Saturday, January 18
Friday, January 17
Have I been neglectful?....Hmmmm
I am so blooming busy but I am having so much fun! Every single day I am helping people solve problems and in the end making their lives easier and more enjoyable. The journey may be a bit uncomfortable at times but learning new ways of doing things is bound to get you out of your comfort zone. It would not be a learning experience if it came easy.
So, dear readers, bear with me and know that someday I will be back to normal or at least some semblance of normal.
Butch and his partner Don Louks are going to the valley Olympics in pool and Butch will also be participating in golf. Jerry Walker of Corning Iowa will be his partner in the golf event. He enjoys the company of both of these fellows so he will have fun regardless of the outcome.
I ran across this picture the other day. It has been a favorite of mine for many years. The year was probably 1980 or 81. This is Butch and our youngest son Jason. This was in the days before I had a computer or digital camera but I do believe it was I who took the picture. This was taken on Lake Panorama. We were living there at the time. Donn and Peggy Gordon were in our life and lived in close proximity at this stage of our life and it seems strange and wonderful that they are again.
Jason was in high school at this time. Both Jason and his Dad had far more hair than they do today.
So, dear readers, bear with me and know that someday I will be back to normal or at least some semblance of normal.
Butch and his partner Don Louks are going to the valley Olympics in pool and Butch will also be participating in golf. Jerry Walker of Corning Iowa will be his partner in the golf event. He enjoys the company of both of these fellows so he will have fun regardless of the outcome.
I ran across this picture the other day. It has been a favorite of mine for many years. The year was probably 1980 or 81. This is Butch and our youngest son Jason. This was in the days before I had a computer or digital camera but I do believe it was I who took the picture. This was taken on Lake Panorama. We were living there at the time. Donn and Peggy Gordon were in our life and lived in close proximity at this stage of our life and it seems strange and wonderful that they are again.
Jason was in high school at this time. Both Jason and his Dad had far more hair than they do today.
Feature on Snow Mountain Ranch
Butch and I were campground hosts at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies for 3 summers. Great place but I will stick to summertime.
http://kdvr.com/2014/01/16/explore-colorado-snowshoeing-at-the-rowley-homestead/
http://kdvr.com/2014/01/16/explore-colorado-snowshoeing-at-the-rowley-homestead/
Monday, January 13
Possessed
I do not know what possessed me...Oh yes I remember now! I have had two conversations today that inspired me to search for articles I have written. One was on quitting smoking and the other was about my dental implants. Thus far I have not found either article but I started cleaning out my external hard drive as a result. One of my discoveries was that I was saving articles and other files that would never be of any use to anyone at any time. If I want to know something I google it. I do not go through files from 1998 that I most likely do not have what I need to open it anyway. I turn to the Internet-that big file cabinet in the sky for any question I might have and rarely is it not there. So I have started cleaning and deleting and I have made a dent. Sure wish I could find that dental implant article...hmmm Still looking. Maybe I put it on the blog...no, that was before I started the blog...still looking.
Found one!!!
I filed it under Personal Info and titled it Crunch and Munch. No wonder I had trouble locating it when I was searching for dental implants
Crunch and Munch! By Barbara Brooker 10/23/1999
I have a lifelong history of poor dental health. In pictures of me with baby teeth they show discolored and decayed. I have unpleasant childhood memories of Saturdays as they consisted of mornings at the dentist and afternoons at catechism. Now, I am sure the reality wasn’t that bad but that is my perspective none the less. When I reached the rebellious teen years I dropped both. After marriage we did not have the money to go to a dentist not that I would have anyway. The only time I even considered it was when I suffered with a toothache which began to happen with regularity. While still in my twenties they became bad enough to consider dentures. Vanity played a part because my front teeth were showing decay and I knew that was most unattractive. I was way beyond anxious when sitting in a dentist’s chair so I opted to have my upper teeth removed as a patient in the hospital. I was quite happy with my upper plate and had little or no problems with them. On the bottom I started with a partial plate but it wasn’t too many years until I lost the teeth the partial attached too and so I did without. I knew that a bottom plate was in my future and didn’t consider that much of a problem. Little did I know!!!
I was able to get by with what I had until I was in my forties but then I knew it was time to get a bottom plate. The dentist told me I didn’t have much of a ridge and that I may have problems but I didn’t think much about it. I never adjusted well to the bottom plate. It seemed I always had a sore someplace and if one was fixed another cropped up somewhere else. I tried new plates but that didn’t help either. The dentist mentioned that I might be a candidate for dental implants. I was interested but I knew that insurance would not cover them and I had the erroneous information that the cost was exorbitant. So I tried to get by with what I had but it became increasingly more difficult to eat. I gave up many foods because they were too difficult and it was too painful to eat them. Over time the situation worsened and I became less vain in the face of pain and would take my bottom teeth out at every opportunity. It became like an addiction and I would think when would I get these damn teeth out when we were in social situations. They were the last thing I put in and the first out whenever possible. It became much easier to eat without them.
Last year while on vacation my husband suggested I get the implants when we returned home. I think he grew tired of seeing me putting them in and out of my mouth several times a day.
