Texas Independence Day
The Mayor of Alamo Texas
They sounded good but need more practice on the marching part.
Trophy Gardens making good on the robot theme.
The Line dancers of Trophy Gardens
Saturday, March 2
Photos
Trophy Gardens participated in the Texas Independence Day/ Alamo Appreciation Day Parade and I must say it would not have been much of an event without Trophy Gardens stellar performance throughout. I took pictures of all the entries and am posting them here today. I do not know a lot about the people participating but will do my best.
Texas Independence Day
The Mayor of Alamo Texas
The Catholic Church Float
They sounded good but need more practice on the marching part.
Trophy Gardens making good on the robot theme.
The Line dancers of Trophy Gardens
Texas Independence Day
The Mayor of Alamo Texas
They sounded good but need more practice on the marching part.
Trophy Gardens making good on the robot theme.
The Line dancers of Trophy Gardens
Friday, March 1
Waiting and the Mississippi
I have sent a message to my heart doctor to talk about my zero test results. So I am waiting for a phone call and the park WiFi is working relatively well so I have been cruising the net as they used to say. I bumped into the Mississippi Twilight Cruise from LeClaire Iowa to Dubuque Iowa, 2 day round trip. I have not pulled the trigger yet to reserve but I am thinking about it. I told Butch that could be our 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration and he said, "Well, it isn't Hawaii!" I laughed and said, " No, it certainly isn't that!" " But it is about as low-rent as we are!" The one we are looking at is exactly on our anniversary of July 25th. And the fee for both of us is $808. Here is the link if you think you might like to join us.
https://riverboattwilight.starboardsuite.com/e/2-day-cruise-from-leclaire-ia-13138
I pulled the trigger and have even printed out our boarding pass.
https://riverboattwilight.starboardsuite.com/e/2-day-cruise-from-leclaire-ia-13138
I pulled the trigger and have even printed out our boarding pass.
Thursday, February 28
Eventfull!
This is the time of year when there is way too much going on. Too much gets crammed into a short period of time because many silly people are starting to think about heading north. By the time the 15th of March rolls around it will become much quieter in the park with daily departures. Those who do the planning feel they must get all the events scheduled before the middle of March. Hey, it works for me! I like a much slower pace.
We reserved our spot for next season, the same one we have. We like it here. Little to no drama. People are hired who know what they are doing. Rules are enforced. Etcetera!
After getting my good score on my test we stopped at Cheddars for combo lunch/supper. The food was very good. We both like Cheddars a lot. Finally made it to the pool hall to poke a few balls around, I was feeling much better after the stress of the past few weeks. Still have the stress just less stress. I had been forgetting to call to see if they had any cancellations so I could get in but yesterday I had the start of a headache which kicked off a reminder and low and behold there was a cancellation! It was one of those 'falling into place' events.
So tomorrow I will try for another sign that I am on the right path with all my ducks in a row.
Butch's Wednesday golf league won first place. It is the one he doesn't like because he has to get up too early.
We reserved our spot for next season, the same one we have. We like it here. Little to no drama. People are hired who know what they are doing. Rules are enforced. Etcetera!
After getting my good score on my test we stopped at Cheddars for combo lunch/supper. The food was very good. We both like Cheddars a lot. Finally made it to the pool hall to poke a few balls around, I was feeling much better after the stress of the past few weeks. Still have the stress just less stress. I had been forgetting to call to see if they had any cancellations so I could get in but yesterday I had the start of a headache which kicked off a reminder and low and behold there was a cancellation! It was one of those 'falling into place' events.
So tomorrow I will try for another sign that I am on the right path with all my ducks in a row.
Butch's Wednesday golf league won first place. It is the one he doesn't like because he has to get up too early.
ZERO!
Yesterday I called the imaging center to see if they had any cancellations for a calcium test score and was very surprised to find that they did. 3:00 PM today! I was hyped to be able to get this done. So over to Harlingen we went this afternoon for the test and I got the desired score of ZERO! For the first time in my life being zero was a good thing. Dr. Himly (Heart doctor) told me he would consider giving me the okay for the sinus procedure if my score was zero so first thing tomorrow I will call him and see if I have to go in to see him or if a phone call will be sufficient.
Tuesday, February 26
Extreme Fog
We have heavy fog this morning. It will probably dissipate later but it will still be cloudy. It seems we have had more clouds than sun. Someone could argue with me on that and they could be right. Does not feel like it to me is all.
I cleaned house yesterday and then went with Butch to his massage appointment because I needed to get a few items at the grocery store. I could have sent him but he stresses so over getting the right thing.
I plan to make Pumpkin Pie Pudding today and I needed one ingredient so now I have it and am good to go. I got this recipe from son Gary several years ago. Yes, he cooks. I really like it and it is easy to put together. You might notice it is a crockpot recipe. Many of mine are.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
I cleaned house yesterday and then went with Butch to his massage appointment because I needed to get a few items at the grocery store. I could have sent him but he stresses so over getting the right thing.
I plan to make Pumpkin Pie Pudding today and I needed one ingredient so now I have it and am good to go. I got this recipe from son Gary several years ago. Yes, he cooks. I really like it and it is easy to put together. You might notice it is a crockpot recipe. Many of mine are.
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
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with
cooking spray.
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.
whipped topping if desired. Yield: 6 servings.
So in addition, we have laundry today and trivia tonight and that will be what my day holds.
Butch did plan to golf with the Magnolia ExPats but the weather could change that.
Butch did plan to golf with the Magnolia ExPats but the weather could change that.
Oh yes, I failed to mention Butch and I played golf together on Sunday.
He was surprised how well I hit the ball after not playing for years.
Also on Sunday, we were immersed in looking at Facebook entries about the
BIG BLIZZARD in Iowa and other states. It has been a very long time since
we have seen weather like that. Still enjoying it from afar!
He was surprised how well I hit the ball after not playing for years.
Also on Sunday, we were immersed in looking at Facebook entries about the
BIG BLIZZARD in Iowa and other states. It has been a very long time since
we have seen weather like that. Still enjoying it from afar!
Sunday, February 24
Momentous Day
I played 9 holes of golf yesterday! First time in several years. It went okay. I didn't expect much of myself since it had been so long. I felt much better after playing so will be more anxious to go again.
They were harvesting something on the farm ground east of the golf course. It smelled like dill so perhaps there is a variety of "greens" planted there. I wished I had my camera although it is hard to mix your goals. Golf/Photography.
We stopped in Magnolia yesterday to wish Peggy (the 23rd) and Bill Stilson (Mar. 3rd) a happy birthday. Good to see our friends and get caught up on the happenings.
I had failed to prepare for supper by taking something out of the freezer so as a last minute decision we decided to eat out. Nothing new there but then we decided to go to a steakhouse and that is very new! We haven't done that in probably over 20 years! We threw caution to the wind and ordered a steak like we would have done 30 years ago and it was DELICIOUS! We decided to make it our 60th wedding anniversary celebration. A bit early but bending the rules is not new to us...well, me anyway.
I made it through the day without a headache and that was new and wonderful too.
They were harvesting something on the farm ground east of the golf course. It smelled like dill so perhaps there is a variety of "greens" planted there. I wished I had my camera although it is hard to mix your goals. Golf/Photography.
We stopped in Magnolia yesterday to wish Peggy (the 23rd) and Bill Stilson (Mar. 3rd) a happy birthday. Good to see our friends and get caught up on the happenings.
I had failed to prepare for supper by taking something out of the freezer so as a last minute decision we decided to eat out. Nothing new there but then we decided to go to a steakhouse and that is very new! We haven't done that in probably over 20 years! We threw caution to the wind and ordered a steak like we would have done 30 years ago and it was DELICIOUS! We decided to make it our 60th wedding anniversary celebration. A bit early but bending the rules is not new to us...well, me anyway.
I made it through the day without a headache and that was new and wonderful too.
Friday, February 22
Cilantro plus
Butch told me they harvested the cilantro the day after I took the photo. He said it made his back hurt just watching it.
Butch and I made a Costco run yesterday. Butch played golf and pool in the afternoon and then we played "65" at Liz and Daves new digs. Harold and Logie played with us too. It was a full day as most are.
Harold and Logie are an interesting couple. Harold is a native Iowan and was born in Pella. His last name is Vanderhaar so being from Pella is not too much of a surprise. Their up-north home now is in Missouri at Lake of the Ozarks. They have sold their place in Trophy Gardens but plan to come back next season and rent a place. Logie, pronounced Lowjee is of Spanish/Mexican descent. Her mother was Mexican and her father Spanish. Logie is the youngest of 13 children and was born in Missouri.
