Cousin Howie put this photo on Facebook and I snipped it from there. I think it is a great picture in a spooky sort of way.Saturday, January 21
Great Uncle
Cousin Howie put this photo on Facebook and I snipped it from there. I think it is a great picture in a spooky sort of way.
Grandma Brock's Chocolate Cake
My Grandma Brock was a great Grandma. Whenever we stayed with her she would not only let us do whatever we wanted to do, she would help us. I remember one time my sister Jayne wanted to make a chocolate cake at 9:00 PM. Grandma says okay so we do it! Of course we always ate a great deal of the batter before it was actually baked. Grandma's Chocolate cake was her standard recipe and I never saw it written. But we grandchildren helped her make it so frequently that we knew the recipe as well as grandma did. But time marches on and the fine details of the recipe became vague to me. And then one day I ran across this recipe and it was exactly like Grandma's recipe!!
Grandma's Chocolate Cake
1 1/2 C Sugar
2 eggs
1/2 C butter
1/2 C buttermilk
2 tsp baking soda
4 T. cocoa powder
1 C hot water
1 1/2 C flour
Cream together eggs, butter and sugar. Add dry ingredients,soda, flour and cocoa alternately with the buttermilk. After you have mixed this well, add the cup of hot water. Batter will be thin. Use two round cake pans and dividiing batter evenly between the two. Bake at350 degrees for 20 minutes.
(Grandma rarely had buttermilk on hand so we put a teaspoon of vinegar in regular milk)
Icing:
1 Box powdered sugar
1 C butter
1 C. flour
4 T. Cocoa powder
Mix sugar, flour and cocoa. Blend in the butter. Make some strong coffee and use the coffee to make the icing the right consistency.
Grandma's Chocolate Cake
1 1/2 C Sugar
2 eggs
1/2 C butter
1/2 C buttermilk
2 tsp baking soda
4 T. cocoa powder
1 C hot water
1 1/2 C flour
Cream together eggs, butter and sugar. Add dry ingredients,soda, flour and cocoa alternately with the buttermilk. After you have mixed this well, add the cup of hot water. Batter will be thin. Use two round cake pans and dividiing batter evenly between the two. Bake at350 degrees for 20 minutes.
(Grandma rarely had buttermilk on hand so we put a teaspoon of vinegar in regular milk)
Icing:
1 Box powdered sugar
1 C butter
1 C. flour
4 T. Cocoa powder
Mix sugar, flour and cocoa. Blend in the butter. Make some strong coffee and use the coffee to make the icing the right consistency.
Friday, January 20
As I start...
As I start my day I think what is on the agenda for today and when we are in sunny south Texas every day holds something. Today is computer class and I need to get there in the next few minutes. An interesting note is that each and EVERY computer I have had an issue with has been on a computer with Vista. I will be so glad when Vista fades off into the sunset and I feel truly sorry for those folks who are saddled with it. With the average life of 3 - 5 years for a laptop it will happen but seniors being such as they are, can make things last a very long time. Here is to a hopeful future!!
Thursday, January 19
Brain Study
7H15 M3554G353RV35 7O PR0V3H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4ND0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5!1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5!1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG17 WA5 H4RD BU7N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3Y0UR M1ND 1SR34D1NG 174U70M471C4LLYW17H 0U7 3V3N7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17,B3 PROUD! 0NLYC3R741N P30PL3 C4NR3AD 7H15.
PL3453 F0RW4RD 1FU C4N R34D 7H15.
PS: The third word in the first sentence has me a bit stumped but other than that it is easy.
Pixel of Ink
Why some books are free for Kindle and other answers. I thought this page was very informative. I do know you have to grab those books when you get notified because they may not be free for long. I read the blurbs or rather scan might be a better word and if I find one that interests me I "buy" it right away. There is a lot of good literature out there and it is just a click away
http://www.pixelofink.com/an-introduction-to-free-kindle-books/#WhyAreTheseFree
http://www.pixelofink.com/an-introduction-to-free-kindle-books/#WhyAreTheseFree
Wednesday, January 18
From Grandpa Gary
Elise loves reading books and Amanda requested we get a video of her reading one of her favorites. There are many where she knows all the words like her opposites or her New shoes, red shoes.
Llama Llama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
The other video is just Gary on his latest purchase
Inversion table: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Inversion table: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
PS: Butch wanted an inversion table last summer but I argued that we did not have room for it. So Butch may just move in with Gary now.
Monday, January 16
Senior Valley Olympics
Butch couldn't play shuffleboard this morning because he will be going to the Senior Valley Olympics playing pool. He will be representing the park in golf as well. He is a busy boy.
Days Whiz by...
