SUNDAY APRIL 18....and I was busy getting settled. Will be here until May 24 when I head to Iowa for the summer. I don’t do too much unpacking since I spend most of my time visiting and eating out while I'm here. Too many people to see and gossip to catch up on and coffee and ice tea to drink. Afterall, I lived her for over 20 years so, in a way, it is like coming home.
Sunday means lunch at Johnnie’s. She always has my favorites for my first meal back home- frog eye salad and chicken fried steak. Just doesn’t get much better than setting around the Sunday table with Johnnie and her growing family.
And another Sunday tradition – Ice cream with Brenda and the girls at Dairy Queen. But now, we have a young man in our midst. Candace's little one, Gabriel…what a cutey he is, complete with dimples.
Monday I was off to VA medical appointment with the respiratory clinic and stopped by Sunbelt RV in Belton on my way back home. Don’t know what I’d do without the crew at Sunbelt RV – they are always able to find just what I need – open up that ‘big book,’ get a part number and it will be in within the week.
While I was at VA, they were doing depression screening and asking a bunch of questions seeking clues to depresison. I told the nurse they picked the wrong time to do the screening, after a winter like we had and a horrible damp dreary spring, they should worry about the ones that AREN'T depressed, there has to be something wrong with them!!
Tuesday the sun finally came out! Oh, it had been so dreary and damp. Off to the vet with Holly & Li'lBit to get their annual exams and shots so we can keep going state to state for another year! Li'lBit enjoys the vet, but Holly, the cat from hell, lets me know with teeth and claws that the vet is not her favorite place! After I got the bill, I think I'm sending my vet and his family on vacation! Amazing how those bills pile up when you take care of everything at once!
Li'l Bit goes back Thursday AM to get her teeth cleaned. That is gonna be an expensive day, it is the same day my truck goes in for oil change, inspection, service, etc. Glad stuff like this only happens once or twice a year!
Brenda stopped by with mail and we were off to lunch at Italian place.
Wednesday first thing I had to do is call the company that I have my USB modem with and figure out how to get it loaded on this Windows 7 laptop that won't 'support' the program -- so there has to be a driver or some way to manually load it.
I'm on a new laptop. Last evening I broke my desktop. Actually, I didn't BREAK it, but it locked up on me and after a few attempts at restarting, it didn’t and before I did something disastrous to it I shut it down. In the meantime, I went to Wal Mart and bought me a $300 Toshiba laptop. My ever-faithful old Acer also went belly-up - the on-off switch died. I guess I can't complain, I've had it over 6-8 years and only paid $200 for it! I'm just too addicted to computers and my email to be left without a computer.
I have never had so much trouble with computers in all my life as I have since I started RVing! In all the years I was using a computer, I only had TWO! My first computer YEARS ago lasted forever! In fact, I gave it to the kid next door when I got a new one and he used it all thru high school! I did all my record keeping and made all my handouts for bird marts, etc ....used them all of the time and they were constantly subjected to bird dust from all of the parrots since I kept it near the bird room! And don't forget the cat hair since Holly's favorite sleeping place was on the desk lounging on the key board!
I burned out lots of printers, but never had but one or two problems, easily fixed, with computers. Now, it seems I'm going thru them right and left! Seems I need a new one or a major repair at least every year! I told my sister I wasn't going to worry about it anymore. I'd go with a cheap computer and use my external hard drive to save stuff, then if I had to replace the computer every year I wouldn't be loosing stuff and out of a lot of money! I'll just budget a cheap laptop into my annual expenses!
The new one has Windows 7 on it and I've had so much FUN trying to get programs loaded. Most of my old programs won't load to Windows 7, so I've been wandering all over the internet looking for patches and driver downloads.
Also, the mail program isn't outlook it is Windows Live so I had to get my gmail to download to that. At least it is keeping me busy, out of trouble, out of the bars and off of the streets and alleys!
I met Brenda and her sister Ellen for lunch. Always have enough to bring home a box for supper. They give way to much food at the pasta place, the price is really good for their lunch menu. I do enjoy eating there!
While out running errands, I ran into a neighbor I had when I lived here in town. She has retired from the prison and is working for a computer repair business here in town. Came home, picked up my desk top and took it over to them before the day was over! I think I'll dig out all of the odds and ends of laptop and computer pieces I have with me and before I leave town, take them over and have them destroy the old ones that cannot be fixed! I do all of my banking, etc on line I didn't want to dump them anyplace in case someone would be able to get into them. I'll take the HP laptop back to Staples in Marshalltown…that one went belly-up in less than a year.
Went to the hardware store to see if they still sold “bees wax’ for lubricating screws. They do! I think it will make taking my steps apart and putting them back together much easier if I can wax the threads of the bolts and protect the holes from moisture.
Lou Bright stopped by. I worked with Lou at the prison. Had a nice visit. Hope to have time to meet him and his wife for dinner some night.
Thursday morning was an early start (for old fat retired ladies!) Out the door by 7:30 to get Li’lBit to the vet for teeth cleaning and the truck to the Dodge dealer for it’s Well Baby Check-up!
Li’l Bit is nearly blind, getting hard of hearing, if she looses her teeth, what's she got. I waited for the truck at the dealer, but couldn’t pick up Li’lBit until after 3PM. Holly really missed Li'lBit. She wandered around, laid down by the door like she was waiting for her to come home. Then when I brought Li'lBit in, the two of them immediately went to the bed and remained cuddled up in the comforter until that evening.
