Pecan Grove (www.pecan-grove.net) Pecan Grove and Senior Residence

July 31, 2024

July 2024

Filed under: Newman Residence,Pecan Grove — knewman @ 4:27 pm

The year is officially half over, and time seems to be speeding up! July was another very wet month. We lost a lot of trees in hurricane Beryl, and have had our hands full with the outdoor work. We have had several great visits, some visitors came a long way to be with us.

Our first visitors were our good friends Don and Becky Schroeder. They popped in to see Elsie for a day. Don informed her that he was taking her to Illinois to see her family. Here they are at the table, finishing yet another puzzle.

They make it look easy

A brother worker, Chau, came to visit us from Vietnam. He knows Dominique and Mimi well from their time spent there. The Newman’s also fondly remember visiting him there on several occasions. He took the time to tell us a little of his testimony and how the work first got started in Vietnam. Here he is at lunch with the Overby’s and again with the Newman’s.

Chau also gave us a rare opportunity to capture almost everyone who lives and works here. This is a photo of us that Chau took at the table. The second photo is our July Union meeting group with Chau.

Our good friends and Fern’s frequent visitors Lynden and Nadene Laird visited from North Carolina. This time they took a quick tour of the property to see where Ken and Kathy will be moving to. (Ken and Kathy are down sizing to the log cabin and their daughter Karla and Brendan Furrow and 4 children are moving to their house). Here Lairds are with Elton and Esther, and again with the workers in front of the piano.

A family from Tennessee came to see Esther: Arnold and Jane Land and their three daughters: Christy White, Melissa Howe and Mary Aaron. They came for lunch and the Wednesday afternoon study. Here they are with Esther in front of the fireplace.

Melissa, Mary, Arnold, Esther, Jane and Christy

A Chinese man, Joe Zhou from our meeting visited with his wife LiPing and mother-in-law who is visiting from China. Here they are with Wayne and Dawn Overby and Kathy. The mother-in-law is 89 and thinks she’s old. She couldn’t believe Elton is approaching 107! He played the piano for them.

Marie celebrated her 91st birthday this month. She requested a simple white cake with strawberries. Here is Marie excited to taste the cake and Salena serving it.

Russ and Judy Rosehill thought of the residents while on vacation in Hawaii. They sent a nice care package with cookies and coffee, as well as lei’s and postcards. Here is one of the lei’s adorning our mixer, and Mister Prickles.

Each year we invite everyone on the property to come celebrate July 4th with us. We like to put on a fireworks show with some finger food and s’mores. Here are some of the kids with their roman candles, fireworks, and those watching from the back porch. Happy Independence Day!

Andray Howell has been working part-time here at Pecan Grove, mostly on the farm though sometimes in the residence. Here he is (in town) with his aunt, Emily Berry, and her daughter Elliott.

Andray, Emily and Elliott

Because of all the rain we have not been mowing as often as we would like. This worked out in our favor because a neighbor asked if they could hay the orchard instead. These are the result of all their hard work, 127 round bails. We’ve decided not to mow as much and let them continue to harvest hay.

Resident Journals

Alice Oetken

Alice had a pretty severe fall this month. She was reaching for her phone and trying to use a folding chair to steady herself when she fell and broke her hip. They operated on her right hip and inserted a metal rod. Now she is receiving physical therapy at Park Manor (the same nursing home Gilbert Reese and Fern Duncan are in) and slowly making progress, though it currently seems doubtful that she’ll improve enough to be able to return to Pecan Grove. She enjoys her visits and misses her cat, so Abigail brought her a photo of Kitty Kitty. Here she is with her visitors in the hospital, and again at Park Manor.

Elsie Schroeder

Elsie really enjoyed her time in Illinois this month, and we are so pleased that Don came to take her. Her daughter Carol came for a week long visit afterwards with her daughter Amelia. Elsie always loves seeing her family and for them to come for an entire week really cheered her up. Here she is in Illinois with her family: Jim Stipp, Roberta Stipp, Judy Garner, and David Stipp. Also, at the puzzle table with Nadene and again with her visitors.

