Friday, February 16
Tuesday, February 13
Full Fun Day
Yesterday Butch and I did something we rarely do together in South Texas-went shopping! First, we stopped at the hairdressers in Donna. Butch has not had a pro cut his hair for, let us say, YEARS. So Mary cut his hair and Daisy trimmed mine. It was a cold day and when we walked in the two of them were watching Mexican soap operas on TV. They said it was too cold for people to get out and that is why they were not busy. They quickly took care of us and we were on our way to McAllen and Costco. Butch likes to shop at Costco but down here I go with the girls. Each method has its value.
After shopping, we decided to see what Raising Cane, a chicken fast food restaurant, has to offer. We liked it and will be going there again. We ordered a combo- 4 chicken strips, fries, coleslaw, toast and a drink for $7 something and it was plenty for the two of us. They are used to people sharing because they asked if we wanted a second plate. After lunch, we made our way back to the park the slow way and thus stopped at the Dairy Queen for dessert in Alamo. Butch said our dessert cost about the same as our meal! We had not had a day like that for a long time and it was fun.
After shopping, we decided to see what Raising Cane, a chicken fast food restaurant, has to offer. We liked it and will be going there again. We ordered a combo- 4 chicken strips, fries, coleslaw, toast and a drink for $7 something and it was plenty for the two of us. They are used to people sharing because they asked if we wanted a second plate. After lunch, we made our way back to the park the slow way and thus stopped at the Dairy Queen for dessert in Alamo. Butch said our dessert cost about the same as our meal! We had not had a day like that for a long time and it was fun.
Friday, February 9
The Day of the Bee's
Almost a week ago I was cooking roasted vegetables in my NuWave oven. It was warm enough to have the windows open, a very pleasant day. I started noticing bee's gathering around the windows. 3 or 4 of them around every open window and the door. I closed the windows and then there were ever more gathering at the door with some of them finding their way inside. Soon it became alarming because of the number of them. Finally, we managed to get the door shut, turned off the oven and they went away.
My roasted vegetable recipe
5 or 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into chunks
2 large sweet onions, chunked
3 large carrots peeled and chunked
2 T. olive oil
splash of balsamic vinegar
seasoned salt to taste
Place in medium to large bowl and stir until well coated. Place in shallow pan and roast at 350 to 400 degrees until browned and tender. In Nuwave 30 minutes in conventional oven may take longer
The bee's think this recipe is yummy.
My roasted vegetable recipe
5 or 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into chunks
2 large sweet onions, chunked
3 large carrots peeled and chunked
2 T. olive oil
splash of balsamic vinegar
seasoned salt to taste
Place in medium to large bowl and stir until well coated. Place in shallow pan and roast at 350 to 400 degrees until browned and tender. In Nuwave 30 minutes in conventional oven may take longer
The bee's think this recipe is yummy.
One of the Coldest
This season so far has been one of the coldest in memory. We have been getting a roller coaster of a ride with the temperatures. Right now it looks like it might give us a break after Monday and then we will have temps in the 70's. I am hoping we can then say winter as we know it is over.
Sunday, February 4
This Morning's photos
The geranium with nine lives. I have nearly killed it and then saved it many times.
A form of Plant Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
A view from my window...
I had to venture outside to get these last two photos. The leaves are off most of the trees these days. Buds will soon be appearing and by months end will be fully leafed out.
2/4/2018 Sunday morning at 7:00 am Moon. I have been on a moon kick since getting the knack of it. This too shall pass.
Friday, February 2
Down in ol' Mexico
Needed to go down and pick up a few meds so we asked friends who stay in Harlingen if the wanted to join us. Brian and Mary Carlson met us at the gate. We walked down to Hector's. Hector is our meds guy in Progreso. Then we lunched at Jessica's, a favorite spot of ours. Panchos Tex-Mex is our favorite on the menu. It was a fun day all around.
The music is excellent so Brian and Mary tripped the light fantastic.
Butch has wanted to buy a hat for mowing in the summer and he seems to think this would be a good choice. I think they would be hauling him off to the Funny Farm.
The music is excellent so Brian and Mary tripped the light fantastic.
Butch has wanted to buy a hat for mowing in the summer and he seems to think this would be a good choice. I think they would be hauling him off to the Funny Farm.
Tuesday, January 30
Beckett does it again!
Beckett is the youngest grandson of Leo and Keri and he has a real knack for doing interesting faces when getting his picture taken and here he has done it again! I couldn't resist adding the bubble.
Monday, January 29
Dashing about
We made a quick trip to McAllen (actually Pharr) to restock our cash supply then we came back to Weslaco and went to an 11:30 AM film feature showing the movie 'Hostile'. I expected it to be gruesome and bloody. There was some blood of course but the story of the cavalry and the Indians was treated even-handedly. The acting was top notch and I thought it was excellent. It was a 3 hanky movie and I think Butch used up 4. He is a softie.
Back in Jefferson, Leo and Keri's kitchen project has begun and we are enjoying the photos step by step. Our favorite cook getting a new kitchen has to be beneficial for us too. I am certain of it. Wink, wink.
Back in Jefferson, Leo and Keri's kitchen project has begun and we are enjoying the photos step by step. Our favorite cook getting a new kitchen has to be beneficial for us too. I am certain of it. Wink, wink.
Thursday, January 25
Busiest time of year
From now till Mid-March is busy for us down here. It slows up considerably after that. Butch used to complain that we didn't have any free time when I was President. I knew then and I know now that it wasn't me being busy. Next week we plan to go to Mexico with friends, Mary and Brian Carlson, who stay in a park in Harlingen. We boiled it down to Friday next week. Monday is crafting for me but that is a deal where I can be there or not. No problem. Tuesday is Coffee hour and that is my duty as VP to attend. Butch plays golf. Wednesday he plays in a pool league in the afternoon. Thursday he plays cribbage and they are in tournament mode now so he cannot miss it. And that brings us to Friday. Most of the activities wind down or end mid-March.
Trivia is becoming very popular. I wish I could find a better time for it but we are squeezing it into the only time open as far as I can see. Sundays after ice cream. 6:00 pm in Allen Hall.
Trivia is becoming very popular. I wish I could find a better time for it but we are squeezing it into the only time open as far as I can see. Sundays after ice cream. 6:00 pm in Allen Hall.
Dog Poop Blues?
Get Poop Off Your Shoe
You get home to find you stepped in dog do-do while on your evening walk. No problem! Just spray some WD-40 on the sole of your shoe and use an old toothbrush to clean the poop out of the crevices. Rinse with cold water and your shoes will be as good as new.
Tuesday, January 23
A new portrait of us
Our picture that I use for this blog and other places where we need a picture is from 2013 so I decided we need a new one and I had my friend Deon take one.
