The Chair Caper

What is going on with Dave Enman’s lawn chairs? Dave prefers to have his chairs arranged in a neat semi-circle, or one-on-three setting, to accommodate friendly conversation when guests stop in to visit. However, on a nightly basis there seems to be a neighborhood prankster who takes great pleasure in rearranging the chairs in a less than accommodating fashion.

Dave has an idea who the culprit(s) may be but has not actually caught him red handed, yet. I believe Dave is basing his presumptions on statements from friends (a loosely used term of endearment) who offer their theories at the Club House morning coffee table. There could be a lot of finger pointing going on too. Funny thing is that whenever Dave approaches anyone as to their involvement in the Chair Caper, it’s like questioning Federal government employees about dubious deeds. They all have the same answer, “I’m unaware of anything going on with the chairs. I know nothing.”

Some way, some night, some how, someone will be caught and will be brought to justice. Woe to that person(s) at the coffee table on the morning this prankster is revealed, for it is well known that the group at morning coffee will be all too willing to assist Dave in whatever brutal admonishment is deemed fitting. To be continued....

[caption id="attachment_234" align="alignleft" width="260"] The preferred semi-circle formation[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_235" align="alignleft" width="260"] This also works for a focused conversation[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_238" align="alignleft" width="260"] Not good for interactive conversation.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_236" align="alignleft" width="260"] Two forward, two backwards. Who's idea was this?[/caption]

It's a Girl

Earlier this month, Pat and Jim Whitten became the proud parents of a darling little girl. Her name is Missy. Since they were not anticipating this addition to their family and were somewhat unprepared, some of the ladies at the park thought it a good idea to give them a "puppy shower."

It was a complete surprise to Pat and all went just as planned. They now have doggie treats, chew toys, toy bag, a traveling water bowl and other miscellaneous items that will surely come in handy.  Missy is a little bit of a thing who melts your heart with her first tail wag and wet kisses - smart too.  She loves her new mom and dad and they adore her which is obvious from the smiles on all their faces. A great match for this little girl and her new parents.

 

[caption id="attachment_242" align="alignleft" width="260"] Pat with necessary items for Missy.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_243" align="alignleft" width="260"] Pat, Jim and Missy[/caption]

35rv.us Expiring Soon

A bit over seven years ago, I purchased the domain name "35rv.us" so I could create a blog for the guests of the park which has become Wilderness Oaks RV Resort. Over the years, I renewed the domain name a few times.

On February 25, it will expire. I do not intend to renew it. The park which it represented does not exist so it is appropriate that the domain name cease to exist, too.

That means that if you type "35rv.us" into your browser, it will not take you to this site after the 25th. Also, if you have this site saved in your Favorites under that domain name you will not be taken to the site.

However, this site will actually live on "forever." It is actually at "http://rockport-rv35.blogspot.com" so you can get to it using that URL.

There is also a link to this site on the new park's blog, which you can get to here: wildernessoaks.us.

This site has served us well, for over seven years and 821 posts. In all probability, this will be the last post.

I invite every reader to continue following their friends and neighbors at the new blog, wildernessoaks.us.

Thanks for reading this blog over the years!

.

35RV.US Domain Expiring

Domains Expire

First, a little background regarding websites on the Internet.

When anyone (a person, an organization, a business, a governmental unit) wants a website, they must purchase a domain name. Examples are paypal.com, texas.gov, and wildernessoaksrv.com, and 35rv.us, of course. They purchase it by the year, with two years being a common period. Once purchased, it can be renewed each time it expires.

Before it expires, only the original owner can renew the domain name.

After it expres, the owner has the exclusive right to renew it for some number of days—but it will cost about $80 in addition to the normal cost. After this grace period, the domain name is available to anyone.

If you have a domain name and want to keep it, be sure to renew it before expiration! It'll save you a lot of hassle and money!

But there is life after 35rv.us domain expires!

35RV.US Domain Expiring

In a few days (February 25) the 35rv.us domain will expire. I do not intend to renew it.

It has served its purpose by hosting a "daily newspaper" for the people of the park which preceededWilderness Oaks RV Resort. The timing could hardly be better! There's a new park; the old one has gone away.

The domain name related to the previous park can go away, too!

What's It Mean For Me?

If you go to the previous blog by typing in 35rv.us, or if you have the site saved in your favorites as that domain, you will no longer get to the site by using 35rv.us.

The site will actually remain, as it is a Blogger or Blog Spot site, owned by Google. The actual URL of the site, therefore, is
rockport-rv35.blogspot.com/. The old blog will be available at that location "forever."

There is also a link to it on this new blog. There are two ways to get to it, so those pictures and articles of "the good ol' days" will still be avialable.

The first post (article) was posted over seven years ago, on February 5, 2007. 820 posts have been made.

The site has enjoyed nearly 67,000 pageviews!

I'd say it was a success!

About The Blog

Because park residents found it useful, I decided to continue it when the park was sold and rebirthed as Wilderness Oaks RV Park.

[caption id="attachment_224" align="alignright" width="140"] Nurse Bev
Taken February, 2012[/caption]

Viewers are transitioning to this, the new site. All guests and former guests are invited to read the blog and submit articles.

