Another exciting day in Retirementville! Went into town this AM to do some laundry—Oh, how I love that little laundromat – quiet, clean, a place to set and read while the laundry is washing and drying.
Got a late start today. It was about noon as I was loading up to head back home – so stopped at Taylor’s Maid Rite for a sandwich to go. For those of you not familiar with Iowa Maid Rites, they are loose meat sandwiches – no, Rosanne Barr did not invent loose meat sandwiches on the Rosanne Show!!
http://www.maidrite.com Walking into Taylor’s is walking back in time – there are no tables or booths….just a horseshoe shaped counter with stools, close enough together you literally rub shoulders with the folks on either side! You can watch the entire cooking, preparing, and serving operation in the center space. Malted milks are still served to you in the metal mixing container. No plates, a fork or spoon to eat the loose meat that drops out of the bun, served on the wrapping paper. The menu is slim – Maid Rites, chips, soft drinks or malteds. The sandwich is served with mustard, pickles and chopped onions. And, sin of all sins – after 70 years ketchup is now available on the counter – uncouth folks no longer have to sneak it in with them!
When I got home, I decided to put my Maid-Rite in a bowl so I didn’t loose the loose meat droppings all over my table – and along comes Tinga – she decided loose meat sandwiches are right up her alley! She just made herself right at home on the edge of the bowl and took her share -- actually, she too MORE than her share....she chomped off a huge piece of bun and flew off to her cage with it -- not quite sure how she could fly with something that big hanging from her beak. I just couldn't get to the camera in time.
Li'lBit is now enjoying what was left in the bowl.....so much for my lunch!
Now to the chores of the day -- steeping some hot tea -- much to chilly for ice tea. It's 2PM and only 70 degrees! Many months ago a dear friend turned me on to Adagio Teas and I'm just going crazy trying them all! http://www.adagio.com/
And, time to grind some more coffee - oh, how I love the smell of freshly ground coffee!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Lincoln Highway Bridge
Quotation from the monument:
THE HISTORIC ‘LINCOLN HIGHWAY’ BRIDGE
This bridge, constructed in 1915, was an early advertisement for the Lincoln Highway, which was the first successful effort to mark, promote, and build an automobile highway spanning the United States.
Initiated in 1913 as a memorial to the martyred President, the Lincoln Highway linked Iowa to both coasts and crossed the state by way of Tama. Motorists today can travel the original route through the city by following signs that begin at the bridge and continue west on 5th Street.
Guard rails spelling the name on both sides make this a unique bridge on the Lincoln Highway.
On March 30, 1978, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and community donations paid for its restoration in 1987. It stands as a dramatic reminder of a time when few roads were paved and the campaign to “get out of the mud” had just begun.
A Trip Down the Road
Li’lBit and I loaded up in the truck this AM and headed to the Casino in Tama for fuel – it is considerably cheaper there and since I was just about running on fumes, it was a nice savings.
Since we were over in the Tama/Toledo area and it was about lunch time, stopped at a local grocery and picked up a sandwich, some chips and a soda. Took the lunch and went to the little park down the road. The sandwich was wonderful – egg salad with lots of dill and pickles – just like I like it. And it was on a very chewy bun made of fry bread – YUMMY! Li’lBit and I both enjoyed it!
The park was near the Lincoln Highway Bridge historical marker….more really interesting info on the Lincoln Highway!
On the way back home, we followed the old Lincoln Highway until I lost the markers – but drove on just like I knew where I was going – and darn if I didn’t end up back in familiar territory.
Stopped at the vegetable stand and pick up some “peaches and cream” sweet corn – it’s soooo good I can eat it raw! Also picked up a few juicy peaches….oh, how I love fresh produce.
It’s a windy day here – not to warm – 83 degrees but with the wind/breeze, it is quite comfortable. Winds are sustained over 15 mph with gusts in the 20 mph range.
Because of the wind, I’m not taking Tinga outside today….took her out yesterday and she is soooo quiet (initially!) – then she decides to call out to all of the other birds in the area. What a clown she is when outside.
