My computer shot craps! I had one "blue screen" after another.
So I went off to see the Geeks at Best Buy and was told it would be cheaper to buy a new computer than to repair my Dell laptop, which was having "hard disk problems". I wandered around the computer department and ended up buying an Asus laptop with far larger memory and a huge hard disk that I will never be able to fill up. This laptop should also run much faster than my old one . . . and it cost so much less!
However . . . I found a few glitches: (1) Today's computers are cheaper than they used to be BECAUSE they don't come with any software like they used to, (2) Today's computers come with Windows 7 operating system which DOES NOT SUPPORT many of the programs I was running under Windows XP, and (3) it's no wonder Bill Gates has so much money to give to charity.
I had to buy new software including Microsoft Office, which includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint . . . even though I already had Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint on my old computer. Also I have to switch my email from Microsoft Outlook Express to Microsoft Windows Live Mail to run under Windows 7 . . . and I can't transfer any of my email address list. I have to re-enter all of them!
In addition, I need to buy upgrades for some of my other programs so they will run under Windows 7. One of those is Creative Memories which I use for loading pictures from my camera and for photo management. I ordered the upgrade which I am now waiting to come in the mail. In the meantime, I am unable to download pictures from my camera.
I haven't decided what to do with my Palm where I keep all of my addresses and schedule information including birthdays and anniversaries. Windows 7 doesn't support my Palm backup software and an upgrade is not available. If I keep my Palm, I won't be able to have it backed up on my new computer. If I decide to buy a new Palm-like device, I'll have to re-enter all of the data into a new portable device or I can re-enter everything into a new software package if I keep addresses and schedules only on the computer.
The Computer Industry has us over a barrel. No wonder Bill Gates can afford to give billions to charity. We're the ones who should get the charitable tax deductions as "It's Our Money" Bill Gates is giving away.
I'm working hard to get things transferred from my old computer and get the new one set up properly, but I'm finding Windows 7 is so much different. Until I get all of these things resolved, posting to the Blog is somewhat curtailed.
. . . and I still say, "It's Our Money", Bill Gates!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
My Lucky Day
All my life I have purchased raffle and lottery tickets . . . and never won anything. Well, maybe a buck or two once in a while on a powerball ticket . . . but that's it!
The closest I ever got to winning was over 50 years ago when I bought a couple of tickets to a Sportsman's Show in Neenah, Wisconsin. My wife decided not to go, so I invited a guy I worked with to go with me. As we approached the event, I handed him one of the tickets and during the drawing for door prizes, he won a new boat and outboard motor . . . and I never even got to ride in the boat!
Well, Lady Luck finally found me. My son, Steve, and I attended a Friends of NRA Event in Louisburg, Kansas, last night where numerous items were auctioned off along with a lot of raffle drawings . . . and my number was drawn for a Weatherby 12 ga pump shotgun!
Finally, after all those years, "My Lucky Day"! Of course, the ton of raffle tickets I bought couldn't have had anything to do with it. But by the time we got out of the Friends of NRA Event, it was too late to buy a lottery ticket or I might have won a lot more since this was "My Lucky Day".
The closest I ever got to winning was over 50 years ago when I bought a couple of tickets to a Sportsman's Show in Neenah, Wisconsin. My wife decided not to go, so I invited a guy I worked with to go with me. As we approached the event, I handed him one of the tickets and during the drawing for door prizes, he won a new boat and outboard motor . . . and I never even got to ride in the boat!
Well, Lady Luck finally found me. My son, Steve, and I attended a Friends of NRA Event in Louisburg, Kansas, last night where numerous items were auctioned off along with a lot of raffle drawings . . . and my number was drawn for a Weatherby 12 ga pump shotgun!
Finally, after all those years, "My Lucky Day"! Of course, the ton of raffle tickets I bought couldn't have had anything to do with it. But by the time we got out of the Friends of NRA Event, it was too late to buy a lottery ticket or I might have won a lot more since this was "My Lucky Day".
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Kyle Honored
My grandson, Kyle Moore, son of my daughter, Cindy, and her husband, Mark, has been honored for his play this year on the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Soccer Team.
Kyle, shown below, was named:
(1) First Team All-Sunflower League
(2) Sunflower League Defensive Player of the Year
(3) First Team Northwest Kansas Region
and . . .
(4) First Team Kansas All-State
Kyle, No. 7, is pictured here during a game.
. . . and here he is, about to make a kick.
. . . and here he is where he can generally be found on the soccer field, No. 7 fighting for the ball . . . and usually getting it!
Congratulations, Kyle. What a wonderful high school soccer career. You worked so hard at it and you earned all of the honors. We are all so very proud of you.
Kyle, shown below, was named:
(1) First Team All-Sunflower League
(2) Sunflower League Defensive Player of the Year
(3) First Team Northwest Kansas Region
and . . .
(4) First Team Kansas All-State
Kyle, No. 7, is pictured here during a game.