They enjoy trivia.😉
After rereading my info/diagnosis from the heart doctor the word mild is repetitive. I think I am going to hang my hat on that pleasant word. My sinus condition is still there but also "Mild". Or at least bearable. If it were no worse than it is right now I could live with it but that is a big if.
Butch and I made a Costco run yesterday. Butch played golf and pool in the afternoon and then we played "65" at Liz and Daves new digs. Harold and Logie played with us too. It was a full day as most are.
Harold and Logie are an interesting couple. Harold is a native Iowan and was born in Pella. His last name is Vanderhaar so being from Pella is not too much of a surprise. Their up-north home now is in Missouri at Lake of the Ozarks. They have sold their place in Trophy Gardens but plan to come back next season and rent a place. Logie, pronounced Lowjee is of Spanish/Mexican descent. Her mother was Mexican and her father Spanish. Logie is the youngest of 13 children and was born in Missouri.
They enjoy trivia.😉
After rereading my info/diagnosis from the heart doctor the word mild is repetitive. I think I am going to hang my hat on that pleasant word. My sinus condition is still there but also "Mild". Or at least bearable. If it were no worse than it is right now I could live with it but that is a big if.
Thursday, February 21
Yesterday
After my disconcerting visit with the heart doctor, I settled back into realizing it was a beautiful day, I didn't have a major headache, and I desperately needed to get back to my exercise regimen. So I started off with a half-mile walk and then I loaded up my new bike and bike bag with my camera and took off to do some pedaling and picture taking. I have been anxious to get back to the farmland on the east side of the golf course to see what had been planted, knowing its growth should be enough to determine what it was. My best guess is cilantro. It could be parsley but considering our location of South Texas I am betting on cilantro.
The white-haired gentleman golfer plays every day regardless of the weather. Yesterday was a beauty.
Wednesday, February 20
Echo and stress
Monday was the ECHO test and yesterday the stress test. I think I passed both but do not get the official word until later today. There were no specific issues that the patient (me) could detect. I am glad to have that part behind me. If the rest goes as I expect I will have the sinus procedure at 7:30 AM on Thursday, February 28th. I will keep you all informed.
Wrote the above and then did not get it published and it no longer applies.
Another delay: Stress test showed differences from the test of May 2018. So I had some decisions to make. First off it means rescheduling the sinus surgery...again. So I am not even saying when it is rescheduled because it depends on too many factors. Tests possibly needed: Coronary Calcium Score. A simple 10-minute test and if the score is zero we are good to go. If not then we need an angioplasty to take a closer look inside the heart and remove all doubt and know exactly what we are dealing with. I could skip the Calcium one and go straight for the angioplasty and perhaps I should have. But I didn't. I opted for the simpler test once again hoping for the best and it is scheduled for March 15th!! That feels like forever away and I almost told them to cancel everything. But they talked me into keeping the appointment and calling to tell them I would fill in if they had any cancellations. So I did. That is when I found out I have to call every day about 3:30PM to see if there are any cancellations for the next day! So I guess you know what I will be doing at 3:30 every day.
I am doing what I can to meet my goals in a minimum amount of time. Wish me luck!!
I do like my down-south heart doctor. He is a straight shooter and is doing his best to not let me make a mistake. And he told me that he is impressed with the doctor who is doing the sinus surgery if it ever gets done. He said he is very good at what he does and has lots of experience. Sometimes we get led to the right decisions in mysterious ways.
Wrote the above and then did not get it published and it no longer applies.
Another delay: Stress test showed differences from the test of May 2018. So I had some decisions to make. First off it means rescheduling the sinus surgery...again. So I am not even saying when it is rescheduled because it depends on too many factors. Tests possibly needed: Coronary Calcium Score. A simple 10-minute test and if the score is zero we are good to go. If not then we need an angioplasty to take a closer look inside the heart and remove all doubt and know exactly what we are dealing with. I could skip the Calcium one and go straight for the angioplasty and perhaps I should have. But I didn't. I opted for the simpler test once again hoping for the best and it is scheduled for March 15th!! That feels like forever away and I almost told them to cancel everything. But they talked me into keeping the appointment and calling to tell them I would fill in if they had any cancellations. So I did. That is when I found out I have to call every day about 3:30PM to see if there are any cancellations for the next day! So I guess you know what I will be doing at 3:30 every day.
I am doing what I can to meet my goals in a minimum amount of time. Wish me luck!!
I do like my down-south heart doctor. He is a straight shooter and is doing his best to not let me make a mistake. And he told me that he is impressed with the doctor who is doing the sinus surgery if it ever gets done. He said he is very good at what he does and has lots of experience. Sometimes we get led to the right decisions in mysterious ways.
Camping with kids tip
I read this in the RV newsletter and thought it worthy of sharing. I know my great-grands would have a blast doing this scavenger hunt.
http://creativehomemakers.blogspot.com/2010/07/camping-scavenger-hunt-for-kids.html
http://creativehomemakers.blogspot.com/2010/07/camping-scavenger-hunt-for-kids.html
Sunday, February 17
Photos from my window
The vegetable cart comes every Thursday morning and the residents all gather like flies.
Last nights sunset was very pretty. It amazes me how fast it seems to drop below the horizon. These photos were all taken within a few minutes of each other,
Saturday, February 16
Son Jason Called
Jason called us this morning while he was ice fishing on Don Williams Lake near Ogden IA and since we did not have anything in particular going on we talked for 3 hours or thereabouts. I learned that the ice is more than a foot thick. It was 6 degrees when we started talking and up to 11 degrees later.
He caught 4 fish before he called and 1 after. All catch and release. Sometimes he saves them but not always. We talked about many, many things.
He has sonar and knows when fish are in the area. He says they come and go very quickly. We talked about retirement and a book he is reading. His job and Laura's job and the list goes on. He used to call us frequently but it is hard to guess what our schedule holds so now he calls less frequently but for longer if he finds us not too busy.
He caught 4 fish before he called and 1 after. All catch and release. Sometimes he saves them but not always. We talked about many, many things.
He has sonar and knows when fish are in the area. He says they come and go very quickly. We talked about retirement and a book he is reading. His job and Laura's job and the list goes on. He used to call us frequently but it is hard to guess what our schedule holds so now he calls less frequently but for longer if he finds us not too busy.
Sinus Situation
I have been getting inquiries into the state my sinus situation so in writing an answer to one friend decided I had better get it on the blog for all to see.
I feel like a prisoner and that it has been a wasted season in Sunny South Texas. For me anyway. My sinus issue is entirely on the left side. When I go outside and the mystery conditions are wrong I seize up on that side and get a raging headache. And I mean RAGING. Some of the worst headaches of my life. That is what sent me to the South Texas Sinus Institute. The complication is my heart, AFIB and taking blood thinner. They want me off of it for 10 days prior to the procedure and 10 days after and they want a heart doctor to sign off on that. My heart doctor in Iowa will not because it has been more than 30 days since I had an EKG. So then I had to find a heart doctor down here, go for tests and pass them. I am in the process of that now. Doctor Himly, a cardiologist in Harlingen, has ordered an ECHO (Monday) and a Stress(Tuesday) and then see him on Wednesday and get the verdict. If all is well and I expect it will be I am scheduled for the procedure on Feb 28th.
I feel like a prisoner and that it has been a wasted season in Sunny South Texas. For me anyway. My sinus issue is entirely on the left side. When I go outside and the mystery conditions are wrong I seize up on that side and get a raging headache. And I mean RAGING. Some of the worst headaches of my life. That is what sent me to the South Texas Sinus Institute. The complication is my heart, AFIB and taking blood thinner. They want me off of it for 10 days prior to the procedure and 10 days after and they want a heart doctor to sign off on that. My heart doctor in Iowa will not because it has been more than 30 days since I had an EKG. So then I had to find a heart doctor down here, go for tests and pass them. I am in the process of that now. Doctor Himly, a cardiologist in Harlingen, has ordered an ECHO (Monday) and a Stress(Tuesday) and then see him on Wednesday and get the verdict. If all is well and I expect it will be I am scheduled for the procedure on Feb 28th.
To complicate things further I had a bad infection in my sinus. I wonder about it yet. Became allergic to amoxicillin after 6 days and broke out in hives. That produced a trip to ER. So now I am back to taking only my original meds and hoping like hell I can hang together enough to get this taken care of and recover some of the benefits of being here before we head back north. The problem in the meantime are these headaches; what causes them and getting rid of them. And that is a daily issue.
