SUNDAY MARCH 21, I woke up to 38 degrees. Early Sunday AM seems to have become my laundry day. By afternoon it finally made it up to 60 degrees - the sun was out but the winds were horrible. Winds sustained are 15-20 mph with gusts up to 35-40 mph. Getting me ready for spring in Iowa, I guess! Not a travel day for RVs and many are hitching up and hitting the road for points north.
A few weeks ago I found a new recipe for cream of asparagus soup and it was really good. Bought some asparagus at the market the other day. Ate the most tender tops for supper the other night. Today is asparagus soup day with the bottom half of the stalk.
The flowers my sister sent are still pretty and really brighten up the RV.‘Tis Spring! Have a problem keeping Tinga out of them, though!
Finished another book. Just too windy to be doing anything outside so kicked back in the recliner and read.
Li’lBit and I braved “45 degrees and a bit nippy” for our Monday morning stroll. Needless to say, the furnace was going and we didn’t stroll too far! But now that the two RVs between me and Ruth & Walter are gone, Li'lBit has to go down and visit their dog, Molly.
I checked my propane and I'm still good to go with one full tank! WHEW! Haven't bought a tank since March 5th! Oh, after this winter, I’m not complaining, but I do miss visiting with the ‘propane man!’
By afternoon it made it to 78 degrees, sunny, hardly any wind. Li’lBit and I spent the afternoon outside. I'm a happy camper! The only reason I came back inside was the crazy eye, the sun was bothering it again. Didn’t hurt, just watered like an open faucet and drove me crazy. I'm wondering if the fact that I'm getting more light and vision thru that mess is why the sun is starting to bother it again. The light doesn't 'fracture' and sparkle like it did before,just gets so bright I end up trying to keep the eye closed again!
Got an email and later a phone call from Judy. Judy and Steve left a couple of days ago for Indiana. They got as far as Louisiana when Judy got sick and ended up in the hospital. Hope things work out for them. Steve had the flu just before they left. It could be a long trip for them. I wish them well and safe travels. Seems they have had a change of plans due to her medical problems and will be delaying Indiana for awhile.
On Tuesday morning during the “Li’lBit Stroll”, I noticed Cleo and Bonnie were hitching up...headed back to Minnesota today. So we all stand around and watch the process (that's a big thing in an RV park...the women stand around,visit and drink coffee and the men tell each other how to do it and HELP!) Bonnie said they plan on being back next year....Cleo told me to get my crappy lungs taken care of!
The way folks are moving out, I sure hope there is someone around to help me hitch up! I may have to make plans to leave out earlier next year.
Just too windy, the sun was nice, but it doesn't take much wind blowing in my ears to make them ache! So, back inside, a pan of scones in the oven warms the RV in a hurry. This may be my last baking project this trip -- used up all of my flour -- except the rye, soy and barley! The full recipe called for 4 cups of flour and I had to mix the last of the whole wheat and white to get two cups! Also went thru the cupboards and poured in all the little left over packs of dried fruit, raisins, dates and nuts. Surprise! They were great and hit the spot! I think they even tasted better since I was reading one of Andrew Greely's Nuala Anne McGrail series, a novel about Ireland.
I do so love being in this RV park. Everyone seems to take care of everyone. Many of us are ‘up in years’ and have some ‘medical situations,’ but that just makes everyone pull together. Today a ‘love offering’ was taken up for a couple to help with an unexpected medical diagnosis and expenses. I just cannot say enough about the helpfulness and great attitude of the folks that come here. No wonder so many of us keep coming back.
Habits do develop and one is emailing with my sister first thing in the AM. When I do not get a response from her by mid-morning, I start reading the Marshalltown newspaper on line and checking the school district calendar on line to make sure they have school! BUT, not wanting to seem like the nosey sister that I can be, I wait until afternoon before I call the school! Today was just another busy day and unplanned school emergencies – things like that do happen, but I still worry when I don’t hear from her. How did we survive before email and cell phones!
I spent most of Thursday morning on the phone fighting with VA, trying to get a medical appointment at the clinic for when I'm in Gatesville. VA Respiratory in Temple wasn’t a problem....but the medical team is giving me a rash of trash about never being there when they schedule appointments! I tell them when I'll be in the area, and then they schedule it for later; I call and tell them I can’t make the appointment I'm no longer in the area, again remind them WHEN I will be in the area, and the circle continues! Don’t think it is worth it.
I think I'll just stop seeing them and transfer all of my care to the doc in Iowa, if he will take me. Been playing with the calendar and I can get close to 6 months in Iowa. If I work it so I can get there in mid-May and stay until just before Judy and Mary evict me when the park closes the end of October, I'll be able to see him every 6 months (just barely!) but that is how they usually like to space the lab work. Will talk to him when I get up there this summer.
John, from Tech Time called, my laptop is DEAD! He cannot get the start up Windows to load...said it has to be the 'motherboard' and told me to call Staples at Marshalltown -- so I did -- waste of time! Exact words, "We see too many to keep track'! WHOOPPEE. I’ll carry it to the Staples in Waco or Temple and let them have a go at it. I'm afraid if I wait until I get to Marshalltown, the extended warranty might be gone.
So,I'll be back on my little slow as molasses in January ACER when I'm on the road. GEEZ! Maybe I should just get a new one of THOSE!
Li'lBit and I went out to Castaways (the thrift shop). I'm looking for lightweight spice racks, something for the wall behind my stove. Can't find any except on line. Probably just go ahead and order new ones from Amazon.com. Then we drove thru the fried chicken place and picked up a lunch to take to the park. A little too windy to really stick around so we ate and left.
It's Friday andSid and Rain are on the road today – hope all goes well for them. By early evening Rain had dropped me an email saying they were ‘in for the night’!
A 51 degrees and sunny morning. Had to water my plants so did that while Li'lBit was watering the grass! That is a new chore now that the weather is nicer. I have two hanging baskets of periwinkle hanging from the fifth wheel hitch.
When I came out of the grocery today, the lady parked next to me bitched that she had to 'crawl thru' to get into her car, I was parked too close. Politely, I pointed out that I was IN BETWEEN MY LINES. After she went into her rant about "You people come here with your dually trucks...." I pointed to my Texas license plates. The people on the other side of me kinda chuckled, saw the 5th wheel hitch in the bed of my truck, and the guy said, "Maybe you need a motor home like us, they don't know we're 'you people' when we are in the car!"
