We had two major birthdays this month. Emma turned 83 and had many well wishers calling or texting her with accolades. Her brother knew that she wanted to do something special for everyone on her birthday so he gave her some pizza money. We had a pizza party with everyone from the farm as well as the Opels! Here she is with her cake, the pizza, and everyone at the table.
Fern Duncan turned 95 this month. The staff at Park Manor Nursing Home have been getting her into a special chair they can wheel her around in, so they had her prepared and ready for us when we arrived to celebrate with her. We were even able to pick up Joyce Naber on the way and have her share in the festivities. Here is Fern with her cupcake, the party goers, again being read to by Salena. Sherdenia sent a picture of herself holding a birthday message for Fern (2nd picture). We called Sherdenia and she talked some to Fern. Also, after the party we all went to Luby’s Cafeteria for lunch which is a fun treat for the residents and especially Joyce. The last few photos are of us at the tables in Luby’s and everyone posing in the lunch room with the Park Manor residents.
Ronald has been moved to Park Manor. We had to wait for a few things to clear up before he could be moved but now he is settled in over there. He took the move very graciously and has been very accepting of the staff there. Here he is being sent off and visiting Alice.
Stetson Nordic has been helping us with some tree work that needed to be done. Several of our larger trees on the property have been in the slow process of dying, and with our frequent thunderstorms they like to drop limbs everywhere. Here he is cutting up one of the largest trees we felled, and again looking triumphant.
August brought many visitors, Don and Becky came to visit Elsie with their daughter, Lana, and her two children, Lucy and Ellie. Here they are in front of the fireplace, and again with Ronald on the bridge.
We always appreciate some repeats! Ken and Mary MacAdams came with Don and Becky Schroeder to visit Elsie again. They were recently on a safari in Botswana where they were able to capture beautiful photos of the wildlife. Ken put together a nice presentation for us, and walked us through some of the different species, their habitat, and interesting facts about each one. Here he is giving the presentation to everyone, and again with Elsie, Mary, Don, and Becky.
Rick and Pat Bishop came to visit Esther. Here they are in front of the piano.
Emma and Ronald shared a visit from Leonel, Rosa and Frida Gomez. Here they are in front of the piano.
Val Killam has been working with us for the month of August. Her daughter-in-law, Kristie Killam, brought her grand children, Devyn and Spencer, to see her for a day. Here they are in front of the fire place happy as can be.
Val and Marie were invited to take a weekend getaway by the Hottells. They had intended to visit some of Val’s family but they were sick, so instead decided to have a fun weekend in College Station at the Hottells. Here they are about to embark on their weekend with Tony and Donna Hottell.
For a short while this month we had 10 residents! That, coupled with our new staff members, we decided it was time for another Pecan Grove photo. Here are most of the staff with the residents and all 10 residents by themselves.
As we mentioned, Val Killam came for the entire month to help us out. She stayed in Gwen’s room, having known her from a visit to Korea many years ago. She enjoyed the work and the atmosphere, but mostly the company and catching up. Here she is posing with Becky and then with Jerry and Becky, and again with everyone wishing her farewell.
Steve Peirson came this weekend and visited the folks in the nursing home, and then us here at PG. Fern recognized him and spoke a little. He called Sherdenia for her and she lit up when she heard her voice. Here is Steve with Clarence and Carl. They had a gospel meeting this afternoon, but 4 inches of rain in a few hours caused localized flooding, so the meeting was smaller than usual.
August has been hot and very wet, but beautiful. Here is a picture of one of the sunrises we have been enjoying, the wildlife enjoying our ample grass, and some of the flooding mentioned above.
Resident Journals
Ronald Elliott
As we mentioned, Ronald has moved on to live at Park Manor Nursing Home. The ladies had been paying especially close attention to him out of concern that he might fall. They were all relieved to hear that he was accepted at Park Manor and would be getting more care. He took the move very well, knowing that he needed the extra eyes on him. Here he is walking with Doreen one last time to feed the fish, and again in his new room at Park Manor.
Esther Duncan
Esther was invited to go to Kentucky for conventions again this month. Here she is so happy to be a part of the convention photos, and happier still for dessert. Sue Culver (sister to John and Lois) had made this coconut cake for Esther before, and knew it was one of her favorites. She kindly made it again to welcome her to Kentucky.
Elsie Schroeder
Elsie always does great when she gets visitors, especially grandkids. It is so nice to see everyone pitching in on her favorite past time: making puzzles. She even tries to forgo her naps, just to get every precious moment of time together with her family. Here they are crowding around the puzzle working away.
Clarence Mounce
Clarence does well. He usually skips breakfast and has put himself on a relatively strict diet of less (not none) sugar. Being across from Marie’s room gives him ample opportunity to drop in and chat with her. Here he is with Marie, Gwen, Ruth and Val at Fern’s birthday party.
Marie Mounce
Marie keeps about the same, still interested in helping out in the kitchen or making a Cajun dish when the mood strikes her. She enjoyed her time at the Hottell’s with Val. Here she is saying farewell to Val with some of the other residents.
Emma Perez
Emma has many people calling, texting, or sending her letters. She makes it a point to see Alice and the others as often as possible. Here she is sitting with Alice during Fern’s birthday party, and again with Lounell and Ruth about to visit Alice and Joyce.
Doreen Beyer
Doreen is a big help in the kitchen, and a good help to Ronald. She made time to walk with him daily, speak with him often, and check on him regularly. Here she is with Joyce at Fern’s birthday party. She really loves to get Joyce laughing, and we all appreciate seeing her big smile.
Gwen Farmer
Gwen keeps about the same. She recently received a nice package from Korea containing the workers list and convention photo of the entire staff. She was thrilled to share them with us and point out a few of her companions. Here she is leaving the puzzle table, Kenny tried to snap a candid photo but she turned too fast.
Ruth Henderson
Ruth is still doing great, nothing slows her down! She gets up and walks just before dawn every morning. Like Emma, she enjoys taking every opportunity to go and visit those at Park Manor. She was companions with Alice. Here she is with Emma and Elsie.
Naomi Watson
Naomi has been fitting in splendidly here. She is so looking forward to the day all of her things can be moved into her room, but above all, she is looking forward to the delivery of her prized piano. She talks often of wanting to play it, and all the memories she has associated with it. We look forward to hearing her play! She has also graciously offered her tutoring services, she is willing to teach anyone to play piano if they are inclined. Here she is chatting with Salena.
Fern Duncan, Alice Oetken, Gilbert Reese, and Joyce Naber
As you saw, we all celebrated Fern’s 95th birthday this month. We got all of the residents there for the festivities and the Park Manor residents were ready to greet us when we arrived. Gilbert is doing about his usual, he recognizes us and smiles when we talk with him. Alice really loves to see her old companions and is eager to talk with each one that comes near to say hello. Fern is mostly non-responsive, but does smile and seems alert when we speak or read to her. Here she is with Ken and Kathy, and the others during the birthday party with Ruth.
As always, we cannot thank you enough for your continued love and care for each one here.
Kenny and Ken