I asked my dentist to set up an appointment with a dental surgeon so that I could make a decision as to whether I would proceed with it. The appointment was near the end of May. There was some question if I had enough bone left in my lower jaw to accommodate the implants but x-rays confirmed it okay. We discussed procedure and cost ($2400). Surgery would consist of two holes drilled into my jawbone in the approximate location of my long gone eyeteeth. Titanium pegs would be inserted and then I would need to let four months elapse to allow time for the bone to grow around the pegs and make them solid. At that time the pegs would be uncovered and an attachment knob screwed into them. As far as I was concerned it was a go. The surgery took place in Council Bluffs because the equipment he needed was in that location. June 3rd was the date. It took about an hour and I was successful in getting my mind in another place to endure it. Considering my history in a dentist’s chair I thought I had performed a miracle by sitting in one spot that long! I was glad a friend went with me because I was in considerable discomfort for the 60-mile trip home. I took pain pills for the remainder of the day and slept a great deal but the recovery was not extreme and by the following day all was well. I was glad I had an excuse not to wear that pesky bottom plate for two weeks while my gums healed. Even then I hated putting them back in my mouth. I went through the summer with the same struggle I had been having for the past several years. I carried a plastic bag in my purse so I had somewhere to put them whenever I dared. In late September I had the titanium pegs uncovered and that was a bit more of a procedure than I had anticipated. It closely resembled the first surgery and I did not expect it to be that extensive. I felt as though I were squirming all over the chair but I managed to live through that. He hollowed out a depression in my bottom plate for the temporary knobs to fit into until the final healing was completed. I could tell the difference in stability immediately and enjoyed a meal while actually chewing my food. I was very anxious to get the final procedure finished so I could begin to enjoy the benefits of having these little metal “teeth” in my mouth. The 13th of October was the day and it was worth it all. The attachments were placed in my bottom plate and the two came together for the first time. The stability was unbelievable. I chewed so much that first day that my jaws were tired. They were not used to all that work. The first thing I tried was an apple and it worked great. I ate steak, celery, carrots, nuts and many other foods I had not been able to eat for years. I had not enjoyed this much pain free eating for more years than I can remember. My entire system was in a pleasant state of shock. My body was dealing with food that was actually chewed into tiny bits instead of the big chunks that had been forced through my system. The total monetary cost was $2770.00. And I say it is definitely worth it.
You have no idea how many areas of your life are affected by the lack of having working bottom teeth. I talk, laugh and yell differently. I feel more at ease because I do not fear that my bottom plate will fall in my lap. And the joy of eating is tremendous not to mention the benefit of having the food properly prepared for digestion. I leave them in for the entire day without a second thought just like normal people do. The teeth in your mouth affect every other area of your life.
P.S.
This was written a long time ago. I have had my implants about 13 years now and I am still very grateful for them. They are the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am not sure I would have the nerve to have it done in Mexico although I am sure many have without incident. I had mine done in Council Bluffs Iowa by Dr Anderson
PPS- I am still delighted with my implants 2014
Still searching for the other one...maybe it is a hard copy ,after all that was 30 years ago!! Wow!
Found one!!!
I filed it under Personal Info and titled it Crunch and Munch. No wonder I had trouble locating it when I was searching for dental implants
Crunch and Munch! By Barbara Brooker 10/23/1999
I have a lifelong history of poor dental health. In pictures of me with baby teeth they show discolored and decayed. I have unpleasant childhood memories of Saturdays as they consisted of mornings at the dentist and afternoons at catechism. Now, I am sure the reality wasn’t that bad but that is my perspective none the less. When I reached the rebellious teen years I dropped both. After marriage we did not have the money to go to a dentist not that I would have anyway. The only time I even considered it was when I suffered with a toothache which began to happen with regularity. While still in my twenties they became bad enough to consider dentures. Vanity played a part because my front teeth were showing decay and I knew that was most unattractive. I was way beyond anxious when sitting in a dentist’s chair so I opted to have my upper teeth removed as a patient in the hospital. I was quite happy with my upper plate and had little or no problems with them. On the bottom I started with a partial plate but it wasn’t too many years until I lost the teeth the partial attached too and so I did without. I knew that a bottom plate was in my future and didn’t consider that much of a problem. Little did I know!!!
I was able to get by with what I had until I was in my forties but then I knew it was time to get a bottom plate. The dentist told me I didn’t have much of a ridge and that I may have problems but I didn’t think much about it. I never adjusted well to the bottom plate. It seemed I always had a sore someplace and if one was fixed another cropped up somewhere else. I tried new plates but that didn’t help either. The dentist mentioned that I might be a candidate for dental implants. I was interested but I knew that insurance would not cover them and I had the erroneous information that the cost was exorbitant. So I tried to get by with what I had but it became increasingly more difficult to eat. I gave up many foods because they were too difficult and it was too painful to eat them. Over time the situation worsened and I became less vain in the face of pain and would take my bottom teeth out at every opportunity. It became like an addiction and I would think when would I get these damn teeth out when we were in social situations. They were the last thing I put in and the first out whenever possible. It became much easier to eat without them.
Last year while on vacation my husband suggested I get the implants when we returned home. I think he grew tired of seeing me putting them in and out of my mouth several times a day.