Left the grocery, and about a block later darn near ran over a momma duck and her babies trying to cross the highway, Pulled over and ran into the street to try to shoo them to the water...I must have looked like a mad woman screaming in the middle of the highway. Then another truck stopped cross-ways across the lanes and helped me. I’m surprised we both didn’t end up in jail for hindering traffic, creating a disturbance or causing an accident!
Came home and found out that the crock pot doesn't heat up if you don't plug it in!
YIPPEE! Deryl & Elke are back! Time to arrange some fine dining at Pepito's!
SATURDAY March 27 Definitely getting the ‘hitch itch’ attitude. Started packing up stuff today and really getting serious about eating up the foods in the fridge and pantry!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
More March Recipes
Irish Soda Bread Scones
Mix together:
4 cups flour
2 TBS corn starch
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp salt
In separate bowl, mix:
4 TBS butter
1 1/4 cups buttermilk or sour milk
Add: 1 cup raisins/dried fruit/nuts
Form into 1” thick round (not a ball, but flat on the top) and cut most of the way through into wedges. Glaze with 1 beaten egg
I bake mine on a sprayed pizza pan – can use parchment paper
Bake 400 25-30 or until golden.
Since I’m trying to use up odds and ends of baking supplies, I mixed ½ white and ½ whole wheat flour. Added currants, raisins, dried mixed berries, chopped dates, chopped apricots and a few chopped nuts. Also – didn’t have enough butter so used 2 TBS butter with 2 TBS sour cream.
You really can’t ruin this recipe, but you can make it a little to ‘heavy’!
Tomatoes and Cheese
2 lbs canned tomatoes, chopped, diced, sliced, stewed – whatever!
40 saltines crackers, broken
10 oz sharp cheese, grated
1 1/2 tsp dry basil
2 TBS sugar
1/8 tsp pepper
Parmesan cheese (for top of casserole)
Mix first 6 ingredients together in a casserole dish. Top with the parmesan cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees for 45 min. I cover the casserole dish for the first 30 minutes.
OPTIONS – Also good with diced pepperoni sausage or cooked crumbled Italian sausage.
Substitute shredded mozzarella cheese for the parmesan.
Mix together:
4 cups flour
2 TBS corn starch
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp salt
In separate bowl, mix:
4 TBS butter
1 1/4 cups buttermilk or sour milk
Add: 1 cup raisins/dried fruit/nuts
Form into 1” thick round (not a ball, but flat on the top) and cut most of the way through into wedges. Glaze with 1 beaten egg
I bake mine on a sprayed pizza pan – can use parchment paper
Bake 400 25-30 or until golden.
Since I’m trying to use up odds and ends of baking supplies, I mixed ½ white and ½ whole wheat flour. Added currants, raisins, dried mixed berries, chopped dates, chopped apricots and a few chopped nuts. Also – didn’t have enough butter so used 2 TBS butter with 2 TBS sour cream.
You really can’t ruin this recipe, but you can make it a little to ‘heavy’!
Tomatoes and Cheese
2 lbs canned tomatoes, chopped, diced, sliced, stewed – whatever!
40 saltines crackers, broken
10 oz sharp cheese, grated
1 1/2 tsp dry basil
2 TBS sugar
1/8 tsp pepper
Parmesan cheese (for top of casserole)
Mix first 6 ingredients together in a casserole dish. Top with the parmesan cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees for 45 min. I cover the casserole dish for the first 30 minutes.
OPTIONS – Also good with diced pepperoni sausage or cooked crumbled Italian sausage.
Substitute shredded mozzarella cheese for the parmesan.
Monday, March 22, 2010
March Recipes #2
BROWN SODA BREAD (1 loaf/may be doubled)
4 cups of whole wheat flour mixed with white flour
I mix & match with whatever flours I have on hand
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ cups buttermilk
Mix dry ingredients together. Make a well in the center and pour in half the buttermilk.
Carefully mix in the dry ingredients, adding enough buttermilk to make a soft dough. (You may need more or less than 1 1/2 cups)
Gently and quickly combine the bread. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and quickly shape loaf into a circle. Place into a 7-inch greased pie plate, cut a deep cross on the top with a knife. Bake at 450F degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 400 and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the bread is done. The bread should be lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Turn out onto a rack when cool.
Variations: Change flavor and texture by varying the flours used. Add currents or raisins. Place a couple slices of bacon across the top of the bread over the cuts on top of the loaf prior to baking.
ASPARAGUS CREAM SOUP Makes around 8 cups
2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen cut-up asparagus (I use fresh and steam it until tender)
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup dairy sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon chicken boullion (dry)
Salt & pepper to taste
3 cups milk
In 2-quart saucepan place asparagus and water; cover and bring to a steam. Reduce heat; simmer until tender. Purée asparagus with cooking liquid; blend in sour cream; set aside.
In 3-quart saucepan melt butter; blend in flour, salt, chicken stock base and pepper. Remove from heat; gradually add milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cook 2 additional minutes. Stir in asparagus mixture. Heat to serving temperature.
SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS PASTA TOSS
6 oz uncooked pasta (original recipe called for Angel Hair pasta – I use anything on hand!)
Sauce:
2 tbsp. margarine or butter
2 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. chicken-flavor instant bouillon
1-1/2 c. milk PLUS 1/4 c. mild white wine
2 oz. (1/2 c.) shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 lb. cooked shrimp
8 oz. (18 spears) fresh cooked asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 oz. fresh mushrooms
Cook pasta according to directions. Drain; rinse, keep warm. Melt margarine in medium saucepan. Blend in flour and bouillon; cook until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk & wine; cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Add cheeses; stir until smooth. Stir in shrimp, asparagus and mushrooms; cook until thoroughly heated. Serve over cooked pasta. Serves 4.
SHRIMP WITH GARLIC
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt to taste
Chopped fresh parsley and sliced lemon for garnish
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pepper, garlic, and bay leaf; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp; sauté until shrimp have pink or orange markings and white, opaque flesh (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
4 cups of whole wheat flour mixed with white flour
I mix & match with whatever flours I have on hand
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ cups buttermilk
Mix dry ingredients together. Make a well in the center and pour in half the buttermilk.
