Taz and Tippy...the odd couple that resides with sister Myrla in Rockwell City Iowa.

More adventures of Taz and her cat Tippy

Put your own caption on this one!

Butch and I went to a square dance in Des Moines last night. Jerry Story was the caller and he was as great as ever. We visited with Don and Marilyn Scott from Yale IA and the McCoy's from Creston IA and many other square dance friends. Marvin Ludwig, our club caller from days past, will be calling a street dance in Creston on Friday, June 3rd at 5:15 PM. We have plans to be there.
The Roadramblers

North America maps countries landforms lakes rivers mountains cities and more by World Atlas

North America maps countries landforms lakes rivers mountains cities and more by World Atlas

Nicole Morlan 2005 Graduate

L to R Gary,Amanda, Susan, Barb, Butch,Nicole, Jason,Michael and Laura

Brad and Amanda

Jason & Laura

Virtual Magnifying Glass 2.35

Virtual Magnifying Glass 2.35

A big help for the visually impaired

Jason and Laura are busy preparing for Nicole's graduation party this weekend and wouldn't you know they developed a plumbing problem. The problem was solved and this is Jason getting things put back together.

Computers generate a great deal of heat and laptops are no exception so I put some extra legs on mine to get it off any surface it rests upon allowing free flow of air beneath it. These were stick ons and I stacked them two high. I believe we purchased them in a hardware store.

This picture was taken by Bill Brooker. Trout in the river that runs by their backyard in Arkansas

Recipe Manager - Your Cooking Companion! (Freeware)

Have you been looking for a program to organize your recipes. This looks like the one..... Recipe Manager - Your Cooking Companion! (Freeware)

Well, our little Angel has settled in and settled down. Each night gets better and I think she is now as good as she is going to get. She has sniffed out and inspected every nook and cranny. And now on to us....If this weather ever settles out to something decent I need to get an exercise routine established. I feel like I have lost ground in that department. We have done some things around the house, window cleaning and such. I have hopes that tomorrow we may see the sun. That would be different...

Last fuel purchase for the Motorhome was in Atlantic Iowa at Wal-Mart on Saturday May 14th with a shopping card and we paid $2.04.9.

Links of the Day:

Do frogs have teeth? Some strange facts about frogs.
Facts about Frogs

How about


The Frogzilla Files?

Plants are like people

Garden Tip
Plants, Like People (Yeah, they are.)

Plants are like people. Here's a list showing which plants (on
the left) don't get along with their neighbors (on the right).

Planting: Keep away from:

Beans -onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks
Beets -pole beans and mustards
Broccoli -strawberries and sunflowers
Cabbage -strawberries, sunflowers, and grapes
Carrots -dill
Corn -tomatoes and sunflowers
Eggplant -potatoes, tomatoes and peppers
Garlic -beans and peas
Lettuce -cabbage family and sunflowers
Onions -beans and peas
Peas -onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks
Peppers -eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, and fennel
Potatoes -eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins and
sunflowers
Strawberries -members of the cabbage family
Tomatoes -corn, potatoes, peppers and eggplant


These planting guidelines come from a government publication.

This was taken while Angel was still at her "Winter Home". She is now with us in Jefferson IA and not very happy about her situation. We put in quite a night with her crying and bouncing off the walls. I have disturbed her sleep several times today in hopes she will settle down tonight and sleep so we all can! She is really quite adaptable but it does take awhile. We are getting settled in and catching up on news and events in the old hometown...till next time.

We are sitting on our spot in Jefferson Iowa. The trip up here from Atlantic was one of the windiest trips we have ever made. Sure glad it was a short one! It is 71 miles from the Atlantic Wal-Mart to Jefferson Iowa for your info. We welcome company so hop on by anytime.

Well, these two cats have been to the doctors for our 'annuals' and it seems we are healthy so we are heading out this morning for Jefferson Iowa parking in the same spot we were last summer. We do plan to take side trips from there throughout the summer, like up to Marlene and Bernard Kelley's place in northern Iowa. Looking forward to seeing friends in the Jefferson area and getting our Angel back. She may not be so happy about it because I think she has enjoyed her stay in the Jason Brooker household. She adjusts very well to new situations and I am sure she will this time too. Bike trail, here I come!!!

We are staying at friends Merlin and Bev Meyers horse farm west of Lewis until Saturday when we will go to Jefferson Iowa for 3 months. Our address there will be 108 E Central lot #73, Jefferson Iowa 50129.

We are currently in Atlantic Iowa at Sunnyside Park campground. Not a bad little park to be in but this afternoon we are headed for Merlin and Bev Meyers farm west of Lewis and will be there till we are finished with our annual doctoring.
I have called Jefferson and we will be on the same spot we were last summer. 108 E. Central Lot # 73, Jefferson Iowa 50129. Probably for the months of May, June and July. We have "commitment issues" so I wouldn't set that in cement.