Coming to Gatesville is always a high-dollar visit but this is where I do everything. I just feel comfortable dealing with the folks here, lived here for so long.
Friday was a “No Appointment” day so I can keep the money I have in my wallet for another day! The air was super heavy and the dehumidifier ran full blast all morning. Dreary, damp, drizzly 67 degrees -- I could have stayed in Rockport and been treated the same – and been closer to fresh seafood!
Brenda brought my mail....all junk! I'm sure glad she doesn't send me all of that crap when I’m on the road! You would think, since I never buy anything from them, they would stop sending that stuff. Then we headed off to Swindall's (another one of my favorite haunts in Gatesville) for lunch.
Gotta love Facebook. Ran into one of my favorite Sergeants from when I worked at the prison. She called after her doc appointment and we met at Swindall’s (my second trip there today!) for ice tea and a nice long visit.
My sister sent me some pictures that her secretary's husband sent. He is in Colorado opening up their 'summer home" and woke the ground covered with snow. Sure glad that's not me!
The humidity here is getting to me already. If it isn't the blowing dust and pollen, it is the humidity! I cannot believe I lived here over 20 years! No wonder my lungs died!! And I've been blaming it on the birds!
Had a horrible storm come thru Friday nite. Came up from DelRio and picked up speed and intensity all the way. I had the 'sleepies' and went to bed about 9PM. By 11 PM the weather radio was beeping and I was out of bed, had the laptop open with the weather radar running. I hate HD TV, can't get anything during a storm and that is when I need it most!
Sustained winds were 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, then the 70 mph straight line winds hit. Thought for while it was a tornado, sirens went off but I didn't leave, we were having hail the size of quarters. I just hunkered down here in the RV with the quilts over the critters. By a little after midnite it was gone and I was back in bed with my weather radio tucked in by my pillow!
Saturday morning was still a little windy but the sun was shining. Beautiful day and all of the pollen and dust have gone bye-bye! At least for awhile!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
April 14 – 17 Ready to Roll!
Holly has an ‘emotional’ thing about the slides coming in. The minute she hears the grinding and feels the floors move, she runs and hides. And her favorite hiding spot is under the bed down near the hydraulic mechanism that pulls the slides in…not a good place! So, to avoid having to search for her or risk her getting squished in the mechanism, I shut her in the shower. Evidentially the door didn't latch. After the slides were in, Holly was missing!
An hour later, I still couldn’t find Holly; hope the damn cat isn't squished somewhere. Later that evening she came out, she was in the back of the closet. She must have pulled it open some way. After that, the closet door was closed, latched, secured with tape and pillows were stuffed in her openings under the bed!
THURSDAY APRIL 15 TAX DAY…6:50 AM, drizzle, cloudy, humid; rain on and off all nite. Once the sun tried to appear through the overcast sky, I was on the road.
My trip was uneventful. I didn't get lost or make the wrong turns (except going around Victoria and I make that same mistake every time just 'cuz I'm not over in the right lane quick enough!) I no longer consider that missed exit a 'mistake' since I know where the next turn around is!
Pulled into Gatesville about 2:30, the weather wasn't bad, but predicted to get worse the next day. Fred, one of the guys that lives here permanently, helped me unhitch. The park here is pull thru, so I can do it myself if I have to. Unhitching isn't my problem. Backing in and hitching up is!
I'm not unpacking too much since I'll be heading to Iowa May 24. While here, I’m not in the RV a lot and I don't do a lot of cooking, mostly soups and eating out with friends. There is lots of 'catching up' to do with gossip and coffee drinking and lunches, etc.
The weather has been cold/rainy/dreary! I sure hope this wintery stuff gets out of the way! I'm ready for some warm and dry!
FRIDAY, 62 degrees, windy, rainy, sounds like a repeat of Rockport! I busied myself unpacking and straightening up enough that I could get Tinga back in her home and Li'lBit and Holly could get to their beds and food bowls!
Brenda came by with TWO WalMart plastic shopping bags full of mail!
The TV is set up. I'm on antenna here so needed to reacquaint myself with the converter box. Hopefully I'll remember how to do it when I get to Marshalltown!
SATURDAY confession time! I got so busy cleaning up, I deleted all of my emails! What a mess I made of that! Email had been piling up for several days, nearly a week, since I'd been packing and on the road. I guess if I miss anything important, someone will let me know.
An hour later, I still couldn’t find Holly; hope the damn cat isn't squished somewhere. Later that evening she came out, she was in the back of the closet. She must have pulled it open some way. After that, the closet door was closed, latched, secured with tape and pillows were stuffed in her openings under the bed!
THURSDAY APRIL 15 TAX DAY…6:50 AM, drizzle, cloudy, humid; rain on and off all nite. Once the sun tried to appear through the overcast sky, I was on the road.
My trip was uneventful. I didn't get lost or make the wrong turns (except going around Victoria and I make that same mistake every time just 'cuz I'm not over in the right lane quick enough!) I no longer consider that missed exit a 'mistake' since I know where the next turn around is!
Pulled into Gatesville about 2:30, the weather wasn't bad, but predicted to get worse the next day. Fred, one of the guys that lives here permanently, helped me unhitch. The park here is pull thru, so I can do it myself if I have to. Unhitching isn't my problem. Backing in and hitching up is!
I'm not unpacking too much since I'll be heading to Iowa May 24. While here, I’m not in the RV a lot and I don't do a lot of cooking, mostly soups and eating out with friends. There is lots of 'catching up' to do with gossip and coffee drinking and lunches, etc.
