Friday, July 19
Ride to the bridge
Thursday, July 18
Busy at everything but posting!
Monday Butch and I took a road trip to Rockwell City to touch base with my little sis Myrla. We had not seen her in quite some time. I talk to her on the phone every few months but it is not the same.
Myrla is a dog lover and she recently lost one of her fur babies, Peaches. Her other fur baby is Hewy and he is going on 15 which makes him a very old guy in human years, say about 115! Hewy weighs in the neighborhood of 150 pounds. He is descended from Wolf, the German Shepard, and Mastiff. He has quite the lineage! He suffers from severe arthritis in his hindquarters and getting up and down is very laborious for him. Myrla helps him by putting a towel under his back legs and tummy to assist in the lift. We all grow old together.
I wanted to get a good picture of Hewy standing next to Myrla but Hewy wanted to lay down so I was only partially successful.
Myrla is not overly fond of cats. But Hewy is, so Tippy is Hewy's cat.
Best of Friends!
Myrla is a dog lover and she recently lost one of her fur babies, Peaches. Her other fur baby is Hewy and he is going on 15 which makes him a very old guy in human years, say about 115! Hewy weighs in the neighborhood of 150 pounds. He is descended from Wolf, the German Shepard, and Mastiff. He has quite the lineage! He suffers from severe arthritis in his hindquarters and getting up and down is very laborious for him. Myrla helps him by putting a towel under his back legs and tummy to assist in the lift. We all grow old together.
I wanted to get a good picture of Hewy standing next to Myrla but Hewy wanted to lay down so I was only partially successful.
Tuesday, July 16
Subway is Keto Friendly!
Jason told me about getting a salad at Subway. He sounded positive about it but having been disappointed in trying to eat healthy in a fast food place before I was slightly skeptical. But while on a road trip yesterday we decided to give Subway a try and was most pleasantly surprised. For one thing, I think there has been a change in their menu because on the big board I read " order any 6" sub as a salad". As luck would have it, a fellow a couple of spots ahead of me was ordering a salad so I paid close attention. Subway now has a special bowl and a chopping tool they use when you order a salad. Maybe they always have but I never noticed it before.
So I ordered a 6" Subway Club "as a salad"! She grabbed her trusty bowl and added all the ingredients they would normally put on a 6" Subway Club, asking me what kind of cheese I wanted and then what veggies I would choose just like usual with all of it going in the bowl. The next step was did I want lettuce or spinach or both. I opted for both and a healthy couple of handfuls also landed in the bowl. That was the bread replacement. Dressing? Yes, Ranch. And then do you want it as is or chopped? I chose chopped and she chopped away. She upturned the big bowl into a serving bowl with the final question being do you want crackers or croutons and I said neither. It was delicious!!! It is very reassuring to know that there is a fast food place to fall back on while on the road.
So I ordered a 6" Subway Club "as a salad"! She grabbed her trusty bowl and added all the ingredients they would normally put on a 6" Subway Club, asking me what kind of cheese I wanted and then what veggies I would choose just like usual with all of it going in the bowl. The next step was did I want lettuce or spinach or both. I opted for both and a healthy couple of handfuls also landed in the bowl. That was the bread replacement. Dressing? Yes, Ranch. And then do you want it as is or chopped? I chose chopped and she chopped away. She upturned the big bowl into a serving bowl with the final question being do you want crackers or croutons and I said neither. It was delicious!!! It is very reassuring to know that there is a fast food place to fall back on while on the road.
Friday, July 12
Trivia Night Results
Dugan was under the weather. Karla wasn't feeling well and we had no idea if the rest of the team was planning on being in attendance.
Butch and I went to trivia not knowing who else might show up but realizing it might be just us. It was just us. My goal was adding to my trivia question collection for future use in other places. So we decided we would answer what we could and let the chips fall where they may and we became Team Brooker. Now this next part you may find hard to believe because we find it hard to believe but here it is; we were in 1st place at the half, ahead of the Tired Teachers and with a perfect score of 60! Yes, you read that right!!!!
We fell apart in the second half only answering one question correctly but still ended up in 3rd place. We were tickled, pleased and very surprised.
Butch and I went to trivia not knowing who else might show up but realizing it might be just us. It was just us. My goal was adding to my trivia question collection for future use in other places. So we decided we would answer what we could and let the chips fall where they may and we became Team Brooker. Now this next part you may find hard to believe because we find it hard to believe but here it is; we were in 1st place at the half, ahead of the Tired Teachers and with a perfect score of 60! Yes, you read that right!!!!