Jim and David Stipp
Judy Garner, Elsie, Roberta Stipp

Ronald Elliott

Ronald has gotten new glasses this month, which we think should improve his sight and balance. He is not one to say much about his condition but he has commented that he likes them. Here he is trying them out on the newspaper.

Marie Mounce

Marie does well in the kitchen, and recently made some delicious gumbo for the residents. Her eye sight is weakening so we have moved a book magnifier into her room. It takes her a while to read a full chapter but she is very patient with it and continues to persist. Here she is with the Lairds.

Gwen Farmer

Gwen is doing well. She still works hard at the puzzles with Elsie and Joyce. She has some trouble with her eye sight but doesn’t give up on the tiny puzzle pieces. Here she is with Nadene Laird.

Elton Cleveland

Elton has had a rough month. He fell several times and during his worst fall actually tore his Achilles tendon. The doctor ordered him a therapeutic boot to wear on his right foot. Amazingly, he healed quickly and was able to walk the entire time. Here he is soaking his sore feet in his kitchen, and with the manager of his favorite restaurant Golden Coral.

Esther Duncan

Esther still has pep in her step. She continues to help in the kitchen everyday and keeps her watchful eye on Joyce. She makes sure Joyce uses her walker when going outside and always accompanies her when she does. Here she is checking on the progress of the newest puzzle.

Joyce Naber

Joyce does well when she is with Esther or Gwen. They look after her on walks and around the dinner table. She also likes to sit with Elsie outside to warm up. Here she is with her daily apple, and a mushroom she found while walking Kitty Kitty.

Fern Duncan and Gilbert Reese

Fern is having trouble staying awake during our visits. She appreciated seeing Lynden and Nadene and was able to respond to a few questions. Gilbert is doing well, he continues to enjoy his spot by the window. Some of the visitors took him over to see Alice when she arrived there. Here they are with Alice, again Fern with the Lairds, and finally Gilbert with Shawn.

Thank you for your interest and care for us here.

Kenny & Ken

June 30, 2024

June 2024

Filed under: Senior Residence — knewman @ 4:02 pm

June has been a month of rejoicing, for different reasons. As many of you may know, Marilynn Frye passed away this month. It was truly a blessing that from the time she started hospice until she passed was short. If she had lingered on, her life would only have been pain and breathing difficulty. We will miss her humor and her kindness, but we know she has chosen the better part. Where she has gone we too hope to follow, and she has left a pristine example of how to do so.

Many came to Marilynn’s memorial service Saturday June 15th after she passed June 11. There were about 185 in attendance with many bringing dishes for pot luck afterwards. There were also close about 385 teleconference connections to listen to the service. Mona Reese, Esther Wahlin, Carl Hamilton, and Lyle Schober had the service. They recounted many sweet memories of their time with her, and expressed how much her life encouraged them to go deeper into prayer and thankfulness. Lyle later mentioned that she “preached her own funeral in life” which we can all agree with. Here are pictures of the chairs set up in the great room before the service, a picture during the service, and Marilynn’s portrait near some flowers.

The residents, staff, and friends here decided to hold a little burial for the spreading of Marilynn’s ashes at the pond. The idea was suggested by her brother, Doug Frye, and everyone was asked to mention a few words for her. We sang a hymn, everyone had a word, and then her ashes were poured out. Each one honored Marilynn by leaving a rose in the pond before finishing with another hymn. Here are some photos of the burial with everyone in attendance, the roses circling on the pond, her cremains box, and lastly when everyone was leaving.

As we mentioned earlier, we have had other reasons to rejoice this month. We had two birthdays back to back. First was Joyce Naber who turned 81 and the next day Gwen Farmer who turned 90! Here they are about to enjoy their cakes.

It has been hot and wet still, so nature has been showing its abundance. Here are pictures of a large Rat Snake Kenny found on the road, and some neighborly goats who come to graze the horse pasture.