My biggest frustration is not getting my walks in. I feel they are critical to my overall well being and a big part of what has kept me healthy to this point.
Tuesday, February 12
Tie Dye
Krist invited me up to do some tie dye. Since I am not a fan I instead took the opportunity to take some photos instead. That was fun!
Sunday, February 10
Saturday and Sunday
The weather on Thursday, the 7th made it up to 87 degrees in the South Texas town of Alamo and then a cold front made its way down here.
Yup, they start out in the arctic regions and make it all the way down to the fat part of the globe. And what is even more amazing is the fact the cold air can still pack a wallop. So at 6:00pm on Thursday evening, it was a hot and humid 87 degrees and 6:00AM Friday morning it was 49 degrees. And it never got any warmer. Then at 6:00AM on Saturday morning it was 39 degrees! And it never exceeded 44 degrees all day! Oh yes, add a drizzly all day rain to the mix too.
This business plays absolute havoc with my sinuses. Thus my hermit status.
This morning a trip to the grocery store was absolutely necessary. I returned home with groceries and a rip-roaring pounding headache.
I certainly hope this surgical procedure helps this condition.
Enough of my troubles.
We invited Dave and Liz to go with us to Gonzales Burgers for lunch. We usually make at least one stop there each season. Located on Silver Ave in Donna Texas the Gonzales family makes up a given number of pounds of hamburger each day. One burger is more than enough to feed two people. Their fries are very crispy and their onion rings are big and the very best an onion ring can be. You must go to the counter to order your burger because they do not start grilling your burger until you order it. They open at 10:45AM Tuesday through Saturday. They stay open until they run out of hamburger or 3:00 PM whichever comes first. We had a great tasty burger and it is more than enough food to last for all day.
Butch and I played in the mixed doubles pool today. They play every Sunday but this Sunday was a smaller crowd. It is a great way to meet and make friends. Elmer and I had a good time despite the fact we were on the lower part of the leader board. Butch played with Rainy and that is indeed her given name and they too had a great time.
One of my trivia people, Frank, asked me to look up "putting English on the ball" and where the phrase comes from. And this is what I found:
Where does the term putting English on the ball come from?
Friday, February 8
Maybe?
Maybe I am okay. Maybe the sinus infection is cleared up. Maybe I will remember I am allergic to Amoxicillin and get a bad case of hives when I take it. I do not think there is much of a maybe on the last one. I have a great deal of incentive for remembering that one.
My up-north cardiac records have made it to a cardiologist here. So will go get acquainted next Friday. It is probably a good idea to have a connection on both ends of the country regardless of surgical plans.
I am feeling much better than I have in a while but I am saying that cautiously. I have not done much testing. I need to get out and do some serious moving around, get the muscles working and the blood to flowing despite it being a high in the 40's today. After a high near 90 yesterday. Is it no wonder our bodies get all out of whack.
I feel like I have lost a winter season in South Texas. I do not mind being somewhat of a hermit but when the choice is plucked from you due to body function circumstances it feels very unfair.
I have a little under half the season left and I have hopes of making the best of it.
Butch played in a Bridge tournament yesterday. It was a tournament between Trophy Gardens and Winter Ranch, sister parks and next door to each other. Trophy Gardens came out the victors this year.
Till next time...
My up-north cardiac records have made it to a cardiologist here. So will go get acquainted next Friday. It is probably a good idea to have a connection on both ends of the country regardless of surgical plans.
I am feeling much better than I have in a while but I am saying that cautiously. I have not done much testing. I need to get out and do some serious moving around, get the muscles working and the blood to flowing despite it being a high in the 40's today. After a high near 90 yesterday. Is it no wonder our bodies get all out of whack.
I feel like I have lost a winter season in South Texas. I do not mind being somewhat of a hermit but when the choice is plucked from you due to body function circumstances it feels very unfair.
I have a little under half the season left and I have hopes of making the best of it.
Butch played in a Bridge tournament yesterday. It was a tournament between Trophy Gardens and Winter Ranch, sister parks and next door to each other. Trophy Gardens came out the victors this year.
Till next time...
Wednesday, February 6
2018 Darwin Awards
A friend sent me the 2018 Darwin award winners.
Is it unkind of me to point out that ALL of them are male?
DARWIN AWARDS FOR 2018
Nominee No. 1 (San Jose Mercury News):
An unidentified man, using a shotgun like a club to break a former girlfriend’s windshield, accidentally shot himself to death when the gun discharged, blowing a large hole thru his gut.
Nominee No. 2 (Kalamazoo Gazette):
James Burns, 34, a mechanic from Alamo MI, was killed in March as he was trying to repair what police describe as a "farm-type truck." Burns got a friend to drive the truck on a highway while Burns hung underneath so that he could ascertain the source of a troubling noise. Burns' clothes caught on something, however, and the other man found Burns "wrapped around the drive shaft".
Nominee No. 3 (Hickory Daily Record):
Ken Charles Barger, 47, accidentally shot himself to death in December in Newton NC. Awakening to the sound of a ringing telephone beside his bed, he reached for the phone but instead grabbed a Smith & Wesson 38 Special, which discharged when he drew it to his ear.
Nominee No. 4 (UPI, Toronto):
Police said a lawyer demonstrating the safety of windows in a downtown Toronto skyscraper crashed through a pane with his shoulder and plunged 24 floors to his death. A police spokesman said Garry Hoy, 39, fell into the courtyard of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower early Friday evening as he was explaining the strength of the building's windows to visiting law students. Hoy previously has conducted demonstrations of window strength according to police reports. Peter Lawson, the managing partner of the firm Holden Day Wilson, told the Toronto Sun newspaper that Hoy was "one of the best and brightest members of the 200-man association.”
Nominee No. 5 (The News of the Weird):
Michael Anderson Godwin made News of the Weird posthumously. He had spent several years awaiting execution in South Carolina's electric chair on a murder conviction before having his sentence reduced to life in prison. While sitting on a metal toilet in his cell attempting to fix his small TV set, he bit into a wire and was electrocuted.
Nominee No. 6 (The Indianapolis Star):
A cigarette lighter may have triggered a fatal explosion in Dunkirk, IN. A Jay County man, using a cigarette lighter to check the barrel of a muzzleloader, was killed Monday night when the weapon discharged in his face, sheriff's investigators said. Gregory David Pryor, 19, died in his parents' rural Dunkirk home at about 11:30 PM Investigators said Pryor was cleaning a 54-caliber muzzle-loader that had not been firing properly. He was using the lighter to look into the barrel when the gunpowder ignited.
Nominee No. 7 (Reuters - Mississauga, Ontario):
A man cleaning a bird feeder on the balcony of his condominium apartment in this Toronto suburb slipped and fell 23 stories to his death. "Stefan Macko, 55, was standing on a wheelchair when the accident occurred," said Inspector Darcy Honer of the Peel Regional Police. "It appears that the chair moved, and he went over the balcony."
Finally, THE WINNER! (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette):
Two local men were injured when their pickup truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton Patch on State Highway 38 early Monday. Woodruff County deputy Dovey Snyder reported the accident shortly after midnight Monday. Thurston Poole, 33, of Des Arc, and Billy Ray Wallis, 38, of Little Rock, were returning to Des Arc after a frog-catching trip. On an overcast Sunday night, Poole's pickup truck headlights malfunctioned.
The two men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older-model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, Wallis noticed that the .22 caliber bullets from his pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering-wheel column. Upon inserting a bullet, the headlights again began to operate properly and the two men proceeded on eastbound toward the White River Bridge.
After traveling approximately 20 miles and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged and struck Poole in the testicles. The vehicle swerved sharply right, exited the pavement and struck a tree. Poole suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident but will require extensive surgery to repair the damage to his testicles, which will never operate as intended.
Wallis sustained a broken clavicle and was treated and released. "Thank God we weren't on that bridge when Thurston shot his balls off, or we might be dead," stated Wallis.
"I've been a trooper for 10 years in this part of the world, but this is a first for me. I can't believe that those two would admit how this accident happened," said Snyder.
Upon being notified of the wreck, Lavinia (Poole 's wife) asked how many frogs the boys had caught and if anyone got them from the truck?
Though Poole and Wallis did not die as a result of their misadventure as normally required by Darwin Award Official Rules, it can be argued that Poole did in fact effectively remove himself from the gene pool.