I asked my dentist to set up an appointment with a dental surgeon so that I could make a decision as to whether I would proceed with it. The appointment was near the end of May. There was some question if I had enough bone left in my lower jaw to accommodate the implants but x-rays confirmed it okay. We discussed procedure and cost ($2400). Surgery would consist of two holes drilled into my jawbone in the approximate location of my long gone eyeteeth. Titanium pegs would be inserted and then I would need to let four months elapse to allow time for the bone to grow around the pegs and make them solid. At that time the pegs would be uncovered and an attachment knob screwed into them. As far as I was concerned it was a go. The surgery took place in Council Bluffs because the equipment he needed was in that location. June 3rd was the date. It took about an hour and I was successful in getting my mind in another place to endure it. Considering my history in a dentist’s chair I thought I had performed a miracle by sitting in one spot that long! I was glad a friend went with me because I was in considerable discomfort for the 60-mile trip home. I took pain pills for the remainder of the day and slept a great deal but the recovery was not extreme and by the following day all was well. I was glad I had an excuse not to wear that pesky bottom plate for two weeks while my gums healed. Even then I hated putting them back in my mouth. I went through the summer with the same struggle I had been having for the past several years. I carried a plastic bag in my purse so I had somewhere to put them whenever I dared. In late September I had the titanium pegs uncovered and that was a bit more of a procedure than I had anticipated. It closely resembled the first surgery and I did not expect it to be that extensive. I felt as though I were squirming all over the chair but I managed to live through that. He hollowed out a depression in my bottom plate for the temporary knobs to fit into until the final healing was completed. I could tell the difference in stability immediately and enjoyed a meal while actually chewing my food. I was very anxious to get the final procedure finished so I could begin to enjoy the benefits of having these little metal “teeth” in my mouth. The 13th of October was the day and it was worth it all. The attachments were placed in my bottom plate and the two came together for the first time. The stability was unbelievable. I chewed so much that first day that my jaws were tired. They were not used to all that work. The first thing I tried was an apple and it worked great. I ate steak, celery, carrots, nuts and many other foods I had not been able to eat for years. I had not enjoyed this much pain free eating for more years than I can remember. My entire system was in a pleasant state of shock. My body was dealing with food that was actually chewed into tiny bits instead of the big chunks that had been forced through my system. The total monetary cost was $2770.00. And I say it is definitely worth it.
You have no idea how many areas of your life are affected by the lack of having working bottom teeth. I talk, laugh and yell differently. I feel more at ease because I do not fear that my bottom plate will fall in my lap. And the joy of eating is tremendous not to mention the benefit of having the food properly prepared for digestion. I leave them in for the entire day without a second thought just like normal people do. The teeth in your mouth affect every other area of your life.
P.S.
This was written a long time ago. I have had my implants about 13 years now and I am still very grateful for them. They are the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am not sure I would have the nerve to have it done in Mexico although I am sure many have without incident. I had mine done in Council Bluffs Iowa by Dr Anderson
PPS- I am still delighted with my implants 2014
Still searching for the other one...maybe it is a hard copy ,after all that was 30 years ago!! Wow!
Sunday, January 12
Balldropper Blogger Barb
These days it has been hard for me to keep up with one blog much less two! I was shocked to see it had been several days since the last entry on this blog. That will get me chewed out by a few unless they also keep up with the other one www.magnolianews.blogspot.com.
So what has kept me hopping? Computers of all shapes and sizes. In most cases I feel up to the task and it keeps me up to date, on top of tech stuff, retaining the things I already knew as well as enjoying it very much. I return north each spring and for the most part just do my own stuff. May get a phone call or an email with a question now and then but that is about it. And then I come back here and think, "What can I possibly teach them that they do not already know?" So the first session or two can be me getting back in the groove. But then things start coming together. Last Friday was particularly productive.
We learned-
how to copy a recipe from Facebook, paste it into a Google drive document and save it to the cloud.
how to convert any file to a pdf using Primo pdf.
how to investigate an error message.
Not bad for a bit over an hours time. Keep in mind the above was done by people who have been coming faithfully for quite a few years.
But then I have people come who are not sure how to send an email and they get intimidated thinking this class is not for them so that is why I am starting a beginner class next Friday after the advanced class.
I would very much like to get a class started in Jefferson if I can ever figure out a way to do it. Perhaps I can start out with 4 people in my kitchen! The different levels of skill is an obstacle but not a big one. My goal each week is for them to leave knowing at least one new thing.
Butch has upped his pool playing activity this year, participating in several leagues as well as each evening from 6:00 to 8:00. Brother-in-law Bernard was telling Butch about a game they used to play called Cribbage Pool. So we looked up the rules and the guys are trying it and liking the variety it gives them. Thanks, Bernard!
So what has kept me hopping? Computers of all shapes and sizes. In most cases I feel up to the task and it keeps me up to date, on top of tech stuff, retaining the things I already knew as well as enjoying it very much. I return north each spring and for the most part just do my own stuff. May get a phone call or an email with a question now and then but that is about it. And then I come back here and think, "What can I possibly teach them that they do not already know?" So the first session or two can be me getting back in the groove. But then things start coming together. Last Friday was particularly productive.
We learned-
how to copy a recipe from Facebook, paste it into a Google drive document and save it to the cloud.
how to convert any file to a pdf using Primo pdf.
how to investigate an error message.
Not bad for a bit over an hours time. Keep in mind the above was done by people who have been coming faithfully for quite a few years.
But then I have people come who are not sure how to send an email and they get intimidated thinking this class is not for them so that is why I am starting a beginner class next Friday after the advanced class.
I would very much like to get a class started in Jefferson if I can ever figure out a way to do it. Perhaps I can start out with 4 people in my kitchen! The different levels of skill is an obstacle but not a big one. My goal each week is for them to leave knowing at least one new thing.
Butch has upped his pool playing activity this year, participating in several leagues as well as each evening from 6:00 to 8:00. Brother-in-law Bernard was telling Butch about a game they used to play called Cribbage Pool. So we looked up the rules and the guys are trying it and liking the variety it gives them. Thanks, Bernard!