Thursday, January 18
Extra time lately
Homemade Floor Cleaner For All Types Of Floors
It is easy to see I have had some extra time lately by the bent of my posts. I have based them on conversations I have had lately with people on various subjects and this one falls into that category.
Tried and true homemade floor cleaner. I have used this mixture for several years now. I mix it up and divide it into two spray bottles. One for the Motorhome and one for the tiny house. Sometimes I make a half batch. It is a great all-purpose cleaner and sanitizer. Read all the directions for best results. Common sense, so don't over think it.
How to make homemade floor cleaner from HousewifeHowTos.com
You probably already have all of the ingredients needed to make your own homemade floor cleaner — one which gets your floors just as shiny clean as the commercial stuff.
So, why would you want to? Because it’s for your own good.
Commercial cleaning products contribute greatly to indoor air pollution. For people with allergies or asthma, indoor air quality is critical to good health.
Now, add in pets or young children who spend a lot of time on the floor. Do you really want their paws or pacifiers having that much contact with harsh solvents?
If that’s not enough to convince you, consider this: it costs just pennies to make enough homemade floor cleaner to clean your floors for months. That’s right: pennies. Why shell out $3 or more for a commercial cleaner that’s bad for you and your family when you can whip up your own with ingredients you already have?
You only need this one homemade floor cleaner to clean every hard flooring surface in your home. It works on laminate. It works on hardwood. It even works on vinyl, linoleum, and tile. Yep, you can use it on marble or granite: the vinegar used in the recipe is so diluted that it won’t damage them. It even works on cement!
Have I mentioned that, after powering through grime, it also leaves a gorgeous shine?
How To Make Homemade Floor Cleaner
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
3 drops liquid dish soap (See Note below)
5-10 drops essential oils (optional)
Important notes: We all like to swap things around in DIY cleaning recipes, but before you do there are some things you should know:
• Don’t use a dish soap that contains moisturizers, antibacterial ingredients, or “oxygen bleach”. I use Dawn Original (Classic), which is similar to Sunlight or Fairy in the UK.
• Do NOT swap Castille soap for the dish soap — it’s an oil-based soap and will, therefore, leave streaks and smears.
• If you use essential oils be sure they aren’t compounds (i.e., those with fragrance added to grapeseed or some other form of oil).
• You CAN use this on granite, marble, and natural stone floors. I’ve been doing it for years without a problem. The reason is that the vinegar in this solution is diluted by the water and other ingredients, so it doesn’t remain acidic enough to cause etching.
How To Use Homemade Floor Cleaner
Follow the recipe above. This works equally well regardless of whether you use a bucket or spray bottle to dispense your floor cleaner as you mop. Of course, you’ll have to dump out what’s left in the bucket after use, while anything left in the spray bottle can be stored in a dark, cool place for future cleanings.
So now what will you do with those different bottles of cleaning products taking up space on your shelves? Use them up if it bothers you to have spent money on them, or get rid of them now and make the switch to homemade floor cleaner. Just, please, dispose of them properly.
It is easy to see I have had some extra time lately by the bent of my posts. I have based them on conversations I have had lately with people on various subjects and this one falls into that category.
Tried and true homemade floor cleaner. I have used this mixture for several years now. I mix it up and divide it into two spray bottles. One for the Motorhome and one for the tiny house. Sometimes I make a half batch. It is a great all-purpose cleaner and sanitizer. Read all the directions for best results. Common sense, so don't over think it.
How to make homemade floor cleaner from HousewifeHowTos.com
You probably already have all of the ingredients needed to make your own homemade floor cleaner — one which gets your floors just as shiny clean as the commercial stuff.
So, why would you want to? Because it’s for your own good.
Commercial cleaning products contribute greatly to indoor air pollution. For people with allergies or asthma, indoor air quality is critical to good health.
Now, add in pets or young children who spend a lot of time on the floor. Do you really want their paws or pacifiers having that much contact with harsh solvents?
If that’s not enough to convince you, consider this: it costs just pennies to make enough homemade floor cleaner to clean your floors for months. That’s right: pennies. Why shell out $3 or more for a commercial cleaner that’s bad for you and your family when you can whip up your own with ingredients you already have?
You only need this one homemade floor cleaner to clean every hard flooring surface in your home. It works on laminate. It works on hardwood. It even works on vinyl, linoleum, and tile. Yep, you can use it on marble or granite: the vinegar used in the recipe is so diluted that it won’t damage them. It even works on cement!
Have I mentioned that, after powering through grime, it also leaves a gorgeous shine?
How To Make Homemade Floor Cleaner
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
3 drops liquid dish soap (See Note below)
5-10 drops essential oils (optional)
Important notes: We all like to swap things around in DIY cleaning recipes, but before you do there are some things you should know:
• Don’t use a dish soap that contains moisturizers, antibacterial ingredients, or “oxygen bleach”. I use Dawn Original (Classic), which is similar to Sunlight or Fairy in the UK.
• Do NOT swap Castille soap for the dish soap — it’s an oil-based soap and will, therefore, leave streaks and smears.
• If you use essential oils be sure they aren’t compounds (i.e., those with fragrance added to grapeseed or some other form of oil).
• You CAN use this on granite, marble, and natural stone floors. I’ve been doing it for years without a problem. The reason is that the vinegar in this solution is diluted by the water and other ingredients, so it doesn’t remain acidic enough to cause etching.
How To Use Homemade Floor Cleaner
Follow the recipe above. This works equally well regardless of whether you use a bucket or spray bottle to dispense your floor cleaner as you mop. Of course, you’ll have to dump out what’s left in the bucket after use, while anything left in the spray bottle can be stored in a dark, cool place for future cleanings.
So now what will you do with those different bottles of cleaning products taking up space on your shelves? Use them up if it bothers you to have spent money on them, or get rid of them now and make the switch to homemade floor cleaner. Just, please, dispose of them properly.
Wednesday, January 17
Quick and Easy meal.
Two of my staples at Costco. It is my go-to quick meal.
I saute onion, green pepper and sometimes a 3rd veggie in a small amount of olive oil until partially cooked. Then I add some canned meat such as roast beef, pulled pork or chicken or
perhaps a cup or so of coarsely chopped rotisserie chicken. Tuna would also work.
A good place to use the leftover meat of any kind. Then I open one or the other of the packets of rice
pictured above. After I warm it up and if it seems dry I add broth or water. Only about ¼ of a cup.
Very Tasty and gets Butch fed before heading to the pool hall. Yes, he likes it!
perhaps a cup or so of coarsely chopped rotisserie chicken. Tuna would also work.
A good place to use the leftover meat of any kind. Then I open one or the other of the packets of rice
pictured above. After I warm it up and if it seems dry I add broth or water. Only about ¼ of a cup.
Very Tasty and gets Butch fed before heading to the pool hall. Yes, he likes it!
