‘A pornography of pessimism’

The beauty of having your own blog is that I can put anything on it I want. I do not exercise that privilege often, and besides, I do not see how anyone can get their panties in a wad over this one. Colleen and I are friends for a reason and I get reminded of that when I read her articles in the Greene County News online and this is a prime example. Thanks, once again Colleen, for writing exactly what I was thinking.

Barb B.

’A pornography of pessimism’

March 2, 2016 Greene County News Online

~a column by Colleen O’Brien

David Brooks, talking head, columnist and political know-a-lot, calls this election year a “pornography of pessimism.” Gotta love the English language and one of its superb wordsmiths, however you might disagree or agree with his politics.

With a cast of thousands running for president and other offices, all of them yelling about the dire state of affairs in this country, Brooks is right on.

Enough already. Or tone it down, or something. A tad of pessimism will creep into our lives now and then, but expecting a surfeit of it is indeed pornographic. The idea that evil predominates in this world and that we should expect the worst is a way of life to some, a probability to others.

But, honestly, I can’t go there for very long because it makes me lie down on the floor and stare at the ceiling. If I had to be expecting the worst from people, books, nature, television, movies, conversation, songs, food . . . really, it’s just a depressing, dumb way to proceed.

There is bad stuff out there, including bad weather; there is bad behavior, there are greedy folks, angry people (boy, are there), but I think they get trained in pessimism and become stuck there, mouths shouting, eyes blazing, fists pumping. Nobody’s reminding them about the optimist side of the coin. They could be living on a garbage float in the middle of the Pacific; let ’em think about that if they’re so crazy about pessimism.

It’s normal to be disgruntled about politicians, although those who make a living asking about things like this tell us that we really like our own politicians but dislike all the others. That makes about as much sense as believing in Santa but dissing the Easter bunny — a definite lack of common sense to begin with and real inconsistency to end with. You may hate all Martians and Haitians and Parisians, but how can you be crabby about getting to eat a Hershey bar? Find something to be optimistic about! It seems to be a normality to get impatient in traffic, but what about if you were in a wagon advancing a whopping 10 miles a day? You may get crabby about having to wait so long at the eye doctor, but you might get happy if you think about all those centuries people just grew old and couldn’t see their own hands.

Buck up, folks. Get some happy in there. Quit being crabby about stuff that the media exaggerates. Turn it off. Or at least mute the political ads or watch reruns of Benny Hill or Friends or Milton Berle. Get creative, think of ways to jettison pessimism and move in on something fun to do.

Or think of solutions. I like the idea of no longer requiring attendance in Congress and all of us twittering our opinions, wants and needs to a major computer that will tell the Prez, whoever she or he will be, that we do want a Supreme Court judge nominated, or not; that we are adamant about fixing the 66,000 about-to-fall-down bridges in this country, or not; that we are in need of political reform, or not.

Just think, we could be a pure democracy, not just a representative democracy.

Maybe you’d rather be a pessimist; in your world, it might be cooler to expect the worst possible outcome to all things.

However, I’ll be going down this other path, the Polly- one, not the pissy one.

Friday was a day of rest

Marlene and Bernard are here for the month of March so we ventured over to Harlingen for a visit. We got caught up on family news then played some cribbage before having a scrumptious lunch at Los Asados. We returned home late afternoon  and on Friday that can be a deal. But we made it. I was still exhausted from Thursday so I didn't do a thing till bedtime....again!

So now that I am caught up on both blogs, I can stop feeling guilty. I wish there was some way to stretch out the multiple events in this month but I have a feeling I can keep on wishing!

Nearly forgot to tell you about Butch and his phone plus camera. He had his phone in his pocket and kept hearing clicking sounds. He finally investigated and discovered he had been taking pictures of the inside of his pocket. We had issues with this before so I removed his camera from his home page. That took care of part of the problem. Then we started deleting his pocket pics. I would click delete while he dealt the cards and then he would hit delete while I dealt. I am guessing we deleted in excess of 300 pictures. Marlene and Bernard are our witnesses!
So then he says, "But how do I take a picture?" I said, "You don't."