. . . and here he is, about to make a kick.
. . . and here he is where he can generally be found on the soccer field, No. 7 fighting for the ball . . . and usually getting it!
Congratulations, Kyle. What a wonderful high school soccer career. You worked so hard at it and you earned all of the honors. We are all so very proud of you.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Hunter's Breakfast
Every year on opening day of the hunting season in Kansas, our local civic club, Hillsdale Ruritan, puts on a "Hunter's Breakfast" at the Township Hall in Hillsdale, Kansas. We serve biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, milk, orange juice, and coffee . . . all you can eat!
This annual event gives area farmers, local towns people, and some opening day hunters to get better acquainted while setting at the breakfast table in a small town atmosphere. Everyone seems to look forward to this annual "Hunter's Breakfast". It's a great time.
This annual event gives area farmers, local towns people, and some opening day hunters to get better acquainted while setting at the breakfast table in a small town atmosphere. Everyone seems to look forward to this annual "Hunter's Breakfast". It's a great time.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Loss to No.1
In the first game of the Kansas State Soccer Quarter Finals, Shawnee Mission Northwest was matched up against Blue Valley West, ranked No. 1 in the State. My grandson, Kyle, is in the photo below, No.7 in the black jersey.
The SM Northwest team played hard and played tough . . . but they just couldn't keep up with the No. 1 team in the State. They lost the game, but played hard all the way to the end. They never gave up!
It was a tough game, but the Shawnee Mission Cougars just couldn't pull it out. All of the guys played hard. We are disappointed in the "Loss to No. 1", but nice game, guys.
The SM Northwest team played hard and played tough . . . but they just couldn't keep up with the No. 1 team in the State. They lost the game, but played hard all the way to the end. They never gave up!
It was a tough game, but the Shawnee Mission Cougars just couldn't pull it out. All of the guys played hard. We are disappointed in the "Loss to No. 1", but nice game, guys.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Champions
My grandson, Kyle Moore, is a senior this year at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, Kansas. Kyle has played on the High School Varsity Soccer Team all four of his high school years.
This year, the school soccer team played quite well advancing to the Elite Eight in Kansas State tournament play by beating Shawnee Mission South 5-2.
At the end of the game, the whole Shawnee Mission soccer team came over to the stands to accept the accolades of their fans. My grandson, Kyle, number 7, is leading the team in the photo below. That's my boy!
Nice going, guys! You are true "Champions".
This year, the school soccer team played quite well advancing to the Elite Eight in Kansas State tournament play by beating Shawnee Mission South 5-2.
At the end of the game, the whole Shawnee Mission soccer team came over to the stands to accept the accolades of their fans. My grandson, Kyle, number 7, is leading the team in the photo below. That's my boy!
Nice going, guys! You are true "Champions".
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Allegro Choir
My granddaughter, Maddie Crowl, has been singing in the Allegro Children's Choir for seven or eight years. This afternoon Greg and I attended their Fall Concert. It was a great concert, as usual. The music is really beautiful with so may young voices joining together.
After the concert in the picture below, Maddie is flanked by her Uncle Greg on the left and me, her grandfather, on the right.
Of course, the proud Mom and Dad (Becky and John) were beaming in the photo below when they congratulated Maddie on the performance.
Keep up the good work with "The Allegro Choir", Maddie!
After the concert in the picture below, Maddie is flanked by her Uncle Greg on the left and me, her grandfather, on the right.
Of course, the proud Mom and Dad (Becky and John) were beaming in the photo below when they congratulated Maddie on the performance.
Keep up the good work with "The Allegro Choir", Maddie!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Real Stir Fry
I really enjoy stir-fry, especially experimenting with it at home. I try all kinds of different recipes and combinations with a variety of sauces. Carole's most favorite food is Chinese and we eat out at lot at Chinese restaurants.
But when it come to really authentic stir-fry, we don't know what is really good or how to properly prepare it. That's where my son, Greg, comes in. He has lived most of his adult life in the Western Pacific, in Guam for the past 20 years or so, and his work requires frequent travel to Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan as well as other Western Pacific locations. Much of the cooking in those countries is stir-fry, so he is very familiar with "Real Stir-Fry".
So when Greg comes home, one of the things on the agenda is always for him to prepare a stir-fry meal while he's here. This trip was no different . . . and it's very interesting to watch him stir the wok and throw everything around with a spatula. He stirs it almost continuously, almost like a professional.
Although it's fun to watch him with a wok, the real proof is in the final product. He cuts the vegetables differently and adds them to the wok in a different sequence. He mixes up unique spices and tosses them in at just the right time. And the finished stir-fry on the plate is wonderful.
It's too bad we can't keep him around a little longer. He sure does know how to cook stir-fry . . . and it's "Real Stir-Fry", not our Americanized version!.