FYI of Various Topics
A niece of ours recently suggested to me, putting informative posts all in one spot. I mulled it over for a while and decided it might be a good idea. I have had a page devoted to tips for a long time. I am not good at keeping it current. So with renewed vigor, I will try to do better.
Find Tip page here.
https://brooker3.blogspot.com/p/tips-to-remember.html
https://brooker3.blogspot.com/p/tips-to-remember.html
Going Old School for TV
On more than one occasion we have been asked about how we get by without satellite or cable TV. I found this website that would be very helpful for anyone considering it.
Before determining what type of antenna you will need, find out how far away you are from the TV stations you want to watch.
I used this site " www.channelmaster.com/Antenna-Selection-a/134.htm" to get an idea of the stations close to me. I soon realized that most of the stations were 43 miles from my location. In total, I had around 29 channels at my disposal.
What I loved about this site is that it gave me feedback about the signal strength for each channel in relation to my location. Also, it recommended the location of the antenna for the best channel reception.
Tuesday, January 16
Miss Elise on Christmas morning
I have a new editing program and I chose this picture of Elise to play around with it. I recently discovered that Elise will be in another play in April. We plan to be back for it. "Oliver" is the play and she has the part of a young boy with a cockney accent. I have every confidence in her that she will do it well.
Friday, January 12
The great relief of the mundane by Colleen O'Brien
The great relief of the mundane
~a column by Colleen O’Brien
A new acquaintance told me a story of her “coming through” major cancer surgery, as she said. She had been ill a long time, she had been doing chemo a long time, she had lost her hair a long time ago, along with her strength and her will. She thought she would be dead within the year.
The chemo and surgery worked, however, and she “came through” a healthy woman.
“What surprised me most,” she said. “was that I once again had the feeling that I’d had all my life of having no time line with a period at the end. We know death will come someday, but it is in the future, it’s not close. I was suddenly thinking like I’d thought before I was diagnosed. I had my life back and it was just like my old life – not having to think every minute how long I had left.”
She said the normalcy of life after cancer was what thrilled her. She was grateful to be alive, yes. She was hopeful her cancer was banished forever. But she did not feel she’d been saved for some special reason; she simply felt that she had returned to her life, to the way she’d felt all her life. With one difference: now, she recognized what a normal life was – to plan events and trips, to work, to do nothing, to wander through her mind, to think about things that didn’t matter, to live as she always had in the minutia of the day.
The normalcy of life is not something we think about much, let alone praise. We talk about the high points, not the everyday routine. Relishing the mundane probably happens only to survivors . . . of cancer, of heart attack, of war, of car crash, maybe of close call; that slide by of the specter of death almost clipping us as his car careens from another lane right into our lane on the interstate, and for no reason at all we are allowed to drive on, unscathed.
The call to death that we all know is our end . . . when it recedes once again into a distant future is what normalcy is. To meet it up close and survive it, to remain in the world doing nothing much but one’s day-to-day busyness or lassitude – doing the dishes and the crossword puzzle, watching an old movie, playing Candyland with the kids for the thousandth time, cutting the grass. It is indeed the normal things that count. It is the small stuff that slips through our hours and our days with no fanfare and little thought that might be the best part of our lives.
Face of the Earth
No, I did not fall off the face of the Earth. It might seem like it. I have been busy doing what I want to do when I want to do it. I am reminded of a line from the TV show Will and Grace. When one of the actors says, "I am sorry I'm late. I got here as soon as I wanted to." I love the truth of that line.
When we came south I was told by Dr. Poag to get a spot on my forehead looked at when we got here. So I jumped through all the hoops to make that happen. I was waiting for a phone call from the clinic we are associated with here and it didn't happen. I kept telling myself I would call them but kept not remembering it at the right time. I was waiting to find out when I had an appointment with the dermatologist in McAllen. Day before yesterday the dermatologist's office called me to see if I was coming ...I think. I am still not sure why they called for sure but they did tell me I had an appointment yesterday at 8:30 AM. Fortunately, we did not have any conflicts and kept the appointment. I was seen by a P.A. That was okay by me. She froze 10 spots on my face and one on my arm. So I should be set now until Spring when we are back in Iowa.
I am doing computer business differently this year. No formal classes. This year I am making one on one appointments and helping where I am needed. It is working out fine.
I am doing a trivia event on Sunday nights. I am using the same format as we have on Thursday nights at Hy-Vee in Iowa. I would rather be on the receiving end but people are enjoying it and it keeps the old brain cells jingling around. I am saving all the questions I use so maybe we could have a home trivia party next summer.
Butch has fewer pool events this season. Their pool players are dwindling. It seems to be a valley-wide problem as well. So he still plays every night from 6-8 here but the traveling to other parks is down to one league. He is okay with that because he now gets to play cribbage and shuffleboard more often.
Til next time...
When we came south I was told by Dr. Poag to get a spot on my forehead looked at when we got here. So I jumped through all the hoops to make that happen. I was waiting for a phone call from the clinic we are associated with here and it didn't happen. I kept telling myself I would call them but kept not remembering it at the right time. I was waiting to find out when I had an appointment with the dermatologist in McAllen. Day before yesterday the dermatologist's office called me to see if I was coming ...I think. I am still not sure why they called for sure but they did tell me I had an appointment yesterday at 8:30 AM. Fortunately, we did not have any conflicts and kept the appointment. I was seen by a P.A. That was okay by me. She froze 10 spots on my face and one on my arm. So I should be set now until Spring when we are back in Iowa.
I am doing computer business differently this year. No formal classes. This year I am making one on one appointments and helping where I am needed. It is working out fine.
I am doing a trivia event on Sunday nights. I am using the same format as we have on Thursday nights at Hy-Vee in Iowa. I would rather be on the receiving end but people are enjoying it and it keeps the old brain cells jingling around. I am saving all the questions I use so maybe we could have a home trivia party next summer.
Butch has fewer pool events this season. Their pool players are dwindling. It seems to be a valley-wide problem as well. So he still plays every night from 6-8 here but the traveling to other parks is down to one league. He is okay with that because he now gets to play cribbage and shuffleboard more often.
Til next time...
Tuesday, January 9
Sunny South Texas is back again
Today while Butch was engaged in Shuffleboard I walked the park with my camera. As I was walking west on Pine Street an avocado tree dropped 7 or 8 avocados on the roof of a house and on the ground. If anyone had been standing in the yard they would have been clobbered by them. I think they could do major damage, like getting a baseball thrown at you with considerable impact.
The Avocados are difficult to see but if you look closely you can see there are much more yet to drop.
Shufflers are shuffling
Shufflers are shuffling
Thursday, January 4
A breath of fresh air!
Finally a break in the weather! Today was a beautiful day. 61 was the high temperature but with an absence of breeze and full sunshine, it seemed much warmer.
It happened to be Costco Thursday so we buzzed over to Pharr. It isn't far.😉
We came back to lots of activities and folks gathered on street corners visiting. We have all been out of touch for days.
