I think our warranty people are holding their breath along with us that we are finished with breakdowns for awhile. We have a new $1000 AC for $34 thanks to the warranty we purchased nearly 4 years ago. And this after a $4000 refrigerator for $1500. That one hurt a bit more but at the 3 year mark we were sure we were not getting our money's worth. Little did we know. The Route 66 warranty cost us $1500 or thereabouts.
So we are back in Jefferson behind our bedraggled but happy little house getting back in the routine of things. Butch went to his physical therapy session this morning and I went for a walk. It certainly felt good to get out and moving. It is still hot but not as oppressive as it was last week.
Finished number two of six bracelets and started number three while we were in Webster City.
Friday, July 22
Thursday, July 21
Free Books on Kindle
I am hoping these links work. This is an example of the free books you can get for your Kindle. I do not buy books for the kindle unless it is a specific book or author I am looking for. I got this list from www.pixelofink.com You can sign up for their newsletter and they send you lists of free books you can get for your Kindle. Great little website and newsletter.
- [Free Kindle Book] Republic: A Novel of America’s Future
- [Free Kindle Book] Out of Time
- [Free Kindle Book] Hidden Steel
- [Bargain Kindle Book] A Prisoner of Birth
- [Free Kindle Book] Bug Island
- [Free Kindle Book] Death Ray Butterfly
- [Free Kindle Book] Innocent Monster
- [Bargain Kindle Book] Lord of Scoundrels
My Garden website
I am sure there are some of you who both garden and compute, although if you do either I do not know how you find time for both! But here is a website that may interest you. It is free.
Barb
Link of the Day:
If you like sharing your triumphs and troubles with other gardeners,
you'll like MyGarden. It's a social network specifically for gardeners
with helpful tips and ideas. You can create a digital version of your
garden, upload photos of your progress and then swap information with
other site users. MyGarden also has an interactive plant database and
suggests garden-related events near your location.
http://www.mygarden.org/
Barb
Link of the Day:
If you like sharing your triumphs and troubles with other gardeners,
you'll like MyGarden. It's a social network specifically for gardeners
with helpful tips and ideas. You can create a digital version of your
garden, upload photos of your progress and then swap information with
other site users. MyGarden also has an interactive plant database and
suggests garden-related events near your location.
http://www.mygarden.org/
Wednesday, July 20
Hill Country Salsa
Hill Country Salsa
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large jalapeño pepper, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently. Cover and chill.
Makes 7 cups.
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large jalapeño pepper, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently. Cover and chill.
Makes 7 cups.
Webster City RV / Briggs Woods Campground
Early this morning we ventured north to the Webster City RV place to have our front Air Conditioner analysed. It is toast. But they are overnighting a new one so we too are overnighting here. We could have stayed at the RV business at no cost but there was not one speck of shade. We were not sure our rear AC could keep up without some shade so we came south about 2 1/2 miles to Briggs Woods. It is a county park. It has a nice golf course nearby but once again it is way too hot for the ol' guy to play.
Another wonderful bonus is the free wifi! Much superior to what I am enduring in Jefferson with Verizon. After my blasted 2 year contract is up with them I may have to break down and pay the local telephone company a boat load of money for a decent connection. It indeed gets very frustrating.
Not much else is newsworthy...Aaaah I almost forget! More Elise Videos!
Thanks Gary!
Another wonderful bonus is the free wifi! Much superior to what I am enduring in Jefferson with Verizon. After my blasted 2 year contract is up with them I may have to break down and pay the local telephone company a boat load of money for a decent connection. It indeed gets very frustrating.
Not much else is newsworthy...Aaaah I almost forget! More Elise Videos!
Thanks Gary!
These were taken by Amanda.