I am concerned about her – she is plucking again. I’m going to have to pay more attention to when she does this – I’m wondering if it is seasonal or hormonal. Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed that she stops soon! At least she doesn’t pluck naked – she gets down to the downy fluff and quits – moves to another area. Darn Her!!!
Plan to go to the Junction Bar & Grill with my sister tonite. Their soup and sandwich special for today is lamb stew and pastrami sandwich.
Since we were over in the Tama/Toledo area and it was about lunch time, stopped at a local grocery and picked up a sandwich, some chips and a soda. Took the lunch and went to the little park down the road. The sandwich was wonderful – egg salad with lots of dill and pickles – just like I like it. And it was on a very chewy bun made of fry bread – YUMMY! Li’lBit and I both enjoyed it!
The park was near the Lincoln Highway Bridge historical marker….more really interesting info on the Lincoln Highway!
On the way back home, we followed the old Lincoln Highway until I lost the markers – but drove on just like I knew where I was going – and darn if I didn’t end up back in familiar territory.
Stopped at the vegetable stand and pick up some “peaches and cream” sweet corn – it’s soooo good I can eat it raw! Also picked up a few juicy peaches….oh, how I love fresh produce.
It’s a windy day here – not to warm – 83 degrees but with the wind/breeze, it is quite comfortable. Winds are sustained over 15 mph with gusts in the 20 mph range.
Because of the wind, I’m not taking Tinga outside today….took her out yesterday and she is soooo quiet (initially!) – then she decides to call out to all of the other birds in the area. What a clown she is when outside.
I am concerned about her – she is plucking again. I’m going to have to pay more attention to when she does this – I’m wondering if it is seasonal or hormonal. Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed that she stops soon! At least she doesn’t pluck naked – she gets down to the downy fluff and quits – moves to another area. Darn Her!!!
Plan to go to the Junction Bar & Grill with my sister tonite. Their soup and sandwich special for today is lamb stew and pastrami sandwich.
Friday, July 24, 2009
It's Friday and Stock Car Races!
It’s Friday – another wonderfully cool and breezy day in Marshalltown – and with the windows open, I can hear the stock car races from the Fairgrounds. This evening, they sound so close, I think I can almost smell the fuel and the dust! As a child, I so enjoyed going to the stock car races with my dad.
This AM my weather radio went off with a severe thunderstorm warning. Fortunately for us, the storm stayed north of us and drifted to the east. Des Moines finally hit the 90 degree mark for the first time this summer. We made it into the upper 80s.
Last evening my sister and I met some friends at a great little restaurant north of town, That Place. I had some of the best fried catfish I've had in a long time – as usual, I ate too much – always do when I go out to eat!
The last few days have been “Bad Air Days.” Started Wednesday waking up to some really heavy air and fog. Thursday was some better but something must have blown in – I was fighting allergies and congestion. Today, although some deep lung congestion in the AM, I thought things were improving and WHAMMO – this afternoon everything seemed to ‘shut down’! Oh, I hate times like that – when even the breathing treatments don’t work. To compound things, when I’m not getting good air exchange, my joints and muscles don’t seem to want to go in the same direction and I find myself falling a lot……so this afternoon and much of this evening has been spent in bed.
Li’lBit has been having problems with seizures lately – she went quite awhile without one, but recently they seem to have reappeared and are getting stronger. Fortunately, I still have her meds.
With all of this medical upheaval, Tinga has been relegated to her cage most of the time and Holly does her best to stay out of our way!
Hoping tomorrow is a much better day.
Life is still good -- and I am Blessed -- and still pain free with the eye! YIPPEE!
This AM my weather radio went off with a severe thunderstorm warning. Fortunately for us, the storm stayed north of us and drifted to the east. Des Moines finally hit the 90 degree mark for the first time this summer. We made it into the upper 80s.
Last evening my sister and I met some friends at a great little restaurant north of town, That Place. I had some of the best fried catfish I've had in a long time – as usual, I ate too much – always do when I go out to eat!
