Friday the 16th was 56 windy degrees in the AM. Time to dig out the box of oatmeal!
Blood sugar 134 - not bad for the morning after potluck! BUT, I took plain steamed veggies and a couple of the guys brought baked fish. Must have been some good fishin' that week! Of course Tony brought his wonderful chicken & dumplin' soup and Carole brought her wild rice and mushroom soup. Even avoiding the standard pasta and noodle casseroles, I still had plenty of carbs! AND, Pat brought her 'to die for' bread pudding with lemon sauce for dessert. So much for my diet last nite! But I did enjoy the fish and the soups.
Lady's lunch was at the I-HOP down in Portland. I bummed a ride with Connie, just didn’t feel like driving the truck to Portland – was supposed to rain and didn’t want to drive home in the rain! I'm getting to be a real Whimp when it comes to driving unless I have to - especially now with all the road construction!
What an experience. We waited until they could get tables together - like they didn't know we were coming! Took forever to get our food - people being seated long after we were there were fed and gone before our food came. I had the Senior Sampler breakfast platter. It was good - can't complain about the food or the price - but the service sucked. Would recommend it for groups of 4 or less! I'll go to IHOP again IF I'm down that way shopping - just won't go with a group - they don't handle groups well!
Propane guy didn't have his truck so couldn't fill bottles, only motor homes.
Al delivered the Christmas box from my sister. I had checked my mail before we went to lunch - guess UPS didn't get here until late. I didn't even have my tree up and I had presents! I opened the “kids” gifts. Li'lBit loved the treats and Caleb loved the balls. He took one over to Li'lBit and dropped it in her bed. She picked it up and dropped it back out! Guess she didn't want to play!
Tinga was asleep so she didn’t know she had presents until later! Holly just wanted the treats!
Why the hell does everyone take the skin off of chicken breasts? I want chicken breasts WITH THE SKIN! That's why I like Fareway in Marshalltown IA! Here I usually end up getting a whole chicken and cutting it up myself! Hate that - all I want is the breasts. I’ll peel the skins of myself AFTER I’ve cooked them! Oh, Well!
59 sunny degrees on Sunday. Hard to get in the Christmas spirit! Just can’t seem to catch enough “good air’ to walk up the hill to church and for the ice cream social.
I stayed close to bed all day Sunday and didn't finish the cookies so Monday was cookie baking time! I promised 2-3 dozen cookies for the cocoa and cookies after caroling Monday nite. No, I don't go caroling!
Made some really good cheddar salmon chowder for lunch.
I was so proud of Caleb; he didn’t even carry on like a barking mad dog when the carolers came by Monday nite!
Tuesday I finally decided to crawl out of bed and go to lady’s coffee even though something blew thru during the night when the rains came. Allison brought the best nut rolls and poppy seed rolls to the coffee. They are absolutely to die for!
Definitely NOT a good air day! 68 dreary damp humid degrees. At least it wasn't the 50 mph winds and foot of snow they had predicted for the panhandle. Propane truck is back and I got propane! Bring on the cold! I’m ready!
Cold front came roaring in with wind chill in the lower 50s - gettin' kinda windy out - still dreary and damp. I stayed in with a cup of tea and a piece of saffron cake (Thanks to my brother! Sure glad he keeps that tradition!) My place smells like Christmas and all is well with the world! I certainly didn't expect THREE loaves! I feel like Aunt Louise (my mother’s aunt) - wrap it tight in aluminum foil, put it in the refrigerator, and take a little piece out at a time! She could make one loaf last all year long! I don't think I have the will power to stretch it out over a year!
Wednesday Dec 21 Happy Solstice to all and to all a Long Night! 58 degrees but we did have sun and not too much wind. Weatherman says it is to continue getting colder until after Christmas. Glad I have propane, sweaters and plenty of blankets!
I'm going to have to find some heavier flower pots so my poinsettias don't all blow over every day!
That crazy Caleb likes to eat the acorns that fall on the ground. He will even dig up the ones the squirrels bury! Guess he has been a scavenger for so long, he still thinks he has to eat that way! I'm surprised he is as good as he is when I'm feeding in the AM. He doesn't get too piggy. He'll let Holly & Li'lBit eat, but he sometimes is a little short on patience and must think they eat too slow!
Thursday the 22nd, 52 degrees, wind chill 47. At least we didn’t get the snow that fell in the pan handle! Gonna be a damp, humid, dreary kinda day today. Good day for me to stay in. My lungs just aren’t ‘rebounding’ like they usually do. Put some lentil/barley soup in the crock pot for Hanukkah. Ready in time for supper, I fixed some potato pancakes and apple sauce.
Friday I took the left over steamed veggies and added them to a creamed soup base. I found a small pack of shrimp, cooked them up and put them in my cream of veg soup. I'm set for the cold weather now!
Dec 24th my friend in town ended up in the hospital awaiting surgery to ream out his carotid arteries. To make matters worse, his wife was limping around on an infected foot. Definitely not a Merry Christmas at their place!
My oyster stew was in the crock pot and ready for when I got home from the gift exchange and candle light service at the activity building.
Amy's little girl, Maddie, 8 yrs old, is home from the hospital for Christmas but had to return to have her spleen removed on Tuesday. Not a cheery What I Did On My Christmas Vacation!
Christmas Day, still dreary and chilly. Headed up to the activity building for Christmas Dinner, didn’t go up for church. Really took a chill being out in the dampness/rain Christmas Eve so stayed in bed Christmas morning. Probably should have stayed home Christmas Day, too. By Christmas nite I was really ‘down and out!” Came home, went to bed, slept until 6PM, got up, drank some tea, and went back to bed! It sure is rough getting OLD!
Monday 26th, definitely should NOT have gone to dinner Christmas day since it was still damp and chilly, but you know me - never pass up a meal!
I didn't go up to coffee on the 27th. In the 40s and I just didn’t want to go OUT. A week of 40-50 degree weather and rain/drizzle/fog burns up the propane! I just switched tanks Christmas afternoon.
Tuesday was propane day - left my tank with a check on it at the front of my RV. I just didn't feel like staying outside and waiting for him so crawled back in my bed planning on checking it later and putting the tank away. All of a sudden I heard clunking sounds and my storage door opening and closing! Cleo had come down to make sure I got my tank in. I had trouble connecting my last tank and he had helped me, cap just wouldn't screw on straight! So when he saw my tank setting out, he just came by and put it in, connected it - I'm ready to go...just how spoiled is THAT!
Wednesday was a nice 60 degrees and sunny day. Needed to get out and get some fresh air – as my mother used to say – get out and get the stink blown off! Went to lunch with Kathy, Dan, Bobbie and her friend, Bobbie's daughter, Jim, Ed, Donna, and Vickie. Quite the bunch - but we certainly increase the cash intake for lunch! We met at the Lunch Box. I love their Reuben sandwich. I had a cup of their tomato basil soup (excellent!)
Stopped at WallyWorld and picked up dog & cat food (and kitty litter!) - Essentials! Went by Castaways and found a $3 blender, a nice Cabin Creek grey/tan tweed looking linen jacket and two pan lids to go with 2 pans I don't have lids for, but I do now! Got out of there for less money than lunch.
Stopped by the office and picked up my mail. I keep forgetting I've sent change of address in on some things and now I need to remember to check my mail box at least a couple times a week.
YIPPEE! Keith and Pat got in just before Christmas. Marv & Bev showed up about 6:30! They are down the end of my street and Marv has to back all the way down there. Most folks that have to back down the street do it ever so slowly and have a person walking down ahead of them. Not Marv, he backs it up in one swift shot! So good to see them.