Car ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Playing with Mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch? |
Tuesday, July 19
A Rant
Hang in there K-Mart, Pamida, Alco and many others. WalMart is shooting themselves in the foot and if they do not quickly come to their senses they may shoot themselves in the heart. They wiped out most of their craft departments. No longer can we buy monk's cloth at WalMart and their yarn selection is minimal at best. That was the first sign. Next Butch wanted Rolaids and went to WalMart to buy. They no longer carry Rolaids. Tums but no Rolaids. I wanted Folex which is an excellent stain remover. I bought my first bottle at WalMart. Nope-not any more. No Folex. I have now found it at H.E.B. in sunny South Texas. And there are many more examples of this "downsizing" of WalMart shelves. WalMart thinks you will adjust to not having your favorite brands. Not Butch. Not the guy who ate the very same lunch every day for 20 years. And not me if I can help it. Just as I am trying my best to buy from the stores of the town I live in I am trying very hard to not choose WalMart. They do not deserve our business.
Walking
Went for a walk before 7:00 AM the last two mornings. It was 80 degrees both days. But if I am going to get a walk in, it has to be then or nothing. I do not deal well with this kind of heat. I took a picture of the depot which serves as the trailhead for the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Light makes all the difference in taking pictures and the morning light served well for this photo.
We have stopped work on the house because of the heat. The good news is I can get some bracelets done and I am way behind on them. I am not overly proud of this bracelet. It is my first attempt at odd-count peyote. The design possibilities are greater but if you make a mistake too far back it is either live with it or give up on it. We say that when you make a mistake in peyote it is the Indian spirit in the bracelet. This one has the most Indian Spirit of any bracelet I have ever made. I have started adding "Indian Spirit" to every bracelet I make sort of as a trademark. That part is fun.
Butch is off to physical therapy. He says he thinks it may be helping his back. That and the layoff from work due to the heat is most likely helping too. The boy gets bored very easily so it is hard to get him to slow down. Tomorrow he gets to drive the moho to Webster City RV. That will cheer him up! We have been doing okay with one air conditioner. Just between you and me I haven't minded one bit. With two it often gets too cold for me.
We have stopped work on the house because of the heat. The good news is I can get some bracelets done and I am way behind on them. I am not overly proud of this bracelet. It is my first attempt at odd-count peyote. The design possibilities are greater but if you make a mistake too far back it is either live with it or give up on it. We say that when you make a mistake in peyote it is the Indian spirit in the bracelet. This one has the most Indian Spirit of any bracelet I have ever made. I have started adding "Indian Spirit" to every bracelet I make sort of as a trademark. That part is fun.
Butch is off to physical therapy. He says he thinks it may be helping his back. That and the layoff from work due to the heat is most likely helping too. The boy gets bored very easily so it is hard to get him to slow down. Tomorrow he gets to drive the moho to Webster City RV. That will cheer him up! We have been doing okay with one air conditioner. Just between you and me I haven't minded one bit. With two it often gets too cold for me.
Sunday, July 17
My photo taking abilities were compromised yesterday. Little people are very quick and dart around like little bugs. And then Iowa was like a sauna and my lens kept fogging over. But below is an album of what I did take. Excuse the blurs and the fog.
We had a great time with our Missouri kids coming up and joining with the Iowa kids. Leo and Keri were there too. Our menu for supper was Grilled Iowa Chops, Sweet Corn on the cob, Broccoli/rice casserole, Pasta Salad and then Keri brought her famous Pecan pie and a Key Lime pie. Tremendous meal!! We all enjoyed eating, visiting and watching the wee ones play.
We had a great time with our Missouri kids coming up and joining with the Iowa kids. Leo and Keri were there too. Our menu for supper was Grilled Iowa Chops, Sweet Corn on the cob, Broccoli/rice casserole, Pasta Salad and then Keri brought her famous Pecan pie and a Key Lime pie. Tremendous meal!! We all enjoyed eating, visiting and watching the wee ones play.