But when it come to really authentic stir-fry, we don't know what is really good or how to properly prepare it. That's where my son, Greg, comes in. He has lived most of his adult life in the Western Pacific, in Guam for the past 20 years or so, and his work requires frequent travel to Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan as well as other Western Pacific locations. Much of the cooking in those countries is stir-fry, so he is very familiar with "Real Stir-Fry".
So when Greg comes home, one of the things on the agenda is always for him to prepare a stir-fry meal while he's here. This trip was no different . . . and it's very interesting to watch him stir the wok and throw everything around with a spatula. He stirs it almost continuously, almost like a professional.
Although it's fun to watch him with a wok, the real proof is in the final product. He cuts the vegetables differently and adds them to the wok in a different sequence. He mixes up unique spices and tosses them in at just the right time. And the finished stir-fry on the plate is wonderful.
It's too bad we can't keep him around a little longer. He sure does know how to cook stir-fry . . . and it's "Real Stir-Fry", not our Americanized version!.
Friday, October 22, 2010
A Family Gathering at the Crowl's
While Greg was home, John and Becky (my daughter) invited the whole family to gather at their house so everyone would have an opportunity to spend a little time with Greg.
Whenever our family gets together, we always eat . . . and Becky always has a nice spread. This time, John had grilled a brisket and a variety of sausages, Becky had salads, fruits, potatoes and corn. My son, Steve, is shown here loading up his plate.
Greg is pictured below soberly enjoying a glass of wine while waiting for the food line to get a little shorter.
. . . and two of my grandchildren, Alex and Madison, were the first through the food line and are busy eating while waiting for others to join them.
The food was very good, but we also had a great time getting the family together and spending some time with Greg. Of course, "A Family Gathering at the Crowl's" is always wonderful.
Whenever our family gets together, we always eat . . . and Becky always has a nice spread. This time, John had grilled a brisket and a variety of sausages, Becky had salads, fruits, potatoes and corn. My son, Steve, is shown here loading up his plate.
Greg is pictured below soberly enjoying a glass of wine while waiting for the food line to get a little shorter.
. . . and two of my grandchildren, Alex and Madison, were the first through the food line and are busy eating while waiting for others to join them.
The food was very good, but we also had a great time getting the family together and spending some time with Greg. Of course, "A Family Gathering at the Crowl's" is always wonderful.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Liberty Memorial WW I Museum
The only museum in the entire world dedicated solely to the first World War, "The Great War", is in Kansas City at what is called The Liberty Memorial. It was recently completely remodeled and my son, Greg, wanted to visit the Memorial and Museum while he was home from Guam.
Greg, my daughter, Becky, and I got together today and made the trip to the "Liberty Memorial World War I Museum".
The Liberty Memorial tower is on the right in the left photo below and the museum building is on the left. It's a beautiful location setting on top of a hill overlooking the renovated Union Station, Crown Center (Hallmark Cards) and downtown Kansas City. The new entrance to the museum and the reflecting pool is shown in the right photo below.
Inside, the museum is awesome. Yes, I know that word is grossly over used today, but this museum is truly awesome.
Inside the entrance is a field of Poppy's, one Poppy representing each US Soldier killed in "The Great War". This field of Poppy's is about 8'-10' below a glass floor which you walk over to enter the museum. They did have a carpet runner across as some people felt uneasy walking across that glass floor while 8'-10' feet in the air.
The displays were very well laid out explaining in detail what led up to the war, how and where the war was fought, who the combatants were, and the aftermath of the "war to end all wars". I hadn't realized before that the war was fought in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. I had always thought it had only been fought in Europe.
The large number of artifacts was astounding. I was amazed at the detailed information given about everything on display. Many of the uniforms on display were identified by the name of the soldier, sailor, or nurse who wore it . . . both allies and German. Also many of the individual guns on display, rifles and pistols, were identified with the name of the soldier who carried and used it.
Flash pictures were discouraged inside of the exhibits, but I did take one picture of the display of cannons and mortars.
This museum is really magnificent and I strongly recommend it to anyone who may have an opportunity to see it.
We spent the better part of the day touring this museum and were unable to cover it all . . . and some parts we did see, we kind of skimmed over. The next time Greg comes home for a visit, going back to the "Liberty Memorial World War I Museum" will be on our schedule. Maybe we'll even take two more days and really see all of it.
Greg, my daughter, Becky, and I got together today and made the trip to the "Liberty Memorial World War I Museum".
The Liberty Memorial tower is on the right in the left photo below and the museum building is on the left. It's a beautiful location setting on top of a hill overlooking the renovated Union Station, Crown Center (Hallmark Cards) and downtown Kansas City. The new entrance to the museum and the reflecting pool is shown in the right photo below.
Inside, the museum is awesome. Yes, I know that word is grossly over used today, but this museum is truly awesome.
Inside the entrance is a field of Poppy's, one Poppy representing each US Soldier killed in "The Great War". This field of Poppy's is about 8'-10' below a glass floor which you walk over to enter the museum. They did have a carpet runner across as some people felt uneasy walking across that glass floor while 8'-10' feet in the air.
