Tomato Soup
32 oz canned diced tomatoes (different flavored/seasoned tomatoes create interesting flavors)
9 oz chicken broth
1 oz butter
2 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP chopped onion
1 pinch baking soda
2 cups cream or half/half – I use ½ half & half and ½ milk
Mix together every thing but cream, and simmer 1 hour. Warm the cream before adding to the hot tomato mix.
Lentil Soup
1 lb. lentils
6 TBSP olive oil
28 oz can tomatoes, crushed or puree
1 large onion chopped fine
3 cloves garlic
1 stalk celery
2 carrots
1 lb sausage (can use left over diced ham)
1 can broth - beef, chicken or vegetable (about 14 oz)
2 bay leaves
1/2 TSP rosemary
2 Quarts water
1 can broth - beef, chicken or vegetable (to be added later in the recipe)
salt and pepper to taste
Barely cover lentils with water and boil gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain in colander. Put olive oil in pot and saute onion and garlic until onions are firm but cooked. Add meat and brown. Add vegetables and saute another 5 minutes. Do not cover.
Add tomatoes, water, broth, bay leaves, and rosemary. Heat to a gentle steady simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add lentils. Stir to coat well. Add second can of broth and pepper to taste. Cover pot. Adjust heat to cook at gentle, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add more water. When lentils are done, add salt and oregano.
Salmon Cheese Chowder
3 tablespoons butter- I use olive oil
1/2 C diced celery
1/2 C diced carrot
1/4 C finely chopped onion
2 TBSP flour
1 2/3 C chicken or vegetable stock
2 C diced potatoes
12 to 16 ounces diced fresh salmon or canned flaked salmon*
1 C peas – I use frozen
2 C half & half - I use 2% milk
2 C shredded Cheddar cheese – or any kind of cheese you prefer.
1 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
salt and pepper, to taste
Heat butter over medium-low heat. Add celery, carrot, and onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until celery is tender. Stir in flour until well blended. Stir in chicken broth. Add potatoes. Cover and simmer, stirring frequently until potatoes and carrots are tender. (about 15 minutes. Takes me a little longer since I prefer my vegetables in chunks a little bigger than ‘diced’.)
Add the salmon and peas, cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add half-and-half (or milk,) along with cheese and parsley. Cook, stirring, until cheese melts and the soup just begins to bubble.
Salt and pepper to takes.
*If using canned salmon, drain off some of the packing water.
I have also made this using left over fried or baked fish and tuna! When using tuna, I leave out the potatoes and serve it over toast, biscuits or rice.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thanksgiving in Gatesville; November Comes to an End
Went to bed the 16th with the temp 88 degrees - woke up on Thursday 17th to 54 degrees and WINDS. Decided to take my time with the last minute loading to see if the winds would die down some before I hit the road. Definitely needed my hoodie!
Plans were to have the trailer hitched up and on the road by noon and to be into Gatesville before dark. Deryl and Elke came by the storage place to help me hitch up and I was on the road well a head of time. Made it to Gatesville about 5PM - some problems with the same wheel. Paranoia took hold and I slowed down to about 30 mph for the last 60 miles or so. Would stop in every little town and pull over and check the wheel hub to make sure it wasn’t getting to hot. Pulled into the RV park in Gatesville with plenty of day light – Fred was right there to help me level and unhitch. Can’t believe how easy the travel trailer is compared to that 5th wheel.
Trying to get the critters settled in the trailer was a chore; Caleb did not like the trailer! Poor thing had been running free for months; then held in a kennel here in the park; then moved my my 5th wheel, now to the travel trailer - all in the matter of a couple of weeks.
I had moved Li’lBit and Holly into the trailer after we got on the road. Had left a leash on Caleb while in his crate - just to make it easier to get him out for potty stops. He traveled in his crate on the front seat really well...except he chewed his leash in half - TWICE! Little trouble maker.
Holly and Li’lBit soon re-established their trailer territories and then in came new baby brother, Caleb to upset the apple cart. We survived!
Temps were down in the 40s the nite I pulled in. Flipped on the furnace. It put out massive amount of heat and noise! With the furnace in the area where the bed is, I knew I was not going to let it run all night! There were more important things to do. Had to get out to Johnnie’s for coffee! I'm so thankful for Johnnie's coffee pot. And I'm thankful for her and her family, too! They 'adopted' a total stranger (and one from the NORTH!) and made me part of the family!
Woke up the 18th freezing my rear end off! Trip to WalMart for a small electric space heater, some sweat pants and a heavy hoodie. Now I’m ready.
Caleb went to the vet - probably 1-2 yrs old, definitely has some rat terrier or Jack Russell Terrier along with a 'healthy dose" of Chihuahua genes. Had his shots, heart worm tests, ‘well-baby' check-up and he passed!
After spending $$ on him at the vet and making an appointment to get him sliced and spliced, guess who ran off as soon as we got home! Fred, the manager here at the RV park, tossed his coat over him and brought him back! WHEW! That is one runnin' pup!
What a difference a day makes. Woke up on the 19th to 71 degrees! Sure glad I ran right out and got that space heater, my hoodie and a pair of sweat pants!
