BLT Salad

The tomatoes were late this season due to unruly spring weather but they are starting to come on now. Yum!!

BLT Salad Rated: Submitted By: D. L. Mooney Photo By: wannabe chefette Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 25 Minutes Servings: 6 "Crumbly bacon, chopped tomato, shredded lettuce and a creamy dressing with a hint of garlic - this chopped salad has BLT down pat." INGREDIENTS: 1 pound bacon 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper salt to taste 1 head romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried and shredded 2 large tomatoes, chopped 2 cups seasoned croutons DIRECTIONS: 1. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat, turning frequently, until evenly browned. Drain, crumble and set aside. 2. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Season the dressing with salt. 3. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and croutons in a large salad bowl. Toss with dressing, and serve immediately. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2011 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 8/17/2011

Work Day

I had a long post all written and what I thought posted and then I find it isn't there. So it is LOST forever! I will try again...

Yesterday was  a busy work day with much accomplished I washed bedding including spread and mattress pad. We did the heavier items at the laundromat and brought them home to dry on the line. The line broke so now I get the new line I have wanted since we arrived here. I dry the bulk of our laundry on the line robbing the utility company of many dollars.
Butch prepared the southwest corner of the roof/house for Russ Cosens to fix. And Russ showed up about 4:00 PM.  So now all of our spots for potential leaks should be good and dry. Since it rained last night we will soon find out. Butch also worked on the inside door situation in the house getting ready for pocket doors.

We also washed moho windows inside and out. It has needed done for longer than I care to admit. They sparkle now.
And then we went to Wet Goods for a tenderloin. Yes Wet Goods is the name of the place. It is a bar on the east side of the square and they have top notch tenderloins. Some of my perhaps fussier friends think the place could use some sprucing up and maybe they are right. But then they haven't been to our favorite places in Sunny south Texas. I think my focus must be food related. I seem to care little for the ambiance.

So now I have rewritten my long and brilliant post. Unfortunately it isn't nearly as brilliant as the first one but oh well,
-heavy sigh- it will have to do.

Videos from Grandpa Gary

Got a little video from this week's babysitting opportunities. Wish Elise was feeling better. She has had some mysterious illness involving runny nose and hives.

 

Dancing Elise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo1oIc9l_K4
Elise makes choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F5jMNd8kHc

 

Great-Grandma Barb says : Sounds like allergies to me. Figuring out  what is causing it can be tricky though.

Party & Pedal

Last night we went to a party made up of people we went to school with in our youth. All of the people present had lived other places most of their working lives and now have come back to make Jefferson their home. There were 10 of us total. This is something I never thought for a minute that we would be a part of. It was a whole bunch of fun talking over old times and the pranks we pulled or ones we knew were pulled. There was some talk about the statute of limitations. And the food was fantastic. Our hostess Judy Peacock Wills is an excellent cook. Sure am glad there are lots of those good cooks in my circles of friends!

Today Butch and I rode the bikes instead of walking. We rode to the river bridge and back, a total of 4 miles. It felt good to be giving different muscles a workout. 

I have started on a wide bracelet that will be a wedding gift. I have a good start on it but it is wide enough that I will be working on this one for a few weeks. My to-do list of bracelets to make keeps growing.

Hot August Nights

Last night there was a car show in Jefferson. They were all packed in around the square. There were many cars, people and lots of food. I took a few photos.

Butch's Dad owned a '57 wagon like this one. It was his work vehicle. He was an electrician.

Oh, Doesn't this just make you long for a tall, cold A&W rootbeer. I car-hopped at the A&W a very long time ago. I never tired of a nice frothy root beer.

This tree is on the courthouse lawn. I thought the roots were interesting.

This car belongs to classmate Keith Conroy.

We checked all the cars out hoping to see a Studebaker which happens to be the car Butch was fond of and owned way back in our youth. Did not see even one!

Still here-must be busy

The guys got the final house leveling done on Tuesday. I meant to take pictures but got caught up in the process and forgot all about it. Jason came over from Boone after his work and Everett Beebe came by after his work too and with the two of them it was done in short order. Butch has added the bathroom/bedroom wall and removed the wall he replaced. And the old chimneys have been removed and the roof repaired. So progress has been made.
Yesterday we met sister-in-law Joyce Brooker at the Tea Garden for lunch. Butch doesn't care for what he calls frou-frou places to eat. He prefers cheeseburger and fries. No surprise there, right? But I am telling you the food was excellent and in my opinion it is THEE best place to eat in Jefferson.

