Thursday May 27 I woke up to my first day in Iowa for this summer. I slept like a baby! Hit the bed about 9PM, after my chilly shower and don't remember a thing until about 4AM when the train whistle blew at the crossing. I didn't realize how much I missed that until I heard it in the morning...love the sound of the train!
The nose (and lungs) need to get used to a new set of pollens. Really plugged up, but expected that -- after all, I am living in an old oak grove and it is Spring!
The closet rod held this trip. It didn't pull loose, but I forgot to tape my plastic drawers in the closet. So, the next job was to clean up the pill bottles, medicine and jewelry all over the closet floor. Immediately added "tape drawers" to my check off list. No matter how many trips I make, no matter how long the list gets, there is something new with each trip.
While at the grocery, I noticed a special on pork riblets (that's what they call the little rib ends that get trimmed off when they vacuum pack the ribs.) Guess what went into the crock pot with BBQ sauce. My sister is not a rib person, but when I emailed her and told her of my "rib find" she wanted to know "What time's supper." So, out she came with chips and my favorite spring salad from Hy-Vee.
Managed to get the sewer hooked up, hanging baskets on the hitch, cleaned up my two ratty pink geraniums, prepotted some mint, a small aloe vera, some rosemary, cleaned up my favorite shamrock plant. Have the table cloth cleaned, the smelly candle buckets out -- just moving right along -- and had 'company for supper."
Is this Heaven? No it's Iowa! And that's about the way I feel when I'm here for the summer -- until the tornadoes blow through or the flooding happens!
Speaking of Iowa Spring Weather, I have the weather radio (mandatory equipment when RVing in Iowa in the spring) all tuned in and up and running. I'm not much of a TV person, but I do like to get the local weather and some news...so I fiddled with the TV and the antenna. No cable in the park. Took me some twisting and turning on the antenna to get more than one channel. I also have an older TV that requires a converter box, so had to get that up and running. Finally, afer several attempts I can now get 4 channels: 2 Iowa Public TV; one network from Des Moines, one network from Waterloo. At least I'll have local weather an news.
Bea called on Sunday the 31st to say she was bringing steaks out in the afternoon. So, I'm trying to get stuff put away, make some tater salad and I have a cobbler in the crockpot. I think the cobbler recipe I use is in the March section of the blog -- this time I used apple pie filling and spice cake mix.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
MAY RECIPES
OOPS -- forgot this one:
World’s Easiest Peach Cobbler
Preheat oven 350 degrees
Remove the crust from 5 slices of white bread. Cut each slice into 5 equal strips.
Pour a large can of peaches (drained) in bottom of 8x8 baking dish.
Lay strips of bread on top of peaches.
In the microwave, melt one stick of margarine.
Add 1 ½ cups sugar, 2 TBSP flour, and 1 egg. Beat until well blended.
(If using Splenda, allow margarine to cool but not re-harden.)
Pour mixture over bread and peaches coating each piece of bread (that will be the crispy crust)
Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, 30-35 minutes.
NOTE: Can use other fruits, just make sure you drain any canned fruit. May also use fresh fruit. Just make sure you have enough to thoroughly cover the bottom of the baking dish.
Haven't done much cooking this month!
Hash Brown Reubens
2 frozen hash brown patties
1 TBS butter, softened
2 thick slices corned beef
1/2 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
2 TBS brown sugar
2 TBS applesauce with cinnamon
1/4 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Place hash browns in a greased 11x7x2-inch baking pan. Spread each with butter; top with corned beef. Combine sauerkraut, brown sugar and applesauce then spoon over corned beef. Top with salad dressing and Swiss cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Grilled Caesar Potatoes
1 envelope Caesar or Italian salad dressing mix
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup oil
1 1/2 lb red potatoes cut into 1 in cubes
1 med onion coarsely chopped
1 med red or green pepper coarsely chopped
Mix salad dressing mix, vinegar and oil until well blended.
Pour over remaining ingredients and toss until well coated. Spoon evenly onto a large sheet of double layer heavy duty foil. Fold to form a tightly sealed pouch. Grill over med heat for 30-35 min, turn mid-way through cooking.
Chicken Salad Melt
1 English muffin
Diced or shredded cooked chicken
The quantity of the following depends on how much chicken you use and your personal taste:
Thousand Island-type sandwich spread
Sweet pickle relish
Onion flakes
Black pepper
Shredded Swiss cheese
Toast muffin for a few minutes Set aside.
