It seems many of my friends have gone to Facebook. I do have a Facebook page but I have no plans to abandon this blog for it and it remains sparse. Our news and updates will remain here. I find Facebook chaotic and confusing and I am way too busy to "farm" or even help others out with their "farming". Scrolling down to find messages I want to know about is like sorting through spam. The only time I check facebook is if I get a reminder in my email and I may respond at that time. It is easy for me to see who reads the blog and who doesn't...maybe I should just go back to email only.
Hmmm perhaps I awoke on the wrong side of the bed this AM.
Butch went to the flea market. Looking for new golf clubs. Like that is going to help.
Geez...I am grumpy!
This too shall pass....
Saturday, October 31
Friday, October 30
Plunked
When we arrived on Wednesday we felt as though we had been plunked into a hot humid day in the middle of August in Iowa! I haven't sweat that much for a long, long time! And the wind doth blow!! But now a cold front has made its way down and we are considerably cooler. Not supposed to exceed the low seventies today.
Yesterday we went to Mexico for meds. Progresso hasn't changed although they are digging up the street in the first block and replacing sewer pipes. Are they doing it safely? Well no, Mexico hasn't changed that much! We didn't stick around long just grabbed our meds and scooted back to USA. They were being very thorough on the check of the guys ahead of us but we sailed right through the border check. On our return we decided to go to Gonzales Burgers before the crowds get here. We were too late!! The place was packed and we waited just as long as we always do. Butch and I shared a burger and it was plenty for both of us. The prices have gone up though. A humongous cheeseburger is now $4.10.
It takes us a bit to settle in for 5 months and we are not fully settled but we are making progress.
Yesterday we went to Mexico for meds. Progresso hasn't changed although they are digging up the street in the first block and replacing sewer pipes. Are they doing it safely? Well no, Mexico hasn't changed that much! We didn't stick around long just grabbed our meds and scooted back to USA. They were being very thorough on the check of the guys ahead of us but we sailed right through the border check. On our return we decided to go to Gonzales Burgers before the crowds get here. We were too late!! The place was packed and we waited just as long as we always do. Butch and I shared a burger and it was plenty for both of us. The prices have gone up though. A humongous cheeseburger is now $4.10.
It takes us a bit to settle in for 5 months and we are not fully settled but we are making progress.
Wednesday, October 28
Arrived in the Rio Grande Valley
We have arrived in very warm,windy sunny South Texas. We are settled in Magnolia Park. I must say not many people are here yet but a little down time before the deluge starts suits me just fine. I will put the time to good use getting ready for a busy winter.
Our trip down started with a bit of excitement of the negative sort. We use a brake buddy on our car. For the uninitiated, it is a device in the car that puts the brakes on in the car when Butch puts the brakes on in the motorhome. It is an additional safety device. Well the little bugger failed and not in a good way. The brakes came on in the car and stayed on!! Fortunately Butch noticed rather quickly as we have a device in the MoHo that lights up when the brakes in the car come on and we were able to exit I-35 and attend to it. We disconnected it and continued on our trip without incident...except for the wind. 40 MPH headwinds all day. But we are here!!! We saw this H.E.B. truck and took the advice. We went to the store first thing!
We had a fun time in Canyon Lake with the Linders. Butch and Terry played the Fling L golf course in Bandera TX while Lisa and I explored the town of Bandera.
It is full of cowboys,bikers(the Harley type) and old people. It is a very interesting town indeed. I took a photo of an artist who was working in the senior center thrift shop. She had on very interesting pants.
Our trip down started with a bit of excitement of the negative sort. We use a brake buddy on our car. For the uninitiated, it is a device in the car that puts the brakes on in the car when Butch puts the brakes on in the motorhome. It is an additional safety device. Well the little bugger failed and not in a good way. The brakes came on in the car and stayed on!! Fortunately Butch noticed rather quickly as we have a device in the MoHo that lights up when the brakes in the car come on and we were able to exit I-35 and attend to it. We disconnected it and continued on our trip without incident...except for the wind. 40 MPH headwinds all day. But we are here!!! We saw this H.E.B. truck and took the advice. We went to the store first thing!
We had a fun time in Canyon Lake with the Linders. Butch and Terry played the Fling L golf course in Bandera TX while Lisa and I explored the town of Bandera.
It is full of cowboys,bikers(the Harley type) and old people. It is a very interesting town indeed. I took a photo of an artist who was working in the senior center thrift shop. She had on very interesting pants.
