CAMPFIRE DINNER
1 lb (or more) ground beef (can use ground pork, ground ham, ground turkey!)
1/4 c milk
1 large onion, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
salt and pepper to taste
3 potatoes sliced
4 slices cheese
Optional: Any other vegetables you want to dump into the mix!
Put meat in bottom of crock pot, add salt and pepper and milk. Slice potatoes and onions over beef. Lay cheese on top. Pour a can of cream of mushrooms soup over top, and add 1/4 can of water. Cook overnight, low setting.
CUCUMBERS WITH SOUR CREAM AND DILL
2 to 3 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vinegar
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
Optional: Sliced sweet onions
Slice cucumbers in a bowl, sprink layers with salt. Place a saucer or other weight on cucumbers to weigh down. Cover and let stand for several hours. Pour off cucumber juices. Combine sour cream, vinegar, pepper to taste, and chopped dill; add to cucumbers. Sliced onions may be added at this time.
CHERRY FLUFF PINK STUFF
1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping (Cool Whip)
1 can crushed pineapple, drained well (8 oz or 20 oz – your preference)
1 (20 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk - OR
2 cups cottage cheese (drain off as much liquid as you can)
1 small box red Jello powder
1/2 cup soft flaked coconut (optional)
chopped pecans to your taste
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. Chill overnight before serving.
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 14 - 22 Iowa's Tropical Rainforest and Skeeters on Steroids!
Got word from Deryl and Elke on Saturday they made it back to Texas just in time to mow grass “as high as an elephant’s eye!” (Or was that the corn in OKLAHOMA) They left just in time. My sister made a trip into Des Moines and said that many low spots and roads were still under water and detours abound.
Heat and humidity remain high and thankfully, my air conditioner remains ‘healthy’ and working. Spent most of the day playing with the computer, trying to get my recipes all in one place and researching some future day trips. I find doing that sort of stuff a lot of fun and time goes rapidly, however, just setting pounding a keyboard doesn't help the lungs and the joints! Need to get movin'!
HALLELUJAH! The sun was out Sunday morning! Nice breeze, humidity and dew point down, A/C OFF, windows and door open and vent fan humming away! Terrific Sunday Morning!
Bea called about 8:30 AM to say she would pick me up at noon, we'd go to the Pow Wow. I really needed to get out and get the 'stink blown off' as Mom used to say! I find the longer the weather keeps me cooped up, the harder it is for me to get out and about and active again. I just HATE that feeling.
According to the paper, the Pow Wow started at 1PM. Found out at the gate the start time was 1:30; we were in plenty of time. No problem getting around, I was prepared, walker, oxygen and thanks to Ingrid’s reminder, an umbrella for the sun. I finally told Bea, after a little over 2 hours in the arena, that I was ready to leave! I don't know how they manage all that dancing in that regalia on that hot asphalt! WHEW! More energy than this ol' lady has! After weeks of being cooped up in the RV because of the weather, this was an 'overwhelming' first day out for any length of time. I didn't, however, leave without some yummy fry bread!
After a couple of hours at home, cooling off in the A/C, my sister calls – let’s go back to Tama to the casino for buffet. So, off we go! I was in hog heaven – seafood nite! In the meantime, my crock pot was simmering with a beef roast. After 24 hours, it was going to fall apart and make some great shredded beef sandwiches!
A little red-headed wood pecker (actually, I think it is a flicker) has been frequenting my bird feeder. There must be baby wrens 'cuz mom and dad are at the feeder all of the time. The little nuthatch characters are there, too. Other than sparrows and robins, that's all I've seen at the feeders. No hummingbirds or orioles, even though the hummingbird and oriole feeders empty, I’ve never seen who/what is sucking out that syrupy liquid!
Woke up Monday morning thinking, “OK, TEXAS! Eat your heart out!” 57 degrees, zilch on the humidity, nice breeze! Almost sweater weather! Sun was shining - birds were singing – coffee was fresh and hot!
When I started downloading from the camera, I realized I had taken 96 pics at the Pow Wow! Actually, I had no idea what I was getting a picture of since I couldn't see in that darn LCD viewer (or whatever it is that goes BLACK when the sun hits it!) Anyway, I just pointed the camera where I THOUGHT the picture would be and then took two or three of the same thing by moving the camera a little in both directions - hoping to get something! So, I may have 96 pictures, but only about 1/3 of them were worth anything!
Rained on Tuesday - what's new, huh? Think I did a little too much walking and had a little too much sun on Sunday at the Pow Wow. I parked myself at the computer, edited pictures and did some on line research for some more day trips. While in Tama, I picked up a CD on the history of the Mesqwaki people. Gave me a really good excuse for setting on my butt! Not wanting to make any historical or cultural blunders while working on the narrative for the blog, I sent my drafts to a friend much more in tune with the Native culture for critique! Thanks Ingrid!
I've been blessed (or maybe cursed!) with a substantial stock of zucchini and cucumbers. I cannot believe I did this, but I made pickles on Tuesday. I thought I was finished with all that canning stuff when I moved into the RV!
Heard from Rain and Sid, they made it to their destination – always concerned when RVing friends hit the road.
Wednesday, I met Ingrid at the Kalona Bakery for a sandwich – just a quick visit. Great day lunching and chatting! Two things I'm good at -- eating and talking!
I wanted to hit the Stringtown Grocery one more time before I head back to TX. Storing dehydrated stuff is so much easier than putting up with cans and always needing to run to the store for fresh produce when I only need a little bit for the crock pot. It's taking me awhile to get used to working with the dehydrated vegetables, but it sure does save pantry space and weight. Also, RV refrigerators aren’t the best at keeping produce fresh.
Stopped by Brooklyn on the way home. I’ve seen the sign along the interstate “Community of Flags” and decided it was time to drive thru and just see what that’s all about.
Wednesday evening Tinga was on my shoulder trying to chew my off my lips. I bought some roasted/salted green peas at Stringtown (I can eat the entire bag of those things) but Tinga thought she needed some; would not eat her own! Guess she thought I was going to chew them for her! WRONG!
Have no idea what woke me up about 3:30 AM Thursday, but whatever it was, I couldn't get back to sleep! Went to town to wash off the truck. Birds had a pooping convention in the tree over my truck; white truck was shades of green, brown & a runny creamy color! Car wash -- $1 for TWO MINUTES! Took $3 and I still didn't get it clean! But at least most of the left overs from the bird convention were gone!
Errands and the 'funnest' RV job of all - emptying the sewer tank! Doesn't get any 'funner' than that! Truck will be at the body shop all next week - wanted to get stuff done since I'll be 'truckless' for about a week. Humidity and dew point started inching up before noon.
Allergies have really kicked in. Spent the rest of the day hibernating here in the A/C.
I have been craving dill! Of course, it could be that it's summer! While at Stringtown, I picked up a loaf of dill bread. Been chowing down on BLTs on toasted dill bread but didn’t invite my sister – she’s not a tomato person! And you can’t have BLTs without the T! If I hadn't used all of my 'free' cukes, I'd make some dill pickles but they found their way into a salad with sliced onions, sour cream, vinegar and DILL weed!
Friday was laundry day, then met my sister for lunch. Dropped the keys to the truck off at the body shop. They need the truck first thing Monday AM and my sister has meetings – school starts – hectic time for her.