Carefully mix in the dry ingredients, adding enough buttermilk to make a soft dough. (You may need more or less than 1 1/2 cups)
Gently and quickly combine the bread. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and quickly shape loaf into a circle. Place into a 7-inch greased pie plate, cut a deep cross on the top with a knife. Bake at 450F degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 400 and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the bread is done. The bread should be lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Turn out onto a rack when cool.
Variations: Change flavor and texture by varying the flours used. Add currents or raisins. Place a couple slices of bacon across the top of the bread over the cuts on top of the loaf prior to baking.
ASPARAGUS CREAM SOUP Makes around 8 cups
2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen cut-up asparagus (I use fresh and steam it until tender)
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup dairy sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon chicken boullion (dry)
Salt & pepper to taste
3 cups milk
In 2-quart saucepan place asparagus and water; cover and bring to a steam. Reduce heat; simmer until tender. Purée asparagus with cooking liquid; blend in sour cream; set aside.
In 3-quart saucepan melt butter; blend in flour, salt, chicken stock base and pepper. Remove from heat; gradually add milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cook 2 additional minutes. Stir in asparagus mixture. Heat to serving temperature.
SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS PASTA TOSS
6 oz uncooked pasta (original recipe called for Angel Hair pasta – I use anything on hand!)
Sauce:
2 tbsp. margarine or butter
2 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. chicken-flavor instant bouillon
1-1/2 c. milk PLUS 1/4 c. mild white wine
2 oz. (1/2 c.) shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 lb. cooked shrimp
8 oz. (18 spears) fresh cooked asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 oz. fresh mushrooms
Cook pasta according to directions. Drain; rinse, keep warm. Melt margarine in medium saucepan. Blend in flour and bouillon; cook until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk & wine; cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Add cheeses; stir until smooth. Stir in shrimp, asparagus and mushrooms; cook until thoroughly heated. Serve over cooked pasta. Serves 4.
SHRIMP WITH GARLIC
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt to taste
Chopped fresh parsley and sliced lemon for garnish
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pepper, garlic, and bay leaf; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp; sauté until shrimp have pink or orange markings and white, opaque flesh (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
March 14-20 - Winter just won't go away!
Naturally, on Sunday morning I was up and out of sorts about the time change! It was still dark when I got to the laundry room. Had to find the light switch. At least I had my choice of machines!
66 degrees with 95% humidity is a little 'stuffy' in the lungs, but the sun came out so it was another wonderful day in paradise! Li'lBit and I spend most of our time outside!
Bought a couple pounds of shrimp in the shell (heads are already gone; I can't deal with heads!) while at the market the other day. They just brought some in and they were nice size. Thought I might have ‘shrimp on the barbie’ but decided to cook inside. I have enough shrimp for several meals.
People are hitching up and between now and the end of March, a big chunk of the folks head back to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other points north. With the winds we have been having, I wish them all safe travels. I asked Allison if there would be anyone left her when I leave Apr 15 to help hitch me up! She guaranteed me there would be someone!
MARCH 15 BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH! 9AM and off to another late start. Blame it on DST!! I’m not the only one with a daylight saving time problem, Tinga is going through her squawky thing!
64 degrees and sunny. Nice to be able to leave the windows open. But, I should have checked my weatherbug before I went outsude. WHEW! Winds 15-20 mph with gusts 25-30mph! Not a day to set outside unless you want an ear ache.
Finally, I found the lace window hangings from Pella. They were in the cabinets over the recliners, stuffed up there with my gift bags and gift wrapping stuff. I needed a gift bag for a ‘shower gift’ and there they were. They had fallen down behind the gift bags. AND,I found a bag with a Halloween kitchen set and treats for the critters! YIPPEE! Just like Christmas all over again!
TUESDAY MARCH 16 was "puppy shower' day. Ladies coffee first, then party! Jeannie lives here in the park with her parents. She is so friendly and helpful to everyone. Her 40th birthday is the first part of April. All she wanted was a puppy. Allison (park owner) is throwing a 'surprise puppy shower'!
And a wonderful time was had by all! Must have been 25 people there. Jeannie knows everybody and everything! She had no idea about the party,her mom got her there saying that Allison had called to see if she would bring a picture of the new puppy over to the ladies coffee, some of us wanted to see it!
Pictures of the puppy shower are on the 35RV Blog -- thanks to Keith for being there with camera in hand! http://www.rockport-rv35.blogspot.com/
Naturally, it is rainy, 54 degrees with 15 mph winds! So much for summer!
MARCH 17 Happy St Patrick’s Day! Corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot and a loaf of Irish soda bread in the oven. Doesn’t get much better than that! I thought I had my St Pat’s day meal all planned out but forgot the beer! Wonder if it is criminal to drink Mexican beer with corned beef, cabbage and Irish soda bread.
51 degrees BRRRRR!!! Taking advantage of the cooler dreary weather, I busied myself sorting files and getting them ready for my 2010 stuff now that I have decided I can handle Turbo-Tax!
THURSDAY MARCH 18 56 degrees and sunny! Lunch Bunch day at Pepitos. Had a good lunch with the gang, only 4 of us this time. I had the veggie quesadilla (squash, spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, onions and of course cheese)
Naturally I had to stop at Castaways on my way back into town to see if they had anything there I just cannot live without!! And of course they did. Found a nice teapot and a steamer pan. Great for my seafood. Stopped at the fish market and picked up some more shrimp. Then stopped at the grocery and picked up some fresh asparagus. Had a pot of asparagus soup on before the day was out.
When I got home, Holly had puked again! At least not on the carpet this time! I have decided it is the soft food I got her the last time. I have to remember that 'cuz I think I had fed her this stuff before when she was sick. Gotta stop clipping all of those coupons from the Sunday paper!
I keep running into names and faces from my past on Facebook! It is so much fun! And keeps me company on some of these cold dreary days!
FRIDAY MARCH 19 Ladies Lunch went to Bellino's -- a little Italian place over on Fulton Beach Road. Nice Lunch! Should have brought 1/2 of it home. Had penna pasta with alfredo sauce with grilled shrimp. Just what I needed – more shrimp.
Saw Keith and his wife leaving today. They are from Cedar Rapids. Hope they miss the snow and the winds!
SATURDAY MARCH 20 was a dreary day. Weatherman said the winds would start coming from the north. Hope they aren't from too far north. Talked to my sister in Iowa and they got six inches of snow!
Park is really emptying out,several hitched up and left yesterday and today three are already lined up to head out. The motorhome next to me left in the AM so I can see all the way down to Ruth and Walter’s spot. 4th St near the laundry room is about 1/2 empty. Looks strange to see it so empty!