We have been taken back by how the time flies by. I get our vitamin supplements ready each week putting all the capsules into containers by the days of the week. I generally do this on Sunday mornings. It seems like I am doing it frequently. We are into the middle of January in a new year and it does not seem possible but here it is. Jason was saying that some people worry about how they might fill their time when they retire and he was asking if I knew of anyone that was a problem for. My answer to him basically was that if that were so it was by choice. The days fill up and fast and when we are here in this warm weather area it happens at lightening speed. It is impossible to take part in everything offered. I gave up trying to do it all a long time ago.
The number one thing that will stop retirees from getting to do all they want to do are health issues so my advice to the young is take good care of yourself and when you reach the senior years you will be glad you did.
I know Butch plans to play shuffleboard this morning and after he gets up I plan to wash the sheets. This afternoon is crafts for me and he will probably meander over to the pool hall. I really need to get over there too. I enjoy playing pool when I get there to do it.
It promises to be a warm day today so we seniors will be out and about saying "hey" to all we meet.
The number one thing that will stop retirees from getting to do all they want to do are health issues so my advice to the young is take good care of yourself and when you reach the senior years you will be glad you did.
I know Butch plans to play shuffleboard this morning and after he gets up I plan to wash the sheets. This afternoon is crafts for me and he will probably meander over to the pool hall. I really need to get over there too. I enjoy playing pool when I get there to do it.
It promises to be a warm day today so we seniors will be out and about saying "hey" to all we meet.
Friday, January 13
Beading group
A group of us gather on Wednesday afternoon at Charlotte's house for a beading session. We share ideas and learn new techniques etc. This past week we had a guest, Jan Foster from Llano Grande Park. Jan and I learned to bead together in Michigan and it is so much fun getting together again. I think and hope Jan plans to join us every week.
If Joy from Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort in Michigan reads this she is sure to be jealous. But Joy we do think of you often and the fun we had in the summer of 2010.
Jan is beading. Love her battery operated Ott light
If Joy from Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort in Michigan reads this she is sure to be jealous. But Joy we do think of you often and the fun we had in the summer of 2010.
Jan is beading. Love her battery operated Ott lightWednesday, January 11
Elise's new hairdo
Monday, January 9
Sunday, January 8
Friday Last and then
We went to supper at the El Dorado in Weslaco and enjoyed a meal with friends Ted and Jan Foster who we met at Thunder Bay Golf Resort in Michigan last year (2010). The meal and the company were excellent. We had lots of catching up to do. We stayed at the restaurant for two hours and still were not all caught up. Ted and Jan are mostly fulltimers too. I think Ted has plans to play every golf course in the nation and he has a good start! Jan and I learned to bead together and we are both still at it. You can find their website by looking to the left on this page for RockyTopRamblers and clicking on it.
The days are starting to run together so I have to stop a minute to remember what we did on Saturday. Oh yes, it was garage sale day here in the park. I was not involved this time but my friends Peggy and Kay were and I know how boring it can get staying there till noon so I stayed longer than I normally would to visit with them.
Butch played golf in the afternoon and I just kicked around.
This morning Butch and I went to Martha's for breakfast and were a bit disappointed with the meal but then there are so many good choices to make down here it could be that we were being a bit fussy. Returned to the park and went for a walk. And now Butch is reading the Kindle and I am getting caught up on computer work.
Till next time...
The days are starting to run together so I have to stop a minute to remember what we did on Saturday. Oh yes, it was garage sale day here in the park. I was not involved this time but my friends Peggy and Kay were and I know how boring it can get staying there till noon so I stayed longer than I normally would to visit with them.
Butch played golf in the afternoon and I just kicked around.
This morning Butch and I went to Martha's for breakfast and were a bit disappointed with the meal but then there are so many good choices to make down here it could be that we were being a bit fussy. Returned to the park and went for a walk. And now Butch is reading the Kindle and I am getting caught up on computer work.
Till next time...
Thursday, January 5
Ethan's "Baby"
When Ethan was just a wee one his mama would say things to him like "No, Baby. Don't touch" and "It's time to go, Baby" etc. Ethan picked up the endearment and started returning the favor by calling his mama "Baby". So now this three year old says to his mama "It's time to go, Baby" etc. I think it is cute but his Grand Papa Jason says at what age does it become just weird. Maybe in his teens?
Getting things done
Norma's computer - still working on it. Updated stuff and running Malware bytes. Her 'puter is really in pretty good shape. It is just in for a checkup. One of the things that did come to mind is that Norma's up north connection to the internet is at the library and so she is only on for a short period of time. Double edged sword. She isn't on for long so that lessens her chances of picking up any bad stuff but she isn't on long enough to get all her updates downloaded and installed. I hope Norma is okay with me telling you this. This lady has come such a long way in learning about her computer. She tickled me awhile back when she was able to help others with their computers and she was spot on with her info.
Sometimes people think there is something wrong with their computer when all it is is updates coming in and/or trying to install.
I am running Malware bytes and we are on hour three. The last hour and a half is checking .exe files on games.
LAUNDRY:
In process...so I guess you could say I am multi-tasking. But only on load one of three.