The displays were very well laid out explaining in detail what led up to the war, how and where the war was fought, who the combatants were, and the aftermath of the "war to end all wars". I hadn't realized before that the war was fought in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. I had always thought it had only been fought in Europe.
The large number of artifacts was astounding. I was amazed at the detailed information given about everything on display. Many of the uniforms on display were identified by the name of the soldier, sailor, or nurse who wore it . . . both allies and German. Also many of the individual guns on display, rifles and pistols, were identified with the name of the soldier who carried and used it.
Flash pictures were discouraged inside of the exhibits, but I did take one picture of the display of cannons and mortars.
This museum is really magnificent and I strongly recommend it to anyone who may have an opportunity to see it.
We spent the better part of the day touring this museum and were unable to cover it all . . . and some parts we did see, we kind of skimmed over. The next time Greg comes home for a visit, going back to the "Liberty Memorial World War I Museum" will be on our schedule. Maybe we'll even take two more days and really see all of it.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
What a Sandwich!
My son, Greg, lives in Guam where really good meat isn't available. So when he comes home for a visit, he usually wants some good Kansas beef cooked on the grill. He's home for a week now and we had Kansas City Strip Steaks one night and then on another night just grilled some really nice burgers made from quality Kansas beef.
By the time Greg stacked on all of the trimmings, he had some burger!
Even after he squashed it down, he still had to open wide to take a bite!
"What a Sandwich". Mine was delicious . . . and Greg really enjoyed his too!
By the time Greg stacked on all of the trimmings, he had some burger!
Even after he squashed it down, he still had to open wide to take a bite!
"What a Sandwich". Mine was delicious . . . and Greg really enjoyed his too!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Hillsdale Presbyterian Church Fall Festival
Every year, our church, the Hillsdale Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale, Kansas, has a "Fall Festival". It runs from 8:00 AM to Noon on a Saturday morning and today was the day.
Outside we had plants and outdoor decorations for sale, inside we had lots of crafts and jewelery for sale along with a silent auction of donated items. Of course, this was a fund raising project. Shown here are the tables set up in the hallway displaying jewelery for sale.
We also served lunch; ham or beef sandwiches, potato salad, relishes, and an endless supply of home made desserts.
It was well attended. Church members and people from the community enjoyed setting around the tables visiting for quite some time.
. .. and best of all, we raised a considerable amount of money for the Church.
Outside we had plants and outdoor decorations for sale, inside we had lots of crafts and jewelery for sale along with a silent auction of donated items. Of course, this was a fund raising project. Shown here are the tables set up in the hallway displaying jewelery for sale.
We also served lunch; ham or beef sandwiches, potato salad, relishes, and an endless supply of home made desserts.
It was well attended. Church members and people from the community enjoyed setting around the tables visiting for quite some time.
. .. and best of all, we raised a considerable amount of money for the Church.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Senior Night
My grandson, Kyle Moore, plays varsity soccer for the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. He is a Senior this year and has played on the varsity soccer team and lettered all four years of high school.
At half time at tonight's soccer game, the seniors on the team were recognized. Shown here is Kyle (No. 7) being escorted by his proud Aunt Becky and Uncle John.
His proud grandfather (Me) was sitting in the bleachers cheering. I was very proud of all of them!
At half time at tonight's soccer game, the seniors on the team were recognized. Shown here is Kyle (No. 7) being escorted by his proud Aunt Becky and Uncle John.
His proud grandfather (Me) was sitting in the bleachers cheering. I was very proud of all of them!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Morning Deer Valley
Our home in Kansas near the small unincorporated town of Hillsdale is in a rural development called "Morning Deer Valley" . . . an area of 18 home sites ranging in size from 3 to 7 acres.
In case anyone is wondering why this place is called "Morning Deer Valley", all they need to do is be here on almost any quiet morning or evening in the country.
Deer usually show up in our front yard, generally along the driveway where there are some old apple trees. They stop by to graze and munch on apples. Recently, a doe with two fawns stopped by . . .
As they were grazing, a neighbor came driving by, saw the deer and stopped to watch them. Of course that got Momma doe's attention and she raised her head to watch that car stopped out on the road. One of the fawns also took a look, but the other one didn't seem much interested.
Momma doe didn't like that car stopped out on the road with people in it watching her and her family . . . so she bolted. Time to get out of here!
Of course, it didn't take the two fawns long to follow Momma.
They ran across our front yard and disappeared into the woods across the road. Momma apparently wasn't too worried, however, as she didn't even raise her tail. The two fawns, however, knew Momma was in a hurry, so they both had their "flags" up.
But this is still "Morning Deer Valley". The next day the same Momma doe was back, along with her two fawns, quietly grazing in our front yard.
And that's why this is called "Morning Deer Valley"!
