The wheels keep turning...

 I am having one of those periods that creep up now and then of needing to take care of tiny, irritating details, and it seems to never end. A new tiny detail takes its place when others have been dealt with. 

For example, I noticed on the new arrival of the annual insurance bill for our park model that the amount has gone up again. We thought about doing something about that last year because the amount goes up every year. And then I noticed that Butch's name was the only one on the policy, so that made it necessary to call them. I also told them the fees were too high and something needed to change. And my name is now on the policy. They will do research and get back to me. 

On my last visit to the pharmacy, they told me that one of my meds, the most expensive one, was in stock but could not be processed for 14 more days. They said they would hold it for me if I liked. I liked. I have received notices to come pick it up or lose it for 10 days now, with the last one notifying me that it was no longer being held after today. This necessitated a phone call. Trying to get through to a person is near impossible. I finally did after much faniggling. They said all was fine, and I would continue to get notices because they couldn't control that part of it.

I like my mind to be free and clear of these things; however, keeping the slate clean is a feat in itself. These things can quickly go into the forgotten pile and turn up as a big old mistake later.

On the brighter side, I am happy and busy doing things I love, pool, beading, diamond art, trivia, therapeutic Happy Hour visits, etc. I am signed up for singles and doubles pool in the Valley Golden Olympics. I have mixed feelings about that, and I am doing my best to keep a positive attitude.

More later as always...

Back in 2018

We look like we are drunk! We weren't!

 We were on our way to South Texas and stopped at our friends, the Linders at Canyon Lake, and played some fun games of cribbage.

Merry and Happy

Renie and I just discussed it and decided that dense fog was too damp to walk in this morning. Our weather here has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride, ranging from 70's to 90's in daytime and throwing in anywhere from 40's to 60's for nighttime. Whenever we think of "up north," it becomes just fine!

I continue to be busy, and that too is fine. Last night was trivia, and I pulled a surprise on them. When I made the questions, I purposely looked for difficult trivia questions. They often underrate themselves in their abilities. All five teams were in the same range for correct answers.

I drove to my haircut appointment yesterday, about a 20-minute drive...in traffic. Do I like it? No. It has been years since I have taken driving for granted, where I would just hop in the car and go. I am not sure I will ever get there again, but I will get by.

Candy takes my picture every week, and this was last night's photo.

Everyone helps me do whatever needs to be done, and I am very grateful for that. My life would be very different had I stayed in Iowa. Don't get me wrong, I still look forward to being in Iowa among my lifelong friends there. My life is very different but still full and satisfying.

I am signed up for the Golden Age Olympics in the Rio Grande Valley, playing pool. Last year, I was knocked out of the running very fast. I hope to give them a harder time this year. I will play in singles, and Renie and I will play in doubles. This takes place the first week in January.

Yesterday I moved my wall clock from one wall to another. Take my word for it, never do that to yourself!!

Slightly overbooked...

 Mondays: Walk at 7:00 am, 2 miles, home by 8:00. Pool hall at 1:00, Happy Hour every day from 4:00- 5:00

Tuesday -repeat, except at 6:15, I am going to the main hall to run trivia. We had 5 teams this week. What is the official animal of Scotland? Answer at the bottom of this post

Wednesday: Walk at 7:00 am, 2 miles, Women's Pool League 9:30 -12:00-This takes place in other parks.

Thursdays, I sub in a mixed league, and I have subbed the last two Thursdays! This is when we go play teams in other parks

Friday is usually a day off, except for the morning walk. However, this past Friday, I went to Mexico with friends and enjoyed a fantastic pedicure for $15 and a pastry at the bakery.

Saturday is a day off, but for several Saturdays, I have been going to breakfast at the Alamo Cafe with Bill and Sandi.   

Sundays are my shopping day in the morning, and mixed doubles pool in the afternoon.

The latest photos:

Another foggy morning... The rising sun

  A Diamond Art project

At the entrance to Trophy Gardens is a beautiful spot. The monarch butterflies and others migrate to Mexico every year, and Trophy is directly in the path.

Scotland's official animal is the unicorn!

    

Yesterday

7:00 AM walk with Renie. The sky was spectacular!

This happens to be Dot's house.

Later that morning, the elementary school across the street from us came to entertain us. Their teacher said they have a curiosity about us. It's mutual, we have a curiosity about them!

Later in the day, I washed the sheets... 

And then I cleaned the golf cart. They really needed it!

