Saturday, July 21, 2018 - Cherokee County Horse Show, Pizza Hut Lunch, Back to Bentley-A Nap-Blog Post, More Horse Show, Labette County Horse Show

Saturday, July 21, 2018 - Cherokee County Horse Show, Pizza Hut Lunch, Back to Bentley-A Nap-Blog Post, More Horse Show, Labette County Horse Show

Today is the Cherokee County Horse Show in Columbus, KS.  Two of our grand-kids, Dacy and Tucker, will be riding in a number of the events.  It starts at 9, but we are going to Pittsburg first to pick up our mail that has been accumulating for a couple of weeks.  Last time I checked there was mostly junk mail so we decided to wait to pick it up until right before we head back to Branson.

We arrived at the Horse Show around 10:30 or so, and as we pulled into the rodeo grounds, we saw Dacy and Tucker on their horses next to each other, waiting to participate in an event.  We watched as they fist bumped each other.  Cool!  We had to park to the far end because we were so late, but soon found Brett and Renae - at the far end of the bleachers from where we parked - a good way to get some steps in, right?

While I'd love to share all of the pictures I took, I tried to pick out some of the better ones to share with you.

Dacy 

Dacy & Tucker

Tucker (he lost his hat several times)

Tucker

Dacy

Tucker

Dacy

This was Dacy performing Trail.  She won purple in this event..  It's her favorite part of the Horse Show.  Unfortunately, my pictures did not come out in order of how the event went.  1, 6, 3, 8, 5, 2,  7,  4 is the correct order.  

Helping to put the poles up after Trail.

At around 2:00 they had a break until 6:00.  We joined Brett, Dacy, Tucker and Dacy's friend Jack at Pizza Hut.  We had a nice visit and it was nice getting to visit with Jack.  He lives in Pittsburg and they all met at 4H camp earlier this year.  

After lunch, we drove back to Oswego.  I took a nap, finished a blog post and then we decided to go back for the evening events.  It felt warmer this evening as there was little to no breeze.  At least earlier in the day there was a decent breeze.  We had a good time even though those bleachers are tough on lower backs!  Ha!

After hugs and goodbyes, we returned to Oswego.  Dean wanted to drive through the park.  Labette County is also having their horse show today/night.  I snapped this shot as we drove by the entrance to the Fairgrounds.  It will be busy in this part of SEK the next few days with county fairs going on in both Oswego and Columbus.  

We were both worn out when we got back.  We watched a little TV before heading to bed.  We are moving back to Treasure Lake in Branson tomorrow and we've got stuff to do before we move.

Friday, July 20, 2018 - Morning Walk; Errands; Kamron & Jax Come to Visit; Swimming

Friday, July 20, 2018 - Morning Walk; Errands; Kamron & Jax Come to Visit; Swimming

Cindy and I walked again this morning.  It was a nice morning and we managed another 1.75 miles but we were a little slower today, about 30 seconds per minute.  

We had a few errands to run this morning.  Our first stop was at the Courthouse to pick up our refund check on the taxes for the van.  Since our tags renew in September it didn't amount to much, but every little bit helps - right?  From the Treasurer's Office we took the stairs to the County Clerk's Office so we could pick up our absentee ballots.  We really wanted to vote while we were there so we didn't have to worry about mailing them back, but I just haven't had the time to research the candidates yet.  That will be a priority next week once we have returned to Branson.   Next stop was at the bank to cash the check and I gave some papers to Misti to put in our safety deposit box since we were in a bit of a rush.  We are going to Parsons to pick up Kamron and Jaxson to spend the day with us. 

As we were getting ready to leave Oswego Marc called to see if we had left yet.  I told him we were just getting ready to leave.  He caught us just in time.  Jennifer was working this morning, but things changed on the amount of time and she was was going to be able to bring the kids to Oswego after all..  That worked out well for us, as I needed to go to the grocery store to get something for lunch.  We made that stop and again it was fun to be in the store and right away I ran in to a good friend Becky and more hugs.  We kind of visited back and forth as we moved through the store.  Dean and I headed back to Bentley to wait for the kids to show up.  

It was close to 11 or so when they arrived.  When Jaxson came in he said, "Nana where is your house?"  I told him, "This is our house, Jaxson".  He said, "But it has wheels." before he walked into the bathroom.  