We fell apart in the second half only answering one question correctly but still ended up in 3rd place. We were tickled, pleased and very surprised.
Thursday, July 11
Misc.Stuff
Butch's birthday present
Liz's Christmas Cactus. Now I have to keep it alive and get it to Texas.
A couple of weeks ago...
Photos from last couple of days.
As most of you know my camera is never very far away.
I had some volunteer milkweed plants in my front flower bed and I left them there because I know they can be beneficial to butterflies and bees. So these pics are my attempts to catch them partaking.
The blue flowers are balloon flowers. I first got the seeds from Keri.
Milkweed plants
And these are bike trail photos from this mornings walk. Yes, I have turned over a new leaf and getting back to walking at least 3 to 4 days a week.
Jason and I have an asparagus patch locked and loaded on our minds. It is centrally located in this photo. In the Spring I raid it if I remember to wear my old shoes. It can be wet and unpleasant in that ditch.
This morning these 3 were coming toward me so I snapped a photo of them. I do not know who they are and I was mentally commending them for their healthy intentions until I smelled the cigarette smoke as they passed me.
I love how the sunlight settles in through the trees.
Soybean fields
Sparrow
This little house at the entrance to the fairgrounds has a place in my memories. It is the ticket house where my parents and/or grandmother would stop to buy our tickets to the fair. I am glad they have left it in place,
I had some volunteer milkweed plants in my front flower bed and I left them there because I know they can be beneficial to butterflies and bees. So these pics are my attempts to catch them partaking.
The blue flowers are balloon flowers. I first got the seeds from Keri.
Milkweed plants
And these are bike trail photos from this mornings walk. Yes, I have turned over a new leaf and getting back to walking at least 3 to 4 days a week.
Jason and I have an asparagus patch locked and loaded on our minds. It is centrally located in this photo. In the Spring I raid it if I remember to wear my old shoes. It can be wet and unpleasant in that ditch.
This morning these 3 were coming toward me so I snapped a photo of them. I do not know who they are and I was mentally commending them for their healthy intentions until I smelled the cigarette smoke as they passed me.
Soybean fields
Sparrow
This little house at the entrance to the fairgrounds has a place in my memories. It is the ticket house where my parents and/or grandmother would stop to buy our tickets to the fair. I am glad they have left it in place,
Tuesday, July 9
The Days fill up
It seems the days fill up and as I look back they fill up with just plain living. Nothing spectacular or particularly noteworthy but simple happy events none the less.
Side note: Butch left about 15 minutes ago to play golf. He asked if there was any chance of rain before he left. I had just checked the radar before he left and it looked very improbable. We are having a deluge!! I guess this will be memorable.
Have been doing some acrylic pour painting at Mickeys. Here is the latest one.
Side note: Butch left about 15 minutes ago to play golf. He asked if there was any chance of rain before he left. I had just checked the radar before he left and it looked very improbable. We are having a deluge!! I guess this will be memorable.
Have been doing some acrylic pour painting at Mickeys. Here is the latest one.
Saturday, July 6
That and This as Liz would say...
Friends Randy and Sherri from Atlantic stopped by on their way home from a golf outing near Algona. We always have a lot to catch up on with them every time we touch base. Randy had a bout with a flesh-eating disease last fall and is lucky to be alive. He had 12 different doctors and months of hospitalizations and tests. He is very fortunate to still have his arm and be able to use it.
Sherri was telling me there were people on RAGBRAI with Citizens bikes. That amazed me but she said the reason was that they folded up so small and were easy to transport as well as be able to put them in their tent with them each night. Mine is only a one-speed but they do have them with 7 speeds.
The Wednesday night trivia session was small at the Elks Club. It was the night before the 4th but the only ones attending were all my friends. It better be picking up some new people or the point of doing it will be moot. I can have my people at my house for trivia.
We passed on the July 4th trivia at the casino because a party had been planned at the McQuillens but as it turned out a surprise visit to ER for Dugan changed the location to Pete and Jerilynns. Jason said so when one of you is sick you just change the location? Yes, I guess that is true. I have not received word just yet on how Dugan is doing. No news is good news I guess.
I finished weeding around the house/garage. It only took me about 45 minutes. It is funny how your head can make a big thing of things when in actuality it may not be big at all. Next stop: working on the compost pile. Wonder if Jason will help me with that...Hmmm.
Till next time!
Sherri was telling me there were people on RAGBRAI with Citizens bikes. That amazed me but she said the reason was that they folded up so small and were easy to transport as well as be able to put them in their tent with them each night. Mine is only a one-speed but they do have them with 7 speeds.
