Happy New Year!

Grumbling

I do not grumble a lot. Really I do not. One exception is a poor Internet connection. I pay for a good one and I expect it to deliver. Trophy Gardens has provided park-wide Internet for the past 4 1/2 years. For some people that is a big plus. After full-timing for ten years and have a fair amount of experience dealing with different connections in different locations I can tell you that 90% of park-wide internet systems are not at all adequate. Most people have succumbed and found their own system to work for them. The system here in Trophy has been in existence because the company that provides it promised something they cannot truthfully deliver, particularly in January and February and the mangers are very tired of handling resident complaints.  The 5-year contract will be up in June of 2020. We have all been warned.
I knew I would need to find a solution for us. Google Fi is okay for the internet but it is pricier than I like and just okay for speed. As a phone, it is great and dirt cheap so it will stay our phone choice.  A phone bill of $25 a month is fine. and we will leave all that alone.

 I have always liked Spectrum in South Texas but this park will not allow any new lines to be buried other than what they already have and new poles with connections are not allowed either.

Trophy Gardens has embraced a system called www.cobainternet.com so knowing we would want something with enough oomph to stream movies and not frustrate the H out of me we decided to try Coba. There is a sizeable hookup fee ($150) because you are buying equipment and installation. It is a one time fee. There are no contracts and you can stop and start any time you please. You keep the equipment that you paid for and take it with you and bring it back each season. There are three levels of service and we chose the middle one. We are not gamers and they require lots of oomph. We require medium oomph. If all you do is Facebook and check your email the lowest oomph would be good enough for you. We decided it was better to try it this year instead of next when fewer options would be available.

When the guys installed it they needed an electrical outlet. It depends on line-of-sight for a signal and after trying to mount it on the ladder at the back of the motorhome and deciding it did not work we have it on a tripod beside the front of the motorhome with a cable to electricity. We had it plugged into an outdoor electric box in one of the basement bins near the rear of the motorhome. After a week of frustration with dropped service and intermittent signal, we decided to bring it inside through one of the slide-outs and that changed everything! It has been dependable and speedy ever since. The installers had told us it would not make a difference but it very much did. 

Not much

Not much that is new and different is going on right now. This afternoon Butch and I are playing in a mixed doubles pool tournament. I think I enjoy it more than he does. We are not partners because when you sign up you do not play with whoever you sign up with. It is a good way to get acquainted and interact with new people that you might never have the opportunity to do so otherwise.

Butch has signed up for several pool events in the Senior Olympics of the Rio Grande Valley. He skipped the last couple of years but feels he is ready to take it on again this year.
The park sponsors various trips and I plan to sign up for a Mystery Trip on January 21st. That is one of the days Butch will be in a 10-ball tournament with Senior Olympics. He will be happy he doesn't have to go with me because the bus leaves the park at 6:15 AM and we all know how much he would like that!
The weather has been picture-perfect so far this season, perhaps making up for the past few years that were awful. Highs have been mostly in the 70's with some '80s during the day and '60s and '70s at night. I do hate to even mention it because it can change in a heartbeat.

I received word yesterday that our friend Kay Stilson had a stroke. Bill is usually the one giving us pause for thought but this time it is Kay. I am hoping it was a light one and that she will be back to her old self very soon. I am giving her some healing time before I call her and get the whole story. This is the first season that Bill and Kay have not been down here within a short distance for all the years we have been coming to Texas. It used to be we could open the door and holler at each other. Last season we had to drive a few miles to see them but we did so fairly often.

I have been rather slack with picture taking. I do not have as much opportunity either.
I think I forgot to post the ones below.

Christmas Day at Dave and Liz's:

 Butch and Bruce and some guy who hangs around on Dave's patio vitually ALL the time!

 L to R Karen, Gary, Cindy, Fred, Alex and Dave.

 Back to us and left-Sally and Paul. Then Mikie, Keny and Renie

Bob is trying to get our attention to begin the prayer before the Christmas feast.

Twas the night before...

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

“This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, a joy to fill your holidays!” —David Dellinger

Walnut snowball cookies-Keto

Walnut snowball cookies.

 Very easy to make.

3.7 carbs per cookies.