I had put some red potatoes and eggs in the Instapot earlier to cook.  I planned to make both potato salad and deviled eggs.  Jaxson wanted to help me so I showed him how to hit the egg on the counter just hard enough to crack the shell, then roll it and how easy it was to pull the shell off after that.  He also helped cut the hard boiled eggs in half for the deviled eggs.  I let him use the egg slicer (with my assistance) to cut up the eggs to go with the chunks of potatoes, as well as helping me add the condiments before stirring it all together. He did an excellent job for a 6 year old.  He was so proud of himself.  Our friend Carolyn M makes loaded deviled eggs and Dean loves them.  I found a recipe on Pinterest I liked. Since then I've been adding bacon bits, cheese, relish, mayo and mustard to the yolks to make the filling.  Kamron fell in love with them.  It was fun to share a cooking experience with the kids.

Jaxson loves all things with the Eiffel Tower.  I gave Dean a bowl of goulash, and used this insulated bowl holder (that my Aunt Lil made us) since the bowl was so hot.  Once Dean had finished, Jaxson saw the inside and had to tell me about the Eiffel Tower.

My two cuties!  They can find something to do with little.  Rolling Jaxson up in this blanket kept them busy for awhile.  Lots of laughing going on!

It is pretty tight quarters in the RV but we managed to keep them entertained until lunch time.  While at the grocery store I bought some popcorn chicken.  Jaxson calls them crumbs.  He eats some chicken but the crumbs are the best part to him!  He liked the first batch well enough that I had to make him some more.  Dean tasted them and thought they were good as well.  I cooked 7 pieces in two batches in my air fryer.  I think I cooked them about 7 minutes and they were done.  No grease, so it is an option for another quick meal.  I've heard that breaded okra is really good in an air fryer, so I hope to try that soon.  I'm looking for more ways to utilize it and especially for quick meals.

I had called my niece Nikki earlier to see if she would mind if we came and swam in their pool for an hour or so after lunch and she said to come on.  After lunch, the kids and I changed into our swimming suits and headed to Nikki & Ty's.  Nikki ended up joining us for about an hour, then she had to leave to take her daughter Dani to get her hair cut.  The kids and I swam for another 15 minutes or so and then I got out to put up all of the swim toys while the kids swam a little longer.  I cannot believe I forgot to take pictures of them.  We were back home around 2:45 or so.  By the time we all got changed and the kids ate a snack, it was about time to take them home.  

I sent Jennifer a note to let her know we were on our way.  I think both Kamron and Jaxson were pretty tired on the ride home.  We stayed awhile and visited with Marc and Jennifer and the kids before we headed back to Oswego.  This is the hardest part about leaving the area is how much we miss our kids and grandkids.   We are looking forward to seeing Matt and his family.  We haven't seen them since the end of July/1st of August last year so we really miss them too.  

Thursday, July 19, 2018 - Morning Walk, Birthday Trip with Granddaughter; Jaxson has a Bicycle; Disc Brakes & Shackles

Thursday, July 19, 2018 - Morning Walk, Birthday Trip with Granddaughter; Jaxson has a Bicycle; Disc Brakes & Shackles

Cindy and I met in the park again this morning at 6, and walked slightly over 1.75 miles.  We shortened our time by about 30 seconds per mile from yesterday.  It was already over 70 and very humid.  I'll be doing a lot more walking today, so I'm sure I'll get plenty of steps before the day is over.

It was very foggy this morning.  Here's a picture I took near the overlook.

The fog was really thick this morning.

I arrived first this morning and while I was waiting on Cindy I noticed this white cat in the park.  I've never seen it here before.  It seemed larger than a regular old stray cat.  The shelter shown in the picture is one that has recently been constructed.  It's a great addition to our already beautiful park.

Enlarge the picture to see the white cat for a closer view.

Back at Bentley, I hurried through my morning routine.  I am picking my granddaughter Kamron up at 9:00 in Parsons.  Even though her birthday isn't until next month, we will be traveling, so we are going to Joplin to spend the day together and do a little shopping.  I think we are both pretty excited about it.

