“Both Sides” by Jackie Deal

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Jackie Deal

Apologies to Joni MItchell for adapting her lovely song. (Thanks, Fred, for the suggestion.)

“I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now, from up above and down below…it’s clouds illusions that I know, I really don’t know clouds at all.”

I imagine most of you remember that beautiful song. So let’s see how it fits our current circumstances.

I’ve looked for toilet paper from both sides now, shelves up above and down below.
It’s toilet paper’s illusions that I know, there’s no toilet paper anywhere at all.
Oh, but there is! My best friend called. “Hurry! They’ve got toilet paper at the grocery store. Right- Now!” I leaped up, “I’m on my way.” Five minutes later I was the proud possessor of 6 rolls of toilet paper! Wow! And to think I’d been contemplating using the cobs.

Yes, it’s important to keep a sense of humor while acknowledging the reality of the Coronavirus pandemic. Pandemic? Have you ever checked the meaning of the word? It requires the spread (worldwide) of a disease “affecting a large portion of the population”. Yep, I guess the current situation qualifies.

For some of us, it’s been a rather distant threat. I pride myself on being “realistic” and not succumbing to rumors. But as the rumors become facts, facts closer to home, I feel strangely “unsettled”. Does that describe it? Can you relate to that?

We refuse to be ruled by fear but healthy fear might contribute to arresting this plague. I feel slightly antsy when a person gets too close. How unfriendly is that? Yet, we all have a basic “comfort zone” and when people intrude on that we feel uneasy. Maybe it’s just that the “comfort zone” has shrunk or we’re more aware.

Wore a mask to the store—gotta have milk. Then I remember why I hated masks working in hospitals. They’re steamy .They fog up your glasses. You feel like you’re talking through a fog. Better than being on a ventilator!

This too shall pass. But in the meantime, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Spread good cheer but don’t spread Covid 19!

Posted in Featured, General Interest, Humor | Tagged | 9 Comments

Mike Regan #132, member since 1990

Posted on April 11, 2020 by Thom Hoch

Our community was deeply saddened by the recent loss of Michael (Mike) Regan, Lot #132 who passed away on April 8, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Mary. They spent summers here in Timber Valley. Mike and Mary have been members of Timber Valley since 1990.

The members of Timber Valley extend our condolences to Mary and the family. Please contribute any stories or memories you have of Mike in the comments below.

Posted in Obits | 4 Comments

QUARANTINE, SEQUESTER, STAY-IN-PLACE, SOCIAL DISTANCING

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Jackie Deal

QUARANTINE, SEQUESTER, STAY-IN-PLACE, SOCIAL DISTANCING
By Jackie Deal

Perhaps a laugh, even a giggle, might help us survive the current turmoil. If you feel this is sacrilegious, please, don’t read any farther. And if my sense of humor doesn’t appeal, there’s always the dictionary to read. Yes, the virus is serious but will it hurt to guffaw just a little bit? With your permission, I’ll try to find some humor in our daily grind and share it with you.

“A rose by any other name would smell the same.” Yah, and so would life without restaurants. You-all know, I have a reputation to maintain. An image to foster. “I don’t cook. I can’t cook!” Just ask Bud, he loves to ask me, “Jackie, can you boil water without burning it?? Ha! Ha! Ha!” It’s a precious reputation. Nobody expects me to bring salivary, delicious dishes to a potluck. “Oh, Jackie, don’t worry, just buy some chips or rolls.”

Now my survival depends on rejuvenating old skills (Of course, I cooked when I was raising a family.) I’ve always said (well, in recent years) “If it can’t be microwaved it ain’t fit to eat.” I have a new (well, new to me) little trailer with TWO slide-outs (OH, Joy) and a beautiful clean, white stove: three burners and an oven. So far I’m acquainted with one burner. You see, I tried to light the front burner (it has a “sparker”, never had one of those before) and it didn’t jump into action. The back burner knows its role: it lit. One down two to go. Don’t even mention the oven, that can wait a week or so. That’s why there are store-bought cookies.

Hey, how about a crock pot? Yah, I have one of those somewhere. Probably under the bed. Cute little two quart thing. High, Low and Warm. How complicated can that be? Let’s see: chicken! Run to the store..remember six feet apart. The store has graciously marked off the floor in six foot stripes. The line is practically out the back door but at least we’re not within sneezing distance.

I wanted an already broasted chicken, but of course, those hoarders had bought all of them so I had to settle for a cold, slimy, naked chicken. The recipe, (yes, I found a cook book under the rags in my what-not drawer) called for leeks. Leeks? Don’t they know how to spell leaks? I know all about those. My old fifth wheel had a leak right over the door so every time I stepped out I got sprinkled. Horrors! I was raised Baptist, we don’t sprinkle. No leeks, but way back in the depth of the refrigerator I spotted a semi-not-spoiled-yet-almost-firm onion.