2 cups almond flour

2 tablespoons of coconut flour

3/4 cup monk fruit sugar

1 cup chopped walnuts

2 eggs or 1 extra-large egg

1/2 cup butter

1 tablespoon vanilla

Roll in small balls lay on a cookie sheet

Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes

Roll them in a small amount of Swerve confectionary sugar.

Snowbird RVers – Do you ever feel unwelcome?

You might notice that not one of those cities is in TEXAS! Copied from the RVNewsletter.
-Barb

Snowbird RVers – Do you ever feel unwelcome? Here’s a list of the cities with the most number of complaints about “snowbirds” on social media, developed by daringplanet.com. In order of most to least complaints: (1) Tampa, FL; (2) Tucson, AZ; (3) Phoenix, AZ; (4) Sarasota, FL; (5) Orlando, FL; (6) Scottsdale, AZ; (7) Clearwater, FL; (8) Ft. Lauderdale, FL; (9) St. Petersburg, FL; (10) Miami, FL.

Spot on quote

A friend and I were talking about this last evening. I am reminded of my deceased mother on this point. She would be grumbling about some perceived wrong done to her and I would say, "Did you talk to them about it?" And the answer was "Well, No." Miracles can happen if you ask and you can be very surprised when you get an issue resolved just by asking. I do not know Percy Ross but I agree with him.

" You've got to ask! Asking is, in my opinion, the world's most powerful - and neglected - secret to success and happiness. "

-Percy Ross

Odds and ends

These are photos I have kept with the idea of posting them sometime. This one was taken for the Trophy Gardens directory. It will be a bit different than Magnolia's was. It will be online and only visible to the participants. But from that online version the activity people have the ability to make a printed one. Cool

 
This is my grand-nephew Devon Hiller and he looks quite dapper headed off to his school Christmas program. He plays the trumpet. Just one of many talents.

Our Miss Elise the famous actress and her brother the photobomber.

 Leo on a school field trip

For the readers I know who can well relate to this poem

This is a list of weight loss amounts as related to something else to help visualize exactly how far you have progressed in your weight loss endeavors. I have lost an average two-year-old and am approaching the amount of cheese eaten by the average American in a year.

 A photo was taken by Laura of Jason getting eaten by a dinosaur on one of their mini-trips

This is a photo of Butch's father John Russell Brooker. Now you see how much Butch looks like his father. At least I think so!

 Elise, Leo and Bette Davis (the dog) playing in the snow

Don Brooker and his boys

Left to right: Brian, Don, Steve and, Bradley

Dress Up Clothes

The Ropa Usada ladies of Magnolia Park are still remembering Elise. She will be so happy!

Still Feeling Good

And tremendously blessed! Butch and I are exactly where we want to be and doing precisely what we want to do. How can life be any better than that? I have taken on the posting of things on the Trophy Gardens blog(www.trophygardens.blogspot.com), playing some pool, taking some photos and heading up Trivia in the main hall. Keeping house, doing laundry and cooking meals and that pretty well rounds it up for me. Butch chauffeurs me around, plays pool and golf while doing his part of the maintenance around home. 

Yesterday we made a Costco run. Butch was out of his favorite strawberry jam. And then we picked up a few things at HEB plus, the one on Veterans road. HEB is everywhere down here and we really like it and look forward to shopping there. The only other choice is WalMart pretty much. There is a Juniors market just up the road a ways and they have a huge meat department which is basically their specialty. Bill Stilson and Dale Cooklin loved to shop at Juniors and stock up on whatever was on sale, much to the chagrin of their wives. I think they went with the idea that if they buy it their wives would cook it. They were right about that.
Till next time...

Easy Keto Ground Beef Casserole



  I laughed out loud when I saw this recipe. This is basically the hamburger and green beans Butch and I learned to love when we were in grade school and I have made regularly my entire married life. 60+ years!

