When we open the door of the MoHo and hear the twirling chirp of grackles we have arrived in sunny South Texas!
Sunday, October 25
Movin on down
We left the Pecan Plantation and our friends Mike and Sharon Bryce and moseyed on down the road to Canyon Lake TX...north of San Antonio.
When we open the door of the MoHo and hear the twirling chirp of grackles we have arrived in sunny South Texas!
When we open the door of the MoHo and hear the twirling chirp of grackles we have arrived in sunny South Texas!
Friday, October 23
Swedish Weaving Class-Granbury Texas
I met Cindy a few years ago online through a Swedish weaving site on Yahoo. I met her in person last year about this time. I told her we were in the area and she told me about her class so I stopped in yesterday afternoon.
Shortly after this photo was taken Cindy poked herself with a very large needle (the blood really spurted!)and had to go for medical attention. So our visit was cut short but Cindy is okay and will live to weave again.
Shortly after this photo was taken Cindy poked herself with a very large needle (the blood really spurted!)and had to go for medical attention. So our visit was cut short but Cindy is okay and will live to weave again.
Thursday, October 22
Rain, Rain and More Rain
It rained all day yesterday and all night last night. There is standing water everywhere. Our home is on somewhat of a gravel pedestal so we didn't have any immediate worries. I know it was in excess of 3 inches of rain perhaps closer to 5 inches.
But today the sun has finally made a reappearance. Yippee!! We need to get ourselves outside for some exercise. And perhaps we can do some touristy things without getting wet.
But today the sun has finally made a reappearance. Yippee!! We need to get ourselves outside for some exercise. And perhaps we can do some touristy things without getting wet.
Wednesday, October 21
Tuesday, October 20
Situation
Here is the situation as we have it right now. We are located at the Pecan Plantation Campground near Granbury Texas visiting friends Mike and Sharon Bryce. Our Internet connection exists but it is weak, slow and intermittent. I am able to check mail and do basics. Our Verizon phone connection is always or nearly always searching for signal which draws our battery down very quickly. So to reach us it is probably best by email while we are here. And we are not sure how long that will be. I can make phone calls however. The whole situation is a little weird.
They tell us it is really hot yet in the valley and the weather is nearly perfect where we are so we find ourselves in the midst of a balancing act. So while we are in limbo bear with us. I hope you blog checkers still check in and I will continue to try for daily posts but if I do not, you will know I ran into a technosnag(my word).
We arrived here about 10:30 this morning and Butch and Mike headed for the golf course shortly thereafter while Sharon and I visited the afternoon away.
Sharon made Runza Casserole and pecan pie bars for supper so you know Butch was in heaven. Golf and his favorite casserole and dessert to boot.
Tomorrow it is supposed to rain so not sure what we may be doing...but it will be fun for sure.
They tell us it is really hot yet in the valley and the weather is nearly perfect where we are so we find ourselves in the midst of a balancing act. So while we are in limbo bear with us. I hope you blog checkers still check in and I will continue to try for daily posts but if I do not, you will know I ran into a technosnag(my word).
We arrived here about 10:30 this morning and Butch and Mike headed for the golf course shortly thereafter while Sharon and I visited the afternoon away.
Sharon made Runza Casserole and pecan pie bars for supper so you know Butch was in heaven. Golf and his favorite casserole and dessert to boot.
Tomorrow it is supposed to rain so not sure what we may be doing...but it will be fun for sure.
Sunday, October 18
Parade Chickens
It was way too cold for us to go to the parade yesterday so we watched on tv and I took photos just like I was really there. No, the quality is not as good but we were much warmer. When the parade was about 2/3rds done it really poured! That made our decision even more sane!
Here is the slideshow!
Here is the slideshow!
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Saturday, October 17
Oops!
Butch just checked our "repair" on the fridge. We will be sticking around in Carthage until it is really fixed.
Maple Leaf Festival & Parade?
Maple Leaf Festival & Parade take place this morning in Carthage Mo and we seem to find ourselves in this area every year. Creatures of habit, aren't we all. Last year was chilly and damp but we went anyway because it is such a nice parade. One of the best we have ever seen. This year it is dark, dank and just plain COLD. We will most likely pass on it this year. Butch is still in bed for one thing and it takes us longer and longer to get ready to go anywhere. But more so the cold. It does not take much of it for me to go into hibernation. I received an email from an online Swedish weaver acquaintance who winters in La Feria TX every winter and she is in her Texas spot and says it is HOT. I am ready for some hot.
Yesterday we kept our appointment to have our refrigerator looked at. I was getting condensation around the door to the point where I needed a rug there to catch the drips. It was a simple fix. Something was not making a connection. Now it is and no more drips. Simple if you know what the problem is!
Tomorrow our Missouri kids are coming to see us before we leave the show me state for warmer climes. Monday AM will find us on the road aimed at Texas. Earlier than usual rather than later actually.
Till next time...
Thursday, October 15
My Cousins Slideshow
My Cousins Slideshow of the Pacific Northwest-Photographer Howard Zimmerle
Way to go, Cuz. I am impressed.
The Pacific Northwest
Way to go, Cuz. I am impressed.
The Pacific Northwest
Wednesday, October 14
Helpful Steps to Prevent the Swine Flu
In addition to the article below I want to mention a neti-pot. Butch has had trouble with allergies for several years and has taken medication for it. I have had a problem in the last few years and particularly in South Texas. We have started using a neti-pot. It is simple and easy to do although it can seem a bit daunting to begin with but after the first time or two it is easy...very easy. Butch has stopped taking the allergy meds entirely. Wal-mart carries the neti-pot we purchased. It is made by Neil Med. I used to use saline nasal spray with limited success. This is much much easier and more pleasant. Your sinus and nasal passages feel so clean and refreshed after using the Neti-pot.
www.NeilMed.com
Helpful Steps to Prevent the Swine Flu
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1, in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits).. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids (Tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the rever
www.NeilMed.com
Helpful Steps to Prevent the Swine Flu
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1, in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits).. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids (Tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the rever
Chili Weather
Rained most of yesterday, still dark, dank and dreary today. They are promising sun tomorrow afternoon. But highs are not expected to be above 55 whether we have sun or not. I do not mind a few days like this but a few is all I like.
