We are in Peculiar MO and we arrived without incident as I always like to say. Gary came by shortly after arrival and we made our way to East Lynne where Elise resides with her parents Amanda and Brad. Susan was entertaining Elise when we pulled up but as soon as she saw her Grandpa that is where she wanted to be.
Our little Elise is growing like a weed. She is 18 months now. I captured some of her entertaining moments during the evening.
Saturday, November 12
Thursday, November 10
Send off
Denise and Jack had a little sendoff for us last night that included several grown up kids from our youth. We had a great time with much laughter and shared stories. It will be great to return to our old/new circle of friends next spring.
We did not get the 4-5 inches of heavy wet snow that parts of Iowa did but we have been enclosed in our little cocoon for several days trying to conserve what heat we could. Last night and today have been the coldest thus far with the high so far standing at 39 degrees. Butch said he was tired of being a shut in and I must agree. He could not get me to agree to a walk today. Too much wind and cold.
So here we sit waiting for tomorrow to take off. We have done all the preparation. We have started the engine to make sure it is okay. We have brought up the leveling legs to make sure they will raise. Our welcome mat is picked up and stored away. The plants that I plan to save are on board.
So in the morning we will hitch up the car and go to Sparky's to fuel up, head east to Ogden then south to 141 east to pick up I-35 south and we will be on our way to warmer climes. We will have a 3 night stay in Missouri to see kids, grand kids and great grand Elise before heading on further south. I am not sure of Internet connections on the way but will write when and if I can.
We did not get the 4-5 inches of heavy wet snow that parts of Iowa did but we have been enclosed in our little cocoon for several days trying to conserve what heat we could. Last night and today have been the coldest thus far with the high so far standing at 39 degrees. Butch said he was tired of being a shut in and I must agree. He could not get me to agree to a walk today. Too much wind and cold.
So here we sit waiting for tomorrow to take off. We have done all the preparation. We have started the engine to make sure it is okay. We have brought up the leveling legs to make sure they will raise. Our welcome mat is picked up and stored away. The plants that I plan to save are on board.
So in the morning we will hitch up the car and go to Sparky's to fuel up, head east to Ogden then south to 141 east to pick up I-35 south and we will be on our way to warmer climes. We will have a 3 night stay in Missouri to see kids, grand kids and great grand Elise before heading on further south. I am not sure of Internet connections on the way but will write when and if I can.
Wednesday, November 9
Details. It is all in the details. It does take us longer to pack up and go when we have been sitting in one spot for awhile but we have been working on it and have everything in order to be ready for final approach on Friday morning. Butch is itchy. He likes to drive and is ready to be behind the wheel and headed south. I am too of course. But one of my growth things in my life is that I am 100% better about living in the moment than I was in my youth. So I am enjoying the day. The sun is shining and we went for a nice long walk this morning wearing winter coats, hats and gloves. We have all the shades pulled because it helps to keep out the cold so I am looking forward to having them open when we arrive in warmer climes.
Tonight we are meeting with friends for a drink. Tomorrow night we will be going out to supper with Leo and Keri. Saying our goodbyes for the winter. See you next spring in Iowa and if you are in Texas we will be seeing you soon.
Tonight we are meeting with friends for a drink. Tomorrow night we will be going out to supper with Leo and Keri. Saying our goodbyes for the winter. See you next spring in Iowa and if you are in Texas we will be seeing you soon.
Monday, November 7
Sunday, November 6
From Gary in Lees Summit MO
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11:19 PM
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I am a long ways from where this latest earthquake happened but I felt it and knew what it was. First for me. Good thing we are far enough away to stay away from major damage. I was watching things perched up high like vases and pictures to see if they were going to topple. It's only been a few minutes from the happening but I found info on this government web site.
Saturday, November 5
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant ... Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes
there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down
the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in
your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,
and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,
and isn't that what Christmas is about?
Friday, November 4
Thoughtful
We have thought about just cancelling appointments and leaving. It is much colder than we like and getting colder. We do plan to stick it out and leave next Friday however. Butch will then only have about a week where he cannot do much after we arrive. He has been a good boy about obeying the rules. Perhaps for the first time in his life.
I am on a new eating plan and so far it is working for me. It is really just a lifestyle change and one that should be easy to adhere to. There is only one rule. No eating between meals. I can eat anything I want in a 40 minute period 3 times a day. A fellow was telling me about this a few months ago. He said he and his wife did this for a year and he lost 30 pounds and she 20. I am hoping after a year to do the same but stick with it as it should be a habit by then.
Last night right after supper (new rule) we walked the 4 1/2 blocks to the dairy queen. On the way I took a tumble. Skinned up my knees and nose. Luckily I had on jeans, gloves and coat which saved me from getting scraped up worse than I did. I tripped over a rock that had fallen out of a raised flower garden. It is not the first time I have done such a thing. Tripping over a rock, I mean. I fared much worse the first time several years ago. I am hoping to not do it ever again. It is such a shock to find yourself face down on the sidewalk.