The recipe says put the leeks (onions) in first. Seems like a tragedy somehow; putting those smelly onions into that nice clean white crock pot. In they go. Now for the chicken. Cramming a full size chicken into a two quart pot isn’t easy, believe me. But brawn over-trumps brain every time. Then the recipe called for chicken broth: Huh? I haven’t cooked the chicken yet how can there be any broth? Forget it. Also cream. Cream? I swore off that pounds ago. No cream. Mushrooms? Oh, yeah, I have a can of cream of mushroom soup somewhere. Dump that in. Yuck! Lumpy, unappetizing looking gunk. Put the lid on and strut away. Look who’s cooking!

Fifteen minutes later, I check. Who can wait 6 hours? The pot is cold! Okay, put the brain into second gear: the pot is plugged in (Of course, how stupid do you think I am?) Um, Ah, is it turned on? NO!? NO? Remember that Low-High-Warm thingy? Turn it on to High and away we go.

Actually, the chicken was good enough that I’m trying a second chicken recipe. Maybe sometime soon I’ll branch out and try something really creative. But in the meantime, the dust bunnies are marching into the kitchen and refusing to salute. Time to chase them back under the bed.

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

The Three Rs by Jackie Deal

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Jackie Deal

THE THREE Rs
By Jackie Deal

Readin’, Ritin’, and Rithmetic: that’s what the three Rs used to be. But now? How about Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle? Sure, and how do we apply that to the current toilet paper crises? By the way, did you know that Arizona is now number 1? Yep, we’re number 1 in the toilet paper crises. Isn’t it nice to be number 1 in something?

So now let’s get practical. Reduce? Okay, I used to use T. P. for the purpose for which it was intended PLUS I blotted my lipstick, cleaned off the counter, wiped up the floor. No more! Toilet paper is now sacred.

Reuse? I don’t think so! Recycle? Uh, uh. Now paper towels can be reused, if only wet, so I dry them and use them again. So now I’ve got an untidy pile of drying paper towels on my counter. So much for aesthetics.

Recycle? I’ve heard you can use single socks in place of T.P. I like to use them for one time rags; doesn’t matter how dirty they get, you just throw them out. Of course, in next week’s laundry you’ll find the missing orphan sock.

Remember the old Sears or Wards catalogs? Many an outhouse sprouted this reading material. Read it and use it. Those in the know avoided the slick pages, oh yeah! I wonder if the Desert Messenger could be recycled in this way?

Arizona, don’t be too proud. Newport, Oregon may have out done you. The local paper reported that the police chief was begging folks to stop calling 911 when they were out of toilet paper?!! Some elected officials have no sympathy!

Perhaps you remember the stories of the long ago English ship’s captain who loaded plantain leaves aboard and decreed that his men would “wipe” and then, Oh Horrors, wash their hands. They almost declared a mutiny but when all was said and done, that ship had less sick and dying shipmates. Of course they also carried limes (Vitamin C) to prevent scurvy. That’s why they’re called “limeys”.

We don’t have plantain leaves, but real old timers joke about using corncobs. We do have cactus “cobs” but I’m not going to go there. So does that leave us any reduce, reuse, recycle options? Not really. I guess all that’s left is to beg your friends to give you the latest, best gift for your birthday, anniversary, housewarming etc. etc.: TOILET PAPER!

Posted in Featured, General Interest | 8 Comments

from the desk of Helaine…

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Helaine Hepworth

Dear Timber Valley Member,

What Now?? What else can possibly happen? Everyday brings news of more cases of Corona Virus, more deaths, more closings, more panic, more shortages. The Corona Virus is a serious disease, particularly for those of our age group. But it is equally important that we use our good sense and not join in the panic and folly of those around us. It was not panic that caused the city of Sutherlin to ask us to sequester ourselves. It was with the knowledge that we are a very self-sustaining group with more than a little wisdom behind our actions. Knowing that we can take care of ourselves frees the city to care for those that are truly needy, at the same time we will be limiting our exposure to the virus. But should we need help from the city they will be there for us.

So what should we be doing? You have already heard it…WASH THOSE HANDS….over and over. Every hour on the hour, every commercial break, what ever works for you. Clean with soap and water and sanitizers. Clean all hard surfaces, door knobs, handles., Finish with a disinfecting spray. Let the spray air dry. The longer it remains on the surface the more it kills. The virus can live up to eighteen hours on hard surfaces.

Here in Timber Valley it is hard to predict just how long this upheaval will last. Looking at the results in China it may be weeks, maybe months. Expect more cancellations both here in the park and across the area. We are safest in our own homes. And a few weeks of social isolation will save lives.

Carry sanitizers and wipes with you. Open doors with a tissue in hand then toss the tissue. Do all you can to avoid being on the receiving end of air born droplets and germs. And keep your hands away from your face.

