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| They met at the beach... |
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| ...It did not work out. |
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| Shade |
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| Portuguese Man-of -war |
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| A girls day at the beach |
Sunday, February 3
Saturday's South Padre Kite Festival adventure
You can read about the kite festival and what it took to get there on the magnolia blog. I will post the walk on the beach photo's here.
South Beach Phase one recipe-a keeper
This one is a keeper! We enjoyed it for supper and since there are 8 servings we will be enjoying it again. Butch gave it a thumbs up.
Spicy Green Chile Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Tomatoes
(Makes 8 servings; recipe created by Kalyn and Jake with inspiration from Layered Mexican Casserole
with Chicken, Green Chiles, Pinto Beans, and Cheese.)
Ingredients:
1 can (26 or 27 oz.) whole green chiles, drained (be careful not to buy whole jalapenos, which look
similar)
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed well with cold water and drained
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef (less than 10% fat)
1 T taco seasoning (I use my homemade Taco Seasoning, but a purchased seasoning will work.)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite dice tomatoes with juice
3 eggs, beaten well
1 cup Green Chile Enchilada Sauce (from a 15 oz. can, freeze the rest for another use.)
1 1/2 cups Low-Fat Mexican Four Cheese Blend (I use the blend from Costco which has 6 grams of fat in
1/4 cup)
low-fat sour cream for serving (optional)
Equipment:
I used my favorite Anchor Hocking 12 Cup Bake-and-Store Glass Casserole Dish for this recipe, but you
can use any dish that's 8"x8" or 9"x9" with high sides. (If you don't have a dish that size, I think a
rectangular glass casserole dish would work to make a flatter casserole, although you might not be able
to make an extra layer of green chiles in the middle.)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Dump the whole green chiles into a colander placed in the sink and let
them drain while you prep the filling. When the green chiles are drained, move them to a cutting board
and then put the black beans in the colander, rinse with cold water, and let drain.
Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large heavy non-stick pan, add the onions, and saute over medium-high heat
until onions are browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove onions to a small bowl. Add the other teaspoon
of olive oil and the ground beef and cook 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is well browned, breaking it
apart with the turner as it cooks. Add the taco seasoning and cook 1-2 minutes more.
Add the diced tomatoes and juice, drained black beans, and onions and turn heat to medium low. Cook
until the liquid from the tomatoes has evaporated. (When you use the turner to push the mixture aside,
the bottom of the pan should look nearly dry.)
While the meat mixture cooks use your fingers to open each of the whole chiles and then use a paper
towel to wipe away the seeds and blot each chile as dry as you can get it. (You will need 6-8 paper
towels to do all the chiles, but don't skip this step. If you don't remove the seeds, this dish will be extra
spicy.) Divide the chiles into 3 piles as you dry them.
Spray the casserole dish with non-stick spray and make a layer of 1/3 of the chiles in the bottom of the
dish. Top with 1/2 the meat mixture. Make another layer of chiles on top of the meat mixture, and top
with the other 1/2 of the meat mixture. Finish with a top layer of the last 1/3 of the chiles.
Beat the eggs and then whisk in the cup of Green Chile Enchilada sauce. Pour this over the casserole and
then use a fork or knife to gently push the ingredients aside so the egg/sauce mixture can run down into
the layers. Top with the grated cheese and cover the casserole dish with the lid or foil.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, or until all the cheese is melted and the casserole is starting to bubble.
Remove the lid or foil and bake 20-25 minutes more. If you want the top well-browned, switch to broil
the last few minutes and brown the top. This is easier to serve if you let it sit for about 10 minutes
before cutting. Serve hot, with a dollop of low-fat sour cream on top if desired.
This printable recipe from www.KalynsKitchen.com.
Spicy Green Chile Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Tomatoes
(Makes 8 servings; recipe created by Kalyn and Jake with inspiration from Layered Mexican Casserole
with Chicken, Green Chiles, Pinto Beans, and Cheese.)
Ingredients:
1 can (26 or 27 oz.) whole green chiles, drained (be careful not to buy whole jalapenos, which look
similar)
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed well with cold water and drained
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef (less than 10% fat)
1 T taco seasoning (I use my homemade Taco Seasoning, but a purchased seasoning will work.)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite dice tomatoes with juice
3 eggs, beaten well
1 cup Green Chile Enchilada Sauce (from a 15 oz. can, freeze the rest for another use.)
1 1/2 cups Low-Fat Mexican Four Cheese Blend (I use the blend from Costco which has 6 grams of fat in
1/4 cup)
low-fat sour cream for serving (optional)
Equipment:
I used my favorite Anchor Hocking 12 Cup Bake-and-Store Glass Casserole Dish for this recipe, but you
can use any dish that's 8"x8" or 9"x9" with high sides. (If you don't have a dish that size, I think a
rectangular glass casserole dish would work to make a flatter casserole, although you might not be able
to make an extra layer of green chiles in the middle.)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Dump the whole green chiles into a colander placed in the sink and let
them drain while you prep the filling. When the green chiles are drained, move them to a cutting board
and then put the black beans in the colander, rinse with cold water, and let drain.
Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large heavy non-stick pan, add the onions, and saute over medium-high heat
until onions are browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove onions to a small bowl. Add the other teaspoon
of olive oil and the ground beef and cook 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is well browned, breaking it
apart with the turner as it cooks. Add the taco seasoning and cook 1-2 minutes more.
Add the diced tomatoes and juice, drained black beans, and onions and turn heat to medium low. Cook
until the liquid from the tomatoes has evaporated. (When you use the turner to push the mixture aside,
the bottom of the pan should look nearly dry.)
While the meat mixture cooks use your fingers to open each of the whole chiles and then use a paper
towel to wipe away the seeds and blot each chile as dry as you can get it. (You will need 6-8 paper
towels to do all the chiles, but don't skip this step. If you don't remove the seeds, this dish will be extra
spicy.) Divide the chiles into 3 piles as you dry them.