I had to stop at the ATM to get some cash, and then I headed to Parsons.  Kamron was ready and waiting, and we were soon on our way.  The conversation never stops long with Kamron.  She's a great conversationalist and I enjoy hearing all she has to say.  Recently I mentioned she has taken up golf and we enjoyed talking about that.  She is taking lessons and just recently had her first one.  I am excited for her.  

In no time we were in Joplin.  Our first stop was at McDonald's for a caramel frappe.  Once we returned to the truck I needed to call an RV park in Shipshewana, IN to make a reservation as we travel to Matt's the first week of August.  We have been emailing Michael & Kelly with Performance Trailer Braking about having some work done on our rig - including disc breaks and upgrading the axles and shackles.  We plan to have the work done while we are in Shipshewana where they are working a few rallies.  Since I didn't know where we would be staying yet, I had prepared an email to Kelly last night.   Now that I have confirmed the dates and RV Park we will be staying at in Shipshewana I inserted the information in the email and forwarded it to Kelly.  Then Kamron and I moved on to Northpark Mall.  We walked almost the entire length of the mall and popped in quite a few of the stores.  For her birthday I bought her a pair of jeans.   

She was also looking for some school supplies.  Her favorite store is Hobby Lobby.  She loves crafts of all kinds.  She can look here for hours and never buy anything, however today she did find some scrapbook paper, some stick on letters and a few things to decorate her school binder with.

We made a stop at Home Depot to pick up a part for a project her dad is working on, and then we headed to Olive Garden for our lunch.  We both love it and it is a birthday ritual for not only Kamron but also Haleigh & Dacy, my two oldest granddaughters.  Since their birthdays are only a few weeks apart and in the fall, I'll be able to get together with them later this year.

Soon to be 13 years old...

When we were finished with lunch, we made a stop at Office Depot where Kamron found some mechanical pencils and a pencil bag; then a quick stop to see my step-dad Larry and his wife Verna; and finally a stop at Target where Kamron found a school year planner.  We returned to her house a few minutes after 5:00.  As on the way to Joplin, we had a great visit on the way back to her house.  I'm thankful she was talking to me as I was getting pretty tired and she kept me going!

I had asked Kamron earlier what her brother got for his birthday and she told me a bicycle.  It's hard to believe he's growing up so fast and is already 6.  When we pulled up, he was in their garage riding it in circles.  He was doing a great job and of course I had to take a picture to share with you.  

Jaxson

My son Marc arrived home shortly before I left so I had a chance to visit with him for a minute before returning to Oswego.  I was going to get fuel for the truck while in Joplin but when I stopped at Sam's I realized they did not have diesel.  After I left Marc and Jen's I stopped at the Travel Plaza in Parsons, just off Highway 400.  I couldn't get the gas cap off no matter how hard I tried.  My hand hurt from trying.  Since I still had 1/4 tank, I just came on home.  Dean told me later that sometimes it is hard to get the cap off.  I'm not sure I like that since it's our only vehicle now.  I'll have to make sure I have a full tank in the future, or figure out a way to get the gas cap off.

Throughout the day I have been emailing Kelly with Performance Trailer Braking about disc brakes, and upgrading our axles.

When I got home around 6 or so, Dean and I called her husband Michael to ask some specific questions.  Michael needed some measurements on the distance between bolts on the shackles, so we went out and crawled under Bentley trying to get the measurements. We decided one of them must have already started wallowing out because the two measurements were not the same---an indication they probably needed changed anyway.  I know we will feel much safer with the addition of the disc brakes and upgraded shackles.  We decided to hold off on upgrading the axles until we can have the rig reweighed.  Fortunately, we can do that in Shipshewana at the park we will be staying at.  While we are there, a rally will have a weighing crew on site.

When we had Bentley weighed in June of 2017 it indicated we were 100 # over on one of the axles - the front driver's side.  All of the other axles together showed they were under weight by several hundred #'s.  We had discussed changing out the axles but we have decided to hold off until we have Bentley weighed again while we are in Shipshewana.  

Since we are now full time it will be good for us to have Bentley reweighed.  While we tried to limit the number of things we added to Bentley when we became full-time RVer's, we should know the weight we are carrying.

