Construction

Over the last several months we have enjoyed watching an addition to the school next door.  I would like to say that not every day has been a joy.  For instance the days the parking lot was being jackhammered out of existence was nerve-wracking.  There were a few days later on that jackhammers were used to hollow out the bedrock for drainage pipes.   Otherwise, the construction has been entertaining and amazing.

In addition to the building, the water retention pond is having to be expanded.  More jackhammering of the rock in that area.

The workers have arrived before sunup and work till 4 - 5 o'clock PM.  The following photo is a concrete pour for the second floor of the school building.  The workers have long, hot days.  

Last evening the weather report included the statistic that weather service has recorded to date 86 days of triple digits so far this year.  Some days as high as 110℉, 43.3℃.

Trenches being cleared brought more piles of rock and dirt.  Road ways and driveways were damaged and had to be repaired as the start of school approached.

All that digging and jackhammering made more and more piles of dirt and rock.

More than just one day empty dump trucks have backed into the worksite and were filled with the debris.  A truck would be filled, drive out and another one would back in to be loaded.

I bet you would believe that it has been a losing battle to keep our place dusted.

That is enough of this for today.  I have more (probably way too many) photos of this whole process.

Y'all all stay safe,

Janice

Handi Work

 During the days of my youth I was a member of 4-H Club.  Its symbol was a four leaf clover with each frond holding an H.  Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.  The motto was recited at the beginning of each meeting:  

As a true 4-H member, I pledge...
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
My health to better living
for my club, my community,
my country and my world.

In our current world we could surely use a few more loyal 4-H's.  

Me, Connie, Linda, Baby Sis, Beverly. 
Practicing the Carrot Ring prep at Tessy's. 

But I digress.  During my years in 4-H, which started when I was ten, our leader helped to instilled the values of sewing, cooking, and interaction with others.  Her name was Tessy Slate.  She had two daughters, Beverly and Connie.  Let me point out that girls were, also, encouraged to raise farm animals.  I do not remember that any of the girls in my group did much in that direction.  There may have been a calf or two.  Maybe hatched some chicks and raised them.  

What I remember most were prepping for county fair and district meets where we displayed our learned skills.  As my Mom was a perfectionist and would have me redo any poor quality sewing, I always placed first in sewing competitions.  My BFF, Reba Jane, decades later said her mom always thought my mom did my sewing.  I assured Reba Jane that all Mom ever did was make me rip out and redo any stitch that was not perfect.  

Never did quite as well in cooking.  My one entrance in cooking competition was a sort of carrot, English pea mold served on a milk glass plate.  It was not very flavorful or attractive in my opinion.  However, the competitions instilled in me an ability to speak publicly without fear.  Leadership skills were another outgrowth of participation in the club, county socials, and competitions.

The milk glass plate is in my cupboard.  I have backed away from the perfectionist approach to sewing and find it much more enjoyable.  Well, so long as the sewing equipment and I get along.  One of the main pieces of equipments are my hands.  The last few years my hands have, at times, decided shaking would be fun.  My head finds this malfunction a bit of a challenge.   While my heart still has the desire to sew especially in service to others my health hinders me at times.  I find other ways to be of service to others, a hug, a kind word, or a silly joke.

Last Thursday my hands were calm.  I had two new articles of clothing that needing hemming.  What pleasure I found doing the simple task of the blind lock hem stitch.  That stitch that Mom taught me some 66 years ago.  The same stitches that I remember having to rip out as the hem in the brown skirt was bunching between the stitches.  After a few tries those stitches were hidden and all laid flat.  I modeled the skirt and won first place at the county competition.  

Thanks, Momma for teaching, encouraging in your way, and driving to the competitions.  Thanks, Tessy for opening your home and heart to serve a bunch of country kids.  Thanks, 4-H organization for instilling such positive values in youth.

The work continues:

New Braunfels River Roundup, June 2023.

Y'all all be good 4-H'ers in our world.

Janice

BFFs Visit

 Two years ago my childhood BFF died.  Cancer took her in less than two months.  Since we usually only spoke on birthdays and on election nights I did not know of her dire situation until she had passed.  Even though we we seldom in contact, we just knew the other one was there.  Reba even said once that there were no friends like old friends.  You knew them deeply enough to just pick up like no time had passed.  It may have helped that we shared some common DNA.  Her grandmother and my grandfather were siblings.

