Pumpkin Pudding Cake

Yesterday I declined on making a recipe due to the price of an ingredient. It was not the recipe featured below but it was also a pumpkin recipe- and it called for a tsp. of pumpkin pie spice. At the grocery store a very small container of pumpkin pie spice was $4.79!!! That recipe was not that important!! I am aware that I could purchase the separate spices contained in pumpkin pie spice and make my own mix but I was so gobsmacked I did not even see if that was feasible or if it would have saved me a nickle. Anytime a teaspoon of something will cost me $4.79 cents I will pass on the recipe. Are you with me ladies?
I am thinking of making this recipe however...unless I run into another snafu.

Pumpkin Pudding Cake
    This cake serves 15 or more. It’s rich, so cut it in small portions for a party or potluck. Leftovers should be refrigerated. 

1 box spice cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
1 egg, beaten

15-ounce can pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
4 eggs, beaten
½ cup sugar
2/3 cup milk 

1 cup reserved cake mix
½ cup sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
½ stick butter, softened
Whipped topping
    Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat an egg in a mixing bowl and add the dry cake mix, reserving one cupful. Stir in the melted butter and press the  crumbly mixture in a sprayed 9 X 13-inch baking pan. 
    Using the same bowl whisk the pumpkin, 4 eggs, sugar and milk. Pour over the spice cake crust. Mix the second ½ cup sugar with the pecans and softened butter into the reserved cup of cake mix. Sprinkle over the pumpkin filling and bake 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set.  Cool completely. Serve with whipped topping. 

Purchases and reports of same

I wanted some new glasses after my eye exam late in August. I was having a bit of a problem with the middle distances and I became very tired of the constant search for a pair of glasses. I asked at the optical place where I had my eye exam about cost of lenses only and put into some frames I already owned. They were very discouraging and would not give me any assurances about my frames holding up etc. and the cost would be $250 for basic lenses without extras of any kind. I had made up my mind to get them in Mexico. But then I saw an ad for an online optical business. So I started reading reviews and it seemed people were very happy with their purchases. http://www.zennioptical.com/ is the place I chose. Picked out the frames I wanted, entered my prescription info and ordered my new glasses. I ordered all the bells and whistles. Progressive no line bifocals- uv protection- top of the line protective coating and a pair of clip-on sunglasses for $111 with a case. They arrived yesterday and I love them. They are everything I wanted and they fit in every way, I would not hesitate to order through them again. When you get your eye exam be sure they include the pd info along with the rest of your prescription. The pd info is the distance from the bridge of your nose to the pupil of your eye as you look straight ahead. If you have ever had a fitting for glasses before they would have that measurement and it is one of those things that does not change with age. And they should give you that info if you call them. They did for me.  I have known people who have paid $800 for a new pair of glasses and as with many things the cost has become way out of line.
And Then...
I ordered a new Samsung Chromebook. It arrived this afternoon and I am loving it too!! I was an avid Chrome user having the browser on my main computer. I used Chrome almost exclusively so the transition to this Chromebook (a computer with the new Chrome operating system) is almost seamless. As soon as I signed into my google account  all my info from my other computer was at my finger tips. Someone had suggested that printing would be a problem but nay it is not. It was a simple process getting my current printer able to work through this computer. Worked on the first try.  If you are blessed with a high speed Internet connection as I am, you too might be happy with a Chromebook for $249.
PS: I used my cash back bonus award from Discover card to purchase it so it truly is "almost free".

My walking Buddy has walked on...for now.

Colleen has left good old Jefferson to go to her daughters before then going south to Florida for the winter. Nearly every morning all summer long she and I have walked the bike trail-one mile out and one mile back. I miss her already!! It makes for a big change in my morning routine that I have yet to adjust to. This morning I forgot to turn on the phone. It seems the only reason I ever turned it on was in case she called. Every little thing will need a habit adjustment in my old and dusty brain from the hours of 6:00 AM through perhaps 9:00 AM. After that we were on our own for the day unless other arrangements had been made. Oh well...big, heavy sigh....I will survive and so will she.

More Rain

It rained again during the night. I do not know how much last night but the previous night it was .77 of an inch. We need that much per week for a good long time to return our moisture levels to normal.
Colleen and I did walk this morning and tomorrow will be our last walk of the season as she heads out on Friday morning very early. I will miss her and our walks but as with all my friends I will look forward to the  next time we meet. When I think of all the friends we have in so many different places it brings to mind how our lives are so abundantly full wherever we may be.

Website of the day...

Everything you did not know you wanted! What a hoot!

WEBSITE OF THE DAY
Items to make your life easier. From First World Living, lots of interesting and/or amusing items, some of which you'll think, "I want one of those!" and some of which will make you scratch your head and wonder.

