Happy New Year 2023!!

Gonzales (no name) Burgers

 Last week sometime we had the timing right to stop into Gonzales Burger on Silver avenue in Donna Texas. We have been there many times over the years but due to Covid and many other things it had been years since we had been there. There is no name on the outside of the building so you usually are introduced to the place by someone else. It is not a place you would just stumble upon by accident even though the place has been in business since 1945. 

They have a given amount of hamburger that they sell and when the meat is gone they are closed. They open at 10:30 AM Monday through Saturday. 

Butch and I order one cheeseburger and fries. I cut off 1/3rd of it for me and it is plenty for both of us. Their prices have gone up over the years but they are still worth the money.

We were surprised to see the sprucing up done to the place. Maybe I should correct that to I noticed the changes. Butch didn't seem to notice.

Here are some photos I took while we enjoyed our very tasty burger:

New Clock

 I have wanted to buy one of these clocks ever since we moved here. I do not have a bedside table on my side of the bed, and I am used to half opening one eye during the night to check the time. I think that is a habit of light sleepers. So it was delivered yesterday and Butch has a reputation for reading directions and getting things set up in the proper method. I do not have that reputation. Now the time appears large and clear on the ceiling. I love it! 

Lime Jello with Cottage Cheese

 This recipe has been around for a long time and I ran across it a few weeks ago and decided to make it for Christmas dinner. I did not think Butch would even touch it because it has cottage cheese and pineapple and those are two things he would never consider edible. But then he tried it and liked it! Surprise! I love the stuff and cannot leave it alone.

Lime Jello with cottage cheese

Ingredients

3 ounce package lime gelatin

1/4 cup granulated sugar optional

3/4 cup hot water

8 ounces crushed pineapple = 1 small can, undrained

1 cup whipped topping defrosted

1 cup cottage cheese

Instructions

Dissolve gelatin in sugar and hot water.

Stir in pineapple and chill until mixture begins to stiffen, but is not firm.

Whip lime mixture using an electric mixer. Add cottage cheese and beat all together.

Fold in whipped topping.

Pour in a flat pan, we use a square 8 x 8 or 9 x 9' pan. Chill.

And then...

 We had a very pleasant holiday with friends Alex and Renie. After our dinner when we all ate too much food, we played cribbage and then we played the card game Golf which I have grown to like and we finished up the day playing Bridge. 

It was reminiscent of the holidays at the Brooker house, not the Butch and Barb Brooker house so much as the J.R and Marion Brooker house, Butch's parents. Every holiday and even just a visit it would not be long before a card game was in progress. It was the way it was and all frequent visitors knew it was going to happen. I loved his parents. 

When the bulk of your life is behind you instead of in front it brings about reminiscences of nearly everything. And when you see Grandma or Grandpa dosing in their chair it might be they are having a peak back at 1950 or some other decade and enjoying the show.

And that's the way it was, and is!

Christmas Wishes

Merry Christmas

 I imagine that many of you are busy getting the details of the Christmas celebration just right for friends and family and we will be too when the time is right. We are having friends come over as we did for Thanksgiving.

Now that we have some age on us we look back on those long-ago Christmas celebrations remembering some more vividly than others. Looking back takes on nearly as much importance as the here and now at times. So remember the memories that were and the ones you are making now and value each in a special way. Merry Christmas to all!

What a difference a day...

 ...makes. Yesterday, Renie and I were sitting on her deck discussing the condition of her foot/ankle she suffered an injury from the week before. She had just received word she could safely put some weight on it so she is on the way to recovery. 

I walked over to her place, sun shining, jacketless, beautiful south Texas day. Everyone knew we would be giving up the temps in the 70's for those old familiar "up north" temps in the 30's We were all bracing for it. They predicted 28 degrees with strong north winds. Butch and I showered early and then watched TV. We heard it coming. The wind arrived in full force and we watched the temperature drop each degree and then the lights went out. That will bring everything to a halt. We did have our kindles so we both read for a while and then went to bed.