In a bowl, mix chicken meat (drain if using canned), sandwich spread, relish, onions and pepper. Adjust to your personal preference.
Put chicken mixture on bottom half of the toasted muffin, sprinkle cheese on the top half, toast in oven a 325 degrees until cheese melts.
OR -- if you enjoy these like I do, you can put 1/2 the chicken mix on each half of the muffin, then sprinkle cheese on both and eat them as open-face sandwiches.
NOTE -- This is also good with canned ham, or tuna.
Barbecue Sauce ala Applebees
Similar, but not quite, to the Applebee's BBQ rib sauce.
1/2 cup apple butter
1/2 cup Catalina style dressing
1/2 cup ketchup
3 TBS Worcestershire sauce
Combine all ingredients. Will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
May be frozen.
World’s Easiest Peach Cobbler
Preheat oven 350 degrees
Remove the crust from 5 slices of white bread. Cut each slice into 5 equal strips.
Pour a large can of peaches (drained) in bottom of 8x8 baking dish.
Lay strips of bread on top of peaches.
In the microwave, melt one stick of margarine.
Add 1 ½ cups sugar, 2 TBSP flour, and 1 egg. Beat until well blended.
(If using Splenda, allow margarine to cool but not re-harden.)
Pour mixture over bread and peaches coating each piece of bread (that will be the crispy crust)
Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, 30-35 minutes.
NOTE: Can use other fruits, just make sure you drain any canned fruit. May also use fresh fruit. Just make sure you have enough to thoroughly cover the bottom of the baking dish.
Haven't done much cooking this month!
Hash Brown Reubens
2 frozen hash brown patties
1 TBS butter, softened
2 thick slices corned beef
1/2 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
2 TBS brown sugar
2 TBS applesauce with cinnamon
1/4 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Place hash browns in a greased 11x7x2-inch baking pan. Spread each with butter; top with corned beef. Combine sauerkraut, brown sugar and applesauce then spoon over corned beef. Top with salad dressing and Swiss cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Grilled Caesar Potatoes
1 envelope Caesar or Italian salad dressing mix
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup oil
1 1/2 lb red potatoes cut into 1 in cubes
1 med onion coarsely chopped
1 med red or green pepper coarsely chopped
Mix salad dressing mix, vinegar and oil until well blended.
Pour over remaining ingredients and toss until well coated. Spoon evenly onto a large sheet of double layer heavy duty foil. Fold to form a tightly sealed pouch. Grill over med heat for 30-35 min, turn mid-way through cooking.
Chicken Salad Melt
1 English muffin
Diced or shredded cooked chicken
The quantity of the following depends on how much chicken you use and your personal taste:
Thousand Island-type sandwich spread
Sweet pickle relish
Onion flakes
Black pepper
Shredded Swiss cheese
Toast muffin for a few minutes Set aside.
In a bowl, mix chicken meat (drain if using canned), sandwich spread, relish, onions and pepper. Adjust to your personal preference.
Put chicken mixture on bottom half of the toasted muffin, sprinkle cheese on the top half, toast in oven a 325 degrees until cheese melts.
OR -- if you enjoy these like I do, you can put 1/2 the chicken mix on each half of the muffin, then sprinkle cheese on both and eat them as open-face sandwiches.
NOTE -- This is also good with canned ham, or tuna.
Barbecue Sauce ala Applebees
Similar, but not quite, to the Applebee's BBQ rib sauce.
1/2 cup apple butter
1/2 cup Catalina style dressing
1/2 cup ketchup
3 TBS Worcestershire sauce
Combine all ingredients. Will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
May be frozen.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
On The Road May 23 - 26
Sunday, May 23, 3:30 PM - slides are in; holding tanks emptied. Holly escaped from her carrier again while I was putting the slides in. I had the door closed and got the pillows stashed in the openings before she escaped. I don't know what it is about the door on that carrier. She doesn't pry it open when we go to the vet - but she has a way of getting out when she hears the mechanics of the slides.
I have no idea where she hides when she cannot get under the bed. How many hiding places are there in this RV! She finally came out. I guess the moving floors upset her!
Lee and Mary Jane came by about 5PM and had me hitched up in no time at all. Much quicker when they do it than when Fred and I try it! I leave the electric and water plugged in, just empty and stow the sewer tank and hose. Ready to hit the road first thing in the AM.
