solving world problems, how to make better coffee, fishing tales (some tales longer than others), best fishing holes, and even a civics lesson every now and again. At times, a particular story may call for a salute of the sideways cap - huh! No matter the reason, they have a great time sharing crazy thoughts and ideas followed by hearty laughter. When asked for the meaning of the cap thing, I was told by Chet, "just say we're a bunch of bubbas who got off the short bus," .......again with the laughing. Guess you have to be one of the bunch for the inside joke, and Tom is one of the bunch. You're laughing, aren't you Tom? Sorry you and Dianne can't be here this winter -- as the sign says "we miss you."

Note: Be sure to click on this picture to enlarge it!

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January 24 Update:

Hi! Guys!  I was looking at the blog Sunday evening and guess what I saw!!!!!!!!  A bunch of good guys that I miss dearly!!!!!!!!  I'm sitting here with my hat on sideways with snow up to my #$%  The poster and the well wishes warm my heart.........................................let me diagram that for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the picture and I hope to see y'all next season!!!!!!

Tom Carl

Sad Bears Fan!!

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Dale Duncan Passed Away

by Keith.

One of the "early settlers" of Rockport 35 RV Park has gone to his eternal reward. Dale Duncan passed away last evening as a result of lung cancer.

Dale and June Duncan

Dale was a retired fireman from the Kansas City area. He spent several winters here at the park. In fact, I seem to remember that he told me that when Tony and Allison bought the park, he came with it! That was indeed fortunate for us, as he put a lot of work into the park, especially in the early days.

According to Dick, Dale was first in the KC police department, then became a fireman. He was an excellent cook and was the "chief cook" at fire department outings.

He first came to Rockport 35 RV Park the same year Cliff did, Dick recalls. While here, he helped with modernization of the park. He served as the "project engineer" for the exercise building, for example.

I remember Dale and June from the first two or three years we were here.

This gentle, quiet, and very capable man will certainly be missed. Our condolences to June and the rest of his family.

You can read his obituary here:

http://www.polleyfuneralhome.com/notices/l_duncan.html

Comment!

Thanks to Dick for supplying the picture and some of the info.

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Patriotic Concert: 7:00PM Monday, 24th. GO!

by Keith.

Old Glory

 
The Rockport-Fulton High School Music Department will present their annual Patriotic Concert Monday, January 24, at 7:00 at the HS Auditorium.

Rockport-Fulton Patriotic Concert   (Last January)

If you like band music or choral music, Pat and I not only strongly recommend but urge you to attend. We first went four or five years ago and were favorably surprised—overwhelmed, actually—by the quality of the performance.

We have not been disappointed since and suspect that you would not be, either.

Admission is free. On the way out, you will have the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution. Funds raised are used by the Music Department to further their programs.

After hearing these 200+ (300?) young people perform, our bet is that you'll want to support their future music activities!

Comment!

Note: 
To see an enlargement 
of almost any pictutre, 
click on it.

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Night Creature

by Dianne


It's interesting the critters that are out and about in the evening. Actually this little critter was nesting and our trusty hound dog picked up on the scent. There's no doubt about what type of creature it is, but his nesting spot is a mystery. It's definitely not related to the "creature" that visited Jim and Gayle while vacationing this summer in Colorado ...

...but that could be another article!

Build-a-'burger Event a Success!

By all reports, the committee for last evenings Build-a-'burger dinner did the usual fine job here at Rockport 35 RV Park.

One thing is for certain: We eat pretty well here at the park!

This is short because I couldn't attend. If the official event reporter comes up with something, I'll be glad to publish it. How about pictures; anyone take any? Bring 'em over or email me a few.

Such an event should not go unnoticed.

Comment!

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The News You've Been Waiting For----

---The Official Rainfall Amount 

From The John Deere Raingauge 

At Site 80!

(The envelope, please---)

And the answer is —2.8 inches!


The good news is that it was not accompanied by wind or hail and Tony's pump system performed as intended!

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Neat Video

Here's a video Julee sent me. It's from the UK and received several awards for being such a good ad.

Don't worry, it's not trying to sell you something. It's what we would call a "public service" ad.

Hopefully, the message doesn't apply to you as you are already complying.

Anyway, on to what I consider a well-done and neat video:

Comment!

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Who Will Be First?

This morning, I spotted a sweatshirt at W*M with this on the front:

I (heart)
NERDS

The question is, who will be the first at Rockport 35 RV Park to be wearing this? Will it be Sonia or Pat? Or Dianne, or maybe Allison?

Keep your eyes open and be sure to report your first sighting!

Comment!

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More About The Storm

The RV repair trucks are still visiting Rockport 35 RV Park regularly. The "little stuff" like vent covers and sewer hoses have mostly been taken care of. Now it's on to air conditioner covers and awnings.

Joe sent an article from the Rockport Pilot. Be sure to check out the picture of the black cat in the slide show! Here's the article: Rockport Pilot storm article.

Carole, who lives a few spaces away from the clubhouse door, sent these pictures of her area. Note the lack of leaves near the top of the tree! Interestingly, when we drove through Fulton Sunday morning we saw no leaves on the ground! That's certainly not the case at this park!

Few leaves at the top

Leaves and acorns covered the pad.

No damage, but plenty of leaves on Carol's roof!

Thank You, Joe and Carol, for your contributions!

Comment!

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Quote of the Day

"I'd like to require that 

each Congressman do his own taxes."

