It's a start!

I cleaned up my front flower bed yesterday. I particularly like my front flower bed right now with the chives, iris, and sweet william all blooming at the same time. It looks so well-planned and it so was not!

The chives are on the left. Next is a Barb/Colleen collaboration that has been inside the house for a few years but now it is getting a breath of fresh air. Then there are the two egrets we bought from a guy in the Snow to Sun RV Park in the Rio Grande Valley. Then there is an art piece made by our youngest son, Jason. It took a lot of begging to get some of his art. The red, white, and blue piece with our name on it, was made by Don and Sally Louks while we were in Magnolia Park. When we left that park we brought it with us. The ladybug on the far right is a new addition made by Mickey and her daughters a couple of weeks ago. There is a story and a history to everything!

 Our neighbor seems to wait till he gets a nudge to mow. He got nudged. It was almost knee-high.

When we moved into this house, our neighbor, Bill, across the street asked me if I would like some iris. He was culling out a bed. I said sure. They are a brief bloom but I enjoy them for their duration.

No special story on the chives that I can remember. I had some seed and put it in this corner.

I would love to get the rest of my outdoor stuff spruced up but the weather is not cooperating. It will soon look like a tropical rainforest if it doesn't give us a break.

Wishing

 Wishing all my chores were done and I could do fun stuff. So that is the plan for the day. Hacking away at my To-Do list. 

1. Clean up flower beds and Patio

2. Wash windows

3. Paint doors:

              Pool Hall 2

              House Front door

4, Clean MoHo

5. Sort stuff for Garage Sale

In no particular order. Hmmm-Maybe that's the problem! NO PARTICULAR ORDER!

Updated photos

 

Yes, the weather looks threatening but once again it will probably pass us by. Radar says it will slide by to the north of us.

Working

 Update on explosion: Back in the day it would have been big news but these days the news is so much more dramatic that it pales. But...there wasn't any loss of life or limb! I hope no one loses their job over this because the co-op will be out of commission for who knows how long.

But moving on...Last year we bought a new shade for the windshield of the motorhome. This was to lessen the need for a ladder and we all know why that's important! The new one fits on the inside and I can put it in place without assistance.

The purpose of the shade is twofold; blocking the sunlight and keeping anyone from seeing us too clearly from the outside. By too clearly I mean at night you can see shapes and perhaps movement but that about does it. On the other hand, we can see out. 

So after getting the new one what does one do with the old one? It was made purposely for our RV so resell isn't likely. So enter the pool hall and three windows. If you know me well you know I am not fond of curtains, drapes, etc so I decided perhaps I could cut the old screen to fit the windows and put them on tension rods so they could be placed or taken down easily. So that is what I did yesterday. I have a sewing machine that has been under the bed for a few years because it is hard to get out plus space to set it up is at a premium so now it has a new home in the pool hall, also known as the WE SHED. The new space for the sewing machine makes it very easy to get out and set up. Photos later. The multi-purposes of the Pool Hall are Pool, of course as well as a Game room, Craft room, etc.

Another subject:

There is a wren who comes each season to the wren house we have under the eave on the west side of the house. The way wren's work is that the male finds a suitable home furnishes it and makes it nice and cozy. Then he warbles his little heart out to have the female come and look at it. If she finds it suitable she will take up residence with him and start a family. So our little guy has found a taker! She has lighter coloring and is larger than he is, so it is easy to tell them apart. I have such a hard time deciding which photos to keep! These are all photos of the male. 

This guy, we need a name for him, is a good mate. I made this determination before she got here because he was dive-bombing the squirrel whenever it was in the feeder. So he is helping Butch out with his squirrel battle! We haven't seen much of the squirrel lately.

I may tackle my flower beds this weekend...did you catch that, Karla? Karla likes to do yard work and she lives in an apartment. And she had her second Fauci Ouchie yesterday!

Elise's 11th Birthday today!

 This photo was taken on Elise's 1st(?) birthday? I think so. I snipped it from facebook because I like the look on Gary's (our son) face. He is a very happy Grandpa!

Here is a more recent one. She loves to cook!

Explosion!

 Butch was still in bed at 8:04 am when I heard a big boom! It shook the house and I asked Butch what happened and he didn't know. Then rescue vehicles started going north on our street at high speed. The Landus co-op is north of us and also Sparkys gas station and we figured it had to be one of them. Keri texted me soon after and then she sent this picture.