Monday May 24 off to the tire store to have the RV tires aired and checked. On the road by 9AM. Arrived at Guthrie OK about 3:30PM. The trip from Gatesville to Guthrie was good. Some really bad road construction from the OK state line up to OK City. I'm afraid to open my kitchen cupboards. At least the refrigerator didn't fly open and the kitchen drawers remained closed, but stuff I had on chairs that never moves during travel was all over the floor.
I didn't have a lot of wind and what I did run into was mainly from the south so served as a nice tail wind for me. I averaged just under 12 mpg coming up.
By 4PM I had the electric hooked up and the A/C going full-blast. 89 degrees; 59% humidity. The air was really heavy. Nice breeze on the hill but hot and humid air SUCKS! Li'lBit sniffed the air and watered the grass; Tinga munched on her yummies and Holly remained in hiding from the trip.
Looked like the RV next to me was traveling with a few others. Lots of in and out and carrying drinks. They set up a horsehoe pit (portable one) between their RV and mine and all the drinkers proceeded to pitch horsehoes. Was was expecting a wild night, but I didn't hear a thing. With the bedroom slide in, I have no windows on that side. Actually with the A/C running, the windows closed and the ceiling fan on, I barely hear anything from outside.
Tuesday was my short day; only about 275 miles to go. There was a huge bank of red and orange on the weather radar headed right for I-35 between OK City and Wichita KS. I waited for that to cross I-35 before I unplugged the electric, loaded the truck and left.
The RV park in Kansas is a Mom & Pop operation and the office opens about 3-4 PM. I pulled off the road about 45 miles south of the park exit at a truck stop. I pulled around back where the trucks park, ate a late lunch, played with the laptop and sniffed diesel fumes for an hour or so. It was good driving. Roads dry, no rain, but lots of water in the ditches around Wishita. They must have had a gully washer come through before I got there. The sky was overcast so I didn't have to fight the sun. Just a good day to drive.
Pulled into the RV park about 4PM. Remained hitched to the truck, again, hooked up only the electric. Checked my water holding tank and still had plenty, so didn't bother hooking up the water. The park is on a hill, nice breeze, didn't need the A/C. Li'lBit went for her 'inspection tour' of the space, Tinga munched on her yummies and Holly, again, remained in hiding until later that evening. Tinga, tired of being cage-bound, started hollering, "I'll come out, Let me out" I know she hates being cooped up like a bird! She acts like it is killing her! She can be sooo dramatic!
6:30 AM Wednesday, the weather radar had a blob of bright orange just south of KC...by 6:45 the rains started. They passed by 9AM and I was on the road.
3PM Marshalltown Iowa! Randy was there to back me in. My sister did most of the setting up...at least the important stuff..electric and water. She stayed to help me put my wooden steps together...no more excuses for falling. I took a tumble coming out of the RV that morning and landed on my left knee. Not good. Then to be setting behind the wheel all day and not moving about enough to keep it limber, by the time I pulled in to Marshalltown, it was SORE and swollen! I didn't want to take anything stronger than tylenol since I was driving. But once I got into the RV, out came the pain meds. I've fallen on this same knee several times - and not gracefully, I might add!
My plan for the evening was a nice warm shower and early to bed. But, as I'm standing naked and wet in the shower, I realized I forgot to turn on the hot water heater! Very short nippy shower! The water heater was turned on immediately. I have a list of things to do to close up and move. Maybe I need a list of things to do when I arrive!
Aside from the fall, the trip was uneventful. I lucked out on the weather. The heavy storms stayed just ahead of me or I stayed just ahead of them. Had some wet pavement, but no rain, wind or other plagues of nature. Lots of road construction but that is a plague of MAN!
Oh, the best part of the story -- I put the slides out and later in the evening I heard this faint "meow" coming from under my bed. Holly had slipped under the bed while the side was going out. Of course, I had to pull the slide back in to let her out. DAMN CAT! She stuck to me like velcro all nite, under the covers, right up next to me. Guess she didn't like being stuck under the bed. I wish I could say she learned her lesson but I know it will happend again.
Not quite all set up and unpacked but I'm HOME for the summer and have all summer to get 'er done!