Friday, July 15
Day Off
The weather man calls this kind of day 'Oppressive" and I would say that is accurate. So after our walk this morning we decided this might be a day to 'cool' it. And then we discovered that one of our two air conditioners in the moho is not working. It is the front one that isn't working. Hmmm- when it rains it pours! But that extended warranty we have does not expire until October so once again it is a blessing in disguise. We are scheduled to return to Webster City RV on Wednesday for analysis. May have a stayover or a second trip after that depending on what they find and how long it takes for parts or a new one. Been quite a summer for unexpected expenses.
On another note we are getting quotes for insulation installation. We have done our homework and decided on spray foam. Yes it is expensive but the benefits are many so that is the way we are going. First quote is in and it may make a few people suck air.
On another note we are getting quotes for insulation installation. We have done our homework and decided on spray foam. Yes it is expensive but the benefits are many so that is the way we are going. First quote is in and it may make a few people suck air.
Thursday, July 14
From Grandpa Gary
I know that humans change a ton from birth to 2 but this week has seemed ridiculous. I swear Elise has grown 2 inches, doubled her vocabulary, and doubled her walking speed all in 1 weeks time. Lucky Iowa people will soon get to see this energy storm!
Like usual I can think of 5 things I should have on video like 1) Susan chasing Elise in the kitchen while she tries to walk fast and watch behind her at the same time and 2) Elise riding in a bike trailer for the first time but I always seem to get her eating out at a restaurant instead.
From Barb: It is always easier to get pictures when the subject is restrained, such as in a high chair. Hehehe
Wednesday, July 13
Latest Work Photos
These are the newest photos taken. However more has been done since these were taken. The big pipe thingy in the middle of the house is scheduled to leave whenever the roofer decides to get here and do it. Butch would have done it by now if it weren't for the roof repair. I holler too much whenever he even thinks of getting on the roof.
Last night Jason and Leo came to start the house leveling. They made a big difference. Neither of them felt that they did much but in our eyes they certainly did. Butch can do many, many things but some of them should not be done by 'men of age'.
SIMPLE LIVING QUOTE
"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water
exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...
to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a
wildflower in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life."
- John Burroughs
"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water
exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...
to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a
wildflower in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life."
- John Burroughs
Tuesday, July 12
The behinder I get
Last Friday the JIGS (Jefferson Iowa Girls) met at my friend Mickeys place in Clive Iowa for lunch. She prepared a wonderfully tasty meal of enchiladas. I hope that is what they were. Mickey will tell me if I am wrong. It was a pleasant day with women who have known each other for a long time.
JIGS started after a class reunion about five years ago. A few of us decided we were close enough geographically to get together for lunch in various locations about once a month and have been doing so ever since. Obviously I haven't made many meetings but I try to when I am close enough. Our common ground started as classmates but we have discovered many other interests and firmed up many friendships of those long ago years. I very much enjoyed the day.
This past weekend was spent on the house. And it is coming along. It sort of reminds me of working a jigsaw puzzle. We now nearly have all the pieces laid out and we will soon start putting them together. But another thing about jigsaw puzzles is that they are addictive. We both keep turning back to it. You know, we just cannot leave it alone. Keep picking at it. Not because we are anxious to get it done but because we are enjoying the process. The truth be known we will most likely be a bit sad when it is all completed. A little sad, not a big sad.
The bathroom is no more. Butch hated to see it go. It was quite handy having a second bathroom but in order to proceed we had to eradicate it. It will be in an entirely different location. Leo comes to help on occasion and he did the honors of lifting the stool into the dumpster.
It is about time for more pictures. Will do
Monday, July 11
More of the same
We have most of the walls that we planned to take out-out. The next big thing is getting the floors leveled which we hope takes place next weekend. The house sags a bit in its middle. Don't we all! It is only about a 6 to 8 foot area right in the middle. We worked on the house this past weekend despite the very humid weather. After being away from Iowa for awhile you forget how really humid it can get! Texas pales by comparison. But the beat goes on...more later
Friday, July 8
Link of the Day:
Link of the Day:
Open Culture
http://www.openculture.com/
"Open Culture brings together high-quality cultural & educational media
for the worldwide lifelong learning community. Web 2.0 has given us
great amounts of intelligent audio and video. It's all free. Its all
enriching. But it's also scattered across the web, and not easy to find.