Resident Journals

Marilynn Frye

Right up to the end Marilynn was receiving caring visitors. Her sister-in-law, Barb Frye’s sister, Mary Spinner, came right at the end to take care of her. Mary was the only one with her at the very end. Before that she had visits from Ellen Griswold, Brenda Husman, Fe Gatan and Sue Dawson, as well as some of the Newmans, Suttons and Uzzells. Here they are posing with her, and Mary posing with Kathy in the entry way.

Alice Oetken

Alice is doing well, she sometimes gets confused with her phone and how to operate it. Other than that, she remains happy to see all our visitors and tries to spend as much time with them as possible. Here she is with Fe Gatan and Sue Dawson when they came to see Marilynn.

Ronald Elliott

Ronald is doing well, he still has trouble figuring out his phone and tablet but doesn’t give up. He received some visitors this month also, Ernie, Steve and Rita Blackburn. Here he is lost in thought on the patio and posing near the piano with his company.

Esther Duncan

Esther has been doing great, she is currently on a month long trip to Ireland. She is getting to spend time with her sister and family as well as go to two conventions. She has sent greetings and says how much fun she is having. Here she is joyfully embarking on her voyage and with her sister in Ireland.

Elsie Schroeder

Elsie has had a few visits from her family this month. First was her granddaughter, Candace Sandon and her three children AJ, Miles, and Brynna. Then Elsie’s grandson, Theron, came for a day with Angela and their three children Everett, Lewis, and Camille. Here they are fishing at the pond, and Miles with a fish he caught, and Elsie posing with Candace and her children.

Marie Mounce

Marie is doing the same, still loves to bring her Cajun experience into the kitchen. This time she made Shrimp Scampi over noodles. Here she is with her creation, and the pasta by itself.

Elton Cleveland

Elton is slowing down, mostly in the hearing and comprehension department. His son, David, came for a while to help him with this new transition. Here they both are at the burial.

Joyce Naber

Joyce is doing well, the routine here keeps her focused and happy. She also had a birthday right before Gwen and they enjoyed each others celebrations very much. Here she is with the puzzle crew at the puzzle table, and again at a different angle with her cake.

Gwen Farmer

Gwen had her 90th birthday this month and still shows no signs of slowing down. She loves to read the newspaper and spend hours doing puzzles with Joyce and Elsie. During her birthday lunch she told of her journey over to Korea and the conditions she traveled under. She then shared a Korean birthday custom with Kathy. Here she and Marie are folding the memorial service pamphlets for Marilynn’s service.

Fern Duncan and Gilbert Reese

Fern and Gilbert stay about the same. Fern is fairly responsive these days and she seems to recognize and appreciate her company. Salena takes her mail and reads it to her, which usually brings a smile. Here she is with Rita Blackburn, and then both Gilbert and herself with Ronald, then today with Kathy and Marie.

Thank you for your continued interest in us here.

Kenny and Ken

May 30, 2024

May 2024

Filed under: Pecan Grove,Ponds,Senior Residence — knewman @ 6:43 pm

May has been very wet and windy. We received over twenty inches of rain in May! Our pond and lake were overflowing. We are in a high location, so there are no problems with any of our buildings. Areas north of us and south of us have received over 40 inches of rain, so we are fortunate!

Some creatures really thrive in the wetness. Like our new resident beaver for example, here are some close up shots of him moving around.

This rain is certainly good for one thing, gardening! Here are some pictures of the garden that Esther is tending, and the flowers Marie has planted. They have certainly taken off! Lastly, here is a picture of a Nectarine tree that has been very fruitful this season, the fruit is juicy and delicious!

Despite the rain we still found beautiful days for some outdoor fun. We had a quick picnic for the residents with good ol’ southern cooking. Here they all are on the porch chowing on chili and cornbread, and Kenny serving coffee.

We had many visitors this month. Kent and Linda Opel stopped by with Fe Gatan. Abigail’s car has been acting up so Kent came to trade one of his with it so that he could work on it. Here they are after lunch with Esther, Joyce, Marie and Gwen.