Wednesday, January 8
Return of Good Weather and other stuff
The weather was near perfect today with sunshine and a high of 72. There is nothing like a string of crappy weather to put a smile of appreciation on your face when we get one like today. I understand that those we left behind in the frigid north land are feeling fortunate to be on the plus side of zero. At least those who made it were grateful. It is all relative.
I have been having so much fun helping my new computer/kindle people. I do not consider it work. Someone smarter than I once said it isn't work if you can hardly wait to do it and that is how I feel about it. I get to go play again tomorrow when one of my new students will be getting a new Internet connection. Then the real fun begins for her.
Butch is busy playing pool in several leagues and tournaments. He and his partner are doing well most of the time. Let's say they are mostly on the plus side when it comes to wins.
I have been having so much fun helping my new computer/kindle people. I do not consider it work. Someone smarter than I once said it isn't work if you can hardly wait to do it and that is how I feel about it. I get to go play again tomorrow when one of my new students will be getting a new Internet connection. Then the real fun begins for her.
Butch is busy playing pool in several leagues and tournaments. He and his partner are doing well most of the time. Let's say they are mostly on the plus side when it comes to wins.
How to type fractions
For those of us who type recipes this information is something I knew once but forgot and now I am glad to see it once again!
Hold
Alt key +0188 to type 1/4
Alt key + 0189 to get 1/2 and
Alt key + 0190 to get 3/4
¼
½
¾
Try it!
Hold
Alt key +0188 to type 1/4
Alt key + 0189 to get 1/2 and
Alt key + 0190 to get 3/4
¼
½
¾
Try it!
Tuesday, January 7
Toshiba Mini Mouse
Butch has had this Toshiba mini mouse for many years and when people see it they often comment on it. The last time I purchased one I bought two. I got it out the other day because I loaned out my other mouse. It is a handy little thing for those of us who prefer a mouse. It is small and easily fits in a pocket or purse. I looked it up on Amazon this morning and snipped the picture. You can find the link below. It is reasonably priced too at $9.39 with $3.32 shipping.
Monday, January 6
Techno Fun
I have been having a real hoot helping two different people get acquainted with computing and the Internet. I have said many times that when I teach I learn as much or more than the student and that has been genuinely brought to light with helping these two. I have had a Kindle Fire for over a year. I use it to read books. I prefer to do all other things on my computer. But in having to teach someone else it has forced me to know more about my Kindle Fire than I ever intended to know.
The other student will be getting a new lifestyle with a Chromebook. Part of what excites me about both of these people is that at this time they have no idea the wonders that are about to be opened to them.
The other day Butch was grumbling about his computer so the following morning I set him up with my Chromebook. It is so simple, fast and easy and even more so if you are currently a Chrome and google user.
Butch had not been on it long when he says, " How much are these?- $249 He says I think this is what I want for my next computer. He was as impressed with its speed and simplicity as I am. The more I know about it the better I like it.
The other student will be getting a new lifestyle with a Chromebook. Part of what excites me about both of these people is that at this time they have no idea the wonders that are about to be opened to them.
The other day Butch was grumbling about his computer so the following morning I set him up with my Chromebook. It is so simple, fast and easy and even more so if you are currently a Chrome and google user.
Butch had not been on it long when he says, " How much are these?- $249 He says I think this is what I want for my next computer. He was as impressed with its speed and simplicity as I am. The more I know about it the better I like it.
Peg and Kay
Peg and Kay!
Six of us went to Riverside to celebrate Kay Stilson's birthday. She is entering a new decade.
A little on the cool side so not many people were anxious for a ride on the river.
Chimney RV Park
Sunday, January 5
101 Really Great Ideas
I spent WAY too much time on this website!
http://www.glamumous.co.uk/2013/03/101-household-tips-for-every-room-in.html
http://www.glamumous.co.uk/2013/03/101-household-tips-for-every-room-in.html
Saturday, January 4
Too long at WalMart
His Mom says:
I think we spent too long today at Walmart in Leo's opinion! He put himself to sleep.
I think we spent too long today at Walmart in Leo's opinion! He put himself to sleep.
Gary's Ski Trip Video
Late but not forgotten...
Took some short video on my ski vacation with my old camera
Thursday, January 2
Wakerupper
WEBSITE OF THE DAY
Wakerupper. Simple telephone reminders to remind yourself of important events, remember to take medication on time, set reminders for tasks and follow-ups. Wakerupper was chosen by TIME.com editors as one of the 50 Best Websites of 2010.
I thought some of you might like this website.
Wakerupper. Simple telephone reminders to remind yourself of important events, remember to take medication on time, set reminders for tasks and follow-ups. Wakerupper was chosen by TIME.com editors as one of the 50 Best Websites of 2010.
I thought some of you might like this website.
Wednesday, January 1
Happy New Year!!
Where did the year go? Suddenly it is January.....AGAIN - and I realize that with giant strides and within a blink of an eye, 2013 is over!
A big "Thank You" for your friendship, laughs and memories during 2013.
Without you, I"m sure that 2013 would have been extremely boring. From my side I wish you all a magical Festive Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts.
Happy,
Monday, December 30
Forgot Crafts
I forgot crafts today...and I really did forget. Butch's pool partner Don Louks got a Kindle and his computer skills amounted to playing solitaire. I am one who can get excited about showing someone the wonders of technology, at least the ones I understand and I thought what better type of day to get settled in with a new student with a new Kindle. Thus the crafters taking down the Christmas tree was the furthest thing from my mind...honestly.