The weather has been cold/rainy/dreary! I sure hope this wintery stuff gets out of the way! I'm ready for some warm and dry!
FRIDAY, 62 degrees, windy, rainy, sounds like a repeat of Rockport! I busied myself unpacking and straightening up enough that I could get Tinga back in her home and Li'lBit and Holly could get to their beds and food bowls!
Brenda came by with TWO WalMart plastic shopping bags full of mail!
The TV is set up. I'm on antenna here so needed to reacquaint myself with the converter box. Hopefully I'll remember how to do it when I get to Marshalltown!
SATURDAY confession time! I got so busy cleaning up, I deleted all of my emails! What a mess I made of that! Email had been piling up for several days, nearly a week, since I'd been packing and on the road. I guess if I miss anything important, someone will let me know.
April 12 - 14 Packing Up, Closing Up!
SUNDAY, April 11, the packing up, cleaning up and closing up started. It seems to take a little longer each time. Wouldn’t you think I would have it down to a science by now? It is amazing how much junk I accumulate and have laying around during a 4 1/2 month stay in one place. Started raining, fortunately I had most of my outside stuff done prior to the rain.
Once the slides are in, it is hard for my fat ol' body to get into the living room area. The table pulls in right close to the kitchen counter. I either have to crawl OVER the table or UNDER it! So needless to say, I move everything I might need while traveling and maybe a day or two extra on or under the table or available on the top of the bedroom dresser! The bed pulls in to close off the dresser drawers, so it is much easier to survive with anything that may be needed to be in a box, handy and available.
I made meals for a couple of days and have them in baggies in the freezer. Really don't need to get this "ready" just going to Gatesville, it is only 5-6 hours but I'm ready if I don't get unhitched right away and it keeps me in practice for the 3-days to Iowa move!
MONDAY was cloudy, dreary, and humid but I refused to turn on the dehumidifier. I had already cleaned it and put it away! Vacuuming was finished and the plastic carpet runners were washed and rolled for storage. With the runners up, I could see how really dirty/dingy my carpeting had become. Need to shampoo it, but will wait until I get to Gatesville and hope for a dry day. Tinga's cage was cleaned and moved to the table, ready to be strapped down.
I think I want to get rid of one of my reclincers. It would make it easier to move and I could store Tinga’s cage back there instead of having to move it to the table.
I talked with Allison before I headed out to lunch about help hitching up.
There are just a few 5th wheels left in the park so I'm going to have to be ready when they are, especially if they are leaving this week, too! While in the office I made my reservations for next winter, November 29 – April 11.
Met the RV lunch bunch for our last lunch together for this winter. Looking forward to seeing them all next winter.
My Acer laptop died tonite. I plugged it in and to make sure the battery was charged; it wouldn’t turn on. It's getting electricity, but the on-off swich just clicks! Computers must be allergic to me. I seem to have more trouble with them than anyone I know! I may have to run to WalMart and get me a mini-notebook or something. Can't be going without a computer when I’m on the road.
While I had Li'lBit out Tuesday morning, I took off the wooden steps. They are heavy buggers but easily came apart for storage in the back of the truck. Now I have to be careful not to fall going out; sure is a different! Li'lBit doesn't like it either. When I first took them off, she went right in, but the next time she had to come out, she wouldn't go down the RV steps. After carrying her down the steps a couple of times, she finally caught on!
Greased the hitch and then proceeded to reach across it while I was putting the steps in; so much for THAT tee-shirt! And it didn't even have any holes in it!
No sustained winds predicted for the rest of the week, some gusty periods but I can get off the road for those if they are too bad. But we have drizzle and showers all week...try to hitch up between the rain drops!
WEDNESDAY I met Deryl and Elke for one last lunch before I head north. We went to Jalisco’s for a great lunch. They are going east for a vacation this summer. I tried to talk them into thinking about stopping by the casino in Tama, Iowa for a couple of days on their way back to Texas. That would be about 10 miles down the road from me during the summer.
Just a few odd jobs left to do. When I got back from lunch the plants got moved to the under-compartment and to the shower. The holding tanks were emptied and the slides were put in. Electric was the only thing left. Allison said someone would be by about 3PM to hitch me up and move me forward for the nite.
By 4PM I was moved up front, ready to roll in the morning. Plugged in electric for the night.
Once the slides are in, it is hard for my fat ol' body to get into the living room area. The table pulls in right close to the kitchen counter. I either have to crawl OVER the table or UNDER it! So needless to say, I move everything I might need while traveling and maybe a day or two extra on or under the table or available on the top of the bedroom dresser! The bed pulls in to close off the dresser drawers, so it is much easier to survive with anything that may be needed to be in a box, handy and available.
I made meals for a couple of days and have them in baggies in the freezer. Really don't need to get this "ready" just going to Gatesville, it is only 5-6 hours but I'm ready if I don't get unhitched right away and it keeps me in practice for the 3-days to Iowa move!
MONDAY was cloudy, dreary, and humid but I refused to turn on the dehumidifier. I had already cleaned it and put it away! Vacuuming was finished and the plastic carpet runners were washed and rolled for storage. With the runners up, I could see how really dirty/dingy my carpeting had become. Need to shampoo it, but will wait until I get to Gatesville and hope for a dry day. Tinga's cage was cleaned and moved to the table, ready to be strapped down.
I think I want to get rid of one of my reclincers. It would make it easier to move and I could store Tinga’s cage back there instead of having to move it to the table.
