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

April 30, 2023

April 2023

Filed under: Pecan Grove,Senior Residence — knewman @ 6:10 pm

First, we would like to say that Jack Newman has passed. He died on the 8th of April, and his service and burial were on the 15th. All of the Newman family were able to attend, as well as many well-wishers who knew and loved Jack. We are forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support from those who knew him, and are happy that he has found peace.

We seldom get all of the Newman family together in one place, so we took the opportunity to take a few group photos!

There were several birthdays this month, and visitors to match. First, Kenny turned 31. Here he is with his Panda cake. All 6 of the grandchildren wanted to be a part of the photos, and the gift opening. Anita had returned from her trip to Mexico with goat meat, so it was goat taco day. We had many hungry takers, how special!

Next we had three birthdays all back-to-back. Shawn first, and then Ken and Alice on the same day! Alice’s nieces Carol Martin and Barbara Davies were here too early to celebrate with her on her birthday, so they celebrated with pie instead. Here she is enjoying her guests. Shortly afterward, another niece and frequent visitors, Marian and Roger Fryer, were here on her birthday which made it quite the week for Alice!

We also appreciated a special visit from one of Ronald’s old companions, William Berger. He rode along with Dickie Beeman, who both wanted to come see Ronald and impart greetings. William works in Mexico, so it was very nice to hear some of his stories. Here they are together out front.

Esther was warmly surprised to hear that her niece, Rachel Quiroga, would be visiting us from Florida. She came for several days and they had plenty of time to catch up and pal around. Rachel enjoys cooking and hiking, so she was very pleased to help out in the kitchen and explore the grounds.
Here they are with Anita before going shopping, and again before hiking.

Louis and Elsie received a quick visit from their son and his wife, Don and Becky Schroeder. Don had just been hunting and brought us some wonderful meat to try: Oryx! He grilled it for the residents and it was a hit! Here they are on the porch enjoying the sunshine and Don grilling away.

We also had a few day visitors; Lynden and Nadi.ne Laird came from North Carolina to see Fern. Here they are with Fern and again at Pecan Grove.

We had a lunch visit from two different families. The Klors: Scott, Kim, Saige and Haydon. Here they are posing with Alice and Marilynn. They were going horse-back riding at Ty Nordic’s just down the road, and decided to stop by. Another day we were joined by the Uzzells: Jennifer, Jolee, Julia, and Saige, who enjoyed helping Elsie with the jigsaw puzzle.

Spring has been bountiful! Karen had the bright idea to take some of the residents on a safari. They went to search for bluebonnets and had a blast. Here they are with their treasured flowers, as well as a few shots of the kids playing in the same flowers.

Shawn and Anita have moved! Not very far, but it is a big move. The downstairs of the old wood barn has been converted into a barndominium. They could not be more excited about the extra space! Here they are happily cleaning their new place, and moving in.

Thanks for your interest in PG!

Kenny & Ken

March 31, 2023

March 2023

Filed under: Pecan Grove — knewman @ 11:46 am

March has been eventful. The first day of March we had several visitors. The visitors in the picture below from back left were Silas Gartin, Leland Broughton, Rich Raschke, Karen Cleveland, Jon Peterson and Sue Dawson.

Sadly, after nearly 4 years with us, Della Bolt had to be moved from our care to an assisted living facility, The Orchard, near her daughter Della Mae in Woodville TX. She had steadily been going down over the course of last year, and was increasingly getting her nights and days mixed up. This all culminated in a very bad fall where she broke her right wrist. She was admitted to the hospital the next day, where she was fitted with a pacemaker before they could operate on the wrist. Her wrist is now in a cast, and is being supported by 4 metal plates. She has recovered well from the ordeal and is now resting comfortably at The Orchard. Della Mae is in to see her nearly everyday and reports that she is happy and content, which makes us happy! Here she is resting up at her new accommodations and in the last morning study at PG.

The first big birthday this month was our very own manager Salena, who turned 30! Abigail went all out to make an amazing lavender cake, complete with dried lavender for the table. Here is Salena displaying her fragrant prize, Statue of Liberty style!

Next we have Esther, who turned 89 this year. It seems that great minds must think alike because she received no less than 4 flower deliveries and potted flowers as beautiful gifts. She was quite touched by all the love she was shown, and said that she will be quite busy with responding to all of her cards! Here she is with her flowers and cake.

We’ve had a wonderful first at PG. Clarence’s headaches from his brain tumor have continued to lessen, to the point he was able to go back in the work! He’s now in this north Houston field with Rich Raschke and currently having gospel meetings here on Sunday afternoons. They returned to celebrate his 82nd birthday with us. Most are aware that Clarence loves coffee and cayenne pepper, so Abigail made him a pepper birthday cake.

