Volume V No. 6 November-December 2002

P A LA V E R
Volume V, Number VI
PAGE 1
The Original Ranch
PALAVER
Volume V, Number VI
The Original Ranch, Lakewood, NM
ROUND-UP 2002
Special points of interest:
 New Board President
By Gene Sharp
 In memory of those lost
It's November 11 and we have just
returned to our rig after having eaten a wonderful Hitch-up breakfast at
the Ranch House. As I lean my head
back to rest, I begin to reminisce.
Oh, the activities that have been going on the past several weeks in anticipation of Round-Up…
 New Lease Holders
 On the sick list
 PocketMail ad
 New Palaver editor
Articles for the January/
February, 2003 Palaver
are due January 1. Send to
Cindy Johnson,
cjohnson@maine.edu or
118 Rainbow Drive
#1826, Livingston, TX
77399-1018
(928) 210-6076
I remember wandering into the
Ranch House about the middle of
October and seeing all the hustle and
bustle going on! Leah and Cecy were
tying bows and placing baby's breath
in among the bow knots and tacking
them onto the corners of a newly
covered, Texas-sized bulletin board
so all the activities for Round-up
could be posted. Now Leah Coley
Inside this issue:
Round-Up report
1
Round-Up Trail Boss
report
4
Editor’s report
4
Dates to remember
5
Lease Holders report in
7
Trockel’s Tips
9
In the Kitchen with Mary
November/December 2002
10
and Cecy Neitz were heading up this
upcoming shebang and I could see
that it was going to be quite an
affair.
The next day several black western
silhouettes with honest-to-goodness
red or blue kerchiefs appeared in
front of the Ranch House. Our local
history buff, Judge Roy Bob (alias
Bob Railey), said they came from the
old 7-Rivers, which is now under water in the Brantley Lake area. These
may be ghosts from the past!
Each day more decorations mysteriously appeared enhancing the front
porch of the Ranch House. Freshly
made chili ristras were hung by the
door, along with fall wreaths, and
(Continued on page 2)
From The President’s Corner
By now the Round-Up is over and things are beginning to return to normal
here at the Ranch. The new board is beginning to plan for the new year and
the celebration of 20 years as a Co-op. Preliminary plans call for the semiannual business meetings to be held on April 1, 2003 and November 6, 2003.
In both cases the date falls on a Tuesday. This was done to accommodate
those who would like to attend the spring meeting and still be able to go to
(Continued on page 3)
Volume V, Number VI
P A LA V E R
PAGE 2
Carlsbad headed up by Gil Freeman. That evening
the American flag was proudly displayed fully un- we enjoyed a delicious chuck wagon meal of ribs,
furled on the front of the building.
beans and potato salad headed up by Jerry Pruett
and his chuck wagon gang. After dinner and door
Inside, the activities never ceased. The hands of
prize drawings, we were entertained by Pat Armthose wonderful crafters were making beautiful
strong and her "Cowboy Poet" stars, Ralph Hosford
table decorations and hanging quilts along the
(our VCR), Dave Armstrong, Lenny and Bev Ratzlaff,
walls. There was hammering and sawing while the Phil Sharp, Bob Railey, Jim Bostrom and guests Bob
stage was being extended for the play. And there and Jackie Miller.
was play practice, play practice, play practice.
The Rubber Duckie Races were held Saturday afterOne day I meandered over to the Sun Room and
noon with much hoopla. It was so much fun that it
there, sitting without any lights on, were Cliff and was decided to hold another race Sunday afterWanda Johnston. I observed people bringing in
noon. Those little rubber duckies had a time staylovely items. As each item was presented to the
ing upright while being splashed with water and
Johnstons, they wrote something down in a little
being blown down the water trough just to get
book. I thought to myself that they must be brib- from one end of that rain gutter to the other!
ing the people of Raunchy! What was I to do? I
knew that Sheriff Debra and Judge Roy Bob were
Saturday evening we enjoyed a wonderful meal of
not to be trusted -- they were not above extortion teriyaki chicken prepared by Fran Bilodeaux and
themselves! So I put my ear to the wall and liscrew. After our meal, we were entertained by a
tened. Was I ever relieved to hear someone say,
great southern gospel/country western group, The
"These items are for the door prizes and raffle
Christian Justice, featuring Chunky Click and Dennis
drawing during Round-up!"
