Myrla's Celebration of Life

 We celebrated Myrla's life in fine fashion. I visited with many of my cousins and Myrla's friends and enjoyed every one of them. It was a pleasure. She would have enjoyed it and would have been the first one to relate her many adventures; enhanced of course. She always greeted everyone with a smile and you were impelled to smile back.

Laugh of the day

Police report

If it ain't one thing...

 

I wrote this bit before hearing from those in the know about Covid. The message is that if you are fully vaccinated and have no symptoms it would be safe to go to the celebration of life for Myrla so we have changed our mind and will be going. 

Feel free to read the rest of my previous message.😃

...it's another. Our trip home was fine. Not as relaxing as in the motorhome but quicker. We arrived on Wednesday and it was much easier to make the transition from the car to the house than it was from the motorhome to the house. But then we are in a cold snap. It was 37 degrees when I got up this morning; tomorrow is supposed to be worse. Butch is itching to get outdoors and work and it is way too cold for comfort.

On our first day here we were very busy taking care of details and I finally got around to reading my texts I had one from Gary, our Missouri son, telling me he had tested positive for Covid. He is a teacher so it is not unusual for teachers to get it along with all the other issues teachers must deal with these days. We stayed with Gary and Susan overnight. Neither of us had too much contact but it could be enough. We don't know. They say to not test before 5 days to see if you have it because you could get a false reading so Monday we will be testing. Neither of us is sick, at least not yet.

Gary and Susan had planned to come to Myrla's celebration of life but of course, they cannot now. And then do we go?? We would so hate to be the cause of an outbreak so we are not going. My niece Karla and son Jason and Laura are going and I am thankful for that. I am the last remaining one of my immediate family and I am very disappointed that I will miss it. I am the oldest of our siblings and Myrla was the youngest. I do plan to have a gathering of cousins and friends later when it warms up!  Myrla's birthday was June 7th so I am thinking June 10th. More on that later.

So between being isolated for covid and the temps in the 30's there is not much going on right now. We can use some downtime.

Myrla's Obituary

Myrla F. Kloster

June 7, 1960 - April 2, 2023
From: Rockwell City, IA

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Myrla F. Kloster

Born: June 7, 1960Died: April 2, 2023Age: 62

 Rockwell City – Myrla F. Kloster 62, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023, at her home due to failing health.  Private Family burial took place at Lake Creek Township Cemetery, near Lake City. A Family conducted Celebration of life will be Saturday April 22, 2023 at the Calhoun County Expo Center, Calhoun Co. Fairgrounds in Rockwell City. Lunch will be served at 12:00 Noon with a Celebration of Life to follow.  Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

     Myrla Kloster was survived by her sister Karyn (Paul) Juilfs of Pomeroy IA; brother Gail (Joan) Cripe of Jolley IA; sister Barb (Butch) Brooker of Jefferson IA; sisters-in-law Linda (Mike) Stotts of Lake City IA, and Betsy (Reggie) Gardner of Lake City, IA; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends. She was proceeded in death by Her Love Scott Acklin; her Mother Bertha Fern Cripe; father Merle Cripe, sisters, Jayne Turley and Theresa Arts; brother Richard Brock; and her very dear nephew Ryan Cripe of Fort Dodge IA.

     Myrla's life started out with her love of animals, she was on a horse from the time she could speak, winning a national tournament by the age of 7. She spent the rest of her life with a pet by her side, she had 2 dogs that she actually taught to talk, they said, "I love you and I'm hungry" she was the Dr. Doolittle of Iowa. She was involved in many activities as a child well into her adult life. In the late 80's she met her love Scott Acklin. They were together until his passing in 2016. They enjoyed their hotrod cars, their pets, a few fun Vegas trips and just spending time together. Myrla became his caretaker for many years and never shuttered at the challenge. She was his blessing.. She enjoyed time with her friends and family, She always greeted everyone with her endearing smile. She was known to many as the Tiny gal with Tall Tales. Myrla is already missed and will be missed forever. For such a tiny gal she had such a big presence. Her nieces and nephews will miss their Aunt Myrla Mouse.

Itinerary

 We will be leaving the RGV on Sunday, and headed for our friend's house in Canyon Lake (north of San Antonio) We will stay with Terry and Lisa Linder overnight.

Monday we are headed for Thackerville OK and the Winstar Casino. We stay at The Inn.

Tuesday will be our longest day and we will be in Peculiar MO with Gary and Susan Brooker.

Wednesday we will be traveling to Jefferson, unpacking and getting ready to go to Rockwell City for my sister Myrla's celebration of life on Saturday. 

Almost packed

 We have finished many small projects in the last couple of weeks. It is very satisfying to know that they are taken care of and all these little chores will be done when we return. The artificial turf around the tree, the pruning of the oleander bushes, cleaning and organizing the utility room, and many others.

We are mostly packed. The remainder will be the kind we do on the day before departure. That is tomorrow. There is so much to learn these first few times and it takes time to develop a routine but I think we are there! 

