If you happen to not be a sports fan, this is one weekend of the year when you need to find other manners of entertainment. There are other weekends like it but this is one of the worst in my opinion.
So I decided to get creatively cooking. I had a spaghetti squash sitting on the counter for a week or so waiting for my creativity to kick in. You see the hold up is that Butch has made it clear on more than one occasion that he will endure spaghetti squash if he has to but it is far from what he considers the real thing. So I stabbed the squash for an air vent, placed it in the microwave and cooked it for 15 minutes. In the meantime, I sauteed some green pepper and onion chunks in a small amount of olive oil, added a partially drained can of chicken chunks letting it reduce. Then I sliced open the spaghetti squash and removed the seedy center. It had cooked perfectly and formed its strands as hoped. Not sure what I planned to do, I decided to use only half to see if it turned out okay. So I placed the fluffed up spaghetti strands from half the squash in a bowl, added half the chicken mixture along with a mixture of 1/4th cup sour cream and 1/4th alfredo sauce from a jar. Mixed all together and tasted it. I thought it was quite tasty so I placed it in a 8 x 8 pan, sprinkled the top with shredded cheese. Baked it in the NuWave oven at 350 degrees for 7 minutes. It was a hit with both of us! So I decided to make up the other half for future use.
As I was enjoying this tasty meal I thought I needed to get it recorded. However, I was aware that writing it in recipe form was going to be too much of a challenge and that is how this post came about. I am very much looking forward to the second half. Yum!
Saturday, March 19
Thursday, March 17
Spring Break etc.
Yesterday Butch and I went to Harlingen. First off we went to Tropic Winds RV park to visit with Brian and Mary Carlson. Mary was a classmate of Butch's in high school. Some of you might remember Mary Ellen Minnihan. They talked of plans to come to Jefferson this summer and stay in the Brooker RV Park and we are excited about that happening.
Then we picked up Marlene and Bernard before making our way to South Padre. We were fully aware that Spring Break is in full bloom but we decided to see how it was, assess the situation and adjust our plans accordingly. I have always been convinced that the spring breakers most likely did not let their feet hit the floor till well past noon. The only problem with our plan was that we did not make our way in that direction till 11:00 AM or after. The Spring Breakers had indeed scraped the mattresses from their backs by the time we were there but still getting around was not impossible.
We first enjoyed a delicious meal at Pirate's Landing in Port Isabel.
Marlene and Bernard Kelley- Still looking very good after 65 years of marriage!
Here is proof positive that Butch and I are not able to get a good selfie. Not even close!!
Putting these on the blog is proof only that I still have a sense of humor.
Then we picked up Marlene and Bernard before making our way to South Padre. We were fully aware that Spring Break is in full bloom but we decided to see how it was, assess the situation and adjust our plans accordingly. I have always been convinced that the spring breakers most likely did not let their feet hit the floor till well past noon. The only problem with our plan was that we did not make our way in that direction till 11:00 AM or after. The Spring Breakers had indeed scraped the mattresses from their backs by the time we were there but still getting around was not impossible.
We first enjoyed a delicious meal at Pirate's Landing in Port Isabel.
Marlene and Bernard Kelley- Still looking very good after 65 years of marriage!
Here is proof positive that Butch and I are not able to get a good selfie. Not even close!!
Here are a couple of really good looking pirates!
And then what you have all been waiting for...pictures of Spring breakers!!
Enjoy!
The O'Brien Girls
I grew up with the O'Brien girls. We were in school and church together. You know how it is with classmates; you may know each other but not really spend that much time with them. When Butch and I returned to Jefferson we were in touch with several people who had done the same thing thus giving us a common bond accentuated by knowing them from our youth. So now they are in "our group" of closer friends we have in Jefferson. Readers of this blog are well acquainted with Colleen. Well, Colleen has a sister Denise who is every bit as talented. The girls, as their mother called them, are a year apart in age. Denise is 6 months older than I am and we were in the same grade in school. Colleen is 6 months younger than I am and we didn't know each other very well until many years later. They also had a younger sister Jeanie who they lost to cancer a few years ago. These girls are all remarkable in many different ways but also carry similarities such as a special love of color and being writers.
Denise wrote this article for the Iowa Living magazine and after some finagling, I was able to get it copied and pasted for the blog. Enjoy!
Barb B.
LOOKING BACK
Front pages were full of war news
By Denise O’Brien Van
Local papers during WWII
When Mikki Schwarzkopf and I were researching
what the World War II home front had been like
in Greene County for the program we did at the
museum last November, we read more than 500 editions of the
Jefferson Bee and Herald. We came to understand the important
role local newspapers played during wartime.
Those Bees and Heralds were the epitome of good old-fashioned
local journalism. The articles gave the readers the basics
of journalism: the who, the what, the when, the where, the why
and the how. It wasn’t personal journalism, although longtime
Bee editor Vic Lovejoy did put in his two cents worth in his
front-page “Seasonable Sermons.” His was the only by-line. It
was community journalism, journalism for the community.