But we are a social caring group. How can we help when we are stuck at home? Please make sure you are registered with Alert Sense. Then you will receive notices from Timber Valley and Sutherlin. They will see that we have the latest bulletins. Use your phone. Call your neighbors and friends. Make sure they are OK. So far there is not a documented case in the park, but if there was it is hoped that he or she would let it be known so that needed help can be made available. There are ways to help without direct contact. If you are going to the store, call your neighbor and see if you can pick up something for them. Money, lists, purchases can be left on the porch. Want to give your neighbor a meal, call them first, then put it on the porch. This is not being mean, it is being protective of yourself and your neighbor.

Whenever possible avoid crowded situations. Maintain a free zone around you. Ideally six feet. Standing in front of your friend with arms straight out in front, fingertip to fingertip will give you both a free zone of about six feet. As much as possible, someone who has the virus should take care of their own chores, washing their own dishes, doing their own laundry, maintaining the sanitizing of their space. Keeping a safe distance from others. Most who get the virus will not be so sick as to not care for themselves. Stay Safe!

Go to the Web site, TimbervalleySKP.com for the latest updates and news.

Helaine Hepworth
At the direction of the Board of Directors

Posted in Featured, General Interest, Life at Timber Valley, Members | Tagged | 7 Comments

Sheila (Diane) O’Hara, Lot 8

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Thom Hoch

(The Timber Valley Website crew would like to apologize for the tardiness of  this announcement.)

Our community was deeply saddened by the recent loss of Sheila (Diane) O’Hara, Lot #8, who died on December 25, 2019. She is survived by her husband, Bill O’Hara. They have been members of Timber Valley since 2013.

The members of Timber Valley extend our condolences to Bill and the family. Please contribute any stories or memories you have of Diane in the comments below.

Posted in Members, Obits | 1 Comment

A few simple steps (in pictures) to help keep you and our Timber Valley community safe from the spread of germs

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Julianne G Crane

Posted in Emer Prep, Life at Timber Valley | Tagged | Comments Off on A few simple steps (in pictures) to help keep you and our Timber Valley community safe from the spread of germs

CORONA VIRUS PROTECTION

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Jackie Deal

REAL handwashing is the best defense against Covid 19 but I’ll bet over half of you don’t wash properly. Do you turn off the faucets with your newly washed hands? You’ve recontaminated yourself! Might as well not have washed. So now, if you have a few doubts, read the rest of this.
First, don’t just pittty, patty wash the tops and bottoms of your hands. Get in between your fingers and around your thumbs. And scrub. Scrub! It’s the friction that loosens the germs and lets the soap and water wash them off. Germs DO live between your fingers; it’s nice, warm, moist and dark. Ideal. Also it’s been shown on hand washing tests with cultures that the area around the thumbs is most often missed.
Next, anything you touch can reinfect your hands. Turn off the faucets with a paper towel. If you have to manually trigger the paper towels then cover your hands with a paper towel there too. Think how many dirty hands touched that paper towel dispenser. (Dispense a paper towel before you start washing.)
The door knob. Did you just grab it with your newly washed hands? Reinfected!! Door knobs are probably some of the most contaminated objects on earth. Cover your hands: paper towel or your shirt tail.
Now coughing: Do you daintily (gentlemanly) cough into your hands—and then everything you touch is going to be contaminated with fresh germs! Shame on you! Cough into the crook of your elbow. Nobody uses that area to open or touch other things. Most viruses can live for hours, days even, on a hard surface. It’s not known for sure if Corona viruses can.
And yes, if you don’t have soap and water, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are good. Carry a small one with you.
Also, they’re saying masks don’t do any good against corona viruses so don’t waste your money. Why panic? At this point they’re (CDC) saying that the death rate from Covid 19 is lower than MERS and SARS rates. Yes, it’s going to spread worldwide but fear and panic won’t help. You’re more likely to die in an automobile accident than from Covid 19. Whatever your fear level, wash your hands properly!

Posted in General Interest, News | 3 Comments

Jacquelin Viljoen McLaughlin, former TV member

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Thom Hoch

Former member Jacquelin Viljoen McLaughlin, age 90, passed away February 10, 2020. Jackie and her husband Harold helped to build and later lived full time in Timber Valley SKP Park in Sutherlin, OR beginning in 1989. Jackie and Harold moved to the Garden Valley Retirement Center in 2014.

The members of Timber Valley extend our condolences to the family. We’re so grateful for the hard work and effort put forth by Harold and Jackie, and all the other original founders and builders of Timber Valley. A very special group of people to be sure.

Posted in Obits | 1 Comment

Claude Garrett, Lot 191

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Thom Hoch

Our community is saddened by the recent loss of  Claude Garrett, Lot #191, who died on March 7, 2020 in Roseburg, OR. He is survived by his wife, Daphne. Claude and Daphne have been members of Timber Valley since 2004.

The members of Timber Valley extend our condolences to Daphne and the family.  Please contribute any stories or memories you have of Claude in the comments below.

Posted in Members, Obits | 3 Comments