Is it unkind of me to point out that ALL of them are male?
DARWIN AWARDS FOR 2018
Nominee No. 1 (San Jose Mercury News):
An unidentified man, using a shotgun like a club to break a former girlfriend’s windshield, accidentally shot himself to death when the gun discharged, blowing a large hole thru his gut.
Nominee No. 2 (Kalamazoo Gazette):
James Burns, 34, a mechanic from Alamo MI, was killed in March as he was trying to repair what police describe as a "farm-type truck." Burns got a friend to drive the truck on a highway while Burns hung underneath so that he could ascertain the source of a troubling noise. Burns' clothes caught on something, however, and the other man found Burns "wrapped around the drive shaft".
Nominee No. 3 (Hickory Daily Record):
Ken Charles Barger, 47, accidentally shot himself to death in December in Newton NC. Awakening to the sound of a ringing telephone beside his bed, he reached for the phone but instead grabbed a Smith & Wesson 38 Special, which discharged when he drew it to his ear.
Nominee No. 4 (UPI, Toronto):
Police said a lawyer demonstrating the safety of windows in a downtown Toronto skyscraper crashed through a pane with his shoulder and plunged 24 floors to his death. A police spokesman said Garry Hoy, 39, fell into the courtyard of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower early Friday evening as he was explaining the strength of the building's windows to visiting law students. Hoy previously has conducted demonstrations of window strength according to police reports. Peter Lawson, the managing partner of the firm Holden Day Wilson, told the Toronto Sun newspaper that Hoy was "one of the best and brightest members of the 200-man association.”
Nominee No. 5 (The News of the Weird):
Michael Anderson Godwin made News of the Weird posthumously. He had spent several years awaiting execution in South Carolina's electric chair on a murder conviction before having his sentence reduced to life in prison. While sitting on a metal toilet in his cell attempting to fix his small TV set, he bit into a wire and was electrocuted.
Nominee No. 6 (The Indianapolis Star):
A cigarette lighter may have triggered a fatal explosion in Dunkirk, IN. A Jay County man, using a cigarette lighter to check the barrel of a muzzleloader, was killed Monday night when the weapon discharged in his face, sheriff's investigators said. Gregory David Pryor, 19, died in his parents' rural Dunkirk home at about 11:30 PM Investigators said Pryor was cleaning a 54-caliber muzzle-loader that had not been firing properly. He was using the lighter to look into the barrel when the gunpowder ignited.
Nominee No. 7 (Reuters - Mississauga, Ontario):
A man cleaning a bird feeder on the balcony of his condominium apartment in this Toronto suburb slipped and fell 23 stories to his death. "Stefan Macko, 55, was standing on a wheelchair when the accident occurred," said Inspector Darcy Honer of the Peel Regional Police. "It appears that the chair moved, and he went over the balcony."
Finally, THE WINNER! (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette):
Two local men were injured when their pickup truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton Patch on State Highway 38 early Monday. Woodruff County deputy Dovey Snyder reported the accident shortly after midnight Monday. Thurston Poole, 33, of Des Arc, and Billy Ray Wallis, 38, of Little Rock, were returning to Des Arc after a frog-catching trip. On an overcast Sunday night, Poole's pickup truck headlights malfunctioned.
The two men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older-model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, Wallis noticed that the .22 caliber bullets from his pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering-wheel column. Upon inserting a bullet, the headlights again began to operate properly and the two men proceeded on eastbound toward the White River Bridge.
After traveling approximately 20 miles and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged and struck Poole in the testicles. The vehicle swerved sharply right, exited the pavement and struck a tree. Poole suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident but will require extensive surgery to repair the damage to his testicles, which will never operate as intended.
Wallis sustained a broken clavicle and was treated and released. "Thank God we weren't on that bridge when Thurston shot his balls off, or we might be dead," stated Wallis.
"I've been a trooper for 10 years in this part of the world, but this is a first for me. I can't believe that those two would admit how this accident happened," said Snyder.
Upon being notified of the wreck, Lavinia (Poole 's wife) asked how many frogs the boys had caught and if anyone got them from the truck?
Though Poole and Wallis did not die as a result of their misadventure as normally required by Darwin Award Official Rules, it can be argued that Poole did in fact effectively remove himself from the gene pool.
Tuesday, February 5
Mondays Doings
Butch had an appointment for a massage Monday afternoon at the massage school. It has been very helpful and he has made quite a bit of progress in his ability to raise his arm. I went with him this time because a trip to Costco was in the works and they are not very far apart. Corinna really gets a workout when she does a massage. She has to be a very strong and fit woman. Corrinna is not a student, she is an instructor and it becomes obvious in watching her that she is very knowledgeable.
I took a picture of Butch's back this morning. She was using these circle things to move around on his back. She warned him he would have circles on his back.
I took a picture of Butch's back this morning. She was using these circle things to move around on his back. She warned him he would have circles on his back.
Monday, February 4
Superbowl post-op
Butch and I did go to a superbowl party. I did not plan to stay but I did. Butch paid for me to enter a pool and they pushed a board in front of me and said sign your name in two spaces. So I did. Those silly people enabled me to win $35! Isn't that the way? The person with the least amount of interest wins the money!
I had a good time. The women played 65 and I met some people I had not met before. The food was good. So, all in all, it worked out fine.
Oh yes, The mixed doubles pool tournament. I happened to draw the same partner I had last time and we did not do as well. Butch, however, drew the name of perhaps the best female pool player that had signed up and they won all seven of their games. It was enjoyable and I will play again. If I indeed get to have the sinus procedure I may have to skip pool for a while because bending over will not be allowed for a time. I am constantly surprised at all the compensations necessary in this aging business.
Good weather is perpetually being promised. Ain't happening. It isn't the kind that brings all activity to a halt, it is the kind of cloudy, dismal crap that brings moods down and doesn't make good photos.
The trees are starting to re-leaf after their mini fall and winter so for us lucky South Texas folk Spring really is just around the corner.
I had a good time. The women played 65 and I met some people I had not met before. The food was good. So, all in all, it worked out fine.
Oh yes, The mixed doubles pool tournament. I happened to draw the same partner I had last time and we did not do as well. Butch, however, drew the name of perhaps the best female pool player that had signed up and they won all seven of their games. It was enjoyable and I will play again. If I indeed get to have the sinus procedure I may have to skip pool for a while because bending over will not be allowed for a time. I am constantly surprised at all the compensations necessary in this aging business.
Good weather is perpetually being promised. Ain't happening. It isn't the kind that brings all activity to a halt, it is the kind of cloudy, dismal crap that brings moods down and doesn't make good photos.
The trees are starting to re-leaf after their mini fall and winter so for us lucky South Texas folk Spring really is just around the corner.
Sunday, February 3
What the Hey!!
We usually drop the temperature down about 5 degrees on the thermostat each night and then in the morning, I hike it back up 5 degrees. Sometimes just to take the chill off. This morning I looked at the outdoor temperature at 6:15 AM and it is a balmy 68 degrees to start! We have not had that scenario in a while.
I am feeling a bit better each morning with the sinus situation and continue to hope the antibiotics do the trick until I can get the snafu of cardiology approval resolved. I need an EKG probably and a cardiologist to sign off on it before I can have the surgery to fix it. I will be working on this wrinkle in the works first thing in the morning.
Yesterday was garage sale day in Magnolia. We did not plan to go this month but a request for some tech advice took us that way. It is always good to say Hi to our Magnolia friends.
Well, it is superbowl Sunday, a day I am always glad to get out of the way. It is much ado about nothing in my opinion. When will civilization take us beyond the idea that hitting each other is something worth watching to get an adrenalin rush from it? Not in my lifetime, I am guessing.
This afternoon is a mixed doubles pool tournament and I am feeling well enough to participate. Haven' t practiced much. May have to apologize profusely. LOL
I am feeling a bit better each morning with the sinus situation and continue to hope the antibiotics do the trick until I can get the snafu of cardiology approval resolved. I need an EKG probably and a cardiologist to sign off on it before I can have the surgery to fix it. I will be working on this wrinkle in the works first thing in the morning.
Yesterday was garage sale day in Magnolia. We did not plan to go this month but a request for some tech advice took us that way. It is always good to say Hi to our Magnolia friends.
Well, it is superbowl Sunday, a day I am always glad to get out of the way. It is much ado about nothing in my opinion. When will civilization take us beyond the idea that hitting each other is something worth watching to get an adrenalin rush from it? Not in my lifetime, I am guessing.