The last few days have been “Bad Air Days.” Started Wednesday waking up to some really heavy air and fog. Thursday was some better but something must have blown in – I was fighting allergies and congestion. Today, although some deep lung congestion in the AM, I thought things were improving and WHAMMO – this afternoon everything seemed to ‘shut down’! Oh, I hate times like that – when even the breathing treatments don’t work. To compound things, when I’m not getting good air exchange, my joints and muscles don’t seem to want to go in the same direction and I find myself falling a lot……so this afternoon and much of this evening has been spent in bed.
Li’lBit has been having problems with seizures lately – she went quite awhile without one, but recently they seem to have reappeared and are getting stronger. Fortunately, I still have her meds.
With all of this medical upheaval, Tinga has been relegated to her cage most of the time and Holly does her best to stay out of our way!
Hoping tomorrow is a much better day.
Life is still good -- and I am Blessed -- and still pain free with the eye! YIPPEE!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Global Warming!
10AM, July 21, 61 degrees!!
A July Day in Iowa -- Summer in Iowa -- and I'm wearing a long sleeved flannel shirt - YUP! It must be Global Warming! Al Gore -- get you butt up here and define Global Warming to me!!!
A July Day in Iowa -- Summer in Iowa -- and I'm wearing a long sleeved flannel shirt - YUP! It must be Global Warming! Al Gore -- get you butt up here and define Global Warming to me!!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Day in Pella, Part 3
This is absolutely unbelievable! It is July 18 and I have the space heater going! It was 51 degrees when I woke up this AM. It's made it up to 63 degrees by noon!
Yesterday was another 51 degree wake-up. Bea and I had scheduled our trip to Pella. I thought it would warm up while I were gone but took a jacket "just in case." We arrived in Pella in time for lunch. Stopped in at the Windmill Cafe for sandwiches and a delightful 'sampler plate" with some delicious breaded cauliflower, potato skins, cheese stick and onion rings -- all in a wonderful batter and deep fried! So much for the 'healthy veggie plate!!" I must say we definitely picked the wrong time to go for lunch in a narrow restaurant with wood floors and a low ceiling. There was a family reunion in town and they decided it was lunch time, too! My they were having a really good time....a little on the LOUD side but full of fun with the laughing, screetching and giggles!
Then off to do some 'tourist' stuff -- the bakery, the meat market, watched the Klokkenspel presentation, wandered in and out of the shoppes along the street and the square. Thank heavens for the benches provided! As we were leaving Pella, the winds were picking up out of the north, the sky was getting grey -- I was waiting for the snow to fly!
It was just a dreary kind of day I would expect in October or November -- but certainly NOT in the middle of July!
Yesterday was another 51 degree wake-up. Bea and I had scheduled our trip to Pella. I thought it would warm up while I were gone but took a jacket "just in case." We arrived in Pella in time for lunch. Stopped in at the Windmill Cafe for sandwiches and a delightful 'sampler plate" with some delicious breaded cauliflower, potato skins, cheese stick and onion rings -- all in a wonderful batter and deep fried! So much for the 'healthy veggie plate!!" I must say we definitely picked the wrong time to go for lunch in a narrow restaurant with wood floors and a low ceiling. There was a family reunion in town and they decided it was lunch time, too! My they were having a really good time....a little on the LOUD side but full of fun with the laughing, screetching and giggles!
Then off to do some 'tourist' stuff -- the bakery, the meat market, watched the Klokkenspel presentation, wandered in and out of the shoppes along the street and the square. Thank heavens for the benches provided! As we were leaving Pella, the winds were picking up out of the north, the sky was getting grey -- I was waiting for the snow to fly!
It was just a dreary kind of day I would expect in October or November -- but certainly NOT in the middle of July!
A Day in Pella, Part 2
A “must see’ visit to Pella is the VERMEER MILL, a recreation of an 1850 Dutch grain windmill, the front piece for an education and historical center. Completed in 2002, the largest working 100% wind-powered mill in the US reaches a height of 135 feet, tall enough to catch the winds of the mid-west. Built in The Netherlands, disassembled and shipped to Pella, it was reassembled by Dutch Craftsmen. Today the mill grinds wheat flour used in the local bakeries and restaurants.