Tuesday, October 27
Rain Day
Yesterday was a rain day so we spent it in San Antonio. We enjoyed a shopping expedition with friends Terry and Lisa Linder. It poured rain all day but with the promise of sun and dry for Tuesday it didn't seem too bad. Butch and Terry have golf plans for today.
Sunday, October 25
Movin on down
We left the Pecan Plantation and our friends Mike and Sharon Bryce and moseyed on down the road to Canyon Lake TX...north of San Antonio.
When we open the door of the MoHo and hear the twirling chirp of grackles we have arrived in sunny South Texas!
When we open the door of the MoHo and hear the twirling chirp of grackles we have arrived in sunny South Texas!
Friday, October 23
Swedish Weaving Class-Granbury Texas
I met Cindy a few years ago online through a Swedish weaving site on Yahoo. I met her in person last year about this time. I told her we were in the area and she told me about her class so I stopped in yesterday afternoon.
Shortly after this photo was taken Cindy poked herself with a very large needle (the blood really spurted!)and had to go for medical attention. So our visit was cut short but Cindy is okay and will live to weave again.
Shortly after this photo was taken Cindy poked herself with a very large needle (the blood really spurted!)and had to go for medical attention. So our visit was cut short but Cindy is okay and will live to weave again.
Thursday, October 22
Rain, Rain and More Rain
It rained all day yesterday and all night last night. There is standing water everywhere. Our home is on somewhat of a gravel pedestal so we didn't have any immediate worries. I know it was in excess of 3 inches of rain perhaps closer to 5 inches.
But today the sun has finally made a reappearance. Yippee!! We need to get ourselves outside for some exercise. And perhaps we can do some touristy things without getting wet.
But today the sun has finally made a reappearance. Yippee!! We need to get ourselves outside for some exercise. And perhaps we can do some touristy things without getting wet.
Wednesday, October 21
Tuesday, October 20
Situation
Here is the situation as we have it right now. We are located at the Pecan Plantation Campground near Granbury Texas visiting friends Mike and Sharon Bryce. Our Internet connection exists but it is weak, slow and intermittent. I am able to check mail and do basics. Our Verizon phone connection is always or nearly always searching for signal which draws our battery down very quickly. So to reach us it is probably best by email while we are here. And we are not sure how long that will be. I can make phone calls however. The whole situation is a little weird.
They tell us it is really hot yet in the valley and the weather is nearly perfect where we are so we find ourselves in the midst of a balancing act. So while we are in limbo bear with us. I hope you blog checkers still check in and I will continue to try for daily posts but if I do not, you will know I ran into a technosnag(my word).
We arrived here about 10:30 this morning and Butch and Mike headed for the golf course shortly thereafter while Sharon and I visited the afternoon away.
Sharon made Runza Casserole and pecan pie bars for supper so you know Butch was in heaven. Golf and his favorite casserole and dessert to boot.
Tomorrow it is supposed to rain so not sure what we may be doing...but it will be fun for sure.
They tell us it is really hot yet in the valley and the weather is nearly perfect where we are so we find ourselves in the midst of a balancing act. So while we are in limbo bear with us. I hope you blog checkers still check in and I will continue to try for daily posts but if I do not, you will know I ran into a technosnag(my word).
We arrived here about 10:30 this morning and Butch and Mike headed for the golf course shortly thereafter while Sharon and I visited the afternoon away.
Sharon made Runza Casserole and pecan pie bars for supper so you know Butch was in heaven. Golf and his favorite casserole and dessert to boot.
Tomorrow it is supposed to rain so not sure what we may be doing...but it will be fun for sure.
Sunday, October 18
Parade Chickens
It was way too cold for us to go to the parade yesterday so we watched on tv and I took photos just like I was really there. No, the quality is not as good but we were much warmer. When the parade was about 2/3rds done it really poured! That made our decision even more sane!
Here is the slideshow!
Here is the slideshow!
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Saturday, October 17
Oops!
Butch just checked our "repair" on the fridge. We will be sticking around in Carthage until it is really fixed.
Maple Leaf Festival & Parade?
Maple Leaf Festival & Parade take place this morning in Carthage Mo and we seem to find ourselves in this area every year. Creatures of habit, aren't we all. Last year was chilly and damp but we went anyway because it is such a nice parade. One of the best we have ever seen. This year it is dark, dank and just plain COLD. We will most likely pass on it this year. Butch is still in bed for one thing and it takes us longer and longer to get ready to go anywhere. But more so the cold. It does not take much of it for me to go into hibernation. I received an email from an online Swedish weaver acquaintance who winters in La Feria TX every winter and she is in her Texas spot and says it is HOT. I am ready for some hot.