Thursday I was back to staying close to the oxygen and my bed. I'm beginning to wonder if all the road construction in front of the park has something to do with it. Just had to head off to the laundry – it was either that or go naked! Then back home to suck up on oxygen and hit the bed. I even drove to the laundry room, just hard to catch a decent breath when I’m walking. Didn’t even wander up to Friendship Supper.
Friday 60 degrees and dense fog. Feeling better today but the cough is back! The fog makes it a little rougher trying to suck in heavy air!
December 31st 64 foggy, foggy, foggy degrees! Feeling better - even with the fog - except I just can't keep going too long! I've really gotta talk to the doc about getting my portable oxygen back. I’ve tried it without, but it is just too much effort, and too painful for the lungs, to exert myself to do anything on ‘bad air days.’
It’s New Years Eve but no celebrating here at my place! They are having a pizza party and game night at the activity building, but I'm still fighting the lung crud. I'm feeling lots better, but it is humid and foggy (and not supposed to get any better tonite!) so I'm staying in and WARM!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Here Comes Christmas; Dec 1-15, 2011
Dec 1st I was in no hurry to get going. Off to the northwest, it looked like a 'blue Norther' was comin' in..of course it was 69 humid degrees so I didn’t think it would bring much snow! We reached our high for the day at about 7 AM – it was all down hill from there! December was off to a ‘nippy’ start and I was still fighting a horrible head cold or sinus/allergy thing, but I do each time I move so I guess I just need to stock up on meds ahead of time!
I did scalloped taters and ham for the Thursday nite Friendship supper. Over half were gone so I turned the left-overs into ham, potato, cheese soup. Aren’t crock pots wonderful!
The flock continues to flock. The tables at the pot luck suppers are getting full. The coconut cream pie lady is back and the Caesar salad lady is back! AND the carrot cake lady is back. I had to decide between coconut cream pie and carrot cake; settled on carrot cake!
Friday the park served breakfast for the Good Samaritan volunteers (a group in Rockport that does things for the needy.) Allison treats them to a breakfast just as a "thank you" for what they do. I volunteered for the fruit bowl bunch, so I took kiwi and bananas. The men do the biscuits, gravy, pancakes, scrambled egg part.
Rainy Friday but we are still about 12 inches behind in rainfall for the year and the prospect for next year doesn't look much better. The weatherman said, "if it ain't dead by now it will be by next summer." Thought that was a cheery thought for the holiday season! Know anyone that wants horses? They are practically giving them away at the livestock auctions; people just can't afford to feed them.
Blood sugar 135 in the AM after the pot luck; a little too much potato casserole, rice casserole, pasta casseroles! And Carrot cake!!
By Saturday, I still hadn’t decided if I was going to do decorations inside or outside. Bob and Gelene got here a couple of days ago. They always have a wonderful outside Christmas display. Many in the park do. It is really pretty in the evening when the lights come on.
Saturday breakfast in the club house is always a fun thing. Just nice to be served, not have to cook and do dishes! And there is always time for another cup of coffee and some good time with friends. I was still coughing and sneezing but this, too, shall pass (I hope!)
Caleb is doing is own thing! I just can't seem to get him house broken, but he is doing better and occasionally remembers to use Li'lBit's pee papers. He is doing better in the crate. Still whimpers and whines a little, but settles down. I was gone for over 2 hours the other day and my neighbor said she didn't hear him! And, about the only time he barks is when he sees Holly, the crazy cat! They still don't get along! Of course, Holly isn't willing to be friends, either! Oh, and he still carries on like I’m skinning him alive when we are outside and he sees another dog. There has got to be more puppy in this character than the vet thought!
Monday the winds picked up about 4 AM, cold front was a comin! Didn’t get out of the 50s all day. A couple warm dry days would definitely help this coughin’ & sneezin’!
Hadn’t seen a lot of Deryl & Elke. They were busy making ‘trailer runs’ back and forth from Louisiana. They do a really nice job renovating those FEMA trailers. But they were back in town for a day or so before heading out again so we met at Moon Dogs down on the beach. Had a good hamburger and sweet tator fries. Brought my fries home; I had pigged out on chips and dip before they brought the food!
My High School class is having our 50th reunion in June. I will be in Iowa for the summer so I’m thinking I might take the trailer over since it is a 3 day thing. Haven’t found any local pull-thru's and Horseshoe Pond only has electric hook ups. Still mulling it about in my brain! They have a shower house so they must have a water faucet somewhere! I can carry enough water for showers and flushing and just take a jug or two for coffee, etc. I'll decide when they get the plans more finalized for the reunion. I just don't want to drop $80+ a nite to stay in a motel! And, what to do with all the critters for 3 days.
42 degrees at wake up on Tuesday; didn’t get into the 30's (as predicted) over night. One more 'cold front' nite to go. Furnace is working and I still have propane.
Guess who was outside at 5AM Wednesday switching propane tanks! YUP! Woke up at 4:30 and it was COLD! Got up, kicked up the furnace. The blower come on; no heat! Tossed on some clothes and hit an outside windchill of 27 degrees! Came in and started the furnace, the coffee and put some crock pot candy (peanuts and almond bark.) Talk about a dumb move - I had to be at doc's office for fasting lab at 7:30…dumb! Dumb! dumb! Making candy before fasting lab! How Stupid!
3 dozen gingerbread and 2 dozen sugar cookies frosted and ready to go for the cookie tasting. We all make a cookies and instead of exchanging them (like most Christmas Cookie get-togethers) we set around and drink coffee and visit and taste a few. Then they are put in the refrig to have a selection for other events going on at the club house. Then, we resupply/supplement whatever is left and finish them off with cocoa the evening of caroling in the park. Rough life!
It made it all the way up to 43 degrees with a wind chill of 39! Guess I'm not far enough south! By the time it made it up to 49 sunny degrees, the wind had died down and I opened my front door. My house still smells like chocolate candy and cookies! I'll be on a sugar and caffeine high until sometime tomorrow, I'm sure.
Chilly nites – tea weather! Found a new fun tea at the grocery – Eggnog Tea by Biglow. It is spiced like egg nog but doesn't taste like egg or milk. It's whiskey! Takes me back to my drinkin' days, the warm feeling you could get in your nose/sinus from straight whiskey! Well, that 'warmth' in the nose/sinus - that's what it is with this tea!
Up and moving at 7 AM Thursday morning. Coffee's made, kids all fed and watered! But Tinga can’t come out until AFTER I've taken my meds. I set them in a little dish on my desk and she thinks they are hers! WRONG!
Only went down to 46, again the predicted freeze didn't come, but I was ready! I had filled a couple of jugs with water - just in case!
Got a call of Bobbie; she is in town from NM, going to spend a couple months here.
Lunch with Bobbie and Dan at Panjos. Had a great lunch - love to visit and eat! Didn't bring any of the pizza home, either - we sat there for so long drinking ice tea and visiting, all the time munching, the pizza just disappeared!
Stopped at WalMart and picked up some $5 poinsettias to decorate the front of the 5th wheel; it was time to take down the pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn!
Pot luck at 6PM. Plenty of desserts; just what I didn't need, but Jeanetta brought her home made cheese cake and I had to have some of that! YUMMY!
Nice morning Friday 56 degrees! Amazing how chilly 56 degrees can feel after a stretch of 70 degree weather and how 'balmy' it feels after 40 degree weather!
Yesterday’s pizza for lunch and potluck (with 2 desserts) left me with a 154 blood sugar. I can see it is time to make a trip to the fish market!
Need to catch the propane guy today. Hope he has his truck with the nozzle for filling the smaller tanks. His truck has been down for repairs and the one he has been driving only has the nozzle for the motor homes. Not a problem for me YET – still have a relatively full tank and I can haul my empty down to the station if I really get desperate!
