Sometimes, on a long holiday weekend, you just have to take it easy outside in the lawn chair!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Just Takin' It Easy
Sometimes, on a long holiday weekend, you just have to take it easy outside in the lawn chair!
This is a follow-up to the blog entry Attitude – You Gotta Have Heart! Saturday, August 16, 2008
Jun 11, 2008 ... Little Sioux Scout Ranch in western Iowa found itself in a direct path of an EF-3 tornado with 143 mph winds barreling down for a direct hit. Four teenagers were killed; 48 people were injured. The 93 Scouts at the camp were attending a weeklong leadership training. They had taken part in a mock emergency drill with 25 staff members just a day before the twister hit. Folks came from miles around to assist the scouts in cleaning up and rebuilding their camp. The new buildings will withstand winds up to 250 mph.
The giving continues.
Nearly 20 members of Groesbeck Rebuild America came to participate in the 9/11 anniversary rebuild project. Groesbeck is a central Texas community, aproximately 4100 folks, in Limestone County.
They will be joined by New York City Firefighters in building a new Chapel at the camp on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Life is good with people like this in your life.
Friday, August 28, 2009
It's Friday Nite.....
....and I can hear the stock car races! I'm glad the weather is nice so I can have all my windows open to hear them. I'd really like to go to the races, but by the time I got there, parked, hauled my walker and oxygen -- the fun is gone! That damn walker and oxygen can take the fun out of a lot of stuff!
Pigged out at Rube's Steak house on Wednesday evening and then at the Junction Thursday evening. Probably won't need to eat for a few days! Good food -- Good friends -- doesn't get much better than that.
Weather has really been quite 'agreeable'! Not too hot, not too wet -- a little too chilly, but Life Is Good!
Pigged out at Rube's Steak house on Wednesday evening and then at the Junction Thursday evening. Probably won't need to eat for a few days! Good food -- Good friends -- doesn't get much better than that.
Weather has really been quite 'agreeable'! Not too hot, not too wet -- a little too chilly, but Life Is Good!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Chilly, Windy, Brrrr...and It's August in Iowa!
It’s Friday night in Marshalltown, the wind is blowing from the northwest -- the stock car races are going full bore – there is no sense in even trying to sleep until the races are over - but I just love the sound of the races coming in the window. Guess it is a good time to catch up with the news!
Last Saturday I faced a project I just hate to tackle – cleaning out the storage area under the bed! I carry my cell phone in my pocked in case the damn thing slams down on me! Actually I do worry that the cat will crawl up in there and I'll not realize it until I don't see her for awhile and then I'll have to go through the whole mess again!
I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to try to lift the weight of a queen size plywood platform and queensize mattress while on my knees! But you can't stand up to do it – no room to get any leverage ...you have to kneel at the foot of the bed. A hydraulic lift would be nice -- just not sure how they would work it into the frame. Oh, well – another little problem you have to deal with to live full time in a vehicle labeled RECREATIONAL vehicle!!!
I found the sack of t-shirts and the quilt batting I've been looking for -- amazing how much crap you can put in that area under the bed! Now, if I'd get busy sewing, I'd have my window quilts done! But sewing is something I leave for the chillier days in Rockport. I also found some videos I had recorded from the old VCR days -- thought I had transferred all of them to disk but see that I have a few more to do -- another Rockport project -- setting up the VCR and the VCR to disk recorder thing is more than my electronics brain can handle -- so when I set it up -- it stays up until I'm finished!
AND - I found enough books under there that I will NEVER have to buy another book -- even if I live to be 100. I knew I brought a lot of books from the house that I wanted to read (couldn't pass up a sale at Barnes & Noble so probably had more than the local library!) Most of them are hard covers so I pulled out a bunch of them -- I'll read those first -- just to get rid of the weight. Never again will I buy a hard covered book -- well, maybe one or two now and then! Nothing beats the feel of a good hard-bound book in my hands!
By late Saturday afternoon I was pooped, my knees were sore, my gut ached from stretching over the wooden frame. That job is now done until it is time to get out the Christmas decorations (I think!)
