Yesterday’s Social Hour Recap – Chapter 9 Presentation by Jackie Deal

Posted on March 2, 2024 by webadmin

Thank you so much Jackie for your superbly entertaining and informative presentation on Chapter 9 at yesterday’s Social Hour. Thank you Richard for the slideshow, and thank you Sharon as always for scheduling such fascinating speakers! Below is a summary of the presentation, written by Jackie Deal.

By Jackie Deal

What is Chapter 9? For the uninitiated, chapters, rallies, parks etc. are very confusing. So let’s start at the very beginning of Escapees Inc. Escapees started when Kay Peterson wrote, on a manual typewriter, the first newsletter and sent it to her friends and RVing acquaintances. RVers receiving it wanted to get together and thus were born Rallies.

At Rallies folks discovered others from their home area and formed groups called Chapters (there were 57 chapters in the US, 26 are still active).

We, the ninth chapter, were found in Casa Grande, Arizona in 1985 with Don and Pat Kuykendall as the “driving force.” The founders were Oregonians who wintered in Arizona.

Traveling was fun but it wasn’t long before the members of Chapter 9 wanted to park where they could stop, stay for a season, and eventually retire. Thus was born the desire and the search for property to build what became Timber Valley.

In 1986 a land search had begun: Mr. and Mrs. Olson (Secretaries of Chapter 9) wanted a 20 acre parcel in Bandon. Others found sites from Astoria and south on the coast and even into the valley.

October 15, 1988, the news was “The 90.19 acres in Sutherlin will cost $80,000” plus additional costs “for a total of $90,031.” Thus was purchased the land for the wonderful park we now live in. Chapter 9 members provided the money and the “elbow grease” to build Timber Valley SKP Park.

As of 2023 there are four founding members remaining in the park. The rest of today’s Chapter 9 members are more recent ones who want to keep alive the spirit of camaraderie that emboldened those early members to build a park. (The town people call them those crazy old people trying to build a town at the end of South State Street).

Our purpose is “fun and fellowship” (you might add a third “F”: food!). We encourage you to join Chapter 9 and help us keep alive the vision of our founding fathers (and mothers).

Printable Chapter 9 application coming soon on the Timber Valley website.

Posted in Chap9, General Interest | Tagged | 1 Comment

Humanity

Posted on March 1, 2024 by webadmin

By Ruby Bonham

Is humanity progressing or regressing? Technology has had a major impact on the way we perceive things The media stirs the pot, keeping people in an agitated state and prone to violence. Truth and fact finding are ignored in favor of the next great headline.

Were we better off 30 or more years ago before the internet was readily available? We had less TV stations and less global news. The news was reported without personal opinions. None of the anchors bashed others for their opinions or lifestyles. Did murders and theft exist? Yes, but were just reported as facts. Commercials were limited and restricted. TV sitcoms were tasteful, no curse words or nudity. Married couples slept in twin beds, fully clothed. Unrealistic? Yes but they were PG rated. The most violence we saw was in our favorite westerns, with their fist fights and shootouts. No weapons of mass destruction or mass murders were committed.

Human bodies were not covered with colored tattoos. Your hair was your natural color with maybe a little help from Clairol. No one sprayed their hair red, green or blue. Men shaved everyday and combed their hair. Women wore bras, granny panties and clothes that covered. Men wore tailored suites without skinny legs and dress shoes with socks. Kids did not compete with other kids for the most outrageous clothes. Were there exceptions? Yes, but school children did not have access to weapons or kill their teachers or fellow students.

There have always been disagreements between people and countries, sometimes escalating to war. Today there is such discord within countries that the people refuse to work together, not caring the harm they do to their people. Countries are at war, rabid leaders choosing to destroy whole cities and the innocent people within. The rest of the world watches in horror but seem powerless to do anything without starting a global war. How did we get to this place where powerful technology is used to harm instead of make life easier for humanity.

Today we have smart phones, tablets and amazing computers, that make our lives easier. Our electricity, water, gas pumps, cash registers and our very lives are dependent on this technology. What happens when that technology is attacked? We have no backup so are left without the basics we need to survive. Are we better off now than we were 30 plus years ago? The answer is yes and no.