Easy Keto Ground Beef Casserole

This Keto Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect comfort dish. Easy to make and hearty, you'll love every single bite.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, casual

Keyword: Keto Ground Beef Casserole, Keto Ground Beef Recipes, Low Carb Ground Beef Casserole

Servings: 8

 

Calories: 281kcal

 

Author: Kasey Trenum

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cans green beans, drained
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Brown ground beef in a cast-iron skillet then drain the excess grease.
• Add cream cheese and stir until melted then add beef broth, heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, and salt/pepper. 
• Bring to a boil and cook on medium heat until mixture begins to thicken then reduce heat and simmer.
• Once the ground beef mixture thickens add the two cans of green beans that have been drained on top then sprinkle cheese on top of green beans.
• Bake for 25 minutes. 

Quote of the day

" Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force."

--Irving Berlin

Kalyns Kitchen-25+ Low Carb and Gluten free recipes

I have been a fan of Kalyn's Kitchen for many years and have many of her recipes among our standard favorites regardless of the current way we eat. The only thing we disagree on is that she really likes feta cheese and I really do not.
Check her recipes out here:
https://kalynskitchen.com/25-low-carb-gluten-free-holiday-recipes/

Requested Keto recipes

Keto Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy
Low carb and gluten-free remake of the classic Salisbury Steak! Quick and easy, the patties are baked in the oven making this a great weeknight meal the whole family will love!
INGREDIENTS
For the Salisbury Steaks:
2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)
3/4 cup almond flour
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup beef broth
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For the gravy:
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp bacon grease (or butter)
2 cups sliced button mushrooms
1 cup sliced yellow onions
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
For the Salisbury Steaks:
Combine all of the steak ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
Form into 6 oval patties, about 1 inch thick, and place them on a cookie sheet.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree (F) oven for 18 minutes.
For the gravy:
Melt the butter and bacon fat (if using) in a large skillet.
Add the mushrooms and cook on medium-high heat until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side.)
Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, until golden and soft.
Add the broth and the Worcestershire sauce, stir and cook for 3 minutes, stirring to scrape any bits off of the bottom of the pan.
Add the sour cream, stir well, and remove from the heat. (if you want a thicker gravy you can cook it on low for 5 extra minutes to condense it.)
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve over the warm Salisbury Steaks with extra parsley for garnish if desired.

Keto Tuna salad 
My go-to recipe every time I'm too lazy to think of anything or to cook anything special:
1/3 cucumber (diced)
5-6 cherry tomatoes (quartered)
1 green onion (chopped)
1/2 cup of cottage cheese (with chives)
1 tuna can (in olive oil)
1-2 tbsp French Dressing (homemade or store-bought check sugar content)
a handful of roasted peanuts
Mix everything in a salad bowl and enjoy! Best Tuna salad you'll ever have. I can eat this literally every day.

Fat Bombs
Advice on the Fat Bombs. I would limit myself to 1 or 2 a day. Make sure all of your ingredients are at or above room temperature before mixing. I put the dark chocolate in the blender and pulsed it to break it up into small bits. I have found over time and experience that I prefer Monk Fruit sweetener. And I bought some at Costco that I think is the best. If you have a friend with a Costco card ask them to pick you up some.
Made this today and I thought they were quite good. Butch ate one too.


Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Fat Bombs
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins

Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Fat Bombs are an easy keto-friendly, a no-bake treat made with just 4 ingredients. Super rich but not super sweet, they are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or quick and satisfying dessert. Store in the fridge or freezer.
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Anytime
Keyword: chocolate cheesecake fat bomb
Servings:  Fat bombs (depending on the shape made)
Calories: 149 kcal
Ingredients
1 cup dark chocolate broken into squares (check ingredients: see notes)
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (check ingredients to make sure no added sugar)
2 tbsp granulated Swerve (I prefer Monk Fruit sugar)
Instructions
Combine all of the ingredients, except the chocolate, into a bowl and mix thoroughly
Place all of the chocolate squares into a food processor and pulse until they are in small pieces, but not too fine
Roll the peanut butter mixture into rough 1 inch balls (about 2cm) and then roll in the chocolate pieces
Place finished chocolate balls onto some wax paper (I use reusable beeswax wraps to prevent waste) on a plate, pan or flat surface to place in the freezer
Once frozen, store in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container. Should last in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for a couple of months
Recipe Notes
The peanut butter and cream cheese are easier to mix if they’re at room temperature.
Be sure the chocolate you use is keto-friendly as not all dark chocolate is. You’ll want at least 60% dark chocolate as this is better for you in general.
Go for an all-natural peanut butter or you can even use almond butter which is even better.