During a visit several years ago, she talked about a time she served on a jury.  She told how she struggled with having that much power over another person's life.  If voted guilty, the person would lose ten years of their life.  She shared that the night before the jury was to make a decision she cried and prayed for hours on end.  That is just how serious she took being the hands and feet of Jesus.

A few nights ago I had a 'visit' from Reba.  It seemed I dreamed about her all night long.  Nothing exciting, just catching up and remembering.  Well, at least that is the best I remember about the dream.  I left me with feelings of yearning.  Yearning to be young?  No really.  Just yearning to have her still alive.  To have that person, the only person that knew me.  The good and the bad.  The fun and the sadness.  As I said shortly after her death, she took a part of my childhood with her.  I miss Reba.

steeped in faith

a light in the darkness

Reba Jane

One of our last times together celebrating my 50th wedding anniversary. 

The lady with the hat is Reba, my bridesmaid.

Y'all stay cool,

Janice

Our Change of Address Notice

 

Merry Fourth and Happy Christmas?

 

Our reason for not sending cards we must confess.

The end of 2022 was a confusing mess!

Prepping to move we failed to remember

Christmas Greetings are sent early in December.

 

With our over-ripe ages of 82 and 76

Seasons’ greetings were just out of the mix!

We worked sorting our stuff in stacks of three.

Those were the only boxes under our tree!

 

One stack had family heirlooms we wanted to share.

(Honestly, just needed to get them out of our hair!)

Another stack caused at least ten trips to Goodwill

The third stack just went to Round Rock’s landfill.

 

Things were lost like our brand-new bed pillows.

A backpack the where abouts only God knows.

March 7, we lay in our bed full of exhaustion

Now at 14011 Owen Tech Blvd. #2422 in Austin.

 

That zip code is new here at Heritage Estates.

To get your cards, please, add 78728.

With this information our greetings we send.

Wishing you joy and firecrackers till 2023’s end.

 

Love to all and too all a good night?

We seem to still be very confused    ; )

Sunday Dinner

This past weekend I texted Son to see if he would like to come over for a meal.  After checking schedules, Son said yes to Sunday noon, lunch.  Our DIL was on a girls' weekend with friends so it would just be him.  Oops, I had anticipated 4 -5 people and ordered supplies which turned into more than needed.  But leftovers made for an easy meal for Monday.  

Once the invite was accepted, Hubby and I had a discussion about the use of lunch and dinner.  Neither of us called the noon meal lunch other than at school.  The noon meal was dinner.  The evening meal was supper.  Maybe this is a rural thing as we both have parents from rural backgrounds.  That dinner thing has confused folks a time or two when invited for dinner.  The ask for the time and we say something like around noon.

The noon meal on Sundays was always a big deal in our cultures.  Extended family would gather at either the grandparents or parents homes.  It might be the only day that meat was served.  Often the meat was fried in my home.  Well, except when it was ham or meatloaf.  Potatoes were mostly mashed but would occasionally be scalloped.  Baked potatoes were not a thing one cooked in quantities.  New potatoes from the garden were only about on inch in diameter.  These were cooked then coated in a creamy sauce.  Yummers!!!!!

During summer months my Mom often would serve fresh blackeyed peas, snaps of immature peas filled half the pot with the remaining being shelled peas.  Nothing at all like the dried peas.  Totally different taste.  With the blackeyed peas there was usually fried okra.  Again, not like the okra in the freezer section these days.  Mom just tossed the okra in a dry flour and cornmeal mixture.  Good stuff!  The memory makes my mouth water.  

Whatever one calls the evening meal, it is that time of day right now.  Salad, steak, spuds, and a drink should fill the empty corners of our tummies.  

Take care,

Janice

Mellow Monday

The weekend saw several hours spent transferring all the relevant photos and documents from my cell to my computer.  My cell purchased in 2019 had 16 G memory.  I had added additional memory with a 125 G sd card.  The setup never performed as well as I had hoped.  Recently the battery was lasting only a few hours.  It was time to upgrade.  I wanted to make sure I had plenty of storage space for all the apps that seem to be what all businesses are using these days.

During the time I was shopping for the new(ish) phone, I noticed the Consumer Cellular noted I needed a new, upgraded sim card, too.  The sim card came today as well as the phone case.  The new phone, a refurbished Samsung 21, had arrived a few days ago.  Right now I am working to get the new card activated.  I may need some potato chips to make it easier!  Yes, I am a stress eater.  And, no, the 'simple' activation did no work. 

