First of all he told us they planned to have spaghetti squash, one of his mothers favorites, for supper. That is until they cut it open and discovered they were having melon instead. I assume it had to be a honeydew melon in order to look even close to a spaghetti squash. I am betting they will be paying closer attention on their next purchase of spaghetti squash.
And then he told us he had a new job as an English teacher. This was a surprise because Jason had an issue with a type of dyslexia in his elementary school days. The rest of the story is he has a friend of Mexican origins at work who has a 6 year old daughter who is starting to read. And Sebastion's first language is Spanish so he is unable to help his daughter as much as he would like so he asked Jason if she could call him of an evening if she ran into a word she didn't know while she was reading. Jason said she could of course and she did. She called and spelled out d-e-f·i·n-i-t-e·l-y. Jason gave her the pronunciation and the meaning and then asked her what she was reading as it seemed like a difficult word for a 6 year old. She was reading Sponge Bob Square Pants. I am guessing she will be a very good student. And Jason will enjoy helping her.
Friday, January 9
Thursday, January 8
Bejeebers!
This year is shaping up to be much like last year. And that is a bite in the butt. Today was Costco run day and none of us were in the mood for additional shopping. Cold weather is bad in my book no matter where you might be but not being acclimated to it gives it a double whammy. Like a 40 degree day in July-everybody freezes! And as it happens this is the best day of the next three. Predicted high of 38 degrees come Saturday with 16 MPH north winds.
Enough of the dirty talk.
There was a buzz of activity prior to this cold spell coming in. As we walked around the park people were getting all their outdoor chores finished up. It reminded me of the runs on the grocery store before a storm. Do people still do that?
Spring will be here much sooner than there and that is what I am hanging my hat on these days.
Till next time...
Enough of the dirty talk.
There was a buzz of activity prior to this cold spell coming in. As we walked around the park people were getting all their outdoor chores finished up. It reminded me of the runs on the grocery store before a storm. Do people still do that?
Spring will be here much sooner than there and that is what I am hanging my hat on these days.
Till next time...
Monday, January 5
A Friends Birthday and her Gifts
Kay is one who bakes all the time. She bakes cakes for the jams. She bakes cookies for the cribbage players and she has a perpetually filled cookie jar near her front door. So for her birthday Peggy gave her 4 lbs of butter and some vanilla hand lotion. I gave her a set of stainless steel measuring cups. We could not think of a more appropriate gift for her! She was happy!
Family get together
Anna, Bernard, Marlene and Dwight Kelley drove over from Harlingen and we went with them to the Don-Wes Flea Market followed by a meal at the El Dorado in Weslaco. We had a good visit. We will plan a trip in their direction soon.
Friday, January 2
My friend Colleen's column
Perhaps those who may be new to this blog do not know that Colleen and I are friends and we walk two miles every summer morning that we possibly can. We meet at the bike trail depot in Jefferson Iowa at 7:00 AM and walk to the one-mile marker and then return to the depot. On these walks we talk about nearly every subject under the sun and the time flies!
Here is her latest column....I had been thinking along these very lines for the past few days.
Time. And time again.
December 31, 2014
~a column by Colleen O’Brien
It took me a long time to get to the millennium, and now it’s 2015?
My dad told me when I was a grade schooler that time would speed up as I got older. “I can remember everything that happened to me before you and your sisters were born,” he said. “And then it speeded up and it’s a blur.”
I wasn’t sure if this was an insult or just an observation, and I had a millisecond of recognition that perhaps my existence wasn’t as exciting to Dad as it was to me, but it didn’t make much sense at the time. It took forever for Christmas to come and once the new year turned, it lasted forever. Apparently there was something very different about being an adult.
But, in my current role as a woman of a certain age, about a week after January 1, 2015, it will be Christmas and I’ll be looking at 2016.
I do know that when I keep a journal, I at least can look back to see what came and went so quickly, but most of the time now I forget for days at a time to write in it because, really, not much happens worth writing about and all my thoughts and surmises are hackneyed or I wrote them down 20 years ago.