Today Butch has a small electrical chore for someone else and then he plans to mow. I do not yet know what I plan to do ,perhaps wash windows.
Remember...whatever you do today... Enjoy the process!

At Last!!

It has finally cooled off. It was a pleasant 65 degrees when I arose this morning. Sunday Butch and Leo were looking over the north side of the house that contains our closet. The consensus is that it needs some leveling so tonight that feat will take place. Crawl spaces by their very name conjure up an unpleasant experience. I am genuinely sympathetic.
Yesterday a classmate of mine Rozetta Renner Fiscus contacted me and wants to spend some time next winter in Sunny South Texas. I was successful in getting her and her husband lined up to rent a spot just a few doors from us in Magnolia Park. It amazed me how easily and quickly it all came together. We do enjoy showing off our little piece of winter heaven and they will be a fine addition to the park.
Then last evening we went to Carroll Iowa to meet up with our Oregon sister-in-law Joyce Hundling Brooker for her surprise birthday party. She was indeed surprised and it was great seeing her and getting caught up on that branch of the family.

Leo, Keri and Butch are in the background in this photo.

Heidi holds the cake for Joyce to blow out those candles.

Saturday at our house.

Butch is ready to greet the day.

Copper wire that we are burning off. I think it would make an excellent jigsaw puzzle.

Leo has the path laid out. He says if it is curved the imperfections are not as noticeable.

These  last photos are of the work Butch and Leo did with Leo's new edger.

This is looking south.

This view is looking North.

This is looking east from our front steps. Looks like I need to get some salt poured on the cracks to take care of the grass growing there. This summer has been a doozy for keeping up with the growing things. It has been so incredibly humid all summer. I thought my memory was failing me as I did not remember it being this bad but a long-time resident commented that this was as bad as he had ever seen it for humidity. It seems each year there is a different challenge with the weather. Humidity may be one of the easier ones to deal with...as long as the AC holds out.

Recipe: RV Bread Pudding Breakfast        8/6/2011
The toast can be stale, so make it at home if you like. Don’t butter it. It will keep in a
cool, dry place for up to a week.
10 pieces dry toast
Butter or margarine
2 bananas, sliced
8-ounce milk chocolate bar, broken up
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Butter the toast, cut it into 5 “fingers” then cut each finger into 5 pieces. Put in a
buttered
casserole for oven baking or a heavy pan (preferably cast aluminum) for stovetop
baking. Scatter the chocolate pieces and banana slices over the bread. Whisk
together the sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla and pour carefully over the bread. Let
stand about 15 minutes until the mixture soaks in. Bake at 350 degrees or until the
custard tests done. Mixture will be puffy and golden on top. For stovetop baking,
cover and place over a very low flame. Test after 20 minutes, then continue
cooking if necessary until the custard is “set”. Variation: substitute a well-drained
can of sliced peaches for the bananas.

Did you think I forgot you? No, just not much happening here that is out of the ordinary. Butch helped someone with electrical work yesterday. He is needing some help with a wall in the house. I told him I would help but he has no faith in my physical strength. I certainly have no idea where he got that notion!
Last night Leo brought his edger and worked on our sidewalks. Will take pictures and post later.

Most Recent Bracelets

These are my latest bracelet creations. In addition to these I have made 3 wavy flag ones. All of these are wider than the ones I have made in the past, therefore they take longer but I think the quality of my peyote bracelets has stepped up a notch. All of my bracelets are injected with 'Indian Spirit'. Somewhere within the bracelet is a bead that is a different color. I purposely make them difficult to find. 

The one below is sold.

The bracelet shown below is not for sale at this time. There will never be another like it because it would be tedious to duplicate...and it is a favorite of mine.

This one is done with hex beads and they are a bit larger so even though it is the same number of rows as the others it becomes much wider. It is close to 1 1/2 inches wide.

From Gary-Pella Iowa Trip

Wish I knew more about the car but we had an itinerary to keep!

Old Car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56T2JSqwg2c
Tower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4QZ7vUnqE0

From Gary-Elise Eats

Ever seen a 15 month old baby beg for a whole ear of corn and then eat every last kernel after she's already eaten half a thick pork chop and corn cut from the cob?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFe2C_J0qGE

We missed getting Elise today sticking her booty way out to find seating and her brand new dance moves. Mom's worried about us always getting food videos of Elise.

Eating Chips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyNRTXh7vMQ
Spaghetti: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yu347NymQo

Relief!!