Don is well on his way to having a good time with his Kindle Fire having a library of about 12 books all free from www.bookbub.com. Add to that a few solitaire games and he is looking at many hours of entertainment on rainy days.
What's for supper on a rainy day?
Hamburger Soup
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour
Servings: 10
"'I can't wait for chilly weather just so I can make this hearty soup!' notes Sandra Koch from Elyria, Ohio. 'I came across the recipe a few years ago, and my family fell in love with it. 'You'll love it, too...it's priced at a mere 68 cents a bowl."
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onion (optional)
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup stick margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS:
1.
In a large saucepan or soup kettle, cook the beef, onions, carrots, celery and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
2.
In another saucepan, melt margarine over medium-low heat. Stir in flour until smooth. cook and stir for 6-8 minutes or until mixture turns golden brown. Carefully stir into soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I threw in a couple chunks of velveeta instead of the flour paste. I followed the recipe with that exception. It was quite delicious.
Don is well on his way to having a good time with his Kindle Fire having a library of about 12 books all free from www.bookbub.com. Add to that a few solitaire games and he is looking at many hours of entertainment on rainy days.
What's for supper on a rainy day?
Hamburger Soup
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour
Servings: 10
"'I can't wait for chilly weather just so I can make this hearty soup!' notes Sandra Koch from Elyria, Ohio. 'I came across the recipe a few years ago, and my family fell in love with it. 'You'll love it, too...it's priced at a mere 68 cents a bowl."
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onion (optional)
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup stick margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS:
1.
In a large saucepan or soup kettle, cook the beef, onions, carrots, celery and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
2.
In another saucepan, melt margarine over medium-low heat. Stir in flour until smooth. cook and stir for 6-8 minutes or until mixture turns golden brown. Carefully stir into soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I threw in a couple chunks of velveeta instead of the flour paste. I followed the recipe with that exception. It was quite delicious.
Sunday, December 29
All is Well
I have recovered from my cold. It was a small one. I give some credit to my neti pot which I used twice a day throughout the ordeal. And I added to that a new cold medication Zephrex-D. It came to my attention on one of the news shows. A small company in St Louis MO came up with a new manufacturing procedure that thwarts the meth makers. Meth it seems has to be in powder form for them to be able to use it to make their street meth. Zephrex-D is not in powder form. It rather reminds me of little paraffin squares. To top it off it is not very expensive. They have it at Walgreens. It worked quite well for me to ease my symptoms.
Been busy with computer issues lately. The biggest question lately seems to be- How do I know a download is something I need and how can I be sure it is safe? These days there is no easy answer and their isn't anything to keep you completely safe. I guess my best advice would be that if you do not know if it is safe- don't do it. Almost all things can wait.
.
Friday, December 27
Blast from our past
Let me take you back a few years. Pecan Bill had an Oooga Horn on his golf cart. Kay hated it. He would come home and blast his arrival and she would jump out of her skin. As we were gathered together "somebody" and I truthfully do not remember who, stuffed a potato in Bill's Ooga horn so of course we had to see what happened when we blew the horn with the potato in it. And here is the video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyIaUNWEZGc
Who says we do not have fun in our old age.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyIaUNWEZGc
Who says we do not have fun in our old age.
Thursday, December 26
Ice Balls
Christmas Video from Gary!!
Links to new video with new camera
Babysitting Leo
Elise 1st gift
Sled Gift
Wednesday, December 25
I have a head cold
I have a head cold- not the worst I have ever had but still not fun. I do not feel like blogging and you will be peeved Susan VH. Not today-maybe tomorrow.I did not attend Christmas dinner in Allen Hall because I did not want to infect anyone.
Stay Well
Tuesday, December 24
Missouri Christmas Eve
Gary, Susan,Elise and Leo-Now they each have a child to carry...I suppose they switch off now and then
Dr. Elise
Clean out
I have not sent out individual emails for a very long time. But recently I decided to clean out my contact list. There are people in there I do not even recognize! So I went through my contact list and sent the Christmas letter to all I knew and cared about. Now I will be able to do some deep cleaning when I receive all the failure to deliver notices...and there are quite a few! So if I missed you- I am sorry but send me an email and we will get you right back in there.
Also, another issue surfaced as I was doing this- I am in touch with many of you through Facbook but I do not have an email address for you. Sometimes you may want to send a private message to someone that you do not want the world to see on Facebook. So if you are one of those people and you know it please send me an email ( keep.movin.on@gmail.com ) I do like to stay in touch with all of you.
Also, another issue surfaced as I was doing this- I am in touch with many of you through Facbook but I do not have an email address for you. Sometimes you may want to send a private message to someone that you do not want the world to see on Facebook. So if you are one of those people and you know it please send me an email ( keep.movin.on@gmail.com ) I do like to stay in touch with all of you.
Merry Christmas Letter of 2013
For the past few years I have passed on the Christmas letter because of the blog at www.brooker3.blogspot.com. I used to send out nudges so you would check in on the blog and get caught up on what we were doing. And then I placed the little address thingie at the bottom of the blog page whereby you can put your email address in the slot and hit submit and then you would get the blog entries in your email. So there are plenty of options for you all to keep up with our activities. I have kept the blog since 2002! Unbelievable!
