Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Merry Christmas to Our Friends in Rockport!

by Keith

Pat and I want to wish all of our friends from Wilderness Oaks and its predecessor park a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pat & Keith Williams
Former Park Guests[/caption]

This is the third year we're not spending at that park but we have not forgotten about all the great people whom we met while there! We acquired some great friends during our seven years there!

Thanks to the fact that we are mobile, we have gotten to see a few of you in person! That's always a great treat!

Because of facebook, we're able to keep track of many more friends from Rockport. Keep posting! We enjoy the comments and the pictures.

Our Activities

Our major activities continue much as in the past.

[caption id="attachment_750" align="alignleft" width="300"] Pat at an Art Show[/caption]

Pat paints watercolors twice a week with her friends. She was in one exhibit this year, which resulted in placing a few paintings in a gallery. One of them recently sold, so she's a happy camper!

I still work part-time as a flight instructor. This year was pretty exciting, as one of my students recieved his Privat Pilot Liceness only 28 days after his first flight lesson! I've never heard of anyone doing it in fewer days. It beats my previous record by four days. It's a record which I am highly unlikely to better.

Website work, including serving as webmaster of this site, takes up additional time. And so does our AMSOIL dealership. We've been Dealers for over 35 years now. This year we earned a promotion to Direct Jobber status, which is a significant step—sort of like being named a director in a company. Now I have to work hard to maintain the position!

Merry Christmas to all!

Caption Contest!

Submit Your Catchy Caption to the Caption Contest!

by Keith

Every once-in-awhile, a photo pops up which is just begging for a special caption. You'll see one such photo below, thanks to Tom. What an opportunity for a Caption Contest!

Rules are super-simple! Just come up with a caption for this great photo and submit it in a Comment.

Give this picture a caption!

There you have it! The contest begins immediately and will end sometime!

Today Was That Day

Today Was That Day

by Keith

Today was that day The Big White Horse (my F-350) got its annual washing and waxing! Our old friends from pre-Wilderness Oaks days remember the drill well, I'm sure.

I'd wash the truck, then find a nearby empty lot (remember those days?) with shade and start waxing. Paste wax. Rub it on. Wait. Buff it off. It was hard. And usually took two days.

[caption id="attachment_731" align="alignright" width="300"] Lookin' Good!
Both Pat and The Big White Horse![/caption]

But it looked really nice when finished!

One of the reasons it took so long was because many friends stopped by to "offer encouragement." And chat for a bit on their way to "wherever." That's what we loved about living there: the friendly people.

New Process

Last year, I tried something new: Mother's Spray Wax! I waxed the entire truck in about an hour! It lasted well! It was outside here in Texas for 3-4 months, then back home and inside nearly the entire summer. It still looked good, although the water did not bead up as it does on a fresh wax job.

[caption id="attachment_730" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Friends will remember these:
Our Hitchhiker, the F-350, and Pat![/caption]

I was satisfied so used the same wax today. The main reason I like it: it's so easy to apply. The actual waxing only takes about an hour! My plan is to wax it again before I go home at the end of March. Or course that was the plan last year, too!

There was a downside to the process and the day, however. Down here in MIssion, only one person stopped to chat. Folks here are not unfriendly, but certainly we haven't developed the close friendships which we enjoyed in Rockport.

Thankful for Friends

Thanksgiving Day

by Keith

The greatest thing about our seven winters in Rockport was the great people we enjoyed at the park! When Pat and I stopped to visit the Logsdons in Alamo yesterday, we all agreed on that!

Both families are from Iowa—Bob & Gelene from

Samples

 by Keith

Samples! What do you think?

I'm trying out this new Samples ad. Hopefully, it will be beneficial to Wilderness Oaks readers.
Please let me know your opinion and experience with this Samples ad. Either Comment or send me an email, please.

What A Wonderful World

by Keith 

What A Wonderful World

Here's a great, short, video with great shots of our wonderful world. It shows birds, fish, mountains, animals, etc.

It's a great video to watdh with kids.

Anyone's kids!

Julee sent it to me; Thanks, Julee!

World Almanac 2015 Soon Available

by Keith

World Almanac Exciting??

You might not get excited about the World Almanac and Book of Facts 2015. Exciting might not be the best word, but interesting certainly would be a good descriptor.

I've spent a lot of time just browsing the book. It's a good thing to do on a nice Texas day. Besides, if you're sitting outside your rig, chances are great that one of your Wilderness Oaks friends will stop by to chat! It down't get much better than that, does it?