Thursday held 5 events

And I made 4 of them. I had a dental appointment for a cleaning in Harlingen at 8:20 am. No, I do not go to Mexico for that because I have two dental implants that I have had for 18 years and I am not taking any chances with them. So once that was done it was back here to catch the Costco Thursday bus for a quick trip over to McAllen. Then we came home and rested for about an hour before going to a birding center. The whole story of the birding center excursion is on the magnolia blog found here: www.magnolianews.blogspot.com. Then we hurried home for the hamburger supper at the pool hall.
I took a corn salad that I have made before and it was easy to prepare ahead of time.

Recipe: CORN SALAD 12/26/2006 Category: Side dish 
3 cans Mexicorn (whole kernel corn with red & green bell peppers), drained
8 oz dairy sour cream
8 oz small curd cottage cheese
3 tbsp prepared mustard
Dash hot pepper sauce(optional)
3 green onions, sliced
large bag Fritos corn chips (regular curly size, NOT Scoops ; probably 6 or 7 oz bag)

Pour the corn into a large serving bowl. In a medium bowl, combine dairy sour cream, cottage cheese, mustard and hot pepper sauce. Pour over corn in large bowl and add green onion slices. Stir to blend well. Just before serving, crush Fritos and add to salad, stirring to combine. Makes a lot! ________________

I returned to the date listed above on the Magnolia blog to retrieve this recipe.
I will put it on the recipe page of both blogs.

So once I was sufficiently fed with delicious food I came home and collapsed! I did not make it to the dance but I heard it was another great one by the South Texas Whiskey Band.

Busiest week in the season

We are into the busiest week of the season and as age creeps up on us I find it less easy to deal with. Tomorrow we have an appointment for me to get my dental implants cleaned at 8:20 AM in Harlingen. Then I need to be back here for Costco Thursday at 10:30 AM followed by a wildlife outing at a nature reserve at 1:30 pm till 4:00 pm and then a hamburger feed at the pool hall after 4:00. Taking corn salad. And this is followed by a dance in Allen Hall that I may or may not be awake enough to attend.

And that takes care of Thursday!  Sister Marlene called today and she and Bernard are in Harlingen. So much want to get over to see them! I set it up for Saturday and then found out Butch is in a pool tournament that day. It could work out if he loses quickly enough. But watch that not happen!!

Saturday is also the park garage sale. That isn't a factor in my plans.

Sunday is show and tell (3:00pm) and the talent show (?)  and at the very least I am expected to take pictures. It is always a fun time.  Now if I can remember what time it starts it might happen for me. Oh, and by the way, it is my birthday.
This week needs to be two weeks long!!

And the beat goes on...

So hard to believe that next month at this time we will be preparing to leave the Rio Grande Valley. The plan is to go to Canyon Lake and the Terry and Lisa Linder residence so Butch can electrify their two-site mini RV Park in their yard.
Our plan is to spend a few days there then head north to Big Cabin OK. to get some servicing done on the motorhome and from there we are not set in cement but most likely headed for Peculiar MO to spend some time with the Missouri kids.
This winter has been wonderful weather-wise. We can only hope to repeat a few of these in the years to come.
One of the projects we have plans to tackle when we are back in Iowa is to remove the carpeting from the motorhome and replace it with tile. The carpet is 12 years old and has become impossible to keep clean. I am not sure it ever was possible to keep it clean. I have had it professionally cleaned every summer for several years but it seems that two weeks on the road and you cannot tell it has ever been cleaned. The floor tiles we installed in our 3 season room were so easy we have decided that is what we will duplicate as much as possible in the motorhome. I know I will love it!

South Texas Bobcat

A friend of mine in the park, Deon, likes to take wildlife photos. She took this one on an excursion to Rio Bentsen State park. What a rare sight!

