From the Office 4/29/2020

Line dancing lives on at TG. If you want to join in they are on street Winners Circle from 9-10 every morning. They block off the street while dancing please don't use the street at this time.

Bits & Pieces 4-28-2020

Wednesday 

I need to add to the employee's list. ** Tim & Lisa Schmuck. They are workcampers. They are busy painting the swimming pool right now.

**Charlie & Jean Bezio have been weekend workcampers for 8 years and she has been working in the office for 5 years.

I got a call from Mel Hokkala. She and Gene want to thank everyone and their Trophy friends for the cards, phone calls, and prayers for Gene. They moved in with one of their daughters. That address is 4482 Rosemary Way, unit # 8, Hugo MN 55038. % Jodie Bradshaw

My son-in-law, Bryan, is coming tomorrow to help me to pack and take me back to Iowa. Not sure which day we'll be leaving, but we will end up in Marion, Iowa. I'll be doing Bits & Pieces all summer so if you have something to share feel free to email me. I'm planning on being back in Trophy Gardens in October. See some of you then.

Betsie Brown

Shiny, Shiny, Shiny

Look at our beautiful floor in the clubhouse! Thank you, Frances and Alicia, for all your hard work to make Trophy Gardens look so good!

Every now and then...

Every now and then I post something I didn't intend to on this blog. I apologize. I have 3 different blogs that I make entries on and I have to pay attention to them or this will happen again. Sometimes my attention is lacking. Anyone is welcome to look at any of the blogs I post to at any time.

One is www.magnolianews.blogspot.com. This is the park we were in for nearly 20 years. It has become a family park and nearly everyone we knew there has left or will be soon leaving. We maintain the blog to keep in touch with all the friends we accumulated in those years. I can post to this blog as I am the one who created it in the beginning. It is not connected to the park in any way currently. Never was really.

Our personal blog is www.brooker3.blogspot.com. This is the first blog I began in 2002 when you couldn't even post a picture. I use it to communicate with our friends about wherever we happen to be or plan to be. I also use it to jog my memory if I want to remember an incident from a given year or look up a recipe I cannot locate from other sources. If you want to test it do a search for Runza Casserole. It is an easy, no-fail recipe that is frequently requested.

So I cannot promise it won't happen again but you can always be assured that my intentions are good.
Blog poster- Barb Brooker

From the office 4/29/2020

Good Morning: 98 sites, 164 people, 37 fur babies

Good news - the laundry room will be opening Monday May 4th, but all other buildings will remain closed.

Remember the pool will open as soon as the painting is completed and the paint has a chance to set. We are hoping for next Thursday or Friday to open the pool.

Packages: Johnston 438; Thomas 606.

From the office 4/28/2020

Hi everyone, sorry it is so late getting this out to you.

We have permission to open the pool on May 4th, as a trial. BUT because we are painting the pool deck and we are having trouble with the paint it may not open until May 7 or later. We are trying to get it painted and the paint needs to set up for a week. We are praying it will be finished by tomorrow. If you have any questions please see/talk to JD. When the pool opens:
a. No more than 10 people at a time.
b. Continue with social distancing.
c. You are on your honor! We don't want to police the pool.
d. You CANNOT use the Winter Ranch pool!

1. All common buildings will remain closed. No word as to when they will be opened.

Packages: Vos 702.

Bits & Pieces Tuesday 4-28-2020

No news today so I thought I would tell you about our workers in the park that keep things going by cleaning and repairing things. We have a great team of workers !! Many have been here for quite some time.

First I want to tell you about our Office Staff, of course, the leaders are Lynn & JD Murray. They have been our managers for 6 years. The changes in the park are very noticeable. Not only the physical part but also the way things are getting done. There are coordinators for lots of activities and volunteers. Thank you Lynn & JD.

Our Activity Directors are Stephanie & Jason Skelly. They have been here for 2 years and will be returning next season. They have been coming up with things to do while in the lockdown—Easter egg hunt and coloring pictures etc... fun fun

Belinda Avalos has been working in the office for 7 years. She can answer most questions you might have.
 Jean Bezio has been in the office for 4 years. She also works on weekends with her husband Charles.

Our housekeepers are:
 Alicia Vasquez has been here for 12 years. She always has a smile and a welcome hello when you see her. Frances Gonzalez has been here for 6 years. My how the time flies. She is learning English and is very pleasant to know.

There are the workers that work outside under JD's directions:
Roy has been here for 22 years. He was called “little Roy” when he started as there was another Roy here at the time. Roy is there when you need him and not on the clock. **Beto has been here for 5 years. I see him a lot as he keeps the South 40 picked up and mowed. **Joe has been here 6 years. He works in the North 40 so I don't see him much.