I need to get back to walking and hope to do that today rain or no rain.
The park is full so there is plenty to watch. It is like being at the zoo. People are funny and do the funniest things.
We had chili last night for supper. Every cook I know has their own special chili recipe. Here is mine:
Barb's Chili
1 lb hamburger,browned and drained
1/2 large onion chopped
1 can Mrs. Grimes or Bush's Chili beans
2 cans Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chillies (one hot and one mild)
8 oz. can of V-8 or tomato juice
1 T. brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a crockpot and let simmer 6-8 hours
Sometimes I add green pepper,grated carrots or different kinds of beans. Butch prefers I use 2 cans of Ro-tel hot diced tomatoes. I also double this recipe if we are having company or I want leftovers.
I need to get back to walking and hope to do that today rain or no rain.
The park is full so there is plenty to watch. It is like being at the zoo. People are funny and do the funniest things.
We had chili last night for supper. Every cook I know has their own special chili recipe. Here is mine:
Barb's Chili
1 lb hamburger,browned and drained
1/2 large onion chopped
1 can Mrs. Grimes or Bush's Chili beans
2 cans Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chillies (one hot and one mild)
8 oz. can of V-8 or tomato juice
1 T. brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a crockpot and let simmer 6-8 hours
Sometimes I add green pepper,grated carrots or different kinds of beans. Butch prefers I use 2 cans of Ro-tel hot diced tomatoes. I also double this recipe if we are having company or I want leftovers.
Tuesday, October 13
Carthage MO
Arrived in Carthage yesterday around noon. Butch started washing the MoHo almost immediately! Been talking about it for months but yesterday was thee day. The water is exceptionally soft here. It always amazes me.
We are paid up for a week and then we do not know for sure. May decide to stay a bit longer or move a bit further south. We may make that decision on Friday when we have our appointment for the MoHo. In the mountains I was getting what we assumed were grease stains on my clothes when I washed them. They always had the same pattern and Butch was sure it was the washer. After we called for this appointment Friday it hasn't done it since. And then we were also having condensation around the refrigerator door, enough to make a puddle. That has let up also I assume due to less humid weather. So these two tenuous things are what our appointment is all about. So the outcome is also tenuous.
The Maple Leaf Festival is this Saturday in Carthage. It seems we are always in the area when that happens. Last year the weather was 'see your breath cool' and the forecast is for the same this year. It is always a good photo op though and they always have an excellent parade.
We are paid up for a week and then we do not know for sure. May decide to stay a bit longer or move a bit further south. We may make that decision on Friday when we have our appointment for the MoHo. In the mountains I was getting what we assumed were grease stains on my clothes when I washed them. They always had the same pattern and Butch was sure it was the washer. After we called for this appointment Friday it hasn't done it since. And then we were also having condensation around the refrigerator door, enough to make a puddle. That has let up also I assume due to less humid weather. So these two tenuous things are what our appointment is all about. So the outcome is also tenuous.
The Maple Leaf Festival is this Saturday in Carthage. It seems we are always in the area when that happens. Last year the weather was 'see your breath cool' and the forecast is for the same this year. It is always a good photo op though and they always have an excellent parade.
Monday, October 12
Long winded update
Jason & Laura,bride & groom with Michael,Laura's son and Nicole,Laura's daughter holding grandson Ethan.
It has been a busy week. Jason and Laura were married at the Willow Creek Glass Chapel near Minden IA last Thursday evening. It was a beautiful wedding. During the ceremony a little mouse was watching from above. The owners were mortified but it was cute. The glass chapel is a very beautiful place for a wedding set in amongst Iowa cornfields. It is worth a look even if a wedding is not in your plans.
Butch and I stayed at the Bluffs Run RV Park near the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs. It reopened in June of this year. It had been an RV park back when the dog track was the only business in that area but closed when the casino came in. We could never figure out why they closed it because it was always busy. Security makes frequent drives through the park and surrounding area. $30 a night with taxes included so considering location, security etc. it is not a bad deal. The wedding party stayed in the nearby Springhill Marriott. The wedding supper was at Tish's an excellent restaurant not too far away. It is a restaurant I would gladly go to again. Excellent food and reasonable prices.
Friday we all went shopping and to a movie (Couples Retreat)etc. It is always a treat to hang out with the kids.
Saturday morning we awoke to the record breaking snow and cold that hit the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. We had read the forecast so we had unhooked our water hose from the motorhome. The lowest reading we had on our indoor/outdoor thermometer was 27 degrees. But it was slick and slushy with 5 to 8 inches of snow so we waited until near 11:00 AM to hook up the car and head south.
We had an uneventful trip south to Peculiar. Saturday evening I was in bed and Butch was about to be when we heard a crash. He couldn't tell where it was so we assumed it was on the highway. It wasn't! A truck from an upper level came over the side and crashed into a car and motorhome on our level two slots to our right. The recipients of the crash will not be getting to Arizona as soon as they planned.
They were in bed asleep when this occurred.
Below we have Wiley, Angels 20+ pound son who lives at the Gary and Susan Brooker home.
Today we are headed for Carthage MO. Minor motorhome business before wending our way slowly southward.
It has been a busy week. Jason and Laura were married at the Willow Creek Glass Chapel near Minden IA last Thursday evening. It was a beautiful wedding. During the ceremony a little mouse was watching from above. The owners were mortified but it was cute. The glass chapel is a very beautiful place for a wedding set in amongst Iowa cornfields. It is worth a look even if a wedding is not in your plans.