I have no idea where she hides when she cannot get under the bed. How many hiding places are there in this RV! She finally came out. I guess the moving floors upset her!
Lee and Mary Jane came by about 5PM and had me hitched up in no time at all. Much quicker when they do it than when Fred and I try it! I leave the electric and water plugged in, just empty and stow the sewer tank and hose. Ready to hit the road first thing in the AM.
Monday May 24 off to the tire store to have the RV tires aired and checked. On the road by 9AM. Arrived at Guthrie OK about 3:30PM. The trip from Gatesville to Guthrie was good. Some really bad road construction from the OK state line up to OK City. I'm afraid to open my kitchen cupboards. At least the refrigerator didn't fly open and the kitchen drawers remained closed, but stuff I had on chairs that never moves during travel was all over the floor.
I didn't have a lot of wind and what I did run into was mainly from the south so served as a nice tail wind for me. I averaged just under 12 mpg coming up.
By 4PM I had the electric hooked up and the A/C going full-blast. 89 degrees; 59% humidity. The air was really heavy. Nice breeze on the hill but hot and humid air SUCKS! Li'lBit sniffed the air and watered the grass; Tinga munched on her yummies and Holly remained in hiding from the trip.
Looked like the RV next to me was traveling with a few others. Lots of in and out and carrying drinks. They set up a horsehoe pit (portable one) between their RV and mine and all the drinkers proceeded to pitch horsehoes. Was was expecting a wild night, but I didn't hear a thing. With the bedroom slide in, I have no windows on that side. Actually with the A/C running, the windows closed and the ceiling fan on, I barely hear anything from outside.
Tuesday was my short day; only about 275 miles to go. There was a huge bank of red and orange on the weather radar headed right for I-35 between OK City and Wichita KS. I waited for that to cross I-35 before I unplugged the electric, loaded the truck and left.
The RV park in Kansas is a Mom & Pop operation and the office opens about 3-4 PM. I pulled off the road about 45 miles south of the park exit at a truck stop. I pulled around back where the trucks park, ate a late lunch, played with the laptop and sniffed diesel fumes for an hour or so. It was good driving. Roads dry, no rain, but lots of water in the ditches around Wishita. They must have had a gully washer come through before I got there. The sky was overcast so I didn't have to fight the sun. Just a good day to drive.
Pulled into the RV park about 4PM. Remained hitched to the truck, again, hooked up only the electric. Checked my water holding tank and still had plenty, so didn't bother hooking up the water. The park is on a hill, nice breeze, didn't need the A/C. Li'lBit went for her 'inspection tour' of the space, Tinga munched on her yummies and Holly, again, remained in hiding until later that evening. Tinga, tired of being cage-bound, started hollering, "I'll come out, Let me out" I know she hates being cooped up like a bird! She acts like it is killing her! She can be sooo dramatic!
6:30 AM Wednesday, the weather radar had a blob of bright orange just south of KC...by 6:45 the rains started. They passed by 9AM and I was on the road.
3PM Marshalltown Iowa! Randy was there to back me in. My sister did most of the setting up...at least the important stuff..electric and water. She stayed to help me put my wooden steps together...no more excuses for falling. I took a tumble coming out of the RV that morning and landed on my left knee. Not good. Then to be setting behind the wheel all day and not moving about enough to keep it limber, by the time I pulled in to Marshalltown, it was SORE and swollen! I didn't want to take anything stronger than tylenol since I was driving. But once I got into the RV, out came the pain meds. I've fallen on this same knee several times - and not gracefully, I might add!
My plan for the evening was a nice warm shower and early to bed. But, as I'm standing naked and wet in the shower, I realized I forgot to turn on the hot water heater! Very short nippy shower! The water heater was turned on immediately. I have a list of things to do to close up and move. Maybe I need a list of things to do when I arrive!
Aside from the fall, the trip was uneventful. I lucked out on the weather. The heavy storms stayed just ahead of me or I stayed just ahead of them. Had some wet pavement, but no rain, wind or other plagues of nature. Lots of road construction but that is a plague of MAN!
Oh, the best part of the story -- I put the slides out and later in the evening I heard this faint "meow" coming from under my bed. Holly had slipped under the bed while the side was going out. Of course, I had to pull the slide back in to let her out. DAMN CAT! She stuck to me like velcro all nite, under the covers, right up next to me. Guess she didn't like being stuck under the bed. I wish I could say she learned her lesson but I know it will happend again.