Had a wonderful surprise early in the morning. An unexpected knock on my door. Florist delivery! My sister had sent me a Bright Blessing Spring Bouquet for the first day of spring! What a treat!!!
66 degrees with 95% humidity is a little 'stuffy' in the lungs, but the sun came out so it was another wonderful day in paradise! Li'lBit and I spend most of our time outside!
Bought a couple pounds of shrimp in the shell (heads are already gone; I can't deal with heads!) while at the market the other day. They just brought some in and they were nice size. Thought I might have ‘shrimp on the barbie’ but decided to cook inside. I have enough shrimp for several meals.
People are hitching up and between now and the end of March, a big chunk of the folks head back to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other points north. With the winds we have been having, I wish them all safe travels. I asked Allison if there would be anyone left her when I leave Apr 15 to help hitch me up! She guaranteed me there would be someone!
MARCH 15 BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH! 9AM and off to another late start. Blame it on DST!! I’m not the only one with a daylight saving time problem, Tinga is going through her squawky thing!
64 degrees and sunny. Nice to be able to leave the windows open. But, I should have checked my weatherbug before I went outsude. WHEW! Winds 15-20 mph with gusts 25-30mph! Not a day to set outside unless you want an ear ache.
Finally, I found the lace window hangings from Pella. They were in the cabinets over the recliners, stuffed up there with my gift bags and gift wrapping stuff. I needed a gift bag for a ‘shower gift’ and there they were. They had fallen down behind the gift bags. AND,I found a bag with a Halloween kitchen set and treats for the critters! YIPPEE! Just like Christmas all over again!
TUESDAY MARCH 16 was "puppy shower' day. Ladies coffee first, then party! Jeannie lives here in the park with her parents. She is so friendly and helpful to everyone. Her 40th birthday is the first part of April. All she wanted was a puppy. Allison (park owner) is throwing a 'surprise puppy shower'!
And a wonderful time was had by all! Must have been 25 people there. Jeannie knows everybody and everything! She had no idea about the party,her mom got her there saying that Allison had called to see if she would bring a picture of the new puppy over to the ladies coffee, some of us wanted to see it!
Pictures of the puppy shower are on the 35RV Blog -- thanks to Keith for being there with camera in hand! http://www.rockport-rv35.blogspot.com/
Naturally, it is rainy, 54 degrees with 15 mph winds! So much for summer!
MARCH 17 Happy St Patrick’s Day! Corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot and a loaf of Irish soda bread in the oven. Doesn’t get much better than that! I thought I had my St Pat’s day meal all planned out but forgot the beer! Wonder if it is criminal to drink Mexican beer with corned beef, cabbage and Irish soda bread.
51 degrees BRRRRR!!! Taking advantage of the cooler dreary weather, I busied myself sorting files and getting them ready for my 2010 stuff now that I have decided I can handle Turbo-Tax!
THURSDAY MARCH 18 56 degrees and sunny! Lunch Bunch day at Pepitos. Had a good lunch with the gang, only 4 of us this time. I had the veggie quesadilla (squash, spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, onions and of course cheese)
Naturally I had to stop at Castaways on my way back into town to see if they had anything there I just cannot live without!! And of course they did. Found a nice teapot and a steamer pan. Great for my seafood. Stopped at the fish market and picked up some more shrimp. Then stopped at the grocery and picked up some fresh asparagus. Had a pot of asparagus soup on before the day was out.
When I got home, Holly had puked again! At least not on the carpet this time! I have decided it is the soft food I got her the last time. I have to remember that 'cuz I think I had fed her this stuff before when she was sick. Gotta stop clipping all of those coupons from the Sunday paper!
I keep running into names and faces from my past on Facebook! It is so much fun! And keeps me company on some of these cold dreary days!
FRIDAY MARCH 19 Ladies Lunch went to Bellino's -- a little Italian place over on Fulton Beach Road. Nice Lunch! Should have brought 1/2 of it home. Had penna pasta with alfredo sauce with grilled shrimp. Just what I needed – more shrimp.
Saw Keith and his wife leaving today. They are from Cedar Rapids. Hope they miss the snow and the winds!
SATURDAY MARCH 20 was a dreary day. Weatherman said the winds would start coming from the north. Hope they aren't from too far north. Talked to my sister in Iowa and they got six inches of snow!
Park is really emptying out,several hitched up and left yesterday and today three are already lined up to head out. The motorhome next to me left in the AM so I can see all the way down to Ruth and Walter’s spot. 4th St near the laundry room is about 1/2 empty. Looks strange to see it so empty!
Had a wonderful surprise early in the morning. An unexpected knock on my door. Florist delivery! My sister had sent me a Bright Blessing Spring Bouquet for the first day of spring! What a treat!!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Recipes for March
CROCK POT COBBLER
1 can pie filling - your choice
1 beaten egg
3 tablespoons light cream (or milk)
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - optional
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - optional
2 cups sifted cake mix from a two-layer cake mix
Spray inside of slow cooker with butter-flavor cooking spray. Place
Pie filling in slow cooker and cook on high for 45 minutes or until
Hot. In a bowl, combing remaining ingredients; mix well and spoon
Over filling. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until tests done.
Serve warm. Makes 8 servings.
KRAUT, BEANS, BRATS & BREW
1 can beer
3 sticks Polish sausage
1 package or large can of kraut
1 can great northern beans
1 potato, diced (optional) -- I don't always use the tator...just gives a little different flavor, texture.
Cook sausage in the beer for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove sausage, but reserve juice. Place sausage in oven proof dish and bake at 325° for 30 to 35 minutes. In the meantime. wash and drain kraut and cut up. Place kraut in reserved juice. Cook over medium heat, covered, for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove sausage from oven and cut into serving pieces. Place sausage in kraut then add beans. Heat until bubbly hot.
LAMB SHANKS
1 – 2 C Vegetable broth
Lamb shanks (I use 2 in my crock pot)
½ tsp dried rosemary
Assorted vegetables – potatoes, carrots, peas .
Roll lamb shanks in flour and braise in frying pan.
Put shanks, rosemary and vegetable broth in crock pot.
Cook on low overnight.
In morning, pull meat from the bone and add vegetables. Cut potatoes and carrots in ‘chunks.’ Cook until vegetables tender. Add frozen peas last. Cook just long enough to ‘thaw’ the peas.
