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]