My Verizon modem (hot spot) died and if I couldn’t find a 'free wifi" I’d be without a computer (internet) until I get back to Rockport! There were several WiFi connections available in the area, but they needed a password. I finally got in on the Court House Annex. It didn’t ask for a password so I guess it was OK to use it. It was driving me crazy, dropping off every time you turned around. So, off to WalMart to pick up a Virgin Mobile Pay-as-you-go USB modem thingy. Not the speediest connection, could get pricey if I download videos, play games, etc....but for email and facebook, it will be OK until I can get my Verizon hotspot thing squared away.
Oh, and I must say, I am thankful that Bush's Chicken has tight-fitting lids on their large ice tea cups. Absolutely nothing spilled when I tipped it over on my laptop. Good lids or I’m really quick – not sure, but tragedy was averted!
Ol' Caleb is like a double-edged sword! He is just the sweetest, most affectionate dog -- and THEN....he definitely has a temper when he can’t run out the door! Whole bunch of spitting, snarling, gnashing of the teeth! And this, too, shall pass. (I hope!)
Didn’t want to leave Caleb in the trailer while I was gone visiting and coffee-drinking, the spaces are too close for his whimpering and whining! So, he went with me everywhere and lived in his crate in the truck while I was running errands and visiting. Certainly glad the weather was cooperative to carry a critter in the truck. He does well in the crate; I finally learned to take his leash off while he is in there! And, I'm very proud to announce that Tinga has learned to whine and whimper like Caleb!
Guard Cat Holly, with one eye open, controls the coming and going on Li'lBit's dog steps leading up to the bed. Caleb waits patiently for Holly to fall asleep! Crazy Critters. I think it is nice that my critters are color coordinated with the furniture in the trailer!
On November 21, I was thankful for some really nice folks in this world. Went in to have the lights checked on the truck - kept getting the 'lamp out' light. Just as they went to print up my bill, the computer went down and froze up. The service manager said, "it's only a bulb, have a nice Thanksgiving!" WOW! Then headed to the Verizon Store to pitch a fit about my WiFi I just bought last summer. No problem! After checking it, my 3G Wifi replaced with a 4G MiFi - no cost to me! Double-WOW!
The 23rd Caleb went in for his "mind altering surgery." He's had a rough day! This is the quietest I've seen him since he's been with me! But oh, is he a cry baby! Whine, Whine, Whimper, Whimper. (Not sure how much was him and how much was Tinga!)
As usual, with my stays in Gatesville, I thoroughly enjoyed lunching and visiting with everyone. There are so many folks I want to see and usually not enough time to see everyone. Brenda and I had a hard time getting together with her schedule, but we did manage! Oh, and bummer! Swindall’s is CLOSED! One of my favorite places to meet folks!
Just before Thanksgiving we got wind gusts over 30 mph. I was in my LITTTLE travel trailer - NOT my 5th wheel! Give a gal a break!
It was terrific seeing all of Johnnie’s family at Thanksgiving. She always has a houseful and way too much food! So, guess where I went for lunch the next couple of days!
Hitched up and headed back to Rockport on the 28th. Stopped by the tire place in Gatesville (I did business with them for years so I'm comfortable with their assessment!) No problem with tires or wheels – must have just been excess lubrication that I noticed on the trip up from Rockport.
I will admit, I stopped a little more frequently just to check wheels! This time I came in with all wheels intact! Makes a big difference in the trip when you can drive on all the tires! Unloaded critters, food, and the essentials and called it a day. Ron was here to help me back it into the space. I’m storing it in the back lot here at the RV park. Already miss Johnnie's coffee!
It is nice having the trailer so convenient. I can unload, load, clean, fix up, etc at my convenience! Getting back into the Rockport routine, I headed up to Ladies Coffee Tuesday AM. 55 degrees but sure felt colder. Guess that north wind doesn't help! Holly was sick so I spent time cleaning up kitty puke! She does this each time we move. Just upsets her delicate condition, I guess!
Came home from coffee so plugged up my head hurt! That's what happens when you have to scrape windows to hitch up on Monday and 1/2 way thru the day have to turn on the A/C in the truck! Or maybe it is just the feeling of finally being home.
Made a bunch of split pea/ham soup before I left to go to Gatesville and froze 1/2 of it. Guess what went into the crock pot! Made it up to 65 degrees, winds died down, sunny.
Wed 30th 57 degrees. Lucky me, with the plugged up head, the 'cold front' got stalled somewhere along the way! Met with Donna and her friend Vickie at Panjo’s for pizza. Vickie is from Oklahoma and travels alone with her dog and work-camps. Her and Donna are both out at the Wild Life Refuge north of town.
Pot luck on Thursday. Love pot lucks! Friday AM we served breakfast for the Good Samaritans, a local non-profit group that does stuff for needy here in the county. I was on the fruit bowl list and in charge of kiwi and bananas! Doesn't THAT sound exciting.
More RVs coming in. Gayle and Jeanetta were here when I got back from Gatesville, Gelene and Bob, from Ankeny, made it in and Cleo and Bonnie are here - the flock is flocking! Good seeing them.
Plans were to have the trailer hitched up and on the road by noon and to be into Gatesville before dark. Deryl and Elke came by the storage place to help me hitch up and I was on the road well a head of time. Made it to Gatesville about 5PM - some problems with the same wheel. Paranoia took hold and I slowed down to about 30 mph for the last 60 miles or so. Would stop in every little town and pull over and check the wheel hub to make sure it wasn’t getting to hot. Pulled into the RV park in Gatesville with plenty of day light – Fred was right there to help me level and unhitch. Can’t believe how easy the travel trailer is compared to that 5th wheel.