Check occasionally and remove excess fat from top of broth.
Broth can be thickened with flour.
Serve with salad and biscuits.
SHORTBREAD
2 cups butter
1 cup sugar
4 cups flour
2 tbsp sugar (I like to use brown sugar here)
Also add a few drops of flavoring, maple, vanilla, lemon, orange, whatever flavor you want.
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the cup of sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth. Add the flour. Beat until the dough forms a ball. Press the dough into a 14 x 10 inch jelly roll pan using floured hands. Bake at 375 F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cut immediately into 2 inch bars. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp of sugar, if desired. Makes 35 bars
I only make 1/2 recipe since my little RV oven won't hold a pan that big! Works out just fine.
JAMBALAYA
1 pound chicken and/or ham , cut into chunks
2 TBS olive oil
½ pound smoked sausage
1 large white onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, cut into small chunks
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into small chunks
1 small green bell pepper , cut into small chunks
2 TBS all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes – can used roasted, Rotel or any seasoned diced tomato
3/4 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – can also use crawfish or mix a little of both!
Creole seasoning to taste
Thyme leaves to taste
Okra optional – I leave it out.
Sprinkle chicken/ham with Creole seasoning. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add sausage and brown 2 minutes. Remove to a plate. Add chicken/ham and sauté until brown, about 4 minutes; remove to plate.
Add onion, peppers, thyme, flour, and cayenne to pot and cook, stirring constantly, until onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in rice, then add broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Stir chicken and sausage into rice mixture; cover and continue to simmer 6 minutes. Stir in shrimp; cover and simmer 6 minutes, or until cooked through.
1 can pie filling - your choice
1 beaten egg
3 tablespoons light cream (or milk)
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - optional
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - optional
2 cups sifted cake mix from a two-layer cake mix
Spray inside of slow cooker with butter-flavor cooking spray. Place
Pie filling in slow cooker and cook on high for 45 minutes or until
Hot. In a bowl, combing remaining ingredients; mix well and spoon
Over filling. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until tests done.
Serve warm. Makes 8 servings.
KRAUT, BEANS, BRATS & BREW
1 can beer
3 sticks Polish sausage
1 package or large can of kraut
1 can great northern beans
1 potato, diced (optional) -- I don't always use the tator...just gives a little different flavor, texture.
Cook sausage in the beer for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove sausage, but reserve juice. Place sausage in oven proof dish and bake at 325° for 30 to 35 minutes. In the meantime. wash and drain kraut and cut up. Place kraut in reserved juice. Cook over medium heat, covered, for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove sausage from oven and cut into serving pieces. Place sausage in kraut then add beans. Heat until bubbly hot.
LAMB SHANKS
1 – 2 C Vegetable broth
Lamb shanks (I use 2 in my crock pot)
½ tsp dried rosemary
Assorted vegetables – potatoes, carrots, peas .
Roll lamb shanks in flour and braise in frying pan.
Put shanks, rosemary and vegetable broth in crock pot.
Cook on low overnight.
In morning, pull meat from the bone and add vegetables. Cut potatoes and carrots in ‘chunks.’ Cook until vegetables tender. Add frozen peas last. Cook just long enough to ‘thaw’ the peas.
Check occasionally and remove excess fat from top of broth.
Broth can be thickened with flour.
Serve with salad and biscuits.
SHORTBREAD
2 cups butter
1 cup sugar
4 cups flour
2 tbsp sugar (I like to use brown sugar here)
Also add a few drops of flavoring, maple, vanilla, lemon, orange, whatever flavor you want.
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the cup of sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth. Add the flour. Beat until the dough forms a ball. Press the dough into a 14 x 10 inch jelly roll pan using floured hands. Bake at 375 F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cut immediately into 2 inch bars. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp of sugar, if desired. Makes 35 bars
I only make 1/2 recipe since my little RV oven won't hold a pan that big! Works out just fine.
JAMBALAYA
1 pound chicken and/or ham , cut into chunks
2 TBS olive oil
½ pound smoked sausage
1 large white onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, cut into small chunks
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into small chunks
1 small green bell pepper , cut into small chunks
2 TBS all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes – can used roasted, Rotel or any seasoned diced tomato
3/4 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – can also use crawfish or mix a little of both!
Creole seasoning to taste
Thyme leaves to taste
Okra optional – I leave it out.
Sprinkle chicken/ham with Creole seasoning. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add sausage and brown 2 minutes. Remove to a plate. Add chicken/ham and sauté until brown, about 4 minutes; remove to plate.
Add onion, peppers, thyme, flour, and cayenne to pot and cook, stirring constantly, until onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in rice, then add broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Stir chicken and sausage into rice mixture; cover and continue to simmer 6 minutes. Stir in shrimp; cover and simmer 6 minutes, or until cooked through.
Keep Your Hands off of MY Clock! 3/7-13
Sunday, March 7, I woke to 61 degrees - 40% chance of rain, 10 mph winds and cloudy
Had a surprise when I went outside. Some critter had found my trash. Not a big mess - just chewed a hole in the trash bag. I had closed it up and dropped it outside the door last nite since it had some old soggy veggies in it and I didn't want it stinking up the RV. So that was my own stupidity for not taking it to the back of the truck.
Actually, that was my SECOND surprise -- Holly Puked Again! Haven’t had that problem for some time. Will have to watch her for a few days.
Li'lBit and I made a trip to Wally World early. Didn't need much but I like to read the Sunday paper. I have to buy my own every week since my sister isn't here to share that big expense with me! Have to eat breakfast by myself, too! That is one thing I really miss about being in Iowa – Sunday breakfast and paper with my sister.
After leaving WalMart I dropped mail at the post office, let Li'lBit sniff and water the grass at the park, took the trash to the dumpster and then came home ready to be lazy for the rest of the day. This retirement is so damned exciting, not sure just how much of it I can take!
Since it is March and a month for the Irish, I put some lamb shanks in the crock pot over night. Added carrots and potatoes in the morning and tossed in some frozen peas prior to eating.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were in the 60 degree range and really, dreary and foggy in the morning. The sun did come out to save the day. The dehumidifier was going full-speed! Big project for Tuesday was dump kitty litter! How's that for a full-day workload!
Ended up running back into town on Tuesday - forgot to get bread -- remembered the lunch meat! Of course, I could bake a loaf or two but I'd just eat the whole thing with butter while it was warm!
