Gene Fisher, Lot 145, Board Member

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Thom Hoch

Timber Valley is saddened by the news that Gene Fisher died last night, March 2nd, at a hospice care facility in Roseburg.  Condolences to Jane and the family.  A more complete obituary for this very active member of Timber Valley will follow in the days ahead.

Posted in Members, Obits | 5 Comments

ALZHEIMER’S AND ME

Posted on March 1, 2021 by webadmin

by Ruby Bonham

The frail wrinkled body slumps forward against the restraint tied to the wheelchair.  Her eyes are vacant, empty of response to the activity taking place around her.  She is my mom.

I stand there watching unnoticed.  The vibrant woman of a few years ago has been lost to the ravages of Alzheimer’s.  As my aunts talk about her, a silent tear starts in her eye and slips gently down her weathered cheek.  They all seem to think that because her deteriorating brain has eroded her memory and robbed her of verbal skills, that she can no longer hear either.  It isn’t so.  I who have watched her and loved her know beyond doubt that deep inside that worn out body lies a soul still tied to this world.

Finally everyone leaves and I am alone with Mom.   Now our journey will begin as it does each time we are alone together.  Putting my arms around her, I start the sensory input that will take an hour or more.  Talking softly, I stroke the taut bony shoulders and head outside. 

It is a warm sunny day with just enough breeze to take the edge off the heat.  Away from the crowd I start the pattern I have developed as I have learned more about her world.  I walk behind the wheelchair but I lean over so that my arms are around her and our cheeks touch.   I  talk softly and simply about the warmth of the sun, the breeze, about how I love her and am glad to be with her.  Ever so slowly she starts to relax and her eyes lose some of their vagueness.  I move in front of her and place both hands on the  side of her face, touching her gently until ever so slowly we have eye contact.  The agitation has diminished and she responds to the sensory input.  We move onward but stop often to touch and love.  I ask her if the sun feels good and she says “yes”: a breakthrough!  After a while we go back inside and unintentionally my speech has become that of someone talking to a small child.  I become aware of what I have done as I see the tears start to fall once again and I am ashamed that I have hurt her feelings.  It is difficult to keep speech simple and uncomplicated without becoming condescending. 

Mae and Ruby

Because of my slip I have to go back and reestablish trust.  About two hours have passed and we are both relaxed.  I reach out and hold her face and our eyes connect.  I say “I love you.”  Slowly her hands come up and she touches my face and says, “I love you too.”  I am shocked and for a moment, I am speechless.  Still we have eye contact and deep within I see a tiny twinkle.  I think she is proud of me that I have finally caught  on.  I smile at her in wonder and love passes between us, unhampered by words.  She is more relaxed than I have seen her in months.  Still she holds my gaze and I feel that our look says more than words can ever express.  I am overwhelmed that she has chosen to let me into her world so completely.  I feel life and humor and responses that are supposedly non-functioning at this stage of her disease.  For moments we share and then as she tires, her focus wanders.  I return her to her room for a nap.

I have watched her experience life from an entirely different plane and I have been grateful for the lessons that have culminated in today’s breakthrough.  Society is very rigid in its acceptance of people, choosing only to approve of those who meet the requirements of standard mental and verbal skills. Because she no longer communicates in the accepted manner, she is no longer a part of their world.  Not once has anyone wondered if perhaps they could communicate in hers.

Ruby Bonham

About 1986

Originally written for the Houston Alzheimer’s Foundation

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

In Memoriam, Frank Occhiuto

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Jackie Deal

It is rather a strange name and when Timber Valley neighbors had trouble pronouncing Frank and Marion’s last name, one of them would say, “It’s easy! Just think of cute toes.” And the other would add, “Oh, cute toes!”
Frank and Marion Occhuito left Timber Valley RV Park in 2014 and left behind many memories. Memories include Frank sprawled out on the clubhouse kitchen floor working under the stove fixing something. He was an avid fisherman and tied his own flies. He also enjoyed shooting pool. Frank was always ready to help anyone who needed it.
Marion enjoyed craft work and made beautiful greeting cards. She cut tiny little pictures out with huge scissors while the rest of us used manicure scissors. Both Frank and Marion were devoted to their church often going to daily mass.
Frank was born Aug. 5, 1924 and passed Feb 22, 2021. He served in the Navy in WW 11 and Korea as a radio operator on the USS Lowry. Dec 19, 1995 he married Marion and they were married for 20 years.
They left Timber Valley to live with children in 2014 and Marion died within the first year. Frank lived another 6 years, passing on just a couple of days before the anniversary of Marion’s death.