Big Old Tree

There is a little known tree in Jefferson. I hate to admit the number of years I passed this tree without realizing its existence until one day it had been mowed around it and I took notice. The grass has once again grown up around the tree and people drive by every day not knowing it is there. If you knew you would think it is perhaps the most magnificent tree in town. I took some pictures today and I hope to catch a picture one day whereby you can see its feet and see its full splendor. It is on south elm (Hwy 4) on the west side of the road across the street from the high school.

Pampas Grass Flags

Leo says: "Pampas Grass Flags decided today was the day they wanted to come out and glisten in the morning sunshine."
Leo sent me this picture on my phone a few days ago. It is a bit more of a procedure to retrieve pictures from my phone to the computer than from email. (No!! I am not getting a smart phone!! They are the dumbest invention ever in my opinion. I want a PHONE. Not a microscopic computer.) Okay, I am done now.
I love Pampas grass! There are some on the bike trail that are gorgeous. I would like to find a spot for some in our yard next summer.
These in Leo and Keri's yard are VERY TALL.

Notice the condition of the yard? You can tell where watering has been done and where it hasn't. You can also see in this shot how stressed the trees are.

Rain!! Blessed Rain!

I could not believe my ears this morning! I woke up enough to realize there was a different sound I was hearing. At first I thought it was the ceiling fan going bonkers but then I suspicion-ed rain! Could it be? So I got up to investigate. At 5:23 AM we were getting actual rain-not teaser rain, but honest-to-God RAIN! I was so excited I stayed up to watch it. To be honest it is not all that unusual for me to be awake at that time but really, I opened the front door and breathed it in-and watched it come down-and was fascinated by it. I did everything but run out in my pj's and do the Julie Andrews dance.
This is the first rain we have had in Jefferson Iowa since sometime in June.

Yesterday:
A friend wanted a few tomatoes so I went out to Leo's tomato patch to get some. After I was out there I thought I should really get a picture of these tomatoes and the patch. All I had was my phone but I did get a shot. Every tomato I picked was perfect! Not a blemish anywhere. The only thing that might put a halt to these tomatoes would be frost. If he does not get a frost he will be knee deep in tomatoes for a long time. And they taste as good as they look!

See how dry the ground looks by the buckets?

CONFETTI SALAD

I made this salad today and I like it way above average. I could eat it by itself for lunch and be very happy with it. My cooking goes in streaks and it seems I am on one.

 CONFETTI SALAD        9/16/2013
 
Salad Ingredients:

3 cups cooked rice, cooled (I usually use brown rice but you can also use white or basmati)
1 can (16-oz) red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can (16-oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can (16-oz) corn (drained)
4 sliced green onions
1 small green or red pepper (finely diced)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
Dressing Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or cider vinegar if you can eat apples)
1 tablespoon Spenda/sucralose (or sugar if you prefer)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon coriander (optional)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Directions:

Mix all of the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
Mix the dressing ingredients together in another bowl.
Pour dressing over salad, mix together.  And you’re done!  It’s that easy.

RVing Tip of the Day

Use the 3/300 rule for happy travel days
by Greg Illes

Before I bought my RV, I thought I knew a lot about driving around the country. With almost 50 years of driving experience and several cross-the-U.S. trips, I didn't think I had much left to learn. Wrong.

RVs are different vehicles. Not only do they proceed — shall we say — more sedately, but they coax us all into a more easy-going attitude. At least, that's the way it's supposed to work. So my 500-mile-per-day automobile jaunts were not so easy to achieve in my RV.

Firstly, speed. Yes, my Itasca will go 75 down the Arizona highways. But I'm much more relaxed at 60, and I'll get 9 mpg instead of 6 mpg. I'm going slower, and I'm stopping for a scenic look here and there. Furthermore, there are gas stops, bathroom breaks, meal stops, and shopping stops. Clearly I can't average that 60 mph speed. To really make time, I increase speed and decrease stops.

So I have two point-to-point speeds. Easygoing: 50mph. Racing: 60mph. These numbers have been verified over 35,000 miles of RV travel in the last three years.

Three o'clock or 300 miles, whichever comes first

There is a simple rule, taught me my by older/wiser brother-in-law and verified through many trips. Individual needs and numbers might change a bit, but the rationale is indisputable. If you're still traveling by 3 o'clock, you are going to need some daylight time to find a camp spot, get settled, have dinner, maybe take an evening walk. It makes no sense to start this process too late in the day.

Alternatively, if you've already gone 300 miles, there's always something new and interesting to investigate; stop and check it out.

Correlation: At a 50 mph pace, 300 miles takes six hours. When you start traveling at a humane 9:00 a.m., that six hours expires at 3 p.m. Simple.

Sure, if I need to get a long ways, I abandon the 3/300 rule for a day, maybe two. But when I want to travel in comfort and leisure, appreciating where I'm going and how I’m getting there — well, the 3/300 works very, very well. And remember, the 3/300 numbers are maxima — if you find something interesting before the time or distance expires, stop and have fun with it. Isn't that what we travel for?