Branches down in the park, my flower pots that were under the RV (empty ones) were blown to the other side of my RV into the space next to me and the table cloth and the lawn chair were blown down and up by the steps. Must have had a lot more wind in the park than I noticed while I was in town. Once home, my weather radio was working overtime weather alerts all over the place, luckily nothing too close to me!
Saturday was a ‘nothing day.’ Spent the day fighting allergies and cloistered away with the A/C going. I’m beginning to wonder if I came to Iowa for the summer or if I took the wrong turn and ended up in a Tropical Rain Forest!
Took a pass on Brunch with Bea on Sunday – decided we’d do supper instead. I dropped the truck at the body shop, we grabbed supper from the “old folks menu” at Perkins. I stopped at the grocery to get a few things I may need during the week like eggs, milk, bread! YES, I know, I’m in Iowa and I’m still eating EGGS! Cholesterol and Salmonella be damned! I’m gonna eat my EGGS!
Heat and humidity remain high and thankfully, my air conditioner remains ‘healthy’ and working. Spent most of the day playing with the computer, trying to get my recipes all in one place and researching some future day trips. I find doing that sort of stuff a lot of fun and time goes rapidly, however, just setting pounding a keyboard doesn't help the lungs and the joints! Need to get movin'!
HALLELUJAH! The sun was out Sunday morning! Nice breeze, humidity and dew point down, A/C OFF, windows and door open and vent fan humming away! Terrific Sunday Morning!
Bea called about 8:30 AM to say she would pick me up at noon, we'd go to the Pow Wow. I really needed to get out and get the 'stink blown off' as Mom used to say! I find the longer the weather keeps me cooped up, the harder it is for me to get out and about and active again. I just HATE that feeling.
According to the paper, the Pow Wow started at 1PM. Found out at the gate the start time was 1:30; we were in plenty of time. No problem getting around, I was prepared, walker, oxygen and thanks to Ingrid’s reminder, an umbrella for the sun. I finally told Bea, after a little over 2 hours in the arena, that I was ready to leave! I don't know how they manage all that dancing in that regalia on that hot asphalt! WHEW! More energy than this ol' lady has! After weeks of being cooped up in the RV because of the weather, this was an 'overwhelming' first day out for any length of time. I didn't, however, leave without some yummy fry bread!
After a couple of hours at home, cooling off in the A/C, my sister calls – let’s go back to Tama to the casino for buffet. So, off we go! I was in hog heaven – seafood nite! In the meantime, my crock pot was simmering with a beef roast. After 24 hours, it was going to fall apart and make some great shredded beef sandwiches!
A little red-headed wood pecker (actually, I think it is a flicker) has been frequenting my bird feeder. There must be baby wrens 'cuz mom and dad are at the feeder all of the time. The little nuthatch characters are there, too. Other than sparrows and robins, that's all I've seen at the feeders. No hummingbirds or orioles, even though the hummingbird and oriole feeders empty, I’ve never seen who/what is sucking out that syrupy liquid!
Woke up Monday morning thinking, “OK, TEXAS! Eat your heart out!” 57 degrees, zilch on the humidity, nice breeze! Almost sweater weather! Sun was shining - birds were singing – coffee was fresh and hot!
When I started downloading from the camera, I realized I had taken 96 pics at the Pow Wow! Actually, I had no idea what I was getting a picture of since I couldn't see in that darn LCD viewer (or whatever it is that goes BLACK when the sun hits it!) Anyway, I just pointed the camera where I THOUGHT the picture would be and then took two or three of the same thing by moving the camera a little in both directions - hoping to get something! So, I may have 96 pictures, but only about 1/3 of them were worth anything!
Rained on Tuesday - what's new, huh? Think I did a little too much walking and had a little too much sun on Sunday at the Pow Wow. I parked myself at the computer, edited pictures and did some on line research for some more day trips. While in Tama, I picked up a CD on the history of the Mesqwaki people. Gave me a really good excuse for setting on my butt! Not wanting to make any historical or cultural blunders while working on the narrative for the blog, I sent my drafts to a friend much more in tune with the Native culture for critique! Thanks Ingrid!
I've been blessed (or maybe cursed!) with a substantial stock of zucchini and cucumbers. I cannot believe I did this, but I made pickles on Tuesday. I thought I was finished with all that canning stuff when I moved into the RV!
Heard from Rain and Sid, they made it to their destination – always concerned when RVing friends hit the road.
Wednesday, I met Ingrid at the Kalona Bakery for a sandwich – just a quick visit. Great day lunching and chatting! Two things I'm good at -- eating and talking!
I wanted to hit the Stringtown Grocery one more time before I head back to TX. Storing dehydrated stuff is so much easier than putting up with cans and always needing to run to the store for fresh produce when I only need a little bit for the crock pot. It's taking me awhile to get used to working with the dehydrated vegetables, but it sure does save pantry space and weight. Also, RV refrigerators aren’t the best at keeping produce fresh.
Stopped by Brooklyn on the way home. I’ve seen the sign along the interstate “Community of Flags” and decided it was time to drive thru and just see what that’s all about.
Wednesday evening Tinga was on my shoulder trying to chew my off my lips. I bought some roasted/salted green peas at Stringtown (I can eat the entire bag of those things) but Tinga thought she needed some; would not eat her own! Guess she thought I was going to chew them for her! WRONG!
Have no idea what woke me up about 3:30 AM Thursday, but whatever it was, I couldn't get back to sleep! Went to town to wash off the truck. Birds had a pooping convention in the tree over my truck; white truck was shades of green, brown & a runny creamy color! Car wash -- $1 for TWO MINUTES! Took $3 and I still didn't get it clean! But at least most of the left overs from the bird convention were gone!
Errands and the 'funnest' RV job of all - emptying the sewer tank! Doesn't get any 'funner' than that! Truck will be at the body shop all next week - wanted to get stuff done since I'll be 'truckless' for about a week. Humidity and dew point started inching up before noon.
Allergies have really kicked in. Spent the rest of the day hibernating here in the A/C.
I have been craving dill! Of course, it could be that it's summer! While at Stringtown, I picked up a loaf of dill bread. Been chowing down on BLTs on toasted dill bread but didn’t invite my sister – she’s not a tomato person! And you can’t have BLTs without the T! If I hadn't used all of my 'free' cukes, I'd make some dill pickles but they found their way into a salad with sliced onions, sour cream, vinegar and DILL weed!
Friday was laundry day, then met my sister for lunch. Dropped the keys to the truck off at the body shop. They need the truck first thing Monday AM and my sister has meetings – school starts – hectic time for her.
Branches down in the park, my flower pots that were under the RV (empty ones) were blown to the other side of my RV into the space next to me and the table cloth and the lawn chair were blown down and up by the steps. Must have had a lot more wind in the park than I noticed while I was in town. Once home, my weather radio was working overtime weather alerts all over the place, luckily nothing too close to me!
Saturday was a ‘nothing day.’ Spent the day fighting allergies and cloistered away with the A/C going. I’m beginning to wonder if I came to Iowa for the summer or if I took the wrong turn and ended up in a Tropical Rain Forest!
