It is Tuesday

I did get my walk in this morning while Butch was golfing. Then I made my way up to the barn to help finish up the sewing on the acoustical curtains. I really wasn't in on much of the work of it but everyone was glad to have this project done.
Oh yes, Butch did get me out to play nine holes yesterday using the par 3 tee blocks. Did I enjoy it? hmmm- neutral. I seem to really need much advanced notice if I am going to play golf. That has pretty much always been true. Golf is not something I can be spontaneous about. Don't know why and not sure I care why. It just is.

This afternoon Butch is learning how to be a ranger. Not sure it needs much instruction but it is nice that Butch and Tom have each others company while they have to be on the course in this hot and humid weather.
Some pictures from yesterday on the course:

Hole #1

Butch on #9. He does not like #9.

After the 4th and My Kindle

It is so hard to believe the 4th has come and gone. I received my Kindle a few days ago and I quickly became accustomed to it. Not at all difficult to do. I am loving it. An Apple fan asked me why I did not choose an iPad and to be honest I had not considered it so I went on an investigative tour to find out why I did not choose an iPad. 
I am still happy with my choice of a Kindle. We are blessed with two computers and to me the iPad more closely resembles a computer as opposed to a book. The number one reason I would not have considered an iPad even if it had occurred to me is price. $499 plus as opposed to $189. Another reason is hidden costs with the iPad. It is my understanding that the $499 is just the starting price and then there are fees for this and fees for that. Book selection would have been another factor. It is very frustrating to have a book in mind and find that it is not available in ebook format. Yes, I am aware that all of Amazon.coms books would also be available to iPad users if you pay a $14.99 Internet fee. (one of those hidden fees)
And then there is battery life. As little as 10 hours with an iPad and up to two weeks with a Kindle. After reading all about both I am still at peace with my selection of a Kindle.


We enjoyed a calm and quiet 4th. Went for our walk and usually it is unusual to see anyone but there were lots of people out and about due to the holiday. The golf course was busy. There are most likely lots of lost balls out there waiting to be found today.
The RV park residents gathered in the pavilion for a potluck meal and lots of visiting. When you gather a bunch of Rvers and full timers together it is bound to make interesting conversation.

 Butch and I had a Netflix waiting for us so after the meal we came home to watch our movie. The movie was Precious. It was a good one all round. Definitely not a feel good movie but very thought provoking and sad.

Mexican Bean Salad

Yesterday after getting our walk in we rested a good share of the day. Along toward evening we meandered over to the Pavilion where some of the other residents of the RV park were gathered. There were some of those little eclairs and cream puffs you can buy in most stores these days just sitting there calling my name. I have to pass them by in the store because I would eat the whole box if they were in my freezer. But there they were and free for the taking. I ate far too many of them and they were good!

My blood sugar otherwise known as BS showed my transgression this morning. Then later we enjoyed Hillman's fireworks from our kitchen table. It was a beautiful sight, framed so perfectly by the window and one we have not enjoyed that closely for many years. After the fireworks we watched a few minutes of a Ma and Pa Kettle movie before drifting off to sleep. “I'll get that later, Ma” has been one of Butch's mantras for many years.

Also yesterday I made a new recipe and I kept slipping back to the fridge for another bowl of it. I love the stuff! The only change I made to the recipe is the salt. I only used a fraction of the amount called for. It is a keeper.

Mexican Bean Salad

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

Servings: 8

"The dressing is absolutely sensational in this bean salad - so many taste sensations. It

begins with oil and vinegar, but then it gets fancy. Let 's see, there 's lemon and lime

juice, garlic, cilantro, sugar, cumin, hot sauce and chili powder to taste."

INGREDIENTS:

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and

drained

1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans,

drained and rinsed

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn kernels

1 red onion, chopped

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons white sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 clove crushed garlic

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 dash hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine beans, bell peppers, frozen corn, and red onion.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice,

sugar, salt, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and black pepper. Season to taste with hot sauce

and chili powder.

3. Pour olive oil dressing over vegetables; mix well. Chill thoroughly, and serve cold.

Sack Race

They are all lined up for the sack race.