That is quite a hole! We do not know the details.

It might be similar circumstances like the one in 1974 that killed Gary Pevestorf, the husband of a classmate of mine. Here is an article about that explosion.

Jefferson, IA Grain Elevator Explosion, Aug 1974

Submitted by Stu Beitler

• Iowa | 
• Explosions | 
• 1974

BELIEVE JEFFERSON ELEVATOR BLAST CAUSED BY EXPLOSION OF DUST.

Jefferson, Iowa (UPI) -- State Fire Marshal Wilbur Johnson said after a preliminary investigation late Thursday that he was assuming the fatal blast at the Farmers Cooperative Elevator was caused by an explosion of dust ignited by a cutting torch.
The explosion which blew apart the elevator Thursday killed three workmen and seriously injured another three.
Dead are:
GARY L. PEVESTORF, 34.
CHARLES P. DOWLING, 28.
MICHAEL L. MOORE, 24, all elevator employes from Jefferson.
The three dead men were killed almost immediately by the effects of the explosion and burns, according to Dr. Robert Burke, Green County medical examiner.
The injured are:
GEORGE A. TURNQUIST, 47, of Schaller.
STEVEN LAMB, 21, of Glidden.
JOHN NIELSEN, 66, of Holstein.
The three are employes of Younglove Construction Co. of Sioux City and all suffered burns.
TURNQUIST was listed in critical condition while LAMB and NIELSEN were listed in satisfactory condition at the Greene County Medical Center here.

"We're assuming there was an explosion of dust," Johnson said, "probably caused by a cutter torch."

"There was a cutter torch in the area but we don't know right now that it was in use," Johnson said.
"The escalators and elevators were running and grain was being moved from one bin to another."
But, the state fire marshal said he wouldn't know the definite cause for about two to three days.
The silos of the elevator are about 120 feet high and 27 feet in diameter.
There are at least 20 of the silos with inner storage bins all made of steel-reinforced concrete and capable of holding from 12,000 to 20,000 bushels of grain.
Elevator officials said the men were "putting the finishing touches on an expansion project" when the explosion occurred.
The blast blew off the metal head house at the top of the elevator and part of the long, low corrugated Texas house which runs the length of the silo tops was flattened.
The damage was estimated around $250,000 and one official said the complex was totally worth about $5 million. Officials said the elevator, which was set to receive new grain crops next month, will probably be out of business for maybe one year.

Ames Daily Tribune Iowa 1974-08-22

Birds lately

 We have been blessed with a good supply of Warblers lately. There was a bright yellow warbler but I didn't get a photo of him. I still hope to.

This is our little house wren who came home this Spring. He flits so much it is hard to get a photo of him.

Monday, Tuesday and then...

 Monday we went to Atlantic Iowa to pay a visit to a dentist. For most of the years we lived in Cumberland IA we went to Dr. Kreifels in Atlantic IA. He was the Dentist who saw me through my implant journey in 1999. Through the years he also provided me with new O-Rings for my implants. The new dentist in his office is Dr. Chet McNeely, and his office person was able to get some O-Rings ordered for me. I think if people live in the area they will be flocking to him to get their dental work done, particularly female patients because he is very handsome as well as being personable.

After my O-rings, we stopped in on our friends Bill and Bev Gunderson and then Sherri Clark. These are friends we made during our 20 plus golfing years at Nishna Hills. After that we stopped in at Oinkers Bar and Grill for supper and had a delicious tenderloin; it was just the way I like them having more meat than breading.

And then Tuesday happened. We had appointments with Dr. Poag in Ames who has been keeping an eagle eye out for any possible skin cancers and both of us have had a few in the past. But today Butch got off Scot free and I had a few places frozen as suspects.

After that, we went to Lowes to get a cabinet to hold supplies in the Pool Hall. Stuff like games, puzzles, cleaning supplies as well as things relating to pool; chalk, brushes, covers etc. 

We had our traditional meal at Hickory Park. When you have a favorite restaurant it is hard to pass it by.

And then we stopped in at the place Myrla's pool table was purchased in 1999, K D games. We picked up a few items but for the most part, the prices seemed excessive. 

Home again and it was time to assemble the cabinet. It is mostly done but way too heavy for the two of us to lift so we will have Zach stop by sometime today to help Butch put it in place.