Took a pass on Brunch with Bea on Sunday – decided we’d do supper instead. I dropped the truck at the body shop, we grabbed supper from the “old folks menu” at Perkins. I stopped at the grocery to get a few things I may need during the week like eggs, milk, bread! YES, I know, I’m in Iowa and I’m still eating EGGS! Cholesterol and Salmonella be damned! I’m gonna eat my EGGS!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
COMMUNITY OF FLAGS
About an hour from where I spend the summer in Marshalltown, sets a picturesque small rural community, Brooklyn, IA, population 1288 (2009).
In March 1848, two years after Iowa became a state, William Manatt, from Pennsylvania, followed his brother, Robert, west and purchased land in Poweshiek County for $1.25 per acre from the US Government. The following year his brother James plotted 32 lots and the town of Greenville was established with 5 homes. In 1850 the town name was changed to Brooklyn. Situated on the rolling hills between Big Bear Creek and Little Bear Creek, the young town of Brooklyn was the home of one of the earliest manufacturers of barbed wire. Today it remains predominately agricultural.
Brooklyn has earned its banner as the “Community of Flags.” In the early 1990’s, the small community was on the route of the Des Moines Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (an annual Missouri River to Mississippi River bike ride sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper). Most towns along the route spruce themselves up for the event, however Brooklyn produced a welcome like no other....an Avenue of Flags.
Situated on a hill overlooking Main Street is the permanently lighted display. All 50 states are represented along with the flags of the Armed Services and special interests such as the POW flag. A 20’ x 38’ US Flag flying atop an 80’ pole is the center-point of the display. Standing on the hill near the flags, turn and look down Main Street. International flags from 35 countries fly in front of the businesses. Turn back around toward the flags and you see the Manatt Mansion, a gift to the city in l963 from Coe Manatt, son of William. It is now home to the Brooklyn Historical Museum.
AND...Look what I found on my way back from Brooklyn....
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
THE DANCERS
Little Grass Dancer; Big Fancy Dancer; Traditional Dancers
MEN'S GRASS DANCE
The grass dance is said to reflect the need for balance in life; each movement danced on one side of the body must be repeated by the other side. Some people talk of the grass dance as a gift from the Creator to celebrate joy. The regalia for the dance is comprised of long strands of yarn, ribbon or fabric to represent grass. A headdress (roach) includes two feathers attached in such a way that they rock or twirl as the dancer moves.
MEN'S TRADITIONAL DANCE
This is the oldest form of dance. The regalia is a very personal expression. Elements might reflect items worn by early warriors: a breast plate made of animal bones or shell for protection against arrows; a neck choker for protection against knives; ankle bells or jingling hooves; or a shield made of hide and decorated with important tribal symbols. Often a traditional dancer will wear a single bustle containing eagle feathers, which are considered sacred.
MEN'S FANCY DANCE
This is the most strenuous and athletic. It is fast and features jumps and twirling. The regalia consists of bright colors and flying feathers and ribbons. The dancer typically wears two bustles of bright colored feathers with added ribbon, feather or horse hair hackles and bright arm and head bands repeating the colors and patterns. A headdress roach is trimmed in colored horsehair and featuring two eagle feathers. Dancers also carry highly decorated coup sticks. The coup stick was originally a small stick carried into battle by a warrior. This is the newest of the dances added to the contests dances.
WOMEN'S TRADITIONAL DANCE
Women move their feet in time with the drum keeping them close to the ground. As the drum plays "honor beats," (three accented beats that occur in between the choruses) women raise their fans to honor the drum and their male relatives. Traditional regalia usually includes a fringed shawl folded over one arm, an awl and knife case on the belt and a feather fan. Beadwork patterns and colors will reflect tribal and family affiliation.
WOMEN'S JINGLE DRESS
This dance has its origins in northern Minnesota. According to lore, a medicine man's granddaughter was very ill. He had a dream in which a spirit wearing the jingle dress came to him and told him to make one of these dresses and put it on his daughter and take her to the dance to cure her. When he awoke, he assembled the dress as described by the spirit of his dream. It is made of a cloth, velvet or leather base adorned with 400 – 700 shiny metal jingles needed for the adult dress. Early jingles were made from the lids of snuff cans. These are bent and molded into triangular bell shapes and attached to the dress with ribbon or fabric in a pattern designed by the dancer. The Jingle Dress dancer also raises her fan when the "honor beats" are played on the drum.
WOMEN'S FANCY SHAWL DANCE
Originally called the blanket dance, women danced with a blanket or shawl covering their heads. This is an extremely athletic and strenuous dance involving kicks and twirls and fast movement, resembling the fluttering and flight of the butterfly. Women dance with beautifully decorated shawls often with long ribbon or fabric fringe. The symbols and colors beaded on the high moccasins have tribal and personal significance.
POW WOW
According to the introduction made by the announcer at the Pow wow this weekend, “The Annual Meskwaki Powwow originated from the traditional religious and social beliefs of the Meskwaki Tribe. Today it's not so much a religious event, but more of a social gathering. Specifically, today's event is derived from the "Green Corn Dance" and other social events of the tribe in its early years. The "Green Corn Dance" was an annual event that took place during the harvesting of crops.”
From 1902 to 1912, “Field Days” lasted about a week with dancing, games, and horse racing. In 1912, it was determined to change the name from Field Days to Pow Wow. 1913 was the year of the first public pow wow in Tama. Where the name Pow Wow came from is uncertain. It is thought it is derived from the Algonquin word “Powwaw” or other similar terms such as “Pau Wau” loosely meaning ceremony or meeting. Others think it is a white man term!
By 1913 the Pow wow made $1,700 for the tribe; 1914 earned them $2,000. The pow wow continued to grow when the Lincoln Highway was paved near the Settlement in 1918.
In February, 1923, the Commissioner of The Office of Indian Affairs sent a letter to all nations and tribes instituting a ‘no-dance’ policy. The letter read in part: “Not long ago I held a meeting of Superintendents, Missionaries and Indians, at which the feeling of those present was strong against Indian dances, as they are usually given, and against so much time as is often spent by the Indians in a display of their old customs at public gatherings held by the whites. From the views of this meeting and from other information I feel that something must be done to stop the neglect of stock, crops, gardens, and home interests caused by these dances or by celebrations, pow-wows, and gatherings of any kind that take the time of the Indians for many days.”
Veterans are highly regarded in the Native American Culture. During the Grand Entry, veterans or soldiers carry the flags and eagle staffs. They are followed by the head dancers, with the remaining dancers entering in order: Men's Traditional, Men's Grass Dance, Men's Fancy, Women's Traditional, Women's Jingle, and Women's Fancy. The young dancers then follow in the same order.
Every tribe has its own flag or staff and song. Traditionally, the tribes relied on art/design and totems to distinguish themselves from one another. Many tribes use the more traditional curved staff (similar to a shepherd's crook) with fabric along the length of the staff and feathers attached to both the crook of the staff and the fabric. The flag of the Mesquakie Nation is a simple bicolor of green over red. The bicolor invokes the idea that the two Nations (Sac and Fox) have come together as one people.
Following the Grand Entry, the host drummers and singers sing the Flag Song, comparable to the National Anthem, and a prayer is offered. Throughout native culture, songs have been sung honoring the action of their warriors. This tradition continues today with the singing of a Victory or Veterans' Song during the posting of the flags and staffs.