Lest we not forget the welcome workers at the gate. Not sure how long they have been on the job, but there are is David, David, Ernesto, and Julie.

As an FYI Pastor Darrel & Winonna Hardy have been here for 22 years and he took over after Pastor D.

I hope you enjoyed reading about our park family. They are necessary for making the park a great place to live.

From Bits & Pieces

Betsie Brown

Trivia

Trivia

Down in the dumps? Look through old photos! A study done by a psychologist in the U.K. found that looking through old personal photos can improve your mood and help you relax. In fact, it has a stronger effect on your mood than listening to music, having a glass of wine, or eating a sweet treat.

From the Office 4/27/2020

Good Afternoon Everyone,
Some have mentioned the water pressure is low. North Alamo Waterworks turns down the water pressure from April - Sept. each year. So if you have any water filters, softeners, etc connected these too will slow down the pressure even more. RV's with regulators will see a drop in the pressure. Go outside to the water spigot and see what kind of pressure is at the spigot. This will tell you if it is TG's problem or your problem in the rv.
Packages: young 701, Schmidt 693, Schmuck 285, Palm 566, Fusselman 528.

Bits & Pieces Monday 4-27-2020

  Retired winter Texan couple from Nebraska seeking a clean, smoke-free, no pets rental in TG’s from Dec 1, 2020, thru March 31, 2021.  Prefer 2BR/2BA.We will provide references.  Call or text Jon/Linda Pierce 402-499-8403



Linda Beem wants to buy Mexican Elrredin and Charlott Arthritis pills. Call  (816) 914-2698

Trophy Gardens has a new sign out front.  Really nice and easy to find us now!!



From Barb Brooker about the Blog
Staying in touch with all our seasonal friends and the park, in general, is important to all of us. Our friends and family can keep up as well by going to www.trophygardens.blogspot.com and scrolling to the bottom of the web page where they will find a place to insert an email address. Follow the easy directions by submitting it and assuring them you are not a robot. Any new submissions by me or others who keep the blog up to date will come into your email eliminating the need to remember to check on it. This is not Facebook and has nothing to do with Facebook.

Anyone you tell about the blog can sign up for it. Friends, family, or even your next-door neighbor.

Note: If you use your phone for the Internet this may not be as easy as it sounds. Phone browsing on the Internet gives you an abbreviated version and the place where you submit your email may not be visible to you.

One of the blog administrators- Barb Brooker



That is all for today!!

Betsie

Photo Walk

I like to walk and my routine is to take along my MP3 player and listen to a book, and take my camera and look for a good photo to take for posterity. Sometimes they are good and sometimes they are mediocre but I still have a reason however obscure for taking it. Here are today's gatherings.

Mother Nature's Artwork (sun damage)

Golf Course

 Golf Course

 Golf Course

 Rules

 Golf Course

 Golf Course

 Here we are with built-in social distancing

From the Office 4/22

Good Morning Everyone: It's a good day in the neighborhood! Though the wind is kicking up.

We are watching closely what the Governor/Hidalgo County is doing with regard to relaxing the policies in the Valley. We are also waiting for FL to make decisions too. Unfortunately, the virus numbers keep climbing in Hidalgo County.

The pool deck is being painted while the pool is closed. And the floor is being waxed while the hall is closed.

1) The front door is locked and you can come into the hall using the side door by the shuffleboard.
2) Packages: Klasas 684, Fellenstein 689, Nail 703, Manna 701.

Please let our residents, who don't have Facebook, know our updates, please.

Trophy Gardens Blog

Staying in touch with all our seasonal friends and the park, in general, is important to all of us. Our friends and family can keep up as well by going to www.trophygardens.blogspot.com and scrolling to the bottom of the web page where they will find a place to insert an email address. Follow the easy directions by submitting it and assuring them you are not a robot. Any new submissions by me or others who keep the blog up to date will come into your email eliminating the need to remember to check on it. This is not Facebook and has nothing to do with Facebook.

Anyone you tell about the blog can sign up for it. Friends, family, or even your next-door neighbor.

Note: If you use your phone for the Internet this may not be as easy as it sounds. Phone browsing on the Internet gives you an abbreviated version and the place where you submit your email may not be visible to you. 

One of the blog administrators- Barb Brooker

No Facebook? No worry!

Good Morning: It's Friday, have a great weekend.
1) For those who don't have Facebook, Barbara Brooker, blogger, will place the information on the trophy gardens blog. If you sign up to get a notice via your email, you will be able to keep up to date. Please let your friends who don't have Facebook know this. Thanks Barb for doing this. trophygardens.blogspot.com
2) I put a picture of the sign on Facebook yesterday. I'm told it looks nice at night.
Packages: omar 413; snodgrass 446; pfaff 679; pollard 288; carmack 704; davis 723; young 705.