We were grateful we showered before the lights went out! The lights were out for about an hour as we could tell by the clock when it came back on. I woke up at 6:00 am and noted the outdoor temp was 32. I set the water for a slow drip to keep it from freezing and I just noticed the temp is now 31 so it must still be on the decline.

Fortunately by Monday we will be back on track with our weather.

Misc. Photos

 Bootsie likes Butch and she is a bit fussy about who she does like. Bootsie is the pet of Paul and Sally Kelleher. She is perhaps the fattest cat I have ever seen.

I have taken up a new hobby this winter. It is called Diamond Art. I like doing it very much but I can see where eventually it will be an issue as to what I do with it after I have finished it. It is a bit like painting by number using beads. These are coasters and the first project I tried.

 

On our first trip to Mexico this fall I took a picture of the Rio Grande River as we walked across the bridge.

Another Bootsie pic...

How Trivia Works...

I wrote this as a promotional object for Trophy Gardens but decided on putting it here in case some of my peeps in Jefferson want to share it with friends for next summer. Once people find out it is Pub Style they seem to have more interest in it. I have to agree that other formats pale by comparison.

How Trivia works:

The trivia we play is called Pub-style. We play 4 rounds of 5 questions each with 5 different categories. ( Sample; Animals, Sports, Geography, Presidents, Movies) There are teams of 8 people playing. The number of people on a team may fluctuate, however having more people is not necessarily an asset. It is a courtesy of the teams to make sure all team members have a chance to share their input. A number value (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) is assigned to your answer and the numbers may only be used once for each of the 5 questions in a round. The point values are double in round 4.

Anyone may come to play and if you do not have a team to join we can help you find one. Everyone is also welcome to come and observe.

The rules are simple. 

Please do not shout out the answer.

No Cell Phones. One answer per team, one team per table.

All answers are final. No answers or point values may be changed once your answer slip has been given to the host. We will put in the smallest available value if your answer slip doesn’t contain a point value.

Tuesday Trivia is played in the Main Hall at 6:30 PM. Hosted by Barb Brooker and Renie Stinson- Ya’all come now, ya hear!

Sunday Mixed Doubles Pool

 Eleven pairs came to the pool hall Sunday afternoon for some mixed doubles pool. The goal of this event is to meet new people or get better acquainted with the ones you already do know and play a great game well if it works out. Bottom line- we have fun!

Scores: Barb Brooker/Alex Stinson, Gayle Steinbeck/Elmer Hanke each had 8 wins

            Sally Kelleher/Don Riley-7 wins

The next two Sundays land on holidays so the next Mixed Doubles event will take place Sunday, January 8th. The sign-up sheet will go up on Sunday, January 1st with room for 12 couples or pairs to sign on. Play begins at 1:00 pm.

See you then!

Barb Brooker/Sally Kelleher

Tidbits

 Butch and I went to the pool hall yesterday so I could hone up a bit for today's Mixed Doubles. He plays about 3 times what I do here and I can get rusty in between sessions. Yesterday I told him, "I sure hope this woman comes with me again tomorrow!" I was playing quite well. Time will tell. My friend Sally and I are hosting the event. Bev who does it every week would like a break from it so we will be alternating with her. It is a social event more than a competitive one and that can get lost sometimes. It is a great way to get acquainted with people who may not be in your circle and/or new to the park or the pool hall.

A cold front has made its way to the border and they say an even colder one will be getting here this coming week. This morning temp was 53 and I didn't think it would be that high. They were predicting 40's. Tiz what it tiz. I am crossing my fingers that this winter improves on the last one. Our new abode is toasty and as long as we stay home it remains pleasant.

Trivia is going well. Last week we had 4 teams and the winning score was held by Team Smartypants with 144 for the second week in a row. Maybe a Team smartierpants will come along and get them off their pedestal. I have done the trivia contest for several years now in at least 4 different locations and there is always one team that leads the pack. It is all done in fun however the win is a bit sweeter when it is your team doing the winning. Come join one of the teams! They would all welcome you and you might be just the person they need.