From 1902 to 1912, “Field Days” lasted about a week with dancing, games, and horse racing. In 1912, it was determined to change the name from Field Days to Pow Wow. 1913 was the year of the first public pow wow in Tama. Where the name Pow Wow came from is uncertain. It is thought it is derived from the Algonquin word “Powwaw” or other similar terms such as “Pau Wau” loosely meaning ceremony or meeting. Others think it is a white man term!
By 1913 the Pow wow made $1,700 for the tribe; 1914 earned them $2,000. The pow wow continued to grow when the Lincoln Highway was paved near the Settlement in 1918.
In February, 1923, the Commissioner of The Office of Indian Affairs sent a letter to all nations and tribes instituting a ‘no-dance’ policy. The letter read in part: “Not long ago I held a meeting of Superintendents, Missionaries and Indians, at which the feeling of those present was strong against Indian dances, as they are usually given, and against so much time as is often spent by the Indians in a display of their old customs at public gatherings held by the whites. From the views of this meeting and from other information I feel that something must be done to stop the neglect of stock, crops, gardens, and home interests caused by these dances or by celebrations, pow-wows, and gatherings of any kind that take the time of the Indians for many days.”
Veterans are highly regarded in the Native American Culture. During the Grand Entry, veterans or soldiers carry the flags and eagle staffs. They are followed by the head dancers, with the remaining dancers entering in order: Men's Traditional, Men's Grass Dance, Men's Fancy, Women's Traditional, Women's Jingle, and Women's Fancy. The young dancers then follow in the same order.
Every tribe has its own flag or staff and song. Traditionally, the tribes relied on art/design and totems to distinguish themselves from one another. Many tribes use the more traditional curved staff (similar to a shepherd's crook) with fabric along the length of the staff and feathers attached to both the crook of the staff and the fabric. The flag of the Mesquakie Nation is a simple bicolor of green over red. The bicolor invokes the idea that the two Nations (Sac and Fox) have come together as one people.
Following the Grand Entry, the host drummers and singers sing the Flag Song, comparable to the National Anthem, and a prayer is offered. Throughout native culture, songs have been sung honoring the action of their warriors. This tradition continues today with the singing of a Victory or Veterans' Song during the posting of the flags and staffs.
MESKWAKI MESQUAKIE However you spell it, It’s All About The Generations
When white settlers came to the Iowa territory, they found 6 primary tribes. The Dakota (Sioux), the Iowa, the Mesquakie (united Sauk [Sac] and Fox), the Winnebago and the Potawatami. The Sioux inhabited the northwest area of Iowa; the Iowa were located along the Des Moines River. The Mesquakie, originally from the Illinois and Wisconsin territories remained in the east. The Winnebago, also from the Wisconsin territory were temporarily placed in the northeast corner of the Iowa territory prior to being moved into the Nebraska territory in the 1850s. The Potawatami, originally from the Lake Huron area, were moved to southwestern Iowa.
Meskwaki, "the people of red earth,” are of the Eastern Woodland Culture of Algonquian origin. Early French explorers mistook a clan name for that of the entire tribe and began referring to them as the "Renard" (French for Fox).
The woodland tribes of eastern Iowa lived in communities of wickiups. Made of tall flexible saplings driven into the ground, bent over, they are tied together near the top. This dome-shaped framework was covered with large overlapping mats of woven reeds or grasses. Women gardened, harvested fruits and nuts. Men hunted and fished. Because of this more rural and less transient lifestyle, the Mesquakie were able to withstand the advancing interference brought by settlers and the government.
However, due to an inability to comprehend land ownership, from 1824-1851, most Tribes sold all the land within the boundaries of the territory to the federal government for approximately 11 cents an acre. This land was then offered to white settlers for $1.25 per acre. (Iowa, the 29th state, was admitted to the Union December 28, 1846)
1,271 Meskwaki left Fort Des Moines for relocation on a reservation in the Kansas Territory. For the next 23 years they remained scattered. The tribe would not officially be back together as a single tribal entity until 1867.
Eighty Mesquakie petitioned to remain in Iowa rather than move to Kansas. Their persistent refusal to abandon their homes along with their rudimentary understanding of the legal and economic systems of the white settlers was unique among the Nations. In 1856 the State of Iowa gave permission for the them to remain in Iowa. At the same time in Kansas, the Government declared the Sauks and the Mesquakies were to move again, this time to an Oklahoma reservation. The Mesquakies felt they belonged in Iowa and decided to try to return.
In 1857, the Mesquakie Tribal Chief, with $735 raised from the his peoples, petitioned Iowa Governor James Grimes to allow the tribe to purchase their own land in Iowa. They purchased 80 acres in Tama County. (By my math, that’s about $9.19/acre – what happened to the 11 cents per acre price….end of editorial comment!)
Most Meskwaki were still in Kansas and over the next 10 years, small groups escaped back to Iowa before and during the Civil War. Iowa was more concerned about protecting its borders from Confederate soldiers roaming nearby Missouri and Kansas and didn’t "worry about a few Indians trying to return to Iowa.” The villages and tribal members that had remained hidden starting coming to Tama County, named for 19th century Meskwaki Chief Taimah.
In 1859, on the reservation, Moses Keokuk signed a treaty selling a large part of the Sauk and Mesquakie reservation. He failed to consult with the Mesquakie and a 125 year agreement between the Sauk and the Mesquaki failed. 300 Mesquaki sold their horses and went back to Iowa.
Now on land of their own, not a reservation, they struggled without government assistance for many years. They continued to farm in the summer, trap and hunt in the winter and trade their goods. This gave them freedom to continue and pass on their social and religious customs for the next generations.
The Iowa Legislature, in 1896, voted to turn trusteeship and responsibility for the tribe over to the U.S. Department of Interior.
By 1900 the Settlement along the Iowa River had grown to 3,000 acres, with 65 families.
After an outbreak of smallpox in 1901, the federal government quarantined the Meskwaki Settlement for six months, burning all of the dwellings, clothes, and possessions and forcing them to give up their village setting and spread the families apart.
This weakened the cohesion of the Tribe. However they continued to hold their annual celebrations. In 1905, a delegation from the State Historical Society of Iowa, found that life in the Settlement was basically unchanged. Though a few frame buildings had been built, most continued living in wickiups. The schools established by the government and the missionaries had little if any effect on the life of the settlement.
Still economically impoverished in the 1940s, the tribe maintained its rich heritage by preserving their language, customs, and ceremonies . Although there were no phones, electricity or indoor plumbing, approximately 420 Mesquakie lived in frame buildings with the traditional wickiup nearby. Most meals were still cooked over the open fire.
Younger members of the tribe scattered during the war, joining the military or moving to work in war industries. Young Meskwaki men joined the Army and were trained as code talkers and assigned to Company H, the heavy weapons company of the 168th, 34th Red Bull Division.
In 2000, the new Meskwaki Settlement School was established to not only prepare students educationally, but also to preserve the language and culture of the Meskwaki Tribe. In 2001, it opened for pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. In 2007 construction started on the Meskwaki High School. The Meskwaki Settlement School system offers training in language and culture and other programs geared to adults, talented and gifted students, and students with special needs.
Today the 1,300 Tribal members hold Settlement lands in excess of 7,000 acres and are governed by a seven member Council.
Meskwaki, "the people of red earth,” are of the Eastern Woodland Culture of Algonquian origin. Early French explorers mistook a clan name for that of the entire tribe and began referring to them as the "Renard" (French for Fox).