These are phone pics. The camera is heavy and not always handy. The picture quality is much better with the camera and I feel I should apologize.

There is an onion field next to the golf course and Butch has been keeping track of the progress. I was with him yesterday. The "Jacks" are still there.

If you look close you can see the onions are about to head. Butch noticed they spray the tops to stop growth. They look dead when they do that but that is why you do not see the tops in the grocery store unless they have been there too long and have 'resprouted'.

The largest oleander bush flowered all winter. It is supposed to be a miniature but isn't.

It was way out of control and is cut back now.

Here is the oleander before its haircut.

We have a house finch nesting in our window sill and each time I move the blind to take a peak she gives me the "stink eye." She is sitting on two eggs.

Today is Tuesday

Five days from departure. The worst part of this is all the thinking that takes place. We recall with fondness the days we were full-timing and we could be ready for departure in no time at all...in comparison. I assume it will get easier the more times we do it. We hope to do this for many years to come. Most of you know how old we are and thus realize how tenuis that statement might be.

Things are very different around here now. Most of our fellow residents are gone or are about to be gone. I noticed this morning when I sat in front of this computer that I used to have trouble getting everything done that I needed to but now I am sitting here wondering if I have forgotten something because I feel as though I am pretty well caught up.

We are looking forward to a fun summer. They are all fun but this one just might be more fun! Our friends Pete and Jerilynn will be renting our RV site in our backyard. They have "youngsters" staying in their house so will be using their RV this summer for their living quarters. So playing pool, cards, and board games will be a part of our summer much like when we are in Texas. 👍

Stay tuned and drop by!

Alaska Rails Tours

 Wink and Dot are a couple in Trophy who are regulars at the 'Happy Hour' we attend regularly. Yesterday Wink was relating the time they went on an Alaska Rail Tour with John Hall. John Hall Tours works out of Lake City Minnesota. The story of their trip was riveting and got me all fired up about finding out the details. I also thought I knew several people who might like to know about it too. Wink said every detail of their trip was handled well and beyond expectation. Here is where you can find out more.

https://alaskarail.com/alaska-rail-tours/?gclid=CjwKCAjw586hBhBrEiwAQYEnHRnr1H1Su1Cp4N5_2YWVH8uSxAaBwkb2HRjG8D-hdPqoO4ew6ahFbxoCLkQQAvD_BwE

I told you 'Happy Hour' was educational!

Green Bean Recall

 I received this message from Butch's sister Marlene and thought it made an appropriate add-on to the last post.

Barb = When I started reading your note on the green bean recipe, I just knew you were going to tell a story on our oldest son.  I think of it every now and then – we were visiting Mom and Dad in Jefferson with the kids one weekend.  Danial was probably 7 or 8 yrs. Old  We were sitting down at the table to eat and Mom had made the green bean casserole where you put mashed potatoes on top of the casserole with cream of mushroom soup and some cheese. Danial puts some on his plate and tastes it, then said “ Hmm tastes better than you’d think to look at it-“ I don’t remember if Mom was amused or mad I just know I was quite embarrassed.  Marlene"

I am guessing she was amused because grandchildren are special. I enjoyed knowing there was more than one 'green bean' story.

Glad you enjoyed it! Sounds yummy! Glad you liked it! ReplyForward

Progress

 We are making progress on the transition from Texas to Iowa. I told Butch I had a brilliant idea! I am cooking everything I have in the freezer and we will eat leftovers all week. It seems to be working. Last night was pork loin and tonight we are invited to an easter meal at a friend's house. On the horizon are chicken and noodles and hamburger and green beans. The story is...

When Butch and I were in grade school, one of the cooks in the lunch room was Grandma Hanson. Grandma Hanson was a neighbor to the Brookers. Grandma Hanson knew the recipe she cooked at school for 'hamburger and green beans' and shared it with Butch's Mom because oddly enough it was a favorite for Butch. Those who know him will realize just how much of an oddity that is! I happen to like it too and our kids grew up with it and like it as well. It has always been my go-to choice when I couldn't think of anything else. I usually have everything on hand to put it together at all times. It is so simple I almost hesitate to tell you how to make it. 

But here goes; Brown one pound of hamburger in a medium to large skillet. Drain most of the grease leaving a tablespoon or two. Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of flour over the hamburger and stir till it is all incorporated. Add two cans of DRAINED green beans. Stir and add approximately 1 cup of milk. Salt and pepper to taste. There will not be much of a sauce because there isn't supposed to be.

And that, my friends, is all it takes! I have added onion at times and sometimes I will sprinkle a bit of cheese on it.  Some of our classmates think it is awful but we stand by it firmly as being quite tasty.

The food business of transitioning is the most difficult. But after this season I am sure I will have a plan that works on both ends. Practice makes perfect! Till next time.

One busy woman am I...