In case anyone is wondering why this place is called "Morning Deer Valley", all they need to do is be here on almost any quiet morning or evening in the country.
Deer usually show up in our front yard, generally along the driveway where there are some old apple trees. They stop by to graze and munch on apples. Recently, a doe with two fawns stopped by . . .
As they were grazing, a neighbor came driving by, saw the deer and stopped to watch them. Of course that got Momma doe's attention and she raised her head to watch that car stopped out on the road. One of the fawns also took a look, but the other one didn't seem much interested.
Momma doe didn't like that car stopped out on the road with people in it watching her and her family . . . so she bolted. Time to get out of here!Of course, it didn't take the two fawns long to follow Momma.
They ran across our front yard and disappeared into the woods across the road. Momma apparently wasn't too worried, however, as she didn't even raise her tail. The two fawns, however, knew Momma was in a hurry, so they both had their "flags" up.But this is still "Morning Deer Valley". The next day the same Momma doe was back, along with her two fawns, quietly grazing in our front yard.
And that's why this is called "Morning Deer Valley"!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Spring Hill Fall Festival Parade
The nearby town of Spring Hill, Kansas, has an annual Fall Festival, which includes lots of displays, exhibits, food, performances, and, of course, a parade. Our church, Hillsdale Presbyterian entered a float and also had many members riding and walking in the parade handing out invitations to visit our church.
I had signs made for the doors of Carole's Sebring convertible and led the Hillsdale Presbyterian group in the parade. Some of the church members who could not walk the length of the parade route rode with me in the convertible and tossed candy to the kids along the way.
Nice looking car, huh?
The church float followed, a horse drawn wagon carrying a church replica, with bell, and several church members. Other church members walked behind the horse drawn wagon/float.
Those white draft horses were really beautiful animals.
It was a fun day . . . and our entry in the parade won first prize for the "Best Float"!
They didn't say anything about Carole's convertible . . . but she loves it. It's her baby.
I had signs made for the doors of Carole's Sebring convertible and led the Hillsdale Presbyterian group in the parade. Some of the church members who could not walk the length of the parade route rode with me in the convertible and tossed candy to the kids along the way.
Nice looking car, huh?
The church float followed, a horse drawn wagon carrying a church replica, with bell, and several church members. Other church members walked behind the horse drawn wagon/float.
Those white draft horses were really beautiful animals.
It was a fun day . . . and our entry in the parade won first prize for the "Best Float"!
They didn't say anything about Carole's convertible . . . but she loves it. It's her baby.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sweet 16
Madison "Maddie"Crowl, my granddaughter and John and Becky's youngest daughter, turned "Sweet Sixteen" today. We celebrated her birthday at John and Becky's home with a vegetarian dinner . . . as Maddie requested.
After dinner, she open her gifts and we then had birthday cake and ice cream.
Happy Birthday, Maddie.
After dinner, she open her gifts and we then had birthday cake and ice cream.
Happy Birthday, Maddie.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Sunflower State
The Sunflower is the State Flower of Kansas . . . and Kansas is known as "The Sunflower State".
All States have a State Flower, but in most cases you never see them. Not so in Kansas!
Every year in the late Summer months, wild Sunflowers begin popping up all over Kansas . . . in the fields, along the woods, around the lakes and ponds, and along all of the the roads and highways.
Our wild Sunflowers are not as large or as tall as the domestic variety, but they sure do add a lot of color to the Kansas landscape.
Late Summer in Kansas is a colorful place to be . . . for Kansas surely is "The Sunflower State".
All States have a State Flower, but in most cases you never see them. Not so in Kansas!
Every year in the late Summer months, wild Sunflowers begin popping up all over Kansas . . . in the fields, along the woods, around the lakes and ponds, and along all of the the roads and highways.
Our wild Sunflowers are not as large or as tall as the domestic variety, but they sure do add a lot of color to the Kansas landscape.
Late Summer in Kansas is a colorful place to be . . . for Kansas surely is "The Sunflower State".
Monday, September 13, 2010
Chinese, Again
Carole loves Chinese food. In fact, I think she would eat Chinese every day if she could.
So, it was no surprise when a new Chinese restaurant opened nearby in Overland Park, Kansas, that we had to try it out during their Grand Opening.
It is a buffet style restaurant with a very large number of dishes . . . lots of variety. We tried too many and, as usual, ate too much. But all of the dishes were good, fresh, and hot.
I know we'll be back here again.
So, it was no surprise when a new Chinese restaurant opened nearby in Overland Park, Kansas, that we had to try it out during their Grand Opening.
It is a buffet style restaurant with a very large number of dishes . . . lots of variety. We tried too many and, as usual, ate too much. But all of the dishes were good, fresh, and hot.