The woodland tribes of eastern Iowa lived in communities of wickiups. Made of tall flexible saplings driven into the ground, bent over, they are tied together near the top. This dome-shaped framework was covered with large overlapping mats of woven reeds or grasses. Women gardened, harvested fruits and nuts. Men hunted and fished. Because of this more rural and less transient lifestyle, the Mesquakie were able to withstand the advancing interference brought by settlers and the government.
However, due to an inability to comprehend land ownership, from 1824-1851, most Tribes sold all the land within the boundaries of the territory to the federal government for approximately 11 cents an acre. This land was then offered to white settlers for $1.25 per acre. (Iowa, the 29th state, was admitted to the Union December 28, 1846)
1,271 Meskwaki left Fort Des Moines for relocation on a reservation in the Kansas Territory. For the next 23 years they remained scattered. The tribe would not officially be back together as a single tribal entity until 1867.
Eighty Mesquakie petitioned to remain in Iowa rather than move to Kansas. Their persistent refusal to abandon their homes along with their rudimentary understanding of the legal and economic systems of the white settlers was unique among the Nations. In 1856 the State of Iowa gave permission for the them to remain in Iowa. At the same time in Kansas, the Government declared the Sauks and the Mesquakies were to move again, this time to an Oklahoma reservation. The Mesquakies felt they belonged in Iowa and decided to try to return.
In 1857, the Mesquakie Tribal Chief, with $735 raised from the his peoples, petitioned Iowa Governor James Grimes to allow the tribe to purchase their own land in Iowa. They purchased 80 acres in Tama County. (By my math, that’s about $9.19/acre – what happened to the 11 cents per acre price….end of editorial comment!)
Most Meskwaki were still in Kansas and over the next 10 years, small groups escaped back to Iowa before and during the Civil War. Iowa was more concerned about protecting its borders from Confederate soldiers roaming nearby Missouri and Kansas and didn’t "worry about a few Indians trying to return to Iowa.” The villages and tribal members that had remained hidden starting coming to Tama County, named for 19th century Meskwaki Chief Taimah.
In 1859, on the reservation, Moses Keokuk signed a treaty selling a large part of the Sauk and Mesquakie reservation. He failed to consult with the Mesquakie and a 125 year agreement between the Sauk and the Mesquaki failed. 300 Mesquaki sold their horses and went back to Iowa.
Now on land of their own, not a reservation, they struggled without government assistance for many years. They continued to farm in the summer, trap and hunt in the winter and trade their goods. This gave them freedom to continue and pass on their social and religious customs for the next generations.
The Iowa Legislature, in 1896, voted to turn trusteeship and responsibility for the tribe over to the U.S. Department of Interior.
By 1900 the Settlement along the Iowa River had grown to 3,000 acres, with 65 families.
After an outbreak of smallpox in 1901, the federal government quarantined the Meskwaki Settlement for six months, burning all of the dwellings, clothes, and possessions and forcing them to give up their village setting and spread the families apart.
This weakened the cohesion of the Tribe. However they continued to hold their annual celebrations. In 1905, a delegation from the State Historical Society of Iowa, found that life in the Settlement was basically unchanged. Though a few frame buildings had been built, most continued living in wickiups. The schools established by the government and the missionaries had little if any effect on the life of the settlement.
Still economically impoverished in the 1940s, the tribe maintained its rich heritage by preserving their language, customs, and ceremonies . Although there were no phones, electricity or indoor plumbing, approximately 420 Mesquakie lived in frame buildings with the traditional wickiup nearby. Most meals were still cooked over the open fire.
Younger members of the tribe scattered during the war, joining the military or moving to work in war industries. Young Meskwaki men joined the Army and were trained as code talkers and assigned to Company H, the heavy weapons company of the 168th, 34th Red Bull Division.
In 2000, the new Meskwaki Settlement School was established to not only prepare students educationally, but also to preserve the language and culture of the Meskwaki Tribe. In 2001, it opened for pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. In 2007 construction started on the Meskwaki High School. The Meskwaki Settlement School system offers training in language and culture and other programs geared to adults, talented and gifted students, and students with special needs.
Today the 1,300 Tribal members hold Settlement lands in excess of 7,000 acres and are governed by a seven member Council.
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Blond Bimbo
Into every life a little rain must fall – and on Sunday, Aug 15, the rain in my life came in the form of the Blond Bimbo! According to popular English language, bimbo is often used to describe a woman that is basically attractive but has low intelligence or a poor education. I don’t believe the ‘blond bimbo” that came into my life is either lacking intelligence or education – unless you consider the social graces part of education. If you do, in that case, she qualifies as a bimbo!
According to the announcement made over the PA system at the Pow Wow in Tama, a photographer from the Marshalltown Times-Republican newspaper was there taking pictures. I do believe THAT was my bimbo. She may have had a job to do, an assignment to complete, but she continually showed total disregard for the rest of us there with our amateur photographic experience. And, just maybe, she would have been a little less obtrusive if she had dressed a little ‘quieter!’
I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with her as she constantly plopped herself in front of my camera and view finder. I suppose I could have moved, but with a walker and oxygen, it was, I’m sure, much more difficult for me to get around to get the “perfect shot” than it was for her. Initially, I thought of clubbing her over the head with my oxygen tank – but I need the oxygen. I thought of just jack-slapping her into oblivion, but I don’t have the lung power to perform that task. So, I grudgingly accepted her ill manners and unprofessionalism.
I’m sorry I don’t have a subscription to the Marshalltown Times-Republican so I can cancel it!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
August Recipes - Not Much Cooking Being Done Here!
Crock Pot Beef And Potatoes
2 pounds ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup (really good with the Golden Mushroom soup, can use cream of celery or cream of potato or cream of just about anything, even tomato)
6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
Chopped celery (as much or as little as you like!)
Chopped onion (as much or little as you like!)
Chopped bell pepper (however much you like!)
Chopped mushrooms (optional)
Grated cheese (optional)
Brown beef in skillet with peppers, onions, celery and mushrooms (if you are using them.) Pour off excess fat, save to dilute soup. In a small bowl, mix together undiluted soup and any herbs or spices you enjoy. Dilute with small amount of drippings from beef – just enough to make it ‘pourable.’ In crock pot arrange alternate layers of potatoes, carrots and meat mix with potatoes on bottom. Pour soup mixture over. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle with grated cheese.
I have added summer squash to this dish.
Italian Beef Crock Pot
1 (3 to 5 pound) rump roast
2 cups water
1 package any beef, brown, or au jus gravy mix
1 package Italian salad dressing dry mix
Additional Italian seasoning (optional)
Mix gravy mix and dressing mix in water. Pour over roast in crock pot. Cook on LOW for 12 to 15 hours.
Break up meat and cook again on LOW for 10 to 12 hours.
Serve on Italian buns.
SUGGESTIONS AND OPTIONS: Depending on the size of your crock pot, watch that it doesn’t over flow.
Since I am alone, I make several meals from this recipe. I start with about 3 – 4 pound roast (the cheaper the better). After adding the meat and gravy mix to the crock pot, I cut up enough onion, carrots and potatoes to start out with a ‘pot roast’ type meal. After a meal or two from the “pot roast” stage, I continue letting the beef cook until I can easily break the meat into smaller portions for sandwiches.
