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]