Visiting Helen in Iowa

by Keith

Friday, we were headed to Pat's sister's home in Omaha. We chose to go on US-30 instead of I-80. That took us to within 1 mile of Shady Oaks Campground near Marshalltown, Iowa. It would have been unthinkable to zoom right on past without stopping to see Helen.

So we did the right thing. We stopped.

She wasn't there; she had gone to town. Bummer.

But the campground owner had a solution: she gave us a tour of The Big Tree House while her daughter chased Helen down via cellphone.

Her report: "She's on the way home!"

Helen and Pat under the oak trees!

By the time we were done with the tour—given by the 92-year-old, spry, owner/manager—Helen had returned to her travelling trailer!

We were lucky, as she was planning to leave for Texas the very next morning!

She looked great, so the Iowa summer must have treated her well! And she was in a delightful small campground which was completely shaded by gorgeous oak trees.

We were only a little over an hour into our 5-hour trip and already the trip was a success!

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Sad News

by Dianne

Willy and Betty Wiese were long time residents of Rockport 35 RV Park and lived in a park model on the south-west end (I hope I have my directions correct) of 5th street next door to Chet and Peggy Southerland. For the past couple of years Willy and Betty have not been at the park. They moved back to Granbury, TX to be closer to family since Willy was having health issues.

Betty and Willy Wiese

Sadly, Willy (William) passed away on October 3rd. I spoke with Betty and she told me he was suffering from pneumonia and kidney issues and it was hard for her to say goodbye.

I copied the following from the local newspaper -- William R. Wiese Sr., 81, of Granbury, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2013. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday October 6, at Heartfield-Ritter Funeral Home. Services are set for 1 p.m. Monday October 7, at the funeral home with interment at String Prairie Cemetery near Calvert. Published in The Bryan-College Station Eagle on October 5, 2013.

Here is Betty's address if anyone wishes to send her a card - 1301 N. Meadows Lane, Apt. 22, Granbury TX 76048.

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by Keith

Willy and Betty were such a part of Rockport 35 RV Park that I thought I'd help folks remember this lovely couple with a few more pictures.

Willy Wiese,  March 17, 2007

Willy & Betty, 2010 Valentine's Day party

Willy and his buddy, Dick.  December 2009

When they moved away due to Willy's declining health, we missed them! We missed their company and Betty's delicious cakes!

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What's Pat Doing?

Let's see, is this correct?

You know Pat; she likes to do crafty things.

She paints each Monday and Thursday mornings with long-time friends.

Recently, she's been knitting booties. I thought I'd show you a cute pair of ladybug booties!

Lest there be any misunderstanding, most of the booties will go to a project at her church.

These Ladybugs will keep
some tiny feet warm!

Guess Who Came To Lunch!

by Keith

This gentleman is enjoying not laboring on Labor Day!

I would almost guarantee that you have never seen this person in this position! In fact, the other time I saw him just sit down was noteworthy. But this!!!!!

He is somewhat incognito in this picture, but do you know who he is?

Tune in later for the rest of the story!


Later:

There are two unusual aspects of this picture:

1. He is sans beard, the first time we've ever seen him that way, and
   
2. He's definitely "kicked back!" For him to be seen in such a position is super-rare indeed!

Yes, it's Terry Calhoun!

We were pleased that Terry and Linda chose to spend their Labor Day driving the 80 miles or so from Bettendorf to Cedar Rapids for a visit.

It was the only way Terry could not work on this day; we were glad to help him not work!

We got updated on many of our friends from Rockport 35 RV Park, so that was enjoyable. Unfortunately, it seems some are not as spry as we remembered them. And of course they could say the same about us—and probably have!

Pat served a simple but good lunch after a visit, then we gave them a tour of Cedar Rapids. The main theme here these days is all the new buildings recently opened, some of them prompted by the flood of five years ago: Federal Court House, Library, Fire Station, huge new medical center, and the relocated National Czech and Slovak Museum with addition. There has been a real building boom going on here. And we've not visited any of them yet. The library is high on the list!

Terry, Linda, Pat

If you're reading this blog, these folks should need no introduction!

Keith, Terry, Linda

Speaking of the blog (this one!) Linda said that she enjoys it and checks it almost daily. I'm aware that several do and I appreciate that. I know that other 35 RVers would be interested in what you are up to, so feel free to comment or send me an email. kaw@syntheticsaves.com

Would you like to be next for lunch and a tour of Cedar Rapids? We'd love to have you!

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Guess Who's Coming To Lunch!

by Keith

If I told you now, there's be no suspense.

So i won't!

But some friends whom you know will be here and we're thrilled!

The answer will be revealed later today.

Sonia's Obituary

by Keith

David has sent a link to Sonia's obituary.

You can access the obituary here:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=sonia-b-enman&pid=166593342&eid=sp_shareobit#fbLoggedOut

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Encouraging Words

by Don Wright > Keith

In the article about Larry, below, I mentioned my long-time (since 1964!) friend, Don. I received a nice note from his wife, Ardis, and now the note below directly from Don.

I'm posting it here in the hopes that it will encourage Larry and Sherry and, really, any others with health challenges. Don was diagnosed with multiple myeloma ten years ago and is still going strong —so strong that he's looking forward to his next marathon! (Sort of reminds one of Forrest Gump, doesn't it!)

Hi Keith,

What a sweet article!  Thank you for the generous words.

At this moment, about 8:35, we are at Mayo Clinic waiting for an 8:45 doctor appointment.  We come here every 28 days and I "give blood" at 6:00 am.  The most important results are already in, accessible on our laptops, and the news is good again.  The myeloma is still stable, which is our "normal."  Makes me want to run a marathon!  Our next one is in Half Moon Bay, CA, toward the end of September.

The doctor will be pleased too.

Best to you both,

Don