World Almanac: A Great Travelling Companion

Carry a copy of the World Almanac in your motorhome or tow vehicle. It contains all sorts of interesting information about each state. Give the one in the right seat something to do to relieve his/her boredom—ask them to look up the info as you enter each state!

And if you travel with kids, it's wonderful! You can help fill their heads with useful information while they don't even suspect they are learning!

2015 Version Available Soon

Order the 2015 version now and it will be shipped to you shortly after it's printed in early December.

I made a little video to drum up sales and to see how quickly I could get it ranked on Google. It was on page 5 in 28 minutes and page 1 in 1 hour. I consider that pretty good!



Details and order link:

Just click here!

Computer Repair Scam; Beware!

by Keith

Computer Repair Scam

[caption id="attachment_692" align="alignright" width="300" class=" "] Tech Time LLC
Rockport, Texas[/caption]

Julee forwarded a message which she had received from Tech Time, a computer repair shop in Rockport. Their office is at the caboose at the curve in the highway.

I personally have received two or three phone calls (out of the blue, not because I called them first) which followed the script Tech Time describes. Therefore, I know this sort of computer repair scam can happen.

I agree with every word in the message below. These computer repair scam artists are fairly persistent in their approach so be strong and don't cave in!

They want you to believe they are associated with Microsoft in some way. In all probablility, they are not!

The message below is from Tech Time in Rockport:

*********

Hello, from Tech Time!

Be advised of a virus/scam "Microsoft Technical Support" is flooding web users.

This virus comes to you in the form of popup message on your system, the PopUp Tells You :

1. They are Microsoft Technical Support

2. You could be a victim.

3. They recommend you call them at an 877, 855 or 8##.

4. When you call they ask you questions and gain access to your computer.  They tell you lies and the promise to fix your problem for $$$.

End the end you had only a virus and when you participate they are sticking victims with bills of between $50 and $450 for security smoke and mirrors, or sometimes perpetrating financial fraud that costs far more.

In Addition:

Hang up on anyone who cold-calls offering Windows technical support.

Never believe an Internet pop-up that reports your PC is infected with malware, and, above all.

Don't ever install software from an untrusted source who offers to rid your PC of viruses, perhaps for free.

If people followed those precepts, they'd avoid the hassle and expense of scammers out to make a quick buck.

Cold callers offering tech support advice are scammers.  An example of how these fraudsters operate.

 Scammers Reuse Scripts.

The con artists behind telephone repair scams often reuse the same script, which often begins: "I'm calling from Microsoft. We've had a report from your Internet service provider of serious virus problems from your computer."

******************************

I visited with the folks at Tech Time several times while I was at the park. I consider them competent and worthy of your business if you need professional help with your computer when in the area.

Thanks, Julee! Your note might save someone a lot of trouble and a lot of $$$$ by making them aware of this computer repair scam!

First Snow Hits Bulawa Ranch

by Keith

First Snow

[caption id="attachment_679" align="alignright" width="300"] Sandy's Neat Planter![/caption]

The first snow of the season always get the attention of a Winter Texan, usually because they don't want to be anywhere near a first snow!

But this year it came pretty early to Fran and Sandy's little ranch in Wyoming's Black Hills. A couple of weeks ago, they "enjoyed" six or seven inches of the white stuff. Of course it didn't last long, but certainly got their attention.

New Hip Doing Fine

During a phone conversation a few days ago, Fran told me that Sandy underwent hip replacement surgery in June. Everything went well during and following surgery.

In fact, she's so thrilled with the outcome that she's practically a door-to-door salesman for hip replacements now!

Texan Visits Bulawa Ranch

David Enman ventured as far north as Bulawa Ranch, Fran reported. He probably needed someone to play poker with is my guess; he couldn't have gone to a better place!

One of the things I really miss is the Texas Hold 'em games at the park! Playing with Bob, David, Fran, Sandy, and of course Jim, plus others, was always great fun!

Rockport Friends Get Together

[caption id="attachment_664" align="alignright" width="270" class=" "] Left: Pat & Keith Williams
Right: Dianne & Rick Carlson[/caption]

It's been a busy summer. People are so busy that little news has been posted on this site.

It's high time something is posted, so I'll kick it off with what little I know about some Rockport friends and their summer activities.

We know that Rick and Dianne spent about a month in Colorada with fellow Wilderness Oaks guests Jim and Gayle. They had a great time, including a visit with Colorado Bob! (I suspect there were fish stories galore!)