I know we'll be back here again.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Carole's Birthday
We returned home from Table Rock Lake on Saturday, 9/11 . . . Carole's birthday. However, we chose to celebrate her birthday the following day on Sunday. We went to the New Theatre Restaurant to see a play titled The Sunshine Boys . . . a Neil Simon play which was produced as a movie in 1975 starring Walter Matthau and George Burns.
This stage play at the New Theatre Restaurant starred Howard Hesseman, of the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati and was really funny. Carole was presented with a Birthday Card signed by the entire cast.
Carole and I are shown below enjoying the wonderful food served here. It's a buffet with fabulous choices.
Of course, during the intermission, Carole was presented with a Birthday Cake . . . no candles, but it was an ice cream cake, which she shared with us. Delicious!
Happy Birthday, Carole.
This stage play at the New Theatre Restaurant starred Howard Hesseman, of the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati and was really funny. Carole was presented with a Birthday Card signed by the entire cast.
Carole and I are shown below enjoying the wonderful food served here. It's a buffet with fabulous choices.
Of course, during the intermission, Carole was presented with a Birthday Cake . . . no candles, but it was an ice cream cake, which she shared with us. Delicious!
Happy Birthday, Carole.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Branson
While we were at Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri, we had to take in a few shows. It was only about a 30 minute drive from where we were staying in Kimberling City to the theatres of Branson.
We saw three shows during the week we were there: the Dutton's, the Six, and the Rankin Brothers. All were pretty good, but we all thought the Dutton's were best.
You can't be in the Branson area without taking in a few shows!
We saw three shows during the week we were there: the Dutton's, the Six, and the Rankin Brothers. All were pretty good, but we all thought the Dutton's were best.
You can't be in the Branson area without taking in a few shows!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Eureka Springs
When in the Branson area, a visit to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a must. Neither Jim nor Shirley had been there before, so we spent a day to visit Eureka Springs. It's only a 30-40 minute drive from the Branson area.
Eureka Springs is a town which was built on the side of a mountain in the Ozarks of Northern Arkansas back in the late 1800's. Natural springs here were believed to have therapeutic value, so people flocked to town to bath in the waters.
One of the most interesting buildings is the Crescent Hotel which sets on top of the mountain. It's a four story stone structure which has been well maintained over the years and is still operating with a spa on the lower level.
It looks like a horse drawn carriage should pull up to the front entrance at any moment.
Although we did stop in the lounge on the fourth floor for a drink, we did not take time to bath in the mineral waters at the spa.
The most fascinating sights in town are the many large old homes from the 1800's built on the side of the hill like the "painted ladies" of San Francisco. Most of the houses are of that vintage and many have been restored and painted like the "painted ladies". Sorry, but I didn't take any pictures of those old homes.
The main street through the old downtown is pretty steep with the mountain looming up behind the buildings on one side of the street. In fact, there is an old hotel downtown that is seven stories tall . . . and every floor has a ground level exit.
Many of the stores downtown have been renovated are are interesting galleries, decorating shops, and, of course, souvenir shops.
It's a must place to go if you are ever in the area.
Eureka Springs is a town which was built on the side of a mountain in the Ozarks of Northern Arkansas back in the late 1800's. Natural springs here were believed to have therapeutic value, so people flocked to town to bath in the waters.
One of the most interesting buildings is the Crescent Hotel which sets on top of the mountain. It's a four story stone structure which has been well maintained over the years and is still operating with a spa on the lower level.
It looks like a horse drawn carriage should pull up to the front entrance at any moment.
Although we did stop in the lounge on the fourth floor for a drink, we did not take time to bath in the mineral waters at the spa.
The most fascinating sights in town are the many large old homes from the 1800's built on the side of the hill like the "painted ladies" of San Francisco. Most of the houses are of that vintage and many have been restored and painted like the "painted ladies". Sorry, but I didn't take any pictures of those old homes.
The main street through the old downtown is pretty steep with the mountain looming up behind the buildings on one side of the street. In fact, there is an old hotel downtown that is seven stories tall . . . and every floor has a ground level exit.
Many of the stores downtown have been renovated are are interesting galleries, decorating shops, and, of course, souvenir shops.
It's a must place to go if you are ever in the area.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Landing
Since Jim & Shirley had not been to Branson recently, we made a day trip touring the "big city", and ended up at "The Landing", the most recent addition to the town. The Landing is an area adjacent to the old downtown along Lake Tanneycomo. They cleared a large area along the lake shore and constructed a huge shopping area with a brick street down the middle making an open-air mall. This mall stretches about 6-8 city blocks with upscale shops, restaurants, and outdoor bandstands. Of course, it's all beautifully landscaped with numerous fountains.
The only traffic on this street is a free trolley which continuously runs from one end to the other. The trolley will stop to allow passengers to get on or off almost anywhere along the mall. Of course, we all got on and off the trolley several times to look at various shops.
Shown below are Carole and Shirley resting on a bench while waiting for the trolley to come by on its next round.
We stopped for an Irish Brew at an Irish Pub and had a late lunch at an interesting restaurant, Garfield's.