Recipe for Cleaning Clothes

1. Build a fire in the backyard to heat kettle of rain water.
2. Set Tubs so smoke won't blow in eyes if windy.
3. Shave one whole cake of lye soap in boiling water.
4. Sort clothes, make three piles: one pile whites, one pile colored
and one pile work britches and rags.
5. To make starch, stir flour in cool water till smooth, then thin down
with boiling water.
6. Take white things, rub dirty spots on washboard, scrub hard and then
boil. Rub colored, don't boil, just rinse and starch.
7. Take things out of kettle with broomstick handle, then rinse and
starch.
8. Hang old Rags on Fence.
9. Spread tea towels on grass.
10. Pour Rinse water in flower bed.
11. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.
12. Turn tubs upside down.
13. Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs, brew cup of
tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.

Hang this above your automatic washer and when things look bleak, read
it again and again.

Golfing at Nishna Hills in Atlantic IA...Before the rains came

Butch

Golfing at Nishna Hills in Atlantic IA

Tip on resizing pictures

Here is a handy little program for resizing pictures. http://thundercloud.net/infoave/answers/toys-tip-170-a.htm

For a short time we are in Cumberland IA parked behind the Community Bldg. We are boondocking so unsure how long we will be here. We are scoping out the possibilities to land for a week or so but have not decided where to set our feet as yet. We hope to see as many friends as possible while in the area.

www.homefair.com

Great site for anyone wanting to move to a different city. Like college grads etc.

We are headed north this morning. Plan to stop in Creston Iowa. This is the part that seems to bother some folks....we do not have a firm destination in mind. We will figure it out when we get there!

Italian Charms

If you are into the Italian Charms this is an excellent site to order them. http://www.springhillcharms.com/

I finished this one awhile back and gave it to Susan. I am now on the next one. It will be most colorful!!! I have to admit that I have neglected my posting and photography since getting addicted to this Swedish weaving stuff!

MAEDAY BORN SUN 10;45 PM
From friends Merlin and Bev Meyer in Lewis Iowa. Just too cute!!!!

Butch and I are currently in Peculiar and will be for the rest of this week. Who knew that I would land in Peculiar MO and personally meet three very fun gals who share a passion for Swedish Weaving. Now I met them on the Internet but I do not think there was an axe murderer among them!;-)
We had a few laughs and showed off our handy work and then went to Pat's Restaurant in Peculiar for a tasty and satisfying lunch.

We have arrived in Peculiar. What goes around comes around! We got some maintenance things done on our motor home so we are good to go for awhile. We enjoyed visiting with new friends Harold and Nancy Piepmeier and Allen and Corkey Anglin. So now we are in Peculiar MO and I am excited allover again. We have a WiFi connection here. It says default so I am unsure where the connection is coming from. There is a Flying J about a mile north of us so perhaps it does reach. Anyway....I really don't care where it is coming from just grateful to have it as it is so much faster than our Verizon connection. We will be here for a week before heading into the Northern tundra of Iowa. Till next time...

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried
anything new."

-- Albert Einstein, scientist


Questions to Ponder


What have I tried recently?


What mistakes am I most proud of?

This past weekend we went to Lees Summit MO. Didn't take the motorhome this time...we will do that next weekend. Saturday night we had a pleasant time in Pleasant Hill at the Country Creek theater. They have some topnotch performers with topnotch performances. It was a fantastic three hour show. Today we are back in Carthage. After breakfast this morning we went to the Jasper County Courthouse. They have some interesting museum displays. The building itself is a museum piece. And now we are back in our cozy little abode waiting out a rainy Spring day watching Jack Nicholson movies.

Our home

Oklahoma isn't very far away as this red dirt tells you.

Dogwood blossoms

Love's Lookout near Jacksonville TX

We stopped at Love's Lookout near Jacksonville TX on our way north.

The Literature Page - Read classic books by famous authors online

The Literature Page - Read classic books by famous authors online

Wi Fi Explanation for dummies like me.
Wi-Fi refers to a set of wireless networking technologies more specifically referred to as 802.11a 802.11b and 802.11g. These standards are universally in use around the globe, and allow users that have a Wi-Fi capable device, like a laptop or PDA, to connect anywhere there is a Wi-Fi access point that is available. The three standards that are referred to signify the speed of the connection they are capable of producing. 802.11b (which transmits at 11 Megabits per Second) is the most common, although it is quickly getting replaced by the faster Wi-Fi standards. Both 802.11a and 802.11g are capable of 54 MBPS, with 802.11a adding additional capabilities.

Across the board, all of these Wi-Fi standards are fast enough to generally allow a broadband connection. Wi-Fi is an emerging technology that will likely be as common as electrical outlets and phone lines within a few years. Wi-Fi adds tremendous levels of convenience and increased productivity for workers whose offices are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as travelers that can increasingly access Wi-Fi in airports, coffee shops, and hotels around the world.
How do I know if my computer is Wi-Fi capable?

You could try connecting where you know there is Wi Fi access or the paperwork that came with your computer may tell you or you could do like I did and take your laptop to a RadioShack and tell them you want an aircard but do not know if you need one. I did need one and bought one for $49.95 and the fella installed it for me on my laptop.

To see if you can connect:
Go to Control Panel
Go to Internet Connections Wizard
Set to automatically search for signal.