Tried the online help and at this time of day no one is in the office.  So,  I'll call tomorrow!

Y'all have a good day and stay safe.  

Janice

Finally Friday

A report from the follies of us.  We have made it through another day without a disaster.  Undercounter lights fully installed.  Above cabinet lights and decorations are mostly in place. The smart plug has a code on the back to help add it to Google home.  That is on top of the cabinets.  So one more trip up the step ladder to get that scanned.  I'll swap the light's place at that time.

More and more of the counter top is being emptied of the little projects.  The guest bath closet was organized yesterday.  That allowed me to clear out a large amount of the items in the utility closet, also.  That is what settling in is about, it is getting things in a place that makes sense for our lifestyle.  Not the lifestyle of the rich and famous but old and what is our life ahead.  Will I really maybe paint a bit again?  Will we maybe go camping sort of again?  Who knows but we can have a few things in place in case we decide do more than sit at home.

This place is starting to feel like home as familiar things start appearing.  Two of the smart plugs still are mad at me but I just don't care.  They have no idea what they are missing.  We have not found Hubby's backpack.  It is lost.  Along with his earbuds.  Lord only knows what else was in the bag.  Does not matter.  It's just stuff.  Hubby is still here and that is all that matters.

I have cooked meals two nights in a row.  That tells you how much we have accomplished.  I need to do laundry tomorrow.  That will take up about 4 hours of sitting in the laundry room.  Hubby is sort of encouraging me to go ahead and get a washer and dryer.  We'll see.  Right now I do not want to have to think that much.

Other than the fact that we have been having thunderstorms every few days not much news from Austin.  Y'all take care.

Janice

Tuesday Two Step

After all the excitement on Saturday with the TV falling over on Hubby, we have stayed pretty low key.  Have temporarily put some lights up in the utility closet.  I may have used clothes pins to attach to the wire shelving...  It works and now we can see what we are digging for in the little freezer.  That really helps. 

Under cabinet lights are about ready to be installed in the kitchen area.  Having to get a slightly longer USB-c to USB -c connector that will arrive on Thursday.  The new switch for the Dyson vacuum has been delayed at the Kyle, TX, Amazon distribution center.  The last package that was delayed from that center never showed up at our place.  Just checked orders and two additional orders are at our mailbox hub.  Guess I may have to get out after a bit and go get those things before someone decides to send them back!

Today was grocery pickup day.  The online ordering, adding as Hubby and I remember items, and the simplicity of picking up the items is so helpful.  With our being in an apartment, there is no parking in the garage, opening a door and being in our home.  This particular apartment is on the fourth floor at the end of the hall away from the elevator.  Of course, stairs are just a few steps away but, no.  That is not going to happen no matter how many people 15 and 20 years younger tell us it would be better for our health.  I personally think the falling risk is greater than the health benefits.

Digressing from the requirements of getting groceries from our car to the apartment.  We park almost directly below our apartment.  While having a winch assembly might seem like a nice shortcut, it would probably be about as useful as climbing 4 flights of stairs with groceries.  Our handy little cart shown here in the hall utility room is used to transport the plastic tubs with lids to the car.  All get loaded into the car and travel the .75 mile to the grocery store.  Paper bags of groceries are placed in the tubs, return to apartment, cover tubs, load onto the cart, and return to the 4th floor via the elevator.

The distance is a bit further than in our previous apartment.  We, also, do not have cover when we are loading and unloading the car.  That was the one thing we miss, covered parking.  We will get over it.  The distance to get into the building is only about 30 steps so we never get too soaked.  Anyway, that is some of what apartment life is being like for us.

I have snapped a few photos of the main part of our apartment.  Of course Hubby might disagree  as I have not included photos of his ham shack/guest bedroom.  I apologize for the blurry as my hands are a bit shaky tonight.  Just another of some of the new little challenges.

Entry hall, ham shack to the right.  Another Goodwill box.

Living area with clutter of projects on kitchen cabinet.  Will they ever all get done?

Dining area with Hubby making apple butter.  That will be good!  Our bedroom door at left.

Looking across the living area and our nests.

  

Most of the bedroom and bath.  You may have noticed we have lots of windows.  The bedroom windows face east of northeast.  Really bright in the morning.  Room darkening curtains have been added.  