It happened to be Costco Thursday so we buzzed over to Pharr. It isn't far.😉
We came back to lots of activities and folks gathered on street corners visiting. We have all been out of touch for days.
Tuesday, January 2
What are the Colonias?
I decided to educate myself about the Colonias of South Texas. It is indeed a sad story and even sadder when the temps are this low. I have heard about them on the news for many years but never had a firm idea of what they were all about until now.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonia_(United_States)
Mainly pictures
http://abcnews.go.com/US/photos/hidden-america-life-colonias-16205851/image-16205856
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/mjs/12333712.0002.010?view=text;rgn=main
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonia_(United_States)
Mainly pictures
http://abcnews.go.com/US/photos/hidden-america-life-colonias-16205851/image-16205856
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/mjs/12333712.0002.010?view=text;rgn=main
Monday, January 1
Saturday, December 30
Out of Order
Before Christmas, I became inspired and cooked for a couple of my favorite friends. I did this on the same day I caught up on some laundry. You can see the last load on the floor in the first vision of chaos.
I did manage to make some order of it at a later date. See below
Iowa/San Diego Kids
I snipped these pics from Facebook. Grandaughter Ann has 3 beautiful daughters that are getting a geographical education because their Dad, Anthony is in the navy. The lucky girls had the pleasure of enjoying the snow while in DesMoines with their Grandpa Rich and Grandma Donna.
Ann has a photographers eye for good pictures.
Nina Grace
Scarlett
Skylar
Ann has a photographers eye for good pictures.
Nina Grace
Scarlett
SkylarMissouri Kids Trip
Our Missouri kids went to Minnesota for Christmas vacation. Elise loves the rides at Mall of America so her Dad and then her Grandmother went on the roller coaster with her. She did not get that particular passion from this great grandma.
Here is one of the scariest pictures in the world to me. The only thing scarier would be watching my loved ones ride it.
Here is one of the scariest pictures in the world to me. The only thing scarier would be watching my loved ones ride it.
Thursday, December 28
BUTTERNUT SQUASH APPLE BAKE RECIPE
The history of this one is I found it on Facebook, thought it looked good so I saved it.
Then a grown daughter of a friend of mine made it and it became a favorite for her family.
I have to agree. I love it!
Now an added tip for this recipe is that if you toss that
butternut squash in the microwave for about 3 minutes it will be so much easier to peel.
I did cut the bulb part off before I microwaved the two pieces.
Then a grown daughter of a friend of mine made it and it became a favorite for her family.
I have to agree. I love it!
Now an added tip for this recipe is that if you toss that
butternut squash in the microwave for about 3 minutes it will be so much easier to peel.
I did cut the bulb part off before I microwaved the two pieces.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH APPLE BAKE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
1 butternut squash (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 butternut squash (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°. Layer squash and apples in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon; sprinkle over top. Drizzle with butter.
Bake, covered, until squash and apples are tender, 45-55 minutes. Yield: 8 servings.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Pumpkin Pie Pudding This is a recipe I have had for a long time and I ran across it the other day. I had the ingredients on hand and I put it together today and was once again impressed with its simplicity and deliciousness. Butch enjoyed it too. Besides this location, you can also find it on the recipe page 1 near the bottom. Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup biscuit/baking mix
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
Whipped topping, optional
Read more: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pumpkin-pie-pudding#ixzz3HYeQl3sp
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until a thermometer reads 160°. Serve in bowls with whipped topping if desired. Yield: 6 servings.
Kind words and loving tales by Colleen O’Brien
Kind words and loving tales
December 27, 2017 Greene County News Online
~a column by Colleen O’Brien
Our stories matter. We explain ourselves by our stories; we are our stories. Especially at this time of year, when we are full of memories both good and bad about our lives, when we’re about to enter into one more brand new year of possibilities – vowing to be better, kinder, more forgiving – it’s a good time to recall a few of the good stories. The world is a harsh place, but it is also a good place full of good people. We need to remind ourselves.
A country itself is defined by its stories – in America, our good stories are of independence, individual strength, generosity. A classmate told me a story of my father when he was a Little League coach. “Your dad saved me,” he said. “He came out to the farm and told Dad he couldn’t field a good enough team without me. He had an old glove for me, he’d pick me up, bring me home. I think that was the kicker; he got to Dad’s pride. If it hadn’t been for Clem O’Brien, at some point, I’d have been a bad boy.”
I hold that story close to my heart. It shows a piece of my dad I didn’t know, that he never told anyone but that rings true. I would never have heard the story from my dad, and his former catcher on the Sox charmed me in a way that I knew there was no telling how many other boys he aided and abetted.
After my mom died, several of the African American women in her town came to the house to tell my sisters and me how much they were going to miss her. One of the women was Mom’s hairdresser, and one day she had been talking to Mom about their church organist moving away and how no one in the congregation could step up and hold them together in the hymns of their faith. Mom said, “I played the organ for 30 years at St. Joseph’s in Jefferson. I’ll play for you.”
That story is evidence of love and generosity, and I’m so glad those women told us. Mom could play anything from popular to classical; that she played church music for these friends she loved made my heart swell.
Stories like these are small blessings. They fill me with gratitude for the graciousness of my parents, for their love, compassion and kindness. It is the hearing of such tales that make me a better person.
My great-grandfather, whom I have a slight memory of – I think he died when I was three or four – did something once that I have always thought was the epitome of “saving grace.”
Grace was the name of my grandmother, and she told me a story of when she was first dating my grandpa. Invited to his home for dinner, shy, partly because she was in a strange milieu, from a different part of town than where he lived, and unsure about the formalness of the table setting, she was feeling daunted by everything. Her mother had told her just to pay attention to what the others did and she’d be okay. But she was the first to receive the pickle dish. With no precedent to follow, she stabbed a pickle and ate it off the fork. When she glanced up at her future mother-in-law, a formidable woman, she knew she was doomed. Embarrassed, she passed the dish on to her future father-in-law, who calmly did as she had done.
A man of not only good manners but true gallantry.
My husband told a story of playing pool at Sandy’s Pool Hall on the south side of the square one blizzard of an afternoon during high school. The buses couldn’t get to the country to pick up students, so school was cancelled, and the teenage pool players were cuing it up against the regulars. The 16-year-old who would someday be my husband took a drag on a cigarette, laid it carefully on the side of the billiard table, exhaled, eyeballed the layout and took aim with his stick . . . just as the basketball coach burst through the front door, shouting for players to get to the gym to practice. A true gentleman of a farmer picked up Jim’s cigarette and took a drag.
I’ve always loved the story of that fella’s quick thinking almost as much as I love the sense and sensibility of his act.