My New Life is...

 Not keeping up. Too much to keep up with every day. I am on the spinning wheel that is sometimes seen in comical commercials. I have a benchmark birthday happening next March and I think I got there ahead of schedule.

I do have the laundry caught up, if I had stated that two days ago. Renie and I have been walking most mornings. Fog, rain, and cold will stop us but we try to make it on all other occasions.

Trivia is going well. We have a core base of 4 teams. And as it always is, there are many choices of activities and decisions that must be made to hang onto and which to perhaps save for another time.

Pool is going somewhat well. There are times when I shoot lights out and times when I cannot hit my butt with both hands. Pretty much like real life.

Tomorrow Butch plays pool with opponents outside the park and I have a fairly clear day.

Thursday is a great day because we go to the Massage School for an hour-long massage. I am very much looking forward to it. Jason tells me there is one in Ames Iowa so we might have to get acquainted with it next summer.

Till next time...

Patio Sales

 Parkwide Patio sales were today and we had some items we did not use and were taking up space so we put them out. They were items that were too good to throw away but not worth a whole lot either so we said everything was either free or a dollar. We made $5. It was fun visiting with everyone.

More later...maybe...

Taken in 2017

I took this photo in 2017. These are our 3 boys. I stopped by Rich and Gary's Facebook pages to see if anything new was posted. Nope! Jason doesn't even have a Facebook page. I found this photo on Rich's. He is in the middle, Gary on the left, and Jason on the right.

These 3 guys are the very best of Grandpa's.

For your Veggie Tooth

 When you have had your fill of seasonal sweets you might want to satisfy your "Veggie Tooth" and there is no better way to do it than with Cucumber Salsa. It is surprisingly good. I add some dill weed to it but it is fine without it. It is suggested that you eat it with Scoops. Frito Lay scoops are pricey and I have discovered the HEB brand ,Texas Dippers, are as good, maybe better, and quite a bit cheaper.

We are living in the very best place for fresh produce too. So now is the time. It might sound like I have a vested interest but I assure you I do not even though I sound like a commercial. 

Cucumber Salsa 2

Dice 2-4 large cucumbers- I take the seeds out.

Dice 6-8 Roma tomatoes-Again I take the seeds out

Dice half red onion-whole if you enjoy more onion flavor

Mix 3-4 TBSP Vinegar with one packet of dry Ranch dressing mix.

Mix together and let it sit in fridge overnight.

Enjoy with Scoops

Have you noticed?

 I have quit grumbling about the weather. There is nothing to grumble about. It could stay this way for the rest of the season and I would be surprised and very happy. Daytime highs are in the 80's and nighttime lows are in the 60's! Yeah!!

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients

12 sheets graham crackers

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups pecans, chopped

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F and line a 9×13 baking sheet with foil sprayed with vegetable oil.

Line up the graham crackers tightly (break crackers to fill in any gaps).

In a large saucepan on medium heat add the butter, brown sugar, and salt.

Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 3 minutes.

Add in the pecans and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the mixture over the graham crackers.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and let the pan sit – do not try and move the foil.

Let cool completely before breaking apart.

Notes

• There are so many variations for this recipe that you can make an assortment based on your preferences.

Ideas for Variations

• Crust: Instead of using graham crackers as the base try using broken up pieces of vanilla wafers or saltine crackers. You could also use various kinds of graham crackers like cinnamon graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers.

• Nuts: Although this recipe is based around Pecan Pie, you could make it with any kind of nuts. Try using almonds, walnuts, or a mixture of your favorite nuts.

• Maple Syrup: Pecans and maple syrup make a great combination. To bring that into your bark recipe replace the vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.

• Bourbon: To make a boozy Pecan Pie Bark try adding in 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon at the same time you add pecans.