I talked with Allison before I headed out to lunch about help hitching up.
There are just a few 5th wheels left in the park so I'm going to have to be ready when they are, especially if they are leaving this week, too! While in the office I made my reservations for next winter, November 29 – April 11.
Met the RV lunch bunch for our last lunch together for this winter. Looking forward to seeing them all next winter.
My Acer laptop died tonite. I plugged it in and to make sure the battery was charged; it wouldn’t turn on. It's getting electricity, but the on-off swich just clicks! Computers must be allergic to me. I seem to have more trouble with them than anyone I know! I may have to run to WalMart and get me a mini-notebook or something. Can't be going without a computer when I’m on the road.
While I had Li'lBit out Tuesday morning, I took off the wooden steps. They are heavy buggers but easily came apart for storage in the back of the truck. Now I have to be careful not to fall going out; sure is a different! Li'lBit doesn't like it either. When I first took them off, she went right in, but the next time she had to come out, she wouldn't go down the RV steps. After carrying her down the steps a couple of times, she finally caught on!
Greased the hitch and then proceeded to reach across it while I was putting the steps in; so much for THAT tee-shirt! And it didn't even have any holes in it!
No sustained winds predicted for the rest of the week, some gusty periods but I can get off the road for those if they are too bad. But we have drizzle and showers all week...try to hitch up between the rain drops!
WEDNESDAY I met Deryl and Elke for one last lunch before I head north. We went to Jalisco’s for a great lunch. They are going east for a vacation this summer. I tried to talk them into thinking about stopping by the casino in Tama, Iowa for a couple of days on their way back to Texas. That would be about 10 miles down the road from me during the summer.
Just a few odd jobs left to do. When I got back from lunch the plants got moved to the under-compartment and to the shower. The holding tanks were emptied and the slides were put in. Electric was the only thing left. Allison said someone would be by about 3PM to hitch me up and move me forward for the nite.
By 4PM I was moved up front, ready to roll in the morning. Plugged in electric for the night.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 4-10, LAST ENTRY FROM ROCKPORT
April 4 – Sunday HAPPY EASTER Kicked back and worked on my check lists, pulled out the packing stuff from the under compartment. Time to start getting organized about this move. Put a half-ham in the oven. Made hard boiled eggs yesterday – NO, I didn’t color them! But they sure tasted good for breakfast, creamed eggs on toast. I had some left over crumbled sausage to stir in – yummy!
Easter Monday. This was Dyngus Day! I’m always looking for a reason to celebrate! Its history dates back to 966 A.D. Originally, a trick-or-treating type of day, celebrations often rival St. Patrick's Day for drinking and merriment. It's meant to be a fun, light-hearted holiday following the seriousness of Lent. Also called Wet Monday, the tradition dictates that men soak females by tossing water on them or hit them with switches of pussy willows.(That sounds like FUN!!) Women get their revenge on Tuesday by throwing eggs! WHEW! That could get down right smelly!
Jeannette and her husband left today, northbound to Nebraska. Glad I said good-bye yesterday, they were gone by the time I took Li'lBit out at 7:30! And I didn't even hear them leave! Must be getting used to big-bad-diesel trucks movin' on!
Wandering around Facebook looking for ‘friends’, two 'friends suggestions' in a row were friends that have recently passed away! Nicha Cox and Leslie Gillis! Unbelievable! Kinda gave me the 'shivers' to have both of them appear at the same time! Guess they are trying to tell me something! I should probably be a more attentive listener.
The tree pollen is starting to catch up with me! Everything is covered with yellow pollen; the truck is sticky. Really need to get it to the truck washed.
Have plenty of the ham left for sandwiches. The bone went into the crock pot with dried peas and sure smells good.
Started taking stuff down from the walls and packing it away. I’m getting an early enough start I should be able to clean as I go. Usually I put off the packing until I’m too rushed to clean first! I'm such a procrastinator!
Not much breeze and in the 80s. Watered plants in the AM. They tend to dry so rapidly in the wind we have had for the last few days. Went into town and made an appointment to have the tire place air up my dually tires. I hate getting down on my hands and knees, prying off the hubcaps so I can reach the inner tire. I'll pay to have someone do that job! Guess that is one of the benefits of having worked all my life – so I could retire and pay for a few little luxuries!
TUESDAY I watched Ruth and Walter pack up; they head back to Maine Wednesday morning. I’m really gonna miss them!
Elke emailed; going to the Butter Churn in Aranasas Pass Wednesday nite. It's a 'home cookin' buffet type place. There's always something good to eat and plenty of it. http://www.butterchurnrestaurant.com/
My tire appointment is in the afternoon just before I meet them for dinner. The tire place is just down the road from them, so that will be convenient.
WEDNESDAY Busy Morning; Rick and Diane headed back to Michigan and Walter and Ruth headed back to Maine. There is just one motor home between me and the end of the street on this side and only three on the other side! I'm beginning to feel I'm the last dog hung around here. The park is really empty! Have another one leaving tomorrow and a bunch leaving during the rest of the week. I may have to hitch up myself! Hopefully, I'll have everything packed and the slides in on the 14th so all I'll have to do is unplug the electric, hitch up and put the jacks up on the 15th. That way, whenever anyone can come to help, I'll be ready! I kinda hate to leave this weather, it finally got nice!!!