Spray the casserole dish with non-stick spray and make a layer of 1/3 of the chiles in the bottom of the
dish. Top with 1/2 the meat mixture. Make another layer of chiles on top of the meat mixture, and top
with the other 1/2 of the meat mixture. Finish with a top layer of the last 1/3 of the chiles.
Beat the eggs and then whisk in the cup of Green Chile Enchilada sauce. Pour this over the casserole and
then use a fork or knife to gently push the ingredients aside so the egg/sauce mixture can run down into
the layers. Top with the grated cheese and cover the casserole dish with the lid or foil.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, or until all the cheese is melted and the casserole is starting to bubble.
Remove the lid or foil and bake 20-25 minutes more. If you want the top well-browned, switch to broil
the last few minutes and brown the top. This is easier to serve if you let it sit for about 10 minutes
before cutting. Serve hot, with a dollop of low-fat sour cream on top if desired.
This printable recipe from www.KalynsKitchen.com.
Princess Elise
Saturday, February 2
It is official- 25 pounds!
As of this mornings weigh-in it is an official weight loss of 25 pounds for me. I have 5-10 still to go but taking off 25 has been a semi-goal. Butch is at his goal weight and has been for a couple of weeks. He is now in the process of staying there.
Friday is when the produce cart is in the park and we loaded up once again with jicama, cauliflower, radishes both white and red and green peppers. The most time consuming part of South Beach is preparing the vegetables. I have made sure we have raw, ready to eat vegetables in the fridge at all times. Butch will eat vegetables readily if they are raw. He is not much for cooked ones except for potatoes,peas and corn none of which are on the South Beach menu.
I have discovered a new product at H.E.B. It is the Hill Country brand of 3 cheese ranch dressing.$2.00! I slice a radish and they are my "chips" and a tablespoon of 3 cheese ranch dressing is my dip. Mighty tasty combo.
Today we have plans to go to South Padre. Finally!! The kite festival is on down there and then there will be shrimp at Dirty Al's and a walk on the beach. So come back tomorrow for a picture tour of our day.
Friday is when the produce cart is in the park and we loaded up once again with jicama, cauliflower, radishes both white and red and green peppers. The most time consuming part of South Beach is preparing the vegetables. I have made sure we have raw, ready to eat vegetables in the fridge at all times. Butch will eat vegetables readily if they are raw. He is not much for cooked ones except for potatoes,peas and corn none of which are on the South Beach menu.
I have discovered a new product at H.E.B. It is the Hill Country brand of 3 cheese ranch dressing.$2.00! I slice a radish and they are my "chips" and a tablespoon of 3 cheese ranch dressing is my dip. Mighty tasty combo.
Today we have plans to go to South Padre. Finally!! The kite festival is on down there and then there will be shrimp at Dirty Al's and a walk on the beach. So come back tomorrow for a picture tour of our day.
Friday, February 1
Pictures of the day
This is my breakfast on many mornings. Scrambled egg,2 spoonfuls cottage cheese and 1 spoonful of salsa
Tonight it took me 40 minutes to slice up a $2.00 head of cauliflower. There were 28 cups of sliced cauliflower. That is a whole bunch of cauliflower!!
Thursday, January 31
What we ate..
Haven't been to the grocery store in a week so I have been in a rut for food choices.
Breakfast yesterday was a boiled egg and cottage cheese and it will be the same today.
Lunch also was the same as yesterday as I was once again on the run.
Supper was spaghetti squash with spaghetti sauce and meatballs.
I have found a quick and easy way to prepare the squash: I microwave it for 5 minutes on high so I can more easily cut it. I cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Place in a crock pot with about a 1/4 inch of water in the bottom. I try to get them cut side up. Cook on high for 3-4 hours and then you can easily fork out the "spaghetti" strands of squash and mix with the desired sauce.
Along with the usual cut raw vegetables, supper was served.
Breakfast yesterday was a boiled egg and cottage cheese and it will be the same today.
Lunch also was the same as yesterday as I was once again on the run.
Supper was spaghetti squash with spaghetti sauce and meatballs.
I have found a quick and easy way to prepare the squash: I microwave it for 5 minutes on high so I can more easily cut it. I cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Place in a crock pot with about a 1/4 inch of water in the bottom. I try to get them cut side up. Cook on high for 3-4 hours and then you can easily fork out the "spaghetti" strands of squash and mix with the desired sauce.
Along with the usual cut raw vegetables, supper was served.
Before the crack of...dawn
I have had some busy days here of late and by the time the end of day arrives I am one tired cookie and do not feel at all creative enough to type out a blog entry. So this morning when I was awake and looked at the clock I thought it the perfect time to do a blog entry with a fresh mind. No one needs my attention at 5:30 A M and that is a blessing.
Park issues of various kinds have been demanding my attention and it is making me ever mindful that I have made the right decision to not run for president another term.
And there have been a rash of computer problems needing a 'magic' touch. I do not mind the computer ones at all as it keeps my brain active and often times it can be like solving puzzles.
The questions asked of me have been:
1. My computer is running slow. Is there anything that can be done about it?
2. My screen keeps going black. What might be causing that?
3.My home page is missing. It is something I have never seen before. How did that happen?(on 3 different computers)
4. Can you teach me what I need to know about my Kindle?
5. I have scanned a flyer into my computer. How do I edit the text on it?
I am not going to answer the questions here but Tuesday seemed to be a very active computer question day.
There are a group of us who get together on Wednesday afternoons to bead and visit. It feels good to get back to beading. It is a quicker fix of creative satisfaction. Within the conversation yesterday it was noted how we get wrapped up in park activities and you wake up one day realizing you have been very busy and yet not been out of the park in weeks! This weekend the kite festival is taking place on South Padre. I hope to make the trip one way or another.