Trying to get the critters settled in the trailer was a chore; Caleb did not like the trailer! Poor thing had been running free for months; then held in a kennel here in the park; then moved my my 5th wheel, now to the travel trailer - all in the matter of a couple of weeks.
I had moved Li’lBit and Holly into the trailer after we got on the road. Had left a leash on Caleb while in his crate - just to make it easier to get him out for potty stops. He traveled in his crate on the front seat really well...except he chewed his leash in half - TWICE! Little trouble maker.
Holly and Li’lBit soon re-established their trailer territories and then in came new baby brother, Caleb to upset the apple cart. We survived!
Temps were down in the 40s the nite I pulled in. Flipped on the furnace. It put out massive amount of heat and noise! With the furnace in the area where the bed is, I knew I was not going to let it run all night! There were more important things to do. Had to get out to Johnnie’s for coffee! I'm so thankful for Johnnie's coffee pot. And I'm thankful for her and her family, too! They 'adopted' a total stranger (and one from the NORTH!) and made me part of the family!
Woke up the 18th freezing my rear end off! Trip to WalMart for a small electric space heater, some sweat pants and a heavy hoodie. Now I’m ready.
Caleb went to the vet - probably 1-2 yrs old, definitely has some rat terrier or Jack Russell Terrier along with a 'healthy dose" of Chihuahua genes. Had his shots, heart worm tests, ‘well-baby' check-up and he passed!
After spending $$ on him at the vet and making an appointment to get him sliced and spliced, guess who ran off as soon as we got home! Fred, the manager here at the RV park, tossed his coat over him and brought him back! WHEW! That is one runnin' pup!
What a difference a day makes. Woke up on the 19th to 71 degrees! Sure glad I ran right out and got that space heater, my hoodie and a pair of sweat pants!
My Verizon modem (hot spot) died and if I couldn’t find a 'free wifi" I’d be without a computer (internet) until I get back to Rockport! There were several WiFi connections available in the area, but they needed a password. I finally got in on the Court House Annex. It didn’t ask for a password so I guess it was OK to use it. It was driving me crazy, dropping off every time you turned around. So, off to WalMart to pick up a Virgin Mobile Pay-as-you-go USB modem thingy. Not the speediest connection, could get pricey if I download videos, play games, etc....but for email and facebook, it will be OK until I can get my Verizon hotspot thing squared away.
Oh, and I must say, I am thankful that Bush's Chicken has tight-fitting lids on their large ice tea cups. Absolutely nothing spilled when I tipped it over on my laptop. Good lids or I’m really quick – not sure, but tragedy was averted!
Ol' Caleb is like a double-edged sword! He is just the sweetest, most affectionate dog -- and THEN....he definitely has a temper when he can’t run out the door! Whole bunch of spitting, snarling, gnashing of the teeth! And this, too, shall pass. (I hope!)
Didn’t want to leave Caleb in the trailer while I was gone visiting and coffee-drinking, the spaces are too close for his whimpering and whining! So, he went with me everywhere and lived in his crate in the truck while I was running errands and visiting. Certainly glad the weather was cooperative to carry a critter in the truck. He does well in the crate; I finally learned to take his leash off while he is in there! And, I'm very proud to announce that Tinga has learned to whine and whimper like Caleb!
Guard Cat Holly, with one eye open, controls the coming and going on Li'lBit's dog steps leading up to the bed. Caleb waits patiently for Holly to fall asleep! Crazy Critters. I think it is nice that my critters are color coordinated with the furniture in the trailer!
On November 21, I was thankful for some really nice folks in this world. Went in to have the lights checked on the truck - kept getting the 'lamp out' light. Just as they went to print up my bill, the computer went down and froze up. The service manager said, "it's only a bulb, have a nice Thanksgiving!" WOW! Then headed to the Verizon Store to pitch a fit about my WiFi I just bought last summer. No problem! After checking it, my 3G Wifi replaced with a 4G MiFi - no cost to me! Double-WOW!
The 23rd Caleb went in for his "mind altering surgery." He's had a rough day! This is the quietest I've seen him since he's been with me! But oh, is he a cry baby! Whine, Whine, Whimper, Whimper. (Not sure how much was him and how much was Tinga!)
As usual, with my stays in Gatesville, I thoroughly enjoyed lunching and visiting with everyone. There are so many folks I want to see and usually not enough time to see everyone. Brenda and I had a hard time getting together with her schedule, but we did manage! Oh, and bummer! Swindall’s is CLOSED! One of my favorite places to meet folks!
Just before Thanksgiving we got wind gusts over 30 mph. I was in my LITTTLE travel trailer - NOT my 5th wheel! Give a gal a break!
It was terrific seeing all of Johnnie’s family at Thanksgiving. She always has a houseful and way too much food! So, guess where I went for lunch the next couple of days!
Hitched up and headed back to Rockport on the 28th. Stopped by the tire place in Gatesville (I did business with them for years so I'm comfortable with their assessment!) No problem with tires or wheels – must have just been excess lubrication that I noticed on the trip up from Rockport.