On the way back to Michigan, Rick and Dianne spent a night at the Amana RV Park, which is less than 30 miles from our house. We were thrilled that they let us know so we could get together for dinner.

If you know those two, you know I don't need to say this—but I will anyway: A good time was had by all!

This is long enough for one article, so I'll stop here and put more news of your Rockport friends in other articles.

 

 

Free Coupons? Retirees Love 'Em!

Free Coupons Available

Free Coupons are great for retirees! Is this Free Coupon something you could use?

Click Read More to see the links.

Our Friends are Doing What?

Keeping Track of Our Friends

At Wilderness Oaks, it's easy to keep track of our friends during the Winter, when we're all gathered on just a few acres. Then Summer comes and WOOF! we all head back to our home roosts, then branch out from there to anyplace in the country.

Facebook seems to be a better place to keep track of friends than this site, although the hope was that this site would do the trick. As I've spent more time on Facebook than I should, I'll borrow from that site and post a few things regarding our friends and neighbors.

Here we go:

Dick and Lucille have a brand new great-granddaughter. AND celebrated the 60th anniversary of their marriage!!

Linda Lou got cooled off with the ALS ice-water bucket challenge.

[caption id="attachment_633" align="alignright" width="300"] Near Lake City, Colorado
Photo by Dianne Carlson[/caption]

Rick/Dianne and Jim/Gail are enjoying a few weeks in Colorado. Rick would say he's "working" his way through the state. I bet they're never more than a mile or two from a fishing stream, as Rick hates long commutes! They've posted some gorgeous pictures! When they get back to the land of decent wi-fi coverage, I'll bet Dianne will post some here.

Tom/Dianne are also wondering around Colorado. Or maybe it's Wyoming, or even Montana?? I think it is they who plan to visit Ron and Connie in Montana, where Connie is Workamping at a KOA. And painting some beautiful pictures while Ron exercises his newly-acquired ham radio license.

Pat and I (Keith) have taken a few "long weekends" and wandered as far north as Duluth, MN. More recently, they were honored by being asked to serve as Grand Marshalls of the parade in Keith's hometown of Lime Springs, Iowa. They're planning a car trip "back East" in September.

Kathy is undergoing treatment for cancer and just celebrated her 70th birthday with a big bash at her new Minnesota home. Helen made it up there, from her summer digs near Marshalltown, Iowa.

Tom/Julee (well, Julee!) keeps us up-to-date with emails. It sounds as if fishing might have decreased this year.

That's about as much as I remember.

And what are you doing? Send me an email or Comment on this so your friends will know. Our friends are interested!

"Users" Deleted

by Keith Williams

Many, many people register as Users of this site, wildernessoaks.us. Sadly, a huge percentage of them are phony. They have no connection with the park or its people. They register because they believe it will give their business an advantage by having their email, or possibly a link, buried in this site. Or they register just because they have nothing better to do.

The site is set up so that anyone can register. We want legitimate folks (those folks who have some interest, curiosity, or connection with Wilderness Oaks) to register so they can comment on articles which appear on the site. Those people have an interest in the park and we have an interest in them. They are most welcome to register!

On the other hand, if you are not in that category please do not waste your time registering!

Each month, roughly a thousand folks try to register. Most are prevented from doing so by mechanisms I've engaged on the site. But some are allowed to register. I just deleted 66 of those registrations! I

f you've been deleted inadvertently, please send me an email requesting re-registration and I'll work to make it happen.

Fly Bys

It’s no secret that our friendly Wilderness Oaks RV Resort Park is next to Aransas County airport. There are helicopters flying every morning and evening taking men out and bringing them back from the oil rigs on the Gulf. We also have plane flyovers regularly from the student pilots getting their training and fly hours in for their licenses. This short video was taken as a Navy training plan flew over our place down on 5th street.

Some people might think this would be a deterrent from spending winters at Wilderness Oaks. Well nothing could be further from the truth. We have met so many wonderful, friendly, fun people while camping there, it brings us back year after year. Of course, the beaches are nice, the fishing is great, and everyone loves the local activities too. Each year when we come back and reconnect with our Winter Texan friends, it’s like coming home to family. We truly look forward to it and I’m sure all our Winter families feel the same.

Plane Video

Hi and FYI from Sandy Bulawa

Got an email from Sandy June 19 with the following message.