If I notice the liquids coming too close to the top of the crock pot, I spoon some out and use that to make some gravy in a sauce pan by adding flour or corn starch. If I don’t use all of the gravy from the saucepan for the ‘pot roast’ meal, I pour it into the crock pot and let it cook with the beef.
Almost forgot the last great meal from this recipe...if you have any gravy left after you remove and break up the meat for sandwiches, save it. It makes a great starter base for vegetable noodle soup!
2 pounds ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup (really good with the Golden Mushroom soup, can use cream of celery or cream of potato or cream of just about anything, even tomato)
6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
Chopped celery (as much or as little as you like!)
Chopped onion (as much or little as you like!)
Chopped bell pepper (however much you like!)
Chopped mushrooms (optional)
Grated cheese (optional)
Brown beef in skillet with peppers, onions, celery and mushrooms (if you are using them.) Pour off excess fat, save to dilute soup. In a small bowl, mix together undiluted soup and any herbs or spices you enjoy. Dilute with small amount of drippings from beef – just enough to make it ‘pourable.’ In crock pot arrange alternate layers of potatoes, carrots and meat mix with potatoes on bottom. Pour soup mixture over. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle with grated cheese.
I have added summer squash to this dish.
Italian Beef Crock Pot
1 (3 to 5 pound) rump roast
2 cups water
1 package any beef, brown, or au jus gravy mix
1 package Italian salad dressing dry mix
Additional Italian seasoning (optional)
Mix gravy mix and dressing mix in water. Pour over roast in crock pot. Cook on LOW for 12 to 15 hours.
Break up meat and cook again on LOW for 10 to 12 hours.
Serve on Italian buns.
SUGGESTIONS AND OPTIONS: Depending on the size of your crock pot, watch that it doesn’t over flow.
Since I am alone, I make several meals from this recipe. I start with about 3 – 4 pound roast (the cheaper the better). After adding the meat and gravy mix to the crock pot, I cut up enough onion, carrots and potatoes to start out with a ‘pot roast’ type meal. After a meal or two from the “pot roast” stage, I continue letting the beef cook until I can easily break the meat into smaller portions for sandwiches.
If I notice the liquids coming too close to the top of the crock pot, I spoon some out and use that to make some gravy in a sauce pan by adding flour or corn starch. If I don’t use all of the gravy from the saucepan for the ‘pot roast’ meal, I pour it into the crock pot and let it cook with the beef.
Almost forgot the last great meal from this recipe...if you have any gravy left after you remove and break up the meat for sandwiches, save it. It makes a great starter base for vegetable noodle soup!
August 9 - 14 -- UGH!
What an absolutely miserable, hot, humid, sticky week! Started out on Monday when my friends left and headed back to TX. I really miss them. Heard they made it back home safe and sound. Can't wait 'til I get to Rockport in November to see them!
I forgot to put Tinga in her cage before I went to bed. She usually goes in and goes into her little sleeping hut when it starts getting dark; I just forgot to close the door. Guess you know I was more than a little surprised when little Miss Chirpy flew into the bedroom when it started getting light telling me Good Morning, Girl and Step Up! Fortunately she let me know she was out and about so I didn't open the door to let Li'lBit out and have her fly out!
Tuesday, as usual, I headed to the laundromat, then stopped at Wally World for a couple of things. By the time I got home and the laundry and groceries unloaded, I looked like I had run thru a sprinkler! My t-shirt was soaked and my hair was dripping sweat! Makes it a little hard to breathe on days like this! At least I've got a good A/C unit in the RV!
Looking for something to do inside other than play on the computer and read (and cleaning and washing windows was out of the question - both are really needed!) I decided to empty the Trailer Cash bank my sister gave me for Christmas. It was getting full. Been tossing nickles, dimes and pennies in there for not quite a year. Rolled up $35 in change! Not bad for small change.
Tuesday nite Bea and I headed to the Junction with one of her friends. Special was buy one tenderloin sandwich, get one free! That's my kinda meal!
The stormy nites continue. Tuesday nite, the area just south of here got over 7 inches of rain just during the nite. The weather this summer has just been horrible! They said yesterday on TV that this has been the wettest spring/summer on record. I can sure believe that! Even my "Yard Bird," a gift from Cen-Tex Bird Society is hiding under the 5th wheel hitch!
The rain and storms started with gusts of wind over 40 mph - fortunately they came right from the west across that corn field so I didn't get a lot of rock'n'roll in the RV. Then came the RAIN! One of the bug candle buckets on my picnic table was FULL of water in the morning! There wasn't much candle left in it, so it was nearly all water. That's a lot of RAIN!
Knowing there were to be storms, I went to sleep with the radio on to a local radio station. They cancelled their regular programming and only gave road closings, river and creeks levels. This rain just will not go away! By Wednesday AM roads were closing, rivers and creeks were spreading across roads and fields. The highways going to Ames were underwater and they closed portions of I-35.
Thursday night Bea and I headed to Perkins for supper. Love their Over 55 selections! Just too hot for me to do much cooking in this tin can!
I did it again! Opened the door to let Lil'Bit out; felt the blast of hot humid air in my face and just stood in the doorway watching her do her thing. Of course the door was wide open and there I stood when I heard Tinga squawk! I had forgotten to shut her cage door and she was out all nite AGAIN! It's a wonder she didn't head for the door while it was open! I think I'm going to have to come up with some sort of reminder! That's twice this week! I'm really gonna be upset sumthun fierce if she gets out.
Friday Bea and I used our coupons for chicken dinner at Haley's Deli. Kathy joined us. Haven't seen much of her this summer; nice to visit with her.
I had hoped to head to Tama to the Pow Wow but the humidity/heat was stifling. Maybe Saturday or Sunday. Cool front should be coming! Don't hold your breath!
I forgot to put Tinga in her cage before I went to bed. She usually goes in and goes into her little sleeping hut when it starts getting dark; I just forgot to close the door. Guess you know I was more than a little surprised when little Miss Chirpy flew into the bedroom when it started getting light telling me Good Morning, Girl and Step Up! Fortunately she let me know she was out and about so I didn't open the door to let Li'lBit out and have her fly out!
Tuesday, as usual, I headed to the laundromat, then stopped at Wally World for a couple of things. By the time I got home and the laundry and groceries unloaded, I looked like I had run thru a sprinkler! My t-shirt was soaked and my hair was dripping sweat! Makes it a little hard to breathe on days like this! At least I've got a good A/C unit in the RV!
Looking for something to do inside other than play on the computer and read (and cleaning and washing windows was out of the question - both are really needed!) I decided to empty the Trailer Cash bank my sister gave me for Christmas. It was getting full. Been tossing nickles, dimes and pennies in there for not quite a year. Rolled up $35 in change! Not bad for small change.
Tuesday nite Bea and I headed to the Junction with one of her friends. Special was buy one tenderloin sandwich, get one free! That's my kinda meal!
The stormy nites continue. Tuesday nite, the area just south of here got over 7 inches of rain just during the nite. The weather this summer has just been horrible! They said yesterday on TV that this has been the wettest spring/summer on record. I can sure believe that! Even my "Yard Bird," a gift from Cen-Tex Bird Society is hiding under the 5th wheel hitch!