{If you have memories to add, please use the Comments}

 

Posted in Announcements, General Interest, Members, News, Obits | 2 Comments

Out of the Cancer Closet

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Helaine Hepworth

by Helaine Hepworth

When I thought cancer was approaching my life I ran and hid.

I lied, made excuses, withdrew, and denied it.

Turns out, cancer is a part of life. We are all touched by it somehow. We lose friends, family and co workers. I have always believed that we are taught lessons in our life experiences. Then we are obligated to pass on what we learned.

Many years ago both Wally and I had coworkers with late stage cancers.We visited, shared and somehow dealt with them on a totally honest level. Both people expressed thankfulness at our acceptance and honesty.

When cancer came closer to us with family members we used those lessons well, it helped us, it helped them. Toughest of all was our oldest child. A mere 25 years we had him. Yet we were able to talk honestly, and when he decided to refuse treatment and travel for his last few months. We gave him some money, a suitcase and our blessings. When my aunt made the decision to stop treatment it was easier to accept it, help care for her, and bake her muffins.

So why, when it was me did I hesitate. Hesitate? No, more like I froze. It did take me a long time to process it all. I kept it a secret for a long time. Trusting only a few people in my life. Slowly I crawled out of the Cancer Closet.

I am no longer hiding.

Saying over and over “It is what it is” “It is my turn.”

“Put on your big girl panties and deal with it.”

So here I am, hoping that I can give knowledge, hope, humor, care, and love to others out there that may be hiding. Expect a story now and then with the good, the bad, and the ugly but always with the truth.

Posted in Creative Work, Featured, General Interest | Tagged | 15 Comments

Cold Weather II

Posted on February 23, 2021 by webadmin

First of all thank you for allowing me to share our stories.And for the feedback and encouragement.

Part I told of our first ski trip.Thankfully we had many others.All of our ski adventures were great fun. No more near crashes,no frostbite and only one minor injury. Me. Each one was unique in location, people we met and watching Rita working hard to become a good skier. We were not yet at the point in our life when she got her glasses, so I learned how to alternate between skiing and clearing a path for her.( Mostly successful on both counts.)

One trip stands out.I’d like to share it with you.

Rita was living in “ suburbia “ and going through a nasty divorce. In suburbia at the time, if one neighbor got a new car, quick, buy GM stock because they all wanted one. The same copy cat syndrome applied to divorce.”Hey honey, the Smiths are getting a divorce, Wadda you think, You want one too “?

Her neighbor Irene,( not her real name but close) was in that situation and asked if she could join us the following weekend. She needed a getaway.What follows will make no sense if I don’t describe Irene.

In those days we would say she had it all together.She was equal parts CEO -engineer- super mom- fashionista- and Wonder Woman.That was Irene.Whatever it is,I can do it.

I wasn’t happy with the arrangement ,but Rita could empathize and was always willing to help.So she said she would be responsible for her friend so how could I say no.

Saturday six am,Irene burst out of the door ready to go skiing.It must have taken as long to do her make up as the entire cast of Cats.She was ready for dinner with the Queen.Her new ski outfit must have cost more than my entire wardrobe.Including brand new ski boots.I did manage to convince her to leave the jewelry at home.

Off to Stowe, Vermont.

Visualize,if you will, a mound of snow eight feet high and fifty feet in diameter at the base.This was not even a baby hill,it was an in utero hill. I took Rita at her word, and watched as she showed Irene how to walk sideways up this eight foot hill.

After an agonizingly long time they reached the top.Somehow the vibes went out, and I was joined by a group of people who sensed that something historic was about to happen.

Rita now demonstrates how to position your skis to come down the hill slowly, and proceeds to do so.Irene watches. Irene doesn’t move.Rita sidesteps back up and demonstrates again.Irene doesn’t move.Rita goes back up and tells Irene they will go down together. Irene starts bawling.(Remember the make up?) Finally Rita is able to walk her all the way down the eight foot hill.To the applause of everyone watching.

When they got to the bottom,Irene removed her skis and told us we could pick her up at the lodge and marched off to be a ski bunny.

The drive home was very quiet.Except for my occasional discreet giggles.

I don’t believe I have ever been prouder of the way Rita handled a very difficult situation.

That fall we went back to Stowe to have a picnic with Maria and the rest of the Von Trapp family.But that’s another story.
—
Fred and Rita

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

Reflexology

Posted on February 21, 2021 by Sharon Elliott

What’s a word meaning a step less than orgasmic? That’s how I describe the experience I had the other day.