The above entry was copied from Facebook and I will do that regularly. But you might have to nudge me. I am not 100% efficient. The more we are in touch (6 feet)  with each other the more informed we can be,
Barb B.

Show us the way!

Photos of the new sign. It will be lighted at night.

Photo Catch Up

By chance, directly beside the street on First Place Drive

 It is hard to keep up with the corn as it is growing so fast. It is now above my head. This was taken about a week ago.

A few days ago we had some very heavy fog.

 And then it cleared some...

 Taken in Winter Ranch. I walked there to broaden my horizons.

No idea the name of this plant but assume it is tropical in nature

Winter Ranch also has a conscientious bull.

 
Eastern Golf Course Fence...

Pandemically Speaking

“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” ― Voltaire

Bits & Pieces Saturday 4-18-2020

  Bits & Pieces

I wanted to let you know that Pastor Hardy is going to give a sermon tomorrow at 9:00 am. Get it the usual way.

This is JP & Karen Porter at site 499. We are looking for a small shed no larger than 6' x 8'.  Please contact them at 623-337-6712, 

JD's cupcakes were good. Wonder how many were given out?

Today was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. People were out riding bikes, golf carts, motorcycles and walking. It was in the low 80's and a light breeze.

Betsie Brown

The way it is in April 2020

Rio Grande Valley Covid-19 report

Thanks to Donna Gabbert from Rio Valley Estates for making this available. Every time we have a conversation with 'Up-North' we are asked this question.

Donna's Ramblings at R.V.E.

---

Posted: 14 Apr 2020 05:34 AM PDT 100 of 426 cases cleared in Valley BY NAXIELY LOPEZ-PUENTE STAFF WRITER EDINBURG — The Rio Grande Valley has reported 426 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic first hit the four-county region last month, and at least 100 of those have reportedly recovered. Cameron County leads with 216 confirmed cases, and nearly 44% are connected to two Harlingen nursing homes, where a total of three residents have died as a result. According to a news release from Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Veranda Nursing Home has been linked to 69 cases, while the Windsor Atrium has been linked to 26. Another 54 people connected to the nursing homes are still awaiting their test results, he said Monday. Still, the county says 70 people, or nearly 32% of all COVID-19 cases there, have recovered. See Hidalgo County has the second-highest total at 198. And while an additional eight cases were reported Monday, 21 others were released from isolation, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said. That means a total of 30 people, or about 15% of all cases there, have been released from isolation. “This is encouraging news,” Cortez said. “But we cannot let our guard down. We must continue to protect ourselves by staying home and avoiding crowds.” One death has been reported in Hidalgo County, but 32 people have been hospitalized and six of those remained in intensive care units Monday. It’s nearly impossible to determine if any of the cases there have been linked to nursing homes or any other medical facility, as county officials refuse to release that information. On Friday, Hidalgo County spokesman Carlos Sanchez declined to confirm reports that a resident who spent six days at an assisted living facility in Pharr had tested positive, citing federal healthcareprivacy laws. Willacy County has reported a total of five cases, including one death. And Starr County continues to keep a low count, with just seven cases reported there. nlopez @themonitor.com

Bits & Pieces Sunday 4-12-2020

                                    Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!!

Millie & Don Olson want to thank the Easter Bunny that left a bunny sack of candy by their front landing and steps. What a nice surprise!! Thank you....

I want to thank my Easter Bunny for a package of Peeps on my porch with a Happy Easter note. I love PEEPS!!! Thank you Easter Bunny.......Betsie

Mary and Wynn Hammes would like to thank everyone for all the kind words and expressions of sympathy for Wynn’s stepmother (Joyce Hammes). Wynn’s dad (Bill Hammes) is recovering well at his other son’s (Mark) home in Davenport, IA. Bill would thoroughly enjoy hearing from his Trophy Gardens friends. You can reach him at (563) 579-5970. Cards may be sent to him at 2194 Hogan Court South, Bettendorf, IA 52722. Thank you!

I have a queen size hide-a-bed couch that is free for the taking.  In great shape and bed has only been used once.  Light color.  See Joyce Johnson at lot 670 or call 630-338-7175.  Must take by Friday, April 17th. 

Wednesday night, April 8^th, we had 20 participants to play Hoss Collar.  This would be the last time to play until the 2020-2021 season starts.  Gary and Moe DeRosier took 1^st and 2^nd Place respectively with 720 points and 636 points.  Les McKinney came in 3^rd with 627points, which is a big WOW since this is his first year to play!  Gary was already in the “700” Club with 743 points.  Great playing all of you and thanks to all those newbies for coming and playing.  See you next season.