"Hi and just an FYI. I had my surgery a week ago and all is going well. I'm walking mainly on my own, Keep a cane handy just in case. I had the Anterior approach procedure, thus no cutting of the muscles, just spreading them to get it all done. I've had very little pain, mainly just muscle soreness. I do a series of exercises twice a day on my own and in 6 weeks will be able to do any activity I did before. Fran has been a good caregiver and now knows where every thing is in the kitchen. God is good and life is good. So if anyone is coming our way, be sure to stop in, remember we have hookups and bedrooms. See you all next winter if not before.

Sandy

 

Dick Carlson Sent Home By Doctor

Dick Carlson Given One-Year Pass

Here's what Lucille posted about her husband, Dick Carlson, a few days ago on Facebook:

Dick and I went to Henry Ford Hospital yesterday to see the liver cancer Dr. After tests he said all looks good, see you next year. Praise the LORD.

[caption id="attachment_597" align="alignright" width="233"] Dick Carlson
Providing security at our
Italian Night Dinner Theater
in 2010[/caption]

We and many others have been following the trials and tribulations of the Carlsons for several years now.

We're pleased that Lucille healed well after her ankle fractures.

And now the news that Dick's tests look good is an answer to more than one person's prayers, I'm sure.

It was news that I was very glad to hear! Now just stay that way, Dick!

 

The Soup Truck is Coming!

For us Winter Texans who were down in Rockport this past winter, we all were hoping it would not be as cool as predicted. Unfortunately, as the song goes, “you don’t always get what you want.”

It seemed to be especially cool this one particular “pot luck” February night – a winter coat kind of cool - and we were having our “Soup and Baked Potato” night. It was too cold to carry a crock of hot soup to the club house but no need to worry. Tom Carl came up with a fabulous idea and commandeered a couple buddies (Rick and Ron) to help out. They would pick up and deliver all the crocks - no charge.

So, Tom drove his truck and his buddies rode in the back. As he made his way through the park from 5th to 1st streets honking his horn to announce their arrival, the helpers yelled out “soup truck” and everyone brought out their soup for a safe delivery. There was someone in the park unaware of the goings on and came out to see what kind of soup they were selling. Hhmmm, you could just see the prankish ideas forming in their minds.

You just know when certain people get together their presence will result in much carrying on and laughing, and carrying on. They had a great time and all the crocks of hot soup were delivered without spilling a drop in spite of the “truck of fools.”

Friends from the Park Meet Up

One of the neat things about Wilderness Oaks is the great friends we made during our seven winters there. But because we all "have wheels, will travel," we can occassionally meet for a good time of chatting. And ---yes, eating! Such was the case yesterday.

Tom and Dianne are spending several days relaxing at a CoE park near Thompson, IL. We each drove about 60 miles to Maquoketa, IA, for mini reunion yesterday.

We took a little tour of the town. Or maybe I should say a tour of the little town! (6,400 people) But, as you can see, we were faced with a difficult decision!

[caption id="attachment_571" align="alignright" width="640"] Decisions, Decisions, Decisions![/caption]

Then, time to pick a restaurant! We decided on one so headed over the river and throught the woods to Bluff Lake Restaurant. And through the park and down the gravel road and turn right and through the farmyard and over the crest of the hill and there it was!

We were looking down at about 100+ cars, a few ponds, a small building (the restaurant) and dozens and dozens of people sitting outside at picnic benches, standing around, watching the ducks on the pond ---waiting for their name to be called to be seated.

Our wait was a bit over one hour, as predicted. But the company we had was so good that it just gave more time to visit! (If you are reading this, it is very possible your name was mentioned!)

Finally, we were seated. All chose the Saturday Special: all the Haddock you could eat for $11.99! Cole slaw and French fries included! And it was G O O D !

We had a window view of the scene in the next picture.

Tom & Dianne Carl, Pat & Keith Williams
At Maquoketa, Iowa

The only thing which could have made the afternoon more enjoyable would have been to have more of our park friends join us! If you're anywhere in the neighborhood, let's get together!

 

Lady and the Tom

While looking through the miscellaneous picture folder I came across this one picture of volunteers who got a little distracted while decorating the dining room for Italian Night. They got a little distracted from their chore at hand and it reminds me of an old Disney movie but something is missing.

 

[caption id="attachment_558" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Brenda and Tom having a LOT of fun. Where's the spaghetti??[/caption]

Our Sympathy

Condolences to our Winter Texan friend Dorothy Bogue on the recent passing of her mother. I received an email from Dorothy yesterday in which she shared news of this sad event.

The following is from Dorothy’s email, “Had a tough month of April with my Mom. She died two weeks ago and went to be with Jesus. Good for her….sad for us. Mom was 94 years old but was pretty much herself until the last month of her life. She had a heart murmur all her life and with age it got worse. I was with her most of that last month and she wasn't in much pain until the last two days. Thank you so much for Hospice care. They were wonderful.”