Extended my stay here since the weather is so nice! FINALLY! I'm now paid up until April 14 so I'll head back to Gatesville on the 15th.
Weatherman promised it would get into the 70s all week! AND be nice for the weekend, too. I think the nice weather was waiting for Deryl & Elke to leave town. If I'd known the nice weather was just waiting for them to get out of town, I'd have kicked them out sooner! Actually, I’m glad I’m staying later so I’ll still be here when they return from their vacation.
Met with Steve and Judy at the Red Diner for lunch. I’ve been emailing with them for some time. They are fulltimers and staying at an RV park south of Rockport. We just haven’t managed to get together before this. Judy also has respiratory problems and between the two of us and this crazy weather, we just didn’t ‘get it together’ to get together. It was a fun visit. They leave the 20th of this month, headed to Indiana to visit family, so I’m glad we finally had a chance to meet.
Stopped at the fish market for some shrimp. Fog was really blowing in along the coastline. Couldn’t see any distance out into the gulf. It was really haunting. I had to pull over in the parking lot and just imagine the sea monsters that must be lurking under that water and behind that foggy veil.
Saurkraut, butter beans and brats steaming in beer were waiting iin the crock pot when I got home so the shrimp had to wait.
Thursday was another 65 degrees -- foggy -- no breeze (if we had one it might blow the fog away!) Dense fog warnings until 10AM - should have stayed in bed!!! Dew point is 64 degrees so I guess that just about tells the whole story! On mornings like that I keep the windows closed, the dehumidifier going, grab a good book and make another pot of coffee!
I have to think of some sort of 'tool' I can make or buy for turning the vent fan in the kitchen on and off. I'm too short and the ceiling is too tall -- one of those things I didn't think of when I bought this RV. I have to get out the step ladder so I can get up and turn it on and off. I've read the directions, trying to figure out if there is way I can control it from the thermostat, but haven't figured that out yet. GEEZ! I wish they wrote instructions for technically incompetent people! There has to be a long handled something that I can make/buy. I have one of those 'grabbers' with the long handle, and it works for the toggle switch but not for the knob.
Li’lBit and I spend most of the afternoons out enjoying the sun. I bought 2 hanging baskets of pink periwinkle. They hang from the holes in my 5th wheel hitch… looks kinda 'springy'!
By mid afternoon we Thursday the thermometer hit 82 degrees...no breeze....sun's out! WHEW! Summer got here all at once! Gotta love this weather!
Thursday evening I boiled the shrimp in the shell and steamed crab legs! YUMMY! That was it -- a small salad - ate the salad standing at the stove boiling and steaming! Then pigged out of crab legs and shrimp! Still have some shrimp left – will go great in jambalaya or fried rice later.
What happened to summer? Friday morning it was...BRRR...52 degrees and windy -- felt COLD!! Sun was out so it ended up being a nice day but only made it into the mid-60s. Oh, well, can't be in paradise EVERY day!
Friday I had lunch with Roberta, Jim, and Dan again. The Lunch Bunch met at the Vietnamese restaurant here in town. Normally Thai and Vietnamese food is too spicy for me – but my grilled garlic shrimp was just right.
Love this weather! I guess between now and the end of March, many of the RVers head back north. Many of the Winter Texans here in the park come out of Minnesota and Michigan.
Some folks went by the beaches today -- and came back! They said you couldn't find a vacant spot on the beach between here and south of Corpus. The beaches were PACKED with kids on spring break! Oh, how exciting! Young healthy bodies in bikinis, booze and volleyball!
Daylight saving time this weekend. I wish they would leave my clock alone! Oh, what do I care! I’m not punching a time clock, don’t have to be anywhere and any special time. Come to think of it, I really don’t even care what day of the week it is! Life is good!
Had a surprise when I went outside. Some critter had found my trash. Not a big mess - just chewed a hole in the trash bag. I had closed it up and dropped it outside the door last nite since it had some old soggy veggies in it and I didn't want it stinking up the RV. So that was my own stupidity for not taking it to the back of the truck.
Actually, that was my SECOND surprise -- Holly Puked Again! Haven’t had that problem for some time. Will have to watch her for a few days.
Li'lBit and I made a trip to Wally World early. Didn't need much but I like to read the Sunday paper. I have to buy my own every week since my sister isn't here to share that big expense with me! Have to eat breakfast by myself, too! That is one thing I really miss about being in Iowa – Sunday breakfast and paper with my sister.
After leaving WalMart I dropped mail at the post office, let Li'lBit sniff and water the grass at the park, took the trash to the dumpster and then came home ready to be lazy for the rest of the day. This retirement is so damned exciting, not sure just how much of it I can take!
Since it is March and a month for the Irish, I put some lamb shanks in the crock pot over night. Added carrots and potatoes in the morning and tossed in some frozen peas prior to eating.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were in the 60 degree range and really, dreary and foggy in the morning. The sun did come out to save the day. The dehumidifier was going full-speed! Big project for Tuesday was dump kitty litter! How's that for a full-day workload!
Ended up running back into town on Tuesday - forgot to get bread -- remembered the lunch meat! Of course, I could bake a loaf or two but I'd just eat the whole thing with butter while it was warm!
Extended my stay here since the weather is so nice! FINALLY! I'm now paid up until April 14 so I'll head back to Gatesville on the 15th.
Weatherman promised it would get into the 70s all week! AND be nice for the weekend, too. I think the nice weather was waiting for Deryl & Elke to leave town. If I'd known the nice weather was just waiting for them to get out of town, I'd have kicked them out sooner! Actually, I’m glad I’m staying later so I’ll still be here when they return from their vacation.
Met with Steve and Judy at the Red Diner for lunch. I’ve been emailing with them for some time. They are fulltimers and staying at an RV park south of Rockport. We just haven’t managed to get together before this. Judy also has respiratory problems and between the two of us and this crazy weather, we just didn’t ‘get it together’ to get together. It was a fun visit. They leave the 20th of this month, headed to Indiana to visit family, so I’m glad we finally had a chance to meet.
Stopped at the fish market for some shrimp. Fog was really blowing in along the coastline. Couldn’t see any distance out into the gulf. It was really haunting. I had to pull over in the parking lot and just imagine the sea monsters that must be lurking under that water and behind that foggy veil.
Saurkraut, butter beans and brats steaming in beer were waiting iin the crock pot when I got home so the shrimp had to wait.