I stopped in the middle of all of the phone calls and emails to make Dean and I a sandwich for supper.  Michael said Kelly had sent the invoice so once we had it we could pay it online and they would get the order sent off so the materials would be onsite when we arrive in Shipshewana.  I kept checking but did not have an invoice.  I finally emailed her because after 30 minutes or so, I still did not have it.  She suggested I check spam and told me how it would show up.  Still nothing.  Dean mentioned his email (Gmail) has a couple of different folders it can go to.  I had been emailing her under my Yahoo account, but after he said that I realized my first email to her was with my Gmail account - sure enough it had been there all the time.  That's the problem with having more than one email account!  Lol!!

Once that was done, I was too!  It was a long day and it wasn't long before I laid my head down...and I think I was out within a few minutes.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - Morning Walk; Daughter's Car to Parsons; Laundry; Errands; Sister's Lunch; Studying Election Candidates Platforms; Visit with Future Full-timer and Good Friend; Picking Up Daughter's Car; Relaxing

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - Morning Walk; Daughter's Car to Parsons; Laundry; Errands; Sister's Lunch; Studying Election Candidates Platforms; Visit with Future Full-timer and Good Friend; Picking Up Daughter's Car; Relaxing

To be sure I'd be ready to walk with my sister Cindy at 6:00 this morning, I DID set my alarm before going to bed last night.  I had time to enjoy my coffee before I left too.  We had a nice walk even though it was a bit steamy.  We managed to log 1.75 miles.  

After returning to Bentley, we left to pick up my daughter Misti's car.  We are taking it to Parsons to leave it for the day while they replace her windshield.  I drove her car and Dean followed me.  We made a quick stop at Walmart's for just a couple of things before heading home.

Once home, I put a load of clothes in the washer and then headed up town to run errands.  I needed to deposit a check and put some documents back in the safety deposit box, take the tag from the van to the County Treasurer's office to get a refund on our taxes, and then stop at the insurance office to cancel the policy on the van so they can issue a refund for the insurance we paid just a couple of weeks ago.  Since my sister Jody works here, I also picked her up for our lunch date.  We drove a short distance, around the corner, to Pizza Hut where we enjoyed their buffet, and had a nice visit.  When we were done eating, I drove to her house so she could put a roast in the oven, then we took a short drive through our beautiful city park before I dropped her back off at work again.  I enjoyed spending some one on one time with her.

I put another load of laundry in the washer once I was back at the park, and then I got online to begin studying various candidates up for election this fall.  We haven't had access to any local TV stations or newspapers for awhile and I would like to be informed before choosing the candidate I vote for.

Earlier this morning I received a text message from our friend and soon to be full-time RV'er Mark.  He was in Joplin for work, and wanted to know if we would be available if he stopped by on his way home.  Of course we said yes and we were glad he thought of us.  We've met with Mark and his wife Karen a couple of times while we've been visiting in the Kansas City area, and we follow each other's blogs.  We are happy they are going to be joining the full-time RV life.  We enjoyed our time together and look forward to the next time we all meet up again.

Soon after Mark left, we headed back to Parsons to pick up Misti's car, but not before we took time to drop granddaughter Haleigh off at work.  We made it back to Oswego a few minutes after 5 and dropped Misti's car off at her workplace.  

Back at Bentley, I made goulash for dinner.  Simple and tasty!  After cleaning up and doing the dishes we both set down to relax for the rest of the evening.  

I have a fun day planned for tomorrow - I'll tell you all about it in the next post.

July 16, 2018 - Travel Day, Interest in the Van, Visit with my Aunt, Visit with Another Aunt & Cousin, Misti & Haleigh Visit July 17, 2018 - Errands Uptown, Laundry, Rain--and we needed it, Visit to Storage Unit, Van is Sold!, Picking Up Tomatoes

July 16, 2018 - Travel Day, Interest in the Van, Visit with my Aunt,  Visit with Another Aunt & Cousin, Misti & Haleigh Visit

We pulled out of Brett's this morning at 9:40 and made it to Hillside RV Park in Oswego at 11:10.  We stopped at the office so I could quickly use the facilities in Bentley before we went to our site.  While I was inside, Todd showed up and I found him and Dean outside visiting.  The site we were in during our last stay was empty so we pulled into it.  Todd came down and trimmed a few branches for us before Dean pulled all of the way onto the site.  We visited with him for awhile and then got set up.