We have finally had a break in the weather. It is strangely quiet without the AC running. Maybe it will give me a boost of energy to get some other things done besides making bracelets...although I am still a bit behind on them.
Butch and I went to the Tuesday Farmers Market on the square and enjoyed a meal provided by the Cooper Methodist Church. We have been going each Tuesday evening. Each week a different group provides the meal as a fundraiser. Last nights hamburgers, coleslaw, applesauce bar and iced tea were delicious.
We won't talk about the week before. The group that provided it will most likely not have a successful fundraiser next time if people retain a memory of it. I am not fussy but it was bad.
Gertie the Garter snake is still a resident on our property. I didn't see her but she left a path through an anthill that was unmistakable. Judging from the track she is about the size of a gas pipe.
Everywhere I look this morning I see dust and/or clutter. So it is time to make order out of chaos. Till next time...

Another early morning walk

We managed to get up early and get our walk in but the sweat was dripping off us before we returned home. I am ready for this heat and humidity duo to break up. They are telling us there is a cold front coming through late Tuesday. I hope they are right.
Todays pictures are  a macro shot of a tiny little mushroom in the yard and a cat on a porch.

Our Morning walk

Butch agreed to go for a walk with me this morning. I told him it would have to be early and for him that is a sacrifice. We were up and out of the house by 6:30 AM. Our thermometer registered 74 degrees so even at that hour it was plenty warm. We were able to get our 2 miles in before the serious heat started. These photos are ones that caught my eye as we made our way.

This one is on the alley side of a local business.

Butch says this guy has been working that corn field for quite some time.

Gary and Susan's Morning Walk

Gary and Susan are having a mini vacation in the Pella Iowa area. Here are pictures from their walk.
Gary writes: We explored the Volksweg trail by Red Rock lake today. Nice to have some shade on a hot day. Pretty place! You can't hardly see Susan but she's on the bridge looking back at me. Looks like the trail might have some tough hills for bikers.

Scarlett Ann

The newest Great grand Scarlett Ann  born 7/29/11.

 and her mama Ann

Sunflowers

On my early morning walk I was thinking to myself, "I carried this camera with me for nothing." And then I spotted these sunflowers and the sunlight was perfect so it all fell together. Funny how that happens.

Jefferson Matters

Last night Butch and I went to a meeting at the local theater. It is about a group of Jefferson citizens embarking on a project to get Jefferson designated as a Main Street USA town. After the meeting I am quite sure they will get it done. I say they because we are fully entrenched in our own part of making Jefferson a better place and until we get our project completed I hesitate to take on more responsibilities. It did give me confidence in the town, its citizens and the direction they are headed. Jefferson indeed has much to offer and it indeed matters.

Rain, Heat and other stuff

Cloud cover- off and on rain- 77 degrees with promises of higher heat later-like 90's. Walk or no walk?
I am all for it. I would rather walk in the rain than the sun when we have these kinds of temps.
We had in excess of 10 calls from the diabetic people who are trying to give me a new meter. If I took every one offered I would have a giant box of test meters. I do not answer these calls. I have been told that is the best plan of action with the very best being to change our number. Butch doesn't want me to do that but after being awakened from his nap yesterday he might change his mind. My method of dealing with them is to put them on my blocked list. But with my unreliable connection I have difficulty getting to the website to do that.
So this morning I finally got the two numbers (10 calls each) that called us all day yesterday blocked. Most likely it will be a different number today. We are registered on the do not call list but I re-registered today for all the good that will do. I also tried to file a complaint but their website was down for complaints. I still may change the number. If I do I will try to notify as many people as possible.
Whew! Glad to get that off my chest.
Butch golfed yesterday but decided 10 o'clock is too late with this kind of heat. He didn't do too bad though shooting a 42.

What won't they think of next!!

3D Printer.... pretty amazing

This printer can reproduce an actual tool!

unbelievable!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZboxMsSz5Aw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Something I noticed

I went for a walk this morning. Tried to beat the heat but failed. I decided to walk the route I always took home from school just for old times sake. There is a little old lady (not me) who walks all over town. I have seen her everywhere. She walks to Fareway to get her groceries even. I have seen her many times with a filled grocery bag in each hand. She wears slacks, a long sleeved shirt tucked in and a bucket hat. Sensible shoes of course. Today I saw her pushing a grocery cart and she was a long way from Fareway. It gave me pause for thought...Did she actually abscond with it?...Did she ask permission? ...Does she plan to take it back tomorrow? I went on with my walk deciding to go to Pamida which is about a block or so from Fareway. After I shopped I headed back toward town and who did I see but Maggie- gotta give her a name- and she was coming away from Fareway without the cart! That little ol' gal- Maggie had walked all the way out to Fareway, purchased her groceries, walked all the way home pushing the cart, unloaded her groceries and then returned the cart. She made the trip twice! I do not know where she lives but it is farther than we live from Fareway. From our house it is at least a mile I am guessing. I was impressed. And for those who might wonder she is very slim and trim. I am impressed!