Butch and I stayed at the Bluffs Run RV Park near the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs. It reopened in June of this year. It had been an RV park back when the dog track was the only business in that area but closed when the casino came in. We could never figure out why they closed it because it was always busy. Security makes frequent drives through the park and surrounding area. $30 a night with taxes included so considering location, security etc. it is not a bad deal. The wedding party stayed in the nearby Springhill Marriott. The wedding supper was at Tish's an excellent restaurant not too far away. It is a restaurant I would gladly go to again. Excellent food and reasonable prices.
Friday we all went shopping and to a movie (Couples Retreat)etc. It is always a treat to hang out with the kids.
Saturday morning we awoke to the record breaking snow and cold that hit the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. We had read the forecast so we had unhooked our water hose from the motorhome. The lowest reading we had on our indoor/outdoor thermometer was 27 degrees. But it was slick and slushy with 5 to 8 inches of snow so we waited until near 11:00 AM to hook up the car and head south.
We had an uneventful trip south to Peculiar. Saturday evening I was in bed and Butch was about to be when we heard a crash. He couldn't tell where it was so we assumed it was on the highway. It wasn't! A truck from an upper level came over the side and crashed into a car and motorhome on our level two slots to our right. The recipients of the crash will not be getting to Arizona as soon as they planned.
They were in bed asleep when this occurred.
Below we have Wiley, Angels 20+ pound son who lives at the Gary and Susan Brooker home.
Today we are headed for Carthage MO. Minor motorhome business before wending our way slowly southward.
Saturday, October 10
Jason & Laura Brooker
We attended a very special wedding this past Thursday. Our youngest son Jason married his best friend Laura. She has been a loved part of our family for a long time and "At Last" it is official.
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Wednesday, October 7
Sun Kissed
Every now and then Iowa offers up a special treat. The sun was low on the western horizon and kissing the tree tops offering us this special view.
Monday, October 5
Sunday, October 4
Frost on the Pumpkin
Woke up to frost this morning! 32 degrees! I looked at the 10 day forecast and the prediction for frost on the pumpkin is steady through the next 10 days. That is about how long we will remain in Iowa before we go to Missouri and see if it is better there.
There was a new post on the Magnolia Park blog about their first garage sale. Two things I noticed-people were wearing shorts and someone had a tee shirt that said "Keep Austin Weird". Texans thinks Austin is weird! How interesting.
There was a new post on the Magnolia Park blog about their first garage sale. Two things I noticed-people were wearing shorts and someone had a tee shirt that said "Keep Austin Weird". Texans thinks Austin is weird! How interesting.
Saturday, October 3
Auction Results
It didn't go so well. There were no buyers there. The car brought a reasonable price but the rest of it brought next to nothing. Slightly better than giving it away which we nearly did. Butch and I have had two auctions neither of them very successful. The one conclusion we have come to is that when and if we furnish another home we will do it through auctions. A perfectly good bedroom suite- 3 pieces-brought $12.50! If a person is patient and persistent an entire home could be furnished for next to nothing.
We had not been to an auction for a long time so from an unattached perspective it was interesting. And I could have been tempted a time or two but the old question of where do I put it in the motorhome stops me every time.
As the year goes by we do put things aside for sale when we get back to Magnolia Park in south Texas. I have never seen sales do as well as they do there anywhere else in the country!
Friday, October 2
Cold & Rainy!
We are all cuddled in our cozy little home. Todays weather is like the worst weather day we could get in the middle of January in south Texas. The high for today in Anita Iowa is 45 degrees!!! It is a TV and popcorn day.
Movie in Lenox
My sister Teri is a teacher in Lenox IA where they made a movie. She sent me a link to the trailer for the movie.
"There is a trailer on youtube for “The Crazies”. My room is in the very last scene in it, where the room is full of gurneys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNwEtEnf0M4"
Teri
"There is a trailer on youtube for “The Crazies”. My room is in the very last scene in it, where the room is full of gurneys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNwEtEnf0M4"
Teri
Thursday, October 1
Jason & Laura
A week from today Jason and Laura are getting married at the Willow Creek Glass Chapel in Minden IA. I will take pictures of course and post them.
At Lake Anita
We left our spot in Jefferson yesterday and made our way a few miles further south to Lake Anita State Park, Anita Iowa. We will be here until October 8th when our youngest son, Jason is getting married. More on that later.
After we arrived yesterday we went to Atlantic to visit with friends Randy and Sherri. Randy has been seriously ill but seems to be slowly on the mend now. We have been concerned about him. He isn't out of the woods just yet but we hope he is headed in the right direction.
We also stopped by Bob's apartment and picked up a bit so it wasn't quite so disastrous. We left the keys so we can close that chapter completely now. I plan to go visit him but after the auction.
Rainy day- I hope to get a walk in but we may have to work it in between showers.
Later...
After we arrived yesterday we went to Atlantic to visit with friends Randy and Sherri. Randy has been seriously ill but seems to be slowly on the mend now. We have been concerned about him. He isn't out of the woods just yet but we hope he is headed in the right direction.
We also stopped by Bob's apartment and picked up a bit so it wasn't quite so disastrous. We left the keys so we can close that chapter completely now. I plan to go visit him but after the auction.
Rainy day- I hope to get a walk in but we may have to work it in between showers.
Later...
Monday, September 28
Life goes on...
Yesterday Butch filled in for our friend Randy as he is under the weather. He played with Sherri and two other couples in a golf tournament in Red Oak. I stayed in Jefferson and went for a long walk around the town. Bumped into friend Shirley Franey and we chatted a bit. Other than that it was me and the cat. I did watch Our National Parks by Ken Burns on PBS and enjoyed it very much.
Oh yes, they did well in the golf tournament with a 64 but they did too well and didn't cash in. It is the nature of things.