It wasn’t unusual for the front pages of both papers to have
more than 20 stories, although there were few photographs.
The editorial pages always had comments by the editor, as well
as reprints from other Iowa papers and from national publications
such as Wallace’s Farmer. On the inside pages, there was
news from all the towns in the county and dozens of items
about clubs and socializing in the “personals” columns. The
inside pages also contained informative stories about conserving
energy and food, about good agricultural practices, and there
was sports coverage, including box scores.
The papers were rich with advertising. Local newspapers
then were one of the few outlets where small-town merchants
could advertise.
All this news and information helped bring the community
close during the war years, as readers throughout the county
learned of births, deaths and marriages, of accidents and parties
and, of course, about what was happening to “the boys,” which
is how the papers referred to Greene County men in the armed
services.
The newspaper traveled the world with those boys.
In a May 2, 1944 Bee interview, Staff Sgt. Clyde Crow of
Dana — who had spent seven months and seen 49 days of battle
“in the wilderness of Burma” — said, “All the boys like to read
the newspapers from home. It’s a touch of the U.S.A.”
We looked through the Bee and Herald issues from 1941
through 1945, bound in huge books that the historical society
saved from destruction when the local papers were sold a few
years ago. In 1941, there were one or two stories about preparing
for war. As the conflict accelerated, the front pages were
full of war news. Finally, on the Bee’s Nov. 27, 1945, front page,
three months after the end of the war with Japan, there was not
a single war story.
The author, Denise O’Brien Van of Jefferson, is a
volunteer for the Greene County Historical Society.
You can write her at dovan@netins.net.
Denise wrote this article for the Iowa Living magazine and after some finagling, I was able to get it copied and pasted for the blog. Enjoy!
Barb B.
LOOKING BACK
Front pages were full of war news
By Denise O’Brien Van
Local papers during WWII
When Mikki Schwarzkopf and I were researching
what the World War II home front had been like
in Greene County for the program we did at the
museum last November, we read more than 500 editions of the
Jefferson Bee and Herald. We came to understand the important
role local newspapers played during wartime.
Those Bees and Heralds were the epitome of good old-fashioned
local journalism. The articles gave the readers the basics
of journalism: the who, the what, the when, the where, the why
and the how. It wasn’t personal journalism, although longtime
Bee editor Vic Lovejoy did put in his two cents worth in his
front-page “Seasonable Sermons.” His was the only by-line. It
was community journalism, journalism for the community.
It wasn’t unusual for the front pages of both papers to have
more than 20 stories, although there were few photographs.
The editorial pages always had comments by the editor, as well
as reprints from other Iowa papers and from national publications
such as Wallace’s Farmer. On the inside pages, there was
news from all the towns in the county and dozens of items
about clubs and socializing in the “personals” columns. The
inside pages also contained informative stories about conserving
energy and food, about good agricultural practices, and there
was sports coverage, including box scores.
The papers were rich with advertising. Local newspapers
then were one of the few outlets where small-town merchants
could advertise.
All this news and information helped bring the community
close during the war years, as readers throughout the county
learned of births, deaths and marriages, of accidents and parties
and, of course, about what was happening to “the boys,” which
is how the papers referred to Greene County men in the armed
services.
The newspaper traveled the world with those boys.
In a May 2, 1944 Bee interview, Staff Sgt. Clyde Crow of
Dana — who had spent seven months and seen 49 days of battle
“in the wilderness of Burma” — said, “All the boys like to read
the newspapers from home. It’s a touch of the U.S.A.”
We looked through the Bee and Herald issues from 1941
through 1945, bound in huge books that the historical society
saved from destruction when the local papers were sold a few
years ago. In 1941, there were one or two stories about preparing
for war. As the conflict accelerated, the front pages were
full of war news. Finally, on the Bee’s Nov. 27, 1945, front page,
three months after the end of the war with Japan, there was not
a single war story.
The author, Denise O’Brien Van of Jefferson, is a
volunteer for the Greene County Historical Society.
You can write her at dovan@netins.net.
RV Tip-cutting board
Make your own custom sink-matched cutting board
by Greg Illes
by Greg Illes
Our RV kitchen came with a small board that filled in part of the sink area. This was handy because the whole sink is not always in use and counter space is at a premium.
After a few outings we found out that our water-savings plan meant that the sink was very rarely in use. We also found out that the filler board (made from countertop material) needed an additional cutting surface to prepare food. Thus began a search for a combination counter/cutting board. We soon found that no such off-the-shelf product exists, much less customized for our Itasca sink. So off to the plastic shop we wandered to buy some HDPE.