The Brothers and Others

Butch's brother Bill came up from Arkansas to install our furnace and AC. Plumbing and Heating has been Bills area of expertise his entire working life. And we, his family are very lucky to have him.  Cannot think of one who would disagree with that. Butch was his assistant and did other  things when he wasn't needed to assist.

Bill is very damp around the edges.

Butch is trying to get to the pipes needed for the furnace.

And then Leo came to help me with my walk way. His passion is landscape and I for one am very grateful for his help. Landscaping is hard work and something I would find very difficult to do.  It puts the finishing touch on any place. Think about it. Not many people overall see the inside of your home but think of the thousands who drive by and see the outside.
Butch's ideal yard is one unbroken span of grass without any obstruction to get in the way of a mower. It has been a bone of contention between us for 52 years. I go out with him when he runs a weedeater to protect the plants I choose to keep.
 Keri helped with food prep and I served the food and kept the guys hydrated with plenty of water and lemonade.
So yesterday was a very busy place around here and today looks to be more of the same. More steps in the right direction.
In these summertime days of Iowa heat and humidity my mind wanders back to the past 4 summers of workamping in Colorado and Michigan. We made some really great friends in both places and I must say I do miss them. The wanderlust that posseses the two of us raises its lazy head now and then. It is apparent when we made the trips to Webster City. As short as they were it stirred the desire to wander a bit. So although we are enjoying our project I am sure we will not give up our roaming of the roads until we absolutely have to.

Marlene's salad

I have asked Marlene for her salad recipe on more than one occasion and as it was one of the things she made and served yesterday it was the perfect time to ask again. She has discovered that she did not have it written down anywhere. Sounds like I am really lucky to get it!! At any rate here it is as she wrote it to me in an email and I plan to take the time to put it in more of a recipe format. She tells us this recipe is over 60 years old. After high school Marlene worked at the bank and this recipe was brought to a gathering and Marlene acquired it from a co-worker. She has made it many times since and it is always popular. It makes a perfect salad for the holidays.
 Dissolve 1- 3 oz pkg. lemon jello in 11/2 cup boiling water then into this mixture dissolve 12 large marshmallows cut into 4ths and 3 oz. softened cream cheese  (if these don’t completely dissolve, I sometimes microwave it so the marshmallows do dissolve) then I usually beat it just a bit with the mixer or egg beater to completely dissolve the cream cheese. Refrigerate and let mixture partially set, and if need be beat again to dissolve the ingredients.  Then fold in a small can of crushed pineapple, if there is too much juice in it, drain it a bit, mix ½ cup mayonnaise with ½ carton whipped topping and fold into jello mixture.  Let set for several hours, then dissolve 1 - 3oz pkg. raspberry jello in 1 cup boiling water and add 1 cup cool water, let get cool then pour over top of salad and let set. 
Marlene

Yesterday we bopped up to the Kelley's (rural Terril Iowa) for lunch and a visit. Lunch? It was more like a feast! When I heard Marlene was making lunch I said count me in. Leo, Butch and I went up for another mini-family reunion. That is what it felt like with Marlene, Bernard, Dan, Sara, Anna and we three sitting around reminiscing and telling tales on each other. It was a fun day.
Taken in a lighthearted moment. Thanks Leo!

New Front AC

I think our warranty people are holding their breath along with us that we are finished with breakdowns for awhile. We have a new $1000 AC for $34 thanks to the warranty we purchased nearly 4 years ago. And this after a $4000 refrigerator for $1500. That one hurt a bit more but at the 3 year mark we were sure we were not getting our money's worth. Little did we know. The Route 66 warranty cost us $1500 or thereabouts.

So we are back in Jefferson behind our bedraggled but happy little house getting back in the routine of things. Butch went to his physical therapy session this morning and I went for a walk. It certainly felt good to get out and moving. It is still hot but not as oppressive as it was last week.

 Finished number two of six bracelets and started number three while we were in Webster City.

