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

Soup on a Cold Day

Posted on November 17, 2023 by webadmin

What could be better on a cold, wintery noon than hot soup, homemade garlic toast, and crunchy oatmeal cookies??  Add in a beautiful travelogue of Italy on the big screen with soft Italian music.  That was this past Wednesday noon in our clubhouse. Did you miss it??

Almost every Wednesday our Chef Denis will be alternating soup and dinner both with music and travelogue presented by Richard Hickethier.  The Wed. before Thanksgiving there will be NO soup since Thanksgiving dinner will be a big hullabaloo. But the Wed. after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29) will be Chicken Adobo, the national dish of the Philipines. (Will Richard find Filipino music and pictures?) This will be a full dinner served at 2 p.m. That’s to get you all home before dark! Soups will be served at 12 noon.

Until further notice, every Wednesday after that, soup and dinner will alternate.  Be sure to put this on your calendar.  Everything is homemade (in our kitchen) and from fresh ingredients.

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In Memoriam – Glen Golgert

Posted on November 10, 2023 by webadmin

Timber Valley was saddened by the news that Glen Golgert, Lot #75, had passed away on October 25, 2023. Glen and his wife, Cheryle Golgert , moved into Timber Valley on September 03, 1990. Glen was one of the “original members” still with us. Cheryle passed away on July 20, 2021. Glen stayed in the Park until his move to Oak Park Assisted Living in Roseburg during March of 2022. He is survived by his sister, Theo Geblen and niece Rhonda Patnode of Washington. Glen’s sister, Theo Golgert and family, suggested that donations be given to the Sutherlin Oakland Food Pantry.

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Save the Date!!!

Posted on October 30, 2023 by webadmin

Timber Valley is having a grand celebration. Dave and Michelle Van Westen are getting married in the clubhouse at noon on November 10th. Reception to follow. All are invited.  Details will be provided next week.

Come and help us celebrate.

Posted in Announcements, General Interest, Members | 6 Comments

Getting Old Ain’t for Sissies

Posted on October 28, 2023 by webadmin

“Getting old ain’t for sissies”. How many times have we heard that
phrase? Of course we always thought it applied to someone else – not us.
When did we cross that age barrier into Senior Citizen? Just yesterday we
were young, strong, agile and able to leap tall buildings. Our bodies were
still trim and our minds steel sharp. Old age was somewhere in the far
distant future.

OH NO! It’s here and it snuck up on little cat feet. It started with
small memory glitches but you didn’t pay much attention because all your
friends were experiencing the same things. What was I going to do? How
did the car keys get in the refrigerator? Is the grocery list still on the table
by your chair when you are at the store? When did you need to start making
lists anyway?

Then came the physical or lack thereof. Achy joints that take a bit
longer to get moving. Balance not what it was. Shorter walks because well
the dog was tired. Knee replacements. Hip replacements. New glasses
because they are making road signs smaller and why are people whispering?
My hearing is just fine. OOPs, I laugherd and peed a little or sometimes a
lot. Depends aren’t funny anymore when it is you.

You get a new dog and it is like having an over energenic toddler.
How do grandparents end up raising their grandkids? The dog needs
feeding, taking outside and LOTS of attention. You want to sit quietly,
playing games on your tablet (they say it is good for your mind) but the dog
wants your attention and tries to work your tablet. How many times can a
ball roll under furniture? The dog demands you get out of your chair, on
hands and knees to rescue it. Note that he doesn’t help you get back up. Did
you just see that dog laughing? Maybe he is an evil conspititor aiming to
keep you moving. You are sure your doctor is in cahoots with the dog to see
your cardio health is taken care of.

Yep! Getting old ain’t for sissies. The positive is that with age comes
wisdom – if you can only remember what it is. Now where is that dog? Did
you leave him outside? Maybe he’s in the refrigerator!

Ruby Bonham
10-25-2023

Posted in Creative Work, Featured, General Interest | Tagged | 5 Comments

New on Member’s Only Website Page

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Thom Hoch

We’re recently added two new items to the Member’s Only page.  First, there’s a Newsletter from the President of the Board.  And second, there’s a link to the new Board Action Tracker. Both are intended to keep members of the Park informed.

We will appreciate any comments you have regarding these two new items.

Posted in Announcements, General Interest | 1 Comment

Penelope Hepworth, In Memoriam

Posted on October 18, 2023 by webadmin

The Timber Valley flag was lowered in honor of Penelope Hepworth, formerly of lot 204, who passed away on October 6, 2023. Robert and Penelope Hepworth purchased their membership in Timber Valley on December 4, 2012. They spent their time in Timber Valley and also in Kent, Washington. Robert passed away July 9, 2017.

Penelope remained at Timber Valley after Robert’s passing. She had many careers over her lifetime. She was a business owner, florist and even a performing clown. She loved her beloved dog (pet), Angus, who recently preceded her in passing. Serving on a committee with Penelope in the early days one was amazed by her intelligence and calmness. Penelope is survived by her daughters, Kristen Bruhahn and Michelle Geddes, both of Washington.

Posted in Obits | 1 Comment

Psychic Strings

Posted on October 10, 2023 by webadmin

A recent conversation with T Rex. About weirdness, coincidence and who knows what.

“I Was never going to tell this story. It is a 100% true account of, probably, the weirdest event of my life. I didn’t want to share it because it is so weird I didn’t think people would accept it. I recently mentioned this to a friend. She said, “ You’re weird and we accept you.” So here goes. Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Work, Featured, General Interest | Tagged | 7 Comments

Stop, In the Name of Love… Before you Break… Someone.

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Thom Hoch

I’m sure most of you have seen this new addition to the intersection near the office.  I’d like to thank everyone who wanted it, who spoke up for it, who voted for it, and who installed it.

The intention has always been to take steps to make the area around the office and that intersection a little safer. We have a lot of congestion at times in that area, and having everyone slowing down for the Stop sign sure seems like a good idea, especially for walkers, bikers, and those with walkers and wheelchairs.

By the way, those colorful markings on the pavement around the sign are from the “call before digging” locator service, who we use when digging anywhere in the Park.

And Thank You for Stopping.

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