Nuevo Progreso Mexico visit

Yes, we went to Mexico. I was out of meds for one thing. What they want per month in the good old USA after insurance is three times yes, I said three times, what I pay in Mexico.
Another thing is one of our ladies in the park fell on the shuffleboard court and bunged herself up pretty bad. She landed on her face and one lense of her glasses was scratched so bad she could not see through it. So she called her eye doctor in Missouri to see what they could do and the answer was nothing because her prescription was too old. So she went to Walmart and was told the same thing. So we took her prescription and her glasses with us to Mexico and within one hour and $20 we had her glasses repaired. She says she can see once again!

Whenever we went to Mexico in the past we would go to Garcia's for panchos. Due to lack of business the past couple of years they closed and we were not able to find a suitable replacement until yesterday. We went to Elsa's. We had been there before but they used yellow cheese on their panchos and in my opinion that ruined them. So on a whim I asked if they could use white cheese and the answer was yes! So now it is our new go-to place in Nuevo Progreso for pancho's. So all in all it was a very productive and enjoyable trip.

Another amusing incident- I was being bugged to get my walking shoes polished. They are about shot and I am ready to replace them. I go through shoes at a good rate. I said no, my shoes have a hole and they are not worth polishing. So then he said, "You need to buy new shoes." A local woman overheard the exchange and was greatly amused by it all.

The last two times we have been to Progreso it has been extremely crowded and yesterday was the same. Things are looking up for the merchants of Progreso. The prices are really good there in part because the peso isn't worth much now.

Busy time of year for us

We are in the busiest time of year for us. It seems like all the activities and events get crammed into a few weeks. The reality of that is from Christmas to mid-March. In mid-March, everyone decides it is time to leave. Well not everyone. There are a few year-rounders. For Butch, the Senior Olympic week and the pool tournaments speed up the happenings. For me, it is taking pictures of events and getting them posted on the blog.
To add a bit of honesty, I have been doing this blog and the Magnolia one since 2002 and that is 14 years and I get a bit burned out. Also, I have slowed my pace quite a bit. Not physically because I still walk and bike but outside activities and events do not happen nearly as often and somewhere along the line I became content with it. And this winter we have not eaten out very much. I think I can still count the times on my fingers. And when you prepare meals at home it takes more forethought and planning. Oh and yes, I am still in love with my NuWave oven and induction plate. Have not used the RV stove at all, not even once. And leftovers take on a wonderful life of their own in the NuWave oven.
A few days ago I cut up a large potato to resemble french fries, treated them with olive oil and onion powder and baked them in the Nuwave oven for 10 minutes, then added a cup of Mexican-style shredded cheese over them and cooked for another 5 minutes. They were yummy! We ate half of them along with fish sticks and a salad. I had leftover fish, potatoes and one lone hamburger patty. Last night it was their turn and 10-12 minutes in the NuWave produced one of the best leftover meals we have ever tasted! Usually leftover meals are something to get out of the way. Not true anymore.
So right now I have sheets in the washer, need to pull something from the freezer for supper and get my first walk in. Today is Butch's double pool day, playing both this morning and again this afternoon.
So on with my day!!

Imagine

Imagine my surprise when I discovered our Miss Elise was short! She is back row far right. I guess I have not seen her among her peers for comparison.

And here she is second from left in the back row.

Canyon Lake friends

Our Canyon Lake friends (San Antonio area) came down to the Rio Grande Valley to spend a week on South Padre. These are people we became acquainted with through Snow Mountain Ranch.
 Due to the fact that this week is a busy one for Butch we went to visit them yesterday, our only free day. I took 3 cameras with me- my old standby Fuji, my smartphone and the new GoPro. I have not mastered the handling of videos yet so we will skip that part for now. Videos use a large amount of data and time. We enjoyed lunch at Dirty Al's, walked on the beach and visited the afternoon away. All in all, a great way to spend the day.

The Pelicans are waiting for a free lunch

 Here is the reason the Pelicans have such an interest. This young man is cleaning Red Snappers and he will throw them some scraps.

 Nice boat

 Lisa is watching the action. Butch is posted on the other side of Lisa.