Newton out of Carlsbad.
(Continued from page 1)
The preparations were all in order as Round-Up
time arrived. There were 139 registered guests
and leaseholders. Thursday morning Bob Railey
led a tour to Sitting Bull Falls and Dog Canyon.
Chris Parris and Subie Redd instructed crafts each
morning. Everyone enjoyed a finger food potluck
Thursday evening followed by laughter and yelling
at the horse races.
Friday morning the Health Fair was open for lab
work. That afternoon the Health Fair sponsored a
speaker, Mr. Dan Huston, from Terpening Funeral
Home in Artesia. He was most informative, very
upbeat and not at all morbid. He realized our life
style is unique and he explained what documents
we should have with us at all times.
Also on Friday morning was a Golf Tournament in
After coffee, donuts and bagels (which was a daily
occurrence) Sunday, the McCains lead a Pecos Diamond Hunt. And they found some of those bright,
shining little rocks!
The grand finale was presented Sunday evening by
The Little Raunchy Theater Players. Thayer Tarvin
directed "The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt…or, Always
Wash Your Longjohns 'Cause They Make A Lotta
Cents." Now Raunchy never worries about the
great expense to have the cast flown in from all
over these parts, so the following actors arrived in
plenty of time for Thayer to coach them to perfection: Debra Simmonds-Amari, Barbara and Jerry
Pruett, Bob Brown, Cliff Johnston, Pat Bilodeaux,
Roxy Colomb, Karen Ogden, Charlene Tarvin, Gene
Wessman, and Dianne Freeman.
(Continued on page 3)
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(Continued from page 2)
Oh, yes, did I mention the unethical goings on by that Sheriff Debra, who would fine or arrest the fine citizens of Raunchy and have them go before that bribing Judge Roy Bob who
would hold a very one-sided court? Well, the law-abiding, trustworthy,
upstanding citizens of Raunchy got a formal petition together and we impeached that sheriff!!!
Well, guess I'd better stop recollecting about all those enjoyable activities
during that terrific Round-up and get some work done.
From the President’s Corner (Continued from page 1)
the Spring Escapade. The fall date will allow for a day between the meeting and the beginning of RoundUp. If things work out we hope to find a place in Carlsbad or Artesia that could accommodate a large
group for a sit-down dinner on the day between to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
I feel that with the success the Co-op has had in its operations over the past years, we are positioned to
move forward with improvements that will benefit all lease holders and continue to make the Ranch a
place we can all be proud of when we tell our fellow SKPs about our home.
This year the membership took a step into the future with the approval of a High Speed Internet system
that will provide low cost, high speed, wireless connection to the Internet. When this system comes on
line we will be far ahead of most parks in access to the world.
There is still much long range planning that needs to be done with an eye to the future. With the cost of
energy continuing to increase across the country it is only a matter of time before we will be faced with
increased costs. One of the ways to slow this down is to look at our park lighting with an eye to not only
reducing cost but also to improving light.
Looking forward to Round-Up 2003, I would ask for volunteers to take the lead and coordinate the activi(Continued on page 4)
P A LA V E R
Volume V, Number VI
From the President’s Corner
PAGE 4
(Continued from page 3)
ties. This marks a milestone in the park and I feel it is imperative that planning start early so everything
will be in place for a successful gathering
Finally, the board has approved a budget for 2003 that funds the High Speed Internet system approved at
the business meeting and renews the contract of our current management team. With these items and a
forward-looking plan for the Co-op we are still able to maintain the Lot maintenance fees at the level of
2002.