Humanity has progressed in some ways but has regressed in morals and behavior. Can we have the new technological lifestyles without the criminal element? Probably not. There has always been a criminal element in the population but today the percentage is much higher. It has become easy to steal and defraud with the help of this new technology. Will humanity destroy itself or will there be a new awakening? Stay tuned

Ruby Bonham
2-21-2024

Posted in Creative Work, General Interest, Opinion/Editorial | Tagged | 1 Comment

Super Bowl Wrap-Up

Posted on February 12, 2024 by webadmin

Thanks to the 22 Timber Valley residents who made the Super Bowl party a huge success!

Rhonda’s reaction to her team winning sure added to the excitement.

Kudos to Dar for organizing the game quiz, and a big thank you to everyone who contributed snacks and those who stayed to help with the cleanup. 🎉

Watch Rhonda’s reaction

Game highlights

–Richard Hickethier

Posted in Events, General Interest | Comments Off on Super Bowl Wrap-Up

Super Bowl!

Posted on February 11, 2024 by webadmin

In the cozy community of Timber Valley, there’s a buzz of excitement as they prepare for the Super Bowl LVIII. While they might not have the luxurious suites of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, they’re still planning a delightful game-day feast.

Free Oscar Meyer All Beef Hot Dogs🌭, Creamy Umpqua Ice Cream, Henry’s Donuts and a variety Snacks & Munchies.

While their menu might not cost millions, the camaraderie and excitement make it priceless. So, whether it’s in CLUBHOUSE or their cozy living room, Timber Valley residents are ready to cheer on their favorite team! 🏈🌟

SUPER BOWL 54

SF 49ers vs KC Chiefs

CLUBHOUSE

Pre Game Show 3:00

Kick Off 3:30

Hope to See You There

Questions? Richard 505-718-6655

Oh, Don’t forget CHAIR VOLLEY BALL 2PM in the Big Room. If you’ve never tried it, it’s loads of fun.

Posted in Announcements, Events, General Interest | Comments Off on Super Bowl!

Member Notices Bulletin Board

Posted on January 27, 2024 by webadmin

By Kristine Godbey

Have something you no longer need? Why not offer it for sale, trade or free to a fellow park member?

Need some new stairs for your rig? Maybe someone in the park has a set they no longer need. Where would a good place to post these types of items be?

The Member Notice Bulletin Board in the Mailroom. It is directly to your right when you come in the door. Opposite the mail boxes.

All members are welcome to post items there, but remember, there are specific standards that must be followed for these postings.  These standards are posted on the Bulletin Board, but many members do not follow them, resulting in their post being removed.

The standards are as follows:

  • Notices are to be no larger than 4”x 6”. (A supply of 3”x 5” cards are on the window sill for your use and convenience.
  • Notices must include the member’s name, lot number and phone number.
  • Notices must be dated the date you post it and may be left for one month.
  • Notices left on the board longer than one month will be removed.
  • Notices that do not comply with these standards will be removed.

Business cards and flyers from community businesses and organizations as well as public service announcements are welcome on the Community Businesses, Events & Public bulletin board located outside the South Clubhouse door near the kitchen.

Posted in Announcements, General Interest | 1 Comment

Dryer Shrinkage

Posted on January 23, 2024 by webadmin

By Ruby Bonham

Over the years my clothes have mysteriously shrunk in the dryer.  One day they fit then surprise, they don’t.  After much investigation I concluded it must be the dryer.  To prevent this anomaly, I have kept two to three clothes sizes just in case.  Some wiser than me have said, “No Ruby, you’re just fat.”  I disagree, however parts of me have been rearranged, they have dropped lower.  I’m not as tall as I was so logic says that height reduction caused me to spread out sideways; ergo I am not fat just compressed down.  Periodically I cut out chocolate and desserts and lose a couple of pounds.  I recently quit chocolate for about a year.  I had chocolate in the refrigerator and never touched it.  As a kid I wouldn’t eat sweets.  In my mid thirties, a geologist I worked with gave all us ladies Godiva Chocolate for Christmas.  I felt obligated to try it out and I was hooked.  Even now I prefer dark chocolate but will eat mild chocolate in a bind.