It happens to be parked outside the Pool Hall. Imagine that!

Candy always takes my picture at trivia. You might like to see what I look like these days.

Happy Hour topics of interest

 Yesterday, we started talking about favorite recipes from years past. It is rare to go home without some tidbit of interesting information.  Butch and I lived in Nebraska for a few years and became acquainted with Runzas.  I was told and believed that Mrs B of Nebraska Furniture Mart fame was the origin of that dish. Well, I decided to check my facts, something we all need to do these days, and I was wrong!

Here is the straight story followed by the recipe. Enjoy!

No, Runza was not started by "Mrs. B" (Rose Blumkin of Nebraska Furniture Mart fame); Runza was founded by Sally Everett (née Brening) in 1949, adapting her German-Russian family's bierock recipe, while Rose Blumkin founded the Nebraska Furniture Mart in 1937. While both are iconic Nebraska figures, they are separate founders of different iconic businesses.  

And here is the recipe: 

    Runza Casserole        

      2 lb Hamburger

      2 onions, Finely Chopped

      4 C. Cabbage, Shredded

            Salt & Pepper, To Taste

      2    Refrigerated Crescent Rolls or

           Crescent Dough Sheets.

      1 lb Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded

[Note: One of my standby recipes. One that Butch was always happy to see on the table. ]

Brown hamburger and onion, drain. Put cabbage on top of the meat and let it steam for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper. Using one tube, spread the crescent roll pieces over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Spread the hamburger/cabbage mixture on top. Add a layer of cheese. Using the second tube of crescents, place it on top of the cheese. Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10 minutes to soften the crust

Here is the original Runza recipe. Years ago in Nebraska, there were Runza stores. I hated to see them go.

https://myfarmhousetable.com/nebraskas-homemade-runza/

Living alone.

The latest AARP Bulletin and Magazine are filled with good articles. I loved the article about living alone. It resonated with me. I am surprised to find out that I am liking it. And before you get shocked by that, I am 100 percent certain that Butch would have felt the same had it been him here instead of me. It is something we talked about on more than one occasion. We both agreed that life was easier when we both took charge of our best assets, well aware that we would miss each other beyond words. Many times, I have tossed the ARRP bulletin aside, not giving it another thought. Not this month!

 

Warning signs of a Cult

Six years ago...

 I love it when I run across one of these photos that were posted in the past on facebook. We both liked to play shuffleboard, but we just did not have time for everything.

When you turn 80

 I often said that when I turned 80, it was a change unlike any other. Turning 70 wasn't a big deal. I barely gave a minute's thought to it. 80 was different. So when I stumbled upon this YouTube video, it opened a door I had not opened before. I think those who are already there will recognize it, and those who have yet to be there will enjoy the look of what is to come.

https://youtu.be/ipUNDBSI9Jw?si=oxGej_fYOTAbugjP

After the Storm

 Iowa was hit pretty hard with a snowstorm this Thanksgiving weekend. Keri sent me some photos taken at their home in Jefferson.

I take pics now and then while on our morning walks, and then I forget to post them.

Here are some of them...

There are crops growing beside the park, and this is on our walking route. These are workers taking care of the crop (kale?). I noticed, while taking this by, I am guessing the foreman. It was not a pleasant look, so I only took this one shot.

Meeting up with Renie.

This was a foggy morning, and that is a photo of the sun.

By the way, it's after 3:00 AM, and I was having trouble sleeping, so I decided to make better use of my time than staring at the ceiling thinking of oddball stuff. If something doesn't make much sense, chalk it up to that.

I think I will go back to bed now and try to get some more sleep.

Greatgrands

 Granddaughter Amanda takes pictures of her two children every fall. These are my favorites of the 57 taken.

Elise in 2025

Leo in 2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

My Checklist

 If you ask me how to do it and what makes me strong, this is it.

Bernie's Famous Fruit Cake

 My son reminded me today of Bernie's Fruitcake. We lived on Lake Panorama for a few years, and Bernie was our neighbor. He made this very delicious fruitcake every year, and it was something to look forward to. Turkey day is nearly here, and Fruitcake day is not far behind. I could write a whole blog entry about Bernie because he was a very special guy to us and all who knew him. I would ask Bernie for his recipe every season, and he would always say he would make it for me instead. Finally, he did give it to me. Bernie passed on quite some time ago, but his fruitcake will live forever.