If you would like to send Dorothy and Don a message of sympathy there address is:

12975 Camino Real, Aberdeen, SD 57401

Thy Rod and Thy Lure

Why do winter Texans head south for the winter months? How about for the sunshine, warmer weather and outdoor activities. Sure there are plenty of outdoor activities up north, i.e., getting all bundled up in layers of clothing to work up a sweat from shoveling snow. However, at this point in time, we are more than willing to forego this particular activity.

We’d much rather go for walks, ride our bikes, walk the sandy beaches, go shopping or fishing. Yes, fishing - it's a great pastime in Rockport. I had my first experience this past winter in the “skinny” waters of the estuaries. Catching one of those big fish (big for me) was a heart pumping, muscle straining experience and FUN. Mine was not as big as some of the others from the park but it was a legal, 20 inch keeper. I was advised to let it go and try for something bigger - still trying. Here are pictures of some other big catches from those who have perfected their skill or is it their equipment.

 

[caption id="attachment_546" align="alignleft" width="260"] Lin ready to dress his first Red Drum[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_545" align="alignleft" width="225"] Tom's 25" Spotted Trout, yes he released it.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_543" align="alignleft" width="260"] Dianne with her first Black Drum, released.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_544" align="alignleft" width="260"] Bob and his 30" Red Drum, caught and released.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_547" align="alignnone" width="225"] Dave is thrilled with his HUGE Black Drum. Fish released, took both 30 min. to recover.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonfire Deja Vu

I think we've all had this feeling or thought that an action or a situation seems familiar and maybe we've been there, done that before?

Well, I did experience this very thing when writing the most recent article on the bonfire. But my thoughts were that since I'd had trouble loading pictures and posting articles that I just didn't complete what I'd started.  Actually, I did. So, if you get that feeling that you've seen these bonfire pictures before it's because you did.

Future problem solved thanks to my very knowledgeable hubby. I now have labeled file folders for all my various pictures. How cool is that?  I love it!!!

Bonfire #2

As you all know, our first bonfire was so enjoyable we decided to have them more often as the weather permitted. For our second event the temps were much warmer and we started a little earlier. We were all so happy when the temps got up to the point that we could take off the woolies and put on the summer stuff. However, even with things heating up, some of us still required a little more cover than others as demonstrated in the first picture.

Don't forget, if you click on a picture it will enlarge for better viewing.

[caption id="attachment_522" align="alignleft" width="260"] Rohl toasting a few mellows while others enjoy some conversation.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_523" align="alignleft" width="260"] The ladies watching Rohl's technique and waiting their turn at the fire pit.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_526" align="alignleft" width="260"] Little boys and puppies just go together. His siblings are on the sand hill.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_525" align="alignleft" width="260"] As the adults mingle and converse, the boys are having a blast on the sand hill.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_524" align="alignleft" width="260"] Danny toasting doubles - one for Fern and one for himself.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_527" align="alignleft" width="262"] A large crowd deep in thought. Can you name everyone including the fellow coming down the road.[/caption]

Our First Bonfire

Way back on February 1st we had our first bonfire/hotdog roast. It took place at the end of Main Street on the way back gravel part of the road. Those old washing machine drums sure came in handy for keeping a contained fire.

You can see by the pictures that it was not the warmest evening (warmth was not to be for some time to come) but we were all getting cabin fever and needed a night to just hang loose.

Needless to say everyone had a great time and looked forward to future bonfires when, hopefully, the weather would be more to all our liking.

 

[caption id="attachment_444" align="alignleft" width="260"] Fran sure is proud of his roasting talents.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_432" align="alignleft" width="260"] Marv, Sandy and Vi all intrigued with Judy's story.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_433" align="alignleft" width="260"] Dave and Karen with others warming by the fire.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_446" align="alignleft" width="260"] Jerry roasting a marshmallow.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_445" align="alignleft" width="260"] Judy and Donna listening to Brenda.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_443" align="alignleft" width="260"] Gayle, Tim and Sandy posing for the camera.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_441" align="alignleft" width="260"] One happy Dave, facts must have been verified.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_442" align="alignleft" width="260"] Marv, Jean and Yupin enjoying the spirit of the fire.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_439" align="alignleft" width="260"] Brenda "I see and hear nothing", with Denny and Rick.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_440" align="alignleft" width="260"] Sara enjoying the fire and a joke.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_438" align="alignleft" width="260"] Ron and Cecil deep in thought.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_437" align="alignleft" width="260"] June, Julie, Tom and the kids staying warm.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_435" align="alignleft" width="260"] Dick, Lucille and Danny trying to stay warm.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_436" align="alignleft" width="260"] Enjoying the campfire.[/caption]