Tim Pawlenty

Potential presidential candidate, 2012

This morning on GMA

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Sewer Hose Tip

Liquid laundry detergent makes a good lubricant when putting a new, tight-fitting, sewer hose on the slide-on connector which attaches to the drain pipe of your rig.

Comment!

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The Hailstorm of Aught-eleven

If you were at Rockport 35 RV Park last night, you know about the "hailstorm of aught-eleven."

If you weren't and want to know what happened, keep reading.

First, the official rainfall report: an inch-and-a-quarter. Then the hail, pictured at 8:30, nearly four hours after it fell:

I'd characterize it as "at least as large as a marble." It sounded much larger than that as it hit the side of the trailer.

The blog's star reporter said it this way:

"Hope you both weathered our little storm without any damage.  Just want to give you an accounting of our experience and wonder how others got through this storm.  We knew rain was predicted but at bedtime it hadn't happened yet. However, we became very aware of it's eminent approach when Bandit jumped on the bed and was shivering as the storm approached. 

This was at 4:25 am. The thunder rolled in along with lightening and now Buddy is shaking too as the rain has started along with the wind.  Since we have an oak tree next to us (as many of us do), the acorns started to fall -- noisy.  It got louder when the hail started -- fast and furious and very loud. Now I was scared (but not shaking).  No basement to run to here.  Rick, of course, is now trying to calm all 3 of us. 

OK, now it's raining in the bathroom since the vent cover was shattered.  Towels and dish pan put in place -- good.  As soon as there was a break in the rain, Rick went on the roof and duct taped plastic over the broken vent while I mopped up the bathroom.  We're good for now. 

Rick then went down to site 18 to help with their 3 broken vents.

Everyone is fine and it's starting to let up -- seems the worst is over. The shaking dogs are calmed down (me too) and I guess we'll just have some coffee and start our day a little earlier than usual. No going back to bed now. 

Hope everyone else is safe with little to no damage.  We are so thankful to God that we only had a broken vent.  

Dianne and Rick"

Common loses were roof vent covers (probably at least two dozen in the park), at least one air-conditioner cover, awnings, and sewer hoses. There were leaves all over the ground! 

Here are a few pictures taken around the park. I'll let them speak for themselves.

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Gospel Fest in Session!

This is the weekend for the Rockport Gospel Music Fest!

Some who attended Friday evening said that all the performers were good and that the auditorium was FULL!

It continues today (Saturday) until 9PM at the HS auditorium. Tomorrow afternoon (3-9) it will be at the First Baptist Church.

Comment!

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For Sale: Ink Cartridges

A friend has two HP 57 Tricolor ink cartridges for sale, NEW! Because his printer which uses them has gone to printer heaven (well, it went someplace!) these are surplus.

Fifteen bucks—a real deal!—will get you both of them. Subject to prior sale, of course.

If interested, see or contact Keith at #80.

Comment!


No longer available.
Sold Monday morning.

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Computer Tip 1

Did you know that you have a choice of which browser you use on your computer? You do!

A "browser" is the program which you use to interface with the Internet. The most-used browser is Internet Explorer by Microsoft. That's the one whose logo is the blue "e" with a yellow "planet" orbiting the "e." It is not necessarily the "best" browser nor is it perfect.

One popular and great alternative is Firefox. It's free and the one I used for a few years—until I discovered Chrome.

Chrome is a Google product. It is free (as is Firefox) and works well. It's biggest plus: it is simple to use! That's why I recommend it to anyone who asks about it.

The biggest plus: there's just ONE place in which to type whatever you want to see! I've seen computers with three or even four places. How confusing!

If you chose to, you can add several of your own favorites to the third line. Want to go to a site? ---just click the name!

And it has tabbed browsing. Firefox and Internet Explorer do, too. It lets you have multiple windows open to multiple websites simultaneously. It's very convenient; if you're not using it now, give it a try.

You can download Chrome right here: get Google Chrome.

There are lots of add-ons available for Chrome, most of which make specialized tasks even easier. But I won't go into that here.

If you have questions about Chrome, just ask.

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Quotes from the Coastal Bend Herald

In the Coastal Bend Herald, often there is a column by Donald Kaul. He used to live in Des Moines, I think, and have a column in the Des Moines Register and other Iowa newspapers. He was—still is!—a cynic and an avowed liberal. And he used to hate Iowa girls basketball, back when the game was played "six man," if I remember correctly.

He now lives in Michigan. Perhaps they are more accepting.

In the last paper, he named his 10 un-people of the year, one of whom was Sarah Palin. Here's the quote:

"Watching her is like seeing a high-wire artist 
who works not only without a net,
but without a wire."

The other column is written by Congressman Ron Paul. His article ended with this:

"Your money has never been safe in 
the hands of the government and 
it never will be."

Good Morning!

Here's the view that greeted me 

on the first workday (for some!) of the new year. 

New Year Festivities

There's a web album up showing the pictures taken last night at the pizza dinner and games, plus photos taken this morning at the First Ever Terry's New Year's Day Breakfast and Brunch.

Once you get to the page, click on the first page to enlarge the first picture. Then click on the arrow at the top of the page to cycle through each of the pictures at your own rate.

Or, click on "Slideshow" and it will run them through automatically. When you want to leave the Slideshow, hit the Esc button, usually near the upper left of your keyboard.

Enjoy!

Here's the link: http://picasaweb.google.com/KeithArdenW/2011NewYearSFestivities#

Comment!

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Happy New Year from Rockport 35 RV Park!

No further comment required.

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