Not quite all set up and unpacked but I'm HOME for the summer and have all summer to get 'er done!
Down to the Wire - Moving Day Ahead May 15 - 21
Down to the last week before I pull out. Still have appointments and some odds and ends to tidy up. Sunday was Lunch at Johnnie's and Dairy Queen with Brenda and the girls. I cannot believe how the girls have changed. Candace is Momma to little Gabriel, Courtney graduated from high school, Samantha is old enough to take a job away from home at a summer camp for part of the summer and Cassandra has become a young lady -- and all of this over night! They grow too fast!
Monday was medical appointment day at VA in Temple. AM lab and my last appointment at 3:30. That just about ties up the entire day! My lab was good. Blood sugar was a little high but I had eaten a bowl of oatmeal before I drove over. They weren't to draw my lab until after 11 AM and they called in at 9:30. OOPS! Cholesteral was good, thyroid a little outta whack, but it always is. Meds were renewed and I waited to pick them up since I would be heading north on Monday. It is such a hassle for Brenda to ship them on to me. She cannot just forward them, something about the way they are packaged and labeled. She has to unpack the meds and put them in a different box and then mail them. Just too much work and effort to ask her to do that.
Tuesday I had an early lunch with Cindy and Mary Jane. Just can't beat Swindall's - especially when they have their berry cobbler!
Wednesday, sunny, breezy, 70 degrees. According to the weatherman the storms were to stay north of us. Poor Oklahoma! I picked up 4 tanks of oxygen while in Waco. Stopped at Good Will to see if there was anything I just couldn't live without -- there wasn't! But I did buy a couple of books. Have to buy SOMETHING! I love Good Will!
Ran around Waco and McGregor looking for spice bottles. I found the neatest spice rack at a garage sale and cannot find any bottles to fit it. Guess that is why they were selling it. When I get to Iowa, I'll have my sister run me to Penzy's Spices in Des Moines. Maybe I'll find something there. Would be as lot cheaper if I could find them in a junk store, dollar store or Good Will!
Another box is heading to my sister's address. I think that makes three. I ordered some sample packs of dehydrated vegetables, vegetable protein bits, soups, etc. If they aren't too pricey and they work out for me, I may not have to go to the grocery so much. Sure will be a lot lighter weight and easier to store than cans. Also found the flags I need for my holder on line and of course, had to order a couple more books. While in Iowa, my sister's address is my 'pick up' point.
On Thursday my truck tires were checked and rotated at Gatesville Tire. Orville and his crew really take good care of me, the truck and the RV! While out, took my shopping bag of laundry (I use that instead of a laundry basket - just call me a bag lady!) and did up all the odds and ends of laundry. Now I will live out of the shopping bag until I get to Iowa.
Placed a call to Pioneer RV Park in Guthrie OK for reservations for Monday night. I wanted to make sure they had not blown away. Also called Homewood RV park in Homewood KS to make sure they were still there after all of the storms.
All of a sudden, it was Friday the 21st and I wasn't getting packed up very fast. The heat and humidity had me sweating like a stuck hog! Then, while at the bank, going through the drive up teller, I creamed the dually fender-skirt on the passenger side. It will be OK until I get to Iowa. Will have it taken care of us there - damn drive throughs!
Monday was medical appointment day at VA in Temple. AM lab and my last appointment at 3:30. That just about ties up the entire day! My lab was good. Blood sugar was a little high but I had eaten a bowl of oatmeal before I drove over. They weren't to draw my lab until after 11 AM and they called in at 9:30. OOPS! Cholesteral was good, thyroid a little outta whack, but it always is. Meds were renewed and I waited to pick them up since I would be heading north on Monday. It is such a hassle for Brenda to ship them on to me. She cannot just forward them, something about the way they are packaged and labeled. She has to unpack the meds and put them in a different box and then mail them. Just too much work and effort to ask her to do that.
Tuesday I had an early lunch with Cindy and Mary Jane. Just can't beat Swindall's - especially when they have their berry cobbler!
Wednesday, sunny, breezy, 70 degrees. According to the weatherman the storms were to stay north of us. Poor Oklahoma! I picked up 4 tanks of oxygen while in Waco. Stopped at Good Will to see if there was anything I just couldn't live without -- there wasn't! But I did buy a couple of books. Have to buy SOMETHING! I love Good Will!