It was a good week – plenty of sunny days to set out at the picnic table with Li’lBit and get some reading done. Made a couple of trips into the mall to walk – problem is I always manage to find something I really didn’t need and really don’t have room for in the RV! Had lunch at the food court – love their Indian Tacos – made with fry bread rather than tortillas.
Stopped in at Radio Shack to get some info on pre-paid Dish satellite TV – but they no longer carry it – will check with the Dish office when I get back to Gatesville. I have access to cable TV when I’m in Rockport – but local channels only in Gatesville and in Iowa. A pre-paid program would be great for me.
Well, it was a good week until I noticed some water under the back of the RV. I have a leak in my kitchen drain line -- water running out the back (underneath the back of the RV). Calling around, I found that no one comes out to do repairs, but did have the opportunity to talk to a service guy over in Colo. He said the leak is most likely between the floor of the RV and the underbelly -- could be the tank or could be the line, he can't tell without taking it in and having them pull the underbelly. He told me if I'm careful about draining from the sink, I could get it back to TX and have the people that know this rig take care of it -- there is nothing under there to rot -- just metal and plastic. So, I'm using a dishpan in the sink and dumping the water out in the bathroom sink or toilet. I guess I'm 'roughing it'! I'm now using paper plates.
Laundry at my favorite laundromat is actually a nice treat for me. OK, so it doesn’t take much to make me happy! I get lots of reading done. I hauled in the comforter and quilt from the bed – planned on putting them away – but no such luck – woke up this AM to 50 degrees, damp, chilly rainy day. It is August in Iowa and I REFUSE to pull out my space heater AGAIN! Supposed to be in the lower 50s tonite – in the 40s predicted for a bit further north east of me. Sure wish I could send some of this chill down to Texas to ease that heat wave they are having.
Last Saturday I faced a project I just hate to tackle – cleaning out the storage area under the bed! I carry my cell phone in my pocked in case the damn thing slams down on me! Actually I do worry that the cat will crawl up in there and I'll not realize it until I don't see her for awhile and then I'll have to go through the whole mess again!
I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to try to lift the weight of a queen size plywood platform and queensize mattress while on my knees! But you can't stand up to do it – no room to get any leverage ...you have to kneel at the foot of the bed. A hydraulic lift would be nice -- just not sure how they would work it into the frame. Oh, well – another little problem you have to deal with to live full time in a vehicle labeled RECREATIONAL vehicle!!!
I found the sack of t-shirts and the quilt batting I've been looking for -- amazing how much crap you can put in that area under the bed! Now, if I'd get busy sewing, I'd have my window quilts done! But sewing is something I leave for the chillier days in Rockport. I also found some videos I had recorded from the old VCR days -- thought I had transferred all of them to disk but see that I have a few more to do -- another Rockport project -- setting up the VCR and the VCR to disk recorder thing is more than my electronics brain can handle -- so when I set it up -- it stays up until I'm finished!
AND - I found enough books under there that I will NEVER have to buy another book -- even if I live to be 100. I knew I brought a lot of books from the house that I wanted to read (couldn't pass up a sale at Barnes & Noble so probably had more than the local library!) Most of them are hard covers so I pulled out a bunch of them -- I'll read those first -- just to get rid of the weight. Never again will I buy a hard covered book -- well, maybe one or two now and then! Nothing beats the feel of a good hard-bound book in my hands!
By late Saturday afternoon I was pooped, my knees were sore, my gut ached from stretching over the wooden frame. That job is now done until it is time to get out the Christmas decorations (I think!)
It was a good week – plenty of sunny days to set out at the picnic table with Li’lBit and get some reading done. Made a couple of trips into the mall to walk – problem is I always manage to find something I really didn’t need and really don’t have room for in the RV! Had lunch at the food court – love their Indian Tacos – made with fry bread rather than tortillas.
Stopped in at Radio Shack to get some info on pre-paid Dish satellite TV – but they no longer carry it – will check with the Dish office when I get back to Gatesville. I have access to cable TV when I’m in Rockport – but local channels only in Gatesville and in Iowa. A pre-paid program would be great for me.