• Chocolate: Toss in a cup of chocolate chips to the sauce pan to melt in with the butter, sugar, and other ingredients to make this into a Chocolate Pecan Pie Bark.

Keeping Bark Fresh

• Serve: You can keep the bark at room temperature for up to a week. Keep the bark covered or put it in an airtight container.

• Store: To keep them fresh longer, you can keep the Pecan Bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

• Freeze: Bark is also a great recipe to make ahead of time and freeze. Put the broken-up pieces of bark in a freezer bag separated by parchment paper. It will keep well for up to 6 months.

 

Where we have been in November and stuff

Every month I get a rundown of the places we have been so I decided to take a screenshot so you too can see where we have been in November. Just for fun.

Little wrinkles appear in one's life every now and then and we had one this week. We went to Weslaco to pay a tax bill ($58). The bill was in the former owners' name as if it had never been transferred to us and we did not have the title. If it was mailed to us we had not received it. So the wrinkle begins. With the help of the people who handled the paperwork for the sale, we were able to get it done. Thank God for their help because we would have been in a much bigger wrinkle without it.

Dealing with government entities can be a challenge in the best of times. So now we have a title, the bill is paid, we are listed as the owners and they have both of our addresses. Done deal, after 3 different offices in 3 different locations. But it is a done deal and that is the good part!

Trivia is going well. The winning team last night, Team Smartypants, had a game total of 144 points. That is the highest score I have seen in quite some time. I told them some team might come along and take their smarty pants off of them! We do have a good time despite the winners and losers. It is more about the comradery and friendship than the scores anyway. We always welcome new folk and you can come as a single and join up with a team or you can observe if you prefer. We hope you give us a try. Tuesday nights in the main hall at 6:30 pm.

Christmas lights

 Butch finally got around to getting decorations up.  So I took a few photos.

This is my favorite one.

From the street...

On the deck atop the fridge.

Our inside tree...it is a mini

His job is done!

 

Bill and Sandi's, our next door neighbors

On the street where we live...

Always

Always a good reminder at any age

The Days rundown...

 Butch needed to get cream for dermatitis he has on his head and back and our schedule is tight. We didn't really want to go on Saturday after our last trip but decided to suck it up and deal with it. The first obstacle was fog, heavy fog. We took a different route to stay off the expressway and got there at about 9:30. The crowds were nothing like they had been the previous Saturday and the trip was pleasant. The flog had lifted mostly by the time we got to Costco. Yes, Costco. Another place to avoid on weekends but it too was pleasantly crowded but not to the point of exasperation. And our last stop was HEB. All in all a very pleasant Saturday morning and we were able to get all of our chores done. 

So at days end, I can say we had a very delightful day and accomplished a bunch.

Now if it would stop raining and give us a day of sunshine. We would be ever so grateful!

OMG!

 I interrupt this post to tell you about something we have not experienced in quite some time! A gullywasher, downpour, torrential rain, raining buckets, drenched and more! Butch and I played pool this afternoon around 3:00; I am only getting to play once or maybe twice a week. I am not happy about it but have not found a solution yet. I told Butch as we headed up there that it looked like rain. It started raining and we thought it was nice to get some rain. The area needs it. But then the sky opened up and dumped on us, again and again and now it is 3 hours later and we are home but it is still raining and it is coming in wave after wave of torrential rain. We are in awe!!

I did stop what I was doing to post that before the amazement left me. And now I will go back to playing Word with Friends... 

Off to Mexico

 I swore we would never go to Mexico on a Saturday again but here we are! Butch has a script for a new cream to put on his rash. CVS pharmacy-$340 or Hector's Pharmacy-$24.95. Easy decision.

I forget how our lifestyle changes here and so quickly! It can become difficult to keep things in line, establish a routine and keep everything in order. But it seems like a worthy goal to try!

More later at days end...

Slips Away...