And we are OFF!!

I do not think so Mom. It does not look safe. I will stand here and watch.

Walked into Hillman MI

When the bridge is finished in Hillman it will be a beauty.

Pineapple Casserole

We have had one potluck here at Thunder Bay Resort and Rebecca Crawford brought this recipe. It was delicious!! I happened to run across it in a newsletter I receive regularly and thought AHA! I am glad to have this because I forgot to ask Rebecca for it before they left. Thanks Rebecca, wherever you might be. We miss you!

Pineapple Casserole

 

2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks in own juice (drain, reserve 6 T juice)

6 T flour

1 c sugar

2 c grated cheddar cheese

1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

1/2 c butter, melted

 

Oven 350F.  In mixing bowl, stir together pineapple, 6 T juice, flour,

sugar and cheese, and pour into 7x11" baking pan.  In separate bowl, mix

crackers and butter.  Sprinkle over top of pineapple mixture.  Bake 30

minutes.  Enjoy!

 

Be sure and let everyone know that this is pineapple, not a potato

casserole. 

Cooling our Buns

We are cooling our buns here in northern Michigan this morning with lows at 42 last night. We were warned it could get downright chilly up here and darned if they weren't right. And here it is the first of July. Thank goodness these cool days are interspersed with near perfect ones of mid-seventies, low humidity and sunshine.
The "boys" are on their weekly golf outing this morning and we "girls" will be beading in a few minutes.
I see the guys are just teeing off on #4.
We have a mystery. Last night after returning home from couples golf we found a paddle on our patio chairs. We have no idea where it came from. We do not have a canoe but now we have a paddle. Perhaps someone is telling us something?
Jack is about to start his rafting trips on the river so perhaps it is he who left it as an invitation?  I am sure it will all come to light soon.
Looks like the Rio Grande Valley folks were lucky with Alex. He wasn't such a naughty boy, just slightly mischievous.
Gotta run now but must get back to blogging in an hour or so.
later...

Can you imagine??

Most likely will have to click on this to read the caption underneath. This photo was in the Old Time Photo of the Day section of the Des Moines Register. Can you imagine college students of today even considering this? Of course regulations would prevent it anyway but even the thought would mortify most of them.

Some Days

    

     It is chilly here this morning.(57) I am waiting for it to warm up a bit before I take off on my daily walk. I have been walking a two mile route that I really enjoy. I go north on Country Club Drive till I get to the end then I turn left on West River Ridge Rd and walk toward town. This section is very rural and yesterday I surprised a deer. There is a short walk through the woods (saw a woodchuck or groundhog) where I connect up with a residential street. I make a U using about six blocks of Hillman then I climb a grassy hill, cross a downed fence and wend my way onto the golf course, past number 6 tee box and back to a street I do not recall the name of that leads back to the RV park . It is a two mile walk and takes me about 40 minutes. Yesterday I did not encounter one human.
     Butch is busy working on the bird blind. They are painting it today and he is really racking up the hours what with yesterday and today. He seems to be content with his work whatever it may be although he did grumble when he had to mow greens in the rain. It was a low grumble compared to some I have heard however.

     I am busy on the computer keeping up with sometimes as many as 6 blogs. Most prominent these days are this one of course and then www.thunderbayresort.blogspot.com   but then I have also had occasion to post on www.magnolianews.blogspot.com and www.smrvolunteers.blogspot.com as well as the new one www.musiconthe45th.blogspot.com  I keep saying I am not going to add any more but then the next group comes along and the first thing I know a new one has popped up. I am much better at pushing the responsibility for new input to others as quickly as possible. In some cases that means they will die. What will be will be.
     I placed an order for a new mouse for Butch. His fell apart. It was all clicked out. Moving those cards around takes a whole lot of clicks. Well the company I ordered from required the shipping address and billing address be the same unless you call your credit card company and add a new verified address. I did that. Todays email brought the message that the order has been cancelled because of conflicting addresses so I called the credit card company to verify that the new address was indeed on there. It was. So that company lost an order and I placed my order somewhere else. I would love to tell the company that paranoia doesn't pay well but I do not want to correspond with them again so now they will never know why they lose business.
     Heard from friends Kay and Pecan Bill and they plan to come visit us sometime soon. We will have to sit around the campfire and drink margaritas. It will be fun!
   And after thinking of Magnolia Park friends I must mention that the news this morning informed us that our favorite South Texas area is going to get smacked with hurricane Alex. We are keeping an eye on Alex. We hope he isn't too naughty.