Free Books on Kindle

I am hoping these links work. This is an example of the free books you can get for your Kindle. I do not buy books for the kindle unless it is a specific book or author I am looking for. I got this list from www.pixelofink.com You can sign up for their newsletter and they send you lists of free books you can get for your Kindle. Great little website and newsletter.

---

• [Free Kindle Book] Republic: A Novel of America’s Future
• [Free Kindle Book] Out of Time
• [Free Kindle Book] Hidden Steel
• [Bargain Kindle Book] A Prisoner of Birth
• [Free Kindle Book] Bug Island
• [Free Kindle Book] Death Ray Butterfly
• [Free Kindle Book] Innocent Monster
• [Bargain Kindle Book] Lord of Scoundrels

My Garden website

I am sure there are some of you who both garden and compute, although if you do either I do not know how you find time for both! But here is a website that may interest you. It is free.
Barb
Link of the Day:

If you like sharing your triumphs and troubles with other gardeners,
you'll like MyGarden. It's a social network specifically for gardeners
with helpful tips and ideas. You can create a digital version of your
garden, upload photos of your progress and then swap information with
other site users.  MyGarden also has an interactive plant database and
suggests garden-related events near your location.

http://www.mygarden.org/

Hill Country Salsa

Hill Country Salsa

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large jalapeño pepper, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently. Cover and chill.
Makes 7 cups.

Webster City RV / Briggs Woods Campground

Early this morning we ventured north to the Webster City RV place to have our front Air Conditioner analysed. It is toast. But they are overnighting a new one so we too are overnighting here. We could have stayed at the RV business at no cost but there was not one speck of shade. We were not sure our rear AC could keep up without some shade so we came south about 2 1/2 miles to Briggs Woods. It is a county park. It has a nice golf course nearby but once again it is way too hot for the ol' guy to play.
Another wonderful bonus is the free wifi! Much superior to what I am enduring in Jefferson with Verizon. After my blasted 2 year contract is up with them I may have to break down and pay the local telephone company a boat load of money for a decent connection. It indeed gets very frustrating.
Not much else is newsworthy...Aaaah I almost forget! More Elise Videos!
Thanks Gary!

These were taken by Amanda. Car ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKHeiJKjNxI Playing with Mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8DathZERf0

A Rant

Hang in there K-Mart, Pamida, Alco and many others. WalMart is shooting themselves in the foot and if they do not quickly come to their senses  they may shoot themselves in the heart. They wiped out most of their craft departments. No longer can we buy monk's cloth at WalMart and their yarn selection is minimal at best. That was the first sign. Next Butch wanted Rolaids and went to WalMart to buy. They no longer carry Rolaids. Tums but no Rolaids. I wanted Folex which is an excellent stain remover. I bought my first bottle at WalMart. Nope-not any more. No Folex. I have now found it at H.E.B. in sunny South Texas. And there are many more examples of this "downsizing" of WalMart shelves. WalMart thinks you will adjust to not having your favorite brands. Not Butch. Not the guy who ate the very same lunch every day for 20 years. And not me if I can help it. Just as I am trying my best to buy from the stores of the town I live in I am trying very hard to not choose WalMart. They do not deserve our business.

Walking

Went for a walk before 7:00 AM the last two mornings. It was 80 degrees both days. But if I am going to get a walk in, it has to be then or nothing. I do not deal well with this kind of heat. I took a picture of the depot which serves as the trailhead for the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Light makes all the difference in taking pictures and the morning light served well for this photo.

We have stopped work on the house because of the heat. The good news is I can get some bracelets done and I am way behind on them.  I am not overly proud of this bracelet. It is my first attempt at odd-count peyote. The design possibilities are greater but if you make a mistake too far back it is either live with it or give up on it. We say that when you make a mistake in peyote it is the Indian spirit in the bracelet. This one has the most Indian Spirit of any bracelet I have ever made. I have started adding "Indian Spirit" to every bracelet I make sort of as a trademark. That part is fun.

Butch is off to physical therapy. He says he thinks it may be helping his back. That and the layoff from work due to the heat is most likely helping too. The boy gets bored very easily so it is hard to get him to slow down. Tomorrow he gets to drive the moho to Webster City RV. That will cheer him up! We have been doing okay with one air conditioner. Just between you and me I haven't minded one bit. With two it often gets too cold for me.