CURRENT BOARD:
Cliff Dulcich, President (New)
Sandy Singley, Vice President (New)
Dianne Freeman, Secretary (New)
Lou Novy, Treasurer
Art Breen
Bill Heeter, Appointed to serve the term of Steve Lightle
Wanda Johnston (New)
Marilyn Railey, Immediate Past President
Charlene Tarvin
Cliff Dulcich, President
From the Editor
This is my last issue of the Palaver as its editor. I‟d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for
your contributions and for the privilege of being editor. It has been very fun to receive your e-mails
while we‟ve all been traveling. Cindy Johnson has agreed to become the new editor starting with the
January, 2003, issue. I know she will “freshen” the Palaver and add her own special touches.
There are a number of people who have been extremely helpful over these last three years I‟ve been
editor. First, of course, is Greg Vederoff who has done all the layout and design of the newsletter. He‟s
who has made it pretty and readable. Regular contributors have been Ede Trockels with her many tips;
Mary Irons with her delicious recipes; our Board Presidents, Dave Norton, Dave Armstrong, and Marilyn Railey; and Gene Sharp who has been a frequent reporter on Ranch events. Managers Liz Kurtz
and Nettie Haase have been extremely helpful in seeing that the Palaver is copied and distributed, and
there have been many volunteers who have copied, collated, mailed, etc. Thank you all for your support.
(Continued on page 5)
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(Continued from page 4)
As Cindy begins her editorship she will need your continuing support. Keep those cards, letters, articles,
etc., coming her way. Also, please keep in mind that your submissions need to be original. If you read it
in some other magazine or printed media, we most likely cannot include it in the Palaver due to copyright protection. Thank you to Cindy for so openheartedly agreeing to become your new editor. I hope it
is as much fun for her as it has been for me.
Hugs, Lynell Arnott
Round-Up 2002
Doing the planning and organizing of the
2002 Round-Up has been an interesting
and enjoyable experience. Having Cecy
Neitz as my co-chairman was my first and
final pleasure in taking on this duty. A
huge “thank you” to you, Cecy!
We thank everyone who played a part in
making Round-Up a success. If you were
not here, you missed a fun time. If you
contributed items for the raffle, you were
a big part of the fun and financial success.
The financial picture will be announced
later, but we’re thinking it is a good picture! Thanks once more to everyone who
pitched in and helped in ALL WAYS, both
great and small. If we missed mentioning
you by name or job done, it was purely
accidental.
Hugs, Leah Coley #26
bration!
It was a Rousing Success!
Thanks to your efforts, we enjoyed
one of the best years ever with the
door and raffle prizes, bringing in
a total of over $600. This was possible because of your input,
thoughtfulness, donations, and cooperation.
We also would like to express our sincere thanks to our
great committee: our wonderful
ticket sellers, Donna Brown, Karen Ogden, and for a day, Carl
Johnson; runners were Trish Teegarden, Donna Brown and Karen
Ogden; Pat Lyne recorded all the
gifts; two volunteers who sat
blindfolded and drew raffle tickets,
Rob and Lynn Lucas; and last but
not least, Chris Parris for storing
gifts all year! Without your help
and commitment none of this
would have been possible. Thanks
to all of you!
Dear Ranch Hands –
As chairpersons of the
Door and Raffle prizes, we would
like to take this opportunity to
“thank all of you” for the gifts donated to the 2002 Round-Up cele-
Sincerely, Wanda and Cliff
Johnston
Hats off and a huge Thank
You to Leah Coley and
Cece Neitz for giving us a
great party — Round-Up
2002
The Ranch Hands
Dates to Remember
Spring Semi-Annual Business
Meeting: April 1, 2003
Fall Semi-Annual Business
Meeting: November 6, 2003
Twentieth Anniversary Celebration: November 7, 2003
In Memory
On October 13, 2002, leaseholder
Jean Gooch passed away. Jean was
a relatively new leaseholder. We
remember her as Calamity Jean and
she regaled us with many stories of
her calamities. She had been ill for
some time. We will miss her and
offer our sympathy to her family.