Yesterday we kept our appointment to have our refrigerator looked at. I was getting condensation around the door to the point where I needed a rug there to catch the drips. It was a simple fix. Something was not making a connection. Now it is and no more drips. Simple if you know what the problem is!
Tomorrow our Missouri kids are coming to see us before we leave the show me state for warmer climes. Monday AM will find us on the road aimed at Texas. Earlier than usual rather than later actually.
Till next time...
Thursday, October 15
My Cousins Slideshow
My Cousins Slideshow of the Pacific Northwest-Photographer Howard Zimmerle
Way to go, Cuz. I am impressed.
The Pacific Northwest
Way to go, Cuz. I am impressed.
The Pacific Northwest
Wednesday, October 14
Helpful Steps to Prevent the Swine Flu
In addition to the article below I want to mention a neti-pot. Butch has had trouble with allergies for several years and has taken medication for it. I have had a problem in the last few years and particularly in South Texas. We have started using a neti-pot. It is simple and easy to do although it can seem a bit daunting to begin with but after the first time or two it is easy...very easy. Butch has stopped taking the allergy meds entirely. Wal-mart carries the neti-pot we purchased. It is made by Neil Med. I used to use saline nasal spray with limited success. This is much much easier and more pleasant. Your sinus and nasal passages feel so clean and refreshed after using the Neti-pot.
www.NeilMed.com
Helpful Steps to Prevent the Swine Flu
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1, in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits).. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids (Tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the rever
www.NeilMed.com
Helpful Steps to Prevent the Swine Flu
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1, in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits).. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6.* Drink as much of warm liquids (Tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the rever
Chili Weather
Rained most of yesterday, still dark, dank and dreary today. They are promising sun tomorrow afternoon. But highs are not expected to be above 55 whether we have sun or not. I do not mind a few days like this but a few is all I like.
I need to get back to walking and hope to do that today rain or no rain.
The park is full so there is plenty to watch. It is like being at the zoo. People are funny and do the funniest things.
We had chili last night for supper. Every cook I know has their own special chili recipe. Here is mine:
Barb's Chili
1 lb hamburger,browned and drained
1/2 large onion chopped
1 can Mrs. Grimes or Bush's Chili beans
2 cans Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chillies (one hot and one mild)
8 oz. can of V-8 or tomato juice
1 T. brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a crockpot and let simmer 6-8 hours
Sometimes I add green pepper,grated carrots or different kinds of beans. Butch prefers I use 2 cans of Ro-tel hot diced tomatoes. I also double this recipe if we are having company or I want leftovers.
I need to get back to walking and hope to do that today rain or no rain.
The park is full so there is plenty to watch. It is like being at the zoo. People are funny and do the funniest things.
We had chili last night for supper. Every cook I know has their own special chili recipe. Here is mine:
Barb's Chili
1 lb hamburger,browned and drained
1/2 large onion chopped
1 can Mrs. Grimes or Bush's Chili beans
2 cans Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chillies (one hot and one mild)
8 oz. can of V-8 or tomato juice
1 T. brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a crockpot and let simmer 6-8 hours
Sometimes I add green pepper,grated carrots or different kinds of beans. Butch prefers I use 2 cans of Ro-tel hot diced tomatoes. I also double this recipe if we are having company or I want leftovers.
Tuesday, October 13
Carthage MO
Arrived in Carthage yesterday around noon. Butch started washing the MoHo almost immediately! Been talking about it for months but yesterday was thee day. The water is exceptionally soft here. It always amazes me.
We are paid up for a week and then we do not know for sure. May decide to stay a bit longer or move a bit further south. We may make that decision on Friday when we have our appointment for the MoHo. In the mountains I was getting what we assumed were grease stains on my clothes when I washed them. They always had the same pattern and Butch was sure it was the washer. After we called for this appointment Friday it hasn't done it since. And then we were also having condensation around the refrigerator door, enough to make a puddle. That has let up also I assume due to less humid weather. So these two tenuous things are what our appointment is all about. So the outcome is also tenuous.
The Maple Leaf Festival is this Saturday in Carthage. It seems we are always in the area when that happens. Last year the weather was 'see your breath cool' and the forecast is for the same this year. It is always a good photo op though and they always have an excellent parade.
We are paid up for a week and then we do not know for sure. May decide to stay a bit longer or move a bit further south. We may make that decision on Friday when we have our appointment for the MoHo. In the mountains I was getting what we assumed were grease stains on my clothes when I washed them. They always had the same pattern and Butch was sure it was the washer. After we called for this appointment Friday it hasn't done it since. And then we were also having condensation around the refrigerator door, enough to make a puddle. That has let up also I assume due to less humid weather. So these two tenuous things are what our appointment is all about. So the outcome is also tenuous.