On this side of the apartment which includes the balcony we overlook a school playground.  It is fun to watch the kids at play.  It is a private school.  Males wear shorts and pants.  The girls wear short skirts.  I am told the girls are required to wear shorts or leggings beneath the skirts.  Whatever.

That is about all for now.  You folks out there, take care.  Know you are loved and are important to me.

Janice

The Week Continues!

 Of course the week continues.  I have finally had to admit that this move and settling in is being a struggle.  A simple task can turn into a 3 - 5 hour ordeal.  I was changing out an extension cord to our coffee center.  The simple task was going really good.  While I was replacing the cords it became apparent dusting the china cupboard needed dusting.  I would rearrange Granny's fan and the other items and dust while doing this.  I was on a single step stool getting my little, easy project done.  Suddenly a terrible crashing sound filled the room.

Nope, Granny's fan was still in place.  Then I hear Hubby yelling for help.  His chosen project was to roll out the TV cabinet.  He would then connect the speaker system.  Something had gone terribly wrong as two of the wheels were collapsed.  Hubby was holding the 50+ inch flat screen at about a 45 degree angle.  His face planted in the middle.  OMG.  The videos, CD, books, et al were spilled onto the floor.  And to complicate it even more all the wires for internet, antenna, router, et al were still attached to the TV.

Hubby needed help to first hold the TV.  I grabbed my end.  That freed one of Hubby's hands to begin unhooking the array of wires from the TV.  Once detached we had to find a place to sit the TV down.  Remember all that stuff was spilled onto the floor.  Finally able to set the TV in a secure location we looked at each other in bewilderment.  Obviously there had been a variety of four letter words flying about from my mouth.  Hubby had said his preferred swear word . . . many times.

Assessment of the situation gave us a plan of action.  Remove the spilled items.  Tilt the stand to a fixed position on its back.  Place books, you know the ones that has spilled onto the floor, under each end of the stand so Hubby can remove the remaining wheels.  We would put the stand on furniture glides so it could be moved without damaging the floor.  Plan in place and in action.  Hubby removing wheels, me finding places for the books stored in the unit.

The plan B, C, or whatever was successful.  We lifted the TV to its place on the now wheeless stand.  Hubby began the work of reattaching all the cables, etc.  He even was able to accomplish the initial project of attaching the sound system to the TV.  I busied myself finishing my project of the power cords and dusting furniture.  After dealing with the chaos the spilled objects were replaced to their former locations.  It was now between 4 and 5 hours from the initial crashing sounds.  Old people do not move quickly. 

Neither of us had the energy left to prep a meal.  DJ the granddog was to spend the night with us.  We needed to drive across town to get her.  So make this work for our good.  To go food was ordered from Outback to be picked up on our return trip.  A meal of steak, baked potato and a salad was what Hubby deserved after winning the battle of the attacking TV and stand.  A glass of wine finished the day.                                                                                                                                                                                   Sunday morning after the early morning walk for DJ Hubby made a profound statement.  "I am not touching the TV today."  I think it will not happen for a loooonnnnngggg time.

TV stand on glides.  White hose out of place.

Hubby and DJ resting.

Take care out there.

Janice

PS:  Hubby just touched the TV.  He cleaned his cheek mark off the display. No human, animal, or device was harmed during the work.  ; )

This Week!

Electronics and machines have sort of dominated this week.  Smart plugs, computers, weather stations, smart lights, internet outage, and other stuff have just not been co-operative.  Several devices require 2.4 Ghz and our Spectrum supplied router is dual band that will not let most devices see anything but 5 Ghz.  Spectrum app has no place for me to be able to select the band to which a device needs to connect.  The "chat" box does not get it.  Online help has thus far not been able to advise.  And the Spectrum app continues to note the modem is having connectivity issues.  Noooo Kidding!  We are all having connectivity issues.

Our little Robbie the Robot gave up his/her/their last sweep in a loud whining sound.  Nothing could coax them back to giving a suck.  A new Shark robot was purchased. Beginning Friday Hubby downloaded the app and began attempting to attach the Shark to our internet.  Calls to and from Shark customer service lasted over a period of about 5 days.  It was finally established the wifi was not working.  Shark would send a new unit.  No return of the first unit.  Do whatever we want to do with it. 