Figure out your own numbers and give it a try — and happy traveling.

* * *

All is well and back to normal.

It seems that every few years I have to get my computer into a real mess and then get it straightened out again. A lesson I have to relearn over and over it seems. Right now I cannot believe how well it is working...all of it- including Google Chrome. It was something I did of course. Isn't it always our own fault when crap happens?
I downloaded and installed a new Anti-malware/anti-virus protection program. And a question came up about PUPs and I answered No when I should have said Yes. It was as simple as that but it took me awhile to get there. I ended up doing a system restore taking my computer to before I installed it and everything cleared up. Re-installed the new program and said yes when I should have and everything came up roses. And writing this reminded me I need to set a new restore point. Always want to do that when things are working well.
So between the compromised credit card and the computer snafu life has been a challenge lately but I am breathing easier now.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

It is what's for supper. This picture was taken a few minutes ago. As a matter of fact it is still on the stove and Butch is still eating. This recipe is easy and simple and simply delicious! Cabbage is abundant right now too.
I think I have posted this recipe before but here it is again.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:

1 1/2 to 2 pounds lean ground beef

1 tablespoon oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small cabbage, chopped

2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

Preparation:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, stirring, until ground beef is no longer pink and onion is tender.

Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.

Add the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

Problems Solved-sort of

 Computer problem
The culprit is Google Chrome which I love by the way. It not only freezes up the browser it freezes up the entire computer. But when I use Firefox all works as it should. The online helpers suggested disabling chat in Chrome, which I did but it didn't work. Other advice was changes in the registry which I shy away from because I do not have any confidence in that area. One guy said his worked fine in safe mode with network which indicated it was an extension problem-also beyond my range of knowledge. I would not know which extension or how to change it. Every time I try something and it doesn't work my computer freezes up again so I hesitate to be too aggressive with repair attempts. I recently had my computer cleaned out and except for this issue it works very well.  Oh also, I guess this problem is only on 64 bit computers and that is what I have. As long as I know it is a Chrome problem and I stay away from Chrome, it and me will be okay.

And then concerning credit card compromising...
I am now using secure online numbers for online shopping. I will paste a little ditty in here from Discover card that explains how it works. There a few merchants that it does not work for such as Amazon, Facebook and Ebay.  I use Amazon quite a bit but rarely use Ebay and NEVER would I use Facebook to purchase anything.
I have recurring bills from Verizon, Time Warner and Netflix and they are all now set up with different numbers. And when I make any online purchase from here on out I will use a newly generated number from Discover. If this doesn't stop this compromising business I do not know what will.

Here is how it works...

What is a secure online account number?

Secure online account numbers is a free online service offering you added security by protecting your account number while shopping online. When you make a purchase with a merchant using a secure online account number, the number is assigned only to that particular merchant. Once a secure online account number is assigned, the merchant can use it for your future purchases with them unless you specify otherwise. Some merchants, such as Facebook, Amazon, and PayPal, will not be able to use the same secure online account number multiple times. When shopping with those merchants, you will need to use a new secure online account number each time.
When you use a secure online account number instead of your actual Discover Card number, your account number is not revealed on the Internet or stored in an online retailer’s files. Or course, you also always receive $ Fraud Liability Guarantee so you're never responsible for unauthorized charges on your Discover Card account.
Note: You must be logged into your Discover Card account in order to generate and use secure online account numbers.

Computer issues and Tomatoes

I am having computer issues and have been trying to get them resolved without purchasing new. It freezes up on me and I am unable to make anything work forcing me into a manual shut down. Not good. It seems to be working for the minute but I am working in a different browser (Firefox) than what I usually work in (Chrome) so maybe there is a glitch in the browser. These things are much like a compromised credit card...who the heck knows who, what, where or when!
So what I am saying is if you do not hear from me on the blog, or facebook, or word with friends for an extended period of time it is most likely because of computer issues. I can use Butch's (but he wouldn't like it) or I can use my Kindle Fire but I like a bigger keyboard for computer work so that would be a last resort.

Anyone need any tomatoes? Leo has a whole bunch and he would like to have them off his hands.

The Cutest Little Website

Lots of cool ideas and tips for homeowners and RVers.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Fix-It/

More news of the negative kind.

My online credit card, the one I use only for online purchases has once again been compromised. I am so glad that we have two. Butch uses the one for all other purchases not on the Internet and we have not had a problem with that one. So what to do now??? Hmmm. I found this out because I had set an amount to be notified by email if a purchase was over that amount. $500. And sure enough I received an email that I had purchased Facebook ads for the amount of $500! I called Discover right away and they will be sending me new cards. But what to do about it is perplexing. So now I am associating a different email account with the new credit card. I will use it only for this credit card. I have had our keep.movin.on email for many years and I am thinking perhaps this may be how they are getting my info. Heck, I do not know, but I do know I will not give up the convenience of buying online. I will add as many precautions as I can and hope for the best.

