Sock virgin no more

Feb. 26-Mar. 4, 2014 (1 week)

Torreya State Park - Bristol, FL

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“God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose. Take which you please– you can never have both.” Excerpt from Unraveled

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CONTENTS
RV LIFE
KITCHEN TIP
CRAFTS
BOOK REVIEWS
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RV LIFE:
Scott had a great day outside with the dogs and a campfire. A nice 63°. Me? I'm still mopey. I spent the day in the bedroom, in my "den", in my "cozy place". It is what I needed.

We've been making some great choices in parks to stay at lately...ever since leaving TX.  Torreya State Park is another winner. It's quiet, and surrounded by all kinds of trees, bushes with spanish moss hanging all around. Yep, this is a cozy place.

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KITCHEN TIP:

I love popcorn. I had a "Stir Crazy" popcorn popper when we had a house. It worked great and I even gave them to my Mom and Dad and my Brother for Christmas one year. But, it is a bulky one use appliance, that is not worth the space in an RV.
I don't like the microwavable popcorn. They are either too greasy or too high in calories. I also don't want to have to watch and shake a pot to pop popcorn.

Why can't I make my own microwave popcorn?
2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a microwave safe bowl
1/3 cup kernels
Place in the microwave and put a steamer lid over the top or something that covers the lid but has holes in it.
Nuke for 5-minutes, until kernels are barely popping.

The result? Pretty good, except the popped kernels burnt slightly in the center part of the bowl. But, I actually like burnt popcorn. But for those who would rather have unburnt popcorn, I have a solution. I saw this while surfing the net.
Soak the unpopped kernels in water for 10 minutes. Strain and pat dry. Nuke as above with oil. The additional moisture helps the popcorn pop up fluffier with fewer “old maids” and no burning. I had to nuke for 6 minutes.

Update 3/1/14: In case you don't read the comments section, Allison of Allison's Post Work Thinking Blog, gave me a link to a microwave popper that I've never seen before. 5 stars reviews, and cheap! Check out the Nordic Ware Popcorn Popper. Allison uses it to steam veggies.
THANK YOU ALLISON!
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CRAFTS:
One of the disadvantages of not staying in a permanent place is mail. Usually this is not a problem, as we do most of our business/bills/banking electronically. But when it comes to mail order, then timing is essential. Will we be able to receive mail at the park? Will we stay long enough to get that package? Or have the package sent to our TX address and then resent when we are settled somewhere for a week or two. Then I am paying double postage. Postage to TX and postage from TX to our current location. With that being said, I have missed out on TWO Mystery Knit-a-Longs. I had them planned and spaced far enough apart to not overwhelm me. But, my yarn coming from Malaysia has been stuck in customs in NYC for over a month! The 2nd clue is already out and I have no supplies for it. My March MKAL starts, well, in March and I missed the yarn delivery when I had our mail sent to us last week. Life is just so difficult isn't it? ;)

I have been knitting though. I finished a ruched beret/slouch hat. This is made out of 100% Alpaca wool that I picked up in Oregon. It is so soft and lofty. When I knit with it, I swear I can feel the lanolin on my fingers. I may become a yarn snob and insist on alpaca instead of sheep wool.

I'm in the process of making a cowl and fingerless gloves to match.

And I'm happy to announce that I've finally joined the crowd and have become a sock knitter. Well, sort of. I have finished my first pair of socks. Yes, a pair. I've heard of some knitters that make one sock and never get around to the other. Nope, not me. A sock for each foot. I did make one major mistake, but nothing to ruin the wearability, just the look. Can you see the difference?

L: Knit 1, Purl 1 rib  R: Knit 2, Purl 2 rib

Which do you like better? The pattern called for the pattern on the right, but I prefer the look of my mistake pattern on the left.

I'm proud of my first attempt. They fit well, they are comfortable, but are they worth the price of yarn and the time to knit them? Probably not. But they are easy enough and could be just a "go to" project. This pattern is called "Socks by the Numbers". It is a top/down pattern, meaning it starts at the cuff and ends at the toe. If you were ever interested in trying to knit a pair of socks, this is the pattern to try. I hope to eventually knit a pair toe/up and also two at once. Time will tell.

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BOOK REVIEW: (Kindle)
Unravel by Calia Read
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this down. I was drawn into this girl's world. The author did an excellent job of drawing you in by her subtle descriptions of surroundings and private thoughts. I feel as if she was in MY head sometimes.
A sad and as others have stated "raw" book. I went through so many emotions...hatred, love, sexual fantasy, fear, longing to find out what happens and how all is linked.
Very rare for me to enjoy and be so entrenched in a book. How will I ever enjoy another book again?

Superbia 2 by Bernard Schaffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Superbia II is down and dirty about life as a cop. No grand heroics. Just what is like to deal with bad economy, so budget cuts in the office. Dealing with trying to keep home and your job separate.