Sunday and I miss the Sunday table at Johnnies! There are some things in my life that just cannot be replaced and her Sunday table is one of them!
Caleb and Holly are still feuding! But he is doing better about house breaking and I walked to the office building without putting him in his crate; still had a house to come home to, that is definitely an improvement. He wants to play with Li'lBit but she just doesn't play anymore. So now I have squeeky toys all over the place -- anything to keep him occupied! Li’lBit had her toys hidden all over the place and I think he has found everyone of them and piled them in the middle of the floor.
This is a strange December here in the park. I used to come down the Monday after Thanksgiving and the park was nearly full. There are still empty spaces; it seems so strange. I guess people aren't traveling with the price of fuel....of course, several aren't coming due to health problems (happens at this age, you know!) and some will be down after Christmas.
All summer long I copied casserole recipes so I'll have something different to make to take to the suppers. Everything is always potatoes, rice, noodles, pasta -- and my blood sugar is sky high the next day. So...thought I'd find something different. I've been taking steamed mixed vegetables (using different seasonings or a light sauce or just plain olive oil on them) and they are really going over. So, I'll just continue taking that.
Didn't crawl out of bed until nearly 8AM on the 12th! By the time I had the critters taken care of, it was time for meds and coffee - I still hadn’t gotten out of my jammies! Didn’t have anywhere to go so stayed in them most of the day! Felt GOOD! Finally got started on Christmas cards and a few decorations up.
Met Deryl & Elke at Jaliscos Monday evening. I love the combo plate! Can make about 3 meals out of it!
Time to get the Christmas grocery list ready – definitely have to get oysters (for stew) and fresh and dried mushrooms for cream of mushroom soup.
67 humid degrees Tuesday. Not a good air day. I did a quick breathing treatment and then went up to the coffee. Good thing I went - forgot I had told them I'd bake cookies for the caroling and hot chocolate nite! I'd better start gettin' it together and make a list – even forgot to sign up for Lady’s lunch on Friday!
Caleb is really a nuisance! He wants out all of the time. When I'm home it is in and out and in and out - of course, Li'lBit thinks that is wonderful. Li'lBit brought him the rest of her squeaky toys (the ones he hadn’t already found!) He’s not happy about it but he lets her eat first in the AM - it's just Holly that still has her feline nose in the air
8AM the 14th had my appointment with the doc about my labs. I was ready for my butt-chewin’! After a summer in Iowa and Thanksgiving at Johnnies – and I haven’t been hangin’ out at the fish market like usual, I was sure I’d be getting one! Lab was good, cholesterol was good, didn't loose any weight but didn't gain any either. That's it, see her again in 3 months! There is a big sign outside her clinic "accepting new patients." Wonder if that means her patients are dying off, I don’t consider that a good sign!
After the doc appointment, went into town to the UPS store and it wasn’t there. The space in the mall was EMPTY! Drove on down to The Mail Box to see who they used – ahhhh…UPS!
Back home by 9:45, 68 degrees, sunny. Worked some more on Christmas cards -- kinda hard to get in the mood with 70 degree sunny weather!
Pan fried chicken - didn't bread it, just browned and steamed in the fry pan. Put the meat and juices in the crock pot – added noodles later – good soup! Then it was nap time! Still fighting the stuffy nose/sinus – definitely allergies and the allergy meds zonk me! Caleb isn't much into this "nap" thing. Thinks he has to bring all of Li'lBit's squeeky toys up on the bed and then play with them…WRONG!
68 degrees, humid and dreary on Thursday the 15th. They keep predicting rain and all we get is dreary drizzle. Friendship supper night. Still taking steamed vegetables. As long as they go over, that’s what I’ll be taking.
I did scalloped taters and ham for the Thursday nite Friendship supper. Over half were gone so I turned the left-overs into ham, potato, cheese soup. Aren’t crock pots wonderful!
The flock continues to flock. The tables at the pot luck suppers are getting full. The coconut cream pie lady is back and the Caesar salad lady is back! AND the carrot cake lady is back. I had to decide between coconut cream pie and carrot cake; settled on carrot cake!
Friday the park served breakfast for the Good Samaritan volunteers (a group in Rockport that does things for the needy.) Allison treats them to a breakfast just as a "thank you" for what they do. I volunteered for the fruit bowl bunch, so I took kiwi and bananas. The men do the biscuits, gravy, pancakes, scrambled egg part.
Rainy Friday but we are still about 12 inches behind in rainfall for the year and the prospect for next year doesn't look much better. The weatherman said, "if it ain't dead by now it will be by next summer." Thought that was a cheery thought for the holiday season! Know anyone that wants horses? They are practically giving them away at the livestock auctions; people just can't afford to feed them.
Blood sugar 135 in the AM after the pot luck; a little too much potato casserole, rice casserole, pasta casseroles! And Carrot cake!!
By Saturday, I still hadn’t decided if I was going to do decorations inside or outside. Bob and Gelene got here a couple of days ago. They always have a wonderful outside Christmas display. Many in the park do. It is really pretty in the evening when the lights come on.
Saturday breakfast in the club house is always a fun thing. Just nice to be served, not have to cook and do dishes! And there is always time for another cup of coffee and some good time with friends. I was still coughing and sneezing but this, too, shall pass (I hope!)
Caleb is doing is own thing! I just can't seem to get him house broken, but he is doing better and occasionally remembers to use Li'lBit's pee papers. He is doing better in the crate. Still whimpers and whines a little, but settles down. I was gone for over 2 hours the other day and my neighbor said she didn't hear him! And, about the only time he barks is when he sees Holly, the crazy cat! They still don't get along! Of course, Holly isn't willing to be friends, either! Oh, and he still carries on like I’m skinning him alive when we are outside and he sees another dog. There has got to be more puppy in this character than the vet thought!
Monday the winds picked up about 4 AM, cold front was a comin! Didn’t get out of the 50s all day. A couple warm dry days would definitely help this coughin’ & sneezin’!
Hadn’t seen a lot of Deryl & Elke. They were busy making ‘trailer runs’ back and forth from Louisiana. They do a really nice job renovating those FEMA trailers. But they were back in town for a day or so before heading out again so we met at Moon Dogs down on the beach. Had a good hamburger and sweet tator fries. Brought my fries home; I had pigged out on chips and dip before they brought the food!
My High School class is having our 50th reunion in June. I will be in Iowa for the summer so I’m thinking I might take the trailer over since it is a 3 day thing. Haven’t found any local pull-thru's and Horseshoe Pond only has electric hook ups. Still mulling it about in my brain! They have a shower house so they must have a water faucet somewhere! I can carry enough water for showers and flushing and just take a jug or two for coffee, etc. I'll decide when they get the plans more finalized for the reunion. I just don't want to drop $80+ a nite to stay in a motel! And, what to do with all the critters for 3 days.
42 degrees at wake up on Tuesday; didn’t get into the 30's (as predicted) over night. One more 'cold front' nite to go. Furnace is working and I still have propane.
Guess who was outside at 5AM Wednesday switching propane tanks! YUP! Woke up at 4:30 and it was COLD! Got up, kicked up the furnace. The blower come on; no heat! Tossed on some clothes and hit an outside windchill of 27 degrees! Came in and started the furnace, the coffee and put some crock pot candy (peanuts and almond bark.) Talk about a dumb move - I had to be at doc's office for fasting lab at 7:30…dumb! Dumb! dumb! Making candy before fasting lab! How Stupid!
3 dozen gingerbread and 2 dozen sugar cookies frosted and ready to go for the cookie tasting. We all make a cookies and instead of exchanging them (like most Christmas Cookie get-togethers) we set around and drink coffee and visit and taste a few. Then they are put in the refrig to have a selection for other events going on at the club house. Then, we resupply/supplement whatever is left and finish them off with cocoa the evening of caroling in the park. Rough life!