This afternoon is a mixed doubles pool tournament and I am feeling well enough to participate. Haven' t practiced much. May have to apologize profusely. LOL
Friday, February 1
Photos then and now
February 2018
Kestrel on Padre
Kiskadee in Magnolia February 2018
Parrot on Peach Street 2018
February 2019- You should see what it looks like when he gets up in the morning. He would scare young children.
Being nosey
I am feeling much better. The high-powered antibiotics and an RX nasal spray have helped tremendously. I was also on prednisone until the side effects were too much so we let that one go. I can still tell that air flow through my left nostril is restricted. It probably has been for years but now that I know what it looks like in there I can feel it more. I guess what I am saying is that even though I feel much better, I can still see the need for the upcoming surgery. A few things must get cleared first but the procedure is scheduled for February 14th.
I am still a bit leery of testing it since every time I went outdoors it worsened. If I could get encouraged by a bit of sunshine I think I would give it a go. Maybe this afternoon.
Oh yes, I am practicing sneezing with my mouth open. It is one of the requirements post-op.
I am still a bit leery of testing it since every time I went outdoors it worsened. If I could get encouraged by a bit of sunshine I think I would give it a go. Maybe this afternoon.
Oh yes, I am practicing sneezing with my mouth open. It is one of the requirements post-op.
Wednesday, January 30
Park-Wide WiFi
Explanation of what happens to park-wide wifi in January and February each year. Butch and I have many WiFi/Internet-capable devices.
1 laptop
2 Chromebooks (tablets)
2 kindles
2 phones
1 Smart TV
_________
Total 8
And many of our friends are fond of Alexa, Google, Siri, etc. and they are all WiFi needed devices.
How often do you walk away from these devices and leave them running? Can there be any wonder why the WiFi cannot keep up?
Do your friends and neighbors a favor and disconnect the WiFi to any device that you are not currently using. Yes, I know it is inconvenient to reconnect each time you need to google a question or look up a website but you will make your friends and neighbors much less grumpy and that could be worth it.
1 laptop
2 Chromebooks (tablets)
2 kindles
2 phones
1 Smart TV
_________
Total 8
And many of our friends are fond of Alexa, Google, Siri, etc. and they are all WiFi needed devices.
How often do you walk away from these devices and leave them running? Can there be any wonder why the WiFi cannot keep up?
Do your friends and neighbors a favor and disconnect the WiFi to any device that you are not currently using. Yes, I know it is inconvenient to reconnect each time you need to google a question or look up a website but you will make your friends and neighbors much less grumpy and that could be worth it.
Tuesday Trivia Results
Winners of Tuesday Trivia were Team BooBees in first place with 132 points and Team Newbies in second place with 122. Next week there will be a restriction of 8 people to a team. 5 teams were in attendance and we had a hoot of a time. Try it out next week. You might be in for a refreshing 2019 brainwashing!
The game is made up of 4 rounds of 5 questions each. The questions are general knowledge questions of various categories. The host will tell you the categories before each round of play.
When the host reads each question your team will be given 3 minutes to come up with the answer and decide on a point value of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 points. Each point value can only be used once for each round. You cross it off on your worksheet as they are used. If you have great confidence in your answer you would assign a bigger number with the opposite also being true.
Please do not have your cell phones or other internet devices on your table. Do not shout out answers. Music will be played while teams are deciding on an answer to mask the talk from table to table.
The goal is to have fun!
Hosts Barb and Butch Brooker lot# 454
The game is made up of 4 rounds of 5 questions each. The questions are general knowledge questions of various categories. The host will tell you the categories before each round of play.
When the host reads each question your team will be given 3 minutes to come up with the answer and decide on a point value of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 points. Each point value can only be used once for each round. You cross it off on your worksheet as they are used. If you have great confidence in your answer you would assign a bigger number with the opposite also being true.
Please do not have your cell phones or other internet devices on your table. Do not shout out answers. Music will be played while teams are deciding on an answer to mask the talk from table to table.
The goal is to have fun!
Hosts Barb and Butch Brooker lot# 454
Health Issue
As most of you know I have been struggling with sinus issues pretty much ever since we arrived last fall. Even had a full-fledged cold thrown in the mix. As I thought about the issue it went way back to 2016 when I went into the clinic in Jefferson for allergy testing and it came up zip/nix/nada/ no allergies. I was very surprised! They diagnosed me at that time with Chronic Rhinitis. I have a problem with that word Chronic. To me, it means 'deal with it'. Things did clear up and I had a problem on occasion but not often. Until this year and in South Texas. There are LOTS of allergies here and in fact, we are considered the allergy capital of the nation so I naturally thought I was allergic to something here that was not a factor in Iowa and it could still be true I suppose.
There are lots of ads on TV for sinus clinics here and since my condition was not getting better but in fact worse I decided to contact one of them. I ended up with an appointment yesterday at the South Texas Sinus Institute. They are connected with the McAllen Medical complex.
(http://www.southtexassinusinstitute.com/testimonials/we-solve-sinus-problems/)
When I read a list of symptoms of sinus issues I was surprised to find a few I had been experiencing without realizing they were sinus related. Fatigue, irritability, concentration to name three. The reason I made the appointment was severe headaches and everything getting worse every time I went outdoors or smelled something strong and unusual. I was pretty much completely plugged on the left side.
So yesterday I found out through x-ray's and CT scan that I had a very serious sinus infection and a deviated septum and probably other things. Dr. Vincent F. Honrubia, F.A.C.S. said it was not going to get better on its own. May get temporarily relieved but it would return. That has been my experience.
So I am scheduled for Septoplasty, Turbinate reduction and Balloon sinuplasty as soon as I get clearance from my heart doctor. It is in the works I hope and will be checking it out to make sure. As it stands now it will take place on February 14th. It is not as serious as it may sound. My appointment is in the early morning and I will be home before noon. I am ready to have my life back. Walking, biking, photography and the rest of everything!
There are lots of ads on TV for sinus clinics here and since my condition was not getting better but in fact worse I decided to contact one of them. I ended up with an appointment yesterday at the South Texas Sinus Institute. They are connected with the McAllen Medical complex.
(http://www.southtexassinusinstitute.com/testimonials/we-solve-sinus-problems/)
When I read a list of symptoms of sinus issues I was surprised to find a few I had been experiencing without realizing they were sinus related. Fatigue, irritability, concentration to name three. The reason I made the appointment was severe headaches and everything getting worse every time I went outdoors or smelled something strong and unusual. I was pretty much completely plugged on the left side.
So yesterday I found out through x-ray's and CT scan that I had a very serious sinus infection and a deviated septum and probably other things. Dr. Vincent F. Honrubia, F.A.C.S. said it was not going to get better on its own. May get temporarily relieved but it would return. That has been my experience.
So I am scheduled for Septoplasty, Turbinate reduction and Balloon sinuplasty as soon as I get clearance from my heart doctor. It is in the works I hope and will be checking it out to make sure. As it stands now it will take place on February 14th. It is not as serious as it may sound. My appointment is in the early morning and I will be home before noon. I am ready to have my life back. Walking, biking, photography and the rest of everything!
Monday, January 28
The other trivia
So Butch and I passed on the mixed doubles pool tournament and played the other form of trivia played in the main hall on Sunday afternoons. The winning team gets free ice cream. There are teams of six players each. The host has put together a list of 25 questions. The host reads the questions one at a time and the teams write down their answers. The answer sheets are passed to a different team where the answers are checked off as a win or lose. The team we were on had 15 1/2 correct answers but the winning team had 16 points. So we lost by a half point.
Next week we plan to play in the mixed doubles pool tournament. It always boils down to a choice of activities and there are so many to choose from!
This mornings sunrise.
Next week we plan to play in the mixed doubles pool tournament. It always boils down to a choice of activities and there are so many to choose from!
This mornings sunrise.
Saturday, January 26
Wind, Rain and Whatnot
We have had a period of time and several days where the wind blew "like sixty" as my Grandma Brock used to say back in the day when sixty was fast. Today the weather guys are saying we are in for heavy rain. Ya think? It has been my experience this season that predicting rain is like predicting the actions of a two-year-old. It may happen in a sprinkling or it may not happen at all with the latter being the usual. This morning certainly looks like it could rain but that is not a good indicator either.
The whatnot is the fact that the RGV is in their busiest season. The park is full or as full as it is likely to get this season. If the up-north folks are not here by now they probably are not going to come. The last tally by management that I saw said we had 607 people in the park. That is double the amount of people who live in Cumberland Iowa where we lived for twenty years. So I doubt that I learn everyone's name in a few months.