When Ed was alive I kept no sweets in the house due to his diabetes.  He always said it was OK for me to eat them but I didn’t feel it was fair to eat sweets in front of him.  After he died I went on a sweet binge.  At that time the dryer started shrinking my clothes again.  I started slowing down on the sweets, then Christmas candy appeared in the stores, wafting its sweetness toward me.  Also at this time my daughter sent me an Omaha Steaks large package that included apple tarts, berry tarts, sticky toffee cakes and 8 little cheesecakes.  Along with Ghirardelli dark peppermint bark and Mint Truffle Kisses, I am lost.  I feel the dryer warming up.

Walmart discounted it Christmas candy 50% off and then 75% off.  Of course my favorites were there and I stocked up.  I am trying to convince myself to take most of it to the office to share with others.  I wonder if the dryer will shrink their clothes?

Ruby Bonham

1-10-2024

Posted in Creative Work, General Interest | Tagged | 2 Comments

Welcome New Members! Loel and Cindy Banta – Lot 143, Bill Wissman – Lot 124

Posted on January 20, 2024 by webadmin

By Kristine Godbey

New Members – Loel and Cindy Banta – Lot 143

Loel comes from Modesto, California and Cindy from Southern California. Loel was in the Navy and Cindy was a bookeeper.

They have been full time RVers for 11 years and now want to settle down here in Timber Valley. While traveling, they worked at campgrounds, State Parks and even harvested sugar beets and sold Christmas trees in Florida. Welcome to you both!

 

New Member – Bill Wissman – Lot 124

You might recognize Bill. I think he’s probably been here at Timber Valley for almost a year, awaiting his permanent lot. You probably have seen him walking around the park and he has become active in various commities and in doing helpful service work around the park.

Bill comes from LA Habra and Anaheim, California  where he attended a military academy then lived in Orange County, California for 20 years.

He was a building contractor and in construction. He owed a farm where he raised, cattle, trees and even ostrich. He sold it 6 or 7 years ago.

He has a son who has been in the Navy for 15 years and his favorite hobby is deep sea fishing.

We’re glad to have you Bill!

Posted in Announcements, General Interest, Life at Timber Valley, New Members | Comments Off on Welcome New Members! Loel and Cindy Banta – Lot 143, Bill Wissman – Lot 124

In Memoriam – Gerald “Jerry” Sypkens (May 18, 1939 – January 12, 2024)

Posted on January 19, 2024 by webadmin

Jerry (former Lot #176) was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After attending college and serving two years in the U.S. Army, Jerry embarked on a career as a machinist, manager, and part owner of Duval Corporation, a parts manufacturer in Los Alamitos, CA , and opened his own aerospace parts manufacturing company nearby. After his retirement from Duval, Jerry owned a small nursery in Santa Ysabel, CA, and a security door business in Reno, Nevada.

Jerry’s friends know him and his wife, Roberta (“Robi”), as full-time RVers. They met in 2003 as part of the Wandering Individuals’ Network (WIN), an organization that provides ways for solo RVers to get together with fellow travelers throughout the country.

Jerry and Robi married in 2005 in Cody, Wyoming, while working at a campground in Yellowstone National Park. They traveled together for the better part of two decades, criss-crossing the country twice, traveling the Alaska Highway three times, and spending many summers working at our beautiful national parks, including Yellowstone, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and at a park near Mt. St. Helens. They also traveled throughout Canada, traveling as far east as Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Condolences to Robi and friends.

Posted in Announcements, General Interest, Obits | 4 Comments

A Christmas Tale Of Sour Cream, Dinner Rolls And Cranberry Sauce

Posted on January 9, 2024 by webadmin

By John Golden, long-term Summer 2023 renter

When a neighbor couple at KOFA RV Park in Yuma AZ asked me would I like to do “something different” this Christmas weekend they did not really say exactly how different the “something” was, nor did I have a clue, relative to my life experiences to date?

Being temporarily without a car since arriving at the RV Resort had relegated me to the daily choice of taking a walk, swimming in the pool or soaking aching joints (induced by a Senior Yoga Class) in the hot tub, for excitement maybe checking my mailbox for any mail that did not have a clear window indicating it contained yet another bill to be paid!