Dominating the Central Park are the 65 foot high twin pylons of the TULIP TOREN (Tower). In 1940 a wooden version of the Tulip Tower, inspired by the biblical description of King Solomon’s Temple, was designed and built by a local architect. Built of wood, it soon deteriorated and in 1968 the city erected a permanent structure. During Tulip Time the Turen becomes the center stage for festival events. The Tri-Colors of the Flag of The Netherlands flies from the crest between the pylons. The Crest, which is a replica of the coat of arms of the Dutch Royal Family is inscribed with the motto “I Shall Maintain.” The flags of the 12 Netherland Provinces are flown behind the red-carpeted steps.
The KLOKKENSPEL, a European tradition, is the entrance way to Molengracht Plaza. The 7 animated figures are set in motion by the clock five times a day. The 147 bell carillon provides the music for the animation. Five brass bells on top of the arch were cast in Holland. They toll the hours and play chimes.
MOLENGRACHT PLAZA is a retail business complex fashioned after a Dutch community on a canal, complete with beautiful floral arrangements and outside dining.
Although born in Illinois, Pella is the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp. The Earp family moved to Pella when Wyatt was two. His home and others are available for tours.
A trip to Pella isn’t complete with stopping at the Jaarsma or Vander Ploeg Bakeries, Ulrich’s or In't Veld Meat Markets and the many other shoppes along and around the Central Park Square. And make sure you stop and admire the beauty of the Dutch Lace available in the fabric shoppes.
A welcome sight for the walkers are the numerous benches up and down the street. Most have dedications or memorial plaques on them.what a wonderful treat for those of us that aren’t quite as young and spry as we were a few years ago!
There is still much to see. It will take another trip to Pella to visit the Historical Village and the other sites. AND, to stop by the bakery and meat market AGAIN!!
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Day in Pella Iowa Part 1
Pella is a community in south central Iowa. Probably best known for Pella Windows and Doors, it is also the home of Central College (founded 1853) and several other companies. But, Pella’s claim to fame is “Tulip Time,” an annual celebration of it’s Dutch heritage.
Named after Pella in Asia Minor, a city of refuge for early Christians, it was founded in 1847 by Dominee (Reverend) Hendrik Scholte and the 800 immigrants that followed him from The Netherlands to escape religious persecution.
The King decreed all to follow the State Church. Those thinking the state church too informal, theologically unsound and lax, refused to follow the edict. By 1835 the Separatists were being imprisoned. Compounding the difficulties of the Separatists, all of Europe was suffering from a potato blight that caused famine in many parts fo the country.
Dominee Scholte and his family left first, followed by 800 others, sailing in four vessels to Baltimore, Maryland. From there they traveled by river and over land to reach St Louis, MO. Then following the direction of a Baptist circuit rider they traveled into Iowa.
The community purchased18,000 acres high on a ridge between the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers for $1.25 per acre. Much of the land already tilled and settled, the Dutch built houses of sod and roofed with prairie grasses. From the vision of the grass roofed homes, the area was called “Strawtown.” Gradually more and more Dutch and Americans settled in the fertile area.
To this day, Pella is known for its strong Christian community values. The town today, proud of its heritage attracts many tourists for its festivals, unique architecture and business district.
Named after Pella in Asia Minor, a city of refuge for early Christians, it was founded in 1847 by Dominee (Reverend) Hendrik Scholte and the 800 immigrants that followed him from The Netherlands to escape religious persecution.
The King decreed all to follow the State Church. Those thinking the state church too informal, theologically unsound and lax, refused to follow the edict. By 1835 the Separatists were being imprisoned. Compounding the difficulties of the Separatists, all of Europe was suffering from a potato blight that caused famine in many parts fo the country.
Dominee Scholte and his family left first, followed by 800 others, sailing in four vessels to Baltimore, Maryland. From there they traveled by river and over land to reach St Louis, MO. Then following the direction of a Baptist circuit rider they traveled into Iowa.
The community purchased18,000 acres high on a ridge between the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers for $1.25 per acre. Much of the land already tilled and settled, the Dutch built houses of sod and roofed with prairie grasses. From the vision of the grass roofed homes, the area was called “Strawtown.” Gradually more and more Dutch and Americans settled in the fertile area.