Since the robot was not going to clean our apartment I pulled out the reliable Dyson DB26.  I vacuumed  our bedroom, window sills, bath, and closet.  As we had already done several projects by that time so I knew it was time for me to stop for that day.  The next morning I pulled out the vacuum to finish the job.  I pushed the on switch which immediately popped up rendering the vacuum useless.  More attempts gave the same result.  

It is possible I needed to clean the filters.  So all filters were pulled and washed.  There would be no vacuuming till the filters dried the next day.  Hubby returned home from coffee with some friends.  He pulled out the contact cleaner spray and was able to get the vacuum to stay running.  Well, till the spray would dry.  By the time the filters were dry the vacuum was still not working.  The robot could at least be used without being able to program it but Hubby wasn't keen on that.

Today I found a switch for the Dyson.  It arrives on Tuesday. Only FedEx and the shipping gods know when the robot will arrive.  Currently the spare bedroom/ham shack/office has tubs of stuff in the middle of the floor.  We discussed the situation and decided stuff could just stay where it is until we can get some vacuum running.  

The week did have a lot of good things happen, too.  Blackout curtains were purchased and Hubby installed.  The picture hanging system is installed.  Several pictures have found their new home's walls.  Hubby replaced is computer that has been a challenge since its touch screen quit working.  The therapist that I have been visiting weekly for almost six months said she thought she could release me in a couple of weeks.  So lots of good stuff.  

Friday night we joined Son and the last two grandsons still living in state for dinner.  Icing on the week.

Son, #4 Grandson, hat and hair of #3 Grandson, Hubby, almost me.

One side of living area with piles of 'where do these go?' items.

Dining area.

Time to Settle Into the New Place

 After months of looking, planning, and even packing March 6 had movers come into our little one bedroom apartment.  One of the guys said, "She has stuff crammed in every little place".  The four guys spent about 8 hours packing our place.  That was totally different than the full house move we made in 2013.  These guys were newbies.  The ones in Missouri, much more experienced.  There was more to move in Missouri.  Two men and one woman had it packed in less than 8 hours.  Experience makes a difference.

The bottom line is I still have too much stuff.  We did make numerous trips to Salvation Army and Goodwill.  Since neither of us were being allowed to climb ladders, numerous things required the assistance of Son, Grandsons #3 and #4 to finish the tasks.  Finally, on April 8 the La Frontera apartment keys were turned over to the manager.  Another chapter complete.

The La Frontera location was ideal for the years of helping with grandchildren.  None of the FAB kids had drivers license at the time we moved.  The oldest was not even a teenager.  We did our share of pickups, taking forgotten lunches, carting to soccer practice, dog sitting, swim meets, soccer games, track meets, football games, lacrosse games, etc., etc., etc.  Now only two of the kids even live in Texas.  Grandson #3 graduates from high school in about one month.  He has his own vehicle and takes #4 to different places.  Grandpa still does pickup duty on Tuesday and Thursday cause #4 chooses not to have a drivers permit.  And he loves spending time with Grandpa.

With all that being said, now it is time to settle into the new digs.  I know it has been over a month so what has taken so long?  I'll just give a bullet list of the whys.