Today we are headed to Clive, near Des Moines, to assist friend Mickey in some gutter work on her house.
Soon, like Wednesday or Thursday we will be changing our location to Lake Anita.
Oh yes, they did well in the golf tournament with a 64 but they did too well and didn't cash in. It is the nature of things.
Today we are headed to Clive, near Des Moines, to assist friend Mickey in some gutter work on her house.
Soon, like Wednesday or Thursday we will be changing our location to Lake Anita.
Saturday, September 26
Just too funny!!!
I could not resist on this one...Really struck my funny bone! Click on it...should make it bigger.
Free at Last!
Butch and I finished up with Bob's apartment on Wednesday. His auction will take place Oct 1st. It was a big job but we kept at it till it was all done and now we can return to our normal routines. Yesterday was a day of rest and doing only what suited us. We went for a two mile walk, I took a nap in the afternoon,Butch played golf.
I stopped at the courthouse to have my memory refreshed about tax sales and when they take place etc. So next June something may be available for us to buy. Too early to tell now but we were told it is very likely something will be available.
The weather has been uncommonly good. Moderate temperatures with more than enough sunshine every day.
Life is good!
I stopped at the courthouse to have my memory refreshed about tax sales and when they take place etc. So next June something may be available for us to buy. Too early to tell now but we were told it is very likely something will be available.
The weather has been uncommonly good. Moderate temperatures with more than enough sunshine every day.
Life is good!
Tuesday, September 22
Golf tournament
Randy, Sherri, Doug, Karen, Butch and I played in a golf tournament in Atlantic on Sunday. We came in the money! I felt okay about how I played considering I haven't touched a club since March. It was a fun day and I sure needed one. I am pictured here with my club, a golf ball and a red beer. Doug asked me if I wanted a beer. I said only if you have a V8 for me to mix it with. And he had one!! It is such a rare sight to see me with a beer that they HAD to take my picture. I am with Sherri in this shot.
New Tires plus Bob
We got all new tires mounted on the motorhome today. That was a major bite in the budget. We should be good to go for another 5 or 6 years now.
I am still snowed under with Bob's stuff but I made great strides yesterday when I called the auction people to come give me an assessment. They were very encouraging and I now feel I can see the end of the tunnel. There will be an auction in Atlantic of his things including car on October 1st. It might pay his way in the nursing home for one more month. The whole experience has made me grateful we have nursing home insurance.
It has also once again made me aware of material things and their lack of value. Bob has a list of over 100 items he wants me to bring to the nursing home. He will not have room for even one fourth of his requests. Many of his things will be stored in the nursing home basement where he can "visit" them. Among his requests are 4 mirrors, all of them larger than 2'x 3', 10 to 15 decorative items to hang on the walls, 7 or 8 stuffed animals, 4 personal pictures and a plethora of plastic flower arrangements. He also wants his fishing poles,tackle box, tool box,recliner, marble topped coffee table, desk, home theater system, radio, side chair and 4 lamps. He made me a list. It covers both sides of an 8 x 11 sheet of paper and he writes very tiny. And now you have had a glimpse of my life for the past two weeks. And I haven't even mentioned the law suit he wants to bring against a surgeon and the Cass Co. Hospital. He was really hot to go visit with lawyers on that subject for the first week. I have hopes he has backed off on that one but there is no guarantee the subject will not come up again. The man has trouble letting go of anything!!!
On the positive side- He loves the nursing home food. Says it is top notch.
I will let you all know when I am once again free of the ties that bind.
I am still snowed under with Bob's stuff but I made great strides yesterday when I called the auction people to come give me an assessment. They were very encouraging and I now feel I can see the end of the tunnel. There will be an auction in Atlantic of his things including car on October 1st. It might pay his way in the nursing home for one more month. The whole experience has made me grateful we have nursing home insurance.
It has also once again made me aware of material things and their lack of value. Bob has a list of over 100 items he wants me to bring to the nursing home. He will not have room for even one fourth of his requests. Many of his things will be stored in the nursing home basement where he can "visit" them. Among his requests are 4 mirrors, all of them larger than 2'x 3', 10 to 15 decorative items to hang on the walls, 7 or 8 stuffed animals, 4 personal pictures and a plethora of plastic flower arrangements. He also wants his fishing poles,tackle box, tool box,recliner, marble topped coffee table, desk, home theater system, radio, side chair and 4 lamps. He made me a list. It covers both sides of an 8 x 11 sheet of paper and he writes very tiny. And now you have had a glimpse of my life for the past two weeks. And I haven't even mentioned the law suit he wants to bring against a surgeon and the Cass Co. Hospital. He was really hot to go visit with lawyers on that subject for the first week. I have hopes he has backed off on that one but there is no guarantee the subject will not come up again. The man has trouble letting go of anything!!!
On the positive side- He loves the nursing home food. Says it is top notch.
I will let you all know when I am once again free of the ties that bind.
Sunday, September 20
Yesterday and today
Yesterday was catch up day for me after not being home much all week. So laundry and cleaning took the bulk of the day. And then in late afternoon we went to Spring Lake for a retirees reunion for Iowa Electric/Alliant Energy. Not only did Butch work for Alliant Energy my father was an employee of Iowa Electric before he died. So I knew most of the people there. It was great to see all those people again.
Today we are headed to Atlantic to play in a golf tournament with our friends Randy and Sherri Clark. I haven't played since Texas but I doubt that it matters much. Doesn't to me anyway!!
Another update is that we met with the landowner in Jefferson that we had high hopes would develop into something. It won't. It seems Jefferson is not really very interested in new citizens. We are still looking at Cooper, Jamaica and Yale. Jefferson went even further down the list when Butch found out there is a surveyor who runs this town and the property herein. Even so far as to tell a property owner, the one we wanted to deal with, what he can ask for his property and what he has to do to it to have it ready for sale. This guy goes to every city council meeting and puts his two cents in every time property is discussed. It is no wonder this town is sinking!