The curt things said to us, the slings and arrows, will be with us forever. But it is the loving tales of kindness that influence us toward thoughtfulness and the hope that fills our souls in stressful times of too much news of evil intent. A kind word truly goes a long way, and the actions that urge us here on earth to work for peace to men and women of good will go even further.
December 27, 2017 Greene County News Online
~a column by Colleen O’Brien
Our stories matter. We explain ourselves by our stories; we are our stories. Especially at this time of year, when we are full of memories both good and bad about our lives, when we’re about to enter into one more brand new year of possibilities – vowing to be better, kinder, more forgiving – it’s a good time to recall a few of the good stories. The world is a harsh place, but it is also a good place full of good people. We need to remind ourselves.
A country itself is defined by its stories – in America, our good stories are of independence, individual strength, generosity. A classmate told me a story of my father when he was a Little League coach. “Your dad saved me,” he said. “He came out to the farm and told Dad he couldn’t field a good enough team without me. He had an old glove for me, he’d pick me up, bring me home. I think that was the kicker; he got to Dad’s pride. If it hadn’t been for Clem O’Brien, at some point, I’d have been a bad boy.”
I hold that story close to my heart. It shows a piece of my dad I didn’t know, that he never told anyone but that rings true. I would never have heard the story from my dad, and his former catcher on the Sox charmed me in a way that I knew there was no telling how many other boys he aided and abetted.
After my mom died, several of the African American women in her town came to the house to tell my sisters and me how much they were going to miss her. One of the women was Mom’s hairdresser, and one day she had been talking to Mom about their church organist moving away and how no one in the congregation could step up and hold them together in the hymns of their faith. Mom said, “I played the organ for 30 years at St. Joseph’s in Jefferson. I’ll play for you.”
That story is evidence of love and generosity, and I’m so glad those women told us. Mom could play anything from popular to classical; that she played church music for these friends she loved made my heart swell.
Stories like these are small blessings. They fill me with gratitude for the graciousness of my parents, for their love, compassion and kindness. It is the hearing of such tales that make me a better person.
My great-grandfather, whom I have a slight memory of – I think he died when I was three or four – did something once that I have always thought was the epitome of “saving grace.”
Grace was the name of my grandmother, and she told me a story of when she was first dating my grandpa. Invited to his home for dinner, shy, partly because she was in a strange milieu, from a different part of town than where he lived, and unsure about the formalness of the table setting, she was feeling daunted by everything. Her mother had told her just to pay attention to what the others did and she’d be okay. But she was the first to receive the pickle dish. With no precedent to follow, she stabbed a pickle and ate it off the fork. When she glanced up at her future mother-in-law, a formidable woman, she knew she was doomed. Embarrassed, she passed the dish on to her future father-in-law, who calmly did as she had done.
A man of not only good manners but true gallantry.
My husband told a story of playing pool at Sandy’s Pool Hall on the south side of the square one blizzard of an afternoon during high school. The buses couldn’t get to the country to pick up students, so school was cancelled, and the teenage pool players were cuing it up against the regulars. The 16-year-old who would someday be my husband took a drag on a cigarette, laid it carefully on the side of the billiard table, exhaled, eyeballed the layout and took aim with his stick . . . just as the basketball coach burst through the front door, shouting for players to get to the gym to practice. A true gentleman of a farmer picked up Jim’s cigarette and took a drag.
I’ve always loved the story of that fella’s quick thinking almost as much as I love the sense and sensibility of his act.
The curt things said to us, the slings and arrows, will be with us forever. But it is the loving tales of kindness that influence us toward thoughtfulness and the hope that fills our souls in stressful times of too much news of evil intent. A kind word truly goes a long way, and the actions that urge us here on earth to work for peace to men and women of good will go even further.
Wednesday, December 27
Tiny House Fascination
I still have my fascination with tiny houses. Probably always will.
This blog could give you an inkling as to why.
http://tinyhouseblog.com/yourstory/robin-hoods-hideout-havenwald/
This blog could give you an inkling as to why.
http://tinyhouseblog.com/yourstory/robin-hoods-hideout-havenwald/
2017’s Worst Passwords
2017’s Worst Passwords
We have written numerous articles, like this one, on why using strong passwords is so important. Unfortunately, apparently many people don’t take us (and many others) seriously. The top 3 passwords for 2017 and the same top three passwords for 2015 and 2016 also.
123456
Password
12345678
Really? None of you are using those passwords, are you? We hope that none of you are using any of the passwords in this list of the top 25 worst passwords for 2017. Or even anything similar. We suggest you use a password of at least 12 characters consisting of at least one uppercase letter, lowercase letters, symbols (like $ % *) and at least one number. There are many online password generators, but the trouble is, you can generate all the strong passwords you want, but you won’t use them unless you can remember them.
We have long recommended LastPass because it can generate strong, uncrackable passwords like 8HNPWse*SGp8 and remember your passwords and enter them automatically whenever you need to log in to a site for which you generated a password.
But many of you resist using a password manager, and you’ll never use one. For those of you who don’t want to use a password manager here’s a way to make strong passwords you can remember:
3y3W@ntc@ndy$fr33
Just think “I want candy free”. And according to My1Login it would take 5 years for a hacker using password cracking software to crack this password.
MyC@t$n@meizBarn3y2
“My cats name is Barney too.” According to My1Login, it would take 16 centuries for someone to crack this password.
Want to test your passwords? You can check them at:
My1Login
or
LastPass Password Checker
A new year is only a few days away. Now is a good time to make sure your passwords are strong and you don’t use the same password for any sites that deal with personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit or debit card number, home address, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, or any site dealing with money – including online shopping sites.
Now, here’s the list of the top 25 worst passwords for 2017 from Time magazine:
123456
Password
12345678
qwerty
12345
123456789
letmein
1234567
football
iloveyou
admin
welcome
monkey
login
abc123
starwars
123123
dragon
passw0rd
maste
hello
freedom
whatever
qazwsx
trustno1
Taken from this website:
http://www.thundercloud.net/infoave/new/2017s-worst-passwords/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thundercloud%2FIapJ+%28Cloudeight+InfoAve+Computer+Tips+%29
Monday, December 25
Merriest of Christmas's
In years past, long before I knew of the Internet and computers I would put together a Christmas letter each year. I am well aware that there are those who do not like them but that never stopped me. I would work on the letter for hours and take great care of my creation and send it by snail mail to as many as 75-100 people. Time marched on and I began to work on my 'Christmas letter' all year long in the form of this blog. And finally I came to the conclusion that it was best to let people make their own decision to read what is happening with us or not. Still I do know that time and computers can be tricky and sometimes you lose touch with how to find the blog so this year I intend to send it to selected people from my contact list guiding them to the blog and the choice is still yours.