It made it all the way up to 43 degrees with a wind chill of 39! Guess I'm not far enough south! By the time it made it up to 49 sunny degrees, the wind had died down and I opened my front door. My house still smells like chocolate candy and cookies! I'll be on a sugar and caffeine high until sometime tomorrow, I'm sure.
Chilly nites – tea weather! Found a new fun tea at the grocery – Eggnog Tea by Biglow. It is spiced like egg nog but doesn't taste like egg or milk. It's whiskey! Takes me back to my drinkin' days, the warm feeling you could get in your nose/sinus from straight whiskey! Well, that 'warmth' in the nose/sinus - that's what it is with this tea!
Up and moving at 7 AM Thursday morning. Coffee's made, kids all fed and watered! But Tinga can’t come out until AFTER I've taken my meds. I set them in a little dish on my desk and she thinks they are hers! WRONG!
Only went down to 46, again the predicted freeze didn't come, but I was ready! I had filled a couple of jugs with water - just in case!
Got a call of Bobbie; she is in town from NM, going to spend a couple months here.
Lunch with Bobbie and Dan at Panjos. Had a great lunch - love to visit and eat! Didn't bring any of the pizza home, either - we sat there for so long drinking ice tea and visiting, all the time munching, the pizza just disappeared!
Stopped at WalMart and picked up some $5 poinsettias to decorate the front of the 5th wheel; it was time to take down the pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn!
Pot luck at 6PM. Plenty of desserts; just what I didn't need, but Jeanetta brought her home made cheese cake and I had to have some of that! YUMMY!
Nice morning Friday 56 degrees! Amazing how chilly 56 degrees can feel after a stretch of 70 degree weather and how 'balmy' it feels after 40 degree weather!
Yesterday’s pizza for lunch and potluck (with 2 desserts) left me with a 154 blood sugar. I can see it is time to make a trip to the fish market!
Need to catch the propane guy today. Hope he has his truck with the nozzle for filling the smaller tanks. His truck has been down for repairs and the one he has been driving only has the nozzle for the motor homes. Not a problem for me YET – still have a relatively full tank and I can haul my empty down to the station if I really get desperate!
Sunday and I miss the Sunday table at Johnnies! There are some things in my life that just cannot be replaced and her Sunday table is one of them!
Caleb and Holly are still feuding! But he is doing better about house breaking and I walked to the office building without putting him in his crate; still had a house to come home to, that is definitely an improvement. He wants to play with Li'lBit but she just doesn't play anymore. So now I have squeeky toys all over the place -- anything to keep him occupied! Li’lBit had her toys hidden all over the place and I think he has found everyone of them and piled them in the middle of the floor.
This is a strange December here in the park. I used to come down the Monday after Thanksgiving and the park was nearly full. There are still empty spaces; it seems so strange. I guess people aren't traveling with the price of fuel....of course, several aren't coming due to health problems (happens at this age, you know!) and some will be down after Christmas.
All summer long I copied casserole recipes so I'll have something different to make to take to the suppers. Everything is always potatoes, rice, noodles, pasta -- and my blood sugar is sky high the next day. So...thought I'd find something different. I've been taking steamed mixed vegetables (using different seasonings or a light sauce or just plain olive oil on them) and they are really going over. So, I'll just continue taking that.
Didn't crawl out of bed until nearly 8AM on the 12th! By the time I had the critters taken care of, it was time for meds and coffee - I still hadn’t gotten out of my jammies! Didn’t have anywhere to go so stayed in them most of the day! Felt GOOD! Finally got started on Christmas cards and a few decorations up.
Met Deryl & Elke at Jaliscos Monday evening. I love the combo plate! Can make about 3 meals out of it!
Time to get the Christmas grocery list ready – definitely have to get oysters (for stew) and fresh and dried mushrooms for cream of mushroom soup.
67 humid degrees Tuesday. Not a good air day. I did a quick breathing treatment and then went up to the coffee. Good thing I went - forgot I had told them I'd bake cookies for the caroling and hot chocolate nite! I'd better start gettin' it together and make a list – even forgot to sign up for Lady’s lunch on Friday!
Caleb is really a nuisance! He wants out all of the time. When I'm home it is in and out and in and out - of course, Li'lBit thinks that is wonderful. Li'lBit brought him the rest of her squeaky toys (the ones he hadn’t already found!) He’s not happy about it but he lets her eat first in the AM - it's just Holly that still has her feline nose in the air
8AM the 14th had my appointment with the doc about my labs. I was ready for my butt-chewin’! After a summer in Iowa and Thanksgiving at Johnnies – and I haven’t been hangin’ out at the fish market like usual, I was sure I’d be getting one! Lab was good, cholesterol was good, didn't loose any weight but didn't gain any either. That's it, see her again in 3 months! There is a big sign outside her clinic "accepting new patients." Wonder if that means her patients are dying off, I don’t consider that a good sign!
After the doc appointment, went into town to the UPS store and it wasn’t there. The space in the mall was EMPTY! Drove on down to The Mail Box to see who they used – ahhhh…UPS!
Back home by 9:45, 68 degrees, sunny. Worked some more on Christmas cards -- kinda hard to get in the mood with 70 degree sunny weather!
Pan fried chicken - didn't bread it, just browned and steamed in the fry pan. Put the meat and juices in the crock pot – added noodles later – good soup! Then it was nap time! Still fighting the stuffy nose/sinus – definitely allergies and the allergy meds zonk me! Caleb isn't much into this "nap" thing. Thinks he has to bring all of Li'lBit's squeeky toys up on the bed and then play with them…WRONG!
68 degrees, humid and dreary on Thursday the 15th. They keep predicting rain and all we get is dreary drizzle. Friendship supper night. Still taking steamed vegetables. As long as they go over, that’s what I’ll be taking.
December Recipes
Tomato Soup
32 oz canned diced tomatoes (different flavored/seasoned tomatoes create interesting flavors)
9 oz chicken broth
1 oz butter
2 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP chopped onion
1 pinch baking soda
2 cups cream or half/half – I use ½ half & half and ½ milk
Mix together every thing but cream, and simmer 1 hour. Warm the cream before adding to the hot tomato mix.
Lentil Soup
1 lb. lentils
6 TBSP olive oil
28 oz can tomatoes, crushed or puree
1 large onion chopped fine
3 cloves garlic
1 stalk celery
2 carrots
1 lb sausage (can use left over diced ham)
1 can broth - beef, chicken or vegetable (about 14 oz)
2 bay leaves
1/2 TSP rosemary
2 Quarts water
1 can broth - beef, chicken or vegetable (to be added later in the recipe)
salt and pepper to taste
Barely cover lentils with water and boil gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain in colander. Put olive oil in pot and saute onion and garlic until onions are firm but cooked. Add meat and brown. Add vegetables and saute another 5 minutes. Do not cover.
Add tomatoes, water, broth, bay leaves, and rosemary. Heat to a gentle steady simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add lentils. Stir to coat well. Add second can of broth and pepper to taste. Cover pot. Adjust heat to cook at gentle, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add more water. When lentils are done, add salt and oregano.
Salmon Cheese Chowder
3 tablespoons butter- I use olive oil
1/2 C diced celery
1/2 C diced carrot
1/4 C finely chopped onion
2 TBSP flour
1 2/3 C chicken or vegetable stock
2 C diced potatoes
12 to 16 ounces diced fresh salmon or canned flaked salmon*
1 C peas – I use frozen
2 C half & half - I use 2% milk
2 C shredded Cheddar cheese – or any kind of cheese you prefer.
1 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
salt and pepper, to taste
Heat butter over medium-low heat. Add celery, carrot, and onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until celery is tender. Stir in flour until well blended. Stir in chicken broth. Add potatoes. Cover and simmer, stirring frequently until potatoes and carrots are tender. (about 15 minutes. Takes me a little longer since I prefer my vegetables in chunks a little bigger than ‘diced’.)