• March 6, moved and slept at new place.
• March 7-9 Unpacked about 40+ boxes
• March 10-13 In Dallas area for Sister #1's memorial service.
• Out of state cousins in required extra days
• Service was live streamed for Sister's Facebook tribe.
• March 13-19 Flew to Florida to spend Spring Break with FAB family.
• Beach time
• Shopping with DIL
• Celebrate a Grandson #3's friend's birthday
• Eating out a lot!
• Lots of fresh seafood
• Ate fish caught by grandsons that a restaurant prepared.  Yummy
• Naps!
• March 19-20 Returned to Dallas
• 19th evening celebrated Sister #4's and Baby BIL's 45th wedding anniversary with them.
• 20th returned to Austin apartment and unpacked about 20 boxes that afternoon and evening.
• March 21-27 Unpacking, unpacking, arranging, arranging.
• I had a lot of stuff that would only fit in certain places.
• We had two new wire shelves for additional storage in guest closet and balcony storage closet. 
• Every shelf, cabinet, and closet were filled but not really organized.
• Some how we managed to do laundry from 10 days of travel at our old apt.
• March 28 started at about 6 AM/
• Stopped by the old place and transferred clothing into the dryer.
• Stopped at grocery store to picked up food.
• Arrived at airport around 8:30 AM to retrieve Cousin for her 10 day visit.
• Breakfast and return to new apartment.
• Hubby goes for dental appointment and doctors refuse service.  UGH
• Pick up DJ the granddog for 5 day doggie sitting.
• Take numerous valium, not really.
• March 29-April 6
• Ride around 3 different days looking at all the beautiful bluebonnets.
• Bluebonnet loop
• Eat at Bluebonnet Cafe
• Share meals with Son and family.
• All gather for the help from family to clear old apartment.
• Tour LBJ Presidential Library
• Watch March Madness basketball tournament
• Figure out how to get a service.
• Watched 4 games over two days
• Watch movies and TV at home as weather is cold and rainy
• 80 for Brady
• Binged NCIS
• Binged Perry Mason
• Put together a puzzle
• Discussing the world situation
• No naps
• April 6 8 AM leave for airport for Cousin's return trip home.
• Spent remainder of day catching up on laundry in our apartment building's laundry room.
• Lots of towels and bedding
• Lots of old people clothing!
• still no nap
• April 7
• Last clean of old apartment
• Found more items that need to be taken off walls.
• Holy crap, we have too much stuff.
• April 8
• Why is there still more stuff here?
• Oh, it is cleaning stuff.
• Turned in keys.
• Headed to IHop of food.
• It is surely time for a nap!
• April 9 was brunch with Son and DIL to celebrate Easter
• Wonderful food on patio in gorgeous weather!
• Had leftovers for another meal
• April 10 was time to get Jeep inspected and licensed for another year
• Hubby spent all morning dealing with Jeep
• I did some more arranging
• Sat down to computer to check on orders and an issue.
• Fell asleep.

That is why is is finally time to begin to really settle into our new apartment.  I wonder if we shall ever find Hubby's lost backpack.  And a few other items.

DJ naps while I put together a cart for kitchen

Hubby picking up DJ poop in the bluebonnet field.

A unique wall in the LBJ Presidential Library

Old apartment

We plan to take our time getting things in place.  I may actually feel like posting more frequently.  If I can stay awake long enough.

Take care,

Janice

Getting Real

 As of today we have signed our lease for the new apartment.  We will begin moving in March 1 (ish) with an official move in date of April 1.  First month, ie March, is free rent and free utilities.  That gives us the time we need to get all that stuff like pix on the walls, extra shelves, undercounter lights, etc. removed from this place and moved to the new location.

If all goes as planned we will be on one of the corners facing the small park.  There is a walking trail along with an official frisbee golf park.  We probably will not do the frisbee thing but we now have two new frisbees compliments of Heritage Estates.  And, yes, there are two port-a-potties to enhance the view.

The park stays busy on the weekends judging by the number of autos we have encountered at times.  In addition there is a private school to the north of the building.  That means major lines of parents in autos twice a day.  Kiddies need to be picked up from school.  The area is within about 10 minutes of the area where we currently live so can easily access drug stores, bank, physicians, and dentist.

Now to make a firm contact with the movers to set up a solid date for all the big stuff to get moved.  We have cleared out the two storage rooms here at La Frontera.  The items are in a storage unit within walking distance of the new apartment.  Not quite like across the hall.  With the new apartment having two bedrooms, two baths, and a slightly larger kitchen we can now keep items in the apartment.  Of course we did a bunch more culling of items.  Probably donated a pickup fully loaded to Goodwill and Salvation Army.  Still have a couple more boxes we keep adding to daily.

Oh, my.  After gathering all the photos, albums, paper keepsakes, etc. I have a year's worth of scan work ahead of me.  Hopefully, I can set up a way to do the scanning that can stay in place all the time.  That would really help.  That is about all I have for now.

Y'all all take care,

Janice

I believe I have resolved the insurance screw up I caused in December.  Chose to use and Advantage plan for a few months to see how it worked.  It did not work.  Have gone back to our old plans as of this evening.  At least that is what the system said it was doing.  That takes two stressors out of my head.   

Brownies From Childhood.

My mom specialized in banana pudding, all sorts of pies, a small variety of cakes, a few candies but never brownies.  Mom would get ideas from either the local Home Demonstration Club, friends, or cooking shows on local TV stations.  As an aside the Home Demonstration Club was a program started as a service to women in rural areas.  More info can be found here.  Best I can remember the lady that let the sessions in the Chambersville  community was Mrs. Daspet.  Once Mom went to work at TI the food creations were expanded.  Italian Cream Cake was a good addition.  