Butch checked with another surveyor in another county and the rules the Jefferson guy are instituting are peculiar to this town. So is he making his own rules? We tend to think so.
Maybe we will take a closer look at Cooper.
Today we are headed to Atlantic to play in a golf tournament with our friends Randy and Sherri Clark. I haven't played since Texas but I doubt that it matters much. Doesn't to me anyway!!
Another update is that we met with the landowner in Jefferson that we had high hopes would develop into something. It won't. It seems Jefferson is not really very interested in new citizens. We are still looking at Cooper, Jamaica and Yale. Jefferson went even further down the list when Butch found out there is a surveyor who runs this town and the property herein. Even so far as to tell a property owner, the one we wanted to deal with, what he can ask for his property and what he has to do to it to have it ready for sale. This guy goes to every city council meeting and puts his two cents in every time property is discussed. It is no wonder this town is sinking!
Butch checked with another surveyor in another county and the rules the Jefferson guy are instituting are peculiar to this town. So is he making his own rules? We tend to think so.
Maybe we will take a closer look at Cooper.
Thursday, September 17
This is all there is to say...
Today I am off to deal with more of Bob's(step-father) stuff. The good news of that is my lifelong friend Mickey is going with me. That will make it a much more pleasant day.
Yesterday we got the faceplate put on the new car and it is ready to tow so we have been on the move. Angel doesn't like it when we are both gone all the time but she is an easygoing cat and doesn't make us "pay" too much. Now when is the laundry going to get done?????
Yesterday we got the faceplate put on the new car and it is ready to tow so we have been on the move. Angel doesn't like it when we are both gone all the time but she is an easygoing cat and doesn't make us "pay" too much. Now when is the laundry going to get done?????
Tuesday, September 15
Turn of Events
My step-father Robert Turnbull of Atlantic Iowa is in the nursing home in Anita Iowa-Colonial Manor. The doctor has put his foot down and says he can no longer take care of himself at home. Bob has no children or other relatives to take care of his loose ends for him so it seems I have the job. I will be getting his small senior citizen apartment cleared out as well as all the other stuff that takes place in this situation. So if there is a gap in communications on the blog you now know why. I would ask you all to help but there is barely room for me in his apartment!!
Deadline: October 1st.
Deadline: October 1st.
Monday, September 14
Great time at the Fair
Assembly line onion rings-Patti, Norma, Barb and Leslie are double dipping those onions while the guys are cooking them. They were absolutely delicious of course and not one bit good for my blood sugar.
We had a great time at the fair. The weather cooperated the entire time. My Swedish weaving turned out exactly opposite what I would have thought. My brown "Melody Ann" pattern received a first place and the child's alphabet one received a second. And my pictures won 3 seconds and one third. It was my first time entering and I indeed learned a few things that would help in the future.More photos are located at http://community.webshots.com/user/barbie1943
We had a great time at the fair. The weather cooperated the entire time. My Swedish weaving turned out exactly opposite what I would have thought. My brown "Melody Ann" pattern received a first place and the child's alphabet one received a second. And my pictures won 3 seconds and one third. It was my first time entering and I indeed learned a few things that would help in the future.More photos are located at http://community.webshots.com/user/barbie1943
Friday, September 11
At the Fair
We arrived yesterday, early afternoon. The fair does not start till Saturday but we come early to get a good campsite and party with friends. Dale and Norma Cooklin and Dick and Leslie Cleaveland are here too. Last night we went for a walk,picked up our fair tickets and then went out to eat. Excellent Chinese restaurant.
We were pleased to learn that the fair has free wifi. So we should be able to post freely as well...with pictures asap!
We had hoped to bring the car this year but we are not geared up yet to tow so left it in Jefferson. That is for all you folks in the area of Spencer that were expecting a visit from us.
Oh yes, we had two new tires put on the MoHo yesterday and after getting a closer look at the remaining ones we ordered four more. They looked much worse than we could see at first. We are warned repeatedly with RV's that the miles are not the important part with tires. It is the age. And five years is old. A blowout on an RV usually includes serious damage to the RV so we want to be as safe from that occurring as possible.
More later...
We were pleased to learn that the fair has free wifi. So we should be able to post freely as well...with pictures asap!
We had hoped to bring the car this year but we are not geared up yet to tow so left it in Jefferson. That is for all you folks in the area of Spencer that were expecting a visit from us.
Oh yes, we had two new tires put on the MoHo yesterday and after getting a closer look at the remaining ones we ordered four more. They looked much worse than we could see at first. We are warned repeatedly with RV's that the miles are not the important part with tires. It is the age. And five years is old. A blowout on an RV usually includes serious damage to the RV so we want to be as safe from that occurring as possible.
More later...
Wednesday, September 9
One of the first...
...leaves to fall.
Not been saying much lately.
Butch and I have returned to our 2 miles a day for a walk. Fortunately the weather has been beautiful. It is amazing how quickly one can take good weather for granted. I am forever grateful for the good days. For one thing I have lived in this part of the country long enough to know how quickly it can change and how long the really icky stuff can hang around for what seems like forever.
Tomorrow we are headed up to Spencer Iowa for the Clay County Fair where we will be meeting up with Magnolia Park friends Dale and Norma Cooklin and Dick & Leslie Cleaveland. I have some photography and Swedish weaving entries this year. Makes it a bit more interesting for me to be there. And it will be good to meet up with old friends.
And today we made another change. We switched our medical doctoring to Jefferson from Atlantic. Eye doctor and dentist have not been changed as yet. It was interesting when I was asked if I was ever a patient there before. I said,"I was born here". So it took awhile but they located all my ancient history.
Till next time...
Tuesday, September 8
Monday, September 7
Ethan's Tears
Every now and then a guy just has to cry. Hope you can see the tears on his right cheek.