Headed to the Chrysler/Plymoth dealer in Aransas Pass to get my tail light fixed. Ruth told me she had noticed my brake lights didn't work. On my way, I drove by a NAPA autoparts places with service bay. Figured that would probably be cheaper than the dealer so whipped in. It was just about noon and they told me to come back at 1:00. Then they decided as long as it was just one bulb, they would do it before lunch. When I asked how much, he said $5.00. Service with a smile! And it sure beat having to pull that whole tail light assemblly out and get to the bulb. Why in the world have they made everything so difficult!
Back in Rockport to the tire place but it was closed for lunch. Wandered around Castaways, didn't find anything I couldn't live without! Went back to the tire place, took me right in. While setting there waiting with my nose in a book, Deryl & Elke came in, they had their motor home in there for service.
As usual, it was a great time with Deryl & Elke. Got to their place early so we chatted for awhile, then went to the Butter Churn. I had gobs of good salads from their salad bar, then finished the meal off with a sirloin, some rice and mushroom gravy!
Weather front came thru and it was raining and really humid by the time I got back from dinner. At least there is a breeze. Breeze? It's a damn WIND!
THURSDAY started at 54 degrees 15 mph winds with gusts to 30, the sun is out and wasn't foggy for the first time in a few days. I did turn on the furnace for awhile to get some of the humidity and chill out. Where did spring go????
Cleaned up my old Acer laptop getting it ready for the trip back to Gatesville! Of course, I probably won't be using it, if I get in early enough I'll be able to set up the desk top 'puter. I really do like the desk top, THANK YOU ROBERT! Laptops are nice, but I'm so klutzy, I like a real keyboard and mouse!
Found a bunch of stuff on the Acer that I won't be using as long as I have the 'big' computer so I got busy saving to disk. That cleared up a bunch of hard drive space. Spent the rest of the day watching a scan and defrag plug along but finally got that taken care of and got me a little speed back.
Friday, 55 degrees, sunny, not too windy. A week from today I should be waking up in Gatesville!
Saturday I put my nose and elbow grease into packing. Refrigerator got cleaned, recliners are moved, must to the dismay of Holly and Li’l Bit. They can still get to them, just takes some maneuvering and jumping!
Dick and Lucille left today, headed back to Michigan. He was so much help to me this winter and I really enjoyed getting to know Lucille. Look forward to seeing them next winter.
Next blog entry should be coming from Gatesville TX
Good Lord Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise!
Easter Monday. This was Dyngus Day! I’m always looking for a reason to celebrate! Its history dates back to 966 A.D. Originally, a trick-or-treating type of day, celebrations often rival St. Patrick's Day for drinking and merriment. It's meant to be a fun, light-hearted holiday following the seriousness of Lent. Also called Wet Monday, the tradition dictates that men soak females by tossing water on them or hit them with switches of pussy willows.(That sounds like FUN!!) Women get their revenge on Tuesday by throwing eggs! WHEW! That could get down right smelly!
Jeannette and her husband left today, northbound to Nebraska. Glad I said good-bye yesterday, they were gone by the time I took Li'lBit out at 7:30! And I didn't even hear them leave! Must be getting used to big-bad-diesel trucks movin' on!
Wandering around Facebook looking for ‘friends’, two 'friends suggestions' in a row were friends that have recently passed away! Nicha Cox and Leslie Gillis! Unbelievable! Kinda gave me the 'shivers' to have both of them appear at the same time! Guess they are trying to tell me something! I should probably be a more attentive listener.
The tree pollen is starting to catch up with me! Everything is covered with yellow pollen; the truck is sticky. Really need to get it to the truck washed.
Have plenty of the ham left for sandwiches. The bone went into the crock pot with dried peas and sure smells good.
Started taking stuff down from the walls and packing it away. I’m getting an early enough start I should be able to clean as I go. Usually I put off the packing until I’m too rushed to clean first! I'm such a procrastinator!
Not much breeze and in the 80s. Watered plants in the AM. They tend to dry so rapidly in the wind we have had for the last few days. Went into town and made an appointment to have the tire place air up my dually tires. I hate getting down on my hands and knees, prying off the hubcaps so I can reach the inner tire. I'll pay to have someone do that job! Guess that is one of the benefits of having worked all my life – so I could retire and pay for a few little luxuries!
TUESDAY I watched Ruth and Walter pack up; they head back to Maine Wednesday morning. I’m really gonna miss them!
Elke emailed; going to the Butter Churn in Aranasas Pass Wednesday nite. It's a 'home cookin' buffet type place. There's always something good to eat and plenty of it. http://www.butterchurnrestaurant.com/
My tire appointment is in the afternoon just before I meet them for dinner. The tire place is just down the road from them, so that will be convenient.
WEDNESDAY Busy Morning; Rick and Diane headed back to Michigan and Walter and Ruth headed back to Maine. There is just one motor home between me and the end of the street on this side and only three on the other side! I'm beginning to feel I'm the last dog hung around here. The park is really empty! Have another one leaving tomorrow and a bunch leaving during the rest of the week. I may have to hitch up myself! Hopefully, I'll have everything packed and the slides in on the 14th so all I'll have to do is unplug the electric, hitch up and put the jacks up on the 15th. That way, whenever anyone can come to help, I'll be ready! I kinda hate to leave this weather, it finally got nice!!!
Headed to the Chrysler/Plymoth dealer in Aransas Pass to get my tail light fixed. Ruth told me she had noticed my brake lights didn't work. On my way, I drove by a NAPA autoparts places with service bay. Figured that would probably be cheaper than the dealer so whipped in. It was just about noon and they told me to come back at 1:00. Then they decided as long as it was just one bulb, they would do it before lunch. When I asked how much, he said $5.00. Service with a smile! And it sure beat having to pull that whole tail light assemblly out and get to the bulb. Why in the world have they made everything so difficult!
