Spider Fighter

Wednesday morning Butch plays in a senior league so he went off to golf and I took up battle with the spiders on the 400 building. It is amazing how fast those little boogers can spin a web.
 I worked away with my broom for 3 hours and I was able to finish that building. It is worse than housework or some would say much the same. You know when you are finished you are not really finished for it will all be there to do again and soon.

When Butch finished golfing he went over with the blower and blew off a few decks. The blower works much better and faster than a broom. It does not work to blow off the spiders. They and their webs hold on for dear life.
We played in couples golf last night and it was fun but not because I played well. I have just learned how to make fun out of whatever may be happening.
This morning we were back to beading class. I am nursing my wrist yet so I took it real easy and did not learn anything new but worked on one that is now easy for me.
As you can see we are creatures of habit and we soon do all the same things we have been doing...again and again. But we are okay with that because if we weren't we would change it. Michigan, like the rest of the Midwest, is experiencing above normal temperatures. The locals all tell us it is unseasonably warm here (upper 80's and humid). We are running the AC. I like it best when it is warm enough to have the windows open but not so warm we need the air on. We have had many of those this summer and I am hoping for a few more. I look at the temps they are experiencing in Iowa and my memory of what that is like is still pretty vivid. And it is not a pretty picture. Also all the rain they are getting is reminiscent of 1993 and we were still living in Iowa then. It rained every day it seemed and got very old. We were never in danger of flooding because Cumberland was on very high ground but the incessant rain was mighty depressing after a few months of it. And they said that was a 500 year flood! The news people are all saying this year could surpass 1993 in the record books. How's that for a kick in the pants?! We are very sympathetic to all the friends and family we still have in Iowa .
So until I once again get inspired or we do something new.

Another Day in Michigan

I remembered a therapy they had me do on my wrist before I had the surgery the last time. They set up two pans of water, one very hot and one very cold. They then had me alternate between the two pans. The cold one nearly killed me and the warm one felt really good. So I did this last night after finishing dishes. I had a pan full of water with ice cubes and the dishwater, alternating between the two. It really helped!! It feels much better today. I am guessing it shocks it into behaving.

Butch is out- Guess What?- Golfing. I have my walk done and I should be fighting spiders but I seem to be dragging my feet. Getting a wee bit tired of fighting spiders.
This morning I also tied up loose ends. You know how that goes...the check book needs balanced. The umbrella needs some minor repair. My picture folder on the computer needs some organizing- that is in addition to gathering up the garbage, cleaning the litter box and other everyday things. So mostly done with all that so sat here for a chat with all of you.
Next week friends from Magnolia Park, Kay and Pecan Bill will be stopping by for a visit. We are very much looking forward to that. Kay is a stay-at-home girl, I sometimes call her a hermit so she doesn't want us to plan too much to do. So we won't. They will also be on the tail end of a lengthy vacation. So it will be easy does it. We can handle that.
As I sit here at my computer I can see the tee box on number 4. I watch many people hit the golf ball every day. Some things I know for sure.
1.There are more bad golfers than good.
2. Some people cannot hit the ball even after many attempts.
3. Most people have never had a lesson in their life and if they did it didn't "take".
I am sure I could add more. I remember many years ago when I finished my lessons and I was so scared to hit off the first tee because it was right in front of the clubhouse. Butch said just stand back and watch a few people hit first and you will not feel so bad. It was one of the times when he was right, wink, wink.

Wildflower takeover-

Golf, bracelets and wrist

We played in a Rally for the Cure tournament here yesterday. Good thing we had Butch on our team. After nine holes my enthusiasm,energy and effectiveness start on a downward spiral. Mary, Tom, Butch and I shot a 56-17 under par but that was with the help of 12 yards of pink ribbon. You pay for the lengths of pink ribbon ahead of time and can use them to not count putts if you are close enough to the hole. It was all for a good cause but even so Butch has to do some tall talking to get me into these events. We didn't win any prizes but that was okay. It gets tough to find places for any extras as it is.
 I have been having great fun with the bracelets but now I have overdone it and injured my wrist- the one I had surgery on a few years back. So I am wearing my wrist brace and not doing bracelets until it has a chance to heal. I do not want to have surgery again. The surgeon did tell me it is not unusual to have it done more than once but that means to me that I did not take care of myself properly after the first one. I will do what I can to not have another surgery.
We are having another rain filled day. Nothing like Iowa is getting! The weather in Iowa has been on the skids for more than 3 years with unusual, bizarre and plain old crappy stuff. I keep thinking they have to have a period of really nice weather once in a while but it does not seem to be forthcoming.