A Day Off

I took yesterday off.
Some of you already know that...you faithful followers you! It was a rather rainy day...another one... and it seemed to me a good day for reading a bit. Bringing up reading...I ordered a Kindle. Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation). I have been wanting one for quite some time but they were in the $400 range and this frugal woman could not bring herself to spend that kind of money. Now the price has dropped considerably as they are less than half what they used to be. My Kindle is on the way to me as we speak and I am excited about it. They also have Kindle for PC. It is a free download and if you do not mind sitting at your computer for hours on end to read a book there would be no reason to purchase a Kindle but I want the mobility of it. Free Kindle Books and How to Find Them (revised 11/09) I downloaded Kindle for PC on our computers sometime back and have a few books on it. One of the things I like is that Butch and I can read the same book at the same time.  We can have any books we purchase on both computers. This syncing feature is very handy. I can now also have 1500 books in the RV at one time I am sure I will be telling you more about it when I have it in my hot little hand. I didn't intend to go there when I started writing this morning but that often happens.

I also finished my first bracelet yesterday. I have to have Linda teach me about putting a clasp on it for the final touches. I am anxious to start on the next one. They are much fun to do. They are lightweight and drape well on your wrist.

I have many color combos swimming in my head for the next few I plan to do. I am also keeping my hand in on Swedish weaving. Beading makes for a nice switch-off hobby and takes up virtually no room in the MoHo. I think I have some women in my family who will be very happy I took to this hobby. wink, wink.

Today I thought about leading you to Howard's journal and taking another day off. After all we are in the same place and doing many of the same things and he writes about it so very well. But things evolved as they should and in a pleasant way  so now you can go read RV-Dreams Journal and enjoy it as much as I did.

Do you really think so?

Come on now...REALLY? I was cleaning out and organizing my picture folder and I ran across this from last winter. I saved it but did not have time to do anything with it. This ad was on my home page and it caught my eye. The fact that these fellows were just dying to meet this Barbara or even a woman like me blew my mind. I do not think they were thinking this through. What do you think?

How funny to have really had the chance to ask them. I got a hoot out of this and thought you might too. Be careful what you wish for!!

Busier and busier

It always seems to happen wherever we are. I think I could be on a desert island and still be busy!

Yesterday we workamping women (6) met at the grill for a treat and conversation. We decided to do this as the men of the workampers have their own little golf outing on Thursday morning. We had a great time with lively conversation and became better acquainted with each other as a result.

Afterwards Linda of the workampers offered a lesson in beading. Now do not mistake this for the usual beading this is definitely a big step above the ordinary. It is beautiful and I found out very fun to do. A bit of a physical and mental challenge to begin with but we all need to stretch ourselves regularly so it was a welcome change.

Jan Foster has finished one bracelet and these are the colors she has chosen for her next one. Love those southwest colors!

This is my first project. It measures at 2 1/4 inches at this point. Fun Fun

Yesterday afternoon we were working on another building making the lights yellow. We asked one of the housekeeping ladies if it made any difference. She oohed and ahed about what a fantastic difference it made. When we finished we went around to the golf course side which we felt was always hit the hardest by bugs and spiders and it was amazing. It looked as good as when we had cleaned it two weeks ago. It is well worth the effort.

It is a nice feeling knowing your work is successful and appreciated.

Last night we watched the movie "Amelia" it was a good movie but we were always aware as we watched it that the ending was a sad one. Good movie though.

This morning Butch is on the driving range...it is a sickness, I tell ya! A sickness.

Keeping up with Elise

There have been new ones added...

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Woo Hoo!