The strain on the Internet is particularly apparent now. When you take into account that Butch and I own 5 internet capable devices and multiply that by 607 or even 303 it is not hard to see why it is dysfunctional. Don't get me wrong, we do not have all of our devices connected at the same time, Not even close. I must admit that it is difficult to remember to disconnect when I get up and walk away from my computer. It is easier now when I am trying to do the simplest action and find myself stymied. I woke up this morning at 5:00AM and briefly thought about getting up and on the computer, thinking I could beat the crowd. As I am working on this blog entry I can almost guarantee I will have to wait for a hole in the cloud before I can get it posted. Having bad weather magnifies the situation. That is the bad news. The good news is that a good number of these people will start leaving at the end of February and first of March. That always amazes me as well. It is as though they forget that it is a long way from Spring in the North country. Oh well, that makes it decidedly better for those of us with better weather memories.
Another Whatnot. Butch and I went for a walk yesterday and we encountered Pierre. They certainly look happy, don't you think?
The whatnot is the fact that the RGV is in their busiest season. The park is full or as full as it is likely to get this season. If the up-north folks are not here by now they probably are not going to come. The last tally by management that I saw said we had 607 people in the park. That is double the amount of people who live in Cumberland Iowa where we lived for twenty years. So I doubt that I learn everyone's name in a few months.
The strain on the Internet is particularly apparent now. When you take into account that Butch and I own 5 internet capable devices and multiply that by 607 or even 303 it is not hard to see why it is dysfunctional. Don't get me wrong, we do not have all of our devices connected at the same time, Not even close. I must admit that it is difficult to remember to disconnect when I get up and walk away from my computer. It is easier now when I am trying to do the simplest action and find myself stymied. I woke up this morning at 5:00AM and briefly thought about getting up and on the computer, thinking I could beat the crowd. As I am working on this blog entry I can almost guarantee I will have to wait for a hole in the cloud before I can get it posted. Having bad weather magnifies the situation. That is the bad news. The good news is that a good number of these people will start leaving at the end of February and first of March. That always amazes me as well. It is as though they forget that it is a long way from Spring in the North country. Oh well, that makes it decidedly better for those of us with better weather memories.
Another Whatnot. Butch and I went for a walk yesterday and we encountered Pierre. They certainly look happy, don't you think?
Wednesday, January 23
Tuesday Trivia
Tuesday Trivia winners were The Newbies. There was a tie for 2nd so a tiebreaker question was needed with the winners being Team Wilder Wild. 3rd place was Team Smartypants. We met the goal of having a great time and will commence with more fun next Tuesday night at 6:30 PM near the Sunrise Room in the Main Hall.
Hosts Barb and Butch Brooker
Tuesday, January 22
Thinking it over
One of our sons was contemplating a trip to the Rio Grande Valley in March. As it turned out, it will not happen but I decided to post the info in case it caught someone else's eye. There are 18 apartments in Trophy Gardens so I went to the office yesterday to see if it would be possible to rent one by the week or by the day in Mid-March and the answer was yes. Much to my surprise! The weekly rent would be $400 a week or $65 a day. She told me they had 5 apartments available for that time frame.
And then I received this email for cheap airfare. So if you can make it work we would be happy to host your stay in Trophy Gardens. Just sayin'!
http://m.iluv.southwest.com/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=%408OjiLzm0Zup4887XCvwvdV1zKiE43WFK75C%2FyjhcSeM%3D&RR_NUMBER=b6589fc6ab0dc82cf12099d1c2d40ab994e8410c&src=MAILCNS989032&RSD=0000&RMID=AC_CNS_Promo_20190122&RRID=db6a51a9da5a6edc09517b7156c43983b42c5e8adecbb5eab15154adaf2d4b54%0D
And then I received this email for cheap airfare. So if you can make it work we would be happy to host your stay in Trophy Gardens. Just sayin'!
http://m.iluv.southwest.com/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=%408OjiLzm0Zup4887XCvwvdV1zKiE43WFK75C%2FyjhcSeM%3D&RR_NUMBER=b6589fc6ab0dc82cf12099d1c2d40ab994e8410c&src=MAILCNS989032&RSD=0000&RMID=AC_CNS_Promo_20190122&RRID=db6a51a9da5a6edc09517b7156c43983b42c5e8adecbb5eab15154adaf2d4b54%0D
Monday, January 21
Crickett Thermometer
DID YOU KNOW?
Crickets can tell you the outside temperature. It’s true! In 1897 physicist Amos Dolbear claimed that the outdoor temperature determined the number of cricket “chirps” one would hear, but a few years later, that theory was flip-flopped; the number of cricket “chirps” would identify the temperature. To convert cricket chirps to degrees Fahrenheit, count number of chirps in 14 seconds then add 40 to get the temperature. Example: 30 chirps + 40 = 70° F. It’s been proven, try it yourself!Moon Eclipse
My friend Deon from Magnolia filmed the lunar eclipse and shot some really great photos. See them here:
https://magnolianews.blogspot.com/2019/01/lunar-eclipse.html
https://magnolianews.blogspot.com/2019/01/lunar-eclipse.html
Mixed double results from Bits and Pieces
Sunday, January 20th. at the Championship pool hall, there were 28 people playing in the mixed doubles tournament... Each team played 8 games... Winning seven games was team Henry Mandziuk & Linda Lang... There were three teams winning six games. They were teams Butch Brooker & Janet Tisdall, Lorin Martinuk & Barb Brooker, Dan Lang & Lil Martinuk.. Two teams winning 5 games were teams Donna Hanke & Terry Steinbeck and Liz Pish & Don Wolf.
Sunday, January 20
Internet update
How quickly I can forget that a reboot on the wifi system can cure a multitude of problems. I rarely if ever have to reboot the system in Jefferson and I very infrequently had to reboot when I was on Spectrum. As I understand it here the system needed a reboot and for most people that cured the slow/no Internet issues. It had worked so well and for so long I did not even think of the possibility. I expected things to go wonky when everyone arrived and I do believe everyone who will be here is here by now. Since the reboot, it is nearly normal. A little slower to be sure but not so slow that you want to throw up your hands and give up. There is a smile on my face.😄
Mixed Doubles Pool
In Mixed Doubles Trophy Garden style you sign up as couples. Then when you arrive a card is made out for all the women players and they also put a woman players name in a hat and the men draw their partner. The women always break. They toss for which team breaks. After the game ends the woman fills out her card as to a win or a loss and who they played. We played 8 rounds today. My partner and I won 6 of the 8 games. And a good time was had by most. Butch and his partner also won 6 of their 8 games. It is a good way to meet people.
Funny
It sure is funny how things that I have been resigned to seem to resolve themselves in a positive way. I was not happy about our location for trivia but had decided I had done all I could to get things changed without success. However, the players themselves went to management and came up with us getting the big hall for trivia. I was surprised and pleased. There will be some unhappy card players but there are only 12 of them whereby there are 48 of us.
And then I texted with Keri this morning and found out there is a For Rent sign on the house next door south of us in Jefferson. It may not stay good news but for now it certainly is. It will depend on who happens to move in. There have been some fine people live there and then some not so fine. Time will tell.
This afternoon Butch and I are playing in a mixed doubles pool tournament. I have practiced enough to gain some confidence. Not much, but some. They hold these events on Sunday afternoons. The other Trivia event is also on Sunday afternoon. It always comes down to choices when there are so many activities to choose from. I have told Butch that next week we are checking out the trivia event.
And then I texted with Keri this morning and found out there is a For Rent sign on the house next door south of us in Jefferson. It may not stay good news but for now it certainly is. It will depend on who happens to move in. There have been some fine people live there and then some not so fine. Time will tell.
This afternoon Butch and I are playing in a mixed doubles pool tournament. I have practiced enough to gain some confidence. Not much, but some. They hold these events on Sunday afternoons. The other Trivia event is also on Sunday afternoon. It always comes down to choices when there are so many activities to choose from. I have told Butch that next week we are checking out the trivia event.
Friday, January 18
Leak Fixed
There must be a #&^*$ Microsoft update coming in! I am up at 5:30 AM and the computer is slower than slow. It could be that the rest of the park are early risers as well. I suppose that is possible. The reason I am blaming Microsoft is because all aspects of computing are slow-not just the Internet. Time heals all wounds- I wish it would also wound all heels. That seems to take longer.