So why have an aircard?
Now I can connect to the Internet anywhere there is Wi Fi access at NO COST. More and more RV Parks are getting WI FI access and offering it to their patrons at either no cost or a nominal fee. I will naturally prefer the ones who offer it at no cost.
Also truck stops, rest areas and many other places offer Wi Fi. And you can even go into parking lots near businesses and check to see if you can get a connection and more and more often you can!

How do I find the Internet?
Once your card is installed or you have run the wizard to get it set up there will be a small monitor looking icon on your taskbar. Click on it and a screen will appear telling you what Wi Fi possiblities exist where you are located. There may be several if you happen to be in the right location. You will need one that says it is unsecured. If it says it is secured you would need a password to use it.

I have a desktop computer in my RV. Can I get Wi Fi?
Yes you can. You can purchase an adaptor that will allow you to use Wi Fi too.

How fast is the connection?
It is very fast compared to my cellphone connection. I am connecting as I write this at 11.0 Mbps on Wi Fi. That is MEGA.

How does the RV Park get Wi Fi?
They purchase a Wi Fi router and when it is turned on and left unsecured anyone can connect to the Internet within a certain radius of the router. I checked on prices and they are in the $300-$600 range.

Right now I have a cellphone connection to the Internet and it is costly for an unlimited connection. I am in the process of seeing how often I have to use it because it is the only thing available and I have a two year contract that expires soon. If I can make the WI FI connections work it will save a considerable amount of money each month. I am excited about the prospect.
Any Questions? If so let me know and I will see if I can find the answer. Wi Fi was very confusing to me mainly because I had the cellphone connection and knew it was also wireless which it is but in a different way.

Arrived in Carthage Mo about noon. Vern and Dorothy Wendt are here too. She is the gal who taught me swedish weaving so I had a question or two for her

Written on Saturday 4/16/2005
We left the valley about ten this morning. One little "episode" at La Grange, TX with 13,000 bicylists. A Po Leese Man guided us off the main highway with our 40 foot motorhome and towed car onto a very narrow and not all that smooth little backroad to nowhere! We will not let this happen to us again. When a policeman changes our course in the future he had better be prepared to either come with us or send someone who knows with us until we are back on track. They make you leave the known roadway with no guidance whatsoever. I do not like a man (Butch) yelling in my ear about a situation neither of us can do anything about...so next time we will not move until we are confident of our course.

So now we are stopped for the night in Rockdale TX in a little RV Park called Hidden Valley. The owner was not here when we pulled in so this fella staggers over to help us get a spot. He did pretty well for no better than he could walk...or talk. Too much barleypop for him today!

Herb and Pat Jones new home arrives.

Little Green Guy

I have always loved this little green guy!

The shore birds are much fun to watch

Butch and I went to Padre today and it was a beautiful day on the beach. The water was ideal for wading.

Cactus bloom in many colors

The cactus are in bloom

Arizona, the new pup of niece Tara

Internet Public Library

Internet Public Library
The Internet Public Library, is a public service organization and
learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan School of
Information. The site provides library services to Internet users.
Includes a reference center, a catalog of books and publications, subject-based
collections, and resources for kids and teens.

Discount Pharmacy Mexico

Discount Pharmacy Mexico
You can check out what meds cost in Mexico at this website

TODAY'S QUOTE

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't
matter and those who matter don't mind."

--Dr. Suess

Spectacular looking flower...I do not know what it is named. We have made our leaving plans...I think a week from tomorrow...the 17th we will be leaving the valley and heading for Carthage Mo.

Longevity Game

This is pretty interesting. This tells you how long you'll probably live. No
fibbing, please!

Click here: http://www.nmfn.com/tnetwork/longevity_game_popup.html

You can count on one hand the number of 'winter Texans' left in the park. We will be leaving late next week...I think. I am ready to go...with all the people gone most of the fun is gone too. It means I have to get creative again to come up with things to do. The weather is something I do like, it is summer like to me. I believe the natives think this is Spring. We have planned a last trip to Padre and I am assuming the water will be warm enough to wade in the ocean. There are a few grocery items I will load up on as I know they are not available north of here. There are also some things I am greatly looking forward to getting back to such as Diet Squirt and Iowa chops. As the time gets nearer the desire increases for these things...absence makes the heart grow fonder! The flower in this picture is from an Olive Tree.

Marge Scott's Amaryllis

Last night on the news we were informed that beginning in 2008 everyone would need a passport to ENTER the United States at all points along the border including Progreso.

Along about January 1, 2008 it could get real messy at the border with US citizens piling up in Progreso like cordwood.


Here is a site where you can find out where to get a passport. http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

Shopping on the street in Progreso

Suzy Pharmacy in Progreso

Red Snapper in Progreso

Red Snapper in Progreso

I played golf yesterday. Yes, I know that is a shocker. It was good in places and not so good in places. ...And my back hurts today. In the future, I will have to assess if the pain is worth it.

Jo Brooker's Texas Roses

Jo Brooker's Texas Roses

Jo Brooker's Texas Roses

Bougainvillea in Bloom

I purchased this frog in Mexico with the intent of potting a mosquito plant in it. He is a handy place to put my visor in the meantime. Looks mighty cute in it too!