To this day, Pella is known for its strong Christian community values. The town today, proud of its heritage attracts many tourists for its festivals, unique architecture and business district.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Where's The Water!
Lucked out again last night -- my weather radio alarm went off about 9PM with a severe thunderstorm warning. After listening to the weather on the 10PM news and checking, one more time, the weather radar on line, I decided to go to bed....hoping it would miss us.
Well, it did -- sometime during the night the storm split and did some damage south of us and north of us, but we came through with little more than some wind, thunder and lightning.
About 2 AM I was up to check the weather (AGAIN!) and noticed I didn't have any water. Knowing that the connection on my hook-up is the old original connection, I thought I had a water leak outside -- so outside I went -- walked about the RV - no sign of a leak -- so back to bed.
This AM -- still no water -- heard Judy with some workmen outside by the utility building. Soon, Mary came by to say that the pump was out. But, how lucky can you get -- the guys in the park taking down the trees that had been wind-damaged earlier were also the pump and well repair guys! So, get off the tree trimming truck and get into the well/pump repair truck.
By 11AM we were back in the water business. Don't you just love it when the handiman is a jack of all trades and can 'fix' anything!
Well, it did -- sometime during the night the storm split and did some damage south of us and north of us, but we came through with little more than some wind, thunder and lightning.
About 2 AM I was up to check the weather (AGAIN!) and noticed I didn't have any water. Knowing that the connection on my hook-up is the old original connection, I thought I had a water leak outside -- so outside I went -- walked about the RV - no sign of a leak -- so back to bed.
This AM -- still no water -- heard Judy with some workmen outside by the utility building. Soon, Mary came by to say that the pump was out. But, how lucky can you get -- the guys in the park taking down the trees that had been wind-damaged earlier were also the pump and well repair guys! So, get off the tree trimming truck and get into the well/pump repair truck.
By 11AM we were back in the water business. Don't you just love it when the handiman is a jack of all trades and can 'fix' anything!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Meskwaki Casino Buffet
Last evening my sister and I went to the Meskwaki Casino for the “all you can eat’ steak buffet. Needless to say, we both ate ourselves into misery!!!
Just a wonderful display of food…too much food!
The Casino is on Meskwaki Indian land (referred to as the Meskwaki Settlement) in Tama, Iowa. The Meskwaki culture, historically found in the St Lawrence River Valley, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, is the mid-western “relative” of the Algonquians of the Eastern Woodlands.
After a 1701-1742 war against the French, they were called “Renards” (Fox) by the French and the French King decreed their complete extermination. Allied with the Sauk in 1735 to repel the encroachment of the Europeans both tribes were moved from Wisconsin to Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
Although the Sauk and Meskwaki were separate tribal entities, they shared a similar language and culture. Consequently, the US Government treated the “Sac & Fox” as a single group. In 1832 they united under Chief Black Hawk and after the Black Hawk War lost their lands and were moved to a Kansas Government Reservation. Many remained hidden in Iowa and in 1856 the state of Iowa enacted a law allowing them to stay.
On July 13, 1857, Proclamation day, the Meskwaki purchased the first 80 acre tract in Tama County. Ten years later the formal identity became the Sac & Fox of Iowa. Theirs was a unique status since they were the land owners of the settlement, they were not residing on government lands.
Today their tribal lands include 8,000 acres in two counties. The 1,300 members of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa/Meskwaki is governed by a 7 member Tribal Council.
http://www.meskwaki.com/ Casino Website
http://www.meskwaki.org/ Tribal Website
Just a wonderful display of food…too much food!
The Casino is on Meskwaki Indian land (referred to as the Meskwaki Settlement) in Tama, Iowa. The Meskwaki culture, historically found in the St Lawrence River Valley, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, is the mid-western “relative” of the Algonquians of the Eastern Woodlands.
After a 1701-1742 war against the French, they were called “Renards” (Fox) by the French and the French King decreed their complete extermination. Allied with the Sauk in 1735 to repel the encroachment of the Europeans both tribes were moved from Wisconsin to Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
Although the Sauk and Meskwaki were separate tribal entities, they shared a similar language and culture. Consequently, the US Government treated the “Sac & Fox” as a single group. In 1832 they united under Chief Black Hawk and after the Black Hawk War lost their lands and were moved to a Kansas Government Reservation. Many remained hidden in Iowa and in 1856 the state of Iowa enacted a law allowing them to stay.