Recipe:   Bernie's Fruitcake    12/16/2007

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, mixing gently.

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

Increase the heat to 325 degrees and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Let cool in the 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 Bernie's. :-)

If you live close and decide to make it, I would love to have a slice and

think of our good friend Bernie Craig

Monarchs

 Monarchs migrate South to Mexico every year. Their route covers a large part of the migration through the Midwest, into South Texas, and on to Mexico. It is a magnificent thing and has been covered by many nature shows.

My son and his wife, Jason and Laura, are lucky to have a large number of Monarchs stop for a breather in their yard, and they enjoy the company as long as it lasts. 

Here we have had more fans with Dot and Wink. Wink recently passed, but Dot has carried on by paying attention and keeping them cared for as much as possible on their trip. Last season, Wink brought over a jar with a cocoon in it to happy hour, and we were able to watch the process firsthand. Wink built an "incubator" for them that made it more comfy for the Monarchs and easier for us to see what was taking place.

A few days ago, Dot brought over the incubator because a cocoon had opened and the Monarch was getting ready to use his new wings to head South, and we were lucky enough to be able to see it! 

Right before takeoff!

Childrens home

On Wednesday, six of us made our way to Reynosa, Mexico, to visit the Christian children's home. It was a wonderful day! So much happened and so much was learned!  I will do my best to convey it all to you. 

One of my first thoughts on reflection was that my boys and their wives would have enjoyed it as much as I did. 

Betsy was our tour guide. She runs the Thrift Shop in Pharr, Texas, that goes a long way toward supporting the home. She is also on the administrative team running the home. Betsy gives about 3 tours during the season, and we were lucky to be part of the first one this season. She did say she would be glad to do more if the interest was there. Six of us Trophy people met in the main hall and waited for Betsy to take us across the border in the Children's Home van. 

The trip across the border is a trip in itself. It is very different from going to Progreso

Betsy gave a whole different slant on it. She makes frequent crossings and has all the paperwork to speed it up. Reynoso is a city of over a million and continuing to grow. 

All of the houses have a reservoir on the roof. The reason for that is that citizens only have access to water 3 days a week, so they have to store it in order to have it on the other days of the week. When new houses are built, they do not include all of the plumbing and water connections that we take for granted. And yet they continue to build! This trip is filled with facts. 

The Children's Home is very secure, and without Betsy, we would not have been able to enter. It used to be a rural place, but Reynosa has grown so much that they are now on the edge of the city.

Bill D. is 6ft. 5 in. and the children looked him over thoroughly wherever we went. This photo was taken in the Art Classroom.

This is a small part of the family I enjoyed lunch with.

This is the whole group that lives together, plus the 3 of us visitors

The Dad of the group asked me if I wanted to play Bingo, and I said "yes". An aside to the question is that I always say 'yes' unless I have a very good reason for saying 'no'. So I read the numbers in English, and the Dad repeated them in Spanish. We played till all the numbers were covered.

There are local children who also go to school here, and the parents or guardians must pick them up after school. This is our group watching that happen.

On the ride home, we learned so much more! The traffic out of Mexico and back to the USA is an obstacle in itself. We waited over an hour to get back, and that is not a bad time.  The company was good, and the conversation was lively, which helped pass the time.

I will most likely remember things a bit at a time and will relate them as I remember them. Oh, yes! A boy about 10 years of age came up to me and patted my hair. I was sitting down. He then said "beautiful". I said "Thank you!" 

 

I did not have the Google Translate App on my phone. I do now, and when I do the trip again, I will make good use of it. I highly recommend getting it.

This might help guide you to the one that was recommended to me.

Google Translate - Apps on Google Play

Google Play

https://play.google.com › store › apps › details › id=com...

Translate between 108 languages by typing. Tap to Translate: Copy text in any app and tap the Google Translate icon to translate (all languages).

4.3(9,073,557) · Free · ‎Android · ‎Utilities/Tools

Turkey for 2

Turkey for Two
Did you have a meal with friends and family on the holiday and miss all the turkey and dressing leftovers at your house? Or there are just the two of you, and you do not want to cook a big ol' turkey for two people. I discovered an easy way to have it all. 

Grease the sides of your crockpot or use one of those nifty slow cooker liners. Place a small package of dry stuffing mix (StoveTop) in the bottom. Sprinkle with about a 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Slice an onion and dice a celery stalk, and layer them on top of the stuffing. Place a thawed Butterball 3-pound turkey roast (found in your grocer's freezer) on top of celery and onion. Cook on low all day or high for 5 or more hours, and you have the best of both worlds. A scrumptious turkey dinner for two with some leftovers if you are moderate eaters.