Last Night on the Road

Our last night on the road we stopped north of Indianapolis at a campground we found in our “Exit” book. Usually we have specific parks we stay in but we'd gotten further than planned and decided to stay on the road longer, especially with daylight savings time. The owners were there but it wasn’t open for business yet. They had no water or electric on but said we could park in an open spot and stay the night. There were several RV units there, but unoccupied.

A nice park with lots of open grassy areas for walking, playing, and a large pond with several docks – maybe for canoes or paddle boats and a golf course across the road. Our evening walk took us all around and finally to the pond which was being used and enjoyed by ducks, geese, and four swans. As we watched, one of the swans puffed his feathers out and was cruising the pond aggressively. He put on quite a show (we were impressed) and soon one of the other swans came over to him and gave him what seemed like an affectionate greeting. They swam across the pond side by side. Hey, it’s springtime and love is in the air.

 

Wilderness Oaks Update

Wilderness Oaks Update

[video width="720" height="480" alt="Video for Wilderness Oaks residents" wmv="http://wildernessoaks.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Wilderness-Oaks-1.wmv"][/video]

This short video (less than 3 1/2 minutes) introduces the founder of this site and performs an experiment.

Clearly, I've not perfected the art of video making! When I get it right, my face will not be as tall and narrow as it appears here!

You can visit the parks official website here: ttp://wildernessoaksrv.com

Taco Night

One night, earlier in our season (December through March for most of the Winter Texans in the park), we had a make-your-own Taco Night. The food committee did a great job with the food and the decorating committee did their part equally as well. The photographer (a non-professional) was too busy enjoying the food and participating in the entertainment which resulted in just a few pictures. Regardless, everyone in attendance had a GREAT time. We must have had 25-30 people take a swing at the Piñata before it’s contents of candy and little rubber balls were spewed out onto the floor. Enjoy the pics!

[caption id="attachment_411" align="alignleft" width="259"] The tough, stuffed donkey pinata.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_412" align="alignleft" width="260"] Doug took a strong swing but his aim was off a bit.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_413" align="alignleft" width="260"] Spencer hoping he was headed in the right direction.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_414" align="alignleft" width="259"] Our nameless winner who knocked the head right off.[/caption]

Leprechaun Update

Unfortunately the children’s wonderful Leprechaun traps failed to snag one of those little fairies who are believed to visit on the eve of St. Patrick ’s Day. They did make an appearance though which was evident by the trail of green glitter scattered out and about the club house.

Somehow they managed to get past the trick doors of the traps and indulged themselves on the sweet treats the children left as bait. True to form, they were mischievous and made a mess here and there around the park.

Guess these little Leprechauns have a big heart though since they left some little treasures for the children before departing. This made them feel better and I’m sure if they are in the park next year they’ll give it another try.

Fake User Registrations

Fake User Registrations Are Numerous

Ever since this Wilderness Oaks blog began, fake user registrations have increased. During the last week, somewhere between one and two dozen fake user registrations occured.

These registrations are most likely created by robots. In general, they are created so the person making them can write Comments, which almost always include a link to their website. Fortuanately, only two have submitted Comments. One was from Russia, the other from Poland.

Those two are no longer registered Users!

Users Deleted

Today, I deleted over 40 users. It is possible,

A Chair Report

Time for another chair report. There are only so many ways these four chairs can be arranged and it looks like the person(s) who is responsible may be running out of ideas.

I'm wondering just how many of Dave's "friends" are involved, or is it really just one. I've heard rumors of admission to a one-time-only involvement by someone who frequents the morning coffee group, so that narrows it down a wee bit.

Dave is keeping quiet about his retribution. He's not saying what he knows or when/where the "chairmen" will be dealt with for certain.  We'll have to wait and see. Just remember, if you are involved, be careful who sits behind you.

[caption id="attachment_370" align="alignleft" width="260"] Eco-friendly fire.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_369" align="alignleft" width="260"] Even the chimney didn't like this arrangement.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_371" align="alignleft" width="259"] All in a row, but notice the board on one? Who sits on the board?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_368" align="alignleft" width="260"] Hey, we're missing a chair -- there's only three.[/caption]