Saturday Morning

Friends Mike & Sharon are at home in Granbury Texas getting his health issues attended to. All your prayers for our friends surely helped.
Yesterday Butch and I worked on the villas and suites doing battle with the spiders and their webs. The largest building is the worst and I cannot figure out why. It always has much more webs than the other two. One of the primary differences is the amount of sunlight and the side of the building getting the most sunshine is also the worst. Some smart guy is going to tell me it is because there are more spiders there...I can see that one coming.

Butch had some electrical chores yesterday afternoon so I took a break.
And this morning he is doing his green mowing chores. But he is usually home by now and I have not seen him go by so I am beginning to think there are mower problems.

Click on pic to see them better.

I have been busy making bracelets but I must take a break from them now as my wrist that has had one surgery is beginning to give me some trouble. Linda instructed us on a new one last Thursday (Sidewinder-on the bottom) and it is very pretty but I have a really tough time getting the needle through the beads. Near the end I was using pliers to pull it through and that worked well. Part of the problem is that once I start I do not want to put it down till it is completed. So I will dig out my wrist brace and wear it for awhile and quit on the bracelets until the pain has subsided.
So Butch has now made it home and shopping in Alpena is on our agenda so signing off for now...

Catch up...

Fellow workamper Linda and I worked on the villas and suites yesterday to help housekeeping due to an overload of  people checking in and out and a shortage of housekeeping help. We stripped and made up beds and also restocked towels. I am not used to working that hard and I cannot say I like it at all. I think Linda and I agree on that.
I came home, showered, napped and then we played in couples golf. I felt like I wasn't much good to anybody and I was just excess golfing baggage. But then we came to hole number 3 and I step onto the tee box with a 7 wood in my hand and Butch says,"Wait! This hole is farther than you think and you better use your 5 wood." I said, "If I hit it as I should and hit it well I will  be way over." He said, "Okay, but remember what I said." I used my 7 wood and I was on the green 5 feet past the pin. It happened to be a hole with a flag for closest to the pin for women. Not only was I closest to the pin, I then made the putt for a birdie. It was the highlight of my evening.

This morning we beading women met in the Barn for a beading session.We learned a new bracelet this morning(Sidewinder) and I had someone in mind as I was doing it but that someone shall remain nameless for now. It is a pretty thing. I will show it to you when it is complete.
And now for an update on the Kindle. Butch has become an avid reader! This is a total and complete surprise to me. Yes, in the last year or two he has read far more books than the previous 60 years of his life but I had no idea that when we got the Kindle he would go completely nutso! I bought 4 or 5 books when I bought the kindle thinking they would last awhile. He has swallowed them all up and is in need for more. I think I will slow him down by making him do his own shopping. It will be either a blessing or a curse. Just like the Kindle!

Great Grand Nina Grace

I asked her Grandpa Rich for a picture and sure enough he sent one! We will all turn around and she will be close to filling those shoes!  Today is Nina Grace's Grandpa's birthday.

From the online Atlantic (Iowa) News Telegraph

I loved this Goat Nibbling picture from the Cass County (Iowa) Fair.

The Magic Window

The Magic Window This may be primarily for people who grew up in central Iowa but I do remember the Magic Window. One of the first kid shows televised. This link is to old time photo of the day from the Des Moines Register site.

When banks first had drive up windows Butch's mother called them the Magic Window primarily because of the TV show of the same name.

A walk down memory lane for many of you...

Update from friends Sharon & Mike

GOD BLESS TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Stinking miserable heat and all!  We are home, thank God and all your prayers!