So now I need to turn my attention to the Magnolia blog...
Park issues of various kinds have been demanding my attention and it is making me ever mindful that I have made the right decision to not run for president another term.
And there have been a rash of computer problems needing a 'magic' touch. I do not mind the computer ones at all as it keeps my brain active and often times it can be like solving puzzles.
The questions asked of me have been:
1. My computer is running slow. Is there anything that can be done about it?
2. My screen keeps going black. What might be causing that?
3.My home page is missing. It is something I have never seen before. How did that happen?(on 3 different computers)
4. Can you teach me what I need to know about my Kindle?
5. I have scanned a flyer into my computer. How do I edit the text on it?
I am not going to answer the questions here but Tuesday seemed to be a very active computer question day.
There are a group of us who get together on Wednesday afternoons to bead and visit. It feels good to get back to beading. It is a quicker fix of creative satisfaction. Within the conversation yesterday it was noted how we get wrapped up in park activities and you wake up one day realizing you have been very busy and yet not been out of the park in weeks! This weekend the kite festival is taking place on South Padre. I hope to make the trip one way or another.
So now I need to turn my attention to the Magnolia blog...
Tuesday, January 29
What we eat...
I have been asked on more than one occasion what we eat on South Beach. So for awhile I will bore you with a food diary among other things.
Yesterday-
Breakfast for me-Microwave scrambled egg topped with 1 spoonful of cottage cheese and a crumbled slice of bacon. (The bacon is the precooked kind and I wrap it in a paper towel and micro it for 30 seconds)
Breakfast for Butch- a toasted whole wheat English muffin with a thin coating of peanut butter.
Lunch for us- Lean turkey ham lunch meat wrapped around a thin slice of cheddar cheese and a variety of raw vegetables such as sliced radishes, cucumbers, jicama, celery, green peppers
Supper for us- Church's chicken(a cheat and indulgence) Butch had a breast and I had 2 legs, coleslaw and pinto beans
I had a bad snacking day yesterday because I ate far too many nuts. Almonds both dark chocolate ones and the wasabi and soy ones. Also snuck in too many cashews.
Today- Breakfast
Butch will have the same as yesterday and I did too but this time I skipped the bacon and added a spoonful of salsa
Very tasty!
Lunch: short on time so I grabbed 2 turkey ham slices and wrapped them around a mozzarella stick.
Do not know what Butch had because I wasn't home when he had lunch.
Supper: I had put two browned Pork tenderloins in a crockpot with cream of mushroom soup at noon. ( No plans to eat the soup part and didn't)
And then I made a new recipe of my own and the only thing I can think to call it is South Beach Skillet Casserole.
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped small
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped small
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
salt to taste
2 cups sliced Cauliflower
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1cup low-fat grated cheddar cheese (I used Four Cheese Mexican Blend )
Saute onion, peppers, garlic and cumin for about 5 minutes then add cauliflower and beans and allow to cook through. I also added a handful of fresh cilantro at the end and then pressed all of it down into the skillet, sprinkled cheese on top and waited till it melted.
Maybe it was just me and the time but this really hit the spot for me and I didn't have to turn on the oven on a 90 degree day.
Yesterday-
Breakfast for me-Microwave scrambled egg topped with 1 spoonful of cottage cheese and a crumbled slice of bacon. (The bacon is the precooked kind and I wrap it in a paper towel and micro it for 30 seconds)
Breakfast for Butch- a toasted whole wheat English muffin with a thin coating of peanut butter.
Lunch for us- Lean turkey ham lunch meat wrapped around a thin slice of cheddar cheese and a variety of raw vegetables such as sliced radishes, cucumbers, jicama, celery, green peppers
Supper for us- Church's chicken(a cheat and indulgence) Butch had a breast and I had 2 legs, coleslaw and pinto beans
I had a bad snacking day yesterday because I ate far too many nuts. Almonds both dark chocolate ones and the wasabi and soy ones. Also snuck in too many cashews.
Today- Breakfast
Butch will have the same as yesterday and I did too but this time I skipped the bacon and added a spoonful of salsa
Very tasty!
Lunch: short on time so I grabbed 2 turkey ham slices and wrapped them around a mozzarella stick.
Do not know what Butch had because I wasn't home when he had lunch.
Supper: I had put two browned Pork tenderloins in a crockpot with cream of mushroom soup at noon. ( No plans to eat the soup part and didn't)
And then I made a new recipe of my own and the only thing I can think to call it is South Beach Skillet Casserole.
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped small
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped small
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
salt to taste
2 cups sliced Cauliflower
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1cup low-fat grated cheddar cheese (I used Four Cheese Mexican Blend )
Saute onion, peppers, garlic and cumin for about 5 minutes then add cauliflower and beans and allow to cook through. I also added a handful of fresh cilantro at the end and then pressed all of it down into the skillet, sprinkled cheese on top and waited till it melted.
Maybe it was just me and the time but this really hit the spot for me and I didn't have to turn on the oven on a 90 degree day.
Monday, January 28
Elise...
And her mother says:
Her future is so bright she has to wear shades.....inside....on a rainy day....eating breakfast!
Her future is so bright she has to wear shades.....inside....on a rainy day....eating breakfast!
Saturday, January 26
Saturday Morning
The leaves have left the trees and we are in that short period of time, about two weeks, when we have bare limbs. Most of us have picked up the leaves on our little lots. That is a dirty and stickery job. We are not allowed to burn even in the wettest of times so they must be bagged and carried to the brush pile down by the dumpster. See? It is not all fun and games here. Butch and I have that chore behind us.
The cactus has 7 blooms on it. I am thinking that may be a record.