Well, it was a good week until I noticed some water under the back of the RV. I have a leak in my kitchen drain line -- water running out the back (underneath the back of the RV). Calling around, I found that no one comes out to do repairs, but did have the opportunity to talk to a service guy over in Colo. He said the leak is most likely between the floor of the RV and the underbelly -- could be the tank or could be the line, he can't tell without taking it in and having them pull the underbelly. He told me if I'm careful about draining from the sink, I could get it back to TX and have the people that know this rig take care of it -- there is nothing under there to rot -- just metal and plastic. So, I'm using a dishpan in the sink and dumping the water out in the bathroom sink or toilet. I guess I'm 'roughing it'! I'm now using paper plates.
Laundry at my favorite laundromat is actually a nice treat for me. OK, so it doesn’t take much to make me happy! I get lots of reading done. I hauled in the comforter and quilt from the bed – planned on putting them away – but no such luck – woke up this AM to 50 degrees, damp, chilly rainy day. It is August in Iowa and I REFUSE to pull out my space heater AGAIN! Supposed to be in the lower 50s tonite – in the 40s predicted for a bit further north east of me. Sure wish I could send some of this chill down to Texas to ease that heat wave they are having.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
WHEW! Time Flies
Here we are in the middle of August!! I can't believe it. I've been here in Iowa since the end of May - the weather has been great (compared to what my friends in Texas are living through!) -- so I won't complain about having to use a space heater to take the 'chill off' on a few mornings in June and July -- and I won't complain that I still have my long-sleeved flannel shirt hanging by my chair -- Just In Case I Need It!!
I've had a few days of putting up with my muscles and joints not wanting to work together so spent some time in bed...but all seems to be getting back in sync now!
Last week I went over to Otter Creek Park in Tama County to visit with some RVing friends -- ladies I met over the internet and had the pleasure of visiting with about a month ago. It was nice to see them again -- and oh, what a delightful county park! Wooded, lake, cool breeze....I didn't want to leave -- comfortable place, good friends, great conversation!
Have had a couple of stormy nights the past week -- one came through just south of here. The winds ripped up some trees in my sister's friend's place -- fortunately we were on the north end of that 'goodie.' Then a couple of days ago another came through to the north. The county north of here had horrible hail and wind damage -- crops have been ruined, hail the size of baseballs -- it looks like a disaster area. Again, just skimmed by and I sat here in the wind and rain on the south end of the major damage.
BUT -- evidentially I didn't find and seal that water leak 'cuz I have damp carpeting AGAIN!
I've had a few days of putting up with my muscles and joints not wanting to work together so spent some time in bed...but all seems to be getting back in sync now!
Last week I went over to Otter Creek Park in Tama County to visit with some RVing friends -- ladies I met over the internet and had the pleasure of visiting with about a month ago. It was nice to see them again -- and oh, what a delightful county park! Wooded, lake, cool breeze....I didn't want to leave -- comfortable place, good friends, great conversation!
Have had a couple of stormy nights the past week -- one came through just south of here. The winds ripped up some trees in my sister's friend's place -- fortunately we were on the north end of that 'goodie.' Then a couple of days ago another came through to the north. The county north of here had horrible hail and wind damage -- crops have been ruined, hail the size of baseballs -- it looks like a disaster area. Again, just skimmed by and I sat here in the wind and rain on the south end of the major damage.
BUT -- evidentially I didn't find and seal that water leak 'cuz I have damp carpeting AGAIN!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Maid Rites - Iowa's Loose Meat Sandwich
Another exciting day in Retirementville! Went into town this AM to do some laundry—Oh, how I love that little laundromat – quiet, clean, a place to set and read while the laundry is washing and drying.