I am on a new eating plan and so far it is working for me. It is really just a lifestyle change and one that should be easy to adhere to. There is only one rule. No eating between meals. I can eat anything I want in a 40 minute period 3 times a day. A fellow was telling me about this a few months ago. He said he and his wife did this for a year and he lost 30 pounds and she 20. I am hoping after a year to do the same but stick with it as it should be a habit by then.
Last night right after supper (new rule) we walked the 4 1/2 blocks to the dairy queen. On the way I took a tumble. Skinned up my knees and nose. Luckily I had on jeans, gloves and coat which saved me from getting scraped up worse than I did. I tripped over a rock that had fallen out of a raised flower garden. It is not the first time I have done such a thing. Tripping over a rock, I mean. I fared much worse the first time several years ago. I am hoping to not do it ever again. It is such a shock to find yourself face down on the sidewalk.
Wednesday, November 2
Hunkered
We went to the grocery store and Dollar General this morning and have no plans for venturing outside again. Well, one of us has to go out later and unhook the water due to forthcoming below freezing temperatures but only for a little while. The remainder of the day will be spent watching it rain. We really need the moisture.
While at Dollar General I bought a new pair of warm pajama bottoms. I am considering giving up the pair Gary and Susan bought for me in 1986. That pair is getting mighty thin and even has a few small holes. They started out with cuffs and a waffle weave top. The top was put aside after a couple of years. Then I removed the cuffs off the bottoms of the pajamas. The bottoms have been perfect ever since. They are the ones I reach for when the weather is just a bit cool. I still like them and really hate to see them go. They have had a long and useful life.
While at Dollar General I bought a new pair of warm pajama bottoms. I am considering giving up the pair Gary and Susan bought for me in 1986. That pair is getting mighty thin and even has a few small holes. They started out with cuffs and a waffle weave top. The top was put aside after a couple of years. Then I removed the cuffs off the bottoms of the pajamas. The bottoms have been perfect ever since. They are the ones I reach for when the weather is just a bit cool. I still like them and really hate to see them go. They have had a long and useful life.
Tuesday, November 1
Nice day
They say this is the warmest day we will have for quite awhile in Iowa. Butch and I went for our morning walk and have plans to get in a second one because of the forecast for tomorrow. Highs in the 40's! That is like one of the worst days in the Rio Grande Valley. Lucky us.
On our walk I seemed to see an inordinate amount of discarded empty cigarette packs so we started counting them and in a 6-7 block span we counted 9! Could we assume that if you smoke you might also litter? I won't assume.
Butch went to Leo's and borrowed his leaf blower. He is out now blowing leaves around. He isn't picking them up-just blowing them around.
Conclusions:
1. The Brookers have a lot of time on their hands.
2. They are easily entertained.
On our walk I seemed to see an inordinate amount of discarded empty cigarette packs so we started counting them and in a 6-7 block span we counted 9! Could we assume that if you smoke you might also litter? I won't assume.
Butch went to Leo's and borrowed his leaf blower. He is out now blowing leaves around. He isn't picking them up-just blowing them around.
Conclusions:
1. The Brookers have a lot of time on their hands.
2. They are easily entertained.
Saturday, October 29
Hamburger Soup
I made this soup for supper and it is certain it will go into my make again folder. It seemed so simple but the reviews were really good so I thought I would give it a try. I did use 2 pounds of hamburger because I live with a guy who likes meat. He ate two bowls and did not pick through the pot picking out things he doesn't like. I do think I would change the name to 10 below soup or something like that . Hamburger soup is too plain for something that tasted that good.
Barb
Barb
Hamburger Soup
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Submitted By: Sandra Koch
Photo By: Dmseck
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"'I can't wait for chilly weather just so I can make this hearty soup!' notes Sandra Koch from Elyria, Ohio. 'I came across the recipe a few years ago, and my family fell in love with it. 'You'll love it, too...it's priced at a mere 68 cents a bowl."
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onion (optional)
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
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1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup stick margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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DIRECTIONS:
1. | In a large saucepan or soup kettle, cook the beef, onions, carrots, celery and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. |
2. | In another saucepan, melt margarine over medium-low heat. Stir in flour until smooth. cook and stir for 6-8 minutes or until mixture turns golden brown. Carefully stir into soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2011 Allrecipes.com | Printed from Allrecipes.com 10/29/2011 |
My sister Theresa
My sister Theresa has her art posted on a website. I think her work is unique and wonderful. Go have a look for yourself. And of course I think you should order a print. http://theresa-arts.fineartamerica.com/ I know she has more works to get posted on the site so keep checking.