Ran around Waco and McGregor looking for spice bottles. I found the neatest spice rack at a garage sale and cannot find any bottles to fit it. Guess that is why they were selling it. When I get to Iowa, I'll have my sister run me to Penzy's Spices in Des Moines. Maybe I'll find something there. Would be as lot cheaper if I could find them in a junk store, dollar store or Good Will!
Another box is heading to my sister's address. I think that makes three. I ordered some sample packs of dehydrated vegetables, vegetable protein bits, soups, etc. If they aren't too pricey and they work out for me, I may not have to go to the grocery so much. Sure will be a lot lighter weight and easier to store than cans. Also found the flags I need for my holder on line and of course, had to order a couple more books. While in Iowa, my sister's address is my 'pick up' point.
On Thursday my truck tires were checked and rotated at Gatesville Tire. Orville and his crew really take good care of me, the truck and the RV! While out, took my shopping bag of laundry (I use that instead of a laundry basket - just call me a bag lady!) and did up all the odds and ends of laundry. Now I will live out of the shopping bag until I get to Iowa.
Placed a call to Pioneer RV Park in Guthrie OK for reservations for Monday night. I wanted to make sure they had not blown away. Also called Homewood RV park in Homewood KS to make sure they were still there after all of the storms.
All of a sudden, it was Friday the 21st and I wasn't getting packed up very fast. The heat and humidity had me sweating like a stuck hog! Then, while at the bank, going through the drive up teller, I creamed the dually fender-skirt on the passenger side. It will be OK until I get to Iowa. Will have it taken care of us there - damn drive throughs!
Getting Ready to Move - May 7 - 14
Finishing up the last of the odds and ends of things that need to be done. I took the old Acer, never say die, laptop to the repair shop to see if it's recent 'death' was permanent or repairable. Dead Motherboard! The folks at Blazin' Technology in Gatesville are another reason to make Gatesville my spring and fall 'get it all done here' place. I have a dependable service shop in Rockport with Robert Davis and his crew, so now I should have no reason to ever be 'computerless.'
Friday May 7th I woke to a sunny 68 degrees but not enough breeze to fight the 'heavy air.' I would take a fews steps, gasp for air, take a few steps more. I was OK, but I swear, if I had stayed in Gatesville, I'd be dead by now! But I do enjoy my time here with fired and spring this will be my spring and fall home.
Sunday means lunch with Johnnie. Always eat too much. She ad BBQ sandwiches, potato salad, cole slaw, macaroni salad, etc etc etc. She always has way too much on her table and the temptation to try some of everything is overwhelming!
Cold front came through, down in the 60s and cloudy with a breeze, beats the hell out of the 90's. Gave me a little energy to start 'folding up camp.' Fortunately, I don't do a lot of unpacking when I'm here -- just a few weeks and I don't do much cooking; spend too much time munching and visiting with friends.
Monday I met Sherrell Broam at Swindalls for ice tea. She will always be Sgt Broam from my time working at the prison. Thursday I had a nice lunch with Janis Daschofsky. Janis was the director of nursing when I first started working at the prison. We went to Andy's -- it's now called The StockYards, or something -- they still have the noon buffet. They also have a senior buffet...no salad/soup bar or dessert. One meat, two vegetables, and a bread. Veggies are 'serve yourself' so I filled up on some lovely grilled and steamed veggies and baked fish. Wish more places had these smaller portions. Of course, if they don't I just get a 'doggie bag' and make two meals out of it!
Monday May 10 storms came through late and went north of us. Looks horrible in Oklahoma and Kansas...my destinations in a couple of weeks. I'm glad I wasn't driving up I-35 at that time.
May 11th is Eat What You Want Day (according to my Holiday book.) DAMN! I celebrate that everyday!
Had lunch with Mary Jane, then went to Belton to pick up some supplies. My flag holder for the RV was in. Now I just need to find the right size flags.
When I pulled back into the RV park, I noticed a lot of smoke from across the street at the swimming pool -- WHOOPS!!! City maintenance truck on fire - big flames - bang, bang, boom, boom! Lots of folks running with fire extinguishers. They got it died down before the gas tank blew or I might not be writing this! I understand they actually drove the truck away. Seems most of the fire was in the back and burned whatever they were carrying and some aerosol paint cans.