It was after 12 before we had everything hooked up.  I try to remember to put the covers on our tires when we park, but I've forgotten to do it the last couple of times we've been parked.  Todd happened to mention it earlier, so I grabbed them out of the bay to make sure I took care of it this time.  A short time later I put them on, then I went inside to put out the slides.  When I came back out I went around to see if Dean needed me to help hook up the water and sewer.  He needs to be careful about lifting things, so I got the new water softener out and he hooked it up.  That's when I noticed my tire cover was laying on the ground.  The slide caught it and pulled it off the tires when I put the slide out, so I was down on my hands and knees crawling under the slide to put the cover back on.  Oh my goodness it was hot.  I did turn the air conditioning on as soon as our surge protector said the electric was okay at the post, so it was beginning to cool down nicely by the time we had everything outside done.

I made us sandwiches for lunch.  We set down to eat and watch Gunsmoke - as we do every day at lunch!  Dean loves his Westerns.  About 1-1:30 I left to go see my Aunt Lil.  It was really good to see her.  I was there for a little over an hour before I headed back to Bentley.  When I went inside Dean wasn't in the RV.  Hmmm, the truck was here.  I walked back outside to look toward the front of Bentley.  There he was, across the street talking to Todd.  While we all visited, I saw my cousin Barbara drive through the park and I waved her over.  She had her mom, my Aunt Betty, with her.  It was good to see them and have a chance to visit.

Dean and I were both tired after being getting set up and being in the heat, so for supper I called in an order to Pizza Hut.  Twenty five minutes later we were enjoying a yummy sausage pizza with extra cheese!  It was really good!

I don't think I mentioned in the previous post that we received a phone call Sunday night and someone wants to look at the van.  They will be stopping by later this evening, so we pulled some things out of the back that will be going to storage and put them in the truck.   

About 6:30, we showed the van.  They took it for a ride and when they came back we struck a deal!  They will be back tomorrow evening to get it.  As they were getting ready to leave, Misti and Haleigh pulled in, and came in to visit for awhile.  It was good to see them.  We do miss the kids when we are gone so we enjoy spending time with them when we can.  Misti worked at the Golf Course this evening and just got off work, so they didn't stay too long. 

It has been a busy day.  We relaxed for awhile, while watching a little TV, before we called it a night.



July 17, 2018 - Sleeping in, Errands Uptown, Laundry, Rain--and we needed it, Visit to Storage Unit, Van is Sold!, Picking Up Tomatoes

Another late morning for me - it was after 6:00 before I got up.  Not only did Dean make the coffee, he was already drinking his first cup.  I'm not sure I like this sleeping late at all.  I really like my early mornings with about 15-30 minutes by myself.  Not that I don't enjoy Dean's company, I do, but I can definitely do without the TV first thing in the morning.  I may need to start setting the alarm on my phone.  😊  

I put sheets in the washer last night, so I could get them started first thing this morning.  I turned the washer on before I set down with my coffee.  I read emails and enjoyed another cup of coffee before getting up to fix breakfast and getting ready for the day.  I had to get my clothes hangar out of the outside storage bay.  Today I am going to set it inside, since I cannot bungee it to the awning arm like I do when it's outside.  It takes a little longer to dry inside, but it will be fine by tomorrow morning if not sooner.

I left the RV park about 9:30.  I had to stop at both banks, the first one to add things to and take papers out of our safety deposit box.  My daughter Misti works here so I got to visit with her for a few minutes too!!  The next stop was at the other bank to get a new debit card.  We received a call a week or two ago my card had been compromised and was used to purchase items at two stores in Michigan.   Those were taken care of and removed from our account.  They told me to come in when we were back in Oswego and they would issue me a new one.  My niece Amy works at this bank and it was so good to see her, and best of all, I got hugs!  Love hugs from my family!!

When I left the bank, I walked next door to Commercial Insurance where my sister Jody works.  I invited her to have lunch with me tomorrow.  I see Cindy a lot when I am in town and I visit with Crystal on the phone occasionally but I haven't had a chance to really visit with Jody for awhile, so I thought it would be fun to do that while we are here.  I'll pick her up tomorrow and we'll decide where we'll have lunch.