Busy day yesterday
I went to a JIGS gathering at Patrick's restaurant in Adel. There were about 16 of us old Jefferson Iowa girls in attendance. It has been very nice for me coming back to Jefferson and reconnecting with all these former classmates. About half of them left Jefferson and came back while the other half stayed here or close by all their lives. We have a great time talking about old and new times. One of the downsides of the lifestyle we have enjoyed the past 9 years is that you make so many great friends all over the country it is impossible to stay as close as we would like with all of them. That is the main reason I started the blog way back in '02 and will continue until my fingers or my brain will not work anymore.
My niece Karla lives in Ogden which is about 20 miles from Jefferson and she needed some computer advice so stopped by with her son Devon yesterday afternoon. I had not seen them for quite some time and it was very nice visiting with her and her son. Her mother and my sister Jayne has been gone for over 10 years now but she would be so proud of the woman her daughter has become. We both promised it would not be so long between visits next time.
And THEN: Leo and Keri came by with Lexi, their canine daughter and we decided to go to the barbecue place for supper. We also had a nice long visit and a tasty barbecue meal. It seems it was just a great day for making connections.
Butch is healing nicely and we are both feeling fairly healthy so life is good.
On the way home from Adel I stopped to get this typical Iowa sight in a photo. When looking at this pile of corn remember the perspective. Those are full sized semi trucks parked beside the corn. This corn is on the ground because they have run out space to put it all. It happens every fall.
My niece Karla lives in Ogden which is about 20 miles from Jefferson and she needed some computer advice so stopped by with her son Devon yesterday afternoon. I had not seen them for quite some time and it was very nice visiting with her and her son. Her mother and my sister Jayne has been gone for over 10 years now but she would be so proud of the woman her daughter has become. We both promised it would not be so long between visits next time.
And THEN: Leo and Keri came by with Lexi, their canine daughter and we decided to go to the barbecue place for supper. We also had a nice long visit and a tasty barbecue meal. It seems it was just a great day for making connections.
Butch is healing nicely and we are both feeling fairly healthy so life is good.
On the way home from Adel I stopped to get this typical Iowa sight in a photo. When looking at this pile of corn remember the perspective. Those are full sized semi trucks parked beside the corn. This corn is on the ground because they have run out space to put it all. It happens every fall.
Thursday, October 27
Daniel Boone
I saw a Daniel Boone hat in a Bomgaars ad and told Butch he needed it for Halloween. Trouble is the kids would not know who he was! Later he was telling me they were having Trick or Treat around the square and they were giving out cookies in one of the stores. But you have to be in costume. I said, "See, you need the Daniel Boone hat". He says , "Right , pay $6.99 for a hat to get a $1 cookie."
And that is how it goes at our house.
And that is how it goes at our house.
Wednesday, October 26
Itinerary
Butch passed his test at the doctors office today. He had his stitches removed. They lifted his lifting limit to 30 pounds. They told him two weeks of therapy and he was good to go. He is supposed to stop every 45 minutes and walk around while on the trip. I do not see that happening but we will see.
So we will travel to Peculiar MO on Friday November 11th staying there until Monday morning when we will venture on to Big Cabin OK(14th) for a night. The next leg will be to a spot near Whitesboro TX(15th) with the next night finding us in the Wal Mart parking lot in Marble Falls TX(16th). Our final stop will be Falfurius TX(17th) arriving at Magnolia Park in Donna TX on Friday November 18th the latest date we have arrived for several years.
We are not going to rush the trip and our goal is to keep each leg under 300 miles.
After our doctor visit we stopped at Target and bought a new coffee pot, vacuum and crockpot. A ways down the road I told Butch I was anxious to get home. He said "Do you have to go to the bathroom?" I said "No, but I have to vacuum, cook and make a pot of coffee!"
So we will travel to Peculiar MO on Friday November 11th staying there until Monday morning when we will venture on to Big Cabin OK(14th) for a night. The next leg will be to a spot near Whitesboro TX(15th) with the next night finding us in the Wal Mart parking lot in Marble Falls TX(16th). Our final stop will be Falfurius TX(17th) arriving at Magnolia Park in Donna TX on Friday November 18th the latest date we have arrived for several years.
We are not going to rush the trip and our goal is to keep each leg under 300 miles.
After our doctor visit we stopped at Target and bought a new coffee pot, vacuum and crockpot. A ways down the road I told Butch I was anxious to get home. He said "Do you have to go to the bathroom?" I said "No, but I have to vacuum, cook and make a pot of coffee!"
Tuesday, October 25
Sunday, Monday
I have caught up with my long list of bracelets and these are some of the last on the list. I have done enough of them now to get one done in short order. A certain someone told me they were interested in a couple of cluster bracelets. Actually two different someones. So there is one I plan to check with and see if the interest is still there. After all it has been a long wait. It will be fun to do a different style for a bit.
Sunday, October 23
Saturday night fun
Saturday, October 22
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