Imagine this…. You are lying on an oversized recliner covered with a thick warm blanket. In your hands you are holding a hot rock and behind your neck is a warm support. The room is dark and there is spa music playing. Only your feet are exposed and ready for an experience. Then the magic happens. The master, or mistress of all that’s good, begins in this case, to touch your soles. As she presses and massages you may have twinges of discomfort and as you report this or flinch she will ask you if you have problems with areas on or in your body. In my case she identified my back and shoulder problems.

I have a background in western allopathic medicine and have had doubts about eastern remedies and homeopathic approaches to healthcare. I returned home feeling pretty relaxed. The morning afterward I was aware that when I stood up straight, I had no back pain. As I lifted weights my shoulders did not cry out in agony. I have made another appointment and plan to go back regularly.

Another resident in Timber Valley has taken advantage of this treatment on a regular basis. (I hope Norm does not take issue with my unmasking him). This article is not an advertisement for a business in town however if you might be interested in the same experience I just shared I would be glad to give you information where right here in town is available.

Posted in Editorial, Featured, General Interest | 1 Comment

Cold Weather Part 1

Posted on February 19, 2021 by webadmin

By Fred Prout

When you are adopted by a dog you quickly learn that you get many benefits. Companionship, unconditional love and an opportunity to take walks. Sometimes many walks.

Rule #1 in the dog parenting manual is the importance of setting a schedule. Times to eat, times to play times to go outside and get it done. The advantage to the human part of the equation is that by rigorously staying on schedule, it allows you to make the best use of the remaining hour and fourteen minutes in the day.

However, there are two occasions when your dog’s waste elimination systems go horribly wrong.
#1 The sound of a sports event on TV,
#2 Cold weather

Tie score, third and goal ? Forget it. The whining, pacing and desperation eyes win out every time. That is if you are a decent compassionate human being and don’t own a carpet cleaner. Outside NOW!

Which brings us to cold weather.

Cold weather changes a dog’s sniffing mechanism. The place where they always killed or fertilized the grass is just plain wrong now. Gotta sniff every blade of grass and nose every pebble to find the right place. ”Take your time.I’m in no hurry.”

We just came in from our first walk of the day. It’s thirty three degrees outside and I’m freezing my yes off. (A recognized medical condition whereby it is impossible to say the word yes for at least four hours)(Very severe cases have resulted in altered male vocal ranges)

I’m not sure when I became a cold weather wuss but it wasn’t that many months ago (ok at least six hundred) that I welcomed cold weather as an opportunity to go skiing. I started waxing my skis in July in anticipation. I loved it.

Before we met, Rita had never had the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of the slopes. So a new adventure for both of us.

Now, before you go to the mountain you need the appropriate clothing and equipment. Rental equipment for beginners is the best bet,but clothes? It’s true that guys do not have the same eye for fashion as girls. When Rita wanted a white ski suit, I had to gently and lovingly explain that with her beautiful white hair and lovely pale complexion she could become lost in a snow flurry until spring. So black it was.

So off to Okemo mountain in Vermont. It is said that the name Okemo is native for
“ Let’s watch these idiots break some bones “.

After a few lessons on the basic things to do and the one thing to NEVER do, she was ready to solo.

She got in line for the easy hill and I went for a less easy one. As I was ascending, I looked down and saw an almost invisible person in a black outfit happily lying on her back making snow angels and yelling what I took as words of encouragement and hopes that I would have a wonderful downhill ride.

I may have misunderstood her words and gestures.

The last run of the day we went downhill together. Unfortunately, one of the unsupervised little &)++”#/s cut in front of her and she panicked. She started to barrelass (Norwegian for going very fast) down the hill missing the ski patrol by two feet. Fortunately he was too shocked and too busy checking his clothing to pursue us.

Over the years we skied many times.I loved it and she tolerated it so she could do something with me and make me happy. How great is that?

Fred and Rita

Posted in Creative Work, Editorial, General Interest, Humor, Life at Timber Valley | Tagged | 16 Comments

Covid Vaccine

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Dick Shanahan

Fire District 2 is making appointments for Covid Vaccines. Currently they are doing the over 75 group, but are making appointments for the next group.
They are located at 1400 Buckhorn in Roseburg.
Call 541 673-5503 to make an appointment.
If you have any problems with this process, please give me a call.

Posted in Announcements, Events, General Interest | Tagged | 3 Comments

Lost Dogs

Posted on February 17, 2021 by webadmin

By Kathy Perry

Several years ago, I had gone to the carpet store to pick up a remnant for a project.

I went inside and picked the one I wanted. The salesman said he would take it to the car for me.