 This project has been in my head for quite some time but it has now come to pass. The flowering bush in the background is an Oleander and it started blooming shortly after we arrived and has bloomed all winter.

When I started on the project of finding pictures of Myrla it became difficult to stop looking at all kinds of photos.  This one was taken in Cumberland, a town of 300 people. You might guess it is a rural setting.

Our golfing years in Atlantic IA- Nishna Hills Golf Course

Pecan Bill in Magnolia Park

I can get caught up in this too easily and if I am going to make any headway on getting ready to roll on the 16th I had better quit with the stroll down memory lane. I enjoyed it.

I have several piles of this and that ready for their place in the car. Yesterday, Butch and I purchased a cooler and we will most likely find the ambient air in the north will be cooler enough.

Going through pictures

There were a few errors in this entry, so I cleaned it up and reposted it. BB

I was going through my photos looking for one of my sister Myrla when I came across these and decided to share them.

The guy on the left says, "She said to hold still! You would think we could do that for a second or two?"

When I biked with our Magnolia friends we came across this longhorn and they stopped long enough for me to get this photo.

Bernard Kelley, Butch Brooker, and Bill Brooker eating at Fat Daddy's on Highway 1015. About 2004 I am guessing.

Butch and Barb in 1982

When we lived in Cumberland Iowa I was told there was a family of fox

next to a country church so I drove out and took a few photos.

Butch and Angel had a special bond. This was a familiar sight with Angel getting brushed.

Myrla Pics

 

Myrla and Theresa

Myrla Cripe Kloster

 My sister Myrla passed away either late Saturday the 1st or Sunday the 2nd. She was 62. Myrla was my half-sister although I never felt halfway about her. I am sure her other sister on her fathers' side, Karen, never felt halfway about her either.

Myrla was a smoker and she started at a very young age. Her health deteriorated because of it but quitting was not something she would even consider. She chose her path and never wavered.

She was always fun and funny. A pleasure to be around if you didn't take her too seriously.

I could write a whole book about her. Perhaps another day...

Reality Set In!

 We are 18 days from take off!!! If that doesn't set a fire under us I don't know what will. It suddenly seems imminent. Let us see, what clothes to pack, can we eat all the food we have, don't forget this and then there is that. Where is the checklist?

Get the picture?

Recipes?

 Running out of fresh ideas for supper? Have you noticed the top of the blog page where you will find a recipes saved from the blog tab? I must admit I have not added any new ones lately. Even I can get inspired if I look at these recipes once in a while. Give it a try!

https://brooker3.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html

Polish Noodles Recipe

Polish Noodles (Cottage Cheese and Noodles)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 (16 ounce) package egg noodles

• 1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Prep 10 m, Cook 20 m, Ready In 30 m

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in melted butter until softened, 7 to 10 minutes.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 5 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

3. Stir butter and onion mixture, cottage cheese, sour cream, sea salt, and black pepper into the noodles. Place the pot over medium heat; cook and stir until heated through and warm, 5 to 8 minutes.

Bean Bags Now?

Just what the old boy needs is another addictive hobby!

😁

And now end of season

 Many people have headed north and even more will be in this coming month. Easter seems to be a pivotal point for many. We will be leaving here on April 16th and arriving back in Jefferson on the 23rd. Our meandering ways persist despite no longer traveling with the motorhome.

Last night was the final trivia session for the season. I was far too easy on them and will be tightening up those questions for the fall. It was fun as it always is.

We have been taking on chores and detailing our Texas home in preparation for our return. This year held a lot of things to juggle when we first arrived. We hope next fall can have us a little freer to do the fun stuff.

One of the truly fun highlights of our stay this season has been the "Happy Hour" that our neighbors to the north host every day at 4:00 PM. Everyone brings their own drink of choice. There is a clock on the wall so we don't overstay our welcome. Different people can be there on any given day. The conversation is often interesting, educational, funny, inspiring, and just plain fun! Gossip and controversial subjects are avoided and discouraged. It is one of the finest "Happy Hour" experiences I have ever enjoyed. I will miss it and have thoughts of trying to duplicate the experience in our up north home.

Candy sent me a couple of photos I liked.

The photo below referenced one of the trivia questions. Who was the songwriter and singer of this song?

Cute huh?

In A-1 shape.

 I am in pretty good shape for the shape I am in!

 There is quite a bit of Covid in the park. We aren't one of them. Our neighbor across the street is and she has COPD, COVID, and PNEUMONIA. She is in ICU and they put her on a ventilator but she signed a paper to be taken off of it. Her children have been called and told to get here because her chances of making it are slim. They are here now.

We are in Spring Cleaning mode. Or at least I am. Butch said we should wait till fall on some of this stuff and I set my feet because you get busy right away with getting reacquainted with friends and activities and it continues to get put off. So I am nearly finished with my list.

Here is a pic of one of my projects. Unfortunately, I did not get a before picture of this wind chime made from a teapot and silverware that was no longer silver. I am happy with the result!