I have finished my other unfinished afghan...that is I have finished the Swedish weaving portion of it. I must now ask my friend Mary to do some machine stitching around the edges so I can do the final hemming and fringing.
I am now back to bracelets and it feels good and right to be doing that....So now that you have caught up you can let loose a big heavy sigh and say,"Good grief they are doing nothing!!"
Oh yes...Butch is golfing and playing pool.
The cactus has 7 blooms on it. I am thinking that may be a record.
I have finished my other unfinished afghan...that is I have finished the Swedish weaving portion of it. I must now ask my friend Mary to do some machine stitching around the edges so I can do the final hemming and fringing.
I am now back to bracelets and it feels good and right to be doing that....So now that you have caught up you can let loose a big heavy sigh and say,"Good grief they are doing nothing!!"
Oh yes...Butch is golfing and playing pool.
Wednesday, January 23
Blooming Cactus of 2013
Once this cactus started blooming several years ago it has done so faithfully ever since. It has had several repottings and probably needs another. One of these days... This cactus started out as a teeny tiny little thing that son Gary gave me for a Mother's Day gift. It certainly has had a spectacular life.
Monday, January 21
Jefferson IA business destroyed
Larry's Lounge in Jefferson Iowa destroyed by fire
http://whotv.com/2013/01/20/restaurant-ruined-fire-destroys-jefferson-business/
http://whotv.com/2013/01/20/
Java still not fixed
According to my latest inquiry it is still not fixed. One fellow suggested they fire their current programmers and find some new ones.
What is Java technology and why do I need it?
Java is a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is the underlying technology that powers state-of-the-art programs including utilities, games, and business applications. Java runs on more than 850 million personal computers worldwide, and on billions of devices worldwide, including mobile and TV devices.
Why do I need Java?
There are lots of applications and websites that won't work unless you have Java installed, and more are created every day. Java is fast, secure, and reliable. From laptops to datacenters, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, cell phones to the Internet, Java is everywhere!
Sunday, January 20
DonWes Flea Market
Butch and I wandered over to the DonWes flea market late this morning. His purpose was to look for a quality caulking gun. Mine was just to meander around and see what I could find. Hmmm I picked up a dental pick so Butch can change my O rings in my dentures when needed. I purchased some lights for my bike tires, a new pair of sterling silver earrings and several sweet peppers. Butch bought fluorescent bulbs for the RV and a bag of popcorn.
Before we went to the flea market we went to Walgreens. Butch has trouble with allergies when the leaves drop off the trees and the new leaves start budding. So he needed some heavy duty allergy meds to try to keep it from getting out of control. I have trouble with itchy eyes and some nasal irritation but not to the degree that Butch does. So now we hope it is taken care of for this year. That is called positive expectation...hmmm.
Before we went to the flea market we went to Walgreens. Butch has trouble with allergies when the leaves drop off the trees and the new leaves start budding. So he needed some heavy duty allergy meds to try to keep it from getting out of control. I have trouble with itchy eyes and some nasal irritation but not to the degree that Butch does. So now we hope it is taken care of for this year. That is called positive expectation...hmmm.
Saturday, January 19
Busiest time of the year
This is the busiest time of the year for me, Butch, the park and the Rio Grande Valley. Most everyone who is coming down have now arrived. All of the activities are in full swing. This time of year when the kids call we might be interrupted by someone at the door or another call coming in etc.
I have people who want to join me in my South Beach Diet. It has become obvious that it is working for me. I asked Butch if he was asking people to tell me I was losing weight because it is happening often. He swears he is not.
My friend Peggy is quite willing to take me to Costco anytime I want to go. One of the indulgences I have allowed myself is boiled eggs. Yes, I know I could boil them myself but it is a privilege to have them all done so I can eat one or put them in recipes anytime the urge strikes. Peeling boiled eggs can be a time consuming ordeal. I will miss being able to get them at Costco in their already boiled state.
Weekends, oddly enough are quieter than weekdays around here. Butch is going golfing and I have an appointment for computer assistance at 1:00 pm....And so goes the day!
I have people who want to join me in my South Beach Diet. It has become obvious that it is working for me. I asked Butch if he was asking people to tell me I was losing weight because it is happening often. He swears he is not.
My friend Peggy is quite willing to take me to Costco anytime I want to go. One of the indulgences I have allowed myself is boiled eggs. Yes, I know I could boil them myself but it is a privilege to have them all done so I can eat one or put them in recipes anytime the urge strikes. Peeling boiled eggs can be a time consuming ordeal. I will miss being able to get them at Costco in their already boiled state.
Weekends, oddly enough are quieter than weekdays around here. Butch is going golfing and I have an appointment for computer assistance at 1:00 pm....And so goes the day!
Thursday, January 17
Java Update
According to my geekie friends do not be quick to reinstall Java. Oracle says it is fixed but those in the know say "huh uh" "no" and "Not either". So hold off a while longer.
Kalyn's Kitchen
For those of you following South Beach or thinking of following South Beach this is a great website with easy recipes. I must give credit where it is due so I want to thank my friend Kay Stilson, a very good cook, for linking me up with this website.
kalynskitchen.com
kalynskitchen.com
Wednesday, January 16
Monday, January 14
Stayin' Alive
Entertainment as it was years
ago.
Rita Hayworth and the Bee Gee's!!!!
This is outstanding..... Someone had a lot of fun with this and spent hours putting these clips together. Most of the people in the clips were deceased before the Bee Gee's recorded "Stayin' Alive." Whether you are a Bee Gee's or Rita Hayworth fan or not...you are going to enjoy this! Music may change, but the moves are timeless.
Saturday, January 12
Java Threat
I do not usually pay too much attention to these computer threats because they are usually cured before we even know they exist. But not in this case. Oracle the makers of Java are lazy about getting a fix out there. I understand this is not the first time. When they found the threats to their system in the past they waited to "fix" them once a year in October! That is not acceptable. To be safe remove Java. If and when they fix it we can reinstall. If you want to know more, google Java threat 2013.