Back in Rockport to the tire place but it was closed for lunch. Wandered around Castaways, didn't find anything I couldn't live without! Went back to the tire place, took me right in. While setting there waiting with my nose in a book, Deryl & Elke came in, they had their motor home in there for service.
As usual, it was a great time with Deryl & Elke. Got to their place early so we chatted for awhile, then went to the Butter Churn. I had gobs of good salads from their salad bar, then finished the meal off with a sirloin, some rice and mushroom gravy!
Weather front came thru and it was raining and really humid by the time I got back from dinner. At least there is a breeze. Breeze? It's a damn WIND!
THURSDAY started at 54 degrees 15 mph winds with gusts to 30, the sun is out and wasn't foggy for the first time in a few days. I did turn on the furnace for awhile to get some of the humidity and chill out. Where did spring go????
Cleaned up my old Acer laptop getting it ready for the trip back to Gatesville! Of course, I probably won't be using it, if I get in early enough I'll be able to set up the desk top 'puter. I really do like the desk top, THANK YOU ROBERT! Laptops are nice, but I'm so klutzy, I like a real keyboard and mouse!
Found a bunch of stuff on the Acer that I won't be using as long as I have the 'big' computer so I got busy saving to disk. That cleared up a bunch of hard drive space. Spent the rest of the day watching a scan and defrag plug along but finally got that taken care of and got me a little speed back.
Friday, 55 degrees, sunny, not too windy. A week from today I should be waking up in Gatesville!
Saturday I put my nose and elbow grease into packing. Refrigerator got cleaned, recliners are moved, must to the dismay of Holly and Li’l Bit. They can still get to them, just takes some maneuvering and jumping!
Dick and Lucille left today, headed back to Michigan. He was so much help to me this winter and I really enjoyed getting to know Lucille. Look forward to seeing them next winter.
Next blog entry should be coming from Gatesville TX
Good Lord Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise!
EASTER HAM & EGG RECIPES
EGGS CREAMED ON TOAST
6 eggs hard boiled, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste
Finely diced green onions optional
Melt butter in saucepan, add flour until it forms into a ball. Slowly add the milk and stir until the sauce comes to a boil.
Stir the salt, pepper, and chopped eggs into the sauce; stir until the eggs are heated.
Add diced ham, or crumbled bacon or sausage for additional flavor.
HAM AND EGG PIE
2 deep dish pie shells
1 cup shredded baked ham, (can use sausage or bacon)
3 boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
3 TBS butter
1 cream of chicken soup
½ soup can of milk
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp onion powder or finely chopped green onions
Prick one shell and pre bake 375 degrees for 7 minutes or until turning golden; drop temp to 325.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour in baked crust. Invert the unbaked crust and top pie sealing or crimping the edges. Vent the top.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden and ingredients are hot.
HAM AND PEA SOUP
After soaking peas, I just pour it all in the crockpot and let it go!
2 cups dried peas or split peas
1/2 cup diced pieces of cooked ham or a ham bone
1 onion or leek, diced (Small amount of oil for softening onions)
1 carrot, grated, optional
6 cups ham stock or water (I save the drippings from the roasting pan and mix with water.)
Salt, pepper
Soak the peas as directed on the packet. Chop the onion, if used, and soften in a little fat over a low heat. Add the peas, grated carrots and water or stock and the ham bone.
Cook gently until the peas are soft - about an hour. Remove the bone and strip off any meat. Adjust the seasoning. Add the diced ham.
Optional - Puree the peas in a blender or pass through a sieve for smoother soup.
6 eggs hard boiled, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste
Finely diced green onions optional
Melt butter in saucepan, add flour until it forms into a ball. Slowly add the milk and stir until the sauce comes to a boil.
Stir the salt, pepper, and chopped eggs into the sauce; stir until the eggs are heated.
Add diced ham, or crumbled bacon or sausage for additional flavor.
HAM AND EGG PIE
2 deep dish pie shells
1 cup shredded baked ham, (can use sausage or bacon)
3 boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
3 TBS butter
1 cream of chicken soup
½ soup can of milk
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp onion powder or finely chopped green onions
Prick one shell and pre bake 375 degrees for 7 minutes or until turning golden; drop temp to 325.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour in baked crust. Invert the unbaked crust and top pie sealing or crimping the edges. Vent the top.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden and ingredients are hot.
HAM AND PEA SOUP
After soaking peas, I just pour it all in the crockpot and let it go!
2 cups dried peas or split peas
1/2 cup diced pieces of cooked ham or a ham bone
1 onion or leek, diced (Small amount of oil for softening onions)
1 carrot, grated, optional
6 cups ham stock or water (I save the drippings from the roasting pan and mix with water.)
Salt, pepper
Soak the peas as directed on the packet. Chop the onion, if used, and soften in a little fat over a low heat. Add the peas, grated carrots and water or stock and the ham bone.
Cook gently until the peas are soft - about an hour. Remove the bone and strip off any meat. Adjust the seasoning. Add the diced ham.
Optional - Puree the peas in a blender or pass through a sieve for smoother soup.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
March 28 - April 3 - The Park is Thinning Out!