I will admit, I stopped a little more frequently just to check wheels! This time I came in with all wheels intact! Makes a big difference in the trip when you can drive on all the tires! Unloaded critters, food, and the essentials and called it a day. Ron was here to help me back it into the space. I’m storing it in the back lot here at the RV park. Already miss Johnnie's coffee!
It is nice having the trailer so convenient. I can unload, load, clean, fix up, etc at my convenience! Getting back into the Rockport routine, I headed up to Ladies Coffee Tuesday AM. 55 degrees but sure felt colder. Guess that north wind doesn't help! Holly was sick so I spent time cleaning up kitty puke! She does this each time we move. Just upsets her delicate condition, I guess!
Came home from coffee so plugged up my head hurt! That's what happens when you have to scrape windows to hitch up on Monday and 1/2 way thru the day have to turn on the A/C in the truck! Or maybe it is just the feeling of finally being home.
Made a bunch of split pea/ham soup before I left to go to Gatesville and froze 1/2 of it. Guess what went into the crock pot! Made it up to 65 degrees, winds died down, sunny.
Wed 30th 57 degrees. Lucky me, with the plugged up head, the 'cold front' got stalled somewhere along the way! Met with Donna and her friend Vickie at Panjo’s for pizza. Vickie is from Oklahoma and travels alone with her dog and work-camps. Her and Donna are both out at the Wild Life Refuge north of town.
Pot luck on Thursday. Love pot lucks! Friday AM we served breakfast for the Good Samaritans, a local non-profit group that does stuff for needy here in the county. I was on the fruit bowl list and in charge of kiwi and bananas! Doesn't THAT sound exciting.
More RVs coming in. Gayle and Jeanetta were here when I got back from Gatesville, Gelene and Bob, from Ankeny, made it in and Cleo and Bonnie are here - the flock is flocking! Good seeing them.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Nov 14 - 16 Meet the New Man in My Life -- or - Don't Tell My Sister!
Meet the New Man In My Life! Trial run....he has to get along with Li'lBit (wagging her tail and excited!), Holly (has already introduced him to her claws and hissing!) and Tinga (she hasn't said anything yet!) Little guy was found wandering out in the highway by the RV park. You can see he HAD a collar on at one time. Don't tell MY SISTER!
I'm not really a terrier person. They tend to be hyper and yippy and most aren't fond of parrots! So we will see. I'm used to my little laid-back LilBit so don't know how we will do.
The owner of the park caught me walking into church to tell me she had a dog for me....then after lunch, she is knocking on my door with "my dog!" Allison does have a persuasive way about her! And I have been selected!
He found the food and water bowl immediately and in the process he found Holly's claws and got a healthy swat, as only Holly can give! Gotta get used to the 'energy' of a Terrier and the yipping. I'm used to OLD dogs! If he survives the next few days (or maybe that should be – if I survive the next few days), I'll bring him to Gatesville and have Dr Clay take a look at him. He's still 'in tact!'
He was evidentially a man's dog. When Tony, the owner of the park, came by to see him, Caleb just went crazy and wanted to go with him. Every time he hears a man’s voice outside, he scratches at the door and whimpers and whines. Things are gonna have to change if he stays here. At least he blends into the color scheme of the RV! A Decorator Dog!
He is actually smaller than Li'lBit. Stands about the same height, but a much smaller frame.
I feel so sorry for him - he is trying (or wanting) to get somewhere - he lays by the door whining/crying. Then he will get up and scratch at the floor by the door. He hasn't been roaming free too long - he is clean. Will be interesting to see how "crowded" it gets when we move into the 23 ft trailer in Gatesville!
I watched the papers for a week for ‘missing’ ads, called the paper and the human society – even called the dog catcher to see if anyone is missing him. Guaranteed he won’t be a “HE” for much longer if he stays here! He is also a 'climber" - wants to be on your lap and then to your shoulder. This one is definitely a climber - he has been on every surface in the RV -- I've gotten to the point where I just carry a rolled up newspaper with me!
According to the local paper, this dog has been reported 'Found" several times starting Nov 5. He is either an escape artist or after awhile, whoever finds him lets him go. Shelter is full, not taking any more dogs. We went around to the local vets to see if they recognized him or if he had a microchip. No Luck. While we were out, drove around town, up and down the streets to see if he alerted to any neighborhoods. Nope! He rides well in the crate in truck. Does well in a crate in the truck. BUT…when we came back, he peed on the carpet (right after we came in from a short walk!) Right now it is a meeting of the minds - I'm not sure which "will" is stronger - HIS or MINE!
There is a 'separation anxiety' problem; he shreds papers when left alone! Not sure if it is a constant problem or just 'new home' problem. He also scratches at windows, screens and doors and tries to ‘escape’ when I leave. Crate Training in the house is definitely in order!
Named him Caleb....figured he came here on a Sunday, he needed a good Old Testament name so went on line to a list of Hebrew names and came up with Caleb (faithful -- and a little further down, 'faithful dog! Wishful thinking on my part!)
Every day I find more of his bad habits -- starting to understand why someone may have dumped him. But I have my hands full with his "problems!" I'm getting too old for this!
Monday 14th went to Pepitos with Deryl & Elke; love their veggie quesadilla!