My next stop was at G&W, our local grocery store.  Let's see, first I saw Pam and got hugs from her, then I visited with Don, the store manager, next Wilma came around the corner and we had a nice visit.   As I was finishing up, and headed to the checkout, I spied Betty and got more hugs.  Living in a small community, most everyone knows each other and it's great to see so many special people in one place.  

I finally made it to the checkout and paid for my groceries.  As I was pulling out of the parking lot, I saw my friend Carolyn, pull in to a store just a short distance away so I drove down and parked next to her.  I called out to her and said Hello, then walked over to her.  Yep, more hugs.  We had a nice visit before I finally headed back to Bentley - and Dean.  I asked him if he wondered if I was coming back, and he said well, he was beginning to wonder.  

I put the groceries away.  For lunch we had leftover pizza from last night.  We needed to go to our storage unit to take some more things over, and I needed to look for some other paperwork while we were there too.  As we were getting ready to leave, I noticed the clouds were really getting dark in the west.  We no more than got in the truck when very large raindrops began to fall.  It rained pretty hard for quite awhile.  We drove around a bit and when it let up we drove to the storage shed.  It was still sprinkling when we arrived and there was a bunch of water standing outside the unit.  Dean had an old board inside that he laid across the puddle so I could get in without walking through it - since I had sandals on.  It didn't take us too long to carry the few things in and out - and we were soon headed back to Oswego.

We stopped at the bank again to get one more thing from our safety deposit box and we finally headed home.  We saw Todd as we drove in and he told us he got a little over an inch of rain at the park.  We really needed it here badly.  It has been so dry and some of the crops were really getting stressed.  I sure hope this rain didn't come too late for the farmers.  It will certainly give the grass, trees, gardens, and flowers a boost I'm sure.  

I called UPS to see if we had any mail that was important enough for us to make a trip to Pittsburg tomorrow.   I also called the courthouse to see what the dates for voting by absentee ballot were so we could make sure we could vote in both the primary and general elections this fall.  We can actually fill out our absentee ballot this week, before we leave, and we expect to be back in Oswego before the general election so that will work out well for us.

I made sandwiches for supper tonight.  We are really enjoying fresh tomatoes on our sandwiches, and I guess we are taking advantage of it while we can.  The tomato season seems to pass so quickly.

I was just finishing up the dishes when we had a knock on the door and they were here to seal the deal on the sale of the van.  It didn't take long to get all of the paperwork completed and we now have one less vehicle.  While it was great having it while we were staying in Branson during Dean's surgeries, it's a relief not to worry about it now that we plan to be on the road.

After finishing the dishes, I drove the truck to my sister Cindy's.  She had set aside several tomatoes for me.  I was going to stop by Misti's to leave with a couple of things I had for her but she wasn't at home so I'll get with her tomorrow.

So the rest of the evening has been getting caught up with these two posts.  We have much more going on this week, so stay tuned.

Sunday, July 15, 2018 - Lazy Morning; Grilled Hamburgers/Brauts; Sunday Sisterfest in Joplin; Video Call with Matt, Josh & Sara; Taco Salads & Homemade Ice Cream

Sunday, July 15, 2018 - Lazy Morning; Grilled Hamburgers/Brauts; Sunday Sisterfest in Joplin; Video Call with Matt, Josh & Sara; Taco Salads & Homemade Ice Cream 

I cannot believe we slept until 6:00am this morning, and then we took our time enjoying our morning coffee and having breakfast.  Dean went on into Brett's about 8:30-9:00.  I told him I would be in later.  After getting ready, I wanted to make sure everything was done before I went to the house.  I hate returning home to an unmade bed, dishes undone, and things laying around.  Of course, in a small space it really makes a big difference.  Fortunately it doesn't take long, and soon I was joining everyone else inside.  Brett and Tucker were up, but Dacy was still sleeping.  Brett was cleaning his ice cream freezer as he planned to make a batch of ice cream after lunch today.  Yummm!  Who doesn't love homemade ice cream?  