The open mall, The Landing, is a really nice place. It is definitely a "destination", not just another pretty place to shop.
The only traffic on this street is a free trolley which continuously runs from one end to the other. The trolley will stop to allow passengers to get on or off almost anywhere along the mall. Of course, we all got on and off the trolley several times to look at various shops.
Shown below are Carole and Shirley resting on a bench while waiting for the trolley to come by on its next round.
We stopped for an Irish Brew at an Irish Pub and had a late lunch at an interesting restaurant, Garfield's.
The open mall, The Landing, is a really nice place. It is definitely a "destination", not just another pretty place to shop.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Table Rock Lake
We made it to Table Rock Lake and checked in at the Kimberling Inn Resort, which is about a 30 minute drive from Branson. Our condo unit is right on the lake. In the photo below we are on the left end of the building on the ground floor. The two decks are ours, one off the living room and one off the master bedroom.
We have a nice view of some of the lake. Of course the lake is something like 100 miles long, so we are only looking at a small part of the lake. There is a boat ramp right out in front of us with four large covered floating docks, so we have a lot of constant activity to watch . . . boats and boaters coming and going.
The weather forecast is for nice, warm, sunny weather all week . . . so we are looking forward to a pleasant week visiting the sights around the area and attending some shows in Branson.
We have a nice view of some of the lake. Of course the lake is something like 100 miles long, so we are only looking at a small part of the lake. There is a boat ramp right out in front of us with four large covered floating docks, so we have a lot of constant activity to watch . . . boats and boaters coming and going.
The weather forecast is for nice, warm, sunny weather all week . . . so we are looking forward to a pleasant week visiting the sights around the area and attending some shows in Branson.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Home of Throwed Rolls
We left home this morning headed for Branson, Missouri, with Carole's cousin, Shirley, and her husband, Jim. I arranged for a two bedroom condo unit on Table Rock Lake adjacent to Branson, so we left "The Bus" at home.
On the way to Branson, we stopped at Lambert's Restaurant in Springfield, the "Home of Throwed Rolls".
Lambert's isn't just a good place to eat, it's a destination. People come from all over the region just to say they've been to the "Home of Throwed Rolls". We were here on Labor Day Weekend and faced a long wait to get in. People were lined up outside waiting on the porch and we had an hour and a half wait. If it had been just Carole and I, we would not have waited as we have been here several times before, but neither Jim nor Shirley have been here before . . . so we waited on Lambert's porch along with the rest of the tourists.
Once seated at out table inside, the atmosphere was quite festive. In addition to the usual clutter of old fashioned decorations and wall hangings reminiscent of farming and the Ozark Mountains, they had streamers and balloons all over the place. Lambert's is a very large restaurant, but the place was packed and everyone was obviously enjoying themselves.
Yes, they really do throw rolls here. In fact, that's the only way rolls are served. If you can't catch yourself a roll, you just go without! I tried to catch a waiter in the act of throwing a roll to someone, but they were either too fast or I was too slow with the camera. But, believe me, they were throwing rolls to all of the customers.
We had a nice lunch of down-home cooking, caught a few rolls (which are really good yeast rolls), and then got back on the road to Branson. Now Jim and Shirley can say they've been to the "Home of Throwed Rolls".
On the way to Branson, we stopped at Lambert's Restaurant in Springfield, the "Home of Throwed Rolls".
Lambert's isn't just a good place to eat, it's a destination. People come from all over the region just to say they've been to the "Home of Throwed Rolls". We were here on Labor Day Weekend and faced a long wait to get in. People were lined up outside waiting on the porch and we had an hour and a half wait. If it had been just Carole and I, we would not have waited as we have been here several times before, but neither Jim nor Shirley have been here before . . . so we waited on Lambert's porch along with the rest of the tourists.
Once seated at out table inside, the atmosphere was quite festive. In addition to the usual clutter of old fashioned decorations and wall hangings reminiscent of farming and the Ozark Mountains, they had streamers and balloons all over the place. Lambert's is a very large restaurant, but the place was packed and everyone was obviously enjoying themselves.
Yes, they really do throw rolls here. In fact, that's the only way rolls are served. If you can't catch yourself a roll, you just go without! I tried to catch a waiter in the act of throwing a roll to someone, but they were either too fast or I was too slow with the camera. But, believe me, they were throwing rolls to all of the customers.
We had a nice lunch of down-home cooking, caught a few rolls (which are really good yeast rolls), and then got back on the road to Branson. Now Jim and Shirley can say they've been to the "Home of Throwed Rolls".
Friday, September 3, 2010
Chopping and Bagging Corn
Most farmers around here pick corn using a conventional corn picker, store it, and then when the market is right, shell it and sell it through the local farmer's co-op. Others may shell it to feed to their own livestock.