Sunday, September 6
Thursday, September 3
Rode a bit
Butch went to Ames yesterday to do some electrical stuff in his brother Leo's rental house. I rode the trail about 4 miles south and back.
As I ride I am scoping out potential spots for us to buy and I do spot one now and then. Found one on the north side of the track in Jefferson.
It is the perfect size lot-would be easy to access with an RV. In a part of town where no one would give a darn if we were there or not. BUT it is a scant half block from the very active railroad. In my mind that is the only negative. Would our friends not come because of train noise? I know we would get used to it. I can sleep in a busy truck stop and have a few times. This is our current dilemma.
So tell me...would train noise keep you from visiting for a week or more? Keep in mind there are three nice,inexpensive golf courses within 7 miles. And a bike trail within a quarter mile.So? Watcha think?
On the bike trail.
As I ride I am scoping out potential spots for us to buy and I do spot one now and then. Found one on the north side of the track in Jefferson.
It is the perfect size lot-would be easy to access with an RV. In a part of town where no one would give a darn if we were there or not. BUT it is a scant half block from the very active railroad. In my mind that is the only negative. Would our friends not come because of train noise? I know we would get used to it. I can sleep in a busy truck stop and have a few times. This is our current dilemma.
So tell me...would train noise keep you from visiting for a week or more? Keep in mind there are three nice,inexpensive golf courses within 7 miles. And a bike trail within a quarter mile.So? Watcha think?
On the bike trail.
Tuesday, September 1
Went to Cooper
Went to Cooper yesterday and met Chris Henning who showed us around town and gave us bunches of info. While we were looking around a very large insect flew by us and landed. Turned out to be this Praying Mantis.
Monday, August 31
Sunday
Butch played in the Bill Franey Golf Tournament and I rode to Cooper on my bike. Stopped and visited with the O'Brien sisters,Colleen and Denise on my return to Jefferson.
The coolness in the air is turning our thoughts southward but a family event is keeping us in Iowa until Mid-October. I have to get permission yet to post the event here. So keep up with the blog to find out what and when.
Our friend Pecan Bill is once again battling staph infection. So help him out with as many prayers as you can spare.
The coolness in the air is turning our thoughts southward but a family event is keeping us in Iowa until Mid-October. I have to get permission yet to post the event here. So keep up with the blog to find out what and when.
Our friend Pecan Bill is once again battling staph infection. So help him out with as many prayers as you can spare.
The Babies
Saturday we went to Boone and watched Jason and Laura play with Ethan all afternoon and then we came home and there was a new picture of Nina in our email. It was a great BABY day.
Sunday, August 30
A computer related post
Below is a portion of a Ask The Computer Lady newsletter. It explains exactly why I switched from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox and never went back.
" Dear Computer Lady,
My computer runs on Windows XP and my e-mail is Outlook Express. I
am having trouble opening links in my e-mails. It comes on and
says Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and must close
down. Can you please help me with this problem. I enjoy all your
help and hints very much.
Thank you, Donna
Dear Donna,
It sounds like you are having a problem with Internet Explorer. When
you click on a link in an e-mail message, your computer is supposed
to open that link in your default web browser. From your
description, your browser is Internet Explorer.
Unfortunately, Internet Explorer is part of Windows, and often times,
the only way to fix it is to actually reinstall Windows XP. This is
a big job that requires you to backup your files and then erase
your hard drive.
Some other options might be to install Mozilla Firefox or Google
Chrome and use one of those programs as your default browser."
Elizabeth
" Dear Computer Lady,
My computer runs on Windows XP and my e-mail is Outlook Express. I
am having trouble opening links in my e-mails. It comes on and
says Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and must close
down. Can you please help me with this problem. I enjoy all your
help and hints very much.
Thank you, Donna
Dear Donna,
It sounds like you are having a problem with Internet Explorer. When
you click on a link in an e-mail message, your computer is supposed
to open that link in your default web browser. From your
description, your browser is Internet Explorer.
Unfortunately, Internet Explorer is part of Windows, and often times,
the only way to fix it is to actually reinstall Windows XP. This is
a big job that requires you to backup your files and then erase
your hard drive.
Some other options might be to install Mozilla Firefox or Google
Chrome and use one of those programs as your default browser."
Elizabeth
Saturday, August 29
Telling Stories to the Friendly Natives
AT THE MIDDLE PASSAGE
By Walter Mills
Telling Stories to the Friendly Natives
It was a pleasant spring night and there was only a little rain that
came and went, barely enough to wet the ground. My wife and I had been
invited to Foxdale Village, the local retirement community, for dinner,
and afterward I would give a talk to some of the residents.
The Foxdalers are a gracious people, almost like a tribe of friendly
natives greeting 21st century strangers who have washed up on their
shores. Maybe it is their age or their upbringing, but they have learned
the lost art of setting people at their ease. We should send a team of
anthropologists to study them and learn what we can do to improve our
own uncivil society.
We ate dinner with the Yeagleys and the Palmers in the dining room, and
then I gave my talk. I told them about the game my older daughter had
created at bath time when she was four years old in which she would say
“Tell me a story about when you were eleven.” And I would have to
remember a story from that year.
I didn’t have a chance to tell the people of Foxdale everything I wanted
to say about telling stories that night. I wish I had told them that
each life is like a story, and if we don’t tell it or write it down,
then there is a chance we will never understand it.
I might have said that telling a story brings out our innate desire to
make sense of things. As we go through our days, life seems to be just
one random incident after the other. We seldom have the sense that there
is an author shaping the plot of our life. I could have said that we
expect stories to be different, to have point and purpose. That as we
compose our story in our heads or on paper, we will begin to look for
the meaning hidden in the random events.