The Maple Leaf Festival is this Saturday in Carthage. It seems we are always in the area when that happens. Last year the weather was 'see your breath cool' and the forecast is for the same this year. It is always a good photo op though and they always have an excellent parade.
Monday, October 12
Long winded update
Jason & Laura,bride & groom with Michael,Laura's son and Nicole,Laura's daughter holding grandson Ethan.
It has been a busy week. Jason and Laura were married at the Willow Creek Glass Chapel near Minden IA last Thursday evening. It was a beautiful wedding. During the ceremony a little mouse was watching from above. The owners were mortified but it was cute. The glass chapel is a very beautiful place for a wedding set in amongst Iowa cornfields. It is worth a look even if a wedding is not in your plans.
Butch and I stayed at the Bluffs Run RV Park near the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs. It reopened in June of this year. It had been an RV park back when the dog track was the only business in that area but closed when the casino came in. We could never figure out why they closed it because it was always busy. Security makes frequent drives through the park and surrounding area. $30 a night with taxes included so considering location, security etc. it is not a bad deal. The wedding party stayed in the nearby Springhill Marriott. The wedding supper was at Tish's an excellent restaurant not too far away. It is a restaurant I would gladly go to again. Excellent food and reasonable prices.
Friday we all went shopping and to a movie (Couples Retreat)etc. It is always a treat to hang out with the kids.
Saturday morning we awoke to the record breaking snow and cold that hit the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. We had read the forecast so we had unhooked our water hose from the motorhome. The lowest reading we had on our indoor/outdoor thermometer was 27 degrees. But it was slick and slushy with 5 to 8 inches of snow so we waited until near 11:00 AM to hook up the car and head south.
We had an uneventful trip south to Peculiar. Saturday evening I was in bed and Butch was about to be when we heard a crash. He couldn't tell where it was so we assumed it was on the highway. It wasn't! A truck from an upper level came over the side and crashed into a car and motorhome on our level two slots to our right. The recipients of the crash will not be getting to Arizona as soon as they planned.
They were in bed asleep when this occurred.
Below we have Wiley, Angels 20+ pound son who lives at the Gary and Susan Brooker home.
Today we are headed for Carthage MO. Minor motorhome business before wending our way slowly southward.
It has been a busy week. Jason and Laura were married at the Willow Creek Glass Chapel near Minden IA last Thursday evening. It was a beautiful wedding. During the ceremony a little mouse was watching from above. The owners were mortified but it was cute. The glass chapel is a very beautiful place for a wedding set in amongst Iowa cornfields. It is worth a look even if a wedding is not in your plans.
Butch and I stayed at the Bluffs Run RV Park near the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs. It reopened in June of this year. It had been an RV park back when the dog track was the only business in that area but closed when the casino came in. We could never figure out why they closed it because it was always busy. Security makes frequent drives through the park and surrounding area. $30 a night with taxes included so considering location, security etc. it is not a bad deal. The wedding party stayed in the nearby Springhill Marriott. The wedding supper was at Tish's an excellent restaurant not too far away. It is a restaurant I would gladly go to again. Excellent food and reasonable prices.
Friday we all went shopping and to a movie (Couples Retreat)etc. It is always a treat to hang out with the kids.
Saturday morning we awoke to the record breaking snow and cold that hit the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. We had read the forecast so we had unhooked our water hose from the motorhome. The lowest reading we had on our indoor/outdoor thermometer was 27 degrees. But it was slick and slushy with 5 to 8 inches of snow so we waited until near 11:00 AM to hook up the car and head south.
We had an uneventful trip south to Peculiar. Saturday evening I was in bed and Butch was about to be when we heard a crash. He couldn't tell where it was so we assumed it was on the highway. It wasn't! A truck from an upper level came over the side and crashed into a car and motorhome on our level two slots to our right. The recipients of the crash will not be getting to Arizona as soon as they planned.
They were in bed asleep when this occurred.
Below we have Wiley, Angels 20+ pound son who lives at the Gary and Susan Brooker home.
Today we are headed for Carthage MO. Minor motorhome business before wending our way slowly southward.
Saturday, October 10
Jason & Laura Brooker
We attended a very special wedding this past Thursday. Our youngest son Jason married his best friend Laura. She has been a loved part of our family for a long time and "At Last" it is official.
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Wednesday, October 7
Sun Kissed
Every now and then Iowa offers up a special treat. The sun was low on the western horizon and kissing the tree tops offering us this special view.
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