Ivy Pollack will be celebrating her 99th birthday on 4-28-20.  Wouldn't it be fun if she received 99 birthday cards from her Trophy Gardens friends?  I have a bag hanging on the steps for you to put your card or cards in.  It could be one from wife, husband & another from your favorite pet.  Please put your pet's name and all should have the Lot number.  I have some extra cards in the bag with a rubber band around them.  Please help yourself.  Any friend no longer in the Park if you wish for me to sign a card for you, just give me permission to use your name.  Her Son Ron will be leaving soon to return to Canada so let's get those cards in the bag. Her Friend Joan Taylor, Lot 264.  Look for the red bag.  Thanks to all

The Easter Egg hunt was fun. Thank you, Jason & Stephanie!!!!

Betsie Brown

Easter

What a day Easter proved to be in 2020! We can add it to all the other strange happenings of this very unusual year. McAllen Texas set a record for this date of 102 degrees! I did go out and take my walk before it hit that temperature because by the time it reached that peak I wasn't going anywhere.
Here are my pics of the day.

The Butterfly Garden on the left side of the entrance is sporting a "new" fence that gives it a bit more of a finished look.

You can see the fence a bit better in this shot.

 As I was standing here taking this picture I looked down and spotted an Easter egg. A hunt was planned for 12:00 so I didn't pick it up. It is very hard to spot it in this photo. It is near the whiter spot on the decorative cement.

 The corn is chin high by Easter on the east side of the golf course.

Monday's Trivia

Which city's airport is named after Mother Theresa?

Shannon, Ireland

New Delhi, India

Tirana, Albania

Calcutta, India

Sunday Trivia Answer

Where is the presidential retreat known as Camp David?

Maryland

Photos from my walks the past few days

This is what happens to a Christmas Poinsettia when it is planted outdoors in Sunny South Texas

Social Distancing

We can still ride like the wind!

 Is that a fire ant?

 Tropical seed pods

Saturday Trivia answer

In 1986, a U.S. court of appeals ruled that what magic-practicing movement qualifies as a religion?

A. Wicca

B. Scientology

C. Nation of Yahweh

D. Iglesia Maradoniana

Friday Trivia Answer

D. Maryland
Learn More: Camp David, the oft-mentioned presidential retreat, is located not far from the national capital in the state of Maryland. Situated only around 60 miles from Washington, D.C., Camp David is a country retreat in the forest of Catoctin Mountain Park. Officially termed the Naval Support Facility Thurmont, the camp was completed in 1938 to house federal government agents and their families. However, President Franklin D. Roosevelt took it over shortly after in 1942, naming it “Shangri-La,” which was a Himalayan paradise in “Lost Horizon,” a novel by James Hilton. In 1953, the site was renamed Camp David by Dwight Eisenhower to honor the president’s father.

Bits & Pieces Friday 4-10-2020

 

Joyce Hammes passed away yesterday (April 9th) in Iowa from

Covid-19. Her husband Bill Hammes was hospitalized at the same time with Covid-19 but is recovering. Bill was discharged today to his son Mark’s home (a Coronavirus survivor). There will be no immediate funeral for Joyce. Cards may be sent to Bill and Joyce’s home at: 2194 Hogan Court South, Bettendorf, IA 52722

Darel was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon with some new meds. He is feeling good. Thanks, everyone for the calls, text, prayers. God is good.  Jean     He has been sighted riding his motorcycle in the park!!

An updated policy has been issued as of Thursday, April 9^th, 2020 and the policy is that the SHUFFLEBOARD COURTS and the GOLF COURSE are shutdown (again), as well as all the COMMON BUILDINGS, will continue to be closed.  Corporate is following the mandates of Governor Abbott and the County of Hildalgo.

STAY SAFE AND STAY HEALTHY and wear those masks when out of the park.  Dan & Linda Lang

Do what is asked of you and don't complain as JD & Lynn are not making these policies. They are just following the policy of Corporate!!

Keep Safe and Wear Your masks!!

Betsie Brown

Thursday trivia answer

Answer: WINGS

Friday trivia

Which country’s flag features an eagle eating a snake?

A. Dominica

B. Mozambique

C. Guam

D. Mexico

Thursday Trivia

In Swedish, a skvader is a rabbit with what unusual feature?

A. Wings

B. Glasses

C. Leotard

D. Giant Hands

Wednesday Trivia Answer

Which has more landmass: Antarctica or Canada?
Answer: Antarctica

Wednesday Trivia

Which has more landmass: Antarctica or Canada?

Trivia Tuesday Answer

Trivia Tuesday Answer

In a 2010 study, people found more mistakes when they marked essays with a pen of what color?

A. Blue

B. Red

C. Green

D. Black

Trivia Tuesday

In a 2010 study, people found more mistakes when they marked essays with a pen of what color?

A. Blue

B. Red

C. Green

D. Black