 Time does slip away...We have been busy but that should never be an excuse. Tuesday was particularly active. Our dermatology appointment was at 11:00 and we learned a trick last time. They take their morning patients as they come in so if you have an appointment at 11:00 but wanted one at 9:00 get there by 8:00 and it should work! It should work fine for them until the patients find out the system.

Both of my biopsies were clear of cancer, however, they are actually warts, which is a virus, contagious, and will spread. The cure is to freeze them and so we did. Easy, peasy, and I am done for now. We both have another appointment for follow-up in late March. Our appointment is for 10 so we will be there by 9 and so on and so on.

After that we went to the bank to get more money, then my appointment at the Massage College. Ladiany was not there this time so I had Isaac. He was just as adept as Ladiany and he found all of my knots. My knots did not like being found and are still protesting. Both of us have an appointment for next week. I meant Butch and me but after reading it again the thought of me and my knots having an appointment tickled my funny bone. Ha! Another one!

Then we hustle back home because I still have to work in supper before Trivia at 6:30. Trivia went well. We still had 4 teams and as is usually the case, one team is dominating. It always seems to work out that way and not much can be done about it. Another team will have to step up and knock them off their throne.

I do not like cramming all that into one day so from now on we will try to make appointments on Thursday because it is our least busy day of the week.

I always plan to do better but if you are one of my peers you understand how that can go. Till next time...

Today and Tomorrow

 And then I start with last night! I love it when there are all the right things waiting in the fridge and I can put them on the table in a matter of minutes to complete supper.

Today we are going to pay our taxes. $50 some. And then a stop at Walmart. For me that is a rare occasion. We need something that will work for Butches' itchy scalp. A haircut for me at 12:30 then an afternoon of Pool for ME. Hopefully, I can work the magic one more time out of the fridge.

Tomorrow is a dermatologist appointment then massage. The rest of the week is appointment free or at least I hope so.

Buddhism?

What are the 7 principles of Buddhism?

The Seven Factors of Awakening are seven mental capacities on which Buddhist tradition places significant value. Known within the religion as “inner wealth”, these factors are mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquillity, concentration, and equanimity.

Leftovers

 Did I get you with that one?

This is a leftover tip from our RVing years. Both Butch and I read books and traveling in the RV we could not possibly haul all of our books around so we have Kindles-more than one. I ran across BookBub many years ago and we are still active members. Their book offerings are sometimes free but always inexpensive. 

bookbub.com/referral/2b10932be345ff66

Enjoy!

I get nothing from this referral. Just letting my friends in on a good deal.

Thanksgiving Day

W 

We spent the day with Renie and Alex playing Bridge and Cribbage after a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.

Computer Tidbit

Did you know you can use your mouse wheel as a button?

Pressing down on the wheel will act like a third mouse button. You can open a link in a new tab by clicking the wheel on any link. You can close any browser tab by clicking the wheel on any open tab.

Zoom in and out on a web page, word document, excel spreadsheet, and more

Hold down the Ctrl key and move the mouse wheel away from you (up)to zoom in and enlarge the text and content on web pages and most emails, Word documents, and Excel spreadsheets. Conversely, more the mouse wheel toward you (down) to zoom out and make text and content smaller.

From Me:

I hope my good friend and sister-in-law Marlene Kelley sees this tip. It could be very helpful for the visually impaired.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Barb and Renie at Trivia 11/22/22

Grumpy?

 I just read yesterday's blog entry and I do believe I was a little on the grumpy side. I got that fixed, well, partially fixed. Butch and I had appointments at the Massage College and we kept them yesterday afternoon. Butch has been there many times in the past and I looked upon it as an indulgence until yesterday. I almost canceled because I thought my original need was no longer in effect. Boy, was I wrong! 

Ladiany was my therapist and she was excellent. Every time she ran into an area of need she would say a very small and quiet "mmm" and I knew she had found the motherload. I had no idea I was that sore all over. It did not take me long to know the massage was very much needed and more importantly she was extremely knowledgeable. We both have made a new appointment. And I am looking forward to it!