Reading the old diaries is much more fun than trying to keep up with the current one. I was terribly whiney when the kids were little: I moaned and groaned about trying to be a better mom, quit yelling, play more Candyland (boy, did I hate that game). One of my entries read: “Putting dry Cheerios in their beds works! They don’t get me up! Of course I can’t tell anyone. I am a horrible mother.”
This makes me smile now; then, I was horrified at myself, even as I continued in my devious ways.
When I started writing for a living, I was always making notes on things to write about or jotting down characteristics of people I might use in a story. Once in a while I return to journals for ideas for columns, so I guess it wasn’t all futility, although some of those jottings make absolutely no sense to me now.
All through the years I’ve copied lines I’ve loved from whatever books I’m reading. If I wanted to look up these hallowed words, I’d never find them, but they are pretty good reading randomly. Some writers are just so good with a sentence I turn green with envy and write it down. I don’t know why I do this because I don’t use the quotes, repeat them in conversations, write to the author to tell her how brilliant she is. Maybe I think the copying of a good line will rub off on me as I pen it.
Two years ago, on New Year’s Day, I decided not to start another diary but to write what I titled “Pome-a-Day.” I got up to #247 when I began skipping days. Soon I was skipping weeks. Then my computer crashed (literally; onto the floor) and I lost them all. Now I’m back to writing a poem when it’s time for a poetry meeting.
I do read a poem a day, however, in “Writers Almanac” online. This is a Garrison Keillor idea, and he publishes well-known and obscure poets each morning . . . a very fine idea and never a waste of time, something we’re always warned against. In fact, I am a pro at wasting time. I think I’ve been gazing out the window for years.
The speed of my days these days is hardly news to anyone old. It is certainly dismaying, however, for I feel like I’m missing something . . . not paying attention to life perhaps, or, the Big Scare – losing my marbles to the great length of time I’ve survived. My friends and I talk about it periodically, laughing the gallows laugh as we recall occasions in which we lost our word and sat there mouths agape and puzzlement in our eyes. Sometimes we call one another to ask, “What is that tall flower that grows in alleys and you can make dolls out of?”
The old saying “Time flies when you’re having fun” is indeed true; but it also flies when you’re simply old and not really having any fun at all. Dr. Seuss, as usual, summed it up nicely: “December is here before it’s June. My goodness, how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
Happy New Year!
Here is her latest column....I had been thinking along these very lines for the past few days.
Time. And time again.
December 31, 2014
~a column by Colleen O’Brien
It took me a long time to get to the millennium, and now it’s 2015?
My dad told me when I was a grade schooler that time would speed up as I got older. “I can remember everything that happened to me before you and your sisters were born,” he said. “And then it speeded up and it’s a blur.”
I wasn’t sure if this was an insult or just an observation, and I had a millisecond of recognition that perhaps my existence wasn’t as exciting to Dad as it was to me, but it didn’t make much sense at the time. It took forever for Christmas to come and once the new year turned, it lasted forever. Apparently there was something very different about being an adult.
But, in my current role as a woman of a certain age, about a week after January 1, 2015, it will be Christmas and I’ll be looking at 2016.
I do know that when I keep a journal, I at least can look back to see what came and went so quickly, but most of the time now I forget for days at a time to write in it because, really, not much happens worth writing about and all my thoughts and surmises are hackneyed or I wrote them down 20 years ago.
Reading the old diaries is much more fun than trying to keep up with the current one. I was terribly whiney when the kids were little: I moaned and groaned about trying to be a better mom, quit yelling, play more Candyland (boy, did I hate that game). One of my entries read: “Putting dry Cheerios in their beds works! They don’t get me up! Of course I can’t tell anyone. I am a horrible mother.”
This makes me smile now; then, I was horrified at myself, even as I continued in my devious ways.
When I started writing for a living, I was always making notes on things to write about or jotting down characteristics of people I might use in a story. Once in a while I return to journals for ideas for columns, so I guess it wasn’t all futility, although some of those jottings make absolutely no sense to me now.