Friends Mike and Sharon Bryce will be coming to work with us at Thunder Bay Resort. We met Mike and Sharon at Snow Mountain Ranch the first year we were there and became friends. That is one of the things about this lifestyle-you pick up new friends from all over the country. Mike and Sharon are from Granbury TX and we stopped to see them on our way to the Rio Grande Valley the past two seasons as well. It will be fun to have them here and we can go exploring together.

Link to RV-Dreams Journal

I placed a link to fellow workampers RV-Dreams Journal under the Links heading. Butch is featured on todays entry but it is usually interesting even if Butch isn't featured.(smile) The RV-Dream Journal link will change daily.

Now if I get really lazy you will have something interesting to take your mind off it. I am busy now getting another blog going- Yes, another blog! for the Music on the 45th Parallel. For the uninitiated we are virtually sitting on the 45th parallel. The 45th happens to be exactly half way between the equator and the north pole. That little unique thing is something to hang your hat on.
But back to the new blog. It will be for people in the area to check in and find out where their favorite performers are playing. In addition we will feature musicians, telling about them and their music. I am already on the lookout for someone to grab hold of this one and take off with it when we move on to warmer climes.
Lisa Linder has taken off with the Snow Mountain Ranch blog and I thank her for that. It is disappointing when they sit idle.
So now that I have increased your reading list for you today I will get on to another blog posting. Woo-hoo!

From Fellow Workampers

http://rv-dreams.typepad.com/rvdreams_journal/2010/06/paddling-the-au-sable-river-mio-mi.html
Fathers Day at Thunder Bay Resort and beyond. Thanks to Howard I can link and make for an interesting read. Doesn't that float down the river sound like fun?

Are you Lonesome Tonight?

Thanks Lloyd...very appropriate for all of us ripe to rotten seniors.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=SfPgSzcu9RY

Early morning walk

Butch is on his green mowing job so I was able to get an early start on my day. Love it! I have finished my walk and have one load of laundry done. I swear the world is divided with early morning people married to late risers. It messes them both up depending on who has dominance at the time. Contrary to some peoples belief that is not a one sided thing at our house. Most of the time I just go about my business as if he were once again in the working world. But it does seem to keep me from doing things that make noise- like laundry and vacuuming.

But I digress...

The white bark of the birch trees make a nice contrasting accent.

The ferns and the evergreen.

This is an example of the traffic flow on the street where I walk. Hillman water tower is barely visible on the left side of picture. Make it larger by clicking on it for a better look.

Butch mowing

Mowing the green on number three.

This shot may end up in my favorites of 2010. 

Elise at 4 weeks

That personality is really starting to shine!!

These warmed a Great Grams heart!!!

Raccoon River Valley Trail

I was browsing for Michigan trails and clicked on Iowa. Became a bit nostalgic and decided to share this link with you. http://www.traillink.com/viewtrail.aspx?AcctID=6015658 It is a wonderful trail and one of the reasons we are looking at Jefferson Iowa as a place to settle in a bit...as much as we settle in anywhere.

I have been on my walk already today. I didn't take my camera and I regret that nearly every time. I always seem to run across something that catches my eye. Today it was the ferns that grow abundantly here. They make a natural wreath surrounding the base of many evergreens and when the light hits them just right it is extremely beautiful as the lighter green of the delicate ferns contrasts with the darker color of the evergreens. A missed opportunity because even though you think you can capture that shot later it is never exactly the same. Each moment in time is as unique as our fingerprints.

Not taken this morning but beautiful all the same.

A busy two days

As I get older the time just picks up speed! And it seems like it takes me more and more time to get things done!
I have been working like crazy the last two days and virtually none of it shows. Look at www.thunderbayresort.blogspot.com to see what I just finished. And there was much more around that little snippet than you see.

Hole number 3 through the treesThis is a shade garden made up of plants that do well in the shade.

I did get my walk in this morning and took a few pictures.