On July 13, 1857, Proclamation day, the Meskwaki purchased the first 80 acre tract in Tama County. Ten years later the formal identity became the Sac & Fox of Iowa. Theirs was a unique status since they were the land owners of the settlement, they were not residing on government lands.
Today their tribal lands include 8,000 acres in two counties. The 1,300 members of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa/Meskwaki is governed by a 7 member Tribal Council.
http://www.meskwaki.com/ Casino Website
http://www.meskwaki.org/ Tribal Website
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A Visit From The Contractor
This AM my sister brought a contractor by to take a look at the RV -- I want to remove the carpeting in the bedroom/bathroom area and on the steps - it is just too difficult to keep clean with a dog, a cat, a parrot and a messy, lazy housekeeper! I also want the padded/upolstered valances removed in the kitchen area -- they absorb any and every smell coming from the kitchen and they are really hard to keep clean. I've asked him to figure some way to put up a shelf in place of the valance....I can always use a place to 'put stuff'!
I don't think I will ever understand carpeting and upolstered valances in an RV. Guess I'm lacking 'class' or something -- or maybe I'm just to sensible!!!!
Then it was off to Twin Anchors RV Service in Colo, IA -- just down the road about 20 miles -- to pick up my new sewer slinky. Couldn't find one when we were shopping in Des Moines last week -- so asked the RV service in Colo to order one.
Bea and I had lunch at the restaurant there at the Twin Anchors RV park -- really good open-faced steak sandwich -- they give way toooo many french fries! But the food is good and plenty of it and the service is great. I still haven't managed to save enough room to try their homemade pies yet -- one of these days!
My heart goes out to my Texas friends -- they are still suffering thru a long stretch of triple-digit days without rain. But I don't feel the least bit guilty setting here in Iowa with my 76 degree day and plenty of rain....would love to share it if someone would built a rain-pipe-line from central IA to TX!
I don't think I will ever understand carpeting and upolstered valances in an RV. Guess I'm lacking 'class' or something -- or maybe I'm just to sensible!!!!
Then it was off to Twin Anchors RV Service in Colo, IA -- just down the road about 20 miles -- to pick up my new sewer slinky. Couldn't find one when we were shopping in Des Moines last week -- so asked the RV service in Colo to order one.
Bea and I had lunch at the restaurant there at the Twin Anchors RV park -- really good open-faced steak sandwich -- they give way toooo many french fries! But the food is good and plenty of it and the service is great. I still haven't managed to save enough room to try their homemade pies yet -- one of these days!
My heart goes out to my Texas friends -- they are still suffering thru a long stretch of triple-digit days without rain. But I don't feel the least bit guilty setting here in Iowa with my 76 degree day and plenty of rain....would love to share it if someone would built a rain-pipe-line from central IA to TX!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Rain, Rain!
2.9 inches of rain in one hour yesterday afternoon! WET!
Found the leak in my slide -- must be in the sealing gasket on the back end of the slide! Wonder what that will cost to repair!
Went out this AM to see what was blown over or soggy -- we did get some bursts of 20-30mph winds yesterday afternoon/evening. I had 4 inches in my rain gauge.....so glad the creek is still running in the creek bed!
Found the leak in my slide -- must be in the sealing gasket on the back end of the slide! Wonder what that will cost to repair!
Went out this AM to see what was blown over or soggy -- we did get some bursts of 20-30mph winds yesterday afternoon/evening. I had 4 inches in my rain gauge.....so glad the creek is still running in the creek bed!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
MVPA Convoy
Thanks to Mary Gift, the owner, operator, chief supervisor of Shady Oaks Campground and coordinator and tour guide for The Big Treehouse for the pictures in the slide show to the right.
Mary, pictured near the Shady Oaks sign, was on hand to greet the convoy as it passed by -- complete with red, white and blue bunting, flags and windsocks the park was decorated for the occasion.
Mary, her daughter Judy, her grandson Mick and Mick's wife Liz make this place my comfortable Iowa home!