Add the salmon and peas, cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add half-and-half (or milk,) along with cheese and parsley. Cook, stirring, until cheese melts and the soup just begins to bubble.
Salt and pepper to takes.
*If using canned salmon, drain off some of the packing water.
I have also made this using left over fried or baked fish and tuna! When using tuna, I leave out the potatoes and serve it over toast, biscuits or rice.
32 oz canned diced tomatoes (different flavored/seasoned tomatoes create interesting flavors)
9 oz chicken broth
1 oz butter
2 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP chopped onion
1 pinch baking soda
2 cups cream or half/half – I use ½ half & half and ½ milk
Mix together every thing but cream, and simmer 1 hour. Warm the cream before adding to the hot tomato mix.
Lentil Soup
1 lb. lentils
6 TBSP olive oil
28 oz can tomatoes, crushed or puree
1 large onion chopped fine
3 cloves garlic
1 stalk celery
2 carrots
1 lb sausage (can use left over diced ham)
1 can broth - beef, chicken or vegetable (about 14 oz)
2 bay leaves
1/2 TSP rosemary
2 Quarts water
1 can broth - beef, chicken or vegetable (to be added later in the recipe)
salt and pepper to taste
Barely cover lentils with water and boil gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain in colander. Put olive oil in pot and saute onion and garlic until onions are firm but cooked. Add meat and brown. Add vegetables and saute another 5 minutes. Do not cover.
Add tomatoes, water, broth, bay leaves, and rosemary. Heat to a gentle steady simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add lentils. Stir to coat well. Add second can of broth and pepper to taste. Cover pot. Adjust heat to cook at gentle, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add more water. When lentils are done, add salt and oregano.
Salmon Cheese Chowder
3 tablespoons butter- I use olive oil
1/2 C diced celery
1/2 C diced carrot
1/4 C finely chopped onion
2 TBSP flour
1 2/3 C chicken or vegetable stock
2 C diced potatoes
12 to 16 ounces diced fresh salmon or canned flaked salmon*
1 C peas – I use frozen
2 C half & half - I use 2% milk
2 C shredded Cheddar cheese – or any kind of cheese you prefer.
1 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
salt and pepper, to taste
Heat butter over medium-low heat. Add celery, carrot, and onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until celery is tender. Stir in flour until well blended. Stir in chicken broth. Add potatoes. Cover and simmer, stirring frequently until potatoes and carrots are tender. (about 15 minutes. Takes me a little longer since I prefer my vegetables in chunks a little bigger than ‘diced’.)
Add the salmon and peas, cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add half-and-half (or milk,) along with cheese and parsley. Cook, stirring, until cheese melts and the soup just begins to bubble.
Salt and pepper to takes.
*If using canned salmon, drain off some of the packing water.
I have also made this using left over fried or baked fish and tuna! When using tuna, I leave out the potatoes and serve it over toast, biscuits or rice.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thanksgiving in Gatesville; November Comes to an End
Went to bed the 16th with the temp 88 degrees - woke up on Thursday 17th to 54 degrees and WINDS. Decided to take my time with the last minute loading to see if the winds would die down some before I hit the road. Definitely needed my hoodie!
Plans were to have the trailer hitched up and on the road by noon and to be into Gatesville before dark. Deryl and Elke came by the storage place to help me hitch up and I was on the road well a head of time. Made it to Gatesville about 5PM - some problems with the same wheel. Paranoia took hold and I slowed down to about 30 mph for the last 60 miles or so. Would stop in every little town and pull over and check the wheel hub to make sure it wasn’t getting to hot. Pulled into the RV park in Gatesville with plenty of day light – Fred was right there to help me level and unhitch. Can’t believe how easy the travel trailer is compared to that 5th wheel.
Trying to get the critters settled in the trailer was a chore; Caleb did not like the trailer! Poor thing had been running free for months; then held in a kennel here in the park; then moved my my 5th wheel, now to the travel trailer - all in the matter of a couple of weeks.
I had moved Li’lBit and Holly into the trailer after we got on the road. Had left a leash on Caleb while in his crate - just to make it easier to get him out for potty stops. He traveled in his crate on the front seat really well...except he chewed his leash in half - TWICE! Little trouble maker.
Holly and Li’lBit soon re-established their trailer territories and then in came new baby brother, Caleb to upset the apple cart. We survived!
Temps were down in the 40s the nite I pulled in. Flipped on the furnace. It put out massive amount of heat and noise! With the furnace in the area where the bed is, I knew I was not going to let it run all night! There were more important things to do. Had to get out to Johnnie’s for coffee! I'm so thankful for Johnnie's coffee pot. And I'm thankful for her and her family, too! They 'adopted' a total stranger (and one from the NORTH!) and made me part of the family!
Woke up the 18th freezing my rear end off! Trip to WalMart for a small electric space heater, some sweat pants and a heavy hoodie. Now I’m ready.
Caleb went to the vet - probably 1-2 yrs old, definitely has some rat terrier or Jack Russell Terrier along with a 'healthy dose" of Chihuahua genes. Had his shots, heart worm tests, ‘well-baby' check-up and he passed!
After spending $$ on him at the vet and making an appointment to get him sliced and spliced, guess who ran off as soon as we got home! Fred, the manager here at the RV park, tossed his coat over him and brought him back! WHEW! That is one runnin' pup!
What a difference a day makes. Woke up on the 19th to 71 degrees! Sure glad I ran right out and got that space heater, my hoodie and a pair of sweat pants!
My Verizon modem (hot spot) died and if I couldn’t find a 'free wifi" I’d be without a computer (internet) until I get back to Rockport! There were several WiFi connections available in the area, but they needed a password. I finally got in on the Court House Annex. It didn’t ask for a password so I guess it was OK to use it. It was driving me crazy, dropping off every time you turned around. So, off to WalMart to pick up a Virgin Mobile Pay-as-you-go USB modem thingy. Not the speediest connection, could get pricey if I download videos, play games, etc....but for email and facebook, it will be OK until I can get my Verizon hotspot thing squared away.
Oh, and I must say, I am thankful that Bush's Chicken has tight-fitting lids on their large ice tea cups. Absolutely nothing spilled when I tipped it over on my laptop. Good lids or I’m really quick – not sure, but tragedy was averted!
Ol' Caleb is like a double-edged sword! He is just the sweetest, most affectionate dog -- and THEN....he definitely has a temper when he can’t run out the door! Whole bunch of spitting, snarling, gnashing of the teeth! And this, too, shall pass. (I hope!)
Didn’t want to leave Caleb in the trailer while I was gone visiting and coffee-drinking, the spaces are too close for his whimpering and whining! So, he went with me everywhere and lived in his crate in the truck while I was running errands and visiting. Certainly glad the weather was cooperative to carry a critter in the truck. He does well in the crate; I finally learned to take his leash off while he is in there! And, I'm very proud to announce that Tinga has learned to whine and whimper like Caleb!
Guard Cat Holly, with one eye open, controls the coming and going on Li'lBit's dog steps leading up to the bed. Caleb waits patiently for Holly to fall asleep! Crazy Critters. I think it is nice that my critters are color coordinated with the furniture in the trailer!