Off we went at 8:30 AM this morning (Saturday) to begin a few hours of volunteer work at 9:00 AM today, tomorrow, and Christmas Day morning at a huge facility in an industrial district of Yuma Arizona called “Crossroads Rescue Mission”, a Faith based organization offering food, emergency shelter for men, women and families, and helping those with drug or alcohol addiction!

The sprawling campus at Crossroads Mission has many well used buildings covering probably 5 acres or more of land between railroad tracks leading in as many directions as the lives of the families and individuals it serves on a daily basis!

After finding a parking spot in the clean well-lit paved parking lot I snapped a few pictures of the exterior entrance and followed my neighbors, Ruth and Bob, into the depths of the complex to an open outdoor plaza area filled with other volunteers, kitchen staff and various other workers.

As the sun rays broke through the morning mists caused by yesterday’s unusually heavy rains the place unfolded into a veritable Beehive of Holiday themed activity, a sound stage was set up for a small band, empty tables and chairs filled every open space of the outdoor plaza, food serving tables (and servers) awaited arrival of steaming hot kitchen entrées prepared by cooks who started work at 4:00AM, the entire scene vibrating with anticipation of filling a days total of 1,040 plates of hot food for those in need, accomplished by way of two serving lines, each with seven volunteers ladling out a menu for today, Saturday, of Mexican chicken enchiladas, rice, savory pinto beans, and a bit of shredded lettuce salad, all topped by a large dollop of sour cream expertly plopped on the plate by yours truly, a sour cream plopper of heretofore unknown expertise whose plastic apron soon began showing signs of being an amateur at sour cream dolloping?

Water, soft drinks and dessert were handled by a different group of merry volunteers, many of them with obvious years of volunteer Christmas and Thanksgiving work at the Mission to their credit! Huge trays of desserts were brought in by local housewife volunteers, one accompanied by her disabled veteran husband who later played his guitar from his wheelchair in the Band on stage.

Following the first hungry fellow coming by my station at 10:00 AM, who asked for an extra dollop of sour cream, there was a veritable flood of famished folks, some who it appeared had possibly spent time outdoors in the cold rain of last night! Yes, an inch of rain overnight in the Sonoran desert that only gets 3″ in a full year.

To the very last one, ALL were incredibly, humbly and verbally thankful for a hot meal! To my surprise many requested a 2nd or even 3rd scoop of sour cream? Being myself of Tex-Mex food origin, this must be an Arizona Hispanic food tradition which I knew nothing about before today, but nonetheless managed to ladle out small scoops of over two gallons of sour cream by 1:00 PM? At times the speed of the serving line required instant latex glove changes to retain a dry grip on the ratchet style cream dispenser, a skill-set unused in 82 years prior to today? Keeping up with the flow actually became fun!

The single mothers coming by with 2, 3 or 4 beautiful well behaved children while doing their best to smile and hang onto a shred of dignity tugged at the heartstrings for sure, a few of them were handicapped or had other obvious disabilities! Many were homeless, living at the Mission. As were too many women alone, of all ages, showing signs of physical abuse by domestic partners!

So many of the participants were Veterans of the Vietnam War, it was shameful to see them hungry and still suffering from PTSD after so many years, plus there were way too many vets from the Afghanistan or Iraq wars. One fellow was so hungry he was eating off his plate as we tried to fill it with hot food. He was assured that second trips through the serving line were encouraged.

A local VA chapter set up several tables with surplus Army blankets and survival gear, giving it free to any Vet that could use it. Other tables contained women and children’s clothing, sundry bathroom items and childrens toys free to the participants!

Tomorrow’s meal will be roast beef, green beans and mashed potato’s, plus green salad and Christmas day there will be Turkey and dressing with all the trimmings! Hopefully none of it requires sour cream? For the Sunday Roast beef entree’ my talent shifted to dinner roll delivery person and Christmas day found me delicately bombing food plates with scoops of cranberry sauce!