Thursday the 12th I had an early lunch with Janis...you know us ol' folks -- we go early to avoid the noon rush! Went to Ranchers. I had to have one of their homemade hamburgers on their homemade sour dough buns. YUMMY! But still no fries, no onion rings, just hamburger. Had another nice visit and told her I'd see her in the fall. Later in the week, I had another trip to Ranchers to meet Rebecca for lunch. I think this is the first lunch I've had with her without kids for a long time! What can I say -- Good Food, Good Friends!
For a copuple of days I sat and watched a pair of mockingbirds build a nest on the back of Fred's trailer and a couple of kildeer running and squeeking through the park. Fun to watch them running along the gravel drive and the mockingbirds so busy flying in and out with their nesting materials. Doesn't take much to keep me happy!
Friday the 14th was a nice, breezy, overcast 72 degrees. A good day for me to get really busy about cleaning up and closing up. AND -- I don't believe I did this, but I made some strawberry-rhubarb jelly. I had some rhubarb left in the fridge and really needed to use it up before it spoiled - so jelly it was!
Friday May 7th I woke to a sunny 68 degrees but not enough breeze to fight the 'heavy air.' I would take a fews steps, gasp for air, take a few steps more. I was OK, but I swear, if I had stayed in Gatesville, I'd be dead by now! But I do enjoy my time here with fired and spring this will be my spring and fall home.
Sunday means lunch with Johnnie. Always eat too much. She ad BBQ sandwiches, potato salad, cole slaw, macaroni salad, etc etc etc. She always has way too much on her table and the temptation to try some of everything is overwhelming!
Cold front came through, down in the 60s and cloudy with a breeze, beats the hell out of the 90's. Gave me a little energy to start 'folding up camp.' Fortunately, I don't do a lot of unpacking when I'm here -- just a few weeks and I don't do much cooking; spend too much time munching and visiting with friends.
Monday I met Sherrell Broam at Swindalls for ice tea. She will always be Sgt Broam from my time working at the prison. Thursday I had a nice lunch with Janis Daschofsky. Janis was the director of nursing when I first started working at the prison. We went to Andy's -- it's now called The StockYards, or something -- they still have the noon buffet. They also have a senior buffet...no salad/soup bar or dessert. One meat, two vegetables, and a bread. Veggies are 'serve yourself' so I filled up on some lovely grilled and steamed veggies and baked fish. Wish more places had these smaller portions. Of course, if they don't I just get a 'doggie bag' and make two meals out of it!
Monday May 10 storms came through late and went north of us. Looks horrible in Oklahoma and Kansas...my destinations in a couple of weeks. I'm glad I wasn't driving up I-35 at that time.
May 11th is Eat What You Want Day (according to my Holiday book.) DAMN! I celebrate that everyday!
Had lunch with Mary Jane, then went to Belton to pick up some supplies. My flag holder for the RV was in. Now I just need to find the right size flags.
When I pulled back into the RV park, I noticed a lot of smoke from across the street at the swimming pool -- WHOOPS!!! City maintenance truck on fire - big flames - bang, bang, boom, boom! Lots of folks running with fire extinguishers. They got it died down before the gas tank blew or I might not be writing this! I understand they actually drove the truck away. Seems most of the fire was in the back and burned whatever they were carrying and some aerosol paint cans.
Thursday the 12th I had an early lunch with Janis...you know us ol' folks -- we go early to avoid the noon rush! Went to Ranchers. I had to have one of their homemade hamburgers on their homemade sour dough buns. YUMMY! But still no fries, no onion rings, just hamburger. Had another nice visit and told her I'd see her in the fall. Later in the week, I had another trip to Ranchers to meet Rebecca for lunch. I think this is the first lunch I've had with her without kids for a long time! What can I say -- Good Food, Good Friends!
For a copuple of days I sat and watched a pair of mockingbirds build a nest on the back of Fred's trailer and a couple of kildeer running and squeeking through the park. Fun to watch them running along the gravel drive and the mockingbirds so busy flying in and out with their nesting materials. Doesn't take much to keep me happy!
Friday the 14th was a nice, breezy, overcast 72 degrees. A good day for me to get really busy about cleaning up and closing up. AND -- I don't believe I did this, but I made some strawberry-rhubarb jelly. I had some rhubarb left in the fridge and really needed to use it up before it spoiled - so jelly it was!
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