More rigs coming in every day - taking longer and longer to get back inside when I take the dog(s) out! Just have to talk to everyone! Out of nowhere the sky got black, winds whipped around from the south and is gusting 25-30 mph! I thought I was back to spring in Iowa!
Wed was pack-it-up day. Didn’t have to take much…clothes, any food that would spoil, the critters and the laptop! I had asked Jeannie if she would water my plants so I don't have to take them.
Panic time – couldn’t find the keys to the travel trailer and I was due to ‘move out’ in less than 24 hours! Drove myself crazy looking for them....then remembered I had left them when they were repairing the RV and maybe just never picked them up.
I finally let Tinga out to free-fly, first time since Caleb moved in....he alerted immediately to her when she took off flying around. I cracked the rolled up newspaper that has become an extension of my right arm on the kitchen counter once - he went to 'his corner' under a dining chair (next to his crate) – Good Boy!
On the road in the AM!
November 7 - 13 Just another week in paradise!
Monday Nov 7 75 degrees - didn't crawl out of bed until nearly 8AM. Had some problems with coughing and sneezing the nite before so decided to take an allergy pill before I went to bed! Maybe I need to do that more often! I don't even remember waking up during the nite! Of course, I woke up so 'groggy' I needed an extra pot of coffee just to get going! Went into WalMart to get my RX and they didn't have them all-- so I got to go back to WallyWorld! Lucky Me!
I called the RV park in Gatesville and made reservations from Nov 17 until the Monday after Thanksgiving so I can have Thanksgiving with Johnnie and her family. And I do miss her coffee and our visits!
Monday nite was the Reprise from the ‘welcome back’ dinner - left over potato salad, puddings, brisket sandwiches and beans. Stuff is always better the second time around! I managed to WALK up to the activity bldg without walker or oxygen. As long as there are some empty spaces, I stop 1/2 way and take a breather at the picnic table. It's not quite so bad coming back since it is down hill! It isn't much of a hill, but I notice it!
Several rigs a day are coming in - the flock is flocking!
Went into town Tuesday to pick up meds...the saga continued! Stopped to pick up some veggies for soup in the crock pot, went to see Deryl & Elke and arrange for them to help me hitch up on the 17th for my trip to Gatesville. Meds weren't ready at WalMart, told me after 1PM! Went to HuDat's for one of their combo lunch specials; brought home enough for a couple more meals! Went back to Walmart, their med courier had not gotten in yet! So I got to make another trip to WalMart on Wednesday! This is really getting old! I decided to call before I made another trip!
Wed 9th 63 degrees sunny, WINDY! Winds 20 mph gusting to 40! High went into the upper 60s, then all down hill for a couple of days. Got a pot of veg-beef soup in the crock pot so I'm ready for the cold!
Definitely considering changing pharmacies – too much of a hassle at WalMart. Wednesday they only had 1 of the three ordered! Next time I'll ask HOW many Rx are ready instead of just saying are my prescriptions ready.
This past summer they wouldn't fill my finger stick strips - something about the RX being out of state - but it sure didn't make any difference on the others. They only filled my RX by the month so when I got back down here, I had 2 months remaining on the prescription - but the WalMart down here couldn't fill it down here 'cuz it was last filled in Iowa and "Iowa owed me the rest of them!" This is the first time I've had so many 'goof ups' in a row - Iowa and here.
Out of bed at 6AM Thursday to get my beans going for the pot luck tonite! REAL baked beans! I gotta make my baked beans before Dick and Lucille get here from Michigan – Lucille makes beans ‘to die for’ and I definitely don’t want mine setting on the table next to hers!
Didn't get down to the 40s - woke up to 54 degrees, sunny but windy. Had some rain during the nite. Not a good soaking rain like we need but after last summer we will take whatever drops we get.
So far no real cold snaps - have only kicked on the furnace for about 30 minutes one morning. That's the way I like it - save that propane!
Can't wait to see my blood sugar in the AM - everything at potluck was pasta, rice or beans! Oh, and I had caramel apple bar for dessert - but I passed on the whip cream!
A pleasant surprise on wake-up Friday. The weather man had predicted lower 40s or upper 30's and 'possibly' some frost on the punkin in the outlying areas. Aahhhhh....53 sunny degrees seemed so pleasant! Even Li'lBit was eager to go out and she doesn't like the cold!
Friday was Veterans Day and I didn’t accomplish a darn thing except set on my butt and watch TV. The movie Patton was on followed by The Longest Day and then my favorite war movie Tora Tora Tora! Just a real couch potato! Did manage to get some cabbage/beef soup made. AND, got my black water tank emptied without any problems. Whatever had it 'plugged' is evidently gone or at least out of the way! Started with the heat going in the AM to warm the place up and by noon I had the door open! Welcome to the TX gulf coast!
The park hosted the Aransas County Tea Party rally at the activity bldg Saturday. A local radio preacher and the local congressman were the speakers. Nice, polite, attentive bunch until three Cain supporters came in intent on raising a "little cain." Don’t know why they had such heartache with what was going on, afterall, Cain is conservative. But some folks just need their 15 minutes of fame!
Saturday and WalMart STILL didn’t have all of my meds. I bet next time I order everything a month early!
Sunday 13th – Church, laundry, clean out the truck so I can get it loaded Wednesday afternoon.