Renie and I hosted Trivia last night and we again had 4 very smart teams. Team 'I Don't Know' came in first this week. See you next week on 11/29/22 in the Main Hall. Oh yes, I forgot to tell them there are no muscles in the human hand, only tendons. Surprised?

More of more rain

 We planned once again to go to Hector's today. But it rained all night and is still raining. Without fail, I have to be there to pick up my meds by Saturday. This is a frustrating situation. We are enduring the same weather we left in Iowa a month ago. It will be less frustrating once we have the reason for going taken care of.

The weather is so very different from twenty years ago when we first started coming down. We never needed to bring winter-like clothing with us at all. And then it became that you might need to bring a pair of jeans but most likely wouldn't need them. And then a couple pairs of jeans so you had one to wear while washing the other one plus a winter jacket. Now I have more winter clothing in the closet than summer ones and I see no signs of that changing. 

Weather is the one thing that cannot be changed, is difficult to avoid, and doesn't seem to matter where you are as Mother Nature will do her thing anywhere at any time and we are the ones who have to endure.

Tis' what it tis'.!

Online Scams for the holidays

I am sometimes asked how I know what I do about Computers/Internet. There are many answers but Cloudeight and Thundercloud is one of them. I met these people online perhaps twenty years ago and have followed them ever since. And in so doing I know I can trust them as they have never steered me wrong and there has been more than one occasion where I needed some steering. There is an article in this week's newsletter that all of us could benefit from. And since I know people well enough to know they will skip or scan I am pasting what I thought was most important below. Enjoy?!

https://thundercloud.net/infoave/premium/2023/week-997.htm 

The Holiday Season is Almost Here and So is the Season for Online Scams 
This is a tip for everyone

Did you know that online scams triple during the holiday season?

Just about every week, we get several emails from people who have fallen for an online scam – especially a computer repair scam. They have given their credit card information and access to their computers to criminals — and it usually always starts with a phone call. It goes like this. The phone call comes unexpectedly, and out of the blue, the computer user is informed that their computer is infected with something and/or is sending and spreading malware or viruses and infecting other computers. Of course, the caller has the cure — the fix — the solution.

Sadly, many people fall for this and give access to their computers to these scammers who then connect to the customer’s computer and proceed to ” fix” it. But they don’t fix it. Many times they install worthless software or software anyone can get free, or worse, they install malware to steal your passwords and usernames, and thus access to your bank accounts and other highly sensitive and personal information. Users give the criminals their credit card information, and in the best case scenario, they are charged a few hundred dollars — in the word case, their card numbers are stolen and used to make purchases and/or steal identities.

We warn you again — never ever give ANY information to anyone who calls you out of the blue, no matter who they say they represent. One of the biggest scams going is the one where the caller identifies himself or herself as a Microsoft employee telling you that your Windows computer is infected with malware and that your computer is infecting other computers on the Internet. If you have caller ID their number may show that they are calling from a Microsoft number — but they’re not. It’s really easy to spoof caller ID.

Remember this: No legitimate company is going to call you out of the blue and tell you that your computer is infected. NONE. NADA. ZERO. If you get a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or some other legitimate-sounding company, hang up. Do not give them access to your computer. Do not give them your credit card number. Do not give them any passwords.

We have published this advice before, yet every week we get several people who come to us for help after falling for a scam. And we help them by removing all the malware installed by the scammers, and fixing things these scammers intentionally broke (so they can come back again and get more money from you).

So if you remember nothing else from this tip, remember this:

If you get a call from anyone claiming to be from Microsoft or some other legitimate-sounding company — or someone who tosses around complex computer terms and claims he or she can fix your computer — hang up. Hang up the phone and do not give them any information. none. nada. zero. If they continue to call after this report them to your phone company and/or your local authorities. The important thing is: Never give your information to anyone who calls you out of the blue telling you that you have problems with your computer. Never give access to your computer to anyone who calls out of the blue and warns you that your computer is infected. It’s always a scam – always.