I told him to be sure and not let the dogs out. Shortly he came back in and said…….there were no dogs in the car. I responded, yes, there are two. A black and white one and a cream colored one both Shih Tzus. He said no, there were no dogs in the car.

Of course, I panicked. Went to the car to find my driver’s side window down and no dogs 

in the car.

There was a horse event next door at the fairgrounds and Hwy 199 right in front of the store. I panicked, my babies were going to get killed on the road or by a horse.

So we called and called. Katie, Shadow where are you. Come on, come to mama. The salesman went one way around the building and I went the other. The clerk in the store was going thru the warehouse. We were all calling the dogs. Needless to say, I was in a panic.

After a while we finally gave up, there were nowhere to be found. I left my contact information with the carpet store and they would call me if they returned. I reluctantly went home so upset. Just before I got home, I realized…………..yep……I didn’t take them with me. I was so embarrassed. ……I really didn’t want to tell the carpet people.

So I called and spoke to the salesman and told him the dogs had been at home the whole time. He said to me that he was going to ask me that at the time, but thought I might have been insulted by the question.

So, that’s just one of my little adventures with an aging mind.

Posted in Creative Work, Featured, General Interest, Humor | Tagged | 3 Comments

BLAME IT ON THE ALGORITHM

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Jackie Deal

Get the Covid vaccination?  Where?  When?  How?  Questions and no answers.  Well, you can blame it on the algorithm says “The New York Times”.  I admit I had to look up algorithm to be sure I knew what it meant:   “A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations especially by a computer.”

The New York Times says: “Trump administration officials came up with a seemingly simple formula last year to streamline distribution of the shots.  First, federal administrators would run an automated algorithm to divide vaccine doses nationwide, based on the size of each state’s adult population. Then each state would decide how to dole out the shots to local hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.”

The federal algorithm divides the total amount of vaccine available each week among the 50 states — as well as U.S. territories and a few big cities like New York — based on the number of people over 18 in each place.  (This was based on the census, which may not have been the most complete count.) Some states say that they have received fewer doses than the algorithm allotted them or that the federal system canceled their vaccine orders without notifying them.  (Oops!)

Should have been simple, right?  Leave it up to the states to do the allocation of shots. The algorithm requires states “to come up with multiple delivery plans for their weekly quotas of Pfizer and Moderna shots, even if the different shipments are destined for the same clinics and hospitals. The federal agencies, states, local health departments and medical centers have each developed different allocation formulas, based on a variety of ethical and political considerations. The result: Americans are experiencing wide disparities in vaccine access.” And we, as well as state and local agencies are slowly losing our minds!

How have some of the allocations been done?  Oregon, for instance, has prioritized teachers over the elderly for Covid shots to help schools and businesses reopen. New Jersey has put smokers ahead of educators, which could save lives. (All you smokers better move to New Jersey!) Florida and Alaska, for instance, have given residents 65 and older priority for the vaccine. Massachusetts began allowing residents 75 and older to get the shots in early February. Oregon is opening the shots up to people 80 and over this week.

  1. Enough of that nonsense! What is the status of OUR vaccinations? oregon.gov website, or at getvaccinated.oregon.gov basic questions of eligibility and links to information about vaccinations in the counties are available. Users can sign up for alerts to get notified about vaccination events or find out when they may become eligible.
  2. Or you can call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including holidays. Wait times may be long due to high call volumes. Governor Brown announced the Oregon National Guard will help 211 answer phone calls, starting February 8.
  3. In addition, Biden administration is sending shipments of the shots directly to thousands of retail pharmacis. Oregon has opted into this program  offering seniors the option to get vaccinated at 133 retail locations across the state. Seems sensible, doesn’t it?  Many of us have received our flu shots from pharmacies, why not the covid shots?

So if you’ve had both shots (two doses of either Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine) and it’s at least two weeks since the second shot, you can skip quarantine if exposed to someone infected with the virus, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

How long does the protection last? CDC doesn’t know, so people who had their last shot three months ago or more should still quarantine if they are exposed. They also should quarantine if they show symptoms, the CDC said. You should watch for symptoms for 14 days after you have been exposed to someone who is infected.

A warning:  vaccines prevent symptomatic illness but they have not yet been shown to prevent asymptomatic illness. While people with no symptoms can spread coronavirus, the CDC said, “symptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission is thought to have a greater role in the spread of the disease.

 

 

 

Posted in Announcements, Creative Work, Editorial, Featured, General Interest, Life at Timber Valley | Tagged , | 2 Comments