I recall telling my daughter the story about the year I was eleven and
my family moved to Key West, Florida. How I would take the bus downtown
to the library on Saturdays and then spend the afternoon until early
evening at the movies. As I told her the story I began to see that young
boy again in my memory, the first time I had thought of him in many
years. It all came back clearly – standing outside on the causeway
waiting for the bus into town; gazing at the shelves of books in the
science fiction section of the library; standing in line at the ticket
window for the first matinées.
The images all arise from the depth of memory trailing seaweeds of
emotion. The library is a bubble of pleasure, joy almost. The movie
theater brings back a wave of eager nausea as the older kids make out in
the dark. Later, as I sat at my desk and wrote the story down, I began
to understand this character, this younger version of myself. I saw him
stepping out into the world for the first time, slipping free of the
safety of his family, entering the larger world of adulthood. On the one
hand he is stepping into the great freedom of ideas, of books and
knowledge. On the other he is approaching with dread and fascination the
mystery of sexuality and the burden of having to learn about the
opposite sex.
After the talk was over and the questions answered, we talked awhile at
the doorway before we stepped out into the night. It was cool and
pleasant outside with only a few drops of rain. I was only sorry there
was so much left unsaid. I wished I’d had the chance to tell the
audience that I think there is a meaning to our beginning and our
ending, and that our memories are the secret clues to unlock that
meaning. But there wasn’t time enough for everything. There never is.
(The above column originally appeared in the Centre Daily Times and is
copyright © 2009 by Walter Mills. All rights reserved worldwide. To
contact Walt, address your emails to awmills@verizon.net ).
_______________________________________
By Walter Mills
Telling Stories to the Friendly Natives
It was a pleasant spring night and there was only a little rain that
came and went, barely enough to wet the ground. My wife and I had been
invited to Foxdale Village, the local retirement community, for dinner,
and afterward I would give a talk to some of the residents.
The Foxdalers are a gracious people, almost like a tribe of friendly
natives greeting 21st century strangers who have washed up on their
shores. Maybe it is their age or their upbringing, but they have learned
the lost art of setting people at their ease. We should send a team of
anthropologists to study them and learn what we can do to improve our
own uncivil society.
We ate dinner with the Yeagleys and the Palmers in the dining room, and
then I gave my talk. I told them about the game my older daughter had
created at bath time when she was four years old in which she would say
“Tell me a story about when you were eleven.” And I would have to
remember a story from that year.
I didn’t have a chance to tell the people of Foxdale everything I wanted
to say about telling stories that night. I wish I had told them that
each life is like a story, and if we don’t tell it or write it down,
then there is a chance we will never understand it.
I might have said that telling a story brings out our innate desire to
make sense of things. As we go through our days, life seems to be just
one random incident after the other. We seldom have the sense that there
is an author shaping the plot of our life. I could have said that we
expect stories to be different, to have point and purpose. That as we
compose our story in our heads or on paper, we will begin to look for
the meaning hidden in the random events.
I recall telling my daughter the story about the year I was eleven and
my family moved to Key West, Florida. How I would take the bus downtown
to the library on Saturdays and then spend the afternoon until early
evening at the movies. As I told her the story I began to see that young
boy again in my memory, the first time I had thought of him in many
years. It all came back clearly – standing outside on the causeway
waiting for the bus into town; gazing at the shelves of books in the
science fiction section of the library; standing in line at the ticket
window for the first matinées.
The images all arise from the depth of memory trailing seaweeds of
emotion. The library is a bubble of pleasure, joy almost. The movie
theater brings back a wave of eager nausea as the older kids make out in
the dark. Later, as I sat at my desk and wrote the story down, I began
to understand this character, this younger version of myself. I saw him
stepping out into the world for the first time, slipping free of the
safety of his family, entering the larger world of adulthood. On the one
hand he is stepping into the great freedom of ideas, of books and
knowledge. On the other he is approaching with dread and fascination the
mystery of sexuality and the burden of having to learn about the
opposite sex.
After the talk was over and the questions answered, we talked awhile at
the doorway before we stepped out into the night. It was cool and
pleasant outside with only a few drops of rain. I was only sorry there
was so much left unsaid. I wished I’d had the chance to tell the
audience that I think there is a meaning to our beginning and our
ending, and that our memories are the secret clues to unlock that
meaning. But there wasn’t time enough for everything. There never is.
(The above column originally appeared in the Centre Daily Times and is
copyright © 2009 by Walter Mills. All rights reserved worldwide. To
contact Walt, address your emails to awmills@verizon.net ).
_______________________________________
Rode to Cooper
Rode the bike trail to Cooper yesterday. Didn't see any people at all but did see one deer. She was very skittish. After being in the mountains where the wildlife is boldly confident it is surprising how it is so different here.
On the way south I got a whiff of plums. A very familiar and nostalgic scent to me and then on the return trip I spotted them and took this picture.
Facing north...where I spotted the plums.
I wasn't aware of a northerly wind until the return trip. I need a windsock!!
On the way south I got a whiff of plums. A very familiar and nostalgic scent to me and then on the return trip I spotted them and took this picture.
Facing north...where I spotted the plums.
I wasn't aware of a northerly wind until the return trip. I need a windsock!!
Friday, August 28
3rd Day of Clouds
The forecast says sun but it looks pretty dark and dreary out there to me. Oh have we been spoiled!
My next trip on the bike trail I hoped to take some pictures. Sunny day pictures are better of course. So today I am going for a ride on the bike trail. Sun=take camera
Clouds=leave camera at home. I do have some good bike trail pictures from previous years but there is no fun in that.
I made Chili yesterday...an indication of the weather. That comment was for all our Texas friends who are still suffering with heat and could use a little of the stuff we are getting in Iowa.
My next trip on the bike trail I hoped to take some pictures. Sunny day pictures are better of course. So today I am going for a ride on the bike trail. Sun=take camera
Clouds=leave camera at home. I do have some good bike trail pictures from previous years but there is no fun in that.