Big News Day!

Not necessarily in chronological order.
When I returned from my walk this morning I noticed something bright pink in the yard. Our survey has been done!! And we are well within our lot lines on all counts!! We have heard the last from the smart mouth neighbors. We called their bluff the big old bullies. Father and son can now cease and desist. Leo suggested I get a whole pile of copies and hand them one every time they want to talk about it. I took pictures: The little pink things might be a bit hard to see but they are there and that is what counts.

 A little hard to see the pink flag in the back yard but it is on the left side of the toys in the yard beyond

The orange flag is marking the fiber optics work but it is very close to the actual property line.

In this shot you can see the actual pins they use .

front yard pin

It is well to the south of our driveway.

And now onto other news. We went Best Brand chair shopping while in Spencer for the fair. Found my chair at Matts Furniture. Of course I did not buy it because we were not in the right situation to do so and they wanted too much money. I paid $324 for my last chair. The best deal I could get with them was $569. Not good. And then Leslie suggested we try Nebraska Furniture Mart. So Butch needed to do a small bit of electrical for Emily and Joe who live in Omaha so we combined the trip yesterday. Nebraska Furniture Mart had only one chair on display but that did not matter because I knew what I wanted. This chair was a butt ugly color and they wanted $289 for it. Butch asked if we buy more than one chair will the price be lower. He said, "Absolutely!" We bought 3 chairs in my fabric choice for $315 a piece. By the time they were stain treated and delivered to us the total for 3 chairs was a bit under $1200. The negative for this is that we may not be able to get them delivered until Nov 7th. So we may be staying in Iowa until we get our chairs. We will cross that bridge when we get to it. 

We enjoyed our trip to Omaha and back and listened to our audio book "The Potato Factory". We stopped in Oakland Iowa to see Dick and Leslie's new house. It is a beautiful one to say the least.

Dick painted a family tree on the wall and then they added family pictures. Well done!

See the little yellow butterflies on Leslie's flowers?

These were taken near Adair Iowa. They are firmly entrenched on the Iowa landscape.

3 days without Internet

3 days without Internet puts me way behind. We went to the Clay County Fair as we have in years past to meet up with Magnolia Park friends the Cooklin's and the Cleaveland's plus others. We had a great time and wore ourselves out. The weather was hot and my feet were aching big time but it was fun in spite of my feet.
Marlene and Bernard came down on Saturday night to share a meal with us and it was fun catching up on family events as well. (Marlene is Butch's sister)
My photos did not do as well this year as in years past but I still like to participate. I had one second place and two third places so I did not strike out completely.
We came home to a big surprise- Leo was doing some yard maintenance for us! Thank You Leo!! Also I am not certain I have shared this info with you but we plan to have our property surveyed because every time our name comes up with anyone our neighbor speaks with, he feels it is necessary to inform them that we are infringing on their property. Same was true as Leo was working on our lawn. So Leo told him we were going to have our place surveyed and he said, "Oh no, you do not need to do that, I can show you where the pins are!" Leo told him it was too late as we already have it scheduled...and we do. The neighbor thinks it is an unnecessary expense but I am sick of hearing him flap his mouth about it. My thought is that he protesteth too much and it has been my experience when someone keeps bringing up the same info all the time it is themselves they are trying to convince. So we will see...and either way we all will know the truth of it.
Here are some 2013 fair pictures:

Butch is going to buy our tickets.

Norma, Dale and Leslie are shucking sweet corn.

I left my camera with Butch.

Norma received an outstanding on her painting.

This fellow spent a great deal of time preparing his tractor for the fair.

Baby Alpaca

Miniature Donkey.

Getting Ready

We are getting ready for our trip to the fair. What could we possibly have been thinking? Our life used to be so simple- when we were ready to move we did our countdown moves, brought up our leveling legs and we were on our way. Now it takes 2 to 3 days to load the motorhome and we are thoroughly convinced we have missed some major items. We have no idea what they are-but we know we will get up to Spencer and one of us will say, "Guess what we forgot?" and the other will say, "I do not know, what?" "We forgot ----"  So here we sit the night before take off, trying to remember everything.

The truth of it is that no matter what it is that we might forget we can most likely get along just fine without it.

Butch's Doctor appt.

Butch had an appt today to find out the source of why his arm goes numb. The test consisted of his arm being shocked. Let me tell you he didn't like that even a little bit! Well, the bottom line is that he has mild to moderate carpal tunnel in both arms. His doctor the other day gave him braces for each wrist and it has helped tremendously. The doctor today was fairly certain his other doctor would probably not recommend surgery at this time. So that is good news!