And if you have already fallen for this scam, call your credit card company right away and tell them what happened. Tell them you were scammed and have the charges removed from your credit card. You should be able to get charges made by scam companies removed from your credit card. You can, if you wish, report it to your local authorities, although we doubt that it will do much good. Scammers are professional crooks and they are not going to operate under the same name or from the same location or use the same methods for very long. They’re going to move around, change names, and change schemes, and it’s very hard to catch up with them.

Here is some good information from the U.S. government (and no we are not being sarcastic!)

” …If You Get a Call

If you get a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, hang up and call the company yourself on a phone number you know to be genuine. A caller who creates a sense of urgency or uses high-pressure tactics is probably a scam artist.

Keep these other tips in mind:

• Don’t give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue.

• Do not rely on caller ID alone to authenticate a caller. Criminals spoof caller ID numbers. They may appear to be calling from a legitimate company or a local number when they’re not even in the same country as you.

• Online search results might not be the best way to find technical support or get a company’s contact information. Scammers sometimes place online ads to convince you to call them. They pay to boost their ranking in search results so their websites and phone numbers appear above those of legitimate companies. If you want tech support, look for a company’s contact information on their software package or on your receipt.

• Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calls and claims to be from tech support.

• If a caller pressures you to buy a computer security product or says there is a subscription fee associated with the call, hang up. If you’re concerned about your computer, call your security software company directly and ask for help.

• Never give your password on the phone. No legitimate organization calls you and asks for your password.

• Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and then report illegal sales calls.

How to Spot a Refund Scam

If you paid for tech support services, and you later get a call about a refund, don’t give out any personal information, like your credit card or bank account number. The call is almost certainly another trick to take your money.

The refund scam works like this: Several months after the purchase, someone might call to ask if you were happy with the service. When you say you weren’t, the scammer offers a refund.

Or the caller may say that the company is going out of business and providing refunds for “warranties” and other services.

In either case, the scammers eventually ask for a bank or credit card account number. Or they ask you to create a Western Union account. They might even ask for remote access to your computer to help you fill out the necessary forms. But instead of putting money in your account, the scammers withdraw money from your account.

If you get a call like this, hang up, and report it at http://ftc.gov/complaint  …”

See we told you — the U.S. government has some good advice for you to follow no matter where you live. Don’t get scammed. We hate to see any of you being taken advantage of by charlatans and criminals. You can read more tips here. 

During the holiday season the number of scams almost triples. Don’t let a scammer ruin the holidays for you.

Celebrating

 Butch's brother Don sent this picture of how he is celebrating his birthday.

And this is how Butch is celebrating his brother Don's birthday!

Notice the family resemblance?

More Rain

 Yesterday was a relatively dry day and we started to make plans for the week, outdoor plans, and then I awoke to the ping, ping, ping, of raindrops on the awnings. So I checked the radar and it doesn't look like it will end soon.

The plan was to go to Mexico to see our friend Hector and we still may ...

Yesterday was the mixed doubles pool event. My partner and I didn't win big but we played well and did our best with what we had. It was fun.

To back up a bit, Butch and I tackled the overhead lights in the kitchen. Joyce had told us they didn't clean them while they owned them. A few bugs had died up there so we wanted to give it a go. We were a bit intimidated because we feared the panels may be brittle, therefore fragile, and easily broken. That wasn't the case however and we soon had them cleaned and back in place.

And while taking these photos I snuck one in of our current computer cubbyholes. It seems we always find a space for one.

We are closer to establishing a routine in this place. I think that is the secret to making a place feel like home and it is always a little different in the multiple places you may want to call home. Establishing a routine is different and takes longer than getting settled in. But give us another week we should have a new routine firmly established.

Put a Woman in Charge

 By Keb' Mo'

I stumbled upon this song and love it! Of course! It seems I have run into quite a few good songs of late. Hey, it's my blog.😉

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMX6C8BXcwY

Ahem!