Butch was impressed with his massage and thinks it helped a great deal. I have noticed much less talk about his dysfunctional shoulder so I would say it is better. He will be returning next week for more work on it.
We have had an occasional leak in our roof and we had determined it was around the air conditioner. Butch tried to trace it down and caulked in a few places but it did not work. And then I happened upon an RV article that explained the situation perfectly and took away all doubt that it was the air conditioner seal that needed attention. So we scheduled an appointment with our go-to guy for RV repair in the Rio Grande Valley, Mark Hvam, and yesterday was the day he came and fixed it! Butch said it became obvious where the problem was once Mark moved the AC and looked. After our repair was done we noticed our RV neighbors clustering around Mark for their RV questions. All he has to do is show up and work will find him! He is reasonably priced and very knowledgeable and we totally trust him with our winter home. Oh yes, you can find Mark’s business at the Don-Wes Flea Market on the south side of business 83 about halfway back on the west side of the building. His wife Nancy will be there even if Mark is out on a call.
I love my new bike but the weather has not been conducive for bike riding, walking or much of anything outdoors. It has been cold. Cold for us is anything below 55 degrees. But now we are looking at a heat wave! A short one they say but today and tomorrow it could get close to 90 degrees. It was 69 degrees when I looked at the thermometer when my feet hit the floor at 5:30 AM so that would indicate a hot one. Oh yeah! It is also very foggy! Perfect weather seems to always be just out of reach.
I have been playing more pool. Every once in a while I notice an improvement in my game. Butch practically lives at the pool hall. His skill level is definitely up there as they say. One of his competitions out of the park recently he told me he ran the table 3 times in a row. That is a big deal!
Butch was impressed with his massage and thinks it helped a great deal. I have noticed much less talk about his dysfunctional shoulder so I would say it is better. He will be returning next week for more work on it.
We have had an occasional leak in our roof and we had determined it was around the air conditioner. Butch tried to trace it down and caulked in a few places but it did not work. And then I happened upon an RV article that explained the situation perfectly and took away all doubt that it was the air conditioner seal that needed attention. So we scheduled an appointment with our go-to guy for RV repair in the Rio Grande Valley, Mark Hvam, and yesterday was the day he came and fixed it! Butch said it became obvious where the problem was once Mark moved the AC and looked. After our repair was done we noticed our RV neighbors clustering around Mark for their RV questions. All he has to do is show up and work will find him! He is reasonably priced and very knowledgeable and we totally trust him with our winter home. Oh yes, you can find Mark’s business at the Don-Wes Flea Market on the south side of business 83 about halfway back on the west side of the building. His wife Nancy will be there even if Mark is out on a call.
I love my new bike but the weather has not been conducive for bike riding, walking or much of anything outdoors. It has been cold. Cold for us is anything below 55 degrees. But now we are looking at a heat wave! A short one they say but today and tomorrow it could get close to 90 degrees. It was 69 degrees when I looked at the thermometer when my feet hit the floor at 5:30 AM so that would indicate a hot one. Oh yeah! It is also very foggy! Perfect weather seems to always be just out of reach.
I have been playing more pool. Every once in a while I notice an improvement in my game. Butch practically lives at the pool hall. His skill level is definitely up there as they say. One of his competitions out of the park recently he told me he ran the table 3 times in a row. That is a big deal!
Wednesday, January 16
Trivia Results
We had 6 teams come to the Sunrise room on Tuesday night to test their recall systems on a myriad of subjects. Team Boobies were the winners and following close behind them were Team Wilder Wild. Third place was held by Team Newbies. A good time was had by all with more good times to come next Tuesday night. Same place, same time.
Two more teams and we would fill the place to capacity. We will probably have to limit it to 8 teams because there is no other place for us to meet. After a complete inspection of alternatives and asking a smaller group to switch with us and getting an emphatic "NO" we will have to make do with the Sunrise room. Oh well😕 Don't worry- Be Happy😁
Two more teams and we would fill the place to capacity. We will probably have to limit it to 8 teams because there is no other place for us to meet. After a complete inspection of alternatives and asking a smaller group to switch with us and getting an emphatic "NO" we will have to make do with the Sunrise room. Oh well😕 Don't worry- Be Happy😁
Tuesday, January 15
Dark and Dreary
blog 1/15/19
Dreary, dark and drizzly winter day in deep south Texas means no workable Internet in Trophy Gardens because of everyone who would ordinarily be out and about doing all kinds of activities are indoors trying to make the Internet go faster.
So I write this in a word program for later placement on the blog.
Butch is off to see a massage therapist at the Massage School in Pharr Texas. He stopped in yesterday hoping to be seen right away but they told him his situation would be better addressed by a graduate rather than a student and I think they are correct. He has a knot in his shoulder that does not want to let go and it is limiting his arm movement.
Do you think it might be too much pool playing? He doesn't.
Last night I called my friend Colleen in Florida and we talked for 3 hours!! We are never caught up, we just take pauses. You might wonder what we talk about for that long and all I can say is we both have additions to our reading lists so we discussed books both old and new. We talked about childhood incidents and impressions. We talked of life and death both old and new.
We talked about aging, its challenges, and delights. And those are the subjects that quickly come to mind. In the summers we used to meet up at 7:00AM on the bike trail and walk for an hour every morning and we both agreed it was the perfect start to a day so last night we just condensed 3 days worth into one 3 hour period.
My bicycle arrived yesterday and Butch got it set up and ready for me to ride. I rode enough to know that I will like it when the weather does a turnaround. Pictures later...
I am doing laundry.
I have the trivia questions and equipment ready for tonight. We will still be in the noisy location.
An alternative location has been proposed so we will be discussing that to see what the majority think of it. Monday afternoon from 3:30 PM to 7:00 pm is open in the main hall and that is the only open time the activity director could find. 3:30 to 6:00 could work but that is a busy time of day for most folks.
I am feeling back to a 99% healthy level. That cold/virus was a nasty one and I am glad it is a part of my past.
Now if the weather would adjust itself all would be just ducky! The weather has for the most part been perfect with daytime temps in the 70's and nighttime temps in the 50's. It has only been the past two days that have gone wonky on us and they say this drudge will be around for a while, like a week at least.
A subject discussed in the 3-hour talk last night. Pay attention, Trivia folk, a question might emerge from it.
From the expression "Stuck in my Craw"
Craw-What is a bird's craw?
In a bird's digestive system, the crop is an expanded, muscular pouch near the gullet or throat. It is a part of the digestive tract, essentially an enlarged part of the esophagus. As with most other organisms that have a crop, the crop is used to temporarily store food. Not all birds have a crop.
Dreary, dark and drizzly winter day in deep south Texas means no workable Internet in Trophy Gardens because of everyone who would ordinarily be out and about doing all kinds of activities are indoors trying to make the Internet go faster.
So I write this in a word program for later placement on the blog.
Butch is off to see a massage therapist at the Massage School in Pharr Texas. He stopped in yesterday hoping to be seen right away but they told him his situation would be better addressed by a graduate rather than a student and I think they are correct. He has a knot in his shoulder that does not want to let go and it is limiting his arm movement.
Do you think it might be too much pool playing? He doesn't.
Last night I called my friend Colleen in Florida and we talked for 3 hours!! We are never caught up, we just take pauses. You might wonder what we talk about for that long and all I can say is we both have additions to our reading lists so we discussed books both old and new. We talked about childhood incidents and impressions. We talked of life and death both old and new.
We talked about aging, its challenges, and delights. And those are the subjects that quickly come to mind. In the summers we used to meet up at 7:00AM on the bike trail and walk for an hour every morning and we both agreed it was the perfect start to a day so last night we just condensed 3 days worth into one 3 hour period.
My bicycle arrived yesterday and Butch got it set up and ready for me to ride. I rode enough to know that I will like it when the weather does a turnaround. Pictures later...
I am doing laundry.
I have the trivia questions and equipment ready for tonight. We will still be in the noisy location.
An alternative location has been proposed so we will be discussing that to see what the majority think of it. Monday afternoon from 3:30 PM to 7:00 pm is open in the main hall and that is the only open time the activity director could find. 3:30 to 6:00 could work but that is a busy time of day for most folks.
I am feeling back to a 99% healthy level. That cold/virus was a nasty one and I am glad it is a part of my past.
Now if the weather would adjust itself all would be just ducky! The weather has for the most part been perfect with daytime temps in the 70's and nighttime temps in the 50's. It has only been the past two days that have gone wonky on us and they say this drudge will be around for a while, like a week at least.
