SUMMER NEWSLETTER #11

AUGUST 15, 2008



From Nan Persinger, #315 - Well, I FINALLY got my computer back in working order; haven't had service since Dolly (what a nightmare with 569 unanswered e-mails!!)..... my modem burned out and it's been a hassle getting things to work right again. Barb did a good job covering the storm news. Park Maintenance is still cleaning up tree limbs and there are still some big tree trunks to be pulled out (our equipment is in for repair right now, though). We did have a couple of extra hired hands for a small while, but they aren't here now. Park residents pitched in and helped clean up a lot of the debris and also were "good neighbors" and checked on different homes for you Winter Texans. We all learned how dependent we are on electricity, phones, and water! Lots of pictures were taken after the storm so yu'al will be able to see some of the damage when you return. I, for one, being a "transplant" from the North, have been through tornadoes, but not a hurricane. All I could think of was, "When is this going to get over?!?" It went on for hours and hours..... On a much lighter note, I hear Bonnie will be back soon (this week I think), and will be planning a Labor Day get-together for us all. We always look forward to these gatherings and FOOD!! Until next time, yu'al have a fun summer - WE ARE!!

From Dale and Jan Riggins Lot 513, Illinois. We returned last week from Branson, Mo. Our whole family went to celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary. We had polo shirts made with our names on the front and our anniversary celebration on the back. Also, while there, we got to see our granddaughter perform, singing and dancing in a 90 min show in Echo Hollow and 3 shows with Veggie Tales during the day. She was awesome. We rode the Branson Belle with dinner and show, the ducks. We saw Yakoff, grand country show, Kirby van Burch, the magician.

We visited Bob and Lorraine Howard (B1 former residents) and tried to visit Merle and Susie Lener but they had 4 days off and went to Salina , Kansas to see family.

We were concerned about hurricane Dolly doing damage at the park, but seems the power outage and wind was the worst of it.

We both sang in a community chorus at a town 7 miles from us today at a celebration of the Lincoln-Douglas debate. Tomorrow is Dale's side family reunion. We are kept busy here, too.

Keep up the good work Barb, we enjoy the news. Sorry to hear about Ray Ford, he will be missed.

Love, Jan and Dale


From Don and Kathy McKelvay T 48 Good to hear the news and especially that despite some problems Mission and Bensten Grove was sparred from the wrath of the hurricane. We were praying for everyone down there.

Currently we are in Winnipeg, Manitoba and have been traveling in our Airstream for the last 2 months to Bozeman, MT then Vancouver, BC and heading for a couple of days at home in London, Ontario before hitting about 6 more rallies in Aug, Sept & Oct. Will be heading back to Texas in mid Jan.
Cheers, Don & Kathy McKelvay

From John Hollingshead W69 - I'd like to thank all my friends in B.G. for the kind words of support and encouragement that I've received in their calls and cards.

When I was first told that I had cancer of the Bladder, I thought, having just lost my wife of 48 years, ".....how am I going to get through this alone?". You all, along with my friends and family here in Wisconsin, have shown me that, "I'm not alone." I thank God and all of your consideration and kindness.

The doctor has said that he doesn't believe that I'll be able to make it down to Texas this winter. That hurts as much as anything, because I truly enjoy living in B.G. I'll really miss my golf, bowling and "Dipping Ice Cream". I hope to see you all in about 15 months.

May God Bless you all.

From Alice Przybylski,WI {#D3"} Hello, BG Friends ' This has been a summer of storms here ! My daughter Tamie has a permanent site out at River Edge Cmpgrd., about 12 miles from town. A few weeks ago, lightening struck her trailer, and ball lightening came
in where they were sitting on the couch! There was a loud crack, so Tamie threw her body over her daughter Katie, and they laid there awhile, feeling stunned. They then got up, and went outside to see by their rear tire ,
where some of the power from the lightening had blown a big hole in the
ground, and had blown mud all over the awning , table, and trailer, as well as the end of the one next door!

Near a trailer a little way down the road, the lightening traveled down
the Pine Tree, came out thru the big root, blowing a big hole there, with mud all over that campsite too. People came out of their rigs ,and were milling around looking at the damage ! People
sitting in the Bar up the hill came down and said, "they could see the ball of lightening bouncing off the trailer roofs that were parked in a long row. My daughter lost a refrigerator, TV...DVD player ect. all told she had
about $3,000 in damages, several others did too,.. Several insurance rep's
had to come out there!
It will take awhile for repairs. Tamie said, "when it hit she thought they
would be killed ! But all is well, just a terrible scare ! We should all take those weather reports seriously

But in the mean time now, we tell "Bear Stories" around the campfire!
The neighbor took a picture of one running down the road past the trailers ! So we are all spooked about storms, and bears this summer !

Hope all of you are enjoying your summer, and look forward to
seeing you this winter ! "Thank You", Barb for getting out the news ! It means a lot to keep in touch!.......Alice

From Haskell and Dorothy Casey We spent some 24 winters in Bentsen Grove. Left there in 2002.

We keep in touch with Ken & Marie Harter and they are still wintering

on 6th St. in Bentsen Grove where we had our Mobile Home. They

suggested that we E-Mail you and see if we could get your "Summer Newsletter" sent to us. We are now 98 and 93 years of age. Haskell

had a stroke a year ago, and now spends most of his time in a Wheel

chair. Therefore no more traveling.

From Barb Goff A26: Marie Groat (A11) has recently been discharged from the hospital after undergoing a cardio-version and cardiac cath for atrial fibrillation. She has since had a bout of congestive heart failure and has really been struggling with the breathing problem. Tonight she is so much better and our prayers are with her for a speedy recovery. She has always helped at Card Bingo and she is really missed.

Our thoughts and prayers also go out to John Hollingshead (W69) who is undergoing cancer treatment. We are hopeful for his speedy return to BG.

Heard from Bonnie and she is fine and plans to be back soon. She has a great idea for a "different" Labor Day Celebration for the Park Residents. I can hardly wait to hear the details. I know it will be a fun party!

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