Barb
To completely uninstall Java from Windows 7 or Vista:
Barb
To completely uninstall Java from Windows 7 or Vista:
- Click on the left hand Windows circle on the bottom of the screen
- Click on Control Panel (visible in the right column above)
- After the Control Panel window is open, click on Add/Remove Programs. If you do not see Add/Remove Programs, look at the right hand top side of the Control Panel window where it says, “View by: Small icons” Click on “Small icons” (or it might say “Large Icons) and click on “Category”. Under “Category” you will be able to see the “Uninstall a Program” option.
- After you see the list of all of your programs, find Java.
- Highlight Java and choose Uninstall. Windows will prompt you to confirm. Say yes.
Thursday, January 10
Missed me?
I haven't been doing a whole lot except association presidential duties, a little house cleaning and laundry, walking 2 miles a day and catching up on some crafting.
The pool hall scotch doubles competition started tonight with a new format. Butch and I are both participating. Every time I do this I alternate between feeling I should play more and feeling I should play less or not at all. I cannot play with Butch as he is out of my league. He would be humoring me if he played with me. I am never in the mood to be humored nor am I one to go practice alone. So a ready solution is not apparent to me. Most likely I will plug along as I have been not playing much and doing my best not to embarrass myself on Thursday evenings.
The sunshine has returned at least for a few days. They do say another cold front is on the way come Tuesday or Wednesday of the coming week. We will enjoy and appreciate the sun and warm while it is here. It is winter even here after all.
Last Sunday we went to The Riverside over in Mission Texas, a restaurant and dance hall along the Rio Grande River. It is a favorite of our friends Donn and Peggy Gordon who go there every Sunday after church for a tenderloin. It is one of the few places you can find a good tenderloin in the Rio Grande Valley.
The picture below is in the dance hall. The band was very good.
This is the courtyard right on the river. Chimney RV Park is in the background. In the past there has been quite a bit of illegal alien and drug cartel activity in this area but that does not seem to be the case this season. The hotspots are always changing.
The pool hall scotch doubles competition started tonight with a new format. Butch and I are both participating. Every time I do this I alternate between feeling I should play more and feeling I should play less or not at all. I cannot play with Butch as he is out of my league. He would be humoring me if he played with me. I am never in the mood to be humored nor am I one to go practice alone. So a ready solution is not apparent to me. Most likely I will plug along as I have been not playing much and doing my best not to embarrass myself on Thursday evenings.
The sunshine has returned at least for a few days. They do say another cold front is on the way come Tuesday or Wednesday of the coming week. We will enjoy and appreciate the sun and warm while it is here. It is winter even here after all.
Last Sunday we went to The Riverside over in Mission Texas, a restaurant and dance hall along the Rio Grande River. It is a favorite of our friends Donn and Peggy Gordon who go there every Sunday after church for a tenderloin. It is one of the few places you can find a good tenderloin in the Rio Grande Valley.
The picture below is in the dance hall. The band was very good.
Tuesday, January 8
Winter time mode
We are in a winter state of mind; wearing blue jeans and sweaters, making cold weather meals like chili and ham and beans. The good news is that winter doesn't last long here and we soon will be back to a summer state of mind. A little taste of winter isn't a bad thing, only different. For those who have just arrived it never seems fair but if they can stay long enough they too will return to the north with a sun-kissed face and a warm heart.
Regardless of the weather we are still getting in our 2 miles a day of walking and sticking with South Beach eating practices. Butch is only about an inch from his goal. I think that transfers to 2 or 3 pounds. I have 13 to go having lost 22. It still seems like the right thing to do and the results are gratifying. The list of things I can do easier now continues to grow and that is what keeps me on the right track. I know the hard part is still ahead and that is keeping it off. I quit smoking 29 years ago and still label it as one of the most difficult things to do. Many of the mindsets I used to accomplish that goal will be what I use now to keep off the weight. My doctor wanted to start me on cholesterol medication last summer and I said I wanted to try diet first. So that will be part of my consideration as I get further into the hard part of controlling my weight in the future.
Regardless of the weather we are still getting in our 2 miles a day of walking and sticking with South Beach eating practices. Butch is only about an inch from his goal. I think that transfers to 2 or 3 pounds. I have 13 to go having lost 22. It still seems like the right thing to do and the results are gratifying. The list of things I can do easier now continues to grow and that is what keeps me on the right track. I know the hard part is still ahead and that is keeping it off. I quit smoking 29 years ago and still label it as one of the most difficult things to do. Many of the mindsets I used to accomplish that goal will be what I use now to keep off the weight. My doctor wanted to start me on cholesterol medication last summer and I said I wanted to try diet first. So that will be part of my consideration as I get further into the hard part of controlling my weight in the future.
Sunday, January 6
Our thoughts
Our thoughts are very much with the Kelley family these days, as they have been for all the months Dan was fighting for his life. He put up the bravest battle of anyone we know and his stamina throughout was inspiring.
Visitation is tonight in Terril Iowa and the funeral is tomorrow morning and despite being back in our routine here in the valley our thoughts and prayers will be in northern Iowa with the family.
Visitation is tonight in Terril Iowa and the funeral is tomorrow morning and despite being back in our routine here in the valley our thoughts and prayers will be in northern Iowa with the family.
Saturday, January 5
Elise with snow angels and snowmen
Couple from the recent snow.