Old friends love to hear what their friends from the park are doing, no matter where they are doing it!

You'd love an update on Nurse Bev, wouldn't you? And Marv, of course!!

Valentine Day Celebration

Oh my! Another year (4th) and another group of people willing to participate in this game of probing questions and hilarious answers for the sake of entertainment. I sure hope everyone who attended enjoyed this group of humorous contestants.

 

[caption id="attachment_201" align="alignleft" width="248"] Judy and Jerry Dawes[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_200" align="alignleft" width="248"] Linda and Eddie Jones[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[caption id="attachment_198" align="alignleft" width="248"] Fern and Danny Mann[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_202" align="alignleft" width="248"] Cecil and June Wimberly[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our four brave couples were; June and Jerry Dawes, Waterloo IL, married 53 years.  Eddie and Linda Jones, Greenville NC, married 17 years. Danny and Fern Mann, our park managers, married 12 years, and Cecil and June Wimberly, Glen Rose TX, married 20 years.

 

[caption id="attachment_199" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Rick Carlson your MC[/caption]

Once again, Rick performed as our MC. I use the word performed because there are times when he can be a one-man show. As the years passed, his attire choice went from Tuxedo to somewhat casual and this year he was vacillating on what to wear – really? Fortunately for him, there is a fashion consultant right here in the park who was more than willing to assist him, for a small fee. Mr. Tom Carl took Rick to the very popular, upscale “everyone’s boutique,” Castaways. Tom’s ability to pull together a special outfit for the evening was obvious, and as you can see for yourself, money well spent.

 

This game challenges each couple with four questions each for the women and the men. The difficult part was to come up with an answer they believed their spouse would choose. Some were quick to respond with a reply while others had to think quite seriously about how to answer without getting themselves into hot water with their spouse. One thing was certain. It doesn’t matter if you are married for 12 or 53 years, spouses don’t always know each other as well as they think.

             However, longevity did pay off for June and Jerry, our 1st place winners this year.

It was truly a fun-filled, entertaining Valentine’s evening thanks to the contestants and the committee volunteers: Donna Martin, Bonnie Lanning, Linda Calhoun, Brenda Christianson, Dianne Carl, Bertha Molnash, Linda Lou Allen for escorting our contestants to and from the main studio, and a special thanks to Betty Allen for baking the wedding cake and cupcakes. Great job everyone!!!!!

Celebration X 2

Hope all our blog readers out there had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and that you were able to share it with that special love in your life.

Our new park managers, Danny and Fern Mann, celebrated this Valentine’s Day with a double purpose. It not only was Valentine’s Day it was their 12th wedding anniversary. Danny didn’t miss the opportunity to make it special for his lovely wife Fern. He surprised her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a huge “Love You” balloon, and a heart shaped cake with “I Love You” written on top. Awe, so romantic.

They topped off their evening as one of the four brave couples who participated in our “Oldie Wed Game,” a spin off from the 70s popular “Newly Wed Game.” Did Danny and Fern collect enough points to take first place? Check the next blog posting for results.

[caption id="attachment_194" align="alignleft" width="300"] Happy Anniversary Danny and Fern Mann[/caption]

How Many?

Back in December, Rick was looking for a particular hat to wear because the temperature had dropped to the low 30s and with the wind chill factor added in it was even colder. Brrrr. That was not the first of many more “Brrr” days this winter.

Our RV has a tall cabinet, from floor to ceiling, with a shelf at the very top. Not a shelf I’d put anything on since I’d need something more than a step stool to reach it.  Sure I could get the 4ft ladder from outdoors, but truly, it is just too high for me. The shelf space is 1.5 ft wide x 1.5 ft tall by 2 ft deep and almost 7 ft from the floor. Definitely something made for a much taller person. Guess it’s the perfect place for Rick to store his hats because that is where he keeps them.

I had no idea how many hats were up there. Hats! Nothing but hats! He started pulling them out looking for that one particular wool hat with the little ear flappers on it. Of course it was the last one. As I looked at the big pile on the counter, I thought to myself, “When and where did he get all these hats.” Would you believe there are 27 in this pile? I’m sure happy he doesn’t store his hats in my shoe storage area because I believe one of us would be cramped for space. FYI, my shoe count is 18, not including the rubber boots for fishing.

I don't know about other men and their hats, so this makes me wonder.  Is this a guy thing? Do men have a hat fetish? How many hats does one need?  Or, is it a Rick thing?

[caption id="attachment_182" align="alignleft" width="256"] Rick's hat collection[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_183" align="alignright" width="262"] Bracing for the cold in his favorite hat.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

Goldwing Express Recommended!

Great Entertainment For You

Folks at Wilderness Oaks have an opportunity to enjoy some great entertainment!

Goldwing Express will be right there in Rockport, at Lagoons, February 11 at 7 PM. They'll also be in Port Aransas on the 9th and 10th at both 1 PM and 6 PM, performing at the Pollack Center.

And on the 12th, they'll be at the sister park, Wilderness RV Resort in Mathis!