On November 21, I was thankful for some really nice folks in this world. Went in to have the lights checked on the truck - kept getting the 'lamp out' light. Just as they went to print up my bill, the computer went down and froze up. The service manager said, "it's only a bulb, have a nice Thanksgiving!" WOW! Then headed to the Verizon Store to pitch a fit about my WiFi I just bought last summer. No problem! After checking it, my 3G Wifi replaced with a 4G MiFi - no cost to me! Double-WOW!
The 23rd Caleb went in for his "mind altering surgery." He's had a rough day! This is the quietest I've seen him since he's been with me! But oh, is he a cry baby! Whine, Whine, Whimper, Whimper. (Not sure how much was him and how much was Tinga!)
As usual, with my stays in Gatesville, I thoroughly enjoyed lunching and visiting with everyone. There are so many folks I want to see and usually not enough time to see everyone. Brenda and I had a hard time getting together with her schedule, but we did manage! Oh, and bummer! Swindall’s is CLOSED! One of my favorite places to meet folks!
Just before Thanksgiving we got wind gusts over 30 mph. I was in my LITTTLE travel trailer - NOT my 5th wheel! Give a gal a break!
It was terrific seeing all of Johnnie’s family at Thanksgiving. She always has a houseful and way too much food! So, guess where I went for lunch the next couple of days!
Hitched up and headed back to Rockport on the 28th. Stopped by the tire place in Gatesville (I did business with them for years so I'm comfortable with their assessment!) No problem with tires or wheels – must have just been excess lubrication that I noticed on the trip up from Rockport.
I will admit, I stopped a little more frequently just to check wheels! This time I came in with all wheels intact! Makes a big difference in the trip when you can drive on all the tires! Unloaded critters, food, and the essentials and called it a day. Ron was here to help me back it into the space. I’m storing it in the back lot here at the RV park. Already miss Johnnie's coffee!
It is nice having the trailer so convenient. I can unload, load, clean, fix up, etc at my convenience! Getting back into the Rockport routine, I headed up to Ladies Coffee Tuesday AM. 55 degrees but sure felt colder. Guess that north wind doesn't help! Holly was sick so I spent time cleaning up kitty puke! She does this each time we move. Just upsets her delicate condition, I guess!
Came home from coffee so plugged up my head hurt! That's what happens when you have to scrape windows to hitch up on Monday and 1/2 way thru the day have to turn on the A/C in the truck! Or maybe it is just the feeling of finally being home.
Made a bunch of split pea/ham soup before I left to go to Gatesville and froze 1/2 of it. Guess what went into the crock pot! Made it up to 65 degrees, winds died down, sunny.
Wed 30th 57 degrees. Lucky me, with the plugged up head, the 'cold front' got stalled somewhere along the way! Met with Donna and her friend Vickie at Panjo’s for pizza. Vickie is from Oklahoma and travels alone with her dog and work-camps. Her and Donna are both out at the Wild Life Refuge north of town.
Pot luck on Thursday. Love pot lucks! Friday AM we served breakfast for the Good Samaritans, a local non-profit group that does stuff for needy here in the county. I was on the fruit bowl list and in charge of kiwi and bananas! Doesn't THAT sound exciting.
More RVs coming in. Gayle and Jeanetta were here when I got back from Gatesville, Gelene and Bob, from Ankeny, made it in and Cleo and Bonnie are here - the flock is flocking! Good seeing them.
Plans were to have the trailer hitched up and on the road by noon and to be into Gatesville before dark. Deryl and Elke came by the storage place to help me hitch up and I was on the road well a head of time. Made it to Gatesville about 5PM - some problems with the same wheel. Paranoia took hold and I slowed down to about 30 mph for the last 60 miles or so. Would stop in every little town and pull over and check the wheel hub to make sure it wasn’t getting to hot. Pulled into the RV park in Gatesville with plenty of day light – Fred was right there to help me level and unhitch. Can’t believe how easy the travel trailer is compared to that 5th wheel.
Trying to get the critters settled in the trailer was a chore; Caleb did not like the trailer! Poor thing had been running free for months; then held in a kennel here in the park; then moved my my 5th wheel, now to the travel trailer - all in the matter of a couple of weeks.
I had moved Li’lBit and Holly into the trailer after we got on the road. Had left a leash on Caleb while in his crate - just to make it easier to get him out for potty stops. He traveled in his crate on the front seat really well...except he chewed his leash in half - TWICE! Little trouble maker.
Holly and Li’lBit soon re-established their trailer territories and then in came new baby brother, Caleb to upset the apple cart. We survived!
Temps were down in the 40s the nite I pulled in. Flipped on the furnace. It put out massive amount of heat and noise! With the furnace in the area where the bed is, I knew I was not going to let it run all night! There were more important things to do. Had to get out to Johnnie’s for coffee! I'm so thankful for Johnnie's coffee pot. And I'm thankful for her and her family, too! They 'adopted' a total stranger (and one from the NORTH!) and made me part of the family!
Woke up the 18th freezing my rear end off! Trip to WalMart for a small electric space heater, some sweat pants and a heavy hoodie. Now I’m ready.
Caleb went to the vet - probably 1-2 yrs old, definitely has some rat terrier or Jack Russell Terrier along with a 'healthy dose" of Chihuahua genes. Had his shots, heart worm tests, ‘well-baby' check-up and he passed!
After spending $$ on him at the vet and making an appointment to get him sliced and spliced, guess who ran off as soon as we got home! Fred, the manager here at the RV park, tossed his coat over him and brought him back! WHEW! That is one runnin' pup!
What a difference a day makes. Woke up on the 19th to 71 degrees! Sure glad I ran right out and got that space heater, my hoodie and a pair of sweat pants!
My Verizon modem (hot spot) died and if I couldn’t find a 'free wifi" I’d be without a computer (internet) until I get back to Rockport! There were several WiFi connections available in the area, but they needed a password. I finally got in on the Court House Annex. It didn’t ask for a password so I guess it was OK to use it. It was driving me crazy, dropping off every time you turned around. So, off to WalMart to pick up a Virgin Mobile Pay-as-you-go USB modem thingy. Not the speediest connection, could get pricey if I download videos, play games, etc....but for email and facebook, it will be OK until I can get my Verizon hotspot thing squared away.
Oh, and I must say, I am thankful that Bush's Chicken has tight-fitting lids on their large ice tea cups. Absolutely nothing spilled when I tipped it over on my laptop. Good lids or I’m really quick – not sure, but tragedy was averted!
Ol' Caleb is like a double-edged sword! He is just the sweetest, most affectionate dog -- and THEN....he definitely has a temper when he can’t run out the door! Whole bunch of spitting, snarling, gnashing of the teeth! And this, too, shall pass. (I hope!)
Didn’t want to leave Caleb in the trailer while I was gone visiting and coffee-drinking, the spaces are too close for his whimpering and whining! So, he went with me everywhere and lived in his crate in the truck while I was running errands and visiting. Certainly glad the weather was cooperative to carry a critter in the truck. He does well in the crate; I finally learned to take his leash off while he is in there! And, I'm very proud to announce that Tinga has learned to whine and whimper like Caleb!
Guard Cat Holly, with one eye open, controls the coming and going on Li'lBit's dog steps leading up to the bed. Caleb waits patiently for Holly to fall asleep! Crazy Critters. I think it is nice that my critters are color coordinated with the furniture in the trailer!
On November 21, I was thankful for some really nice folks in this world. Went in to have the lights checked on the truck - kept getting the 'lamp out' light. Just as they went to print up my bill, the computer went down and froze up. The service manager said, "it's only a bulb, have a nice Thanksgiving!" WOW! Then headed to the Verizon Store to pitch a fit about my WiFi I just bought last summer. No problem! After checking it, my 3G Wifi replaced with a 4G MiFi - no cost to me! Double-WOW!