The Wednesday night trivia session was small at the Elks Club. It was the night before the 4th but the only ones attending were all my friends. It better be picking up some new people or the point of doing it will be moot. I can have my people at my house for trivia.
We passed on the July 4th trivia at the casino because a party had been planned at the McQuillens but as it turned out a surprise visit to ER for Dugan changed the location to Pete and Jerilynns. Jason said so when one of you is sick you just change the location? Yes, I guess that is true. I have not received word just yet on how Dugan is doing. No news is good news I guess.
I finished weeding around the house/garage. It only took me about 45 minutes. It is funny how your head can make a big thing of things when in actuality it may not be big at all. Next stop: working on the compost pile. Wonder if Jason will help me with that...Hmmm.
Till next time!
So is full-time RVing for you?
Humorous but accurate!
https://www.rvtravel.com/telltale-signs-full-time-rving-is-not-for-you/
Butch would fail the arachnophobia one.
https://www.rvtravel.com/telltale-signs-full-time-rving-is-not-for-you/
Butch would fail the arachnophobia one.
Wednesday, July 3
It isn't a wrap
I thought I was all caught up on my computer chores and then I remembered I hadn't posted. So where do I begin?
Butch and I are blessed with another Great grand. Born on the first of July in Moultrie Georgia and her name is Khloe. She is struggling with some health issues so she has a frequent flier card in our thoughts.
Butch is on his way back from Missouri and he was part of an accident on I-435 in KC. He said he saw it coming because a guy was traveling way too fast and "distracted". Butch did his best to get out of the way by pulling over two lanes but got entangled as the guy noticed at the last minute and swerved grazing our car. I haven't seen it yet. I am glad he isn't injured as cars can be fixed a lot easier than people. Butch is home now.
Rain, Rain Go away. And don't come back for quite a few days.
Butch and I are blessed with another Great grand. Born on the first of July in Moultrie Georgia and her name is Khloe. She is struggling with some health issues so she has a frequent flier card in our thoughts.
Butch is on his way back from Missouri and he was part of an accident on I-435 in KC. He said he saw it coming because a guy was traveling way too fast and "distracted". Butch did his best to get out of the way by pulling over two lanes but got entangled as the guy noticed at the last minute and swerved grazing our car. I haven't seen it yet. I am glad he isn't injured as cars can be fixed a lot easier than people. Butch is home now.
Rain, Rain Go away. And don't come back for quite a few days.
Tuesday, July 2
Citizen bikes
My citizen bike that I left in Texas has been a topic of discussion lately. It is small. The step-through is great because you do not have to raise your leg to the heavens to get onto it. It is very adjustable to fit anyone. Mine is a one-speed. It has hand and foot brakes. It is fairly flat in South Texas and that is one of the reasons I ordered it. I do wish we had brought it back because it would have been easily adjustable for the great-grands to use. It folds up into a compact package making it very portable. That was the original impetus for buying it. It turned out to be the perfect bike for me in the RV park.
Mine is red!
http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=57
Mine is red!
http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=57
Photo entries
I entered 3 of my photos in a contest. The local Telephone company has a contest each year for the cover photo of the directory. I have entered before but never won...yet. These are my entries this year.
All three were taken in Greene County Iowa within the past 3 years.
All three were taken in Greene County Iowa within the past 3 years.
Sunday, June 30
Such a busy woman I am!
I am very busy enjoying every minute of having my life back and being extremely grateful for every second of it. I have all these projects lined up and I am ticking them off one by one. Some have been on a 'want to do ' list for literally years.
Butch is in Missouri doing work for granddaughter Amanda and her husband Brad. That was on the agenda last Spring on our way north but it didn't work out for many reasons. When he is finished we will be able to overnight there with the moho on our trip north and south. I opted to stay in Iowa. My projects, remember? Also, I will be doing trivia at the Elks on Wednesday night and we didn't want Butch under any pressure to hurry his job.
Butch dropped me off at the hairdressers for a haircut before he left to go south and after getting my haircut I walked to Mickey's. I knew she was having a garage sale and it had been a long time since we had touched base. I said I haven't seen you for a week and she said actually it has been two!! We always have a bunch of stuff to catch up on. Jerilynn gave me a ride home and I was grateful. We are having a heat wave.
Jason and Laura were here yesterday and after they played 9 holes of golf. Yes, Laura played too! They took me to 209 Main in Paton for supper. On the way back we stopped and visited with Leo and Keri. Always a fun time with the kids even though they are not really kids anymore.