Mary, pictured near the Shady Oaks sign, was on hand to greet the convoy as it passed by -- complete with red, white and blue bunting, flags and windsocks the park was decorated for the occasion.
Mary, her daughter Judy, her grandson Mick and Mick's wife Liz make this place my comfortable Iowa home!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY!
Many of today’s planned outings will probably be moved inside or cancelled. A rainy day here in central Iowa – 64 degrees and a nice steady heavy drizzle or light rain –however you want to put it! Provides a good excuse for me to stay by the ‘puter and finish downloading, sorting, filing, figuring things out.
I’ve been busy this AM trying to recreate some things that were lost in the Big Computer Crash last week. I had thought it was sooooo wise to put everything on the computer and get rid of the paperwork – not a lot of room for filing cabinets in an RV – and, it might be the way to go – if I would just develop the habit of periodically downloading to my external hard drive – and obviously doing it every 3-4 months isn’t sufficient! Now I’m creating a ‘back up’ notebook to keep handy –“Just In Case!”
Yesterday Bea and I went into Des Moines to run some errands – mostly MY errands. First headed to RV supply places looking for some sewer and awning attachments – couldn’t find what I was looking for – will probably just go to the internet and order what I want.
Lunch at McDonald’s – how’s that for a big experience!
Then off to Best Buy to check for MS Office – just couldn’t find what I wanted on the ‘net’ – and I’m so accustomed to the MS Word that I decided to part with the bucks and get the program. Managed to save some cash -- I had found an old Best Buy gift card when I was moving out of the house – that’s been a couple of years ago and the purse I found it in was older than that! I was sure there wasn’t anything left on the card – Bea also had on older card – so between her card and my card, the total cash outlay for me for the program was $40.78!! We had $118 in old gift cards…can’t beat a deal like that!
Out Best Buy’s door and into Michael’s to check for baskets. Li’lBit had ruined her ‘napping basket’ that sets in the kitchen – Another sale – another purchase.
Off to the dress shop to look for some tops. Another sale – two blouses and a pair of jeans! Had a rebate visa card from Alltel – chopped the cash outlay down on that purchase.
Stopped at Baker’s Square for pie and coffee. I had the caramel pecan silk supreme –layers of caramel pecan, cream cheese, some other totally decadent layers, drizzled with chocolate and caramel! Probably should have bought those jeans AFTER the pie!
Made a few more stops for odds and end – then headed back to Marshalltown. Decided to stop for supper before going home – pizza at Mama DiGrado’s http://mamadigrados.com/ Now I know those jeans aren’t going to fit!
Hope you all have a super Safe and Happy Fourth of July!
I’ve been busy this AM trying to recreate some things that were lost in the Big Computer Crash last week. I had thought it was sooooo wise to put everything on the computer and get rid of the paperwork – not a lot of room for filing cabinets in an RV – and, it might be the way to go – if I would just develop the habit of periodically downloading to my external hard drive – and obviously doing it every 3-4 months isn’t sufficient! Now I’m creating a ‘back up’ notebook to keep handy –“Just In Case!”
Yesterday Bea and I went into Des Moines to run some errands – mostly MY errands. First headed to RV supply places looking for some sewer and awning attachments – couldn’t find what I was looking for – will probably just go to the internet and order what I want.
Lunch at McDonald’s – how’s that for a big experience!
Then off to Best Buy to check for MS Office – just couldn’t find what I wanted on the ‘net’ – and I’m so accustomed to the MS Word that I decided to part with the bucks and get the program. Managed to save some cash -- I had found an old Best Buy gift card when I was moving out of the house – that’s been a couple of years ago and the purse I found it in was older than that! I was sure there wasn’t anything left on the card – Bea also had on older card – so between her card and my card, the total cash outlay for me for the program was $40.78!! We had $118 in old gift cards…can’t beat a deal like that!
Out Best Buy’s door and into Michael’s to check for baskets. Li’lBit had ruined her ‘napping basket’ that sets in the kitchen – Another sale – another purchase.