Elise

This lovely young woman is my great-granddaughter, Elise. ❤

Turkey Time!

 I post this every year for those folks who find themselves staying home for the big day. It is tried and true. Today I went to the BIG H.E.B., you know the one at the corner of Ridge and Cage? They have the Butterball Turkey with white and dark meat.

Turkey for Two
Did you have a meal with friends and family on the holiday and miss all the turkey and dressing leftovers at your house? Or there are just the two of you, and you do not want to cook a big ol' turkey for two people. I discovered an easy way to have it all. 

Grease the sides of your crockpot or use one of those nifty slow cooker liners. Place a small package of dry stuffing mix (StoveTop) in the bottom. Sprinkle with about a 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Slice an onion and dice a celery stalk, and layer them on top of the stuffing. Place a thawed Butterball 3-pound turkey roast (found in your grocer's freezer) on top of celery and onion. Cook on low all day or high for 5 or more hours, and you have the best of both worlds. A scrumptious turkey dinner for two with some leftovers if you are moderate eaters.

Taste of Home’s Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup biscuit/baking mix
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
Whipped topping, optional
Read more:
Directions http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pumpkin-pie-pudding#ixzz3HYeQl3sp
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until a thermometer reads 160°. Serve in bowls with whipped topping if desired. Yield: 6 servings.

Happy Hour Discussions

 Happy hour every day from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, and then we go home. It has been said more than once that we should keep track of what we discuss because every day is a new adventure.

Yesterday I showed them my new toe socks. My toes are in love with each other, and when I walk, and I do a lot of it, my toes develop corns, calluses, and other interesting formations. I have tried lambs wool, Band-Aids, you name it. Toe socks are my newest and best solution.

Another one of our faithful contributors mentioned her newest hobby, String art rocks. It is intriguing! Don't we all need a new hobby? I sure like the idea. Whether I will have the impetus to get into it remains to be seen. Here is an example.

Our discussions take on many forms. The one above led to interesting rock formations. Petoskey Rocks were the next round of rock talk. 

Butch and I workamped in Northern Michigan one summer season. There was a gravel pit on my regular morning walk, and I discovered Petoskey rocks.

Found on the Internet in case you are interested. 

Petoskey stones are fossilized coral that were once part of a reef about 350 million years ago, now primarily found on the shores of Lake Michigan. They are characterized by a honeycomb pattern of six-sided corallites, the skeletons of the ancient coral polyps. These fossils are considered a prized rock for collection and crafts due to their distinct appearance. 

This is not an unusual occasion at Happy Hour. Personally, it is a refreshing part of my day, and I nearly always find out something I didn't know before.

Butch's Picture

This photo was taken in 2024 for the Trophy Garden directory. I was asked today for a picture of Butch to be put on the wall in the pool hall. I decided the easiest way for me to get it out there was to put it on the blog. He has a smile on his face in every picture I have of him!

Trivia a trifle short

Trivia was a trifle short of players last night. A good time was had by all who did come, and I will do a better job of advertising that we are back in business next week. Your next chance of having a great time with fun people in the main hall playing trivia will be next Tuesday night at 6:30 PM.

Candy took the above photo of me last night. I liked it. That is rare.

My thought for the day

I received word that another classmate has passed. Johnny Hamilton- Class of '61. I was writing a note to Alice, his wife, and came across the quote below. It rang a bell with me. I suppose it is our age, as most of us are in our 80s. Doesn't matter the age-it still hits you like a Mack truck when it happens. It has been two months now, and I can feel a slight lessening of the rollercoaster ride it has been.

Johnny was a big personality, and he will leave a hole not only among his family, classmates, and friends but far beyond that. If you have ever met Johnny, you will remember him. He was that kind of guy. 

My quote of the day.

• "A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." — Eleanor Roosevelt 

Further South

 I made my first trip this season, with the Danielsons, further south to Mexico for a pedicure and lunch. It was great as always. It was busy, which seemed odd so early in the season. The little town of Progreso was all spiffed up. It appeared a great deal of effort was put into getting things tidied up and rearranged for all of us Winter Texans. I barely recognised it. We went down to see Hector, and I asked about the current prices of the meds I take daily. I was surprised to find there had been a significant drop in Xereleto, a blood thinner. Since April, it had dropped from $45 a month to $25. This is a med I checked on in Iowa because I was unsure I would be able to come down here, and wondered what it was going to cost. With insurance, it would cost me $247 a month!  I won't rant and rave about the highway robbery taking place in the U.S.  I will let you do that!