Elise making Snow Angelshttp://youtu.be/cXfAlC_OsBA
Snowmen:
http://youtu.be/FYeBEfDitnI
Friday, January 4
Danial Eugene Kelley's Obit
My Story
And
he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
He was born on October 26, 1954 in Spencer, Iowa to Bernard and Marlene (Brooker) Kelley. Danial grew up on a farm near Terril and graduated from Terril High School in 1972. He went on to attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa where he studied agriculture. After completion of the agriculture program in 1973, Danial returned to Terril where he continued his farming career with his father for over 40 years. Over the years, he raised corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs. Even during his illness, his fighting spirit enabled him to continue doing what he loved on the farm. On June 28, 1975, Danial married Sara Smith in Estherville, Iowa, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years. Together, they had four children, Melissa, Elizabeth, Adam, and John.
Throughout his life, Danial was a steward of the land, a hard-working farmer, and avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a talented athlete and many years after high school, he still loved playing and watching sports. He also enjoyed playing card games. Danial was devoted to his family and treasured spending time with them. He especially enjoyed the annual family fishing trips to Nest Lake in Minnesota. He also loved his two dogs dearly. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Terril. He cherished every moment and through his cancer journey, his strength and determination touched and inspired many people. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all and will be missed by many. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sara of Terril, Iowa; two daughters, Melissa and her husband, Josh Nelson and their son Jay of Spencer, Iowa; Elizabeth and her husband, Daniel Johansen and their son Brandon of Milford, Iowa; two sons, Adam and his wife, Justine Kelley and their son Brady of Terril, Iowa; John and his wife, Marie Kelley and their children, Peyton and Nolan of Spencer, Iowa; and parents, Bernard and Marlene Kelley of Terril, Iowa. He is also survived by one brother, Dwight and his wife, Carolyn Kelley of Milroy, Minnesota; by one sister, Diane and her husband, Blaze Rosene of Solon, Iowa; mother-in-law, Alyce Smith of Estherville, Iowa and his loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.
Danial was preceded in death by his infant brother, Thomas Kelley; his maternal grandfather, Russell Brooker; maternal grandmother, Marion Brooker; his paternal grandfather, Henry Kelley; paternal grandmother, Grace Kelley; and father-in-law, Russell Smith.
My favorite Cartoon
About Cul de Sac
Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac, is a comic strip about the life of a pre-school girl named Alice Otterloop. It is a light-hearted comic strip centered around a four-year old girl and her suburban life experiences on a cul-de-sac with her friends Beni and Dill, older brother Petey and her classmates at Blisshaven Academy pre-school. Alice describes her father's car as a "Honda-Tonka Cuisinart" and talks to the class guinea pig, Mr. Danders. She has the typical older brother who plays jokes on her, and she contemplates ways to keep the scary clown from jumping out of the jack-in-the-box with friends.
Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac, is a comic strip about the life of a pre-school girl named Alice Otterloop. It is a light-hearted comic strip centered around a four-year old girl and her suburban life experiences on a cul-de-sac with her friends Beni and Dill, older brother Petey and her classmates at Blisshaven Academy pre-school. Alice describes her father's car as a "Honda-Tonka Cuisinart" and talks to the class guinea pig, Mr. Danders. She has the typical older brother who plays jokes on her, and she contemplates ways to keep the scary clown from jumping out of the jack-in-the-box with friends.
Thursday, January 3
Back in the Rio Grande Valley
We had seven straight days in the car. The day we went to northern Iowa with Bill and Jo was the least amount of time spent in the car and it was two hours up and two hours back. A light travel day as they say. It was good that we saw Dan and was able to visit with him because today we learned that he passed early this morning. His suffering is over and he fought this terrible disease harder than anyone I know.
A change in routine always puts me behind so I hope you will bear with me as I regain my footing on my daily chores.
I really did not mind the car trip as much as I thought I might. Seriously one of my biggest concerns was not having access to a bathroom as we travel. I have become very used to that convenience but as it turned out it was a needless worry.
Before we left Gary and Susan's and headed for Iowa I received an email from Bill Brooker saying they were heading to Iowa as well. They live in Arkansas. I told Butch that we might see them on the road. We stopped at a rest stop in Northern Missouri. As I headed back to the car Butch said, "Look who is here." It was Bill and Jo.We were very surprised to see each other. We went into the rest area building as it was far to chilly to stand and visit outside and made plans to ride together to see Dan and family the next day.
Here are pictures I took throughout the trip:
A change in routine always puts me behind so I hope you will bear with me as I regain my footing on my daily chores.
I really did not mind the car trip as much as I thought I might. Seriously one of my biggest concerns was not having access to a bathroom as we travel. I have become very used to that convenience but as it turned out it was a needless worry.
Before we left Gary and Susan's and headed for Iowa I received an email from Bill Brooker saying they were heading to Iowa as well. They live in Arkansas. I told Butch that we might see them on the road. We stopped at a rest stop in Northern Missouri. As I headed back to the car Butch said, "Look who is here." It was Bill and Jo.We were very surprised to see each other. We went into the rest area building as it was far to chilly to stand and visit outside and made plans to ride together to see Dan and family the next day.
Here are pictures I took throughout the trip:
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| Old Snow in Southern Oklahoma |
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| Elise bowls with Nana |
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| A strike! |
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| Story time- Note the fingers. Gary kept removing her fingers from her mouth. She would put them back. This happened several times and finally she told her grandpa. "You need to keep your hands to yourself!" |
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| Funny story! |
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| Five little monkeys jumping on the bed... |
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| Ring around the rosie |
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| More bed jumping |
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| South of Des Moines |
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| In Madrid Iowa |
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| Our house...Insulation is doing a great job. |
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| New Years Eve party. Sue Lucht and John Hamilton |
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| Denise, our hostess, cuts the lasagna. |
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| Jack Lewis and Mary Figenshaw visit in the kitchen |
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| Bill Figenshaw, Kay N. and Pat Rusnak |
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| Alice Hamilton, Elizabeth Hanson, Jim Hanson, Jeanne Myers and part of Butch in the foreground |
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| Jack Harmer, Bill, Kay and Pat...while Denise cuts that lasagna |
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| All these snow pictures were taken through the window at speed limit speed. |
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| This one was taken south on I 37 near the rest area. | The occupants were lifeflighted. This was the 3rd wreck we saw on the trip |
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| Temperatures while we were in Iowa stayed in the single digits...like 4 degrees. |
Wednesday, January 2
In San Antonio
We are spending the night in San Antonio. Heading to the RGV tomorrow. Staying at another motel 6. none have lived up to the first one but we would not
have slept well for $100 so a few minor irritations were okay.