Each serving line consisted of seven volunteers with kitchen utensils to dispense food to the line of hungry folks filing by. Over 1,000 meals were served by the 2 serving lines on Saturday, 1,500 Sunday and over 2,000 on Christmas Monday. We stopped serving at 1:00PM each day.

These three days were the most uplifting days of personal service to total strangers that I have ever experienced, drawing me out of my grief filled head for the first time since May 15th 2023, the day my life changed with the passing of my wife!

In short, it felt good, very good to be totally selfless in service to others, softening the pain of my personal loss, replacing it with feelings of compassion that once felt, could never be un-felt! In the space of 3 mornings a new persona of myself had emerged, now seeing a glimmer of light at the end of a long dark tunnel.

It’s also a very good thing that latex gloves and plastic aprons were furnished or someone would have to have hosed me off when the serving lines closed?

Much Love to All….Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
to you and your family!

Posted in Featured, General Interest | 1 Comment

You did it!!! Congratulations!!

Posted on January 5, 2024 by webadmin

The New Years Day football themed fundraiser party was a huge success. The goal was to raise money and collect goods for the Sutherlin Food Pantry. Together we raised $1117.39 and 625 pounds of food was collected.

A great team of talented SKPs pulled together to have a fun day of football, games and food (oh yes don’t forget the food). Chef Denis made the chili and hot dogs with members and guests bringing all kinds of goodies.

Those who came early watched the Rose Parade. Thanks to Richard Hickethier it was
commercial free.

I would like to thank the many volunteers who made this possible.

Sincerely, Joy Stalnaker

View photos

Posted in Announcements, General Interest, News | 2 Comments

NEW YEARS AND RESOLUTIONS

Posted on January 1, 2024 by webadmin

The oldest calendar was a mesolithic arrangement of 12 pits and an
arc found in Aberdeanshire, Scotland. It was dated roughly 8000 BC and
was a lunar calendar. The twelve months related to the lunar cycles.
The first recorded celebrations of the New Year was 4000 years ago in
Babylonia. The new year began with the new moon after the Spring
equinox in mid March. Making resolutions also began then, but were called
new year pledges. These were made to the current king and the people
pledged to pay their debts and return any borrowed items. These
celebrations lasted twelve days.

In 45 BC Julius Caesar allotted January 1st as the first day of the new
year and began the Julian Calendar. It was a solar calendar and based on
three years of 365 days with an extra day in the fourth year.
In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in an
attempt to address the problems with the Julian calendar. It too had three
years of 365 days with an extra day in the fourth year except when a year is
divisible by 100 and not divisible by 400. It is the most commonly used
calendar around the world today.

Making pledges 4000 years ago morphed into todays resolutions.
Today making resolutions is a start of new beginnings and aspiring to new
goals. Unfortunately most aren’t met due to unrealistic expectations. Top
resolutions include quit smoking, lose weight, stop drinking. By two to
three months 90% of resolutions are given up. Maybe we aim too high. We
think resolutions should be a big and sweeping change. Psychologists say
we should resolve something that is attainable and that we really have a
desire to attain.

Instead of resolving something we are sure to fail at, maybe we should
resolve to TRY to become a better person, less judgmental and more
accepting of others differences.. Be gentle with others, they are struggling
with this lifetime as much as we all are. We all have different views of
things but that doesn’t mean everyone else is wrong. We all make mistakes
and fail at times. Resolving to TRY is the best resolution we can make.
SOOO. if you are eating plenty of chocolate, avoiding the bathroom
scale, and taking plenty of naps you will be in a better position to be kinder
and more tolerant of others.

I wish you peace and happiness that you can share with others. Happy
New Year.

Ruby Bonham

Posted in Editorial, General Interest | Tagged | 5 Comments

“Cruise on the Danube River with Dennis Hellawell”

Posted on December 29, 2023 by webadmin

Dennis Hellawell is sharing the slide show of his 12 day river cruise on the Danube River. It was a trip from The Black Sea in Romania to Budapest, Hungary and included stops in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary.

His slide show can be bound on our website under the Main Menu > Photos or use the link:  Cruise

 

Posted in Creative Work, General Interest | 3 Comments

Murder at Mistletoe Manor (Murder Mystery Dinner) – Photo Gallery

Posted on December 25, 2023 by webadmin

Thanks to all who attended and participated in making last night’s murder mystery dinner a huge success!