March 28th it was 54 degrees when I got up. Took Li'lBit out and noticed everyone gathering down by Rocky & Carol's RV; they were hitching up to leave today, heading back to Michigan. Hopefully these folks that are leaving will be back next year. Will be nice to see them again and catch up on the year’s happenings. Mimi, the lady on the street behind me left today also. Her RV is permanently here. She goes somewhere up east. Don’t blame her for wanting to get out of the Texas Heat for the summer!
I wanted to get one of those larger folding lawn chairs. Ruth & Walter have a couple and they are really comfortable - have a little 'lumbar' pillow and a WIDE seat! Didn't have them at the WalMart here but they called and found them in Aransas Pass, about 15 miles south of here. Li'lBit and I headed to Aransas Pass. NICE Wally World! Half again as big as the one here, a Lowe's hardware across the intersection and a Tractor Supply down the road! I'm in Hog Heaven!
While there I picked up an air compressor for my RV tires. So much for all of my Wally World gift cards! But sure was nice having them!
Li'lBit and I stopped at DQ for a blizzard and then came home. 75 degrees, kinda windy, but warm in the sun. Weather has been great and Li'lBit and I have been outside most of the time.
Rain and Sid moved on again and are settled for a week. It’s nice to hear when they arrive safely. I'm really getting hitch itch and gotta get outta here! I'm paid up until Apr 15 but the way RVers are pulling out, I hope there is someone around to help me hitch up!
Deryl & Elke are back from their trip out west. Had some illness problems along the way! Isn't that the way it is when you’re on vacation! They brought some home-canned smoked salmon from his sister and gave me one of the jars...WOW! Is it good! I mixed it with mayonnaise ala tuna salad -- yummy! Deryl said it is even better if you mix it with sandwich spread!
On MONDAY morning Li'lBit watered the grass while I watered the hanging baskets, and waved good-bye to Bob and Gelene - headed back to Iowa.
While trying to figure out how to put my air compressor together and Dick, from next door, come over with tools and did it for me. He has one just like it so suggested I go to ACE hardware and get a couple extra pieces, just to make it easier to hook it up to the tires, etc. Off To ACE! I really wouldn't be RVing like this if it wasn't for the super folks that are my neighbors!
Thermometer said it was 77 degrees but felt more like 87 degrees! Very little wind and the sun is high and hot! YIPPEE! This is why I'm here
TUESDAY morning everyone was down at Marv & Bev's place. They were heading back to Michigan. Marv is the one that backs me in and makes sure my tires are ready to go! Guess I’ll have to find someone else to help me out this spring.
Elke emailed first thing in the morning, they wanted to go to Pepitos, so it was Lunch bunch at 11:30 and Pepitos at 5PM. Lunch Bunch was to meet at JDs only to find it was closed for repairs! Seems to be our lunch bunch luck lately, picking a place to meet only to find it down for repairs. Maybe we are a jinx to restaurants. Ended up coming back into town and chowing down at Panjo's Pizza -- pizza, subs, pasta, salads. We decided to try to get one more lunch bunch G2G in before I leave. Roberta is here except for a few months in the summer and Dan is going to spend most of the summer here, skip out for a short road trip in the fall. Jim heads back to Oregon the first of May. Roberta and Dan have joined a Winter Texans single seniors group. They get together a couple of times a month for activities. I told them to check it out and if it isn't a dating service or a 'meat market' I might have to look into it next winter.
Pepitos with Deryl & Elke means the veggie quesadilla, I love that thing! Eat the rice, beans and the salad and bring the quesadilla home. I'm getting really good at making two meals out of one. So many places give so much more than I can eat in one setting, especially when visiting with friends. Seems I tend to visit more than eat!
Stopped in the office to pay my electric and still had money 'on credit'! They are planning an early Lady's Lunch for Wednesday. Going to The Beach House. Our “lunch bunch’ met there awhile back for lunch. Nice sandwich/salad place.
WEDNESDAY, the end of March! Weather man said it was to be really windy last nite and today so I took the hanging baskets down. Nice day, not too much wind, 76 degrees.
I brought tonite’s supper home with me! I had the combination salad plate at The Beach House. It was a huge plate, 1/3 of the plate piled with over a cup of chicken salad, 1/3 piled with well over a cup of freshly diced fruit, and the other 1/3 was piled with a huge mixed greens salad with slice olives, carrots, tomatoes, etc. WHEW! I ate the greens and the fruit and brought the chicken salad home. There was enough chicken in it to make some chicken salad for sandwiches.
I find it so amazing how many people I have met on line and RVing and how often something comes up where we find out just how small the world is. What is the human web? 6 degrees of separation. If a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known to the people they know, then everyone is at most six steps away from any other person on Earth. And I'm beginning to think that is true! For a couple of weeks I have been thinking about the Esh family, the Mennonite family that was killed in a traffic accident while traveling to Iowa for a wedding. And today, an email friend sends me a YouTube of the family singing. She said she had met the family when they built some of their out-buildings. Amazing voices: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfHSXZJX_E#watch-main-area
On Thursday an Easter Box arrived from my sister. She is the “holiday person’ – never forgets a holiday. Cute cup filled with candy – just what I need!
FRIDAY APRIL 2 was 70 degrees at 8AM, sunny, breezy. A great day to be outside and that is where I spent it!
Really foggy and damp, heavy air on Saturday. I have both the dehumidifier AND the A/C running so you know I’m suffering with this “bad air” day! Good day for staying in and getting all of my check lists, packing lists, etc copied and put together. The packing has officially started!