P A LA V E R
Volume V, Number VI
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In Memory
On October 10, 2002, leaseholder Larry Foster passed away. In a letter we received from family, we
heard that the medical situation with Larry had changed for the worse. Larry‟s doctor informed Adele
that his cancer had returned -invading his abdominal area - and there was no hope of recovery. His kidneys had also begun to fail. Larry had the best possible medical care during his long and valiant struggle
against this virulent form of cancer. He had been in the hospital for nearly 130 consecutive days.
Larry and Adele had been active participants here at the Ranch until his illness required their travel to
Houston. They had many friends here and traveled with other leaseholders many times. Larry will be
missed and remembered fondly. We offer our deepest sympathy to Adele and the rest of their family. It
was especially good to see Adele here at the Ranch recently when she passed through.
Bernie Schnider, SKP # 44239, who is retired from the Air
Force and remembers his visit to the Ranch during a snowstorm
several years ago.
Fall Escapade Report
Gloria and I just returned from the Van Wert, Ohio, Escapade
where we represented the Ranch on Chapter/Co-Op Row. This
was a rather large gathering of 1037 rigs and over 3000 people. We were also fortunate enough to have dinner one evening with
Ralph & Bev Hosford who will be VCRs at the upcoming fall
Ranch Round-Up. Bob & Ede Trockels won a trip at the closThe following lease holders stopped by to say hello and sign
our guest book: Bob & Donna Brown, Robert Handel, Chuck & ing ceremony in a drawing from a Care donation raffle. They
were not present but did not have to be in order to win. ConElena Morris, Dave & Sally Stribling, Ruth & Jack Tait, John
& Trudie Tenison, as well as former lease holders John & Lib- gratulations Bob & Ede.
by Veach. Chuck & Elena were volunteer workers in the
As with all Escapee functions we ate well and often. The many
„properties‟ group setting up and maintaining the seating and
display areas at the various functions. We had several enjoyable classes and seminars were well attended and informative and
the evening entertainment was, as always, lots of fun. Our own
dinners together.
Robert Handel was especially entertaining as part of a square
We had about 150 people stop and ask about the Ranch, includ- dance skit put on at Ham-O-Rama. Way to go Robert.
ing Joe Peterson, SKP # 1, who came by and talked with us for
a while and reminisced about the beginnings of the Ranch. Just
about all who had visited the Ranch in the past remarked about
how friendly the park is and how we rang the bell and came out
to greet them and make them feel welcome.
This has been our fourth time at an Escapade representing either the Ranch or the Chili Chapter and each one has been an
exciting and informative experience and we thank you for the
opportunity to participate in this event - it has been fun.
We held a drawing for a Ranch tee shirt that was won by Mr.
Sincerely, Jim & Gloria Bryant
Escapees and Voting
For those of you who have been
watching the saga regarding Escapees voting privileges, there is
good news. From the Escapees ENews we read, “On October 24,
2002, the three-judge panel,
which consists of Chief Justice
Walker and Justices Burgess and
Gaultney, issued an affirmation
judgment, which basically declares, once again, that Escapees
votes are legal!”
Trockels’ Trip
By Lynell Arnott
Yes, this time it‟s trip, not tips! Our own Bob and Ede Trockels won the Care raffle at
the Fall Escapade in VanWert, Ohio! They will receive a 48 day tour led by Adventure
Caravans. It is a Caribbean Tropical Paradise trip that goes from McAllen, TX, to Cancun. From the tour description, “This trip is designed for those who want to see Mexico‟s charm, the Emerald Coast, a few ruins, the Yucatan and then spend two fantastic
weeks on the Caribbean relaxing and enjoying the most beautiful coast in all of Mexico.”