All through the years I’ve copied lines I’ve loved from whatever books I’m reading. If I wanted to look up these hallowed words, I’d never find them, but they are pretty good reading randomly. Some writers are just so good with a sentence I turn green with envy and write it down. I don’t know why I do this because I don’t use the quotes, repeat them in conversations, write to the author to tell her how brilliant she is. Maybe I think the copying of a good line will rub off on me as I pen it.
Two years ago, on New Year’s Day, I decided not to start another diary but to write what I titled “Pome-a-Day.” I got up to #247 when I began skipping days. Soon I was skipping weeks. Then my computer crashed (literally; onto the floor) and I lost them all. Now I’m back to writing a poem when it’s time for a poetry meeting.
I do read a poem a day, however, in “Writers Almanac” online. This is a Garrison Keillor idea, and he publishes well-known and obscure poets each morning . . . a very fine idea and never a waste of time, something we’re always warned against. In fact, I am a pro at wasting time. I think I’ve been gazing out the window for years.
The speed of my days these days is hardly news to anyone old. It is certainly dismaying, however, for I feel like I’m missing something . . . not paying attention to life perhaps, or, the Big Scare – losing my marbles to the great length of time I’ve survived. My friends and I talk about it periodically, laughing the gallows laugh as we recall occasions in which we lost our word and sat there mouths agape and puzzlement in our eyes. Sometimes we call one another to ask, “What is that tall flower that grows in alleys and you can make dolls out of?”
The old saying “Time flies when you’re having fun” is indeed true; but it also flies when you’re simply old and not really having any fun at all. Dr. Seuss, as usual, summed it up nicely: “December is here before it’s June. My goodness, how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
Happy New Year!
Hunkered
We are having a cold spell. Cold spell here means 40's. Trouble is, it is temps in the 40's day and night. We are on our third day of it. Actually that isn't too bad if the wind isn't blowing. It blew the first day but the last two have been quiet. It is dark, cloudy, wet and 45 degrees. We have more ahead of us.
So really what does this mean? The woman who announces the news says she has watched 3 movies in the last two days. Everyone hunkers down and endures until the sun comes out again. I will let you all know when that happens.
So really what does this mean? The woman who announces the news says she has watched 3 movies in the last two days. Everyone hunkers down and endures until the sun comes out again. I will let you all know when that happens.
Wednesday, December 31
Monday, December 29
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
I posted this recipe on the magnolia blog but not all of you are tuned into both so thought I would add it here too. Enjoy!
8 hours? really? I do not believe 8 hours are critical for this recipe.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
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"A quick, no-fuss version of chicken tortilla soup! All you do is put everything into the slow cooker, and turn it on. Then garnish with baked corn tortilla strips!"
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound shredded, cooked chicken
1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes,
mashed
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile
peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
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1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
7 corn tortillas
vegetable oil
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DIRECTIONS:
1.
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Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.
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2.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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3.
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Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet.
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4.
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Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.
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Sunday, December 28
A day on South Padre
New friends Cathy and Bob Jones are staying at Edinburg TX for a couple of months. We both have Snow Mountain Ranch connections in our pasts and became better acquainted at Canyon Lake in October. We had decided to do a day at South Padre sometime this season but the weather last year did not hold one of those days so we were on the lookout for one and yesterday promised to fill the bill. It really did too with the only missing element being sunshine. It was warm with a breeze less than 15mph out of the south. Good pictures require good light but we did the best we could and here they are...
My favorite meal at Dirty Al's. And below we stopped to see if Paul and Karen Pope from Jefferson were in the the KOA park and indeed they were having arrived the day before.
Then we went for a beach walk. I wore my muddy Iowa construction Crocs so I could leave a bit of black Iowa dirt in the Gulf of Mexico.
These are the current crop of jellyfish washing up on the beach.
There were some good players in this group.
Barb and Butch
Cathy and Bob
Sandpiper
My favorite meal at Dirty Al's. And below we stopped to see if Paul and Karen Pope from Jefferson were in the the KOA park and indeed they were having arrived the day before.These are the current crop of jellyfish washing up on the beach.There were some good players in this group. Barb and ButchCathy and BobSandpiperThursday, December 25
Merry Christmas everyone!