Off to the dress shop to look for some tops. Another sale – two blouses and a pair of jeans! Had a rebate visa card from Alltel – chopped the cash outlay down on that purchase.
Stopped at Baker’s Square for pie and coffee. I had the caramel pecan silk supreme –layers of caramel pecan, cream cheese, some other totally decadent layers, drizzled with chocolate and caramel! Probably should have bought those jeans AFTER the pie!
Made a few more stops for odds and end – then headed back to Marshalltown. Decided to stop for supper before going home – pizza at Mama DiGrado’s http://mamadigrados.com/ Now I know those jeans aren’t going to fit!
Hope you all have a super Safe and Happy Fourth of July!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Computer Up and Running
New computer up and running -- couldn't save anything from the old one! They couldn't even get it to come on to TRY to pull from the hard drive.
I spent 30 minutes on the phone with Alltel having them walk me thru downloading my USB AirCard to this new 64 bit computer program that obviously wasn't directly compatible with the older card -- so now I'm on line I'll try to find as much on line to download as I can -- can't find my original CDs! GEEZ!
The Outlook Express mail program was on the computer -- finally got the gmail set up -- took forever to download my gmail to the mail program -- forgot I hadn't gone to GMail to delete the stuff and it doesn't go away until I delete it -- downloaded over 1000 emails!! What a waste! How dumb!
I have found my little programs -- my desktop calendar, the PrintKey and my EMail cleaner program. Just finish downloading adobe acrobat reader and the drivers and program for my printer.
Still can't find my MS Office CD. Until I do, I would like to find some program compatible with MS Office (Word and PowerPoint are about all I use.) I did download a PP viewer so I can look at powerpoints when I get them in email. No sound - just a viewer, but it was free!
I'm going to be more careful about where I put my CDs!!! How can I lose stuff in an RV -- I know all of my download discs are here somewhere but for the life of me cannot find them. When I do, they will ALL go into my computer bag to keep stuff together!
I spent 30 minutes on the phone with Alltel having them walk me thru downloading my USB AirCard to this new 64 bit computer program that obviously wasn't directly compatible with the older card -- so now I'm on line I'll try to find as much on line to download as I can -- can't find my original CDs! GEEZ!
The Outlook Express mail program was on the computer -- finally got the gmail set up -- took forever to download my gmail to the mail program -- forgot I hadn't gone to GMail to delete the stuff and it doesn't go away until I delete it -- downloaded over 1000 emails!! What a waste! How dumb!
I have found my little programs -- my desktop calendar, the PrintKey and my EMail cleaner program. Just finish downloading adobe acrobat reader and the drivers and program for my printer.
Still can't find my MS Office CD. Until I do, I would like to find some program compatible with MS Office (Word and PowerPoint are about all I use.) I did download a PP viewer so I can look at powerpoints when I get them in email. No sound - just a viewer, but it was free!
I'm going to be more careful about where I put my CDs!!! How can I lose stuff in an RV -- I know all of my download discs are here somewhere but for the life of me cannot find them. When I do, they will ALL go into my computer bag to keep stuff together!
The Eye Improves!
The eye appointment with Wolfe Clinic today went really good (I think!) -- Pressure still up some in the right eye -- BUT -- he used the term "more quiet" regarding the infection and the irritation with the eye. You can see from the pics he took last time and today that the border of the scar tissue on the upper edge is slightly less -- not a lot -- but it is a noticable difference.
I told my sister one day last week I thought I was able to see movement more clearly on the top part of my eye -- and maybe I did -- maybe there is a difference with the scar tissue reduction in that corner.
The doc mentioned going back to VA and I told him since I couldn't get the drops he ordered thru VA -- and that I was planning on being here nearly 6 months every summer, could I transfer my care up here to this clinic and he said YES!!! YIPPEE!! I go see him again in September.
I told my sister one day last week I thought I was able to see movement more clearly on the top part of my eye -- and maybe I did -- maybe there is a difference with the scar tissue reduction in that corner.
The doc mentioned going back to VA and I told him since I couldn't get the drops he ordered thru VA -- and that I was planning on being here nearly 6 months every summer, could I transfer my care up here to this clinic and he said YES!!! YIPPEE!! I go see him again in September.
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