 

It was a long day but the hospital there and the staff were beyond amazing, truly someplace special there. (Joplin MO) The doctors said they'd have us on the road by 8:30 and we left there at 8:36!  Stopped only for fuel and grabbed to-go food and ate in the car and never stopped again!  Got to the doctor here in Granbury and spoke with him, then went to pharmacy, dropped of prescriptions and then dropped Mike off at home, unloaded car and then ran back to pharmacy to pick up meds.  Doctor called and said surgeon will call in AM and they are wanting to do some kind of test but not sure what it is, if it's an angiogram or what?  Mike didn't really understand him so I'll have to see in the morning and then we will see surgeon hopefully by THursday.  Our doc was hoping we could get this done by Friday but who knows.  In the meantime we are being very, very, careful and I can't leave him for very long for sure.  Like living with a time bomb!  He's not feeling well tonight, really exhausted so he's tucked in bed.  Sheran and Gene, brought dinner over, thankfully something I didn't have to worry about since the fridge was bare after almost two weeks.  I'm trying to get wash done, mail done, unpacked, etc so I'll be ready for whatever we have to do next.

 

I'm sorry it's taken me to this late to let you know but I haven't stopped and we're just so tired!  Please forgive me!

 

Love you all so much and I'll keep you posted but rest easy we're home now and all will be well!

 

Sharon

Latest Elise Pictures

Thanks to her Grandpa Gary!

Grandpa Gary says:

"It's sad at 11 weeks of age but Elise loves to watch TV. Mom and Grandma don't often let her do it. Grandpa on the other hand lets the little girl do what she wants. How do you think she rewarded me? It was nasty, that is all I will say!"

Italian Cream Cake

I would be tickled pink if someone baked this cake for me on my birthday!
From Linda's Recipe Book.

This recipe has been a favorite of ours for many years. Made totally from scratch it is not the quickest or easiest cake to make but oh so worth it. This cake gets better a few days after it is made. 

Cake:
1 stick butter
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup coconut
5 egg yolks
5 egg whites, stiffly beaten
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cream butter and shortening. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Add egg yolks and beat well. Sift flour, measure and sift again with baking soda. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla, coconut and nuts. Fold in egg whites. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 8" cake pans (or two 9"). Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes. Then turn out cakes on racks. When cake is completely cooled, frost. 

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese(room temperature)
1 lb. powdered sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 stick butter

Beat cream cheese with butter until very smooth. Add sugar and mix well. Add vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. 

Monday Mourning

Moodiness mixed with raindrops,
Makes for a soup that is blue.
I need a walk in the sunshine,
And find something productive to do.

I have found myself to be fractured and distracted today. We need to get some work done but it is outside work and we are having a rainy day here in northeast Michigan.
I broke Butch's chair yesterday. It was on its way to being broke anyway, I just finished it off. I was cleaning it and it needed it. I forgot about its delicate condition and jerked it around and whoops- broken. He can no longer recline. Angel is not going to like this. So then as always happens he decides he is going to fix it. Butch's mind is locked in the 50's where you could go downtown to the hardware store or blacksmith shop and find parts for anything that had parts. So far, no luck. We have contacted the chair manufacturer (Flexsteel) by email and we will see what that brings. Our hopes are none too high. So for you women whose men are none too handy- at times it is not all it is cracked up to be. A quest for something unattainable is not pretty to watch.
I mailed off two bracelets today or rather Butch did while he was off on his quest for parts. These two are going to Missouri. I counted up the other day and I think I have done 7 so far. They are fun to do because they are finished quickly and then off to the next idea. Also they are easier to do in warm weather than an afghan and we are always in warm weather or at least we try to be. I still plan to do Swedish weaving.

Howard's birthday party was Saturday night.

                                                          Anti-Monkey Butt Powder???

 Some Depends now that he is older and a modified golf club  for those really tough shots where it is hard to stand up.

The workamping group has decided to return to our social gathering on Sunday evening as we had such fun at Howard's birthday party. His lovely wife Linda planned it with all his favorite food. Lasagna and Cake- A special cake!