My photo taking abilities were compromised yesterday. Little people are very quick and dart around like little bugs. And then Iowa was like a sauna  and my lens kept fogging over. But below is an album of what I did take. Excuse the blurs and the fog.
We had a great time with our Missouri kids coming up and joining with the Iowa kids. Leo and Keri were there too. Our menu for supper was Grilled Iowa Chops, Sweet Corn on the cob, Broccoli/rice casserole, Pasta Salad and then Keri brought her famous Pecan pie and a Key Lime pie. Tremendous meal!! We all enjoyed eating, visiting and watching the wee ones play.

Day Off

The weather man calls this kind of day 'Oppressive" and I would say that is accurate. So after our walk this morning we decided this might be a day to 'cool' it. And then we discovered that one of our two air conditioners in the moho is not working. It is the front one that isn't working. Hmmm- when it rains it pours! But that extended warranty we have does not expire until October so once again it is a blessing in disguise. We are scheduled to return to Webster City RV on Wednesday for analysis. May have a stayover or a second trip after that depending on what they find and how long it takes for parts or a new one. Been quite a summer for unexpected expenses.
On another note we are getting quotes for insulation installation. We have done our homework and decided on spray foam.  Yes it is expensive but the benefits are many so that is the way we are going. First quote is in and it may make a few people suck air.

From Grandpa Gary

I know that humans change a ton from birth to 2 but this week has seemed ridiculous. I swear Elise has grown 2 inches, doubled her vocabulary, and doubled her walking speed all in 1 weeks time. Lucky Iowa people will soon get to see this energy storm!

 

Like usual I can think of 5 things I should have on video like 1) Susan chasing Elise in the kitchen while she tries to walk fast and watch behind her at the same time and 2) Elise riding in a bike trailer for the first time but I always seem to get her eating out at a restaurant instead.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvPDaP7XaIk

From Barb: It is always easier to get pictures when the subject is restrained, such as in a high chair. Hehehe

Latest Work Photos

These are the newest photos taken. However more has been done since these were taken. The big pipe thingy in the middle of the house is scheduled to leave whenever the roofer decides to get here and do it. Butch would have done it by now if it weren't for the roof repair. I holler too much whenever he even thinks of getting on the roof.

Last night Jason and Leo came to start the house leveling. They made a big difference. Neither of them felt that they did much but in our eyes they certainly did. Butch can do many, many things but some of them should not be done by 'men of age'.

SIMPLE LIVING QUOTE 
"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water
exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...
to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a
wildflower in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life."

- John Burroughs 

The behinder I get

Last Friday the JIGS (Jefferson Iowa Girls) met at my friend Mickeys place in Clive Iowa for lunch. She prepared  a wonderfully tasty meal of enchiladas. I hope that is what they were. Mickey will tell me if I am wrong. It was a pleasant day with women who have known each other for a long time.
JIGS started after a class reunion about five years ago. A few of us decided we were close enough geographically to get together for lunch in various locations about once a month and have been doing so ever since. Obviously I haven't made many meetings but I try to when I am close enough. Our common ground started as classmates but we have discovered many other interests and firmed up many friendships of those long ago years. I very much enjoyed the day.

This past weekend was spent on the house. And it is coming along. It sort of reminds me of working a jigsaw puzzle. We now nearly have all the pieces laid out and we will soon start putting them together. But another thing about jigsaw puzzles is that they are addictive. We both keep turning back to it. You know, we just cannot leave it alone. Keep picking at it. Not because we are anxious to get it done but because we are enjoying the process. The truth be known we will most likely be a bit sad when it is all completed. A little sad, not a big sad.

The bathroom is no more. Butch hated to see it go. It was quite handy having a second bathroom but in order to proceed we had to eradicate it. It will be in an entirely different location.  Leo comes to help  on occasion and he did the honors of lifting the stool into the dumpster.

 It is about time for more pictures. Will do

More of the same

We have most of the walls that we planned to take out-out. The next big thing is getting the floors leveled which we hope takes place next weekend. The house sags a bit in its middle. Don't we all! It is only about a 6 to 8 foot area right in the middle. We worked on the house this past weekend despite the very humid weather. After being away from Iowa for awhile you forget how really humid it can get! Texas pales by comparison. But the beat goes on...more later

Link of the Day:

Link of the Day:

Open Culture
http://www.openculture.com/

"Open Culture brings together high-quality cultural & educational media
for the worldwide lifelong learning community. Web 2.0 has given us
great amounts of intelligent audio and video. It's all free. Its all
enriching. But it's also scattered across the web, and not easy to find.
Our whole mission is to centralize this content, curate it, and give you
access to this high quality content whenever and wherever you want it.
Free audio books, free online courses, free movies, free language
lessons, free ebooks and other enriching content - it's all here."