Here are several other visitors from March.

Karen Cleveland has been temporarily in the south Houston field this month and able to visit her dad often. Since Karen has been here we have more candid photos of the residents and staff.

We have had some gorgeous weather here and spring is in full bloom! All these pictures were taken at PG.

Thanks for your interest in us here!

Kenny and Ken

February 28, 2023

February 2023

Filed under: Pecan Grove,Senior Residence — knewman @ 3:46 pm

We started this month similar to the last, with two birthdays at once! Patty Maki and David Cleveland both had birthdays on the third. He had just flown back from treating himself to a Mexican get-away and decided to spend his birthday with his dad. Here they are enjoying their cake!

David’s sister, Elton’s daughter, Karen Cleveland arrived from Colombia on Valentines Day. She’s been here visiting her dad, and leaves tomorrow (March 1) to be with Ruth Taplin in the south Houston field for a couple months before going to conventions on the west coast. Here are the 3 Clevelands.

David, Elton and Karen Cleveland

The Houston special meetings were last week, and the workers’ meeting was here at PG so our worker residents could attend. We sent the picture before, but here it is again with red lettering instead of yellow. The yellow was difficult to read.

After the workers meeting, the workers came to the residence and the local friends helped with lunch. There were about 65 of us together. Wonderful fellowship! Our visitors the night before were Joe, Lyle, Ray and Emmy.

February being the shortest month doesn’t seem to slow down our visitor rate! We have had several visits from old friends, as well as our special meeting rounds. We had a lengthy visit from a few New Yorkers here to see Fern. Two sisters, Pearline Smith and Angela Obuseli, along with their friend Eleanor Derrick. Here they are posing with Fern, then with Karin, Dylan, Katelyn and Marilynn. Fern and Gilbert Reese are in the same nursing home, Park Manor Conroe. Here’s a better picture of Fern with Kathy and Ken, and Gilbert with Elton.

We also received a warm visit from a few of Elton’s East Coast friends, Jeff and Tracy Chenault. Jeff grew up around Ken and knew Jack from way back. Here they are together visiting Jack, with Elton, and at Milles’ with Milles and the 3 ladies from NY.

Elton was the main character for a while. He had several visits from dear friends, all back-to-back! Here he is with George and Maureen Aliprandi from Connecticut, and Maureen’s mother Ernestine and her husband, John Richardson, from Louisiana. Also visits with Fern and Gilbert at the nursing home.

Elton also had a great time with a quick visit from Gerry and Margaret Gunderson. Margaret brought Elton’s favorite: Fudge! Here he is displaying his prize.

Eileen Weiss visited the Schroeders on her way from Colorado to special meetings in Mexico. Becky Hapner brought her mother, Joyce Thompson, for a visit. The Trobaugh family, Brandon, Alisha, Summer and Autumn, visited, shown here with Clarence. Kathy’s sister Kim and Scott Schneider visited from Minneapolis.

Clarence Mounce went to be active in the work again after special meeting on Sunday! He’ll be in this field with Rich Raschke for a while. We enjoyed having Gwen Farmer, who spent a few weeks here at PG recovering from a fall. Here’s Clarence with Marie and Gwen with Joyce.

Today is Mimi Mille’s birthday. We missed Dominique, who is in France visiting his mother. Kyle Overby is here visiting his grandparents, Wayne and Dawn, and was in the study with us this morning. Mimi helped the Schroeders on their very difficult jigsaw puzzle. Earlier in the month their son Don came to visit and helped them get going on the same puzzle.

This is the last day of February… wildflowers already! We’re happy!

The short month of February has been wonderful and busy! Thanks for your interest in us here.

Ken and Kenny

January 31, 2023

January 2023

Filed under: Pecan Grove — knewman @ 9:41 pm

January saw the start of the new year, and two major birthdays back to back. First was Della’s 90th. Most of her family came to celebrate with her, and it was quite the crowd. Angela and Charles Strong came multiple times. Here she is smiling with her cake and balloons, with the Strongs and with her family.

Shortly after Della’s birthday, Gilbert Reese had his 99th Birthday! A few of our residents went to visit him along with a healthy contingent of our Conroe friends. Here he is earlier in the month, then getting freshened up by Mimi, then after. He really cleans up nice! Then with the group of friends celebrating his birthday.