Maybe I can get the very difficult but really scrumptious birthday cake recipe from Linda.

Word from a friend

We met Mike & Sharon Bryce at Snow Mountain Ranch and became good friends with them as well as many others. We have stopped at Mike and Sharon's home in Granbury Texas a couple of times on our way to the Rio Grande Valley. In fact Mike and Sharon wanted to come to Thunder Bay Resort to workamp this summer but it didn't work out and we were both disappointed. Mike and Sharon had come to Michigan from Texas to visit grandsons and headed back to Texas last Friday. I received this email from her an hour ago and they have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since. Please put them in yours for us please.
From Sharon:
"Okay guys, it's our turn to ask for prayers.  Mike is in pretty rough shape right now.  We were on our way home from Michigan on Friday when he said to me, "grab the wheel, I'm fixing to faint."  By the good graces of God we were able to get off the interstate without being hit.  I called 911 and they brought him here to a hospital in Joplin.  They ran all the tests and ruled out a heart attack and stroke but finally yesterday found that his carotid artery is "critically" blocked.  We were talking with our doctors in Texas and trying to make a decision as to whether or not it would be safe to get him home for the surgery but he had another episode this morning and I'm afraid he's going to have a massive stroke so getting him home is not looking better.  It would be easier for sure since I'm having to stay in a hotel and without my meds and I'm out of clothes, no support here, etc but think we'll have to do here.  His BP was so high this morning it wouldn't even register on their machines.  I'm worried to death he'll have a stroke before we can even get it done and then when they do the surgery it's risky because he could have a stroke during the procedure.  If all goes well they would keep him here 3-4 days before we could travel and I'm assuming that once they release him we could come home so 3-4 days may be optimistic.

 

If you could pray that we make the right decision and we get through this I'd appreciate it.  "

Yes, we will Sharon. You can count on it.

Cloudy

It is a quiet cloudy day at Thunder Bay Resort. Really have not accomplished much today and in fact I am thinking about a nap. We have a birthday party to go to later in the day so that should perk us up some.

 Butch has a hard time pulling himself out of bed to mow greens on the weekends. It is starting to be too dark at 6:00 for him to start mowing. A mixed blessing.
One of the things I need to start on is paring down my cupboards and lining up stuff for the first garage sale in Magnolia Park. Like 6 wine glasses. I had to slow down to a crawl on drinking wine so I really have no need for 6 wineglasses. BUT I hate to throw them away...and I hate to have them take up precious space in our wee home. What a dilemma!
Butch put in a Netflix movie. House of D so I took time out to watch it. It was a recommendation form Jason. After it started we realized we had seen it before but it was good enough to watch again. Made me cry this time too.
Just checked email and have a Youtube from son Gary with Elise in it. Way to go, Gary. Let's have more of these
.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQcQLOVzgUw

And we have these too!

A Quicky

Been reading this site this morning and getting a kick out of it.

http://rvshrink.blogspot.com/

Why I like Gmail-(Cucumber/Onion Dressing)

 I lost many of my recipes when my computer failed on me last winter. I wanted a recipe that friend Mickey gave me and I knew I had asked her for it by email so I go to Gmail online and do a search for 'cucumber' and after just a wee bit of looking found the recipe. Note the date on the recipe. It doesn't matter how long ago the recipe was sent you can do a search and retrieve it.
Now about this recipe- If I remember correctly Mickey used Miracle Whip. I usually use mayo for sandwiches but I liked this recipe so well as is that I will buy Miracle Whip for this recipe alone.
Enjoy!
Recipe:   Cucumber/Onion Dressing        8/25/2008
Category: Side
Author:   Mickey's aunt

1 C. Miracle Whip
1/2 C. Sugar or Splenda
4 T Apple Cider vinegar
salt to taste
Cucumbers and onions, sliced

Slice Cucumbers and onions. Layer in a dish  and lightly salt each layer.  Combine 
dressing ingredients and pour over cucumber/onion layers. Refrigerate for 
several hours before serving.