So don‟t expect to see Bob and Ede at the Ranch in January, 2004! They will probably
be laying on the beach drinking margaritas. Since they already had plans for Mexico
this winter, they will take this spectacular trip in 2004. Congratulations to these lucky
lease holders! And, thank you to Adventure Caravans for their continued support of
Volume V, Number VI
P A LA V E R
PAGE 7
The Norton’s Check In
Adele Foster Sends Her Thanks
Hello from the Davids
It's been a long and busy summer for us
here on the Texas Gulf Coast. Dave's second total hip replacement went extremely well, too, and yesterday the doctor took
away the crutches and told him to start
walking again. Seems like we have been
sitting on this hillside overlooking the bay
forever, but we have actually only been
here since the end of April.
To all who have shared the last year with
me thru e-mail, letters, cards and calls, I
can only tell you that Larry is at peace
and free of pain. His last day was a joyful
one with his ability to communicate with
family and friends and finally a quiet
passing surrounded by loved ones. He
will be missed.
We are so sorry to have missed the
Roundup this year with all the fun, food
and fellowship. We know that all that
attended had a great time.
Hopefully, we'll get to do a little traveling
shortly before Christmas. Hope to head
up to the Ranch, pick up some stuff and
leave the trailer there while we go to Denver to spend the holiday with family.
Right now our trailer is a circus. We acquired a seven-week-old puppy, who reminds us of Brandy already. So, with a
new baby in the house, we don't get a lot
of sleep. But he is already lots of fun and
is beginning to learn some social habits.
Wish we could have come for Roundup
and the meeting but Dave is still in physical therapy. I've become pretty handy but
totally hooking up this trailer alone is a
little more than I can handle. Now that
Dave is starting to walk again, he'll be
able to help in another month or so. Hope
to get to see some folks when we are at
the Ranch. Beth & Dave Norton
I am presently on my way back to Arizona with two other RV full timers. My
surgery was successful and healing is in
progress. We are making this a leisurely
trip with stops along the way to visit good
friends. My new address in AZ. is P. O.
Box 267, Cave Creek, AZ 85327 —
phone # is still the same — (602) 4215223. Eventually I will write individual
letters to all. Love and Hugs, Adele
Tales of the Traveling Taits
After leaving the Ranch in late June we
made a quick trip to Minnesota for a funeral. Spent the summer near our son's
place at Grove City.
Russ still has another week of physical
therapy and then will be done with that.
His knees are coming along very well and
he does not have to see that doctor for six
months. He will have cataract surgery on
his right eye on November 19 and that
should go very well.
Donna is still having a lot of pain in her
legs. The doctor has taken her off of a
medication to see if that will help. Muscle
pain is one of the side problems. Hope it
is that simple.
We do hope to drive over to The Ranch
sometime before Christmas. All of our
decorations are in the shed and it would
be nice to be able to use them. We also
miss the leaseholders and would like to
meet some of the many new ones.
The weather has cooled down and is very
welcome. Haven't had much rain and
Arizona could really use the moisture.
Would love to hear from any of you people. I (Donna) haven't been too good
about getting messages out, but when all
you do is go to therapy and doctors, there
isn't much to write about.
In September, we headed to Van Wert,
Ohio, for our first Escapade. Then on to
Fredericksburg, Virginia, arriving October 1st just as the sniper shooting started.
Two of the shootings were within 5 miles
We Hear from Robert (and Bes- of where we are staying in another son's Big hugs to all,
Russell and Donna
sie)
driveway. Outdoor school activities
were canceled, so there were a lot of unAfter attending the Fall Escapade, I took happy kids. Folks around here were
Bessie to one of her favorite parks at Lake scared to even put gas in their cars. The
Conroe, TX. There, I saw doctors while people here are sure glad the snipers have
Bessie enjoyed sunning herself until the
been caught, so they can get back to their
rains came. For the last week and a half normal fast-paced lives here on the East
The Lucas’s Are At the Ranch!
we were there, it rained almost nonstop.
Coast.
Bessie was getting homesick, and so was
Hi there, we are now at the Ranch, so
I. After a brief stay in San Antonio to see We plan to leave here after our grandhope to see you in person. We just got
friends, we returned to The Ranch in time daughter's Confirmation on December
back from Hawaii, and will be heading to
for the Leaseholder's Meeting and Round- 8th.