A subject discussed in the 3-hour talk last night. Pay attention, Trivia folk, a question might emerge from it.
From the expression "Stuck in my Craw"
Craw-What is a bird's craw?
In a bird's digestive system, the crop is an expanded, muscular pouch near the gullet or throat. It is a part of the digestive tract, essentially an enlarged part of the esophagus. As with most other organisms that have a crop, the crop is used to temporarily store food. Not all birds have a crop.
Monday, January 14
Wanna see snow?
Gary sent me a drone video of Missouri snow.
For your viewing pleasure...
KC Star has a video taken after our snow storm
For your viewing pleasure...
KC Star has a video taken after our snow storm
Sunday, January 13
Sunday, Sunday
Yesterday Butch and I went to the Weslaco El Dorado for a breakfast Taco, the Westgate HEB, Magnolia Park for their garage sale and say hi to friends, glanced at the Don-Wes Flea market but was put off by the number of cars in the parking lot, stopped at Wal-Mart and then home.
Our new friend Bruce Johnson was playing at Don-Wes and we passed on visiting. I had an attack of "crowdaphobia" just looking at the parking lot. It has been a long time since we have seen that much activity at the flea market. They are saying the influx of northerners is way up this year and from what we can determine I would say that is true.
In our visit with Magnolia friends, I learned that our good friend Pecan Bill is feeling much better after a visit to ER last week. He looked like his old self and that was good to see. I also learned that the trivia sessions now run by Sharon Nelson and Mary Bruun are very popular. They had 5 teams!
And so today we will be staying home for breakfast and at 1:30 PM going to the pool hall for a mixed doubles tournament. Life rolls on and next week it will be rolling along on a new red bicycle!
Our new friend Bruce Johnson was playing at Don-Wes and we passed on visiting. I had an attack of "crowdaphobia" just looking at the parking lot. It has been a long time since we have seen that much activity at the flea market. They are saying the influx of northerners is way up this year and from what we can determine I would say that is true.
In our visit with Magnolia friends, I learned that our good friend Pecan Bill is feeling much better after a visit to ER last week. He looked like his old self and that was good to see. I also learned that the trivia sessions now run by Sharon Nelson and Mary Bruun are very popular. They had 5 teams!
And so today we will be staying home for breakfast and at 1:30 PM going to the pool hall for a mixed doubles tournament. Life rolls on and next week it will be rolling along on a new red bicycle!
Saturday, January 12
Friday, January 11
Life bubbles along...
To be perfectly honest things have been bubbling along like a percolator. I use one, by the way, a percolator. In the motorhome, I like the size of it. I do not like to sacrifice counter space.
I have been playing some pool on a casual basis. On a whim, someone will suggest we go hit a few and so we do. Been playing some cribbage in the same way. Pick up games is what some people call them.
And I do have plans to play some golf. Yes, really! I find I do better with the impromptu activities. So it works for me.
And then there is trivia. Last week unbeknownst to me the fellow who has the Sunday afternoon time slot was in the room. He came over between rounds and introduced himself. Seems like a nice guy. His first comment to me was, "You sure have a lot of categories!" And I said, " yes, I do!" And that told me that he does not. I am guessing his are theme-based trivia sessions. I do not have any plans to change the way I do it. Hmmm-I wonder if he does.
I bought a bicycle yesterday. Should have it next Tuesday. I am excited! Butch says it is my Christmas present. That sparked a memory of the last time I received a bicycle as a Christmas gift. I was 8! I had to wait till Spring to learn to ride it. That one was blue. This one is red. The two bikes have similarities. They were both one speed and the brakes are the old fashioned ones too. The new one has a step-through and most importantly it is foldable! I needed a bike to get around the park in a faster manner. This park is larger in area.
Here is a picture of my Christmas gift. It is a Citizen bike and they are being offered with free shipping. I plan to have Butch take a picture of me with my bike.
We are having company for supper. Spaghetti Squash, Salad, Garlic bread. No dessert.
I am loving the flow of life right now. It feels right and it feels good.
Till next time!
I have been playing some pool on a casual basis. On a whim, someone will suggest we go hit a few and so we do. Been playing some cribbage in the same way. Pick up games is what some people call them.
And I do have plans to play some golf. Yes, really! I find I do better with the impromptu activities. So it works for me.
And then there is trivia. Last week unbeknownst to me the fellow who has the Sunday afternoon time slot was in the room. He came over between rounds and introduced himself. Seems like a nice guy. His first comment to me was, "You sure have a lot of categories!" And I said, " yes, I do!" And that told me that he does not. I am guessing his are theme-based trivia sessions. I do not have any plans to change the way I do it. Hmmm-I wonder if he does.
I bought a bicycle yesterday. Should have it next Tuesday. I am excited! Butch says it is my Christmas present. That sparked a memory of the last time I received a bicycle as a Christmas gift. I was 8! I had to wait till Spring to learn to ride it. That one was blue. This one is red. The two bikes have similarities. They were both one speed and the brakes are the old fashioned ones too. The new one has a step-through and most importantly it is foldable! I needed a bike to get around the park in a faster manner. This park is larger in area.
Here is a picture of my Christmas gift. It is a Citizen bike and they are being offered with free shipping. I plan to have Butch take a picture of me with my bike.
We are having company for supper. Spaghetti Squash, Salad, Garlic bread. No dessert.
I am loving the flow of life right now. It feels right and it feels good.
Till next time!
Wednesday, January 9
Back to normal
I can put up with the parts of having a cold as long as I can breathe through my nose at least partially. But when you become a total " mouth-breather" it is just too much. All day Saturday and a good part of Sunday I was a total mouth-breather. Thankfully Butch reminded me to get started on Zicam right away and I did. We use the nasal swabs and to be sure I can get them without checking out every store in a fifty-mile radius I order them online. I am happy to say they once again shortened my cold. You may not think they do any good as you are using them but shortening a cold from 7 days to 3 is a win in my book.
We had 5 teams at Trivia last night. The only complaint was the acoustics in the Sunrise Room. The Sunrise room and the Sunset Room remind me of a greenhouse with lots of glass and curved at the top in the same way a greenhouse is curved. The result is sounds are accentuated. The noise level is high with normal conversation and if you add a bit of enthusiasm over a win it becomes unbearable. I have talked to the activity director and she is working on a solution. I will let you know the results.
I understand the trivia in Jefferson will now be at the casino. They must have outgrown the space at the Market Grille. I know it was always crowded on Thursday nights and regular food patrons could not find a place to sit.
Changes are always happening. Some good and some not so good. We are left with learning to roll with the punches or being very grateful. Sometimes both at the same time. Till next time...
We had 5 teams at Trivia last night. The only complaint was the acoustics in the Sunrise Room. The Sunrise room and the Sunset Room remind me of a greenhouse with lots of glass and curved at the top in the same way a greenhouse is curved. The result is sounds are accentuated. The noise level is high with normal conversation and if you add a bit of enthusiasm over a win it becomes unbearable. I have talked to the activity director and she is working on a solution. I will let you know the results.
I understand the trivia in Jefferson will now be at the casino. They must have outgrown the space at the Market Grille. I know it was always crowded on Thursday nights and regular food patrons could not find a place to sit.
Changes are always happening. Some good and some not so good. We are left with learning to roll with the punches or being very grateful. Sometimes both at the same time. Till next time...
I'm Okay
As I age I have more and more trouble with spelling. In elementary school, I excelled at spelling so it is rather disconcerting to draw a blank on how to spell "geniuses". I am relating this to Butch and he said, "You know, when a witch gets older she loses her power to do a 'spell'." Now some might take that as an insult but the truth be known his quick wit is one of the things that attracted me to him in the very beginning so it made me laugh and also reminded me why I like him. 💕
Monday, January 7
Still!
I am still in the grip of a head cold. If not the worst it is at least in the top 10. May not have news from me until I feel human again.😞
Sunday, January 6
Head Cold @!$%^&
So last night I was hit with a full-blown head cold! We were at Dave and Liz's playing cribbage and my nose plugged up. I am never sure if it is allergies or a head cold so operated on the assumption of allergies. Wrong! 100% sure it is a head cold now. Chills and hot flashes, plugged nose that will not stay cleared, and feeling generally punky. So anyone who has been in contact with me lately should probably take precautionary measures and I deeply apologize.
I had signed up to play pool in a couples event this afternoon but that isn't going to happen.
I had signed up to play pool in a couples event this afternoon but that isn't going to happen.
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