Flower garden near the number 4 tee box

Butch's Troubles

Butch is golfing in a fine drizzle. It rained last Wednesday morning and so the seniors were unable to play. So here we are again and it rained most of the night and now there is a fine drizzle. He just teed off with his group on hole number 4. He has his rain gear on. It was beautiful yesterday and probably will be tomorrow. That is how it is with outdoor addictions. Accepting what is can be a challenge. I sound so sympathetic. 
And now about our yesterday. Butch went with me on our morning walk and then later we went into town for lunch at Lickety Split. It is an ice cream shop that also sells meals. Light meals mostly. But Marsha did say that if you do not see what you want on the menu ask me and I probably can get it for you. We both had breakfast as they serve breakfast any time of the day. Butch had biscuits and gravy which he gave high praise. And I asked for one scrambled egg, one pancake and one sausage patty. At a restaurant in Jefferson Iowa (Uptown Cafe) they call that a one on one and it is a favorite of mine. Marsha was right she was able to do that for me. And it was very good, especially the pancake. The outside was real crispy like mom used to make.
We then went to Alpena on a fact finding mission and grocery shopping. First we went to the Alpena visitors center and picked up info about local attractions but especially about bike trails. I had looked on the Internet but I wanted in-hand maps and it was the best place to get them.
Then we came back to the RV park at Thunder Bay Resort, a top notch park by the way, and out current home.

Our Monday

Butch and I put in some serious time yesterday tackling the cobwebs on the decks of the suites. We also painted the inside of the globes on all the lights a nice yellow color in hopes of discouraging the bugs. This little chore on just one of three buildings took us 5 hours. It wasn't difficult, just time consuming.
I finally got around to checking out the website of one of our fellow workkamping couples. Howard and Linda Payne. And all I can say is WOW. They are young, much younger than I thought. The older I get the worse I am at judging age of others. These two were born the same year as Jason , our youngest. What they do and how they do it is on their website and it is one of the best put-together websites I have seen on the subject of RVing and the full-timing lifestyle. Their line of thinking and ours coincides despite the 20 year age difference. As you can tell I was impressed. You can find their website at http://www.rv-dreams.com/. I encourage you to look it over pretty thoroughly. Linda makes and sells jewelry so all you jewelry lovers will want to check that section out.
After we wiped out as many spiders as possible, we came home and put our feet up for a bit. We had chicken for supper and I used a trick of Kay Stilsons. She does an egg coating and then rolls the chicken breasts in crushed French-fried onion rings. You know the ones you buy in a can. Fried them in a bit of canola oil. They were very, very good. Butch loved them! We have been eating at home more than we do when we are anywhere else. I am not that crazy about cooking but it is cheaper and healthier and I hope to continue the trend.
This place is well set up for walking. Their are several routes one can take where the roads are less traveled. I had Butch drive the two routes I have been using to find out mileage and one is .9 tenths of a mile and the other is 1.6. Two great choices.

Elise's Day with Gram and Gramps

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Chet's Habit

Last night we had some free entertainment (donation) and I thought they were pretty good. When we were trying to promote the event we looked for some info on the Internet for this group and there was none . At least we could not find any.
So now there is...at least a little bit.

Ethan and his Grandpa Jason

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Tonights Supper

It looked so good I had to take a picture. Tasted as good as it looks too! Iowa Chop, Coleslaw and Sauted Spinach

I have my blog back

For awhile I was posting to this blog more as if it belonged to Thunder Bay Resort but no longer. They have their own and it can be found at www.thunderbayresort.blogspot.com. I am posting to it too so for the full picture you will have to visit both but then I know there are many of you out there who will.
Butch is thrilled with being able to play golf almost anytime he wants to. He seems to be the most content here as anywhere we have ever been. There are plenty of other reasons to be here. Other things to do and places to see.  I do not feel that I have become as acquainted with the place or the area as I would like to be. I hope that can change soon. Weather has been a bit of an obstacle. Been getting more rain than I would like. You have to remember I could easily become a desert rat. I liked the desert.

Butch tees up.

Busy as Texas

I am quickly becoming nearly as busy as I am in Texas. Everything will smooth out soon just a bit frantic at the moment. I will be posting to a blog that has been in existence since July of 2008 but also has had no new input since then either. So far I have had a bit of trouble accessing it but once those issues are resolved I will be off and running. You can find it at www.thunderbayresort.blogspot.com
As I say there isn't new content yet but keep checking.
I will also be working on a staff newsletter. For me that one is a bit more of a challenge.