There's a YouTube video which will give you an idea of the quality of their show. It appears this was taken at an RV park someplace, probably in Texas! Unfortunately, I can't seem to get it installed in this article so you'll have to go to YouTube to see it. Click here: Goldwing Express on YouTube.

Who is Goldwing Express?

Goldwing Express consists of a father and three grown sons who do a great job of entertaining their audience. All play string instruments and sing. The "lead guy" can really make a banjo perform!

All of the entertainers who come to our park here in Mission are good musicians. But some are not good entertainers. These fellows are both!

Where'd They Come From?

Originally, they came from Oklahoma. The boys' mother was a full-blooded Indian, as they'll tell you during the show. Now, their address is Branson. To localize it a bit for some of us, the ex-wife of one of the boys was from Faribault, MN.

Tastes in Entertainment Vary

We all know tastes in entertainment, as in food, vary from individual.  Certainly I'm no entertainment expert, but from time to time, I see some act which I really enjoy and want to make sure others who might enjoy it also are aware of it.

Go to their site at http://goldwingexpress.net and check 'em out. If they look good to you, go see them!

 

Hidden Beauty

Changes are happening at Wilderness Oaks RV Resort. Some visible and some not so visible, but they are happening. For example, changing the wiring in outlet boxes to upgrade from 30 to 50 amps is not so visible, and replacing underground water pumps is not so visible. The big new yellow park sign at the entrance from 35 is very visible, especially in the evenings when it is lit up. You can see it from a half mile away.

However, on the subtle side of obvious change, to me, is the palm tree at the SW corner of the intersection of Main and Third right behind Joyce’s house. Well, maybe it was obvious to me since I was watching the work in progress. The grounds worker was stripping debris from the sides and when he was finished the tree was beautiful. The trunk, from the base up to the palms, looked like it had been coated with a fresh application of stain. The difference in the trees can be seen in the before and after pictures.

I checked with park management and was told that cleaning up the palms throughout the park is one of the projects on their “to-do-list.” There are several of these palms along the entrance from HWY 35 as you enter the park. Can you just image how beautiful it will look when all the palms are cleaned up.

If you haven’t noticed, take a look next time you are taking a stroll in the park down Main Street and visualize the hidden beauty waiting to be revealed for all of us to enjoy.

Getting to Know this New Blog Site

This is my first post to the new blog site Keith created for Wilderness Oaks RV Resort. I was quite comfortable with the previous blog setup and somewhat reluctant to venture out on this new format. However, there is so much going on at our park that should be shared I'm finally going to jump in (one foot at a time) and give it a try. I'm starting with a few words as my first step. Adding pictures will be step two.  I'm probably making this out to be a bigger deal than it really is and that is why a few practices posts will surely boost my confidence. That's it for now, folks.

wildernessoaks.us Statistics

What Are wildernessoaks.us Statistics Showing?

The goal of every Webmaster is to manage sites so that they end up as high as possible when searched in Google. I'm pleased that this site is doing pretty well!

The website at wildernessoaks.us is less than two months old—more like one month old, actually. Yet it is 18th in Google when the search is for "wildernessoaks" and 42nd when the search term is wildernessoaks, without the quotes. The official park site is 171st and 228th, respectively, when the same search terms are used. I mention this only to show you that the site to which you can contribute directly is doing quite well indeed!

Here's the official Wilderness Oaks RV Resort site, in case you've not checked it: wildernessoaksrv.com.

I will work to get this site onto the first page of Google searches, which would mean it would rank 10th or better.

With some good articles and maybe a video or two from you, Dianne, and me I think we can do it in a few weeks.

Are you willing to help?

What Do You Think of This New Site?

I hope loyal readers of the old blog are now reading this one, wildernessoaks.us! To those of you who are reading this one, what do you think of it?

Just Register, then you can Comment. If you prefer, just send me an email with your thoughts regarding this new site.

Just click here to email me: Keith@syntheticsaves.com

You Can Contribute

There's a lot going on at Wilderness Oaks! Dianne is busy being an active member of the community. I'm over 100 miles away. Therefore, it's easy for interesting things not to get into this blog.

But you can make a big difference: suggest or submit articles to either Dianne Carlson or me! We'll see what can be done with 'em!

New Airplane Practicing Here

New Airplane to Watch!

[caption id="attachment_145" align="alignright" width="300"] T-6B Texan II
Near
Wilderness Oaks RV Resort[/caption]

It doesn't take guests of Wilderness Oaks RV Resort long to figure out that the United States Navy uses the Aransas County Airport! The park is adjacent to the airport. When the wind is from the south, guests get a very good view of the belly of the aircraft as they pass low and just east of Fifth Street on their final approach.

But things are different this year. The Navy is using a new airplane! Previously, the training plane was a T-34C. The new airplane type is T-6B, or Texan II. (They've reused the T-6 designation. The original T-6, calle the Texan, was the primary trainer used by just about every WWII pilot.)

You can read more about the new airplane here, if you wish:
http://www.defencetalk.com/navy-welcomes-new-trainer-aircraft-21588/