Sue Dawson visited with her parents, Jean and Connie Dawson, who live in WA. They know all the residents well and wanted to sing Spanish hymns with those who laboured in Latin America. Here they are singing the hymns, and just the three of them, and lastly posing with most of our residents in front of the fireplace.

Elsie had a nice visit over Memorial Day weekend. Her granddaughter Candace Sandon and her three children AJ, Miles, and Brynna came first followed the next day by Candace’s parents, Don and Becky Schroeder.

Ty and Amy Nordic brought 7 Husky/Wolf pups to visit. The residents enjoyed them!

Three sisters from the next field east of us in Louisiana came for a doctor’s appointment and to avoid flooding where they were. Lyle and Timothy visited for lunch one day. Dominique had a birthday in May.

Kathy and Dominique had birthdays in May.

Resident Journals

Elsie Schroeder

Elsie is still doing well, she focuses on others mostly. She likes to encourage Joyce and Alice to take walks with her, and spends quite a bit of time each evening doing the puzzles with Gwen. After that one particularly wet week this month Joyce and Elsie decided to survey the damage on a clear sunny day.

Marilynn Frye

Marilynn’s heart function continues to deteriorate, causing her to retain fluid, causing shortness of breath. Her oxygen levels have been increased to keep her comfortable. She was put on to palliative care last week and then today on hospice. They gave her a hospital bed which allows her to sleep better. Here she is holding another puppy with Amy Nordic.

Esther Duncan, Marie Mounce, Alice Oetken and Gwen Farmer

We’ll lump these 4 residents together because they all do well and are a big help to those doing less well. You can see all these resident’s smiling faces in the previous photos enjoying all our company, both furry and human.

Elton Cleveland and Ronald Elliott

Elton and Ronald are doing about the same, maybe a little more frail. They are also in previous photos…

Joyce Naber

Joyce is unsteady on her feet when walking outside. Thankfully, Elsie and Esther know this and take her too hand. Here she is after one of her summer walks with her two walker buddies Elsie and Alice relaxing on the porch.

Gilbert Reese and Fern Duncan

Gilbert and Fern (who are in the Park Manor nursing home in Conroe) remain much the same. Fern says less and less, but responds well to comments, especially humor. Here are some pictures of them this month.

Thanks for your interest in us here!

Ken and Kenny

April 30, 2024

April 2024

Filed under: Pecan Grove,Senior Residence — knewman @ 5:54 pm

April is another big birthday month, and we do our best to celebrate accordingly. First was Kenny’s birthday, here he is with his Dragon Ball themed birthday cake and gifts, then with the younger staff. Salena made a little boy’s wish come true with this one!

Next was Shawn’s birthday, he turned the big 5.oh! He celebrated with us and even cooked his own birthday lunch. Here he is with his Tres Leches cake that reminisces about his lost youth. He also was given a hard hat to protect him from “Senior Moments”. Here is his cake, him with his cake and trying on his new protective wear.

Lastly but not least we had two birthdays in one: Ken (67) and Alice (95). They celebrate together every year but this year actually got to split the cake. Here they are with a his and her themed cake and many happy celebrators.

April has also been a whirlwind of quick meaningful visits. Several visitors have said they have been attempting to come for quite a while and things just kept popping up. First of which was Kathryn Huisman and Lavonne Stipp who came to see Elsie. Here they are chatting in her room.

Lavonne, Elsie, Kathryn

Nathan and Allison Potter from Mountain Peak came for another brief visit. Here they are with Ken, Kathy and all the residents except Elton.

Marilynn’s brother, Doug and his wife, Barb were able to come for a few days. They have not seen each other in person in many years so it was special for them to catch up. Here they are in Marilynn’s room with the Shawn and the Overby’s.

Long time friend of the ours, Herbie Barnett, came for a visit with his brother, Paul. Herbie and Ronald were co-workers long ago so Herbie felt he wanted to visit his old friend. Here they are together in the entry way, and again with his brother, Paul.