Got a late start today. It was about noon as I was loading up to head back home – so stopped at Taylor’s Maid Rite for a sandwich to go. For those of you not familiar with Iowa Maid Rites, they are loose meat sandwiches – no, Rosanne Barr did not invent loose meat sandwiches on the Rosanne Show!!
http://www.maidrite.com Walking into Taylor’s is walking back in time – there are no tables or booths….just a horseshoe shaped counter with stools, close enough together you literally rub shoulders with the folks on either side! You can watch the entire cooking, preparing, and serving operation in the center space. Malted milks are still served to you in the metal mixing container. No plates, a fork or spoon to eat the loose meat that drops out of the bun, served on the wrapping paper. The menu is slim – Maid Rites, chips, soft drinks or malteds. The sandwich is served with mustard, pickles and chopped onions. And, sin of all sins – after 70 years ketchup is now available on the counter – uncouth folks no longer have to sneak it in with them!
When I got home, I decided to put my Maid-Rite in a bowl so I didn’t loose the loose meat droppings all over my table – and along comes Tinga – she decided loose meat sandwiches are right up her alley! She just made herself right at home on the edge of the bowl and took her share -- actually, she too MORE than her share....she chomped off a huge piece of bun and flew off to her cage with it -- not quite sure how she could fly with something that big hanging from her beak. I just couldn't get to the camera in time.
Li'lBit is now enjoying what was left in the bowl.....so much for my lunch!
Now to the chores of the day -- steeping some hot tea -- much to chilly for ice tea. It's 2PM and only 70 degrees! Many months ago a dear friend turned me on to Adagio Teas and I'm just going crazy trying them all! http://www.adagio.com/
And, time to grind some more coffee - oh, how I love the smell of freshly ground coffee!
Got a late start today. It was about noon as I was loading up to head back home – so stopped at Taylor’s Maid Rite for a sandwich to go. For those of you not familiar with Iowa Maid Rites, they are loose meat sandwiches – no, Rosanne Barr did not invent loose meat sandwiches on the Rosanne Show!!
http://www.maidrite.com Walking into Taylor’s is walking back in time – there are no tables or booths….just a horseshoe shaped counter with stools, close enough together you literally rub shoulders with the folks on either side! You can watch the entire cooking, preparing, and serving operation in the center space. Malted milks are still served to you in the metal mixing container. No plates, a fork or spoon to eat the loose meat that drops out of the bun, served on the wrapping paper. The menu is slim – Maid Rites, chips, soft drinks or malteds. The sandwich is served with mustard, pickles and chopped onions. And, sin of all sins – after 70 years ketchup is now available on the counter – uncouth folks no longer have to sneak it in with them!
When I got home, I decided to put my Maid-Rite in a bowl so I didn’t loose the loose meat droppings all over my table – and along comes Tinga – she decided loose meat sandwiches are right up her alley! She just made herself right at home on the edge of the bowl and took her share -- actually, she too MORE than her share....she chomped off a huge piece of bun and flew off to her cage with it -- not quite sure how she could fly with something that big hanging from her beak. I just couldn't get to the camera in time.
Li'lBit is now enjoying what was left in the bowl.....so much for my lunch!
Now to the chores of the day -- steeping some hot tea -- much to chilly for ice tea. It's 2PM and only 70 degrees! Many months ago a dear friend turned me on to Adagio Teas and I'm just going crazy trying them all! http://www.adagio.com/
And, time to grind some more coffee - oh, how I love the smell of freshly ground coffee!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Lincoln Highway Bridge
Quotation from the monument:
THE HISTORIC ‘LINCOLN HIGHWAY’ BRIDGE
This bridge, constructed in 1915, was an early advertisement for the Lincoln Highway, which was the first successful effort to mark, promote, and build an automobile highway spanning the United States.
Initiated in 1913 as a memorial to the martyred President, the Lincoln Highway linked Iowa to both coasts and crossed the state by way of Tama. Motorists today can travel the original route through the city by following signs that begin at the bridge and continue west on 5th Street.
Guard rails spelling the name on both sides make this a unique bridge on the Lincoln Highway.
On March 30, 1978, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and community donations paid for its restoration in 1987. It stands as a dramatic reminder of a time when few roads were paved and the campaign to “get out of the mud” had just begun.
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