I called the RV park in Gatesville and made reservations from Nov 17 until the Monday after Thanksgiving so I can have Thanksgiving with Johnnie and her family. And I do miss her coffee and our visits!
Monday nite was the Reprise from the ‘welcome back’ dinner - left over potato salad, puddings, brisket sandwiches and beans. Stuff is always better the second time around! I managed to WALK up to the activity bldg without walker or oxygen. As long as there are some empty spaces, I stop 1/2 way and take a breather at the picnic table. It's not quite so bad coming back since it is down hill! It isn't much of a hill, but I notice it!
Several rigs a day are coming in - the flock is flocking!
Went into town Tuesday to pick up meds...the saga continued! Stopped to pick up some veggies for soup in the crock pot, went to see Deryl & Elke and arrange for them to help me hitch up on the 17th for my trip to Gatesville. Meds weren't ready at WalMart, told me after 1PM! Went to HuDat's for one of their combo lunch specials; brought home enough for a couple more meals! Went back to Walmart, their med courier had not gotten in yet! So I got to make another trip to WalMart on Wednesday! This is really getting old! I decided to call before I made another trip!
Wed 9th 63 degrees sunny, WINDY! Winds 20 mph gusting to 40! High went into the upper 60s, then all down hill for a couple of days. Got a pot of veg-beef soup in the crock pot so I'm ready for the cold!
Definitely considering changing pharmacies – too much of a hassle at WalMart. Wednesday they only had 1 of the three ordered! Next time I'll ask HOW many Rx are ready instead of just saying are my prescriptions ready.
This past summer they wouldn't fill my finger stick strips - something about the RX being out of state - but it sure didn't make any difference on the others. They only filled my RX by the month so when I got back down here, I had 2 months remaining on the prescription - but the WalMart down here couldn't fill it down here 'cuz it was last filled in Iowa and "Iowa owed me the rest of them!" This is the first time I've had so many 'goof ups' in a row - Iowa and here.
Out of bed at 6AM Thursday to get my beans going for the pot luck tonite! REAL baked beans! I gotta make my baked beans before Dick and Lucille get here from Michigan – Lucille makes beans ‘to die for’ and I definitely don’t want mine setting on the table next to hers!
Didn't get down to the 40s - woke up to 54 degrees, sunny but windy. Had some rain during the nite. Not a good soaking rain like we need but after last summer we will take whatever drops we get.
So far no real cold snaps - have only kicked on the furnace for about 30 minutes one morning. That's the way I like it - save that propane!
Can't wait to see my blood sugar in the AM - everything at potluck was pasta, rice or beans! Oh, and I had caramel apple bar for dessert - but I passed on the whip cream!
A pleasant surprise on wake-up Friday. The weather man had predicted lower 40s or upper 30's and 'possibly' some frost on the punkin in the outlying areas. Aahhhhh....53 sunny degrees seemed so pleasant! Even Li'lBit was eager to go out and she doesn't like the cold!
Friday was Veterans Day and I didn’t accomplish a darn thing except set on my butt and watch TV. The movie Patton was on followed by The Longest Day and then my favorite war movie Tora Tora Tora! Just a real couch potato! Did manage to get some cabbage/beef soup made. AND, got my black water tank emptied without any problems. Whatever had it 'plugged' is evidently gone or at least out of the way! Started with the heat going in the AM to warm the place up and by noon I had the door open! Welcome to the TX gulf coast!
The park hosted the Aransas County Tea Party rally at the activity bldg Saturday. A local radio preacher and the local congressman were the speakers. Nice, polite, attentive bunch until three Cain supporters came in intent on raising a "little cain." Don’t know why they had such heartache with what was going on, afterall, Cain is conservative. But some folks just need their 15 minutes of fame!
Saturday and WalMart STILL didn’t have all of my meds. I bet next time I order everything a month early!
Sunday 13th – Church, laundry, clean out the truck so I can get it loaded Wednesday afternoon.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Recipes
Corn Chowder Crockpot
6 slices bacon cut into small pieces
2 Cups potatoes, diced (you can peel them if you want)
2 10-oz. pkgs. Frozen corn kernels (or 2 cans)
1 Can cream-style corn
1 Medium onion, chopped
1 Rib celery, chopped
1 Small red or green pepper, diced
NOTE: I add 1 can of chicken broth. If I want to thicken it a little, I will add a few instant mashed potato flakes.
In a skillet, fry the bacon until it is crisp. Remove the bacon, save the drippings.
Add the onion and potatoes to the drippings and saute to soften. Drain.
Put everything in the crock pot; stir well. Cover. Cook on Low setting for 4 to 7 hours. If it looks to thick - add water or chicken boullion/broth. If it looks to think, stir in a few instant potato flakes.
Carrots with Herbs and Apricots 6 Servings
Note: Goes great with baked or grilled fish
8 Carrots, sliced
9 dried Apricots, sliced or chopped
1 TBSP Butter or Margarine
1 TBSP Brown Sugar
1 TSP Dill or Dill Weed
1/2 TSP crushed Fennel seed
1/8 TSP Ground Mustard
Cover carrots and apricots with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until carrots are tender but still crisp (about 5-8 minutes depending on thickness). Drain. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until butter is melted.