Butch had a good birthday yesterday but he was disappointed because both golfing events scheduled were cancelled due to rain. We seem to be getting plenty of it. I know the rest of the Midwest is as well. This too shall pass. We hope!!
Received an email from friends Bill & Kay Stilson. They missed that tornado in Ohio by 2 miles! Much too close for comfort.
Till next time...

'Nother Rainy day

This is Butch's birthday and he was scheduled for golf this morning but it was cancelled due to rain. It rained much of the night. It is starting to lighten up a bit.
As soon as I finish this post my plan is to help Paul and Mary set up a blog. They are staying in the RV park. They hail from Winnemucca NV and are new to the lifestyle. I suggested a blog to keep in touch with folks and they had been wanting to get one started.
Gotta get to Alpena to pick up Butch's birthday cake I ordered the other day. I planned to serve it at couples golf tonight but with the weather we may be dealing with lots of cake.
After we get back from Alpena I am going to get started on a newsletter for resort staff. I have had ideas swimming in my head for a few days. Should be fun to see if I can get it all to swim in sync.
Till later in the day...

Thunder Bay Sweet Napa Salad

Thunder Bay Sweet Napa Salad
A perfect summer salad. (one of our favorites here at the resort) Original recipe from Jan Matthias, Thunder Bay Resort's culinary artist.

Salad ingredients:
1 or 2 heads Napa Cabbage, washed, dried,sliced
8 Green Onions, chopped
1C. Drained Pineapple Tidbits
1/2C. Dried Cherries
1/2C. Toasted Sliced Almonds
1/4C. Toasted Sesame Seeds
2 Pkgs. Ramen Noodles, crushed
- Prepare Napa cabbage. Add all ingredients in order as listed above. Toss.

Dressing:
1C. 90/10 Canola/Olive Oil
1/2C. White Vinegar
1/4C. Brown Sugar
1/4C. White Sugar
2 Env. Seasoning Mix from Oriental Ramen Noodles
1/2 Tsp. Dry Mustard
2 Tsp. Molasses
2 Tsp. Soy Sauce
1 Tsp. Salt
1/4 Tsp. Pepper
1/4 Tsp. Paprika
-Whisk all ingredients in order as listed above in a bowl until no separation occurs. Toss slightly before serving to coat salad thoroughly. ENJOY!!!

I could eat this salad as a meal by itself!!
Our entire menu was:
Five Course Dinner Menu:
Shrimp Cocktail & Pear/Apple Crepe
***
Jan's Hearty Homemade
Chicken Noodle Soup
***
Thunder Bay's Signature Sweet Napa
Salad and Butter Croissant
***
Crown Roast of Pork and Pan Roasted
Red Skin Potatoes
***
White Chocolate Mousse Filled Pizzelles
With Fresh Raspberries

Barb

Carriage Ride, Elk Viewing and Gourmet Dinner

This is a Picasa Album- Click on it to see all the pictures and then you can choose slideshow or you may choose to click on each picture individually. Any problems viewing the pictures let me know.
Last evening was a 4 hour event and we so enjoyed every minute of it. The meal for me was the highlight and the ultimate gourmet experience. As by definition it was a feast for all the senses. And surprise of surprises Mr. Pickypants ate everything placed in front of him with the exception of 2 of the 3 shrimp served. Those he offered to a fellow diner. And what's more he enjoyed it all too.
It would be worth the trip up here for this event alone.
Another surprise last night was when we found out Jack's birthday is the day before Butch's in the same year as well. Jack's birthday is today and Butch's is tomorrow.
June 8th and 9th of 1941