Over 60 attendees enjoyed a three-act-murder mystery while enjoying a delicious three-course-meal prepared by Chef Denis. Thanks again to all!

View photo gallery

Posted in Events, General Interest | 3 Comments

Water Use

Posted on December 21, 2023 by webadmin

We are perplexed about something…You can help. Why are we using more water than in previous years?

Picking a recent date of Dec. 17 just as an example, here are the gallons used and a
comparison to previous years. We would expect a use of 3,000 to 5,000 gallons per day in winter.

Dec. 17, 2023 we used 6750 gallons
Dec. 17, 2022 we used 5335 gallons
Dec. 17, 2021 we used 3815 gallons
Dec. 17 2020 we used 3540 gallons

This increase in water use costs Timber Valley an additional $600-800 per month! This is a hit to the Timber Valley bottom line.

Does anyone have any ideas why? We should all be on the lookout for hoses and hose splitters leaking, even on un-occupied lots. Please insulate your water supply hoses, and avoid “letting the faucet drip” to prevent freezing.

If anyone has any thoughts on why we are using more water please inform the office.

Thank You,
Your Water Monitor Team

Posted in Announcements, General Interest | 8 Comments

IT’S A WRAP!

Posted on December 18, 2023 by webadmin

Thank you to everyone who donated to Sutherlin’s Toy Drive.
The toys are now ready to be wrapped.
VOLUNTEER ELVES are NEEDED to help wrap the many gifts staged at the Sutherlin Fire Department.
GIFT WRAPPING is taking place in the Fire Station’s upstairs conference room on:
Tuesday, December 19 from 9am-1pm and
Wednesday, December 20 from 9am-1pm or until done.
Choose your time and day…help on 1 day or both days…for 1,2,3 or 4 hours
Whatever help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Questions: Contact Dar Hoch – Lot #31 – 920-344-9914
(volunteers must be able to climb stairs to the conference room)

Posted in Announcements, General Interest, Volunteer Opportunities | Comments Off on IT’S A WRAP!

Dennis Belfils Memorial

Posted on December 15, 2023 by webadmin

MEMORIAM Dennis Belfils

Dennis Belfils, lot 37, passed away December 12, 2023. Dennis was born in
Washington State and with his wife RVed all over the United States. They also
traveled to Alaska and Hawaii.
Dennis served in the Navy in Guam during the Korean War. He was a real estate
broker by profession. Dennis received his lot March 7 , 2023 and was in
Rosehaven at the time of his passing. He is survived by son Bruce, lot 48, who is
South for the winter. Our condolences to Bruce and family.

Posted in Announcements, General Interest, Obits | Comments Off on Dennis Belfils Memorial

Winter Safety Tips from Avista

Posted on December 14, 2023 by webadmin

Dear Customer,
Carbon monoxide can live within your home without you even realizing it. CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, diesel fuel, coal, wood and natural gas. Because CO is undetectable to the human senses, it is important for people to know the signs of CO exposure.

Symptoms are similar to the flu and can include:

Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness

Protect yourself and your family. Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. These devices monitor CO levels and alert you should the gas reach dangerous levels – they’re even a legal requirement in some states.
CO detectors are available at most home retail outlets. We recommend you only buy UL-listed models and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and operation.

Here are some safety tips to get you started:

Do:
Install at least one detector in a hallway near your sleeping area.
Service your water heater and any gas, oil, wood or coal-burning heaters regularly.