One of the negative results of changing the way I did the Christmas letter is that one of the joys was receiving messages from people in return. So here is hoping we hear from you in whatever form you decide.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Butch and Barb Brooker
www.brooker3.blogspot.com
One of the negative results of changing the way I did the Christmas letter is that one of the joys was receiving messages from people in return. So here is hoping we hear from you in whatever form you decide.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Butch and Barb Brooker
www.brooker3.blogspot.com
Donna's Famous Bean Salad
I would hate to caculate the hours I have spent looking for this recipe on my computer. I knew it had to be there somewhere and I finally found it in an email sent to a friend asking her to print it off for me. The result of one of these long searches is that I then put it in several locations and especially in the places I looked first. Thus you will find it here and on the recipe page within this blog.
Mr. Butch is not a big vegetable guy and I miss them sometimes and this is a way to have some on hand that do not easily spoil. It is simple, easy and delicious.
Recipe: Donna's Famous Bean Salad 5/5/2009
Category: Side dish
Author: Donna Ellis
Any kind of canned beans: drained and rinsed when necessary
Green Beans
Lima Beans
Black beans
Navy beans
Corn
Pimento
Chopped onion
Mushrooms
Dressing:
1/2 C vinegar
1/2 C Sugar or Sugar substitute
1/2 C vegetable oil
This recipe was given to me orally by Donna Ellis. She said she never has the
same combination twice and to always make it with the idea of sharing with
others because it makes too much for two. When asked if white vinegar or apple
cider vinegar she said whichever you want. So with these general directions in
mind I plan to make it because her version was very delicious.
Mr. Butch is not a big vegetable guy and I miss them sometimes and this is a way to have some on hand that do not easily spoil. It is simple, easy and delicious.
Recipe: Donna's Famous Bean Salad 5/5/2009
Category: Side dish
Author: Donna Ellis
Any kind of canned beans: drained and rinsed when necessary
Green Beans
Lima Beans
Black beans
Navy beans
Corn
Pimento
Chopped onion
Mushrooms
Dressing:
1/2 C vinegar
1/2 C Sugar or Sugar substitute
1/2 C vegetable oil
This recipe was given to me orally by Donna Ellis. She said she never has the
same combination twice and to always make it with the idea of sharing with
others because it makes too much for two. When asked if white vinegar or apple
cider vinegar she said whichever you want. So with these general directions in
mind I plan to make it because her version was very delicious.
Sunday, December 24
Our TV situation...
...and what we do about it. The free (antenna) TV in south Texas is abysmal. In Iowa, we can get by quite well with antenna TV most of the time and we do.
We do pay for Netflix and I recently added Hulu and we chose the lowest cost version of both of those. Being Amazon Prime members I also have access to what they offer and I do take a look at what they have as well. In the past I wasn't happy with it but they are improving. They all have a learning curve on how to get the best use of it.
In the last two days, I have watched the movie "If I Were You" on Amazon Prime, Flea Market Flip on Hulu. Butch found a Jack Reacher film (Never Go Back) on Hulu. He has been searching for this one for a while and was pleased as Punch when he found it.
With the exception of Amazon Prime, our entertainment budget is less than $20 per month. I guess even with Amazon Prime it is less than $30 per month. To be utterly fair I suppose I should add in my Internet connection but I would have that anyway I can guarantee it.
I still remember when I discovered the Internet and invited it into my home willingly and with abundant gratitude. The Internet has added to my knowledge a thousandfold.
We do pay for Netflix and I recently added Hulu and we chose the lowest cost version of both of those. Being Amazon Prime members I also have access to what they offer and I do take a look at what they have as well. In the past I wasn't happy with it but they are improving. They all have a learning curve on how to get the best use of it.
In the last two days, I have watched the movie "If I Were You" on Amazon Prime, Flea Market Flip on Hulu. Butch found a Jack Reacher film (Never Go Back) on Hulu. He has been searching for this one for a while and was pleased as Punch when he found it.
With the exception of Amazon Prime, our entertainment budget is less than $20 per month. I guess even with Amazon Prime it is less than $30 per month. To be utterly fair I suppose I should add in my Internet connection but I would have that anyway I can guarantee it.
I still remember when I discovered the Internet and invited it into my home willingly and with abundant gratitude. The Internet has added to my knowledge a thousandfold.
Saturday, December 23
It all fits in.
I told Butch I needed to go to H.E.B and he said he had a window of time between shuffleboard in the morning and cribbage in the afternoon. So I created a window of time between the morning walk with Peggy and a visit with Kay and an afternoon nap. So it all fit in.
I picked up the ingredients to make the dish that friend Sharon McQuillen brought us when I was recovering from surgery. You know when a dish keeps sounding good that much later it is a good one.
The grocery store was crowded with people looking for particular ingredients they may not have needed for a year. You know what I mean? When you might have to make several trips from one end to the other to make sure you have it all.
I picked up the ingredients to make the dish that friend Sharon McQuillen brought us when I was recovering from surgery. You know when a dish keeps sounding good that much later it is a good one.
The grocery store was crowded with people looking for particular ingredients they may not have needed for a year. You know what I mean? When you might have to make several trips from one end to the other to make sure you have it all.
Saturday, December 16
Friday, December 15
Police Blotter
I sometimes read the police blotter from my hometown and now and then I see something that gives me a chuckle. Here is today's chuckle.
(At 12:58 pm a complainant reported her vehicle was stolen from the downtown square. The officer located her vehicle on a different side of the square. She was mistaken on where she had parked.)
I wonder if it was one of my friends?
(At 12:58 pm a complainant reported her vehicle was stolen from the downtown square. The officer located her vehicle on a different side of the square. She was mistaken on where she had parked.)
I wonder if it was one of my friends?
A personal slant
Trying to keep both blogs current has always been a challenge but as the years creep up that pressure increases. For the most part, it is a happy stress meaning I am busy and there is much to write about. Finding time to do justice to both blogs is the root of the conflict.
If you are longtime readers you are familiar with the term Ropa Usada. In Spanish, it means used clothing. And there are warehouses down here where bales of used and donated clothing from all parts of the US end up. And there are people here who enjoy sorting through these unleashed bales for all kinds of bargains. It is sold by the pound and that price has increased in the 17 years we have been coming down here. It used to be 25 cents a pound or even less. I do not know what it is now but under 50 cents somewhere is my guess.
A few years back I asked these bargain hunters to look for dress up clothes for Elise and they obliged in a big way. So before we came down Jason asked about hooded sweatshirts. Being a welder they do not last long and can be expensive when you need to replace them frequently. So I put the bargain hunters to the challenge. We are up to 22 at a cost of about a dollar apiece! Last night Irma was asking me how many more were needed and Jason has not yet said stop because the guys at work want in on the deal.
It is funny how your mind hones in on something. Perhaps an hour after my conversation with Irma a woman walked by with a hooded sweatshirt on and Irma said, "You don't suppose she would want to give it up, do you?" It took me a few seconds to get it but then I laughed. She is seeing sweatshirts wherever she goes. Here are 8 of them.