Rogers City MI

Butch and I went north to Rogers City MI, a nice little town located on the shores of Lake Huron. It isn't far up there (30 miles) and Butch was told of a bike shop there that carried Raleighs and he wanted to test drive one on the city's bike trail...or talk about repair on his...or trade-in etc. We arrived to find the bike shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so that part did not work out. We had our bikes with us so we rode the bike trail anyway. After finding it. It is not well marked. I am used to the trails in Iowa that can't be missed as they are marked in a myriad of ways, both on the trail and off. We knew by word of mouth that the 40 mile Lighthouse is located at the end of the bike trail. The 40 Mile lighthouse is so named because it is located 40 miles from Alpena and 40 miles in the other direction from Mackinac City. Butch tried to convince me it was 40 miles to the lighthouse but I knew better.

Not on the trail

 Along side the trail

I wanted to see and take pictures at the lighthouse so that was my goal but we had no idea of the mileage and it was hot and we didn't have much water so after biking 5.5 miles...didn't know that till later...we turned around and returned to Rogers City for a bike ride totaling 11 miles. It was  a very nice ride and one I would like to do again at a cooler time of day. The trail is 7 miles in length so if we had only known we were not all that far from the lighthouse. We returned to the car and drove out to the Lighthouse. The admission is free to this lighthouse and I understand it is the last one that is free. All the others charge admission.

It is a pretty little place and one of only a few that actually looks like a house and not a silo.:-)

Being of sound mind I did not go all the way to the top. Butch tried but it was crowded with people so he passed this time.

As we approached the Lighthouse.

The light itself is barely visible in this shot.

View out the second story bathroom window. (added in 1940) 

A painting on the wall.

We had a phone like this in a farmhouse we rented in our early married life. Churdan Iowa. Yes it was unusual even then (1963)

An apple tree on the shores of Lake Huron. The apples were not in good shape but the view was great.

A shipwreck remains not far from the lighthouse

A little hard to make out.

This gull was playing 'King of the Hill' and saying "mine, mine mine!"

After the tour we headed on back to Hillman and I found I was too pooped to go to the Grill for Silverfox. Maybe next time...

Silverfox -performs Tuesday at 4:30 to 6 PM

Been busy this morning getting all the blogs attended to and thought I would place this one here to give you an example of what I have been up to this morning. I plan to go to The Grill this afternoon to catch his performance. I am still planning to get pictures of him with his wolves at some point. They are here at the resort on occasion and I need to find out when.
                                                                      
                                                                       Silverfox

Silverfox  lifts his flutes as if to call upon the Great Spirit! His sensational extraordinary talents in music certainly are a great and awesome gift to us all. This thrilling musical experience presented by Silverfox is more than a feeling as his sacred sounds fill the very core of what we feel as we drift into his delightful performance. Silverfox is known for his talents as a flute master! Silverfox became a local legend profiled by his rare and unique mystical sounds. His family, fans and friends starting at a very young age love him as a local hero Silverfox reaching above his teenage years moves his performances beyond his home lands as an Abaachii (Apache). Throughout the past years as a meditative musical experience this featured performer is proudly introduced throughout the Nations in every venue as a celebrated musical achievement. The sight and sounds of Silverfox in full attire as a Human Spiritual Native American flute master, has stirred the hearts of so many around the Southern to Northern States he has created a following that will last eternally. Silverfox celebrated as the featured event, an experience that sends his listeners back into a time of greatness and spiritual altruism leans into the notes like no other can. He remains close to his fans in applause as he finds ways to interact with all who attend. One of the most extraordinary performers of our current times Silverfox inspires the crowds to feel the Sacred Winds, exciting every listener to become a part of the sound. Using a wide and varied assortment of custom hand crafted flutes enjoys teaching the young and old through his dynamic sounds the art of his culture. This must see performer venturing throughout the Nations fills the hearts and spirits of the young and old inspiring everyone! Silverfox will be moving his sounds into your area soon. Don’t miss out! Kicknbear, Drummer for Silverfox & the Red - X Band........ Silverfox is married and resides in Houston, Texas in the winter months and in Northern Michigan in the summer.

 http://www.myspace.com/silverfoxflutes

And so...