Thursday was another 65 degrees -- foggy -- no breeze (if we had one it might blow the fog away!) Dense fog warnings until 10AM - should have stayed in bed!!! Dew point is 64 degrees so I guess that just about tells the whole story! On mornings like that I keep the windows closed, the dehumidifier going, grab a good book and make another pot of coffee!
I have to think of some sort of 'tool' I can make or buy for turning the vent fan in the kitchen on and off. I'm too short and the ceiling is too tall -- one of those things I didn't think of when I bought this RV. I have to get out the step ladder so I can get up and turn it on and off. I've read the directions, trying to figure out if there is way I can control it from the thermostat, but haven't figured that out yet. GEEZ! I wish they wrote instructions for technically incompetent people! There has to be a long handled something that I can make/buy. I have one of those 'grabbers' with the long handle, and it works for the toggle switch but not for the knob.
Li’lBit and I spend most of the afternoons out enjoying the sun. I bought 2 hanging baskets of pink periwinkle. They hang from the holes in my 5th wheel hitch… looks kinda 'springy'!
By mid afternoon we Thursday the thermometer hit 82 degrees...no breeze....sun's out! WHEW! Summer got here all at once! Gotta love this weather!
Thursday evening I boiled the shrimp in the shell and steamed crab legs! YUMMY! That was it -- a small salad - ate the salad standing at the stove boiling and steaming! Then pigged out of crab legs and shrimp! Still have some shrimp left – will go great in jambalaya or fried rice later.
What happened to summer? Friday morning it was...BRRR...52 degrees and windy -- felt COLD!! Sun was out so it ended up being a nice day but only made it into the mid-60s. Oh, well, can't be in paradise EVERY day!
Friday I had lunch with Roberta, Jim, and Dan again. The Lunch Bunch met at the Vietnamese restaurant here in town. Normally Thai and Vietnamese food is too spicy for me – but my grilled garlic shrimp was just right.
Love this weather! I guess between now and the end of March, many of the RVers head back north. Many of the Winter Texans here in the park come out of Minnesota and Michigan.
Some folks went by the beaches today -- and came back! They said you couldn't find a vacant spot on the beach between here and south of Corpus. The beaches were PACKED with kids on spring break! Oh, how exciting! Young healthy bodies in bikinis, booze and volleyball!
Daylight saving time this weekend. I wish they would leave my clock alone! Oh, what do I care! I’m not punching a time clock, don’t have to be anywhere and any special time. Come to think of it, I really don’t even care what day of the week it is! Life is good!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The March into March - Mar 1-6
Woke up to 55 degrees the first of March. It may get to the lower 70s before the day ends and the rains come. The winds are gusting to 35. I can do without the winds!
Stopped by the office to pay my electric bill. It was $59.92 Sure has been consistent! My package from King Arthur Flour was in. I ordered fiori di sicilia flavoring. I have a recipe that sounds really good, so I had to try the flavoring! Now I hope I can remember where I put the recipe!
Just call me Turbo Tax Timmy Geitner (or whatever his name is!) I finished my taxes. I'm getting money back and my risk for audit is Very Low -- like way down the bottom of the scale! Guess there isn't much that can go wrong when you don't have anything to itemize
Tinga is being an obnoxious bitchy bird! She started the minute I came in from being outside with Li'lBit and she has been bitching me out ever since! GEEZ! Wonder how I can send a bird to the corner for a 'time out'!
Need to make room for another holiday. Holi is the springtime Festival of Colors, that commemorates the triumph of good over evil in Hindu mythology. Holi began Feb. 28, and is celebrated for 2 days. Guess I’m going to have to find some good Indian recipes to help me celebrate this day of unity and bringing people together! And what can bring folks together faster than food!
Speaking of food and friends - went to Pepitos with Deryl & Elke. I always leave with my belly is full. I had a combination plate with an enchilada, a taco, beans, rice, tostada and something else! I ate the taco, the beans and rice and brought the rest home in a doggie bag.
MARCH 2 Happy Texas Independence Day! 46 degrees and 10-15 mph winds without any real gusts.
Lunch Bunch, Dan, Jim, Roberta and I had our get-together today. Cute little soup and sandwich shop. I had the grilled Reuben sandwich -- came with a fancy little side of sliced fruit and potato salad. In the process of wandering about the Rockport Heritage area, I found a used book store! OOPS! Can’t get out of a book store without at least one book!
I’ve never been a Dr Seuss enthusiast, but March 2 is his birthday. Never did quite understand what the attraction was. OH, Well! Happy Birthday Doc! My sister had quite a day planned at her school.
Too chilly to set outside even tho the sun is out, 54 degrees and breezy. I'm sure getting spoiled and demanding about my weather! I know what 'perfect' weather is and I’m not-so-patiently waiting for it!
Heard on the weather last night that the record HI for March 3 was 90 degrees! We didn't make it, but it was a nice day -- kinda breezy and only 56 degrees but it feels a little warmer -- enjoyed Li'lBit and my ice tea outside for awhile. The sun felt good but the wind started picking up -- brushed Li'lBit and we took a short walk and back inside -- call me The Hermit!
Sarah and Bill left this AM -- they are a couple out of the Midland TX area that I run into at the Gatesville RV park frequently. They are headed to the valley for about a month. The weather here wasn't really good enough for us to spend much time together.
Emailed Mary at Shady Oaks with tentative dates for summer in Iowa. Looks like my arrival date in Iowa will be Wednesday May 26. I'll leave anytime after Labor Day (preferably after about mid September until mid October).
Did I get a surprise in the mail. Brenda’s (my personal mail-lady!) Mom quilted me a special lap blanket. What a surprise! It’s one of those ‘too nice to use’ items, but I’ll sure enjoy it these chilly nights when I’m in the recliner reading.
While in town, I stopped by Castaways just to see if they had anything I couldn't live without -- and I found the prettiest little china tea cup and saucer. Now I can have my tea in a real tea cup.....watch ....I'll probably break it the first time I move! Oh, well, it only cost me $1.50
Then Li'lBit and I stopped at the park so she could sniff and water the grass. I’m still leary about taking her to the beach because of her itching. We don’t have that under control yet.
Why can't my tanks run out in daylight or in dry weather or when it is warm.....it is always, cold, wet or dark when I have to run out and switch! Good thing I’ve had so much practice I can do it in the dark.