So I am still expecting you to find your way to the blog for in depth reporting but here is the short of it. The house we bought in the fall of 2010 in Jefferson Iowa, our hometown, has been gutted and transformed by us, with a little help from our friends, into our cozy little bungalow. We have two full hook up RV pads in the backyard. One is designated for our rig but the other one can be open for those who would like to come spend some time with us in their RV. Now if you do not own an RV but would still like to come see us and stay for a bit you can have your choice of house or RV. We are more than comfy in either one.
Our youngun's are not so young anymore and are now having grandchildren. Rich, our son in Georgia, and his wife Donna have 3 gorgeous granddaughters, Nina, Scarlett and Skylar. Gary, our son in Missouri, and his wife Susan have 2 grandchildren, sweet, beautiful Miss Elise and little Leo, the wonder baby. Jason, our son in Iowa, and his wife Laura have one grandson Ethan. Jason and Ethan have been bonded since birth. It is great fun watching your children be grandparents and enjoying every minute of it.
Butch is still enjoying playing golf and pool mixed in with a card game now and then. Fortunately we both like projects, our next big one will be a 3 season room on the back of our house. We will mix smaller projects in now and again.
I am still beading, teaching computer classes, photography,walking, Swedish weaving and playing pool now and then.
Butch and I have carved out a life for ourselves that we both enjoy and have been doing so for nearly 55 years. That too seems unbelievable!
So this Christmas season of 2013 cherish every moment and create as many of those precious memories as possible to sustain you in your old age.
Much Love to all of you,
Barb and Butch
Monday, December 23
Sunday, December 22
On our walk today...
On our walk today we toyed with the idea of going back north for Christmas. Not this year but perhaps next year. We haven't had a northern Christmas for at least 10 years now and we do have little great grands to see having the Christmas experience and that would be a sleigh load of fun. We talk when we walk and so this idea may just be talk and not come to anything. But then again a seed may be planted. We shall see.
Christmas in Missouri
From Gary:
Susan did a good job on the house for Christmas. Here are a few shots with our new camera.
Susan did a good job on the house for Christmas. Here are a few shots with our new camera.
Thanks Gary!
From son Gary in Peculiar MO
You should come visit a while to get some perspective on your "weather jail" periods.
I know Jason's weather is worse than mine!
Saturday, December 21
The Day sneaks away...
First you start laundry -then a computer needs help- then you deliver some fruitcake and then you go to the flea market and then you get company- and then you do a little research for someone...and the day just slips away...
Butch seemed to think the Presidents job took up much of my time but now I do not have that and I am busier than ever. I really do not mind as it feels good to be needed most of the time. My only fear is forgetting something or someone I have promised.
Still on my to do list is to continue asking "What is there about you that would surprise people if they knew." I need a few more answers from different people on that question. It sure has sparked much conversation.
I helped Gil Shymanski start a blog. He is doing very well with it and if you look on the left side of this page you will see a link for Shymanski Says and that would be Gil's blog. Go have a look.
A friend told me just the other day that if I do not post something every day she gets a bit peeved with me. I guess there will be days now and then where she is peeved.
Christmas is right around the corner and most everyone I know and who feels near and dear keeps tabs on us through the blogs.
www.brooker3.blogspot.com
and/or
www.magnolianews.blogspot.com
We would love to hear from any or all of you in whatever communication form appeals to you.
Best Wishes Always!
Butch seemed to think the Presidents job took up much of my time but now I do not have that and I am busier than ever. I really do not mind as it feels good to be needed most of the time. My only fear is forgetting something or someone I have promised.
Still on my to do list is to continue asking "What is there about you that would surprise people if they knew." I need a few more answers from different people on that question. It sure has sparked much conversation.
I helped Gil Shymanski start a blog. He is doing very well with it and if you look on the left side of this page you will see a link for Shymanski Says and that would be Gil's blog. Go have a look.
A friend told me just the other day that if I do not post something every day she gets a bit peeved with me. I guess there will be days now and then where she is peeved.
Christmas is right around the corner and most everyone I know and who feels near and dear keeps tabs on us through the blogs.
www.brooker3.blogspot.com
and/or
www.magnolianews.blogspot.com
We would love to hear from any or all of you in whatever communication form appeals to you.
Best Wishes Always!
Thursday, December 19
Gary and Jason in the famous "curdled" neck sweaters
They hated these sweaters but I thought they looked really cute in them and I still do!! Hmmm...about 7 and 5 years of ageHow Our Ancestors Used to Sleep
I know personally many of you have concern about your sleep pattern. But perhaps you should not.
Barb
How Our Ancestors Used to Sleep Twice a Night and Highlighting the Problem of Present Shock
by Jeremy D. Johnson on August 25, 2013 in stories
8 hour sleeping is a modern invention.
Imagine you are a denizen of the 18th century. It’s just past 8:30 P.M., you’ve got your night-cap on. You blow out your candles and fall asleep to the smell of the wax and the wick, which gently fills the air around your bed. Some hours pass. 2:30 AM. You awaken, grab your coat, and visit the neighbors because they, too, are up. Doing quiet reading, prayer, or even having sex. Well, apparently before the age of electricity, sleeping twice a night was completely ubiquitous.
Back in those times, we slept twice a night, getting up for an hour or two for recreation before heading back to bed until dawn.
From Slumberwise.com:
The existence of our sleeping twice per night was first uncovered by Roger Ekirch, professor of History at Virginia Tech.