He needed some rock salt before he could make it, so Dean, Tucker and Brett headed to Lamar to get that and a few other things.  Brett started the fire in the grill before he left so we could start the grilling when he returned.  I have been wanting to start going through all of the materials I have received from the states we plan to visit when we head east, so I brought them in to look through while the guys are gone.  When Dacy got up, shortly after they left, we visited about traveling and some of the things to see and do in various places, including cruises.  

I had bought a package of brats a couple of days ago and Brett had some hamburger that he made into patties.  Brett and I both love sauerkraut, so I opened a can and put it on the stove, on low heat, after they returned from town.  It was so good on the brats along with relish and mustard!

I could not stay to eat ice cream with them.  I needed to leave at 12:30 so I could drive to Joplin where I will meet my sisters, Cindy, Crystal and Carla (Jody, to us) at my step-dad's.  I think Cindy and Crystal are the only ones that know I will be there.  When I pulled up, someone opened the door.  I heard Verna say is someone else here, and then I walked in.  Yes, they were surprised.  We had a nice visit.  Crystal brought her famous 4 layer butterscotch dessert.  It's a nice cool dessert to enjoy with this hot weather we are having!  It seemed like the time just flew by..... and it was time to leave.  I took a different route back to Brett's and it seemed much quicker than the drive over.  The sky was really dark to the west of me as I headed north out of Joplin on Highway 43; and a few heavy sprinkles hit the windshield, but I never had to turn the wipers on.

After I got back to the house, Brett put a movie in to watch.  I can't remember the name of it.  Dean and I had seen it before, a few years ago.  It was pretty good.  Afterwards, we went outside to set on the back porch for awhile.  There is such a beautiful view here out over the fields, and then some small rolling hills beyond that.  It's very peaceful and calming.  At 5:30 I went inside to start dinner.  While I was making taco salads, Brett called Matt to talk to him and the family.  Josh and Sarah visited with him and Papa quite a bit, and I had a chance to tell them both hello too.  When we talked to Josh a few days ago, he and Papa were talking about tickling matches.  Josh reminded Papa that he couldn't wait for Papa to tickle him when we get to his house.  He's so cute!  We ate our salads and afterwards I thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream Brett saved for me.  Oh my, it was soooo good.  He added a vanilla bean to the mixture in the blender; as well as some good Mexican vanilla.  Yum!

Taco Salad
Cut up romaine lettuce and fill nice sized individual salad bowls (I use a pasta bowl to spread it out, making it easier to eat).  Add red kidney beans, black olives (sliced), grated cheddar cheese, tomatoes, avocados (chop in bite size pieces), onion (optional). Crunch a bag of nacho cheese Doritos and layer a thin amount over the top.  

Add 3 T of taco seasoning and 1/3-1/2 c of water, or a packet of taco seasoning (follow packet directions) to hamburger and cook until the liquid is almost gone.  We use Dorothy Lynch dressing to top it off.  

Sometimes in place of hamburger I will use 2 cups of cut up rotisserie chicken, adding 1-2 T. taco seasoning and 1/3 c. water.  We really love these taco salads for a lighter main meal, especially during the summer months.


After I finished the dishes, I came back to Bentley to finish yesterday's post and work on today's.

We've had such a good visit with Brett and his family the past few days.  We will be moving to Oswego tomorrow, where we will stay until July 22nd.  We're looking forward to seeing everyone.  It occurred to us a couple of days ago, that we need to change out a few clothing items while we are here.  Since we are leaving so late in the season to head to New York and then on to the New England states, we decided we should probably bring some jackets and coats, so we will take care of that while we in Oswego too.  

We already have a lot planned while we are in Oswego and I think the time will fly by, but hopefully we get to see everyone we want to and get a few chores done as well.  

Until next time!

Saturday, July 14, 2018 - Sunrise: Mary's Flower Cart Cafe-Liberal, MO; 4-H Style Revue; Cooky's Cafe-Golden City, MO; Beautiful Sunset

Saturday, July 14, 2018 - Sunrise: Breakfast; 4-H Style Revue; Cooky's Cafe-Golden City, MO; Beautiful Sunset

Dean was up before me this morning and I got up soon after him in time to have a cup of coffee.  He asked me if I was going to set outside to enjoy the sunrise while having my coffee.  I told him I would be there soon.  Here's the first picture I took.

6:08 a.m.