Other Fat Bomb recipes:

7 TASTY KETO FAT BOMB RECIPES

Fat bombs are easy to prepare, with no baking required. Simply beat together all of the ingredients, fold in any chunky additions, dollop out, and freeze!

To portion, you can simply drop a teaspoonsful of the prepared recipe mix onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For a prettier presentation, you can fill mini muffin liners with a teaspoon of mixture, load a mini silicone muffin mold, or use an ice cube tray to portion your treats.

All of these fat bomb recipes can be kept in the freezer in an airtight container for up to a month. If you’re taking them as a snack on the go, be sure to keep them in an insulated bag or else they’ll melt!

1. Cheesecake Fat Bombs

All the rich flavor of New York cheesecake with none of the carbs—this recipe is a total win! For a decadent touch, add a strawberry, blueberry, or dab of sugar-free fruit preserves to the top before freezing. This will add a few extra carbs, but you may find that a single blueberry is an acceptable addition to your snack.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick (½ cup) grass-fed unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 3 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Portion and freeze for at least one hour before eating.

2. Cookie Dough Fat Bombs

Chocolate chip cookies are one of the ultimate comfort foods…and the best part is sneaking some of the cookie dough out of the bowl! Get that same experience guilt-free with these satisfying frozen keto cookie dough bites.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick (½ cup) grass-fed unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 3 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup golden flax meal
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup stevia-sweetened chocolate chips (try Lily’s) or 4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped fine
• ¼ cup toasted, chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat together all ingredients up to the salt until well combined.
2. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
3. Portion and freeze for at least one hour before eating.

3. Bulletproof Coffee Fat Bombs

Bulletproof coffee, full of omega-3 fatty acids from grass-fed butter and coconut oil, is a keto breakfast of champions. But you can freeze this tasty treat, too—it makes a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up!

4. Almond Joy Fat Bombs

Just because you’ve gone low-carb doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite candy bar flavors! Try these coconut-almond fat bombs to get the flavors you’ve been craving alongside a mega-dose of healthy fats.

Ingredients

• ½ cup full-fat coconut cream (not creamed coconut)
• 4 ounces (½ package) cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 3 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• ¼ cup toasted almond slivers

Instructions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat together all ingredients up to the salt until well combined.
2. Fold in the coconut flakes and almond slivers.
3. Portion and freeze for at least one hour before eating.

5. Mint Chip Fat Bombs

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a refreshing summer treat, and these individual bites really hit the spot. You won’t taste the avocado at all—but you’ll get all the benefits of its heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and saturated fats.

Ingredients

• 1 avocado, pitted
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
• 3 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
• ¼ cup stevia-sweetened chocolate chips (try Lily’s) or 4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped

Instructions

1. Use an electric mixer to beat together the avocado, coconut oil, monk fruit sweetener, and peppermint extract until well combined.
2. Fold in the chocolate chips. Mix well.
3. Portion and freeze for at least one hour before eating.

6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs

Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing for a reason—sweet and salty just complement each other so well! Plus, when you make your own treats, you can choose your favorite texture—crunchy or smooth. Here's the recipe!

7. Lemon Chiffon Fat Bombs

Tart and tangy, lemon desserts feel light and refreshing rather than weighing you down. Perk up your taste buds with this citrusy frozen version that comes together in minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons grass-fed unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)

Instructions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Portion and freeze for at least one hour before eating.

Bonus: Cinnamon Roll Fat Bombs

This week of fat bomb recipes is only the beginning! The sky’s the limit—you could try a different taste sensation every day for a month. This recipe is a sneak peek at the keto-friendly delights that await in our Sweet Treats cookbook, which contains a whopping 77 low-carb dessert recipes.

Ingredients

• Fat bombs:
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened
• ½ cup smooth almond butter
• ½ cup powdered monk fruit sweetener
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped

• Frosting:
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 1 ½ ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Use an electric mixer to beat together all fat bomb ingredients until well combined.
2. Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Form the mixture into balls, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, and freeze for 45 minutes.
4. Make the frosting by combining all ingredients until smooth.
5. Drizzle on top of the fat bombs and serve.