I do not envision any more heavy lifting. When we become older it is the one thing that hits the most that the strength isn't there as it used to be and that we have abused our bodies in the past and they are going on strike. Also that our peers are in the same boat we are!

You are now caught up! Hopefully, we will be too before much longer!

5 Tips from Pro's to Wash an RV

Some good advice in here for washing any RV.

 https://www.rvtravel.com/spot-free-wash1597/

Foxy Fox!

 Butch hollered at me to come look quick! This fox was in our neighbor's yard across the street. Then it crossed the street, Cedar, went between our house and the pool hall to the back alley, hung a right, headed toward Reed street.

These are the pics I got.

Up To?

 You might wonder what we are up to these days but the answer is probably not as much as we should be. We intersperse a bit of work into every day but we also play a few games of pool in between. I find if I slow my pace on getting things done I am happier and hurt less for a shorter period of time afterward.

We do have a busy week coming up. I still have basically four areas that need to be decluttered and/or set up for the season; yard, moho, house, and pool hall. And for once the pool hall is last on the list. I plan to get at least one of the four done each day this week. You know the saying about "best-laid plans"? Cross your fingers for me.

I do get a photo taken now and then. This is the latest one that meets with my approval.

Trolls!

 love these lovely trolls!

https://www.npr.org/2021/05/06/992149491/far-from-the-internet-these-big-benevolent-trolls-lure-humans-to-nature?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20210508&utm_term=5372417&utm_campaign=breaking-news&utm_id=10921441&orgid=194&utm_att1=

Memphis Pit BBQ Ribs

 I was talking to my life-long friend Mickey and she said her favorite meal is BBQ ribs. That prompted me to remember this recipe. I swear these are the best ribs I have ever tasted and it may be something I do one of these days soon. Thanks for the memory, Mickey!

Hey Mickey, Do you have a 3-quart crockpot I can borrow? Not sure I have one that big...

Memphis Pit BBQ Ribs
What You’ll Need:
1 blender
1 3-quart crock pot
1 baking sheet
aluminum foil
basting brush
5 pounds (2 full racks) of pork spare ribs
1 apple
1½ cups applesauce
1 diced onion
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
18 ounces BBQ sauce
What You’ll Need:

Okay, now let’s get down to business. First, arrange your spare ribs in a circle around the edges of your slow cooker. Continue layering the meat until it reaches the top, but has a large hole in the middle. In this center section, place your cored and sliced apple.

Now for the marinade. In a blender, combine your apple sauce, onion, sugar, and vinegar along with half of your BBQ sauce. Puree until smooth and then pour the whole thing over the top of your apple slices and meat. Cover and cook on high for about 5 hours. When you come back, try to resist sneaking a taste. Instead, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the ribs separately onto the surface.
Using your brush, baste the remaining BBQ sauce over the top and sides of your spare ribs. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes and plate as soon as possible for the best and most unique version of this classic we’ve ever tasted!

Pool Table Finale

 Yesterday, Wednesday, Butch and I worked nonstop from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on assembling the pool table. It is done! Is it perfect? No. Do we like it? Very much so!

We watched a youtube video many times and have said often when you do something only once it is bound to be less perfect than if you had done it several times and the guy doing the video accentuates that.

This is the best video we found. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suu7SbG_ol0

It has been a long time since we worked 5 hours straight and it takes its toll. We were both crippling around severely last night. This morning we started in on all the accessories that go along with having a pool table; Such as holders for cues and racks etc. That will continue for a while as the need arises. 

I am in need of a small mirror behind the sink in the pool hall bathroom. I need something small 16"x16" or thereabouts and they want a fortune in the store...any store. So I am looking for a bargain. It could take a while. Butch doesn't think a mirror is needed in the pool hall.

This was taken right after we considered the job done. 

So the pool hall is essentially open. We have been known to stop whatever we are doing long enough to play a game so stop on by and if you don't find us in one place look in another.

Currently, all three places, house, moho, and pool hall are in a bit of disorder but it will get done all in good time.

Pool table progress

 Things are coming together...literally! Jason came over Sunday morning and helped Butch hang the light that is now over the pool table and then Zach and Devon helped Butch put more of it together in the afternoon by getting the table back on its feet and positioned in its final resting spot. Next up was the placement of the slate. Butch plans to work with the slate a bit more getting it ready for the bed fabric.