I will have much catching up to do. Pictures, blog,park news, groceries etcetera.
have slept well for $100 so a few minor irritations were okay.
I will have much catching up to do. Pictures, blog,park news, groceries etcetera.
Tuesday, January 1
on the road again
We are south of Wichita tonight. Will head further south tomorrow.so plan to be back either late tomorrow or early Thursday. too dogone cold up here. We know it is chilly there too but nothing like up here.
Monday, December 31
The New Year is Here or just about.
Four steady travel days. Some long, some shorter. Today we went to a small town in northern Iowa to visit Dan Kelley, son of Butch's sister Marlene and her husband Bernard. Dan is in his final round of battle with a very ugly cancer, sarcoma. They have made great strides with what they used to refer to as the big C. Almost like you could not say the whole word out loud. Well, sarcoma is still like that, an ugly word you never want to hear and a kind they have had only a modicum of success in curing. That is the kind of cancer Dan has been battling for over a year. Everything has been done that could be done and he is losing the war. He is surrounded by friends and family who love him and tell him so. He has a beautiful wife, Sara and four grown children, Melissa, Elizabeth, Adam and John who along with their spouses have given him 5 beautiful grandbabies. We were fortunate enough to get here and see him this last time before his passing. He will leave a big hole in many lives.
Bill and Jo and Butch and I went to Terril, Ia and back today. On the way back I called my friend Denise and said, "Where is the party tonight?" She said it is at our house at 6:30 and it is too bad you are going to miss it. I said we will be there because we are only a few miles out of town. So tonight we were able to go to a gathering of our Jefferson friends for new years eve. And I fell off my diet wagon for the first time. I will get right back on that diet wagon in the morning. It was great to see everyone.
We are toying with the idea of heading back south in the morning as we have done everything we came back to do. I would not say it is set in cement just yet. I haven't got the final word.
I have been taking pictures right along and will post them when I return. Not easy working with the Kindle Fire and other peoples computers for some chores. Like photos and blogging.
Bill and Jo and Butch and I went to Terril, Ia and back today. On the way back I called my friend Denise and said, "Where is the party tonight?" She said it is at our house at 6:30 and it is too bad you are going to miss it. I said we will be there because we are only a few miles out of town. So tonight we were able to go to a gathering of our Jefferson friends for new years eve. And I fell off my diet wagon for the first time. I will get right back on that diet wagon in the morning. It was great to see everyone.
We are toying with the idea of heading back south in the morning as we have done everything we came back to do. I would not say it is set in cement just yet. I haven't got the final word.
I have been taking pictures right along and will post them when I return. Not easy working with the Kindle Fire and other peoples computers for some chores. Like photos and blogging.
Saturday, December 29
Mexico to Missouri
We left Mexico about 8:45 AM Friday morning after getting Marlene's meds and headed north on 77. North of LaGrange Texas about 10 miles we witnessed a flying car. I am not kidding. An airborn car came across our lane in front of us. It had to be about 4 to 5 feet off the ground. There was a car behind a truck in front of us so we do not know what precipatated the flying car and we have been speculating on it ever since. Butch slowed down thinking he would have to stop but there were others stopped already because there had been a previous accident as there were two young people wandering around their car and you could see their airbags had deployed. We do not know if the two incidents were connected. I would have stopped. I had some concern because I saw the flying car land. It hit very hard in the ditch and smoke immediately rolled out from beneath it.
That was quite exciting in a worrisome kind of way.
Then we had just come through Waco, looking for a motel to stay in when son Gary called to ask where we were. I took the opportunity to ask him to research on the computer, he is very good at that, a motel for us north of Waco. Preferably a Motel 6. He called back shortly as we were on the edge of Hillsboro TX to tell us there was a Motel 6 right there at Hillsboro!. He said Expedia suggests this one at Hillsboro and gives it a high rating. He gave us the exit number which happened to be 2 exits from where we were at that very minute! How good is that. We avoided being involved in a very bad accident by mere seconds and then received a phone call at exactly the right time. We are mighty fortunate people I tell you! Oh, and it was an excellent motel too.
Today we left Hillsboro very early and enjoyed a very smooth trip through Fort Worth, Texas. The best trip through there we have ever had(7:00 a m). While we were going through Fort Worth they had one of those Amber Alert messages that said an elderly couple had been reported missing driving a white Buick. I told Butch often times those alerts are slightly premature and the parents just forgot to check in with the kids. I also said I do not want to ever be the elderly couple in the white Buick. Butch said, "Oh, I don't know, I might like a white Buick."
We ran into bits of snow in north Texas and then more as we were in Oklahoma. All of this was old snow and none was on the roadways. Hope that continues but I hear that is not the case in Iowa. So after this message gets posted I must check the road conditions in Iowa.
We arrived in Lee's Summit Missouri at the Gary and Susan Brooker residence and have enjoyed a delicious South Beach supper.
Tomorrow we will venture even further north to the fine state of Iowa.
Till next time...
That was quite exciting in a worrisome kind of way.