The Frankie Dairy Farm, my neighbor here in Kansas has always picked, stored, shelled, and ground corn to feed to the dairy herd. A couple of years ago, however, they brought in a traveling team from Western Kansas with equipment to cut and chop the entire stalk while it was still green including cobs and kernels, and then pack the 1/4"-1/2" pieces into a huge plastic bag.
Every year I've missed this operation, so I asked Curt Frankie to give me a call when the chopping and bagging team arrived. When he called, I rushed down to the farm to witness "Chopping and Bagging Corn" . . . I even had the opportunity to ride in the chopper.
This is a picture of the front "business end" of the chopper which is self-propelled and runs through the corn at about 5-8 MPH.
It sure cuts and chops a lot of corn stalks in a big hurry.
As the chopper drives through the corn, an open top grain truck follows along beside while the chopper chute blows the chopped stalks and ears into the bed of the truck. As you can see, the chopper cuts the stalks about 3"-4" above the ground and leaves the field very clean.
When the truck is full, it pulls out of the way and another truck pulls in beside the chopper.
The full truck takes its load to the farm yard where a large piece of equipment is waiting to put the chopped corn and stalks into a huge plastic bag. The truck backs up to the bagger and activates the conveyor floor of the truck moving the load onto the bagger. The bagger then packs the chopped corn and stalks into the bag, unrolling more of the bag as needed.
Pictured below on the left is the front of the bagger with the truck unloading onto the intake conveyor of the bagger. The picture on the right below is the back of the bagger where the bag is being unrolled and packed with chopped corn and stalks. As the bag is filled, the bagger continues to move forward as it unrolls more of the bag.
When the operation is complete the bag lays there like a giant worm. This bag contains 450 tons of chopped corn and stalks . . . and it only took the team about 3 1/2 hours to fill this bag.
The contents of the bag will be allowed to ferment for at least 2-3 weeks before it can be fed to cattle. This fermentation process increases the nutritional food value of the chopped corn and stalks. During the Winter months, they will open the end of the bag and use a front end loader to remove some of the feed, then re-seal the bag by placing a pile of dirt on the end of the bag. Every few days they will re-open the bag to remove a few days of feed and then re-seal the bag.
This 450 tons of feed should last the Frankie Dairy Farm for the whole winter. Of course they are also feeding hay and ground feeds to their 70-head dairy herd as well.
This "Chopping and Bagging Corn" operation is indeed a very fascinating and intriguing process. I'm glad I had the opportunity to to witness it up close this year.
The Frankie Dairy Farm, my neighbor here in Kansas has always picked, stored, shelled, and ground corn to feed to the dairy herd. A couple of years ago, however, they brought in a traveling team from Western Kansas with equipment to cut and chop the entire stalk while it was still green including cobs and kernels, and then pack the 1/4"-1/2" pieces into a huge plastic bag.
Every year I've missed this operation, so I asked Curt Frankie to give me a call when the chopping and bagging team arrived. When he called, I rushed down to the farm to witness "Chopping and Bagging Corn" . . . I even had the opportunity to ride in the chopper.This is a picture of the front "business end" of the chopper which is self-propelled and runs through the corn at about 5-8 MPH.
It sure cuts and chops a lot of corn stalks in a big hurry.
As the chopper drives through the corn, an open top grain truck follows along beside while the chopper chute blows the chopped stalks and ears into the bed of the truck. As you can see, the chopper cuts the stalks about 3"-4" above the ground and leaves the field very clean.When the truck is full, it pulls out of the way and another truck pulls in beside the chopper.
The full truck takes its load to the farm yard where a large piece of equipment is waiting to put the chopped corn and stalks into a huge plastic bag. The truck backs up to the bagger and activates the conveyor floor of the truck moving the load onto the bagger. The bagger then packs the chopped corn and stalks into the bag, unrolling more of the bag as needed.
Pictured below on the left is the front of the bagger with the truck unloading onto the intake conveyor of the bagger. The picture on the right below is the back of the bagger where the bag is being unrolled and packed with chopped corn and stalks. As the bag is filled, the bagger continues to move forward as it unrolls more of the bag.
When the operation is complete the bag lays there like a giant worm. This bag contains 450 tons of chopped corn and stalks . . . and it only took the team about 3 1/2 hours to fill this bag.
The contents of the bag will be allowed to ferment for at least 2-3 weeks before it can be fed to cattle. This fermentation process increases the nutritional food value of the chopped corn and stalks. During the Winter months, they will open the end of the bag and use a front end loader to remove some of the feed, then re-seal the bag by placing a pile of dirt on the end of the bag. Every few days they will re-open the bag to remove a few days of feed and then re-seal the bag.
This 450 tons of feed should last the Frankie Dairy Farm for the whole winter. Of course they are also feeding hay and ground feeds to their 70-head dairy herd as well.
This "Chopping and Bagging Corn" operation is indeed a very fascinating and intriguing process. I'm glad I had the opportunity to to witness it up close this year.
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