  Gull is hanging out for a tidbit as well.

 My best shot of the day!

We returned to the campground and gathered for drinks and conversation.
I will try with the names but ask forgiveness beforehand when I screw up.
Here we have Terry, Roxy and Larry.

 Laura and her husband, Sharon, Mike, Lou and Gary.

 Newly met friend and her husband Carl-then Butch

 Party crasher!

And if you wonder where Santa goes after Christmas, at least this week he is parked next to Terry and Lisa  on South Padre Island!

Quite a Stir

I caused quite a stir yesterday. I knew I would. When I was sick with the stomach flu for a week all my respiratory/allergy issues disappeared. My conclusion was that I had not set foot outdoors for 6 days and perhaps that was part of the solution. Also, the first two days of resuming our daily walks agitated the allergies once again. So I decided to wear a mask. That caused the stir. "What's wrong with Barb?" The answer is probably many things but the short answer is allergies. 

Saturday

Pecan Bill and Butch went to a car show in McAllen. Kay had won the tickets worth $15 each. Being one who would never spend a dollar to go to a car show, I do not know how they made any money but the place was packed. Go figger.

Anyway, Peggy and I went to the flea market. One of our many purchases was this cauliflower. This is half of it. Peggy and I shared. Cauliflower is pricey these days with a small head going for nearly $4. Ours cost $2

We picked up several items. The flea market too was packed with people. I do believe it was busier than I have ever seen it.

It's great!

This is Portia the porch kitty who may giving birth to kittens at this very minute. This was taken last night after the steak fry. She hasn't been seen since and she is very pregnant.

Myron's dog Indy loves to pull him around the park. I hope to get a GoPro video of it.

This is  a VERY old bike. I could not resist those handle bars!

It feels really good to have regained my health. You don't know what you've got till it's gone as it says in the song.

So now...

I have played it low key, staying home, doing minimal things and trying to get full recovery. I felt good on arising this morning and since Butch has pool both morning and afternoon I decided to get caught up. So now the second load of laundry is in process, vacuuming has had a once-over, dishes are done and sanitized, check book balanced and I am getting caught up on computer stuff.

I feel like I have been in isolation, self-inflicted. One of my main concerns throughout this ordeal is that we not pass it on to our unsuspecting friends and neighbors. I would not wish what we have endured on my worst enemy.

Despite feeling good, I have noticed that it does not take much effort to feel fatigued. And food doesn't yet taste real yummy. I will be ready for a walk when the weather clears. Oh yes, I didn't tell you. The weather has been beautiful for the past week but today is cold (49 F) and wet. The forecast is for 30's tonight. Unlike the past two years, we then will enjoy a nice warm-up into the 80's.

Tomorrow is Costco Thursday and my list is ready. I am looking forward to a few hours with friends doing something entirely different!

I'm Alive!

Yes, we have survived the stomach flu. For those questions you have: Yes, we had a flu shot. Flu shots are for respiratory flu. We had gastrointestinal flu and it is a virus with no cure and no vaccine to my knowledge. I read up on it when Butch first came down with it. Excellent article and you can read it here:
http://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/best-remedies-stomach-flu#2

Lots of good advice and I tried to implement as much of it as possible. 

We have found out where it was contracted and just as I expected it was a pool hall, but not our pool hall. Butch played pool at a park that will not be named a week ago Monday, the 18th and found out he had the flu Tuesday night. When the Monday pool group reconvened yesterday the conversation confirmed that many people from the unnamed park had the stomach flu.

Despite all my efforts to avoid it, my visit happened Friday night. It saps the living health right out of you. So I am feeling some better but I am weak and wobbly legged. I have been able to eat some but queasiness quickly reminds me if I exceed the body recommended capacity.
Enough of all this for now. Will post again when something of note flits into my head.

Stomach Flu

Butch had it first and now I have it. Started Friday night for me when I felt like my stomach contained a boulder. It got worse from there. Yesterday was awful. Today I feel like I will be okay but I am weak. This is all you will hear from me till wellness has returned.