The rain and storms started with gusts of wind over 40 mph - fortunately they came right from the west across that corn field so I didn't get a lot of rock'n'roll in the RV. Then came the RAIN! One of the bug candle buckets on my picnic table was FULL of water in the morning! There wasn't much candle left in it, so it was nearly all water. That's a lot of RAIN!
Knowing there were to be storms, I went to sleep with the radio on to a local radio station. They cancelled their regular programming and only gave road closings, river and creeks levels. This rain just will not go away! By Wednesday AM roads were closing, rivers and creeks were spreading across roads and fields. The highways going to Ames were underwater and they closed portions of I-35.
Thursday night Bea and I headed to Perkins for supper. Love their Over 55 selections! Just too hot for me to do much cooking in this tin can!
I did it again! Opened the door to let Lil'Bit out; felt the blast of hot humid air in my face and just stood in the doorway watching her do her thing. Of course the door was wide open and there I stood when I heard Tinga squawk! I had forgotten to shut her cage door and she was out all nite AGAIN! It's a wonder she didn't head for the door while it was open! I think I'm going to have to come up with some sort of reminder! That's twice this week! I'm really gonna be upset sumthun fierce if she gets out.
Friday Bea and I used our coupons for chicken dinner at Haley's Deli. Kathy joined us. Haven't seen much of her this summer; nice to visit with her.
I had hoped to head to Tama to the Pow Wow but the humidity/heat was stifling. Maybe Saturday or Sunday. Cool front should be coming! Don't hold your breath!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August Recipes
King Ranch Casserole in the Crock Pot
2 or 3 chicken breasts, boiled and cut up, (I use left over chicken)
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can Rotel or picante sauce, measured into one of the soup cans
1 can cut corn, drained (I have used hominy)
small onion chopped, optional
green pepper, chopped, optional
Tostito chips
Shredded cheddar cheese
If you use onion and green pepper, saute in a little of the Rotel or picante sauce until tender.
Line the bottom of your crock pot with crushed chips.
Mix both soups, the Rotel or picante sauce and the drained corn.
Layer chips, chicken cut into bite size pieces, sauce mixture, cheese, ending
with chips on top.
Set crock pot on high if you only have a few hours.
If you have time to let it cook all day, start on high and then go to low until ready to serve.
This can be baked in the oven, layer your ingredients in a 9x13 pan, 400 degree F oven for 30 minutes.
Note: It can be kinda bland unless you zap it up with tangier picante sauce or add some hot peppers to it.
KALE CHIPS
1 bunch kale, rinsed and dried well
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon(s) kosher salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove and discard thick stems, tear leaves into large pieces. Spread leaves in single layer on cookie sheets. Coat leaves lightly with non-stick cooking spray; sprinkle with salt. Bake kale 12 to 15 minutes or just until kale chips are crisp but not browned. Cool on cookie sheets on wire racks.
Variation: add seasoned salt; add taco seasoning to salt; use your favorite seasonings (herbs, spices) instead of salt.
NOTE: It's really important that you keep it single layer or some will 'scorch' before the others are crisp. AND - watch the salt -- really easy to over salt. I find it easiest to add a little salt, then ‘fluff’ the kale pieces to spread it around.
2 or 3 chicken breasts, boiled and cut up, (I use left over chicken)
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can Rotel or picante sauce, measured into one of the soup cans
1 can cut corn, drained (I have used hominy)
small onion chopped, optional
green pepper, chopped, optional
Tostito chips
Shredded cheddar cheese
If you use onion and green pepper, saute in a little of the Rotel or picante sauce until tender.
Line the bottom of your crock pot with crushed chips.
Mix both soups, the Rotel or picante sauce and the drained corn.
Layer chips, chicken cut into bite size pieces, sauce mixture, cheese, ending
with chips on top.
Set crock pot on high if you only have a few hours.
If you have time to let it cook all day, start on high and then go to low until ready to serve.
This can be baked in the oven, layer your ingredients in a 9x13 pan, 400 degree F oven for 30 minutes.
Note: It can be kinda bland unless you zap it up with tangier picante sauce or add some hot peppers to it.
KALE CHIPS
1 bunch kale, rinsed and dried well
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon(s) kosher salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove and discard thick stems, tear leaves into large pieces. Spread leaves in single layer on cookie sheets. Coat leaves lightly with non-stick cooking spray; sprinkle with salt. Bake kale 12 to 15 minutes or just until kale chips are crisp but not browned. Cool on cookie sheets on wire racks.
Variation: add seasoned salt; add taco seasoning to salt; use your favorite seasonings (herbs, spices) instead of salt.
NOTE: It's really important that you keep it single layer or some will 'scorch' before the others are crisp. AND - watch the salt -- really easy to over salt. I find it easiest to add a little salt, then ‘fluff’ the kale pieces to spread it around.
August off to a Humid Start
Sunday August 1st was Sister’s Day. A great day for Sunday Brunch with Bea held at Hardee’s this week. While there, she pointed out a bumper sticker on a car in the parking lot -- I drive this way just to piss you off! -- I definitely need one of those for the rear bumper on the RV!!! Going thru major cities, I tend to get a lot of middle-finger salutes!
Monday and Tuesday were School Registration Days for my sister! Monday was her longest day. I guess trying to locate all the kids that should be registering and don’t show up takes up a bunch of time.
Li'lBit and I made a walk to the dumpster to do our part for Iowa recycling and sort out our cans, glass and newspapers, etc., came back in, cranked up the A/C. It isn’t the heat – it’s the damn humidity that sends my lungs into a tizzy fit!
A very good friend of my sister went into surgery first thing in the morning, came out of surgery and was doing fine. Good news!
Life was full of big decisions on Tuesday: should go into town and do laundry or wait until Wednesday to see if the humidity would be lower. Checked the weather radar and there was the skinniest little band of bright red/orange/yellow coming across the state, heading right for Marshalltown! In the meantime, while contemplating my big decisions, I put the King Ranch casserole in the crock pot. Emailed my sister and told her supper was in the crock pot!
Heard from Deryl and Elke, my friends from Rockport TX. They would be arriving at Shady Oaks for a few days sometime Thursday or Friday! I was so excited.
Judy was out spraying for skeeters in the evening -- not sure it does any good -- seems the rain probably washes it all away. AND, I’m sure those darn skeeters just suck in those fumes and the fog is really ‘skeeter steroids!’ These skeeters must have inter-bred with bees! Damn, they can bite!
Wednesday I woke up with a stuffed nose and sinuses thanks to sleeping with the A/C going! I took Li'lBit out, got eaten up with skeeters; came in and spent most of the morning sneezing and coughing! Are We Having Fun, Yet!? I'm sure glad I enjoy reading and have boxes of books in my undercompartments!
Weather radar looked like rain on and off (and some really bright red/orange!) all the way from here to the east coast. I'm sure Deryl & Elke probably wished they had headed SOUTH back to TX instead of heading for I-80 since they will be driving in it all day! And I’m really glad I decided to do laundry on Tuesday and not wait!
Li'l Bit and I went out for a snack - came right back home! Sat here awhile watching the guy in the 5th wheel down the other side of the shower house doing the 'keep away from the skeeters' dance while he was emptying his black water tank. I have to empty mine -- thought I'd go out later to do it - until I saw him -- mine can wait for tomorrow -- supposed to be less humid, maybe the skeeters will be less active.