Fl. for the winter in a couple of weeks.
up.
Matt & Barbara Lucas, lot 4
Looking forward to getting home to the
—Robert Handel (and Bessie)
Ranch and seeing everyone.
SKP #42428
Lot #87
Hugs, Jack & Ruth, Lot # 81
P A LA V E R
Volume V, Number VI
PAGE 8
FOR SALE:
New PocketMail Composers
1 used TM-20 Sharp PocketMail
Leather PocketMail cases
Need to reactivate for another year? Come see me at Lot #16
Lenny Ratzlaff
lenbev@pocketmail.com or lenbev@pvtnetworks.net
Phone: 505-457-2389
Win Some, Lose Some
We offer a great big SKP hug to our new leaseholders. Let’s make sure we all meet:
Wayne & Patricia Teegarden,
Lot 114
Sherry & Art Lumb, Lot 6
Bob Gambal, Lot 73
Charles & Jean Rogers, Lot 110
Chuck & Joyce Queen, Lot 37
At the same time, there are others we have to say
Happy Trails to:
Charles Buster and Pat Dickey
Rich and Sandy Neel
Joseph and Barbara Worth
Steve and Dream Lamberson
Joe and Jan Andrews
On the Sick List
Seems we have an array of get well wishes to lease holders again this month. Many folks are recovering
from recent surgeries – Dave Norton, Russ David, Fred Cook, Ray Bellon, Wayne Teegarden, Adele Foster.
We hope each of them continue on the mend.
Others have lost family members – Fred Cook’s brother passed away, Bob and Martha Nyman lost a
grandson, Chuck Queen’s mother passed away. We offer our sincere sympathy to each of them in this
time of grief.
Volume V, Number VI
P A LA V E R
PAGE 9
Trockels’ Tips
By Ede Trockels
 More on Vicks and nail fungus. I checked with my foot doctor and he confirmed that it does indeed work for many people. They do not know why it works but it does. Recommended application is 3-4 times per day.
 RV air conditioner intake filters need to be cleaned regularly.
 Vacuum cleaners have filters that need to be changed, manufacturers recommend that they be
changed when the bags are replaced or emptied.
 Kitchen hood filters should be cleaned regularly.
 Remember, the air filters as well as the oil filters in your vehicles also need to be changed. The air
filters need to be changed more frequently when driving in the dusty conditions of the WINDY &
DRY Southwest.
 On wood scuffs or dings, try brown shoe polish to cover. This should work on the imitation wood
too.
 On water rings or stains on wood, rub real mayonnaise into the affected area, rub it in, clean off
and polish with a clean cloth.
 Are your baked goods burning on the bottom? Place a "simmering" ring under your baking pan.
 If you have metal floor heat vents you can use magnetic vinyl for covers to keep the dirt out when
NOT in use.
It has been fun doing this column for the last 3 years. Hope that you have found some of the tips helpful.
Hugs, Ede
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First Class
Mail
P.O. Box 109
Lakewood, NM 88254-0109
SKP Ranch Board of Directors
President........….Cliff Dulcich
Vice President....Sandy Singly
Secretary............Dianne Freeman
Treasurer............Lou Novy
Art Breen
Bill Heeter
Wanda Johnston
Marilyn Railey
Charlene Tarvin
In The Kitchen with Mary
by Mary Irons, Food Editor
TOP RAMEN BLACK BEAN AND PEPPER SALAD
From Sheila Miller
1 pkg pork flavor Top Ramen
¾ c red pepper strips
2 T chopped cilantro
DRESSING
2 T Dijon mustard
Seasonings from flavor packet
1 ¼ c cooked black beans
½ c chopped onion
3 T wine vinegar
¼ c oil
Cook, drain and rinse Top Ramen Noodles. Combine with vegetables and refrigerate. When ready to serve,
shake jar to mix dressing and pour over salad mixture. Best when served chilled. Excellent with barbecued
beef or chicken. Serves 4.