If you are longtime readers you are familiar with the term Ropa Usada. In Spanish, it means used clothing. And there are warehouses down here where bales of used and donated clothing from all parts of the US end up. And there are people here who enjoy sorting through these unleashed bales for all kinds of bargains. It is sold by the pound and that price has increased in the 17 years we have been coming down here. It used to be 25 cents a pound or even less. I do not know what it is now but under 50 cents somewhere is my guess.
A few years back I asked these bargain hunters to look for dress up clothes for Elise and they obliged in a big way. So before we came down Jason asked about hooded sweatshirts. Being a welder they do not last long and can be expensive when you need to replace them frequently. So I put the bargain hunters to the challenge. We are up to 22 at a cost of about a dollar apiece! Last night Irma was asking me how many more were needed and Jason has not yet said stop because the guys at work want in on the deal.
It is funny how your mind hones in on something. Perhaps an hour after my conversation with Irma a woman walked by with a hooded sweatshirt on and Irma said, "You don't suppose she would want to give it up, do you?" It took me a few seconds to get it but then I laughed. She is seeing sweatshirts wherever she goes. Here are 8 of them.
Thursday, December 14
Mexico Monday
Butch and I went to see Hector in Mexico on Monday. I was out of one of my meds, actually the only prescription med I take now. Hector is our pharmacist in Mexico and he always gives us the best prices. The status of the peso affects drug prices and the peso is apparently in better condition than in the past. Prices are up.
Our over-the-counter Charlote is up to $12 now. Hector says that one is a mystery to him because it should not be affected by the peso so it must be supply and demand. It is also harder to find. Hector has it.
Butch and I always walk across the border leaving our car in a supervised parking lot on the US side. The walk down to Hector's we estimate to be about a mile. On our way back we stopped at Jessica's for Panchos and they were very good. More than very good, they were excellent! They always give you chips and salsa and 1 free margarita apiece. We each ordered a coke and the bill was $10. Jessica's also have entertainment with a singer and sometimes dancers. On Monday we had both.
Our over-the-counter Charlote is up to $12 now. Hector says that one is a mystery to him because it should not be affected by the peso so it must be supply and demand. It is also harder to find. Hector has it.
Butch and I always walk across the border leaving our car in a supervised parking lot on the US side. The walk down to Hector's we estimate to be about a mile. On our way back we stopped at Jessica's for Panchos and they were very good. More than very good, they were excellent! They always give you chips and salsa and 1 free margarita apiece. We each ordered a coke and the bill was $10. Jessica's also have entertainment with a singer and sometimes dancers. On Monday we had both.
Friday, December 8
Huddled up and hunkered down
I am still in my pajama's and in no hurry to get dressed. Who knew that when we were still in Iowa we were being prepared for this weather in South Texas. This is the second time in our personal history that we have experienced snow here. The first time was Christmas Eve of 2004 and it was far more spectacular than this time. I located a few pictures from 2004.
From 2004:
From 2017:
My Christmas cactus and geranium are coming inside. After all the care I have done to get them here I do not want to lose them now.
Steam rising from the pool. I think it is safe to say water aerobics are canceled today.
I keep taking pictures as the snow accumulates. It is beginning to look like it might match the one of 2004
From 2004:
From 2017:
My Christmas cactus and geranium are coming inside. After all the care I have done to get them here I do not want to lose them now.
Steam rising from the pool. I think it is safe to say water aerobics are canceled today.
I keep taking pictures as the snow accumulates. It is beginning to look like it might match the one of 2004
Thursday, December 7
Lovely Afternoon ---NOT!!
I bought 3 simple items from Amazon late last week. I keep getting notices that my orders are undeliverable. I chatted with them after the first notice and thought it was resolved. I have received 2 more notices after that. I have received one of the 3 items. So we chat again and this is my exchange with them.
Chat:
Me: I have never had as much trouble before in receiving an order. I keep getting notices that parts of my order are undeliverable. This address has not changed in several years. I am losing my patience. What has happened to reliable Amazon??? The order numbers are Order# 114-7278543-xxxxxxx and Order# 114-1662188-xxxxxxx
Barbara Brooker 3707 E BUSINESS HIGHWAY 83 TRLR # 57
DONNA, TX 78537-3616
You are now connected to Sharayu from Amazon.com
Sharayu: Hello, my name is Sharayu. I'm here to help you today.
Me: Okay
Sharayu: I can assure you that I'm here to help and will do my best to resolve this.
May I place you on hold for 2 minutes while I look in to this?
Me: Yes
Sharayu: As the item are already being shipped out from us, and with the carrier you need to contact the carrier.
Me: I am sorry but that is your problem not mine. I have not received items you have shipped to me.
Sharayu: As an online retailer we rely heavily on the carrier to deliver our order, but there can be really unforeseen incidents which are beyond our control.
Me: So what if I never do receive them?
I want to return them then
Sharayu: Don't worry
I'll contact the carrier on your behalf.
Me: That is what I intended you to do in the first place
Sharayu: And they will delivered it to you within 48 hours.
Me: Okay.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
At the same time, I received our new social security amounts in the mail and mine is incorrect it shows me not getting my measly 2% increase. Butch got his correct amount but I did not. So what to do but call them. I have been on hold now for 30 minutes. I am trying to find alternatives. Perhaps I should call the Carroll office in Iowa.
PS. I decided to do that...3rd mistake. Up to 15 minutes on hold with the Carroll office. Finally got someone. Medicare went up and knocked out my 2%. Butch's is okay. I do not get it but perhaps I am not supposed to.
So much for my nap!!!
Chat:
Me: I have never had as much trouble before in receiving an order. I keep getting notices that parts of my order are undeliverable. This address has not changed in several years. I am losing my patience. What has happened to reliable Amazon??? The order numbers are Order# 114-7278543-xxxxxxx and Order# 114-1662188-xxxxxxx
Barbara Brooker 3707 E BUSINESS HIGHWAY 83 TRLR # 57
DONNA, TX 78537-3616
You are now connected to Sharayu from Amazon.com
Sharayu: Hello, my name is Sharayu. I'm here to help you today.
Me: Okay
Sharayu: I can assure you that I'm here to help and will do my best to resolve this.
May I place you on hold for 2 minutes while I look in to this?
Me: Yes
Sharayu: As the item are already being shipped out from us, and with the carrier you need to contact the carrier.
Me: I am sorry but that is your problem not mine. I have not received items you have shipped to me.
Sharayu: As an online retailer we rely heavily on the carrier to deliver our order, but there can be really unforeseen incidents which are beyond our control.
Me: So what if I never do receive them?
I want to return them then
Sharayu: Don't worry
I'll contact the carrier on your behalf.
Me: That is what I intended you to do in the first place
Sharayu: And they will delivered it to you within 48 hours.