Allegra D prices. YIKES- Cheapest in USA was $98 for 30 tablets and he is taking one every 12 hours. So we went back to Mexico. The pharmacist yesterday said,"See you tomorrow." And he was right. 60 tablets were $82.50. Enough for a month. Butch went to the doctor yesterday for his annual allergy visit and then we made the first trip to Mexico for Meds. Today was the second trip. He has been suffering with allergies for over a week, getting progressively worse. Unable to sleep because of sinus drainage for 3 consecutive nights. Last night he was finally able to get some sleep and is napping now in fact. I have had a bit of the same thing but so far me and my neti-pot have held it at bay. Other than that we are A-OK health wise.
Aaaah...It stinks when life gets in the way of fun.
New Years Day tradition is eating at Lin's Chinese Restaurant. On the left side front to back is Dean, Rozetta, Dick and Dale. On the right side is Butch, my empty spot, Norma and Leslie.
Sometimes people think there is something wrong with their computer when all it is is updates coming in and/or trying to install.
I am running Malware bytes and we are on hour three. The last hour and a half is checking .exe files on games.
LAUNDRY:
In process...so I guess you could say I am multi-tasking. But only on load one of three.
Allegra D prices. YIKES- Cheapest in USA was $98 for 30 tablets and he is taking one every 12 hours. So we went back to Mexico. The pharmacist yesterday said,"See you tomorrow." And he was right. 60 tablets were $82.50. Enough for a month. Butch went to the doctor yesterday for his annual allergy visit and then we made the first trip to Mexico for Meds. Today was the second trip. He has been suffering with allergies for over a week, getting progressively worse. Unable to sleep because of sinus drainage for 3 consecutive nights. Last night he was finally able to get some sleep and is napping now in fact. I have had a bit of the same thing but so far me and my neti-pot have held it at bay. Other than that we are A-OK health wise.
Aaaah...It stinks when life gets in the way of fun.
New Years Day tradition is eating at Lin's Chinese Restaurant. On the left side front to back is Dean, Rozetta, Dick and Dale. On the right side is Butch, my empty spot, Norma and Leslie.
Wednesday, January 4
Long ToDo List
My list is a bit long but thought I would just say "hi" so you know the blog is on the list.
The list:
Norma's computer
Lucy's computer
Judy H Kindle
Laundry
Download camera pics
Look up cost of Allegra D through Humana
Cook Ham in oven that is larger than mine.
On the blog:
Tell you about Ethan's "Baby"
Butch's doctor appt.
I will get to blog asap.
The list:
Norma's computer
Lucy's computer
Judy H Kindle
Laundry
Download camera pics
Look up cost of Allegra D through Humana
Cook Ham in oven that is larger than mine.
On the blog:
Tell you about Ethan's "Baby"
Butch's doctor appt.
I will get to blog asap.
Sunday, January 1
Happy New Year to all!!
Butch and I went up to Allen Hall for awhile to visit with friends and listen to music for a bit. I must admit that after our trip to South Padre yesterday I was in a fight not to put my pajamas on and spend the evening at home. I did make it to midnight but I listened to the fireworks in a prone position. They were every bit as loud as usual.
Here are my favorite pictures from yesterdays South Padre adventure.
This dog was having a great time with his people throwing him a ball.
A girl was feeding the gulls so they were clustered together waiting for more and the father and daughter featured below were running through them. They were having a great time.
Here are my favorite pictures from yesterdays South Padre adventure.
This dog was having a great time with his people throwing him a ball.
A girl was feeding the gulls so they were clustered together waiting for more and the father and daughter featured below were running through them. They were having a great time.
There was a heavy fog near the shore but yet the sun was shining overhead. Very unusual day at the beach.
Thursday, December 29
Eventful morning.
You will have to go see the other blog (www.magnolianews.blogspot.com ) to see the full story but it has been a busy one. Laundry, cleaning, a walk, the hawk and who knows what all! Spring has arrived. Birds are building nests and I hope to get some good pictures of this later. A grackle is building a nest in Donn and Peggy's tree in front of their house across the street from us. It gives me a very good view of the tree and the nest. Fall, winter and spring seem to all blend together here. Some of the trees are losing their leaves. The releafing will begin in late January and February.
Butch is off to another park playing pool this afternoon and I am working on decluttering the house. It reaches a certain level and then simply must be tackled. Today is the day!!
Butch is off to another park playing pool this afternoon and I am working on decluttering the house. It reaches a certain level and then simply must be tackled. Today is the day!!
Several more Elise videos
I do not feel one bit guilty putting all these Elise videos on here. If you aren't into baby videos or if your connection is such that it takes forever for them to load they are easily skipped over. Butch and I are so lucky we can keep up with her progress through the videos.
Elise playing at Mall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Reindeer blowing nose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Making Santa Cookies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Elise and her Santa gifts videos
I assure you Elise got way too many gifts for Christmas. The videos are from when she opened just one of her favorites from Santa:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)