In the BC years-before computers-I wrote and sent a Christmas letter each December. But then in 2000 I discovered blogging and decided to do nearly the same thing throughout the year. So I no longer do a yearly summary because I feel that those closest to us keep track and those with a casual interest can check in as they choose or have time.
However I do want you all to know that we do indeed wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
However I do want you all to know that we do indeed wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Found on Facebook
These are two of Marlene and Bernard Kelley's great grandkids-Peyton and Nolan. Nolan is two years younger than his sister Peyton but nearly the same height. Their mother Marie says about this photo-"Brother is a pro at buttons so he said he'd help"
And then we have our great grand little Leo who is 20 months. He gave hugs to all the nativity figures at church.
I thought both of these pictures were cuter than cute. These little ones do know the true spirit of Christmas. Help others and give hugs.
Sunday, December 21
Keri's Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Keri will be glad to know I finally baked the pie she gave us before we left Jefferson and it was mighty tasty. Shared it with some lucky people. I was proud of myself that I got it done without incident and it looks not the worse for wear. Thanks Keri!!Wednesday, December 17
Two Rule Diet
There are two big decisions that can put you on the right path and help you largely steer clear of antibiotics, excess sugar, unwanted chemicals, animal cruelty, and more.
Here then, is your two-step guide for an unassailably powerful personal food policy.
1. Stop eating junk and hyperprocessed food. This eliminates probably 80 percent of the stuff that is being sold as “food.”
2. Eat more plants than you did yesterday, or last year.
If you add “Cook your own food” to this list, it’s even more powerful, but these two steps alone allow you to reduce the amount of antibiotics you’re consuming; pretty much eliminate GMOs from your diet, lighten your carbon footprint; reduce your chances of becoming ill as a result of your diet; save money; cut way back on sugar, other junk and unnecessary and potentially harmful nonfood additives; and so on.
All without relying on corporate benevolence or the government getting things right. The power lies with you.
Tuesday, December 16
Procedure Day
Yesterday we traveled to Harlingen to a dentist for a cleaning procedure on my dental implants and application of antibiotic sleeves. It went well. Yes, it was painful and the throbbing hasn't quit yet but I can tell we are on the right track for a return to oral health. I will soon be able to eat raw carrots and celery and that is a good Christmas present for me.
After the procedure, we stopped by Marlene and Bernard's place. Their son Dwight was also there. Marlene and Bernard haven't been there long and it was good to see them again. We usually see them several times throughout the season. It is handy that they are only about 20-25 minutes drive from us. Next time we go I will be taking her some lemon juice with visions of lemon meringue pie dancing in my head. wink,wink.
After the procedure, we stopped by Marlene and Bernard's place. Their son Dwight was also there. Marlene and Bernard haven't been there long and it was good to see them again. We usually see them several times throughout the season. It is handy that they are only about 20-25 minutes drive from us. Next time we go I will be taking her some lemon juice with visions of lemon meringue pie dancing in my head. wink,wink.
Survival- Starting a Fire with Steel Wool & 9V Battery!
This tip is for all my camping friends who make a campfire as well as being a good survival tip. What an easy way to start one!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbwNJhJwnSs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbwNJhJwnSs
Sunday, December 14
Winners!
So far we are winners this season as the weather has been near perfect. Daytime highs in the 70's and nighttime lows in the 60's. Perfection!
I spotted these two cats on this attractive seating and thought they made a pretty picture. And below we have some peppers at our local H.E.B. and I thought they made a pretty picture too.
And gas at 2.29 is also attractive.
Friday, December 12
Progress
I have made tremendous strides with my new dental regimen and the antibiotics. The change is unbelievable for such a short time period. This procedure on Monday should not be nearly as bad as I had anticipated when everything was sore and very tender.
The Christmas Parade in the park was last night. Lil, Peggy and I led the parade and then afterwards we enjoyed Subway sandwiches provided by the association. It has become an annual event coinciding with the $2 Sub deal that Subway has each December. Makes feeding a crowd easy and it was mighty tasty besides.
You can always check on park happenings by going to www.magnolianews.blogspot.com It also has the same email sign up procedure at the bottom of the post if you would like to get updates in your email.