Our whole mission is to centralize this content, curate it, and give you
access to this high quality content whenever and wherever you want it.
Free audio books, free online courses, free movies, free language
lessons, free ebooks and other enriching content - it's all here."
Open Culture
http://www.openculture.com/
"Open Culture brings together high-quality cultural & educational media
for the worldwide lifelong learning community. Web 2.0 has given us
great amounts of intelligent audio and video. It's all free. Its all
enriching. But it's also scattered across the web, and not easy to find.
Our whole mission is to centralize this content, curate it, and give you
access to this high quality content whenever and wherever you want it.
Free audio books, free online courses, free movies, free language
lessons, free ebooks and other enriching content - it's all here."
Thursday, July 7
Down to the bones...and a squirrel
We are through with tearing out insulation and drywall. Yeah!!
Butch has all the trusses reinforced and one more rafter to beef up and then we will be done with that little chore.
This little guy did not like to get his feet wet.
Trip to Cumberland
Yesterday we made a trip to Cumberland IA, a town Butch and I lived and worked in for the last twenty years of our work careers. Friends Jack and Denise went with us. Our main purpose was to meet up with my old friend Floyd Pearce. Floyd is a very interesting man who has led a multifaceted life. We had a great day visiting with Floyd.
Floyd is telling us about one of his printing presses.
Floyd is telling us about one of his printing presses.
Wednesday, July 6
Two more trusses
Butch has two more trusses to cut and "paste". Couldn't help myself. Just had to add that little computer reference. I hauled a bunch of fiberglass insulation to the dumpster. Ow,ow,itchy itch.
Had my two week checkup from surgery and all is well.
Today we are going to Cumberland...pictures later. I am told I do not want to see our old place. It has been let go and looks really bad. But I assume we will at least do a drive by.
Butch's back is bothering him bad and he feels he is only days away from another (the 3rd) back surgery. When that happens all will come to a screeching halt. I will do what I can do but that will not compare to what we have been able to do together. What will be ,will be. And if it must wait, it will. And if we have to find another solution, we will. More on that subject as I find it out.
Till next time...
Had my two week checkup from surgery and all is well.
Today we are going to Cumberland...pictures later. I am told I do not want to see our old place. It has been let go and looks really bad. But I assume we will at least do a drive by.
Butch's back is bothering him bad and he feels he is only days away from another (the 3rd) back surgery. When that happens all will come to a screeching halt. I will do what I can do but that will not compare to what we have been able to do together. What will be ,will be. And if it must wait, it will. And if we have to find another solution, we will. More on that subject as I find it out.
Till next time...
Monday, July 4
Quiet 4th
Butch and I spent the 4th doing what we have been. But that is okay because it is what we want to do. We did take time out to go to Yale and meet up with friends to enjoy a great band. We were with Judi and Marv Smith, Jack and Jan Tallman and Don and Marilyn Scott. When Judi complained to the host of the party that the band was too loud he told her that if the band is too loud, you are too old. Could it be we are getting old?
On the house, Butch is putting reinforcing trusses on the joists. I took out the batt insulation in the side walls of the closets. And the beat goes on... Photographer-Leo Brooker
Butch and his niece Emily. He is showing her what plans we have for the future. Emily, her friend Joe, Leo and Keri went for a bike ride on the RRVTrail to Winkelman's Switch and back. Nice ride!
On the house, Butch is putting reinforcing trusses on the joists. I took out the batt insulation in the side walls of the closets. And the beat goes on... Photographer-Leo Brooker
Butch and his niece Emily. He is showing her what plans we have for the future. Emily, her friend Joe, Leo and Keri went for a bike ride on the RRVTrail to Winkelman's Switch and back. Nice ride!Grandpa Gary and his girls
Small parts from the 4th of July weekend. I missed today due to illness.
Say Cheese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
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