 Didn't think it could get worse but then it did! The weather I mean. Highs in the 40's today and tomorrow with the wind at 19mph. We ask one thing of you folk up north and that is to keep that polar door shut. ...Please?

On the other hand, I did get some chores finished that had been on my mind. And I made chili. I am guessing nearly every household in Trophy had a pot of chili simmering away. When I started making the chili I came upon the fact I didn't have a can opener. So since I had a list of things I needed, Butch and I went to HEB to get my list purchased. That can opener cost me $70!

Last night Butch and I watched "The Hundred-Foot Journey" on Amazon Prime. It was excellent and can be found in other venues too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hundred-Foot_Journey_(film)

Weather in South Texas

Whether the weather is cold, Or whether the weather is hot, We will weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not!

And we do not like it. This is very much like last year when it started in late December and lasted till mid-March. I know what you are all saying, "Still better than up north!" True-and it is what it is, just like in the first little ditty of this post. I am hoping this is not a repeat.

Thursday, November 17th. A flat 50 degrees outdoors when I got up at 6:00 am and it will stay in the 60's all week for the highs.😒

First Trivia Night

 Last night we had our first Trophy Trivia Night. There were 4 teams, Part Time Team, Smarty Pants, I Don't Know, and Bottomless Pit. The scores ranged from 102 to 122. And the Part Time Team won. This was their first time playing and I can see they are going to provide a challenge.

Everyone had a good time, including me! It was a great start to our season. So next Tuesday night at 6:30 pm we will once again meet in the main hall and answer a bunch of questions. 

The Story of Bernie's Fruitcake

 It was famous! We lived on Lake Panorama for a few years and Bernie was a favorite neighbor of ours. Each Christmas he would make his special fruitcake. I told Bernie I was not a fan of fruitcake and he said, "You haven't tasted MY fruitcake." Bernie was right! I looked forward to Bernie's fruitcake every year and I begged him for his recipe. He always said the same thing, "Let me make it for you." One year he finally relented and shared the recipe with me and now I am sharing it with you. You are so lucky!

Recipe:   Bernie's Fruitcake   

Category: Holiday

Author:   Bernie Craig

2 C Flour

1 1/2 C Sugar

1 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

4 eggs

3 T butter-room temp.

4 -8 oz. Jars Whole Maraschino Cherries (Drain 3 jars)

2 C Pecan halves or pieces

2 C Walnut halves or pieces

1 LB. Raisins

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Add

remaining ingredients one at a time in the order listed, mix gently.

Pour in an ungreased tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Increase heat to 325 degrees and bake an additional 15 minutes. Let cool in pan

then remove. Wrap in foil or plastic and store in the refrigerator. Allow 1 to 2 days for

flavors to mingle before serving.

I never liked fruitcake until I tasted Bernies. :-)

Ask Alexa

 I am not usually a fan of Bluegrass, but this one caught my attention.

Ask Alexa to play "Ready for the Times to Get Better" by David Holt and Doc Watson

Lyrics

I've got to tell you I've been rackin' my brain
Hopin' to find a way out
I've had enough of this continual rain
Changes are comin', no doubt

It's been a too long time
With no peace of mind
And I'm ready for the times
To get better

You seem to want from me what I cannot give
I feel so lonesome at times
I have a dream that I wish I could live
It's burnin' holes in my mind

Na, na, na...

Na, na, na...

Taken in 2018

 More Birds            

Parrots are very noisy birds in flight. They travel in pairs. You might see a whole flock but they will be divided into pairs within the flock.

Kiskadees

Bird Talk

 When we were in Magnolia Park, we knew that birds were abundant and very much a part of our everyday life. Until we came to Trophy we had no idea that this was unusual. Here are some bird photo's, all taken by me in that park.

Parrots visited twice a day when the trees were in bloom in the Spring. This particular photo was taken across the street from our RV. I miss the abundance of birds.

Whistling Ducks

Doves

Coopers Hawk