 Momma not cooking but serving cereal!  Ha!

Ironically Mom never actually taught us daughters her cooking techniques.  Her pie crust was the flakiest,  Sis # 2 was a professional cook so that is how she developed her cooking techniques.  We four girls did take what was known as Home Economics which did give us some of our cooking skills.  Mostly my cooking has been a series of learned from failures.  Ribs stands out as an early marriage failure.  Then there was the squash that grew out of our compost pile.  That turned out to be a horrible tasting goard.

One thing I did make that was always a success were brownies.  I never remember my Mom making brownies.  But as my son was a child through his high school years there were usually brownies in the house.  Lots of women would ice their brownies with a thick chocolate icing.  I found that icing sort of over powered the basic brownie flavor and really make it just too sweet, overall.  My preference was a dusting of confectioners sugar.

Last evening we joined our son, DIL, a couple of grandsons and DIL's dad for dinner at Son's home.  When son texted giving the time I asked what I might bring. Dessert.  I thought I had time to mix and bake those brownies from that 40+ year old recipe.  Well, I did not see his answer intime to prep and bake anything.  A quick mix of the old brownie recipe, pour into the greased pan, cover with wrap and bake while we eat dinner.  I did substitute almond flour and coconut oil for the wheat flour and butter.  A couple of sprinkles of cinnamon were added as I had heard cinnamon enhances chocolate.  The almond flour was used as DIL's dad has a gluten allergy.  I did not sprinkle with confectioners sugar.  Son noted it was missing.

There was only 1/2 of a square left at the end of the evening.  There were 9 people and 16 2.5 inch squares.  Today Son texted that DIL said those brownies were the best thing she had tasted in a while.  I text thanks.  Son texted they taste like childhood.  I loved that.  

Hope all are well and safe,

Janice

Thursday Thoughts

There is a very much admired blogger that I consider a friend. posted a video today.  YAM, said admired person, is a wonderful human that is always looking to further knowledge on all sorts of subjects.  In her search she unearths the most thought provoking  shares her findings.  Today YAM's blog included an amazing video.  While the video is around 30 minutes long, I would encourage you to take that time to enjoy the music and spectacular earth views.

the snowflake

within the glacier

hastens forward

Peace to all,

Janice

Slow Sunday Helps Planning

Hubby has worked a bit in the big storage room where he has his tools and spare parts for his ham radio projects.  He pulled down our old computer tower.  Now there is a small hard drive to somehow erase or make unretrievable.  The tower was not working to where a drive scrubber program could work.  He took time to rest and eat a snack.  "There is a power supply that operates with ..." a bunch of numbers and facts that meant absolutely nothing to me.  He noted he could keep it and retrofit for use as a power supply for some of his projects.  

Hubs was wanting my input.  Like I had any ideas as how to use the thing.  Paper weight would be all I would use it for in my mind.  What would a device cost should he want to purchase one in the future seemed something to consider.  His best guess was $125 - $175.  No brainer, keep the thing in a place he can find it.  That last sentence being the big question.

We have come up with a way to get a bit more organized in the sordig and moving.  We decided instead of having items for like functions to be gathered in groups in our living space.  I know that is not a revolutionary for most folks.  That is not the way of Hubby.  That is just the way he operates and has for the 56+ years we have lived together.  He probably did not see the need for a plan for this move.  I was being overwhelmed with what was feeling like chaos.  

So far there is a pile of family heritage items next to my chair.  That will grow as more photo albums, etc. are found.  The simple act of sorting made me realize how far I have to go to be finished with the digital archive.  Ugh.  Hopefully with the extra room I can leave the scanner setup to really focus on that project again.  Once we get settled into the new place.  

One more thing came to light.  All the toys from our son's childhood we still have.  Lionel train set, Tonka trucks, a small self propelled riding toy, games and who knows what else we will uncover.  Decision is these items will be placed on the very top shelf of the enormous shelf.  That shelf built to hold TV's in Hubby's family repair shop was crafted by Hubby's dad.  Grandpa learned to weld in his lifetime at some point.  The shelf was one of his last projects.  Seems right for Grandpa's shelf to hold his only grandson's toys.