March 4 and almost 60 degrees and it is before 8AM! Sunny – some wind, at least they aren't gusting and blowing everything away. Li’lBit and I enjoyed the outside until the winds did pick up.
Using up the last of my crawfish, I made another pan of crawfish fried rice. I have never been a crawfish person 'cuz I hated to mess with cleaning them. But I can buy the tails already cleaned and ready to go here at the fish market. Also bought some crab legs -- they had a good price on them, so had some REAL crab instead of the imitation crab I normally use. Of course my house will smell like boiled crabs and crawfish for a couple of days.
March 5 brought 60 degrees, cloudy, 86% humidity - heavy air day! Dehumidifier kicked on early.
Propane guy came early on Friday. I had my tank out front but didn't have a check on it; he always comes in the afternoon. I was up in the bedroom doing some hand laundry when I heard the truck. Tinga was out so it was a tricky exit and entrance to get out and back in without her going out the door. I thought I was smart by closing the sliding door between downstairs and upstairs since she was in the bedroom with me. But when I came in, Li'lBit had pushed the door open to get out and there was Tinga! OOPS! Didn’t know I could move so fast to get in and get the door closed!
MARCH 6 SATURDAY
A sunny day in the 60s! YIPPEE -- supposed to have rain tomorrow, then in the 70s for the rest of the week - now THIS is why I come to Rockport for the winter!
Stopped by the office to pay my electric bill. It was $59.92 Sure has been consistent! My package from King Arthur Flour was in. I ordered fiori di sicilia flavoring. I have a recipe that sounds really good, so I had to try the flavoring! Now I hope I can remember where I put the recipe!
Just call me Turbo Tax Timmy Geitner (or whatever his name is!) I finished my taxes. I'm getting money back and my risk for audit is Very Low -- like way down the bottom of the scale! Guess there isn't much that can go wrong when you don't have anything to itemize
Tinga is being an obnoxious bitchy bird! She started the minute I came in from being outside with Li'lBit and she has been bitching me out ever since! GEEZ! Wonder how I can send a bird to the corner for a 'time out'!
Need to make room for another holiday. Holi is the springtime Festival of Colors, that commemorates the triumph of good over evil in Hindu mythology. Holi began Feb. 28, and is celebrated for 2 days. Guess I’m going to have to find some good Indian recipes to help me celebrate this day of unity and bringing people together! And what can bring folks together faster than food!
Speaking of food and friends - went to Pepitos with Deryl & Elke. I always leave with my belly is full. I had a combination plate with an enchilada, a taco, beans, rice, tostada and something else! I ate the taco, the beans and rice and brought the rest home in a doggie bag.
MARCH 2 Happy Texas Independence Day! 46 degrees and 10-15 mph winds without any real gusts.
Lunch Bunch, Dan, Jim, Roberta and I had our get-together today. Cute little soup and sandwich shop. I had the grilled Reuben sandwich -- came with a fancy little side of sliced fruit and potato salad. In the process of wandering about the Rockport Heritage area, I found a used book store! OOPS! Can’t get out of a book store without at least one book!
I’ve never been a Dr Seuss enthusiast, but March 2 is his birthday. Never did quite understand what the attraction was. OH, Well! Happy Birthday Doc! My sister had quite a day planned at her school.
Too chilly to set outside even tho the sun is out, 54 degrees and breezy. I'm sure getting spoiled and demanding about my weather! I know what 'perfect' weather is and I’m not-so-patiently waiting for it!
Heard on the weather last night that the record HI for March 3 was 90 degrees! We didn't make it, but it was a nice day -- kinda breezy and only 56 degrees but it feels a little warmer -- enjoyed Li'lBit and my ice tea outside for awhile. The sun felt good but the wind started picking up -- brushed Li'lBit and we took a short walk and back inside -- call me The Hermit!
Sarah and Bill left this AM -- they are a couple out of the Midland TX area that I run into at the Gatesville RV park frequently. They are headed to the valley for about a month. The weather here wasn't really good enough for us to spend much time together.
Emailed Mary at Shady Oaks with tentative dates for summer in Iowa. Looks like my arrival date in Iowa will be Wednesday May 26. I'll leave anytime after Labor Day (preferably after about mid September until mid October).
Did I get a surprise in the mail. Brenda’s (my personal mail-lady!) Mom quilted me a special lap blanket. What a surprise! It’s one of those ‘too nice to use’ items, but I’ll sure enjoy it these chilly nights when I’m in the recliner reading.
While in town, I stopped by Castaways just to see if they had anything I couldn't live without -- and I found the prettiest little china tea cup and saucer. Now I can have my tea in a real tea cup.....watch ....I'll probably break it the first time I move! Oh, well, it only cost me $1.50
Then Li'lBit and I stopped at the park so she could sniff and water the grass. I’m still leary about taking her to the beach because of her itching. We don’t have that under control yet.
Why can't my tanks run out in daylight or in dry weather or when it is warm.....it is always, cold, wet or dark when I have to run out and switch! Good thing I’ve had so much practice I can do it in the dark.
March 4 and almost 60 degrees and it is before 8AM! Sunny – some wind, at least they aren't gusting and blowing everything away. Li’lBit and I enjoyed the outside until the winds did pick up.
Using up the last of my crawfish, I made another pan of crawfish fried rice. I have never been a crawfish person 'cuz I hated to mess with cleaning them. But I can buy the tails already cleaned and ready to go here at the fish market. Also bought some crab legs -- they had a good price on them, so had some REAL crab instead of the imitation crab I normally use. Of course my house will smell like boiled crabs and crawfish for a couple of days.
March 5 brought 60 degrees, cloudy, 86% humidity - heavy air day! Dehumidifier kicked on early.
Propane guy came early on Friday. I had my tank out front but didn't have a check on it; he always comes in the afternoon. I was up in the bedroom doing some hand laundry when I heard the truck. Tinga was out so it was a tricky exit and entrance to get out and back in without her going out the door. I thought I was smart by closing the sliding door between downstairs and upstairs since she was in the bedroom with me. But when I came in, Li'lBit had pushed the door open to get out and there was Tinga! OOPS! Didn’t know I could move so fast to get in and get the door closed!
MARCH 6 SATURDAY
A sunny day in the 60s! YIPPEE -- supposed to have rain tomorrow, then in the 70s for the rest of the week - now THIS is why I come to Rockport for the winter!
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