His research found that we didn’t always sleep in one eight hour chunk. We used to sleep in two shorter periods, over a longer range of night. This range was about 12 hours long, and began with a sleep of three to four hours, wakefulness of two to three hours, then sleep again until morning.
References are scattered throughout literature, court documents, personal papers, and the ephemera of the past. What is surprising is not that people slept in two sessions, but that the concept was so incredibly common. Two-piece sleeping was the standard, accepted way to sleep.
“It’s not just the number of references – it is the way they refer to it, as if it was common knowledge,” Ekirch says.
An English doctor wrote, for example, that the ideal time for study and contemplation was between “first sleep” and “second sleep.” Chaucer tells of a character in the Canterbury Tales that goes to bed following her “firste sleep.” And, explaining the reason why working class conceived more children, a doctor from the 1500s reported that they typically had sex after their first sleep.
Ekirch’s book At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past is replete with such examples.
But just what did people do with these extra twilight hours? Pretty much what you might expect.
Most stayed in their beds and bedrooms, sometimes reading, and often they would use the time to pray. Religious manuals included special prayers to be said in the mid-sleep hours.
Others might smoke, talk with co-sleepers, or have sex. Some were more active and would leave to visit with neighbours.
As we know, this practice eventually died out. Ekirch attributes the change to the advent of street lighting and eventually electric indoor light, as well as the popularity of coffee houses. Author Craig Koslofsky offers a further theory in his book Evening’s Empire. With the rise of more street lighting, night stopped being the domain of criminals and sub-classes and became a time for work or socializing. Two sleeps were eventually considered a wasteful way to spend these hours.
The science seems to back up our history books. In a 4-week study with 15 men living with restricted daylight hours, something strange started to happen. After catching up on their “sleep debt” – a common state of affairs for most of us – the participants began to wake up in the middle of the night:
They began to have two sleeps.
Over a twelve hour period, the participants would typically sleep for about four or five hours initially, then wake for several hours, then sleep again until morning. They slept not more than eight hours total.
The middle hours of the night, between two sleeps, was characterized by unusual calmness, likened to meditation. This was not the middle-of-the-night toss-and-turn that many of us experienced. The individuals did not stress about falling back asleep, but used the time to relax.
Russell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience at Oxford, points out that even with standard sleep patterns, this night waking isn’t always cause for concern. “Many people wake up at night and panic,” he says. “I tell them that what they are experiencing is a throwback to the bi-modal sleep pattern.”
Although the article mentions there are no benefits for sleeping twice a night, it’s difficult to imagine there wouldn’t be some major effects on our daily consciousness. How much would we benefit from a few hours of “unusual calmness, likened to meditation”? Seriously. I haven’t tried “bi-modal” sleep, but I think many of us, including myself, have stumbled into it. Our maddeningly busy digital schedules prevent us from considering the possibility, and benefits, of interloping with the sidereal realms of consciousness for more than an 8-hour “sleep debt” crash.
But we can’t go back to a pre-electric lifestyle of early-to-bed, early-to-rise. Yet, maybe we can utilize this knowledge to enhance our quality of life, and open us up to alternative modes of mind and time.
Wednesday, December 18
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Youtube Video
We spent two summers in the area and loved it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BUOQ_yPW_0s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BUOQ_yPW_0s
Tuesday, December 17
Won the weather lottery!
We have not only been let out of weather jail we have now won the weather lottery! We have had a few days of perfect weather and they say a long stretch of weather goodies are on the way. Peg and I were on our way to Hobby Lobby today and we were talking about how difficult it is to think of Christmas with temps in the 70's. Even after all the years we have spent Christmas in South Texas it is still a stretch of the imagination for us.
I remember back to the days where we would watch the weather reports and wonder if we would be able to travel to a relatives place or if the kids would be able to make it home for Christmas. Weather can still be a factor here but really...not so much.
Marlene and Bernard ( Butch's sister and brother-in-law) have made it down from northern Iowa. We plan to go to Harlingen to see them tomorrow afternoon.
I remember back to the days where we would watch the weather reports and wonder if we would be able to travel to a relatives place or if the kids would be able to make it home for Christmas. Weather can still be a factor here but really...not so much.
Marlene and Bernard ( Butch's sister and brother-in-law) have made it down from northern Iowa. We plan to go to Harlingen to see them tomorrow afternoon.
Monday, December 16
The Hunger Games-Catching Fire
Butch and I have listened to all three books and seen the first movie. So yesterday we went to the second movie in the series of three. As we are walking out of the theater a couple of women were coming out at the same time. They asked me if I had any idea what the movie was about. I told them that yes, I understood what was going on . Come to find out these women knew nothing about the books and had not seen the first movie. They felt they were dropped into the middle of something but did not have any idea what...and they were! Do not try to see this movie if you have not seen the first one at least or you will feel exactly as they did. It does not stand on its own and you do need a base knowledge to enjoy it. We enjoyed it very much and I felt sorry for these two ladies who had wasted their money.
I forgot all about playing pool this morning. I so wanted to go but still forgot! It is very hard to keep track of everything and still get the basics done at home. No wonder I feel as though I am on vacation when we leave here the first of April.
I forgot all about playing pool this morning. I so wanted to go but still forgot! It is very hard to keep track of everything and still get the basics done at home. No wonder I feel as though I am on vacation when we leave here the first of April.