The guys(Butch, Tom, Ted, Howard) came in with a good score of 12 under par. I consider that quite a feat but the winners were 13 under. It was a charity event for Elk County Animal Shelter so it was for a good cause. They fed the guys well and there were other prizes. Butch won a door prize of a free breakfast at Jacques Restaurant. We can and will enjoy that.

I checked in on facebook and discovered that our youngest son caught a muskie at Brushy Creek. Minimum is 40 inches and his measured 31 so he had to release it. The picture is pretty impressive.

I also have another picture of him from a while back that I saw when looking for this one. It was taken by his wife Laura while they were on vacation in Las Vegas. Judging from the shininess of those posteriors many pictures are taken similar to this one.

On to other things- I found a recipe for Adobo seasoning, tried it and Butch was impressed. I used it on chicken that he grilled but it can be used for many things. Adobo seasoning can be found in the Mexican sections of your grocery stores. It is something I have used for a long time but always the store bought variety. If you are fond of fajitas it is often the seasoning they use on the chicken or beef used for them.

                              

 Adobo Seasoning

"Simple pantry spices combine to make a savory, flavorful adobo 

seasoning to sprinkle on chicken, fish, meat, cottage cheese, or anything you'd like to zing up. 

It's so easy to make it yourself.”

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

     In a bowl, stir together the salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Store in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place.

Currently reading- The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers- I am enjoying it. It is on the Kindle- Loving my Kindle!!

Well I have certainly given you a variety this morning.

Later...

And then we...

After our return from Mackinac we had to busy ourselves with earning our keep so bright and early we started cleaning up around the suites, villas and chalets. That consists of blowing off the decks and entrances with a leaf blower, knocking down cobwebs, wiping off deck chairs and washing windows that are reachable. That was a big job to begin with but now that we have caught up it isn't too hard to maintain. Butch also added a air conditioner replacement install to his list of ToDo's.
I planned to make a slideshow of our Mackinac pictures but there are a 130 of them and that is way too many for a Smilebox slideshow. They take some time to load even with a fast connection so I am thinking I will put them on Webshots.
I am really excited about the new stats feature on Blogger. I have always been curious about the traffic this site and the others get but had no way of knowing. Now I do. Of all the ones I do, this one gets the most action. I am sure that when winter is here the Magnolia one will increase and this one decline a bit. I always plan to be fair to both. It should be very interesting to see the long range stats.
So Friday was spent working and getting caught up on things.

Butch always moans and groans about getting up so early on weekends to mow the greens. He loves to mow the greens but would rather do them later in the day. Of course that doesn't work because then there are golfers in the way. After the poor boy finished mowing greens at 9:00 AM we decided to go out for breakfast. We have not eaten out much here and that is a good thing as we get more than enough of that the rest of the year. After breakfast we stopped at a farmers market on the corner and purchased sweet corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, cucumbers and a humongous head of cabbage. The cabbage had to weigh at least 12 pounds and cost me a whole $1.50.
Part of my job here is music promotion and I needed some better shots of the musicians playing last night so I reminded myself all day that I needed to do that and I wanted to get it done while the houselights were still up, in other words early. Well, Butch had a Netflix movie "The Imaginarium of Mr Parnassus" and he started it about 6:30PM and I forgot about getting the pictures! That was the time I should have been heading to The Barn. I did not forget because the movie was so great. His kind of movie not mine. So about 8:00 I remembered and trotted up for pictures. I am hoping they are an improvement on what I currently have.
Fellow workamper Linda Payne sang with the band. She is GOOD! She sang 'Unchained Melody' and gave me goosebumps.

Butch,Tom, Ted and Howard are Playing in a golf tournament this morning. Butch was going to pass on it because it is our anniversary but I assured him it would be fine. It isn't as though we never spend time together.

I have plans for making a salsa, beading or Swedish weaving, reading and whatever else suits my fancy so till next time...