I took several more as the sun continued to rise.  It was a gorgeous morning.  Nice and cool outside, very quiet and serene.  Yes, I could do this every morning.  Wow, it changed quite a bit in 2 minutes!

6:10 a.m.

I told Dean I'd like to go eat breakfast this morning.  Renae told me about a restaurant in Liberal called Mary's Flower Cart Cafe, so I wanted to try it out since it's nearby.  We asked Brett if he wanted to go with us.  He will drive and we'll follow him since he will be going to to Baxter Springs for Dacy & Tucker's 4-H Style Show this morning.  

It started raining on the way to Mary's Flower Cart Cafe.  It had pretty much let up by the time we arrived.

Flower Cart Cafe

Across the room from our table inside Flower Cart Cafe - Liberal, MO

My mom used to have dishes like this when we were kids.

Everyone liked their breakfast.  The omelets the guys ordered looked really good but it was a lot of food.  I had my normal two, over medium eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and wheat toast.  It was good!

We would love to go with Brett for the entire style show, but it can be quite a long event.  Dean needs to get up and move around every so often and it isn't always easy to maneuver through a crowd of people and chairs, then find a place you can walk around at one of these events.  So, we are going to go to the Style Revue after the Style Show, which does not last near as long.  Last year the Style Show lasted at least an hour beyond the planned time and we were there for several hours.  Dacy and Tucker have done well in these in the past and we have enjoyed watching them model the clothes they have picked out.  They have clothing for various events such as formal, school, sports, etc.  They have to explain about the clothing, what type of material it is made of, when they would wear it, etc.  It's really a great 4H project for them.

We left at 1:15 in order to be in Baxter Springs at the Baptist Church a little before 2:30.  We found Brett and got seated with several minutes to spare, and had a chance to visit with Renae for a little bit once she was done helping Dacy & Tucker, before the revue started.    Tucker and Dacy both won grand champion and reserve grand champion in their age group.  The judge picked out the outfit they were to wear during this afternoon's revue. Dacy wore this dress for prom earlier this year.  Tucker's outfit is his western wear for the fair.

The back drop for the style show and revue.

Tucker and his ribbons

Dacy and her ribbons

All of the 4Her's who were in the Revue.

They also gave a couple of special awards.  One of the awards went to Dacy because she helped some of the smaller girls with their outfits, hair, or whatever was needed before they went out to model.  We were proud of her for being recognized in that manner.

Dean and I left to head back to Brett's before him and the kids left.  We were going to get fuel at the gas station in Baxter Springs, but someone else pulled in before us, so we decided we would just drive to Riverton to get it instead.  By the time we made it back to Brett's they were already there.  We saw some really neat cloud formations this evening - several resembled faces and one even looked a bit like Abe Lincoln.  By the time I got my phone out, and to the place I could take the picture other clouds had moved in with lines across them.  

The horizontal thin clouds were not there when I started to get my phone out.  By the time I got it out, put in my pass code and got to the camera, all of the faces had changed.  We had also moved ahead enough I could only get a portion of the clouds I was looking at.  

Last night we decided we would have dinner at Cooky's Cafe in Golden City tonight.  It has been in business since 1942.  

Just outside the entrance to Cooky's

Article about Cooky's Cafe hanging on the wall inside near where we sat.

Cooky's Cafe, Golden City, MO

The food was really good.  Dean had fried chicken, I had a brisket sandwich, Tucker a BLT, Dacy a Cheeseburger and Brett had Fried Shrimp.  Everyone enjoyed their meal.  I was a little leery about getting the brisket but it was one of their "specialties".  Since Brett told me he had it before and it was pretty good, I went for it.  It was very good.  The bun was toasted on the grill, just the way I like them.  Love that crunch!  Everyone said their meal was great.  Part of the reason we came here was for the pie!  I can't remember how many flavors they have but it was a lot - 20 or more.  Brett had blueberry crunch; Tucker had blackberry crunch; and I had the sugar free blackberry pie.  Everyone was happy with their choice.

Once back at the "ranch" (haha), we visited until about 9 or so, when Dean and I returned to Bentley.  It was a busy, but very fun day.  

Dacy loving on Winston.

Winston resting his paw on Nana's lap.

Beautiful sunset tonight

....and a little to the right of the above picture.