All of us enjoyed a visit from three out-of-state sister workers: Stacey Seidlitz, Ruth Warner, and Mindy Yule. Stacey was on our staff for several years and knows most of our workers well. Mindy was a co-worker with Joyce over the years. Here they are with Elsie and some of our workers, and again with their companions.

Resident Journals

Joyce Naber

Joyce does well, especially with the helpful direction of Esther. She has quite the appetite, and loves apples. Here she is asking to “lick the bowl” after a good meal, and again playing the piano, and lastly with her friend and co-worker Melinda Yule.

Alice Oetken

Alice has been doing great for 95! She still enjoys time spent with her cat Kitty Kitty and walks with Joyce or Elsie often. She had several family and friends call her for her birthday and send their best wishes. Here she is admiring her flowers, and kitty kitty on a table in her room.

Ronald Elliot

Ronald has been going to speech therapy recently. He was given take home exercises to try and improve his speech and vocal cord strength. Unfortunately he was not remembering to practice them and the therapist was not able to see much improvement. However, she was really talkative and interested in hearing about his ministry which perked him up and made him more excited for the visits.

Marie Mounce

Marie still likes to bake and garden. This year she felt less sure of herself helping out with the large garden so she instead has been focusing on the smaller pots close to the porch. Her sister thoughtfully gave her some seeds to plant in them which she cherishes dearly.

Gwen Farmer

Gwen has been doing well, she enjoys the challenge of a good puzzle just like Elsie. She was recently visited by her good friends Leon and Diane Richter. Here they are enjoying a talk on the porch.

Marilynn Frye

Marilynn always appreciates visits from her old co-workers and close family members. Especially those who can reminisce about Minnesota with her. Here she is in her room with her brother Doug and his wife Barb, and again with her previous co-workers.

Esther Duncan

Esther still gets along well. She renewed her drivers license (photo ID) this month! Also, we have started back up our garden and Esther has taken it on with gusto. Here she is planting and again with Salena at the garden box.

Elton Cleveland

Elton has had more difficulty, mostly due to his hearing loss. The doctor removed wax from his ears today, so hopefully his hearing will improve. He still loves his sweets, playing the piano, and taking naps!

Elsie Schroeder

Elsie always enjoys her personal visitors. This month was special with several arrivals. Here she is with her daughter-in-law Becky and Becky’s sister Mary.

Mary MacAdams, Elsie and Becky Schroeder

Gilbert Reese and Fern Duncan

Gilbert has been doing well after turning 100. He still enjoys eating in his spot near the window and receiving guests. Gloria Reese, Gilbert’s Niece and her family came for a belated celebration with him. She brought her son and his family Brendon, Katie, Makenzie, Marie, Zoie and Zaida. Here they are with uncle Gilbert in front of his favorite window.

Fern continues to decline, though at times she is able to visit. During a visit with Salena she was able to talk by phone with Sherdenia Dunn and Nadene Laird.

We had a lot of wild flowers and a lot of rain in April. Here are some of us watching the eclipse.

Thanks for your interest in us here!

Ken and Kenny

March 31, 2024

March 2024

Filed under: Pecan Farming — knewman @ 7:05 pm

March came in like a Lamb, which we are thankful for. Here is a picturesque view of the fountain, showcasing just how beautiful of a month it has been. Also, a beaver has returned to our pond! Here it is nibbling on some trees near the edge of the pond, and lastly a nearby pond neighbor: a water moccasin.


We had several birthdays in March so the month flies by. First was our beloved manager Salena’s birthday. Here she is with her new plush toy whale shark, and again at the dinner table as well as taking her turn posing with a puppy. Lastly, we have a shot of her thematic birthday cake and her resting her eyes for a bit.

Esther turned 90 this month! We always enjoy her birthdays because we always serve her favorite: Lamb. She had a very festive party, with many a shamrock to commemorate her St. Patrick’s Day Irish heritage. Here she is at the table enjoying her themed birthday, and one of Abigail and Salena serving the cake.