Projects:
Mickey has been hosting some acrylic pour painting sessions in her basement and it is a fun time letting the creative juices flow. This is the latest one I have done.
A closer look
Another project awaiting me is updating this table that has been here a few years after being found on an auction for $3.
Butch is in Missouri doing work for granddaughter Amanda and her husband Brad. That was on the agenda last Spring on our way north but it didn't work out for many reasons. When he is finished we will be able to overnight there with the moho on our trip north and south. I opted to stay in Iowa. My projects, remember? Also, I will be doing trivia at the Elks on Wednesday night and we didn't want Butch under any pressure to hurry his job.
Butch dropped me off at the hairdressers for a haircut before he left to go south and after getting my haircut I walked to Mickey's. I knew she was having a garage sale and it had been a long time since we had touched base. I said I haven't seen you for a week and she said actually it has been two!! We always have a bunch of stuff to catch up on. Jerilynn gave me a ride home and I was grateful. We are having a heat wave.
Jason and Laura were here yesterday and after they played 9 holes of golf. Yes, Laura played too! They took me to 209 Main in Paton for supper. On the way back we stopped and visited with Leo and Keri. Always a fun time with the kids even though they are not really kids anymore.
Projects:
This project has been waiting for a year. These windows are on the south. Usually, I am anti-curtain but when the temps are in the upper 90's it is time to keep some of that sunshine at bay. So I bought some really cheap sheets at Walmart and altered them to fit and placed them on tension rods on the south-facing windows. Yes, they are a boring white but I figured I might give them some "Colleen" treatment at a future date.
Mickey has been hosting some acrylic pour painting sessions in her basement and it is a fun time letting the creative juices flow. This is the latest one I have done.
Future projects:
This one will be a Mandala. Definition: A mandala is a symbolic picture of the universe. It can be a painting on a wall or scroll or visualization in the mind of an artist. Here is a pic of one of someone who knows what they are doing. Mine will not look like this.
Here is my blank waiting for me to be inspired.
Another project awaiting me is updating this table that has been here a few years after being found on an auction for $3.
Wednesday, June 26
July is right around the corner!
I was watching the weather report a couple of days ago when one of the news anchors asked the weather guy how many days since the first of the year would we have had a complete day of sunshine. He said that is an interesting question and I will have to check. He did not think it could be more than 5!! I know every morning I have hopped or drug myself out of bed with the purpose of getting my butt out the door for a walk and been met with rain or the threat of rain. You all know how much I enjoy taking photos and cloudy weather is not optimal for the best photos. Hope is in my heart!
Yesterday I continued my efforts to get the yard tidied up with removing weeds, picking up flotsam and jetsam and making it look up to my standards. FYI- my standards are kind of low. Weather and wet have been the main obstacle but energy was close behind. All things were 'go' yesterday including me! A 10-pound weight loss can make a huge difference. I haven't lost any more but I have stayed steady so I know what I have lost is real. And more importantly, I feel so much more energetic.
Just got a text message about a $1.00 charge on our main credit card. The charge was made today! Nope! Not us! So I called and got that straightened out. We have new cards on the way. But the thought just trickled through my head that I need to check what auto pays if any are associated with that card number. And of course, none are readily coming to mind. Well, that put a new wrinkle in my day!
These are the photos of the past few days:
This was taken on 6/25 and it was the view where I am sitting while on the computer. It was a good thing I was quick because it lasted less than a minute
And this is the prolifically blooming Christmas cactus and the 'never give up' geranium. I didn't realize they were so close to the same color
Yesterday I continued my efforts to get the yard tidied up with removing weeds, picking up flotsam and jetsam and making it look up to my standards. FYI- my standards are kind of low. Weather and wet have been the main obstacle but energy was close behind. All things were 'go' yesterday including me! A 10-pound weight loss can make a huge difference. I haven't lost any more but I have stayed steady so I know what I have lost is real. And more importantly, I feel so much more energetic.
Just got a text message about a $1.00 charge on our main credit card. The charge was made today! Nope! Not us! So I called and got that straightened out. We have new cards on the way. But the thought just trickled through my head that I need to check what auto pays if any are associated with that card number. And of course, none are readily coming to mind. Well, that put a new wrinkle in my day!
These are the photos of the past few days:
This was taken on 6/25 and it was the view where I am sitting while on the computer. It was a good thing I was quick because it lasted less than a minute
Sunday, June 23
Sick of Rain
I am just guessing but it seems like we have not gone more than 2 days without rain since we came home from Texas on April 25th. I am ready to move to the desert! It is hard to find a dry period of time in which to mow.