I was sitting here trying to remember what my day had been like when I remembered it was computer class day. Only 4 today but it is still early. One of the aspects of doing the classes that some may not think about is that it gives me a chance to know some people much better than I would without the class. I enjoy doing it very much.
Tomorrow is the H.E.B. Feast of Sharing where they feed all who show up for it a ham dinner. It is an appreciation event for their customers and we all are at one time or another. I will try to find out the number of people they feed at this event and let you know but it is a huge number.
The Christmas Parade in the park was last night. Lil, Peggy and I led the parade and then afterwards we enjoyed Subway sandwiches provided by the association. It has become an annual event coinciding with the $2 Sub deal that Subway has each December. Makes feeding a crowd easy and it was mighty tasty besides.
You can always check on park happenings by going to www.magnolianews.blogspot.com It also has the same email sign up procedure at the bottom of the post if you would like to get updates in your email.
I was sitting here trying to remember what my day had been like when I remembered it was computer class day. Only 4 today but it is still early. One of the aspects of doing the classes that some may not think about is that it gives me a chance to know some people much better than I would without the class. I enjoy doing it very much.
Tomorrow is the H.E.B. Feast of Sharing where they feed all who show up for it a ham dinner. It is an appreciation event for their customers and we all are at one time or another. I will try to find out the number of people they feed at this event and let you know but it is a huge number.
Thursday, December 11
Dental distress
I have been having a problem with one of my implants for quite a while now. Let's say since late September. It has been better and then worsen. In other words a bit of a roller coaster so I decided perhaps I had better have it looked at by a pro. So I called a woman who has stayed in our park, in fact she stayed specifically to get her dental implants installed. I have had mine since 1998 or thereabouts. So on Wednesday I had an appointment with an oral surgeon. The same one she had in fact. And for those who wonder I am not getting this done south of the border.
So I had some xrays taken and an informative consultation for general care. He had me make an appointment for a cleaning and placement of an antibiotic sleeve and that will take place on Monday morning in Harlingen. I will also be on oral antibiotics for two months. And he told me he knows they are expensive but he wanted me to get a Sonicare toothbrush. So $69 later I have one and I think if I had one of those wonder machines before this all started I would not have the problems I am currently having. So my new regimen is to brush morning and night and after every time I eat. That ought to keep me somewhat busy.
So I had some xrays taken and an informative consultation for general care. He had me make an appointment for a cleaning and placement of an antibiotic sleeve and that will take place on Monday morning in Harlingen. I will also be on oral antibiotics for two months. And he told me he knows they are expensive but he wanted me to get a Sonicare toothbrush. So $69 later I have one and I think if I had one of those wonder machines before this all started I would not have the problems I am currently having. So my new regimen is to brush morning and night and after every time I eat. That ought to keep me somewhat busy.
Tuesday, December 9
Family news
Yesterday son Jason had a test that we are all supposed to get every 10 years. The results were great but he found out he shares a malady with his brother Gary. We need to find out if his brother Rich has the same problem. They started the IV and he fainted. In his defense the nurse had a problem finding his vein and this made it worse. But he also felt weird and fainty after the procedure. It just popped into my head that his blood sugar could have been an issue as well. Need to check on that aspect.
And little Leo had a hernia repair on one side. He came through with flying colors also. As far as he knows he took a nap and woke up with an owie. He is 18 months old.
Butch and I did get our walk in yesterday but that was about it. We have had a cloudy/rainy period. Fortunately the highs have remained near 70 degrees. A vast improvement over last season...at least so far.
This morning the sun is shining so I think I will make laundry a part of my day.
Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
Till next time...
And little Leo had a hernia repair on one side. He came through with flying colors also. As far as he knows he took a nap and woke up with an owie. He is 18 months old.
Butch and I did get our walk in yesterday but that was about it. We have had a cloudy/rainy period. Fortunately the highs have remained near 70 degrees. A vast improvement over last season...at least so far.
This morning the sun is shining so I think I will make laundry a part of my day.
Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
Till next time...
Sunday, December 7
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