Warning signs of a Cult

Six years ago...

 I love it when I run across one of these photos that were posted in the past on facebook. We both liked to play shuffleboard, but we just did not have time for everything.

When you turn 80

 I often said that when I turned 80, it was a change unlike any other. Turning 70 wasn't a big deal. I barely gave a minute's thought to it. 80 was different. So when I stumbled upon this YouTube video, it opened a door I had not opened before. I think those who are already there will recognize it, and those who have yet to be there will enjoy the look of what is to come.

https://youtu.be/ipUNDBSI9Jw?si=oxGej_fYOTAbugjP

After the Storm

 Iowa was hit pretty hard with a snowstorm this Thanksgiving weekend. Keri sent me some photos taken at their home in Jefferson.

I take pics now and then while on our morning walks, and then I forget to post them.

Here are some of them...

There are crops growing beside the park, and this is on our walking route. These are workers taking care of the crop (kale?). I noticed, while taking this by, I am guessing the foreman. It was not a pleasant look, so I only took this one shot.

Meeting up with Renie.

This was a foggy morning, and that is a photo of the sun.

By the way, it's after 3:00 AM, and I was having trouble sleeping, so I decided to make better use of my time than staring at the ceiling thinking of oddball stuff. If something doesn't make much sense, chalk it up to that.

I think I will go back to bed now and try to get some more sleep.

Greatgrands

 Granddaughter Amanda takes pictures of her two children every fall. These are my favorites of the 57 taken.

Elise in 2025

Leo in 2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

My Checklist

 If you ask me how to do it and what makes me strong, this is it.

Bernie's Famous Fruit Cake

 My son reminded me today of Bernie's Fruitcake. We lived on Lake Panorama for a few years, and Bernie was our neighbor. He made this very delicious fruitcake every year, and it was something to look forward to. Turkey day is nearly here, and Fruitcake day is not far behind. I could write a whole blog entry about Bernie because he was a very special guy to us and all who knew him. I would ask Bernie for his recipe every season, and he would always say he would make it for me instead. Finally, he did give it to me. Bernie passed on quite some time ago, but his fruitcake will live forever.

Recipe:   Bernie's Fruitcake    12/16/2007

Category: Holiday

Author:   Bernie Craig

2 C Flour

1 1/2 C Sugar

1 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

4 eggs

3 T butter-room temp.

4 -8 oz. Jars Whole Maraschino Cherries (Drain 3 jars)

2 C Pecan halves or pieces

2 C Walnut halves or pieces

1 LB. Raisins

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Stir in eggs, one at a time. Add remaining ingredients one at a time in the order listed, mixing gently.

Pour into an ungreased tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Increase the heat to 325 degrees and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Let cool in the pan, then remove. Wrap in foil or plastic and store in the refrigerator.

Allow 1 to 2 days for flavors to mingle before serving.

I never liked fruitcake until I tasted Bernie's. :-)

If you live close and decide to make it, I would love to have a slice and

think of our good friend Bernie Craig

Monarchs

 Monarchs migrate South to Mexico every year. Their route covers a large part of the migration through the Midwest, into South Texas, and on to Mexico. It is a magnificent thing and has been covered by many nature shows.

My son and his wife, Jason and Laura, are lucky to have a large number of Monarchs stop for a breather in their yard, and they enjoy the company as long as it lasts. 

Here we have had more fans with Dot and Wink. Wink recently passed, but Dot has carried on by paying attention and keeping them cared for as much as possible on their trip. Last season, Wink brought over a jar with a cocoon in it to happy hour, and we were able to watch the process firsthand. Wink built an "incubator" for them that made it more comfy for the Monarchs and easier for us to see what was taking place.

A few days ago, Dot brought over the incubator because a cocoon had opened and the Monarch was getting ready to use his new wings to head South, and we were lucky enough to be able to see it! 

Right before takeoff!