Good Morning Sunshine

Butch is out playing golf this morning. He planned to yesterday but the off and on rain put the kibosh to that. Feel sorry for the boy? ...Me, either.
My morning started off slow. A little on the chilly side and it seems my bones and muscles all seize up and  do not want to put any zippiness in me. But the sunshine has now warmed things up and all is fair inside and out. I did get my walk in and that always improves my outlook and energy.
We workers had our end of week meeting last night and there were a few concerns discussed. It seems some are not happy with the lack of structure for us. They want a start and end time and a definite assigned task. It hasn't been or worked that way in the 5 years they have had  volunteer workers and my guess is that it will not start now. Hey, we learned some things at SMR. You can't come in and change things that work for them and are long standing. And wonder of wonders Butch has not had one complaint thus far.
After all this discussion I looked on the assignment sheet to see just what I was supposed to be doing and there staring me in the face is Barb B.- ' MONTHLY NEWSLETTER'. Had not given it one seconds thought since I have been here! So now I am on it. I thought perhaps it would be something I would assist with but I asked Jack this morning and no, there isn't one now and no one is doing it. So I am it. I am up for the task once I gather the content. That project starts on Wednesday.
Tonight Butch and I get to go on the carriage ride, elk viewing, gourmet dinner event. It takes 4 hours!! That will give me plenty to post tomorrow.
In one of the flyers promoting the event are two of the recipes they will be serving tonight. I will get those posted later today.
Till then...

Raining this AM

Butch is mowing greens this morning and it is raining off and on. They need rain desperately here so no one is complaining. Least of all me!
We have been here a week today and  getting nicely settled in. One of the big differences between here and Snow Mountain Ranch is the contact or should I say lack of contact between we volunteers/workers. At SMR we met each other usually at meal time and we do not have the same situation here so I am trying to think of a way to remedy that. Everyone is very friendly at the resort and everywhere else as well. Good old fashioned Midwest hospitality is everywhere.
 I am always impressed by the cleanliness and the green of the Midwest and it is oh so true in Michigan too. People always ask us where we like best and there is no answer for that because each area has its own reason why we love it and we love it all for different reasons. It seems I always like best wherever I am!!

Look Through

If you look very carefully and make this photo larger by clicking on it you can see our MoHo and bicycles behind the trees. This is a shot from the other side of the #3 green.

This shot of 'trees kissing' was taken near the hot tub. I plan to get some folks sitting in the hot tub before I take pictures of it.

Butch is earning his keep doing some electrical work. I was helping...Yes, I was!!

For Brad T...a new Daddy who cooks

Coffee and Molasses Brined Pork Chops

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups chilled strong brewed coffee

1/4 cup kosher salt

3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons molasses

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup ice cubes

4 (6-ounce) bone-in center-cut pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)

1 cup hickory wood chips

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

8 teaspoons Pepper-Garlic Spice Rub (recipe follows)

Cooking spray

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring until salt and

sugar dissolve. Pour salt mixture into a large zip-top plastic bag. Add

ice and pork; seal. Refrigerate for 3 hours, turning the bag

occasionally.

Soak wood chips in water 1 hour. Drain well.

Prepare grill for indirect grilling, heating one side to medium-high and

leaving one side with no heat.

Place wood chips on hot coals. Remove pork from bag; discard brine. Pat

pork dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon salt over pork. Rub 8

teaspoons Pepper-Garlic Spice Rub evenly over both sides of pork. Place

pork on grill rack coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat;

grill 2 minutes on each side. Place pork on unheated side of grill;

grill 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from heat. Let stand

5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

CALORIES 254 (31% from fat); FAT 8.7g (sat 3g,mono 3.9g,poly 0.9g); IRON

1.8mg; CHOLESTEROL 107mg; CALCIUM 50mg; CARBOHYDRATE 3.8g; SODIUM 584mg;

PROTEIN 37.7g; FIBER 3.1g

Pepper Garlic Spice Rub

2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground red pepper

Combine all ingredients. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Green, Green Exceedingly Green

Butch had to scrape the mattress off his back at 5:30 AM and all who know him can imagine how much angst that caused him but he did arise to the occasion so he could learn to mow greens. I have lots of catching up to do on many things one of which is laundry. Also had to call XM radio because I noticed an unauthorized charge on our credit card. After that we had to get a cake ordered for Butch's birthday next Wednesday. So I had better get laundry in the works...later.

Oh and the Elk is not real but there are real ones here. Will get pics when I can.

Great Grand Elise- 3 weeks old

Aaaaaaw...