And now for the leveling

Next up will be thoroughly cleaning the slate...

Some Progress

 Yesterday, I continued scrubbing and spraying on the pool table; vinegar, smoke eliminator, sunlight, and whatever else strikes my fancy. I can tell there is an improvement. It is not an odor that hits you when you open the door and I feared it might be. It was covered most of the time Myrla owned it and I think that has been a saving grace. Our next move is to get it back on its feet and Butch will need some muscle for that to happen. I have purchased some felt to replace what was on the bed of it and that is on its way. So as soon as all the dominoes fall into place we can start playing pool again.

We were invited to Mickey's for supper last night and that is always a special treat. It felt really good to be able to do that again without a nervous fear of Covid-19. There is always some fear but not as severe.

By special request. Here you go Sharon!

And here is a picture of the pool table before it was taken apart

Plumbing Day

 So yesterday was plumbing day and it was a mixed bag. Isn't plumbing always a mixed bag? We were tired at the end of the day and Keri was bringing us supper so we didn't turn the water on and check for leaks because we didn't want to ruin our day.

So bright and early we checked for leaks and we found a few small ones and Butch repaired them in short order. All is well. 

Our painter showed up, Eldon Cunningham, and he is currently painting the Garage/Pool Hall. It won't take him long because no grass grows beneath that guy's feet! He also gave us a name of a guy we can trust to do the gutters and downspouts. It is a relatively simple straightforward job and it will be nice having one more thing off the list. Andy Winter of Jefferson, in case you want to know.

So Butch went to the golf course to pay his dues and see if he can still swing a club. He is not back yet so I am assuming he can. He deserved a day off to be sure.

One more development that has changed our plans thus far. We will be a one pool table place, at least for now. The history was that the plumber responsible for at least 50% of the huge water bill last summer said he would work with us on his share of the water bill. He also has an 8 ft pool table in his shop he wants to sell so we had hoped we could work the situation out. Well, we can't. Butch asked him for a deal on the pool table and he said the price was $1500 firm. He was reminded of the promise and remained silent. He is currently on a shortlist of people to never recommend...for anything. So we are out the thousand he owes us and we are the proud owners of one pool table instead of two.

We are busy every day and making progress and that is all we can currently hope for. So till next time...

On a lighter note... My friend Susan Vanhoweling sent me a message asking if Butch had any ideas on what to do with a squirrel who is eating her grape jelly. 

Here is the picture;

I told her I couldn't remember but it may have involved a gun!

Then I looked out my window to see this!

Harsh words but no gun!

Oh the fun of it!

 Yesterday we went to Lowes in Ames and purchased what we needed for the pool hall bathroom. A stool and a 6-gallon water heater and a bunch of this and that needed to get it all functional. We did take time to eat at our favorite place in Ames Iowa, Hickory Park. They never disappoint! So today Butch is in the pool hall working on the installations. He says he is sure glad he isn't paying for all the hours it is taking him.

I had an appointment this morning with my heart doctor. I had managed to dodge him for nearly 2 years. 😎 So figured it was time. All is well. I only take two prescription meds and he lowered one of them by half. I consider that a victory.

My dear little sister is a heavy smoker so much of my time the last couple of days has been trying to deodorize the items we brought home from her place. I love her to pieces and I fully understand she will never stop. I love her anyway. 

I bought a product called ZEP Smoke Eliminator. It does seem to help more than anything else. Myrla kept her pool table covered when not in use and it was not used much and not at all for the past 5 years since Scott passed away (Oct. 2016). So the pool table is the least smoke encrusted and easiest to clean and disinfect of all the items. Scott was a kind and generous man. I am certain he would approve of all that is taking place with his pool table. We are thinking of him and Myrla every step we take.

Pool Table Update

 Yesterday Butch and I went to Rockwell City to my sister Myrla's house to get the pool table situation assessed and as luck and a bit of preparation would happen we were able to bring it home in pieces. With a lot of hard work from Butch, Craig and Tara Cunningham, and Zach Hiller it was loaded with the biggest pieces onto Zach's pickup and the rest of the bits and pieces in our car and now rests in the pool hall ready to be reassembled. 

There are three pieces of slate and that made the heaviest part easier to deal with. I was pleased and amazed at how smoothly it went after the gazillion or so staples were removed to reveal the slate. And here are pictures from the day:

Craig and Butch...

Let the fun begin...