His Roommate Daniel even joined them! (seated at the table)

We started off this year feeling the love. We have enjoyed a whole host of visitors. Before the birthdays we had a few days visit from the granddaughter of Louis and Elsie: Candace Sandon with her three children AJ, Miles, and Brynna. Here they are posing in front of the fire place and again helping grandma in the kitchen.

Elsie, Candace, Brynna, Miles, AJ and Louis

Several dear friends came from all around to visit those they remember fondly. Tony and Donna Hottell brought Barbara Jacobs to visit Alice. She and Alice were once companions long ago. Bob and Donna Tangerose also came to visit Louis and Elsie.

Ron Ahrens and his daughter Ronda Jeane came for lunch on his birthday. it just so happened that we were being visited by another friend, Steve Morta (WA) who informed us his birthday was the very next day! Needless to say we were happy to celebrate with them. Here they are together with their birthday cupcakes! David Cleveland was here at the same time visiting his father Elton.

Darryl and Goldie Durkee, from North Texas, along with his sister Cindy came to visit Clarence. Clarence was in their field for several years. On the same day Marilynn received a visit from Wisconsinite Val Killam who brought us some delicious treats… Wisconsin honey and apple juice! Kenny was sure to serve cornbread so all could get a taste of the treat. Here they all are posing with their visitors.

The most recent visitors are Gwen Farmer and Eileen Weiss. Gwen fell recently and has come to rest and recover. Eileen is passing through from Colorado on her way to special meetings in Mexico, and stopped to visit Louis and Elsie who she spent a lot of time with when young.

Elton had a pretty serious fall where he landed on his head! Directly on his ear, which began to bruise and swell, requiring a visit to an ER. Here he is freshly bandaged after the incident. It healed quickly and he’s doing fine. David’s daughter Sarah visited from Fort Worth. Wayne and Dawn Overby’s son Kory and Teresa visited.

Dawn, Wayne, Lily, Ryan, Teresa and Kory Overby

Alice and Esther both have been experiencing tooth trouble. Alice has needed multiple extractions, and they still haven’t got her partial to fit. Esther is in a similar situation, needing an extraction of a bad tooth. These ladies are troopers for powering through this!

Marilynn received a good report from the doctor. Her immunotherapy seems to be working for her bladder cancer and since she isn’t having side effects it will be continued. Marie also received a good report regarding her brain tumor… she won’t need another MRI for 6 more months.

Fern is still quite sleepy when we visit with her. She seems content for the most part, and is happy to receive visitors. Here she is with Marie, Mimi and Kathy, then happy with flowers the Lairds sent.

We have had some time for fun at PG as well. The ladies held another tea party in Marilynn’s room, while the boys enjoyed the piano together. Finally Joyce also tried her hand at playing the piano for a while.

Marie still likes to cook! This time she tried a twist on a British classic: Cheeseburger Wellington. Esther felt inspired and decided to make her famous pavlova as well.

Ken’s sister Ronda and Mike Rosamond were here this weekend to visit Jack. He continues down but has a good appetite and is awake and alert some of the time. Here Ronda is reading him a chapter. Arthur Clites also visited Elton and Esther this weekend.

Thank you all for your interest and support throughout the years! It means so much that you care so deeply for the residents. We wish everyone a Happy 2023!

Kenny and Ken

December 31, 2022

December 2022

Filed under: Pecan Farming,Pecan Grove — knewman @ 7:21 pm

We have come to the end of 2022, and what a year it has been! December was another wonderful month. We had a PG staff holiday lunch to thank the staff for their help and care.


Kim, Terry and Abigail Hoffman, Anita and Shawn Bass, Ken and Kathy Newman, Patty Maki, Kenny and Salena Newman

Larry and Jan Pierce visited from Georgetown.

There were 26 of us for Christmas dinner. The visitors included Ken’s brother Brent and Ann Newman, Glenda Pickering and her brother Ivan, Aislynn Stanton and Mona Reece, and Sue Meldazy, as well as Overbys and Hoffmans from the farm.

Don Schroeder visited his parents, and got in on exercises which Ty Nordic or Shawn Bass lead after the morning bible studies.

Birthdays included Slade Nordic and Ronald Elliott. Jeff and Patricia Oliver came to visit Ronald for his birthday.

Ken’s dad, Jack, continues to decline on hospice. They rarely get him up but did for a holiday dinner with Ken and Kathy. Several visited him including Della and Brent.

There is always something interesting on the farm. We had heavy rains with some minor flooding around the lake, a cold snap which caused ice to form from a sprinkler, and racoons to trap

Thank you for your interest in PG and Happy New Year!

Ken

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