The 23rd Caleb went in for his "mind altering surgery." He's had a rough day! This is the quietest I've seen him since he's been with me! But oh, is he a cry baby! Whine, Whine, Whimper, Whimper. (Not sure how much was him and how much was Tinga!)
As usual, with my stays in Gatesville, I thoroughly enjoyed lunching and visiting with everyone. There are so many folks I want to see and usually not enough time to see everyone. Brenda and I had a hard time getting together with her schedule, but we did manage! Oh, and bummer! Swindall’s is CLOSED! One of my favorite places to meet folks!
Just before Thanksgiving we got wind gusts over 30 mph. I was in my LITTTLE travel trailer - NOT my 5th wheel! Give a gal a break!
It was terrific seeing all of Johnnie’s family at Thanksgiving. She always has a houseful and way too much food! So, guess where I went for lunch the next couple of days!
Hitched up and headed back to Rockport on the 28th. Stopped by the tire place in Gatesville (I did business with them for years so I'm comfortable with their assessment!) No problem with tires or wheels – must have just been excess lubrication that I noticed on the trip up from Rockport.
I will admit, I stopped a little more frequently just to check wheels! This time I came in with all wheels intact! Makes a big difference in the trip when you can drive on all the tires! Unloaded critters, food, and the essentials and called it a day. Ron was here to help me back it into the space. I’m storing it in the back lot here at the RV park. Already miss Johnnie's coffee!
It is nice having the trailer so convenient. I can unload, load, clean, fix up, etc at my convenience! Getting back into the Rockport routine, I headed up to Ladies Coffee Tuesday AM. 55 degrees but sure felt colder. Guess that north wind doesn't help! Holly was sick so I spent time cleaning up kitty puke! She does this each time we move. Just upsets her delicate condition, I guess!
Came home from coffee so plugged up my head hurt! That's what happens when you have to scrape windows to hitch up on Monday and 1/2 way thru the day have to turn on the A/C in the truck! Or maybe it is just the feeling of finally being home.
Made a bunch of split pea/ham soup before I left to go to Gatesville and froze 1/2 of it. Guess what went into the crock pot! Made it up to 65 degrees, winds died down, sunny.
Wed 30th 57 degrees. Lucky me, with the plugged up head, the 'cold front' got stalled somewhere along the way! Met with Donna and her friend Vickie at Panjo’s for pizza. Vickie is from Oklahoma and travels alone with her dog and work-camps. Her and Donna are both out at the Wild Life Refuge north of town.
Pot luck on Thursday. Love pot lucks! Friday AM we served breakfast for the Good Samaritans, a local non-profit group that does stuff for needy here in the county. I was on the fruit bowl list and in charge of kiwi and bananas! Doesn't THAT sound exciting.
More RVs coming in. Gayle and Jeanetta were here when I got back from Gatesville, Gelene and Bob, from Ankeny, made it in and Cleo and Bonnie are here - the flock is flocking! Good seeing them.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Nov 14 - 16 Meet the New Man in My Life -- or - Don't Tell My Sister!
Meet the New Man In My Life! Trial run....he has to get along with Li'lBit (wagging her tail and excited!), Holly (has already introduced him to her claws and hissing!) and Tinga (she hasn't said anything yet!) Little guy was found wandering out in the highway by the RV park. You can see he HAD a collar on at one time. Don't tell MY SISTER!
I'm not really a terrier person. They tend to be hyper and yippy and most aren't fond of parrots! So we will see. I'm used to my little laid-back LilBit so don't know how we will do.
The owner of the park caught me walking into church to tell me she had a dog for me....then after lunch, she is knocking on my door with "my dog!" Allison does have a persuasive way about her! And I have been selected!
He found the food and water bowl immediately and in the process he found Holly's claws and got a healthy swat, as only Holly can give! Gotta get used to the 'energy' of a Terrier and the yipping. I'm used to OLD dogs! If he survives the next few days (or maybe that should be – if I survive the next few days), I'll bring him to Gatesville and have Dr Clay take a look at him. He's still 'in tact!'
He was evidentially a man's dog. When Tony, the owner of the park, came by to see him, Caleb just went crazy and wanted to go with him. Every time he hears a man’s voice outside, he scratches at the door and whimpers and whines. Things are gonna have to change if he stays here. At least he blends into the color scheme of the RV! A Decorator Dog!
He is actually smaller than Li'lBit. Stands about the same height, but a much smaller frame.
I feel so sorry for him - he is trying (or wanting) to get somewhere - he lays by the door whining/crying. Then he will get up and scratch at the floor by the door. He hasn't been roaming free too long - he is clean. Will be interesting to see how "crowded" it gets when we move into the 23 ft trailer in Gatesville!
I watched the papers for a week for ‘missing’ ads, called the paper and the human society – even called the dog catcher to see if anyone is missing him. Guaranteed he won’t be a “HE” for much longer if he stays here! He is also a 'climber" - wants to be on your lap and then to your shoulder. This one is definitely a climber - he has been on every surface in the RV -- I've gotten to the point where I just carry a rolled up newspaper with me!
According to the local paper, this dog has been reported 'Found" several times starting Nov 5. He is either an escape artist or after awhile, whoever finds him lets him go. Shelter is full, not taking any more dogs. We went around to the local vets to see if they recognized him or if he had a microchip. No Luck. While we were out, drove around town, up and down the streets to see if he alerted to any neighborhoods. Nope! He rides well in the crate in truck. Does well in a crate in the truck. BUT…when we came back, he peed on the carpet (right after we came in from a short walk!) Right now it is a meeting of the minds - I'm not sure which "will" is stronger - HIS or MINE!
There is a 'separation anxiety' problem; he shreds papers when left alone! Not sure if it is a constant problem or just 'new home' problem. He also scratches at windows, screens and doors and tries to ‘escape’ when I leave. Crate Training in the house is definitely in order!
Named him Caleb....figured he came here on a Sunday, he needed a good Old Testament name so went on line to a list of Hebrew names and came up with Caleb (faithful -- and a little further down, 'faithful dog! Wishful thinking on my part!)
Every day I find more of his bad habits -- starting to understand why someone may have dumped him. But I have my hands full with his "problems!" I'm getting too old for this!
Monday 14th went to Pepitos with Deryl & Elke; love their veggie quesadilla!
More rigs coming in every day - taking longer and longer to get back inside when I take the dog(s) out! Just have to talk to everyone! Out of nowhere the sky got black, winds whipped around from the south and is gusting 25-30 mph! I thought I was back to spring in Iowa!
Wed was pack-it-up day. Didn’t have to take much…clothes, any food that would spoil, the critters and the laptop! I had asked Jeannie if she would water my plants so I don't have to take them.
Panic time – couldn’t find the keys to the travel trailer and I was due to ‘move out’ in less than 24 hours! Drove myself crazy looking for them....then remembered I had left them when they were repairing the RV and maybe just never picked them up.
I finally let Tinga out to free-fly, first time since Caleb moved in....he alerted immediately to her when she took off flying around. I cracked the rolled up newspaper that has become an extension of my right arm on the kitchen counter once - he went to 'his corner' under a dining chair (next to his crate) – Good Boy!
On the road in the AM!
November 7 - 13 Just another week in paradise!
Monday Nov 7 75 degrees - didn't crawl out of bed until nearly 8AM. Had some problems with coughing and sneezing the nite before so decided to take an allergy pill before I went to bed! Maybe I need to do that more often! I don't even remember waking up during the nite! Of course, I woke up so 'groggy' I needed an extra pot of coffee just to get going! Went into WalMart to get my RX and they didn't have them all-- so I got to go back to WallyWorld! Lucky Me!