6 slices bacon cut into small pieces
2 Cups potatoes, diced (you can peel them if you want)
2 10-oz. pkgs. Frozen corn kernels (or 2 cans)
1 Can cream-style corn
1 Medium onion, chopped
1 Rib celery, chopped
1 Small red or green pepper, diced
NOTE: I add 1 can of chicken broth. If I want to thicken it a little, I will add a few instant mashed potato flakes.
In a skillet, fry the bacon until it is crisp. Remove the bacon, save the drippings.
Add the onion and potatoes to the drippings and saute to soften. Drain.
Put everything in the crock pot; stir well. Cover. Cook on Low setting for 4 to 7 hours. If it looks to thick - add water or chicken boullion/broth. If it looks to think, stir in a few instant potato flakes.
Carrots with Herbs and Apricots 6 Servings
Note: Goes great with baked or grilled fish
8 Carrots, sliced
9 dried Apricots, sliced or chopped
1 TBSP Butter or Margarine
1 TBSP Brown Sugar
1 TSP Dill or Dill Weed
1/2 TSP crushed Fennel seed
1/8 TSP Ground Mustard
Cover carrots and apricots with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until carrots are tender but still crisp (about 5-8 minutes depending on thickness). Drain. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until butter is melted.
First Week in November - The Flock Is Flocking!
First of November I woke to 71 degrees – leg and hip moving pretty good – managed to get the laundry done before they started giving me trouble. Turkey leg in the crock pot had the RV smelling like Thanksgiving! Put it in the crock pot with a wild rice/brown rice mix, added some walnuts and cranberries - I'm such a gourmet!
Kathy sent me some tourist magazines and info from Iowa – guess it is time to start planning my day trips for next summer! I know Bea will be sooo happy when I tell here where WE are going!!
76 degrees, sunny and muggy on the 2nd of November! Been sleeping lots better. Wake up about 1 AM - take some advil or aspirin and end up sleeping til nearly 7:30! YIPPEE!! Rest is good!
Met Donna for lunch at Apple Dumplin'. 1/2 of an egg salad sandwich and cup of baked potato soup! OK, so most folks don’t go out for lunch to order egg salad – but I love egg salad! Brought an apple dumplin' home for supper. Price is still $2.75 but they seem to be getting smaller every time!
Stopped at the veggie stand and pick up stuff for soup - cold front's comin'! Corn chowder in the crock pot. Still warm enough for Li’lBit and me to spend the afternoon outside.
Thursday 57 degrees - wind started blowing about 2 AM and really blew! Had to get up and close my vents and windows and find a blanket! It is NOT January and I refuse to turn on the furnace, so I baked a pie, put a chicken casserole in the oven, baked a batch of cookies and put a pot of soup on the stove! Good thing I have a bigger freezer in this new refrig so I can freeze some of this stuff! If it's still chilly tomorrow, I'm going to run out of freezer space!
Got a little rain but just enough to streak the windshields! Looking to the north, if I was further north, I'd think we were in for a hellofa snow storm - huge dark 'blue-norther' coming in - doubt there will be any snow when it gets here! Winds are still going 20-30mph. Have my hoodie on. Heard on the news there was a horrible apartment fire in Rockport – buildings totaled and 2 deaths. The winds just took control of the blaze. How very sad!
Went out to get the space heater from the under-compartment and take off the empty propane tank (the one I thought I had filled before I went to Iowa in the spring!) SURPRISE…when I disconnected the propane tank, it felt too heavy to be empty. Put it back in place, hooked it up again – hhhmmmm… it’s nearly full! Guess there was something wrong with the connection.
Got a little drafty around the new fridge. There is about 1” top and bottom that has direct flow to the outside thru the refrigerator vent. I cut a piece of gray foam pipe wrap to fit there - will put it in at nite or when it is really windy from the north.
Typical Texas gulf coast day - cooked all morning to warm the place up. Then, by afternoon I had the door and a window open!
Friday Li'lBit and I didn't get out of bed until 8AM and probably not then except Holly was scratching in the kitty litter! Tinga was a good girl and keeping quiet until she heard me ask Li'lBit if it was time to get up and then she starting wanting to 'come out' and mimicing my morning cough. She has that cough down pat. Tested out the furnace to make sure it works. It does.
What a difference an hour makes – went into town with a jacket - came home and opened the door and a couple of windows! What a difference a month makes – my electric bill was over $50 less this month than last month!
Saturday was the welcome back supper at the park. Tony and Allison provide some really yummy brisket, potato salad, pinto beans and dessert.
Sunday church, laundry, and ice cream social. Rough life here in the RV park! Before I went to bed I turned my clocks back (!) and put a turkey leg in the crock pot on low with some left over broth I had in the freezer. Diced up a little onion and grated a carrot or two and added that. When I woke up Sunday AM, the place smelled wonderful. Dumped a box of stove-top style stuffing mix in the broth before I went to church. Came home, opened the door and it smelled like a holiday! Immediately went to the fridge, took out some cranberries and mixed them with a little orange and sugar and put them on the stove. Oh, how wonderful it smells in here today!
Daily more and more are coming in – ‘the flock is flocking’ – nice to see the familiar faces. Praying for safe travels to all the others enroute!
Kathy sent me some tourist magazines and info from Iowa – guess it is time to start planning my day trips for next summer! I know Bea will be sooo happy when I tell here where WE are going!!