I am still feeling very well. Butch is too and his hair is growing and becoming much easier to get corraled in a ponytail.
We have not been doing much of any consequence or out of the ordinary so posts might be a bit on the dull side until I kick up some trouble and/or fun.
Till next time...
Christmas cactus is about to strut its stuff again. This baby knows how to bloom over and over again. Our back yard is its favorite spot.
Creek is full and overflowing. This is west across hwy 4 while sitting in the car in Leo and Keri's driveway.
I am still feeling very well. Butch is too and his hair is growing and becoming much easier to get corraled in a ponytail.
We have not been doing much of any consequence or out of the ordinary so posts might be a bit on the dull side until I kick up some trouble and/or fun.
Till next time...
Christmas cactus is about to strut its stuff again. This baby knows how to bloom over and over again. Our back yard is its favorite spot.
Creek is full and overflowing. This is west across hwy 4 while sitting in the car in Leo and Keri's driveway.
Friday, June 21
Hello, My Friends
Trivia night at the casino! We had a tiebreaker question and lost so came in 3rd. I so enjoy the conversation and camaraderie. I was even able to answer a question!
" Which national advertising campaign featured celebrities with some of the beverage left on their face? " Answer will be at the bottom of this entry if you haven't yelled it out by now.
We are getting MORE rain this morning. Everything is green and lush and WET. It seems we are constantly waiting for it to dry up.
This morning NPR asked for people to submit a haiku that reflects summer without using the word summer.
Here is my submission:
Quiet deep shadows
River trail beckons my soul
A sanctuary
Answer: Got Milk?
" Which national advertising campaign featured celebrities with some of the beverage left on their face? " Answer will be at the bottom of this entry if you haven't yelled it out by now.
We are getting MORE rain this morning. Everything is green and lush and WET. It seems we are constantly waiting for it to dry up.
This morning NPR asked for people to submit a haiku that reflects summer without using the word summer.
Here is my submission:
Quiet deep shadows
River trail beckons my soul
A sanctuary
Answer: Got Milk?
Thursday, June 20
Good Morning!
Busy with the details of life and grateful for the energy to do it. Last night was trivia at the Elks and despite only having two teams a good time was had by all. Butch and I went early and played some pool. We have a system worked out for me because his skill level far exceeds mine. I get as many shots as I can make on my turn but he only gets one. It evens the playing field so we can both enjoy the game.
Since the trivia is continuing at the casino that is where we will be tonight.
I do get a photo now and then and these were backed up in my camera for your viewing pleasure.
My friend Mickey gifted me these lilies a few years ago.
Since the trivia is continuing at the casino that is where we will be tonight.
I do get a photo now and then and these were backed up in my camera for your viewing pleasure.
My friend Mickey gifted me these lilies a few years ago.
Monday, June 17
Roadtrip
Butch and I were on a road trip and fact-finding mission today. I had an appointment with Dr. Morgan who was the surgeon I had a couple of years ago. She wants to see me annually to see that everything stays in tiptop condition. It was a good trip and all was well.
After that appointment, we stopped at a Verizon place to see what we can do about an Internet connection in Texas when the park gets so loaded down. It seemed like it would work but I did forget two key questions. One was about a contract. I do not want a contract. The second was could I put the extra connection (Hot spot and added fees) on hold for the summer months we do not need it. I do believe I will give her a call and ask those questions tomorrow. Still looking at Google Fi as well.
After that was a trip to Costco. I really loaded up. It had been a while since we had been there. Butch was VERY disappointed because of his standby Skippy Super Chunky Peanut Butter nowhere to be found!
We did find this however!! I love them! Great sub for bread. Loaded up with tuna salad, egg salad, peanut butter or any other sandwich substance will work great. Very tasty!
After that appointment, we stopped at a Verizon place to see what we can do about an Internet connection in Texas when the park gets so loaded down. It seemed like it would work but I did forget two key questions. One was about a contract. I do not want a contract. The second was could I put the extra connection (Hot spot and added fees) on hold for the summer months we do not need it. I do believe I will give her a call and ask those questions tomorrow. Still looking at Google Fi as well.
After that was a trip to Costco. I really loaded up. It had been a while since we had been there. Butch was VERY disappointed because of his standby Skippy Super Chunky Peanut Butter nowhere to be found!
We did find this however!! I love them! Great sub for bread. Loaded up with tuna salad, egg salad, peanut butter or any other sandwich substance will work great. Very tasty!
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