We returned to the park and took a nap before happy hour. It was a pleasant day.

Routine

I am developing a routine. Of course I am! It is human nature. My mail is getting here from Iowa at such speed that I have never seen before. I get previews of my mail. It is reassuring to know what is coming. It is a guess, but I think I will be able to wrap up the last of the loose ends soon.

I am still playing pool most days. It isn't going all that well. Time should take care of it.

Tonight is the first trivia session. There are lots of people who haven't arrived yet, so I expect a light crowd.

There are lots of adjustments to being single; some by choice, some by necessity. Time will take care of that, too.

Taken by me in 2012

Proof

 Well, I proved it once again! I can force myself to do things that give me small butterflies and chores I don't really want to do. I drove to the grocery store today for the second time. It may not be a big deal to you, but it is to me. :-) Do any of you remember this symbol for a smile in the early days of the Internet?  Just thought I would throw that in there.

This is not the entire cartoon; however, it is the part that made me smile.:-)

Time for an update

 I know it is time to touch base; however, not much is going on for me, and quite frankly, I am okay with that. 

I am playing pool every day at 1:00. That will change when more of the guys get here and fill up the pool hall. Then I will have to stick with Mondays and Tuesdays and find different slots of time on the other days. I know I can play with the men, and I am not opposed to it, and playing now and then is okay, but I can't see making a habit of it.

I planned on going to Mexico today with Gina and Carl, and then somebody opened the door to the northern tundra. Dropping from 95 down to 49 is nobody's idea of fun. Two days ago, the AC was working overtime, and today the furnace is doing the same. Oh, what a puzzling world we live in!

Today, my plan is to get trivia info up and running for the first official event next Tuesday night at 6:30 PM in the Main hall. Renie has agreed to step in and help train a new scorekeeper. It will be fun having her help me get started.

I really like pineapple! So the other day at the grocery store, I picked up some Pineapple soda on a whim. That purchase has led to a discovery. I have drunk 3 of the six that I purchased. I chose to indulge each of them at my supper meal. Every time I did was followed by a "multiple-trips-to-the-bathroom" night. I do not know if it is the chemicals or the carbination, or something else. The lesson is learned! Anyone want a Pineapple soda? I have 3 that are up for grabs.

I DID IT!

 This Sunday morning, I arose at my usual time of 6:00AM, waited till it was light outside, and ventured forth to the streets of Alamo, Texas, in my car! First stop was the Blue Wave Car Wash. After the windshield was replaced, they advised not to expose it to high-powered water for at least two days. I happily obliged because I didn't want to anyway. 😇 I waited till Sunday morning because traffic is much lighter than on any other day of the week. I am proud to announce that I washed the car, purchased groceries, and returned to my South Texas home without incident.

Most of the people who know me also know it has been a very long time since I drove anywhere. However, this past summer, I worked hard to get back to the confident driver I once was. Butch loved to drive, and I loved to let him. This is but one of the many changes that long-married couples deal with when one passes. I told myself I would do it when I had to, and now I have to. Done Deal!

Be OK - Song by Ingrid Michaelson

 Earlier this month, I went to the clinic for my usual exam before heading south. The song "Be Ok" was playing. I asked the receptionist if they were doing that just for me. She laughed and said, "No, but if you want to think so, it can be." It fit so perfectly for me, it has become a new favorite.

You can find it here:https://youtu.be/vpMI8Qu5fsc?si=0L8ZwWLD2H4zG5Mh

Settling in

 I am doing well in my southern home. There are enough of our closer friends here to keep me busy, so the days are going fast. 

Yesterday, I had the windshield replaced by SafeLite, and what a pleasant experience it was. The two fellows who were doing the work, and by some discounts, were able to save me a little over one hundred dollars. I appreciated their efforts. The speed and the quality of work were top-notch. 

Today I had the park model power-washed. It is something we do each season. I usually wait till our neighbors get here and schedule both of us at the same time, but this year I wanted to get the outside spiffed up quickly. It could be a little cooler, though. It is running in the low nineties. I hear it is supposed to cool off some next week.

So far things are going as expected and appreciated, smoothly.