Me: Okay.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
At the same time, I received our new social security amounts in the mail and mine is incorrect it shows me not getting my measly 2% increase. Butch got his correct amount but I did not. So what to do but call them. I have been on hold now for 30 minutes. I am trying to find alternatives. Perhaps I should call the Carroll office in Iowa.
PS. I decided to do that...3rd mistake. Up to 15 minutes on hold with the Carroll office. Finally got someone. Medicare went up and knocked out my 2%. Butch's is okay. I do not get it but perhaps I am not supposed to.
So much for my nap!!!
Doctor in Texas
No, there is nothing wrong with me. In fact, I am probably healthier and feel better than I have in a long time.
On my last visit for a check-up of the surgery on my face, Dr. Poag spotted a place he thought should be biopsied. "Suspect" he called it. It has improved greatly since we have been here. In fact, it is kind of hard to find. I am following doctors orders however and made an appointment with a doctor we have gone to in the past. And he is referring me to a dermatologist in McAllen.
I have become diligent with sunscreen and wearing a visor so I am thinking it is okay.
We had planned a Mexico trip to see our friendly pharmacist, Hector. It was cold, (40's) and misting so we decided to wait for a more weather friendly day. After all the todo of my summer with doctors, I am down to one prescription medication. I am very happy about that.
Before the doctor appointment, we decided to check out a restaurant a block from the clinic. It was a place we had frequented in the past but then it closed. It reopened but we just never stopped there. I had noticed lots of vehicles around it. It is called Diana's and it is on Bridge Street. The back room was loaded with Winter Texans and the front room was full of locals, all men. One whole table was law enforcement. We were in the front and I was the lone female. The food was good and we will go back if we are in the vicinity.
So we came back home and essentially hunkered down and kept warm. Ham and Beans for supper.
On my last visit for a check-up of the surgery on my face, Dr. Poag spotted a place he thought should be biopsied. "Suspect" he called it. It has improved greatly since we have been here. In fact, it is kind of hard to find. I am following doctors orders however and made an appointment with a doctor we have gone to in the past. And he is referring me to a dermatologist in McAllen.
I have become diligent with sunscreen and wearing a visor so I am thinking it is okay.
We had planned a Mexico trip to see our friendly pharmacist, Hector. It was cold, (40's) and misting so we decided to wait for a more weather friendly day. After all the todo of my summer with doctors, I am down to one prescription medication. I am very happy about that.
Before the doctor appointment, we decided to check out a restaurant a block from the clinic. It was a place we had frequented in the past but then it closed. It reopened but we just never stopped there. I had noticed lots of vehicles around it. It is called Diana's and it is on Bridge Street. The back room was loaded with Winter Texans and the front room was full of locals, all men. One whole table was law enforcement. We were in the front and I was the lone female. The food was good and we will go back if we are in the vicinity.
So we came back home and essentially hunkered down and kept warm. Ham and Beans for supper.
Sunday, December 3
New Computer Adventures
Okay, it has been 8 years since I have dealt with setting up a new computer and I am pleasantly surprised to find that I have done a thing or two in the past 8 years to make the transition easy.
First thing I did several years ago was started using a password saving program. There are a few of them out there and my choice is Lastpass. I pay for the premium edition but I did use it for years with the free version. Once you download and install the program you set up a master password. Lastpass does not know your master password so you must be sure to keep it so that you do know it. You can change it yourself but they cannot do it for you or even help you with it. When you are on a new website and make a password for it, Lastpass will ask you if you want to save it. You are putting the info into your Lastpass vault. You have full use of your vault by signing in with your master password and then you can find all of your websites and passwords.
So since I have and use Lastpass all I had to do when I set up my new computer was to download and install Lastpass, sign in with my master, and visit any of the many websites I need to access and Lastpass would, at my request, fill it in for me.
The second thing I did was download and install Chrome, sign into Google and all of my stuff was at my fingertips. I download and install Mozilla Firefox as a backup browser.
Within 30 minutes I had my new computer up and running looking much like my old one.
As far as pictures, files and folders are concerned I have them backed up in Google Drive (cloud) and on 2 different external hard drives so I do not plan to transfer them to the new computer until wanted or needed.
Over the years I have developed a system that works for me on saving pictures. I can usually remember the approximate year, month or place a particular picture was taken. So now I keep them organized by years such as simply 2017 in my Pictures place. Then I make subfolders for each month (January 2017) of the year and yes I put the year behind the month as well. The way this works when looking for a particular photo is if I have it narrowed down in my mind to a particular year and I am looking at the month of January I know it is most likely a Magnolia Park picture I am looking for. If it is a biketrail picture I know it is April through September etc. It has taken me years to get this perfected. Because each of us has a mind of our own, it stands to reason each person would have to devise their own system. It greatly simplifies your life when you make order out of chaos. It can be fun to wade through an avalanche of unlabeled pictures but it can also be frustrating.
Now if you indeed have read all that you are a dedicated fan! So Congratulations and Thank You
First thing I did several years ago was started using a password saving program. There are a few of them out there and my choice is Lastpass. I pay for the premium edition but I did use it for years with the free version. Once you download and install the program you set up a master password. Lastpass does not know your master password so you must be sure to keep it so that you do know it. You can change it yourself but they cannot do it for you or even help you with it. When you are on a new website and make a password for it, Lastpass will ask you if you want to save it. You are putting the info into your Lastpass vault. You have full use of your vault by signing in with your master password and then you can find all of your websites and passwords.
So since I have and use Lastpass all I had to do when I set up my new computer was to download and install Lastpass, sign in with my master, and visit any of the many websites I need to access and Lastpass would, at my request, fill it in for me.
The second thing I did was download and install Chrome, sign into Google and all of my stuff was at my fingertips. I download and install Mozilla Firefox as a backup browser.
Within 30 minutes I had my new computer up and running looking much like my old one.
As far as pictures, files and folders are concerned I have them backed up in Google Drive (cloud) and on 2 different external hard drives so I do not plan to transfer them to the new computer until wanted or needed.
Over the years I have developed a system that works for me on saving pictures. I can usually remember the approximate year, month or place a particular picture was taken. So now I keep them organized by years such as simply 2017 in my Pictures place. Then I make subfolders for each month (January 2017) of the year and yes I put the year behind the month as well. The way this works when looking for a particular photo is if I have it narrowed down in my mind to a particular year and I am looking at the month of January I know it is most likely a Magnolia Park picture I am looking for. If it is a biketrail picture I know it is April through September etc. It has taken me years to get this perfected. Because each of us has a mind of our own, it stands to reason each person would have to devise their own system. It greatly simplifies your life when you make order out of chaos. It can be fun to wade through an avalanche of unlabeled pictures but it can also be frustrating.
Now if you indeed have read all that you are a dedicated fan! So Congratulations and Thank You
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