Did the laundry routine on Saturday this week. Not many folks left in the park to take up all of the machines. I'm feeling closer to 'moving day' - started packing away odds and ends and arranging the 'stuff' in my undercompartments.
I wanted to get one of those larger folding lawn chairs. Ruth & Walter have a couple and they are really comfortable - have a little 'lumbar' pillow and a WIDE seat! Didn't have them at the WalMart here but they called and found them in Aransas Pass, about 15 miles south of here. Li'lBit and I headed to Aransas Pass. NICE Wally World! Half again as big as the one here, a Lowe's hardware across the intersection and a Tractor Supply down the road! I'm in Hog Heaven!
While there I picked up an air compressor for my RV tires. So much for all of my Wally World gift cards! But sure was nice having them!
Li'lBit and I stopped at DQ for a blizzard and then came home. 75 degrees, kinda windy, but warm in the sun. Weather has been great and Li'lBit and I have been outside most of the time.
Rain and Sid moved on again and are settled for a week. It’s nice to hear when they arrive safely. I'm really getting hitch itch and gotta get outta here! I'm paid up until Apr 15 but the way RVers are pulling out, I hope there is someone around to help me hitch up!
Deryl & Elke are back from their trip out west. Had some illness problems along the way! Isn't that the way it is when you’re on vacation! They brought some home-canned smoked salmon from his sister and gave me one of the jars...WOW! Is it good! I mixed it with mayonnaise ala tuna salad -- yummy! Deryl said it is even better if you mix it with sandwich spread!
On MONDAY morning Li'lBit watered the grass while I watered the hanging baskets, and waved good-bye to Bob and Gelene - headed back to Iowa.
While trying to figure out how to put my air compressor together and Dick, from next door, come over with tools and did it for me. He has one just like it so suggested I go to ACE hardware and get a couple extra pieces, just to make it easier to hook it up to the tires, etc. Off To ACE! I really wouldn't be RVing like this if it wasn't for the super folks that are my neighbors!
Thermometer said it was 77 degrees but felt more like 87 degrees! Very little wind and the sun is high and hot! YIPPEE! This is why I'm here
TUESDAY morning everyone was down at Marv & Bev's place. They were heading back to Michigan. Marv is the one that backs me in and makes sure my tires are ready to go! Guess I’ll have to find someone else to help me out this spring.
Elke emailed first thing in the morning, they wanted to go to Pepitos, so it was Lunch bunch at 11:30 and Pepitos at 5PM. Lunch Bunch was to meet at JDs only to find it was closed for repairs! Seems to be our lunch bunch luck lately, picking a place to meet only to find it down for repairs. Maybe we are a jinx to restaurants. Ended up coming back into town and chowing down at Panjo's Pizza -- pizza, subs, pasta, salads. We decided to try to get one more lunch bunch G2G in before I leave. Roberta is here except for a few months in the summer and Dan is going to spend most of the summer here, skip out for a short road trip in the fall. Jim heads back to Oregon the first of May. Roberta and Dan have joined a Winter Texans single seniors group. They get together a couple of times a month for activities. I told them to check it out and if it isn't a dating service or a 'meat market' I might have to look into it next winter.
Pepitos with Deryl & Elke means the veggie quesadilla, I love that thing! Eat the rice, beans and the salad and bring the quesadilla home. I'm getting really good at making two meals out of one. So many places give so much more than I can eat in one setting, especially when visiting with friends. Seems I tend to visit more than eat!
Stopped in the office to pay my electric and still had money 'on credit'! They are planning an early Lady's Lunch for Wednesday. Going to The Beach House. Our “lunch bunch’ met there awhile back for lunch. Nice sandwich/salad place.
WEDNESDAY, the end of March! Weather man said it was to be really windy last nite and today so I took the hanging baskets down. Nice day, not too much wind, 76 degrees.
I brought tonite’s supper home with me! I had the combination salad plate at The Beach House. It was a huge plate, 1/3 of the plate piled with over a cup of chicken salad, 1/3 piled with well over a cup of freshly diced fruit, and the other 1/3 was piled with a huge mixed greens salad with slice olives, carrots, tomatoes, etc. WHEW! I ate the greens and the fruit and brought the chicken salad home. There was enough chicken in it to make some chicken salad for sandwiches.
I find it so amazing how many people I have met on line and RVing and how often something comes up where we find out just how small the world is. What is the human web? 6 degrees of separation. If a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known to the people they know, then everyone is at most six steps away from any other person on Earth. And I'm beginning to think that is true! For a couple of weeks I have been thinking about the Esh family, the Mennonite family that was killed in a traffic accident while traveling to Iowa for a wedding. And today, an email friend sends me a YouTube of the family singing. She said she had met the family when they built some of their out-buildings. Amazing voices: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfHSXZJX_E#watch-main-area
On Thursday an Easter Box arrived from my sister. She is the “holiday person’ – never forgets a holiday. Cute cup filled with candy – just what I need!
FRIDAY APRIL 2 was 70 degrees at 8AM, sunny, breezy. A great day to be outside and that is where I spent it!
Really foggy and damp, heavy air on Saturday. I have both the dehumidifier AND the A/C running so you know I’m suffering with this “bad air” day! Good day for staying in and getting all of my check lists, packing lists, etc copied and put together. The packing has officially started!
Did the laundry routine on Saturday this week. Not many folks left in the park to take up all of the machines. I'm feeling closer to 'moving day' - started packing away odds and ends and arranging the 'stuff' in my undercompartments.
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