All those toys were kept for our still young grandsons when we moved 9+ years ago in 2013.  They played with a few but never the train.  It is a shame we never had the room to set it up for them.  It is definitely a collector item.  So are the Tonka trucks.  #3 Grandson showed some interest as I was talking about them at dinner on Thursday evening.  Time will tell.  He is an 18 yr. old with a lot of other things on his mind.

That is about all from the apartment in Round Rock, TX.  Y'all all stay safe.

Janice

Beginning A New, Again

Guess one could say today is the beginning of a new phase in our lives.  Hopefully on April 6 or 7 we will be moving to a new location with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  Two bedrooms had been the initial plan when we relocated to Round Rock from Missouri.  Once we unpacked the last box, Hubby refused another move. 

Fast forward 9.5 years later.  Rent has risen to half again what we originally were paying.  A new subsidized 55 plus community has opened.  We can get a 2 bedroom for a marked difference in our current rate.  Almost back to the original amount for the 1 bedroom.  Unless there is a major hitch, it looks like we may be able to spread out a bit in this layout.

B1- Two Bedroom / Two Bath - 1,169 Sq.Ft.*

 

Today we rented a small storage unit next door to the hoped for apartment location.  We moved some items from our small storage closet.  Another couple of trips will have it and part of the larger storage closet items moved.  There are so many storage tubs of family photo albums from us and our folks.  And there are still more to go.  We will continue to donate items we have not used in the past 9.5 years.  Hopefully I will get all the camping gear into one tub.  Because Hubby would like to go out one more time.  We will have to see.

After a busy afternoon we are resting our old bodies.  Heating pad on my leg an a cuppa on the table within reach.

Take care!

Janice

Root Canal #1

 A couple of weeks ago Hubby woke up in pain in his jaw and face.  He called his PC physician's nurse.  After a consult via texts he was sent to a dentist.  The dentist's assessment following xrays was an abscessed tooth/teeth and one that was beyond saving.  The diagnosis and treatment recommendations were two root canals and one extraction.  The two teeth needing the the root canals needed new caps.  None of the treatments could be done until the completion of a round of antibiotics.

Finally, yesterday the first of the treatments was done, a root canal on what is known as the 'eye or canine' tooth.  He goes in on Monday to begin the capping process for that tooth.  Next Thursday the second root canal will be done.  On Friday morning the second capping process will be started.  Lastly, will be the tooth extraction cause that is how Hubby wants it done.  His mouth, his call.

One thing about yesterday's root canal was a bit different.  The endodontist ask Hubby if he wanted to see his canal that had been removed.  The doctor noted Hubby's root was really long and deep.  Hubby said it looked like a short fishing worm.  Ugh.   Never before had the offer of viewing the actual root canal been offered to Hubby nor me.  As for me, my tooth roots are so twisted and crooked that the endodontist is at their wits end just to get the darn thing out without any show and tell.

My last root canal, at least 15 years ago, was really long.  While this website says that procedure is pretty much painless it really depends.  Hubby's experience yesterday was only discomfort when the shot was given.  Fifteen years ago, not the same for me as the deadening kept wearing off.  Twisty, crooked roots take lots longer to deal with than a nice straight root.  Here is wishing you folks in need of a root canal straight roots and no infections!

Have a fun and safe weekend,

Janice

Book Club 'Sold on a Monday'

 

Today was my PEO book club day.  Rather that tell the story I will share the Amazon synopsis:

"A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN A MILLION COPIES SOLD—Sold on a Monday is the unforgettable book-club phenomenon, inspired by a stunning piece of Depression-era history. 

"A masterpiece that poignantly echoes universal themes of loss and redemption...both heartfelt and heartbreaking."—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan's Tale

2 CHILDREN FOR SALE. The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family's dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday has celebrated five months on the New York Times bestsellers list . . ."

With the majority of my book club buddies being children of Depression Era parents we each had stories to relate.  Stories that our parents had repeated several times through the years. The difficult years of our parents growing up in a time when children were as much farm hands for the family as humans.  In this day and time there are still children being sold.  There are still children that work in sweat shops. Even children indoctrinated to be soldiers.  Those children treated in that manner are not be as visible in the US as in the Depression years.  They are still there and in many nations in great abundance.  

Would you sell your child if you were faced with no way to feed or clothe them?  What would you do as a single parent (because your spouse had died) with your own terminal illness with no support group to care for the children?  You can read this book with all its twists and turns to see how this all plays out in that imaginary world of the author.

Happy reading,

Janice