Sunday, December 15
Ethan the Mechanic
He has it jacked up on his tricycle and even has a chock on the back. The chock is on the wrong side but even so...Ethan is 5. And so much fun to watch.Old email addresses
Sometimes an email address will get hijacked. It happens too darn often actually. I have had it happen and so I changed my password making it tougher. But then it happened again! And then again! And I am thinking, come on now I have done everything I can. Am I going to have to change my email address? I completely forgot about an old roadramblin yahoo email. A few months ago Yahoo stated that if you had not accessed an email account in a years time it would be deleted. It had been well over a year so I dismissed it as done. So after Leo alerted me to a problem I started thinking about how it could have happened and remembered that old email account. So I checked it out. And sure enough I was able to go to the account using that really old and very easy password and all my info was there plus all my contacts! At first I could not find a way to delete the account but finally googled it and it was quite easy. In so doing they did say the account was deactivated but would not be completely gone until 90 days had passed. They said if I pressed that confirm button I would not be able to get into the account. I just this minute tried it and it would not let me in but it did say to press here to reactivate the account. I do not like this! I do not know how hard it would be for someone with an evil intent to reactivate my account. The only thing that gives me comfort is that I changed that little easy password right before I deactivated the account. They would have to know that password to reactivate it.
So I am telling you if you decide to eliminate an old email account change the password first as an extra precaution.
Do you have an old email you no longer use? Check to see if you can get into it. If you can after an extended length of time so can others.
So I am telling you if you decide to eliminate an old email account change the password first as an extra precaution.
Do you have an old email you no longer use? Check to see if you can get into it. If you can after an extended length of time so can others.
Friday, December 13
Let out of WEATHER JAIL!!
We have all been let out of weather jail today with temps in the mid 70's. There is more cold stuff on the way but at least they are not predicting a 7-10 day stretch of it. It will be more like normal with a day of cool weather and then a return to normal. We are all ready for normal.
I close all in with cold weather,both physically and mentally. It is no wonder I gained 10 pounds every winter when we lived year round in the north land. Not to mention when you are all covered up in winter gear it is easy to lose track of how you really look. Winter clothes hides bulges,bubbles and blobs quite well and then when we shed those many layers it is easy to find a hidden chubby wonder you knew nothing about . Oh if only we could all look like we think we look! What a looker I would be. I am truly shocked whenever I look in the mirror and see that old woman looking back at me when there clearly should be something quite slim and truly gorgeous. Oh well, she is pleasant enough to live with even with the distorted mirror.
Browsing for things I have saved and then forgotten...
I close all in with cold weather,both physically and mentally. It is no wonder I gained 10 pounds every winter when we lived year round in the north land. Not to mention when you are all covered up in winter gear it is easy to lose track of how you really look. Winter clothes hides bulges,bubbles and blobs quite well and then when we shed those many layers it is easy to find a hidden chubby wonder you knew nothing about . Oh if only we could all look like we think we look! What a looker I would be. I am truly shocked whenever I look in the mirror and see that old woman looking back at me when there clearly should be something quite slim and truly gorgeous. Oh well, she is pleasant enough to live with even with the distorted mirror.
Browsing for things I have saved and then forgotten...
Wednesday, December 11
Still Cold...
It is still cold by South Texas standards and really, it isn't too bad, but for us it is disruptive. The shades are pulled. We are all closed up. It is cloudy, drizzly and the high temp is hovering around 50 degrees. More of the same predicted for tomorrow. We are getting our walks in each day...mostly.
I generally do not write much when I am bummed out by...something...or someone...
There are bright spots now and then. They are eluding me at the minute. I am sunshine deprived and I am thinking that may be the only thing that will fix me.
Not today, not tomorrow either....maybe the day after tomorrow.
I generally do not write much when I am bummed out by...something...or someone...
There are bright spots now and then. They are eluding me at the minute. I am sunshine deprived and I am thinking that may be the only thing that will fix me.
Not today, not tomorrow either....maybe the day after tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 10
Seasonal Sorrow
We have never experienced a season in Sunny South Texas such as this one. We have had two Blue Northers that have stuck around way too long and they tell us more is on the way. There is not a sunny face on the weather report for the next 10 days. Boo!! Hiss!!
Thank goodness we have plenty of indoor activities to keep us all busy and so far we are not in danger of slipping on the ice.
I had a good time in the pool hall getting a bit of instruction from Char on the game yesterday morning. Butch may play golf today but he is beyond crazy if he does as the current outdoor temp is 42 at 9:10 AM. Brrr!
We are troopers, aren't we? She says with tongue in cheek.
Thank goodness we have plenty of indoor activities to keep us all busy and so far we are not in danger of slipping on the ice.
I had a good time in the pool hall getting a bit of instruction from Char on the game yesterday morning. Butch may play golf today but he is beyond crazy if he does as the current outdoor temp is 42 at 9:10 AM. Brrr!
We are troopers, aren't we? She says with tongue in cheek.
Sunday, December 8
Groupon?
I have received many good deals through Groupon. One time I purchased a Groupon deal for a sightseeing excursion to the Port of Brownsville and we enjoyed it very much. Here is a referral link if you would like to check out Groupon. Yes, I do benefit if you join and order something using this link. And I thank you very much if you decide to do it. But I also thank you very much for reading the blog.
HTTP://WWW.GROUPON.COM//RAF/USERREFERRAL_RP/121015/10R1ACT/LK/UU4299705
Thank You!!
HTTP://WWW.GROUPON.COM//RAF/USERREFERRAL_RP/121015/10R1ACT/LK/UU4299705
Thank You!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)