I made Chili yesterday...an indication of the weather. That comment was for all our Texas friends who are still suffering with heat and could use a little of the stuff we are getting in Iowa.
Thursday, August 27
3 Berry-stuffed French Toast.
Gary Brooker wrote:
We tried a really good recipe this morning. Not sure how it is for a Diabetic diet.
3 Berry-stuffed French Toast.
1/3 Cup blackberries
1/3 Cup raspberries
1/3 Cup blueberries
2/3 Cup semisoft farmer's cheese
1 tablespoon granular sugar substitute
8 slices whole-grain sandwich bread
3 large eggs
1/4 Cup 1% milk
1/4 Cup teaspoon ground cinnamon
In Medium bowl, combine blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cheese, and sugar substitute. Using fork, mash together lightly. Lay 4 slices of the bread on a work surface. Spread berry mixture evenly on slices and top with remaining bread slices to form 4 sandwiches. Lightly press around the edges to seal.
In shallow dish, beat eggs with milk and cinnamon. Dip both sides of sandwiches into egg misture, allow excess to drip off, and place sandwiches on a platter.
Cook in griddle over medium heat, approximately 2 minutes per side. Serve warm.
We tried a really good recipe this morning. Not sure how it is for a Diabetic diet.
3 Berry-stuffed French Toast.
1/3 Cup blackberries
1/3 Cup raspberries
1/3 Cup blueberries
2/3 Cup semisoft farmer's cheese
1 tablespoon granular sugar substitute
8 slices whole-grain sandwich bread
3 large eggs
1/4 Cup 1% milk
1/4 Cup teaspoon ground cinnamon
In Medium bowl, combine blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cheese, and sugar substitute. Using fork, mash together lightly. Lay 4 slices of the bread on a work surface. Spread berry mixture evenly on slices and top with remaining bread slices to form 4 sandwiches. Lightly press around the edges to seal.
In shallow dish, beat eggs with milk and cinnamon. Dip both sides of sandwiches into egg misture, allow excess to drip off, and place sandwiches on a platter.
Cook in griddle over medium heat, approximately 2 minutes per side. Serve warm.
A cloudy day in Iowa
Yesterday was more than clouds...much more. It seemed it rained ALL day. So we had an indoor day. A few of those are okay but we get too many and we will be gone, gone, gone for sunnier climes. That is the beauty of the lifestyle. It is supposed to clear up later today however.
Netflix works very well here. Our movies come from Ames (about 40 miles)and they seem to get here before you know it! Last night we watched Tea with Mussolini. A good one. It will go back in the mail today, they will get it tomorrow and send the next one and we should receive it on Saturday. This is one of the few places we have been where it worked that well. Eight to ten movies a month of our choosing for $9 a month. Not bad! I suspend service on it when we are traveling. We do not get charged during that time. I have done that several times and have never had a problem.
Yesterday I cleaned out my email. I had messages from last winter in there that I was saving for some reason. They are gone now! I get behind on the organization part when we are somewhere busy. Seems we have been busy more than not for quite some time. Today I will be cleaning out pictures.
Parked where we are I am eye level with the trees next door.
This has allowed me to be very close to Mr Squirrel and thus the pictures.
Fearless
Tree Hugger
Netflix works very well here. Our movies come from Ames (about 40 miles)and they seem to get here before you know it! Last night we watched Tea with Mussolini. A good one. It will go back in the mail today, they will get it tomorrow and send the next one and we should receive it on Saturday. This is one of the few places we have been where it worked that well. Eight to ten movies a month of our choosing for $9 a month. Not bad! I suspend service on it when we are traveling. We do not get charged during that time. I have done that several times and have never had a problem.
Yesterday I cleaned out my email. I had messages from last winter in there that I was saving for some reason. They are gone now! I get behind on the organization part when we are somewhere busy. Seems we have been busy more than not for quite some time. Today I will be cleaning out pictures.
Parked where we are I am eye level with the trees next door.
This has allowed me to be very close to Mr Squirrel and thus the pictures.
Fearless
Tree Hugger
Wednesday, August 26
factcheck.org/
I learned about factcheck.org on Iowa Public Television and decided to check it out.
FactCheck.org is a non-partisan, nonprofit website that describes itself as a "'consumer advocate' for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics." It is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and is funded primarily by the Annenberg Foundation.
Most of its content consists of rebuttals to what it considers inaccurate, misleading, or false claims by politicians. FactCheck has also targeted misleading claims from various partisan groups.
Find it here.
Tuesday, August 25
Courthouse and other things
Went to the courthouse yesterday to check on several pieces of ground. The number one on our list of wants is owned by Union Pacific so nothing likely to happen there. Might give it a shot though. It is next to the bike trail and not an existing railroad.
Also stopped at City Hall to check on rules. No, we cannot put our RV on a lot-first answer...but it seems if we build a building on it special permission may be given. That is in our plans but we may revert to our first idea of going rural. All speculation at this point.
Gotta get the Sante Fe ready to tow. So Butch called and ordered parts yesterday.
Usual day to day stuff going on here but when you get to our age excitement is often overrated.
Oh and I am trying the pennies in a zip lock bag to repel flies. So far, so good! The door is wide open and we have no flies and it has been over an hour. Angel is loving the open door policy. Free rein!!
Also stopped at City Hall to check on rules. No, we cannot put our RV on a lot-first answer...but it seems if we build a building on it special permission may be given. That is in our plans but we may revert to our first idea of going rural. All speculation at this point.
Gotta get the Sante Fe ready to tow. So Butch called and ordered parts yesterday.
Usual day to day stuff going on here but when you get to our age excitement is often overrated.
Oh and I am trying the pennies in a zip lock bag to repel flies. So far, so good! The door is wide open and we have no flies and it has been over an hour. Angel is loving the open door policy. Free rein!!
Sunday, August 23
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