"What?" — I hear you cry in great confusion. Ah, Grasshopper, that little acronym stands for High Density PolyEthylene, the gold standard for cutting board material. This stuff doesn't soak up fluids like wooden boards, it's easy to clean, very easy to fabricate, and is available in thicknesses from 1/2 inch to 1 inch and greater.
To build one of these, it's best to make a cardboard template to match the outline of your cutting board. Trim this exactly to where you want the board to fit. Then, measure the depth from your countertop to your sink edge — this is the board thickness you will need. Buy the next thinnest standard material and use some nylon screws as shims to make up the thickness so your finished board will sit flush (the screws are needed because stick-on feet don't stick very well to HDPE). If you are handy with a router, you can buy thicker material and rabbet-down the edge. We were lucky — a 3/4-inch standard layup fit our setup perfectly.
Note that if you have a flush-mounted sink, this project gets a bit more demanding. You'll need an oversized template, and a rabbeted edge (which needs a router to cut), and the board can't sit completely flush.
The HDPE cuts easily with hand or power saws. File and sand the edges smooth and you have a custom-fit counter extender and cutting surface, all in one. I also chose to cut a sink-access hole so that we wouldn't have to lift the board out for pouring out a stale cup of coffee (or whatever).
Sunday, March 13
Off to Mexico!!
Marlene texted me yesterday and asked if we wanted to go to Mexico with them. We said "yes" so in about an hour we will take off to meet them at the gate. There are a few more items we want to pick up, so this could be our last trip down and then again maybe not.
Update- We did meet Marlene and Bernard in Mexico on one of the busiest days I have ever seen there. While we were waiting for the Kelley's there was a double lineup to get in that went across the street!
On the way over we may have witnessed the first of an exodus to Mexico. This truck was loaded up with all their worldly goods and they were headed in- not out.
Next stop was the pharmacy- Marlene and Bernard doing a price check.
These ladies were preparing cactus (nopales) for sale. I gave her a dollar to take her picture but after reading this website perhaps I should have purchased some nopales.
This tortilla factory has been in business a very long time.
Decided to add these health benefits of Nopales:
Update- We did meet Marlene and Bernard in Mexico on one of the busiest days I have ever seen there. While we were waiting for the Kelley's there was a double lineup to get in that went across the street!
On the way over we may have witnessed the first of an exodus to Mexico. This truck was loaded up with all their worldly goods and they were headed in- not out.
Next stop was the pharmacy- Marlene and Bernard doing a price check.
These ladies were preparing cactus (nopales) for sale. I gave her a dollar to take her picture but after reading this website perhaps I should have purchased some nopales.
Health benefits of nopales
- Nopales are one of very low calorie vegetables. 100 g of fresh leaves carry just 16 calories. Nonetheless, its modified leaves (paddles) have many vital phytochemicals, fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can immensely benefit health.
- The succulent paddles are rich sources of dietary fiber, especially non-carbohydrate polysaccharides, such as pectin, mucilage and hemicellulose. Together, these substances help bring reduction in body weight, LDL-cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. This rich fiber and mucilaginous content in cactus pads aid in smooth passage of digested food particles through the gut and help relieve constipation problems.
- In addition, the juice extracted from the noples has been suggested to have immune-booster, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cactus pads feature moderate amounts of vitamin A with 100 g fresh pads carrying about 457 IU of vitamin A, and 250 µg of ß-carotene. ß-carotene converted into vitamin-A inside the body. Studies found that vitamin A and flavonoid compounds in vegetables help protect from skin, lung and oral cavity cancers.
- Further, nopal pads contain small levels of B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid. These vitamins are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions inside the human body.
- Fresh pads contain average levels of vitamin-C. 100 g provides 9.3 mg or 15% of this vitamin. Vitamin C is a water-soluble, natural anti-oxidant, which helps the body protect from scurvy and offer resistance against infectious agents (boost immunity), and help scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
- They contain small amounts of minerals, especially calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron.
Saturday, March 12
Jason's Gourd
Last summer Colleen gave me a gourd. Butch put a quarter sized hole in it and hung it from the clothesline pole. Within two weeks, a wren had taken up residence and we were very surprised.
I told my hairdresser, Marcia about it and she said they had lots of gourds in the garage attic. They had been there many years. She gave me a sack full shortly before we left for the winter. I gave some to Jason and this is how he decorated one of them. I am sure the wrens at his house will be very pleased with their new abode.
Saturday, March 5
‘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."
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 2
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 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!!
Sunday, February 28
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!
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!
Saturday, February 27
South Texas Bobcat
Saturday, February 20
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 17
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, February 9
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.
Monday, February 8
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!
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
I will try with the names but ask forgiveness beforehand when I screw up.
Here we have Terry, Roxy and Larry.
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!
Wednesday, February 3
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. 
Sunday, January 31
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.
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
Friday, January 29
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.
Wednesday, January 27
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 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!
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