Don and Jenny Waldo came for a visit with their three kids Ava, Jaina and Oscar. Here is everyone at the lunch table and again with the whole family taking a photo.

We had several special visitors come this month. First, Ty Nordics parents, Gary and Sharon came to visit him and stay with us. It was his birthday so they came to celebrate with us. Here they are with the two Joyce’s in front of the fire place.

Some of our visitors where just passing through and could only stay for a meal. Here is LeRoy Sandford and his niece Virgie Sandford, as well as two of our workers who came for a quick visit, Joyce Lawrence and Emma Perez. The second photo is of them with Salena, and again with all of our worker residents. Next is of our visitors Tony and Donna Hottell who brought a friend Val Killam for lunch. Lois Pace came down from Minnesota to spend the winter in the valley. She knew that Marilynn was here but did not realize that she would recognize so many of our friends here. Here she is with our resident Minnesotans. Blair and Deb Hoseth, Tom and Jean Jeske and Steve and Wynesta Dale also visited.

Andray has continued working with Kenny around the farm. They have had some interesting escapades recently, such as finding multiple crawfish and burning one of our large burn piles. Here is Andray holding some crawfish and again using a flame thrower to start the bonfire.

Quickest way to start a fire!

Kathy had knee replacement surgery this month. Her knees have been bothering her for a while now, but she seems to be recovering well with the help of physical therapy. Here she is just after returning home from the hospital.

Happy to be on the mend

Resident Journals

Ronald Elliott

Ronald had his niece, Mary Becker, and her husband, Mike Harvey, came for a while. They spent a lot of time playing scrabble and reminiscing. Here he is all tuckered out after a long morning of visiting.

Esther Duncan

Esther does very well and likes to help out in the kitchen or make a dessert. She takes good care of Joyce and Marilynn, checking in on them daily and making sure Joyce has a walking buddy when she wants to go feed the fish. Her favorite holiday is the good old Irish holiday of St. Patrick’s Day where she can dress in green and celebrate her heritage. Here she is in two different dresses posing with a little toy leprechaun.

Elton Cleveland

Elton is still the same, except his hearing is worse. He claims that when he eats the chewing makes him go deaf! We all do our best to get through to him anyway. He still plays the piano everyday and the residents are always grateful. Here he is at his favorite restaurant Golden Coral, getting a dessert plate.

Always room for more dessert

Marie Mounce

Marie is still struggling with her blood pressure issues. Now she tells us that when her blood pressure is low she gets weak and shakes. The doctor is still trying to nail down an appropriate combination of meds at specific times. Here she is cleaning chickpeas to make Hummus with Joyce, and then cooking breakfast pitas.

Alice Oetken

Alice stays about the same. Here she is in a group photo with Jim and Kathy Edwards from Minneapolis.

Alice in the middle, Kathy and Jim to the right

Joyce Naber

Joyce’s brother, Galen and wife Marilyn visited from Minnesota. They had wonderful visits, looking at old pictures and discussing family.

Joyce, Galen, Marilynn, Marilyn and Marie

Elsie Schroeder

Elsie’s still working on puzzles! Her son Don and wife Becky visited and played Scrabble and Hand and Foot with her. Elsie usually wins!

Marilynn Frye

Marilynn is doing about the same. She still uses oxygen most of the time. Her brother Doug and Barb Frye are planning on visiting in April. Here she is with Joyce and Lois Pace.

Joyce Naber, Lois Pace and Marilynn Frye

Gwen Farmer

Gwen is also about the same. She’s on this picture with the Hottells at the right.

Fern Duncan and Gilbert Reese

Fern and Gilbert are doing about the same. We often find Gilbert in his spot near the window and Fern in bed. This time when Elton went for a visit with Abigail they were both asleep, but happy for a visit. Fern doesn’t respond much during visits but she smiles a lot. Here they are with Elton.

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