Thursday was National Underwear Day -- Drop those drawers, take off those tank tops, and show the world your undies! (I didn't make that up - it came with the notice about National Underwear Day!)
Big plans for Thursday --empty kitty litter, take out the trash and empty the black water tank! Sounds like a fun day, huh?? Humidity was down and could actually enjoy having the door and windows open with the vent fan and no A/C!
I found it -- I found it! The back to my phone. Several days ago the phone flipped out of my pocket and went flying in several pieces – phone, back, battery! I found the phone, I found the battery, but where did the back go? I moved stuff, lifted up rugs and swept the floor and still couldn’t find it! My fear was that it flew into the trash and I didn’t know it – tossed out the trash. So I’ve been using my phone, carefully, with the battery held in place with duct tape! Isn’t that what duct tape is for?
When the phone flipped outta my pocket the back flew a little farther away and was in Li'lBit's going outside basket. If the weather hadn't been so damned humid, I'd have found it days ago when I got ready to take Li'lBit outside for the afternoon.
Elke called to say they were running a little late and wouldn’t be in on Thursday.
Patiently, or maybe impatiently, waiting on Friday morning for Deryl & Elke to arrive. Can't wait to see them! I even cleaned the kitty litter for the occasion -- that just shows you how special they are!
Was sooooo nice to see their MH pull in about 1 PM!
My sister took us to That Place in Conrad for supper – Prime Rib!
Saturday we piled in the Bea’s car about mid-morning and headed to the Amana colonies for lunch. Ate at the Ox Yolk Inn. http://www.oxyokeinn.com/ They serve family style – bowls of cottage cheese with chives (which I just love), cole slaw, sauerkraut, mashed tators & gravy and an never ending bread basket. No sense even trying to move after that! But we did, headed off to some of the shops to look around. Of course, I had to get some cinnamon bread and rolls at the bakery.
Sunday Bea and I did breakfast. We were under a ‘heat advisory” – what’s new – with the temps, humidity and dew points where they have been, just another ‘heat advisory!” That afternoon Bea grilled steaks and vegetables. At least we could eat inside with the A/C going!
Deryl & Elke pulled out about noon on Monday. Loved having them here -- wish it could have lasted longer! Elke said she wanted to try out some of the Iowa Casinos on their way back to Rockport. I know they don’t like to be too far from home during hurricane season. Now I have to wait until I get down to Rockport this winter to see them again!
Well, it's official (and not just in my mind!), after the storm that came thru last nite, this is the wettest summer in Iowa since they started recording such things! Oh, I'm soooo glad I have been able to experience this!
Monday and Tuesday were School Registration Days for my sister! Monday was her longest day. I guess trying to locate all the kids that should be registering and don’t show up takes up a bunch of time.
Li'lBit and I made a walk to the dumpster to do our part for Iowa recycling and sort out our cans, glass and newspapers, etc., came back in, cranked up the A/C. It isn’t the heat – it’s the damn humidity that sends my lungs into a tizzy fit!
A very good friend of my sister went into surgery first thing in the morning, came out of surgery and was doing fine. Good news!
Life was full of big decisions on Tuesday: should go into town and do laundry or wait until Wednesday to see if the humidity would be lower. Checked the weather radar and there was the skinniest little band of bright red/orange/yellow coming across the state, heading right for Marshalltown! In the meantime, while contemplating my big decisions, I put the King Ranch casserole in the crock pot. Emailed my sister and told her supper was in the crock pot!
Heard from Deryl and Elke, my friends from Rockport TX. They would be arriving at Shady Oaks for a few days sometime Thursday or Friday! I was so excited.
Judy was out spraying for skeeters in the evening -- not sure it does any good -- seems the rain probably washes it all away. AND, I’m sure those darn skeeters just suck in those fumes and the fog is really ‘skeeter steroids!’ These skeeters must have inter-bred with bees! Damn, they can bite!
Wednesday I woke up with a stuffed nose and sinuses thanks to sleeping with the A/C going! I took Li'lBit out, got eaten up with skeeters; came in and spent most of the morning sneezing and coughing! Are We Having Fun, Yet!? I'm sure glad I enjoy reading and have boxes of books in my undercompartments!
Weather radar looked like rain on and off (and some really bright red/orange!) all the way from here to the east coast. I'm sure Deryl & Elke probably wished they had headed SOUTH back to TX instead of heading for I-80 since they will be driving in it all day! And I’m really glad I decided to do laundry on Tuesday and not wait!
Li'l Bit and I went out for a snack - came right back home! Sat here awhile watching the guy in the 5th wheel down the other side of the shower house doing the 'keep away from the skeeters' dance while he was emptying his black water tank. I have to empty mine -- thought I'd go out later to do it - until I saw him -- mine can wait for tomorrow -- supposed to be less humid, maybe the skeeters will be less active.
Thursday was National Underwear Day -- Drop those drawers, take off those tank tops, and show the world your undies! (I didn't make that up - it came with the notice about National Underwear Day!)
Big plans for Thursday --empty kitty litter, take out the trash and empty the black water tank! Sounds like a fun day, huh?? Humidity was down and could actually enjoy having the door and windows open with the vent fan and no A/C!
I found it -- I found it! The back to my phone. Several days ago the phone flipped out of my pocket and went flying in several pieces – phone, back, battery! I found the phone, I found the battery, but where did the back go? I moved stuff, lifted up rugs and swept the floor and still couldn’t find it! My fear was that it flew into the trash and I didn’t know it – tossed out the trash. So I’ve been using my phone, carefully, with the battery held in place with duct tape! Isn’t that what duct tape is for?
When the phone flipped outta my pocket the back flew a little farther away and was in Li'lBit's going outside basket. If the weather hadn't been so damned humid, I'd have found it days ago when I got ready to take Li'lBit outside for the afternoon.
Elke called to say they were running a little late and wouldn’t be in on Thursday.
Patiently, or maybe impatiently, waiting on Friday morning for Deryl & Elke to arrive. Can't wait to see them! I even cleaned the kitty litter for the occasion -- that just shows you how special they are!
Was sooooo nice to see their MH pull in about 1 PM!
My sister took us to That Place in Conrad for supper – Prime Rib!
Saturday we piled in the Bea’s car about mid-morning and headed to the Amana colonies for lunch. Ate at the Ox Yolk Inn. http://www.oxyokeinn.com/ They serve family style – bowls of cottage cheese with chives (which I just love), cole slaw, sauerkraut, mashed tators & gravy and an never ending bread basket. No sense even trying to move after that! But we did, headed off to some of the shops to look around. Of course, I had to get some cinnamon bread and rolls at the bakery.
Sunday Bea and I did breakfast. We were under a ‘heat advisory” – what’s new – with the temps, humidity and dew points where they have been, just another ‘heat advisory!” That afternoon Bea grilled steaks and vegetables. At least we could eat inside with the A/C going!
Deryl & Elke pulled out about noon on Monday. Loved having them here -- wish it could have lasted longer! Elke said she wanted to try out some of the Iowa Casinos on their way back to Rockport. I know they don’t like to be too far from home during hurricane season. Now I have to wait until I get down to Rockport this winter to see them again!
Well, it's official (and not just in my mind!), after the storm that came thru last nite, this is the wettest summer in Iowa since they started recording such things! Oh, I'm soooo glad I have been able to experience this!
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