Don’t:
Use portable generators, barbeques and charcoal grills indoors.
If you suspect you have been exposed to CO in your home, get to fresh air immediately and call for medical assistance from a safe place. Call 911,

Posted in General Interest, Safety | Comments Off on Winter Safety Tips from Avista

Friday Social Hour 12/15/2023

Posted on December 13, 2023 by webadmin

 

Posted in Announcements, General Interest | Comments Off on Friday Social Hour 12/15/2023

Caregiving

Posted on December 3, 2023 by webadmin

CAREGIVING

The hardest thing you will ever do in life is to become a caregiver.
Whether it happens gradually or suddenly, it is devastating to both the
caregiver and the loved one. No one ever expects it to happen to them. You
may start out is disbelief then your emotions will run a gamut. You will
become emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted. No two days are
the same as you try to learn how to navigate your way through this new
stage of life. You are on duty 24 – 7 with little respite. If you are lucky you
will have a support team of relatives, friends and medical. Even with help
you are still on alert. You don’t sleep well because you always have one ear
open. Crises may be a normal part of your life depending on your loved
one’s condition. You try to handle medical emergencies with outward calm
even when you are shaking inside. Your emotions fluctuate between
sadness, anger, despair, acceptance, denial and just plain overwhelming love
for the one you are trying to protect and support. Even so, you would never
choose a different path.
Your loved one is experiencing many of the same thoughts and
emotions. After the disbelief, they too go through stages. Some are
embarrassed or ashamed that they have put you in this position. Through no
fault of their own their lives have changed course, with no map to guide or
understanding why this event has changed the dynamics of your
relationship. No one is in control of this situation. You both struggle to
adapt to this new life and find some form of order in the chaos. In time you
start to adjust. Though you are still sad for yourself and your loved one, you
move forward in this new life. The love you share is still there. Touch is
important to hold the connection that has morphed into a new dimension,
especially when speech and memory are involved. A gentle touch tells them
you are still here, still in love and that you aren’t going anywhere. You
grieve the loss of the old life but you come to realize the one you so loved is
still there. You adapt and you grow from the experience. You are still
exhausted and sad but you find that inner strength that says you are OK.
You too are loved.
Ruby Bonham
10-20-2023

Posted in Featured, General Interest | Tagged | 2 Comments

Active Wait List

Posted on November 28, 2023 by webadmin

By Robin McFadden, Lot 195

August 2019 – Giddy with excitement I clutch the membership application receipt as I practically skip back to my rig.  My new friend Rick, tells everyone I am ‘on the waitlist’ and I grin as people congratulate me.

Year one goes by quickly as I get immersed into my full time RV life and travels.  It’s now 2020 and I ‘got a lot’ at the Rovers Roost SKP CO-Op in Casa Grande, AZ.  As Covid causes states to shut down, and RV parks and campgrounds close nationwide, I’m relieved and grateful to have a place to call my own, and hunker down for the duration.  Then the heat comes and it’s time to leave.  By then, the states have loosened restrictions, so me and my virus free mobile living unit head to cooler climes.

Year two and I check the active wait list on the Timber Valley website once every month or two.  It doesn’t feel like I have made much movement this year, but frankly I don’t remember where I started on the list.

Years three and four and I start to reconsider.  I go to other SKP parks, and weigh the options of buying a house or buying land and building.  So many choices. My pro/con list gets bigger and bigger.  I still have time to decide.

I get the email!  I’m 25th on the list.  Back to the pro/con list. More research.  I start checking the Timber Valley website several times a month.  I read and reread the rules and the bylaws.  I join the Facebook group.

I look at the various volunteer opportunities looking for options of how I can contribute remotely.  I check the Active Wait List weekly.  When a lot is posted for trade, I look at it and check its location on the park map, even though I am not yet at the top of the list.  I hope I’m not the only one who does this!

I’m now in the top 10 and it starts getting real.  Time to make sure my finances are in order.   I open a new checking account with the same bank that holds my money market accounts and am relieved to see I can transfer money instantly on line. I’m ready.

November 2023 –  4 1/2 years.  I’m at the top of the list!  I  email Kim to confirm she has my current contact information and address since I won’t be ‘home’ for two months.  She tells me if no one wants to trade for the lot listed on the website, it will be mine.

Today, less than a month after signing the paperwork, I’m enjoying my first stay on my lot.  It’s a short visit this time, however I’ll be back this summer for a longer visit. I’ve met my neighbors, and look forward to getting to know them better.

It was a long wait on the Active Wait List but it makes getting a lot that much sweeter. I’m looking forward to spending more time here and contributing what I can to Timber Valley, and making new friends.  See you all in the summer!

Posted in General Interest, Life at Timber Valley | 12 Comments