I called the RV park in Gatesville and made reservations from Nov 17 until the Monday after Thanksgiving so I can have Thanksgiving with Johnnie and her family. And I do miss her coffee and our visits!
Monday nite was the Reprise from the ‘welcome back’ dinner - left over potato salad, puddings, brisket sandwiches and beans. Stuff is always better the second time around! I managed to WALK up to the activity bldg without walker or oxygen. As long as there are some empty spaces, I stop 1/2 way and take a breather at the picnic table. It's not quite so bad coming back since it is down hill! It isn't much of a hill, but I notice it!
Several rigs a day are coming in - the flock is flocking!
Went into town Tuesday to pick up meds...the saga continued! Stopped to pick up some veggies for soup in the crock pot, went to see Deryl & Elke and arrange for them to help me hitch up on the 17th for my trip to Gatesville. Meds weren't ready at WalMart, told me after 1PM! Went to HuDat's for one of their combo lunch specials; brought home enough for a couple more meals! Went back to Walmart, their med courier had not gotten in yet! So I got to make another trip to WalMart on Wednesday! This is really getting old! I decided to call before I made another trip!
Wed 9th 63 degrees sunny, WINDY! Winds 20 mph gusting to 40! High went into the upper 60s, then all down hill for a couple of days. Got a pot of veg-beef soup in the crock pot so I'm ready for the cold!
Definitely considering changing pharmacies – too much of a hassle at WalMart. Wednesday they only had 1 of the three ordered! Next time I'll ask HOW many Rx are ready instead of just saying are my prescriptions ready.
This past summer they wouldn't fill my finger stick strips - something about the RX being out of state - but it sure didn't make any difference on the others. They only filled my RX by the month so when I got back down here, I had 2 months remaining on the prescription - but the WalMart down here couldn't fill it down here 'cuz it was last filled in Iowa and "Iowa owed me the rest of them!" This is the first time I've had so many 'goof ups' in a row - Iowa and here.
Out of bed at 6AM Thursday to get my beans going for the pot luck tonite! REAL baked beans! I gotta make my baked beans before Dick and Lucille get here from Michigan – Lucille makes beans ‘to die for’ and I definitely don’t want mine setting on the table next to hers!
Didn't get down to the 40s - woke up to 54 degrees, sunny but windy. Had some rain during the nite. Not a good soaking rain like we need but after last summer we will take whatever drops we get.
So far no real cold snaps - have only kicked on the furnace for about 30 minutes one morning. That's the way I like it - save that propane!
Can't wait to see my blood sugar in the AM - everything at potluck was pasta, rice or beans! Oh, and I had caramel apple bar for dessert - but I passed on the whip cream!
A pleasant surprise on wake-up Friday. The weather man had predicted lower 40s or upper 30's and 'possibly' some frost on the punkin in the outlying areas. Aahhhhh....53 sunny degrees seemed so pleasant! Even Li'lBit was eager to go out and she doesn't like the cold!
Friday was Veterans Day and I didn’t accomplish a darn thing except set on my butt and watch TV. The movie Patton was on followed by The Longest Day and then my favorite war movie Tora Tora Tora! Just a real couch potato! Did manage to get some cabbage/beef soup made. AND, got my black water tank emptied without any problems. Whatever had it 'plugged' is evidently gone or at least out of the way! Started with the heat going in the AM to warm the place up and by noon I had the door open! Welcome to the TX gulf coast!
The park hosted the Aransas County Tea Party rally at the activity bldg Saturday. A local radio preacher and the local congressman were the speakers. Nice, polite, attentive bunch until three Cain supporters came in intent on raising a "little cain." Don’t know why they had such heartache with what was going on, afterall, Cain is conservative. But some folks just need their 15 minutes of fame!
Saturday and WalMart STILL didn’t have all of my meds. I bet next time I order everything a month early!
Sunday 13th – Church, laundry, clean out the truck so I can get it loaded Wednesday afternoon.
I called the RV park in Gatesville and made reservations from Nov 17 until the Monday after Thanksgiving so I can have Thanksgiving with Johnnie and her family. And I do miss her coffee and our visits!
Monday nite was the Reprise from the ‘welcome back’ dinner - left over potato salad, puddings, brisket sandwiches and beans. Stuff is always better the second time around! I managed to WALK up to the activity bldg without walker or oxygen. As long as there are some empty spaces, I stop 1/2 way and take a breather at the picnic table. It's not quite so bad coming back since it is down hill! It isn't much of a hill, but I notice it!
Several rigs a day are coming in - the flock is flocking!
Went into town Tuesday to pick up meds...the saga continued! Stopped to pick up some veggies for soup in the crock pot, went to see Deryl & Elke and arrange for them to help me hitch up on the 17th for my trip to Gatesville. Meds weren't ready at WalMart, told me after 1PM! Went to HuDat's for one of their combo lunch specials; brought home enough for a couple more meals! Went back to Walmart, their med courier had not gotten in yet! So I got to make another trip to WalMart on Wednesday! This is really getting old! I decided to call before I made another trip!
Wed 9th 63 degrees sunny, WINDY! Winds 20 mph gusting to 40! High went into the upper 60s, then all down hill for a couple of days. Got a pot of veg-beef soup in the crock pot so I'm ready for the cold!
Definitely considering changing pharmacies – too much of a hassle at WalMart. Wednesday they only had 1 of the three ordered! Next time I'll ask HOW many Rx are ready instead of just saying are my prescriptions ready.
This past summer they wouldn't fill my finger stick strips - something about the RX being out of state - but it sure didn't make any difference on the others. They only filled my RX by the month so when I got back down here, I had 2 months remaining on the prescription - but the WalMart down here couldn't fill it down here 'cuz it was last filled in Iowa and "Iowa owed me the rest of them!" This is the first time I've had so many 'goof ups' in a row - Iowa and here.
Out of bed at 6AM Thursday to get my beans going for the pot luck tonite! REAL baked beans! I gotta make my baked beans before Dick and Lucille get here from Michigan – Lucille makes beans ‘to die for’ and I definitely don’t want mine setting on the table next to hers!
Didn't get down to the 40s - woke up to 54 degrees, sunny but windy. Had some rain during the nite. Not a good soaking rain like we need but after last summer we will take whatever drops we get.
So far no real cold snaps - have only kicked on the furnace for about 30 minutes one morning. That's the way I like it - save that propane!
Can't wait to see my blood sugar in the AM - everything at potluck was pasta, rice or beans! Oh, and I had caramel apple bar for dessert - but I passed on the whip cream!
A pleasant surprise on wake-up Friday. The weather man had predicted lower 40s or upper 30's and 'possibly' some frost on the punkin in the outlying areas. Aahhhhh....53 sunny degrees seemed so pleasant! Even Li'lBit was eager to go out and she doesn't like the cold!
Friday was Veterans Day and I didn’t accomplish a darn thing except set on my butt and watch TV. The movie Patton was on followed by The Longest Day and then my favorite war movie Tora Tora Tora! Just a real couch potato! Did manage to get some cabbage/beef soup made. AND, got my black water tank emptied without any problems. Whatever had it 'plugged' is evidently gone or at least out of the way! Started with the heat going in the AM to warm the place up and by noon I had the door open! Welcome to the TX gulf coast!
The park hosted the Aransas County Tea Party rally at the activity bldg Saturday. A local radio preacher and the local congressman were the speakers. Nice, polite, attentive bunch until three Cain supporters came in intent on raising a "little cain." Don’t know why they had such heartache with what was going on, afterall, Cain is conservative. But some folks just need their 15 minutes of fame!
Saturday and WalMart STILL didn’t have all of my meds. I bet next time I order everything a month early!
Sunday 13th – Church, laundry, clean out the truck so I can get it loaded Wednesday afternoon.
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