Then we had just come through Waco, looking for a motel to stay in when son Gary called to ask where we were. I took the opportunity to ask him to research on the computer, he is very good at that, a motel for us north of Waco. Preferably a Motel 6. He called back shortly as we were on the edge of Hillsboro TX to tell us there was a Motel 6 right there at Hillsboro!. He said Expedia suggests this one at Hillsboro and gives it a high rating. He gave us the exit number which happened to be 2 exits from where we were at that very minute! How good is that. We avoided being involved in a very bad accident by mere seconds and then received a phone call at exactly the right time. We are mighty fortunate people I tell you! Oh, and it was an excellent motel too.
Today we left Hillsboro very early and enjoyed a very smooth trip through Fort Worth, Texas. The best trip through there we have ever had(7:00 a m). While we were going through Fort Worth they had one of those Amber Alert messages that said an elderly couple had been reported missing driving a white Buick. I told Butch often times those alerts are slightly premature and the parents just forgot to check in with the kids. I also said I do not want to ever be the elderly couple in the white Buick. Butch said, "Oh, I don't know, I might like a white Buick."
We ran into bits of snow in north Texas and then more as we were in Oklahoma. All of this was old snow and none was on the roadways. Hope that continues but I hear that is not the case in Iowa. So after this message gets posted I must check the road conditions in Iowa.
We arrived in Lee's Summit Missouri at the Gary and Susan Brooker residence and have enjoyed a delicious South Beach supper.
Tomorrow we will venture even further north to the fine state of Iowa.
Till next time...
Friday, December 28
Leaving for Iowa
We will be going back to Iowa today. Butch's nephew Dan is not doing well so we are going to be with family during this difficult time.
We will be traveling by car and leaving the motorhome in Texas. That will be very different for us as we have not taken a long trip by car for over 10 years. Dealing with winter will be very different for us as well but we have had experience.
I am leaving my laptop in Texas and will be relying on my Kindle Fire. Blog entries will most likely be spasmodic at best although I do plan to keep you posted as much as possible.
Till next time...
We will be traveling by car and leaving the motorhome in Texas. That will be very different for us as we have not taken a long trip by car for over 10 years. Dealing with winter will be very different for us as well but we have had experience.
I am leaving my laptop in Texas and will be relying on my Kindle Fire. Blog entries will most likely be spasmodic at best although I do plan to keep you posted as much as possible.
Till next time...
Thursday, December 27
Elise Xmas Videos...plus one old one.
Mostly Christmas but one old one from Amanda's camera
Santa's Helper
http://youtu.be/tfqDC4lEdBU
Elise says No
http://youtu.be/THJbn9JlWwo
Cool Cups
http://youtu.be/pjqXafWn7oM
Santa Gifts
http://youtu.be/cAzRQPzbuE0
More Gifts
http://youtu.be/3Fo38O8ZgZI
Elise showing Joy
http://youtu.be/_rc6JyRZw_8
Elise & Mommie with Playdoh
http://youtu.be/I-CMGKySki8
Santa's Helper
http://youtu.be/tfqDC4lEdBU
Elise says No
http://youtu.be/THJbn9JlWwo
Cool Cups
http://youtu.be/pjqXafWn7oM
Santa Gifts
http://youtu.be/cAzRQPzbuE0
More Gifts
http://youtu.be/3Fo38O8ZgZI
Elise showing Joy
http://youtu.be/_rc6JyRZw_8
Elise & Mommie with Playdoh
http://youtu.be/I-CMGKySki8
Wednesday, December 26
Cold front...
Butch is off to play pool in league and I would usually be on my walk but the thermometer is at a chilly 41 degrees so it will have to warm a bit before I venture forth. They say you burn far more calories in cold weather so maybe I need to get my slightly chubby behind out there anyway.
We made it through Christmas with the diet habits intact. Butch is 3 lbs from his goal. (Of course he is!) I am at least 10 to 15 from mine. My resolve is still strong although the difficulty will increase with one of us on it and one not. I remind myself that being 10 to 15 away is certainly better than 30 to 35. All my friends were good to me and did not present me with sugary treats. I truly appreciated that very much.
Well, it is time to remove myself from this computer screen and get to something constructive. Later...
Elise's Big Smile
I must say that Elise's big smile stayed with me all day yesterday. She is a happy little girl but I do not believe I have ever seen her smile so big. In talking to her grandpa last night he shared that she is into sharing these days. She will break off a piece of whatever she is eating and place it in front of you and says,"In case you change your mind later."
Tuesday, December 25
Ethan is ready for Santa
He is so excited. Those bright smiling faces are so fun to see.
Looks to me like Santa is on a diet.
Santa needs to shave
Elise's mom, Amanda says,"What did Elise leave out for Santa?? Most children leave out cookies and milk, but not my girl. She insisted Santa needed a razor and shave gel because Santa needs to shave! She has told Santa that he needs to shave his whiskers because they are gross every time she sees one."
Monday, December 24
Christmas Eve 2012
From our sunny South Texas home to yours. I am perspiring as I write this and it takes a pretty good imagination for it to feel like Christmas. Do I miss being with the "kids" for Christmas? The truth of the matter is the answer is a big old "YES". Some years more than others. Perhaps because it has been so many years away from them at this time of year. We try to make up for it in the warmer months but that can be hard too. We all lead such busy lives.
I do look for it to get better. Our home in Jefferson is being built around a big expandable round table where we can all gather in one place at one time. That has been in my mind from the inception of the whole idea. So my hope is that we can have all of our celebrations rolled into one big one in the summer when we can all gather together.
As always I feel that you keep up with us throughout the year through this blog. For many years I wrote a Christmas letter and mailed out nearly a hundred of them. In 2002 I started this blog and a couple of years after that I decided that most of you, if you had an interest, knew what we were doing, sometimes every day! The only negative to that is I may not hear from you and know what you are doing. So if you are so inclined let us know what you are up to wherever you may be.
So we hope your Christmas is everything you want it to be this year and every year.
Merry Christmas ya'all!!
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