Drastic or Not...

I just did a drastic thing I hardly ever do. I deleted all my emails. Don't get too excited I have read most of them. Or maybe you could say scanned them. Butch says that is all I ever do-scan.
Butch and I have had quite a time of it this winter health wise. Nothing drastic there. Just the irritating things. Butch is recovering from the stomach flu. This is following a very bad cold followed by a continuing respiratory "thing" we assume is allergies that is being stubborn. I caught his cold and now I have the allergy crap, that is what we assume it is. I have never had as much problem as he has had. But now we are both on Allegra-D. He will resume the allergy stuff once he recovers from the stomach flu. So now you see my point. The allergy business has made us tempted to give up on South Texas before and we are at that point again.
However...The weather has been perfect this winter. Moderate would be a good word for it. We have had lots of sunshine. A cool day now and then but not lasting long enough to be bothersome. It has been as perfect this year as it was bad the past two winters.
So with not being in top form I have neglected both blogs probably as bad as I ever have. I may have lost some of my readers this past year. It would not surprise me.

I drove the car today! Butch having the flu prompted it. I hardly ever drive anymore but it is reassuring to know I still know how. I went to WalMart to refill a prescription and then to H.E.B. With coupons they give to seniors I saved $18.94. These coupons are unbelievable. We love our H.E.B.

I still  have several as you can see. Today I picked up two dozen eggs, 1/2 gal. milk and bananas for free among other things.

Took this photo today.

People see me taking pictures and they often do not see what I see. I have become used to that reaction

Below is a hornets nest that people drive by every day and do not even know it is there. It is in the top of a tree not far from the office. We all pass by it frequently. Don Louks pointed it out to Butch who pointed it out to me.

 This leaf was on our motorhome windshield. We have a screen on it that transforms the leaf to a pixelated wonder.

 This was a sunset taken from our front door one evening last week.

How and why do they caucus in Iowa

This website is interesting and informative.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/19/iowa-caucuses-explained-2016-election-democrats-republicans

My life these days

My life these days revolves around pretty ordinary stuff...like cooking. This is the reason I am posting this recipe today because I loved it and it was quick and easy. If you added some cooked chicken bits to it, it would pass for Chicken Alfredo (low cal). It is one I will make again even if I am the only one enjoying it.
One Pot Pasta

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 Tbsps. unsalted butter
• 8 oz. uncooked fettucine
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a shallow saucepan, sautée minced garlic until lightly brown.
2. Add chicken broth, milk, and butter to the pan. Stir until butter melts and ingredients mix.
3. Add uncooked pasta to pot, and add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Ladle liquid over pasta until covered.
5. Simmer mixture until pasta is cooked and liquid evaporates into a creamy sauce.
6. Mix in Parmesan cheese.
7. Plate and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

This simple meal tastes decadent without being too heavy, and is the perfect speedy meal for the middle of the week! Plus, you’ll cut your cleanup in half by sticking to just one pot.

Busier than usual day

Computer class this morning where we worked on cut, copy, and paste.

And then Butch and I went to Walmart to discuss drug prices. I was very lucky in that there were no lines so I had the full attention of a druggist. I like the store-on Salinas in Donna- and I like the pharmacy personnel. They are patient and helpful. I asked this fellow many questions about prices of various meds and then I said, "Thank you very much and now I am going to Mexico to buy them." I said this with a smile and then, "I suppose you hear this all the time." He said, "Yes, but when I buy my own I go to Mexico too." Also said with a smile. Nice guy.

So then we go to Mexico. LOTS OF PEOPLE! I have not seen it that crowded for two years. Both parking lots were full. There were also many Federales. Camo guys with lots of guns patrolling the streets of Nuevo Progresso. We ran into Jim and Janet Rader and joined them for lunch at Arturos. The Pancho's were good. Not as good as Garcia's but better than Elsa's. We are sure missing Garcia's for Panchos. My own version is getting better as I practice.
Got home about 3:00. We feel like that is a busy day for us.