76 degrees, sunny and muggy on the 2nd of November! Been sleeping lots better. Wake up about 1 AM - take some advil or aspirin and end up sleeping til nearly 7:30! YIPPEE!! Rest is good!
Met Donna for lunch at Apple Dumplin'. 1/2 of an egg salad sandwich and cup of baked potato soup! OK, so most folks don’t go out for lunch to order egg salad – but I love egg salad! Brought an apple dumplin' home for supper. Price is still $2.75 but they seem to be getting smaller every time!
Stopped at the veggie stand and pick up stuff for soup - cold front's comin'! Corn chowder in the crock pot. Still warm enough for Li’lBit and me to spend the afternoon outside.
Thursday 57 degrees - wind started blowing about 2 AM and really blew! Had to get up and close my vents and windows and find a blanket! It is NOT January and I refuse to turn on the furnace, so I baked a pie, put a chicken casserole in the oven, baked a batch of cookies and put a pot of soup on the stove! Good thing I have a bigger freezer in this new refrig so I can freeze some of this stuff! If it's still chilly tomorrow, I'm going to run out of freezer space!
Got a little rain but just enough to streak the windshields! Looking to the north, if I was further north, I'd think we were in for a hellofa snow storm - huge dark 'blue-norther' coming in - doubt there will be any snow when it gets here! Winds are still going 20-30mph. Have my hoodie on. Heard on the news there was a horrible apartment fire in Rockport – buildings totaled and 2 deaths. The winds just took control of the blaze. How very sad!
Went out to get the space heater from the under-compartment and take off the empty propane tank (the one I thought I had filled before I went to Iowa in the spring!) SURPRISE…when I disconnected the propane tank, it felt too heavy to be empty. Put it back in place, hooked it up again – hhhmmmm… it’s nearly full! Guess there was something wrong with the connection.
Got a little drafty around the new fridge. There is about 1” top and bottom that has direct flow to the outside thru the refrigerator vent. I cut a piece of gray foam pipe wrap to fit there - will put it in at nite or when it is really windy from the north.
Typical Texas gulf coast day - cooked all morning to warm the place up. Then, by afternoon I had the door and a window open!
Friday Li'lBit and I didn't get out of bed until 8AM and probably not then except Holly was scratching in the kitty litter! Tinga was a good girl and keeping quiet until she heard me ask Li'lBit if it was time to get up and then she starting wanting to 'come out' and mimicing my morning cough. She has that cough down pat. Tested out the furnace to make sure it works. It does.
What a difference an hour makes – went into town with a jacket - came home and opened the door and a couple of windows! What a difference a month makes – my electric bill was over $50 less this month than last month!
Saturday was the welcome back supper at the park. Tony and Allison provide some really yummy brisket, potato salad, pinto beans and dessert.
Sunday church, laundry, and ice cream social. Rough life here in the RV park! Before I went to bed I turned my clocks back (!) and put a turkey leg in the crock pot on low with some left over broth I had in the freezer. Diced up a little onion and grated a carrot or two and added that. When I woke up Sunday AM, the place smelled wonderful. Dumped a box of stove-top style stuffing mix in the broth before I went to church. Came home, opened the door and it smelled like a holiday! Immediately went to the fridge, took out some cranberries and mixed them with a little orange and sugar and put them on the stove. Oh, how wonderful it smells in here today!
Daily more and more are coming in – ‘the flock is flocking’ – nice to see the familiar faces. Praying for safe travels to all the others enroute!
Monday, October 31, 2011
It's Soup Time
Scallop Dill Chowder (6 servings)
1 slice bacon, diced
1/2 cup each diced onion and diced celery
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups clam juice or fish stock
6 small red potatoes
2 cups reduced fat (2%) milk
2 cups fresh bay scallops
1 tsp. dillweed
Heat bacon in stew/soup pot over low heat. Add onion, celery, thyme and bay leaf; cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Dice potatoes and add to pot with clam juice. Simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes. Add milk, scallops and dill; heat thoroughly. Remove thyme and bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste
Butternut Squash Soup
3 cups butternut squash, cubed
3 potatoes, cubed
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn
1 can black beans, drained
1 can white beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tsp cilantro
cayenne pepper to taste
½ tsp ginger
¾ tsp cumin
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
Combine all ingredients in crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Optional: sprinkle with a small amount of fresh cilantro and a fresh shaved parmesan before serving.
NOTE: I use any kind of beans I have on hand -- especially like garbanza beans in this.
1 slice bacon, diced
1/2 cup each diced onion and diced celery
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups clam juice or fish stock
6 small red potatoes
2 cups reduced fat (2%) milk
2 cups fresh bay scallops
1 tsp. dillweed
Heat bacon in stew/soup pot over low heat. Add onion, celery, thyme and bay leaf; cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Dice potatoes and add to pot with clam juice. Simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes. Add milk, scallops and dill; heat thoroughly. Remove thyme and bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste
Butternut Squash Soup
3 cups butternut squash, cubed
3 potatoes, cubed
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn
1 can black beans, drained
1 can white beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tsp cilantro
cayenne pepper to taste
½ tsp ginger
¾ tsp cumin
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
Combine all ingredients in crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Optional: sprinkle with a small amount of fresh cilantro and a fresh shaved parmesan before serving.
NOTE: I use any kind of beans I have on hand -- especially like garbanza beans in this.
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