Way of the Warrior by Bernard Schaffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Way of the Warrior was very interesting. It was an like an orientation class welcoming and educating new hires into the police force.



I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Molly Harper's take on the world of vampires. Vampires and humans can co-exist and be family.
A really FUN read. You need something light and something to make you laugh. Check out Ms. Harper's books.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Mar. 5-11, 2014 (1 week)
Cedar Key RV Resort - Cedar Key, FL
Mar. 12-20, 2014 (9 days)
Mom and Dad Segrell - Altoona, FL

D.A.D.

Fri. Oct 11 - Sun. Oct. 20 Tues. Oct. 22, 2013 (10 days) Moab Rim RV Campark - Moab, UT

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When you procrastinate, you become a slave to yesterday. – 
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
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RV LIFE:

It was nice to get comments from women that were very understanding of my moods and medication. One person mentioned her husband suffered from S.A.D. which is Seasonal Affective Disorder. This usually occurs in the Winter and treatment is light therapy. I suffer from that also. I never realized it until a co-worker who's known me for years pointed it out to me.

Well, I think I also suffer from something I named, D.A.D. which is Desert Affective Disorder. I don't like the desert and find beauty in it for only seconds at a time. I have no desire to sit outside amid the red dirt. I do not enjoy walking the dogs and having to watch for so many plants that want to poke into their paws and wrap around and knot their fur. I want coziness, meaning trees wrapped around our site. Sigh. 

We were planning on spending a month this Winter in Deming, NM, but not sure I can handle it.

I've been researching (again) the tax rates, etc. of retirement friendly States. The list is narrowing down. Not in order of preference, just alphabetical.

Pennsylvania:
Good: No income tax on pensions
Good: Median house price $165,000.
Bad: High property tax (still lower than NJ)

South Dakota:
Good: No income tax on pensions
Good: Median house price $127,000.
Bad: High property tax, but houses are so cheap it won't be bad.

Tennessee:
Good: No income tax on pensions
Good: Median house price $138,000.
Good: Low property tax

Washington:
Good: No income tax on pensions
Bad: Median house price $288,000.
Good: Low property tax

Wyoming:
Good: No income tax on pensions
Good: Median house price $184,000.
Good: Low property tax
Bad: Hard winters?
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PET PEEVE:
I've actually been coming out of this blah mood. Yesterday, I was all ready to take the dogs for a long morning walk. It was cool out, but the sun was shining. I had my Ipod ready with an audio book queued. I also brought a paperback, so when we reached a higher elevation, I was going to find a nice boulder to sit and read for a while. But, best laid plans...
I was walking in the RV park heading towards the trails. The dogs were happy, I was happy and then ahead, I see a large dog eyeing Devin. OK, let's just be aware. We continue walking and the large dog comes closer, creeping with that stare. He is not on a leash. The large dog looks back towards his RV. I think he was waiting to be told to stay. But the idiot teenager is sitting on the picnic table lost in space. The dog creeps even closer never taking his eyes off Devin.  I decide it's time to stop. I shout to the idiot teenager, "Is your dog, dog friendly?". The idiot teenager looks up and then Dad jumps in to call the dog back, but he charges and I try to run backwards, but Lyla is behind me and I fall over her. Luckily, the large dog listened to his owner and returned to the site. Nothing but Lyla to break my fall. I fall on my bubble butt, Lyla yelps, I snap my neck back and I hit my head on the gravel road. Reminded me of a hockey player hitting the ice and getting a concussion. A camper on the other side runs over to help me up, gather up my Ipod and make sure I'm OK. When I fell, I let go of Devin's leash. Devin was so scared, he just stayed by my side instead of taking off. Good boy! The owner of the unfriendly dog, never came by to help and never apologized. So I guess the idiot teenager is like that because he has an idiot for a Father.
So the Pet Peeve is dog owners that let their dog be off leash when they are not good around other dogs or people. The dog was fairly well behaved, in that he did stay in his RV site until he saw us. The dog did look back for guidance. But he shouldn't be loose if he's going to attack!!!!
I never said anything to them because I was so upset. Instead of a nice long walk, I just walked until the dogs did what was needed while I was sobbing the whole time. I can't believe these people never apologized. So much for me feeling better. I got so depressed about the incident, I just wanted to go home and hide in bed. Scott wouldn't let me take a nap in case I did have a concussion. A day later and I'm fine and so is Lyla. I'm over it now. Just angry instead of depressed.
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SIGHTS:
Arches National Park, Moab, UT
$5./per person, walk in $10./per car Both good for 7 days.
Our price $0./zero/nada because we have the All Access Annual Nat'l Park pass.
Dogs NOT ALLOWED on trails.

Penis rock on left

I've held it in as long as I could. I swore to Scott that I wouldn't post our private joke, but I have little willpower. Ever since we drove through Needles Highway in Custer State Park, I've named a particular shaped rock as "penis rocks" and there were many along Needles Highway. Now you'll never be able to look at those tall thin rock formations without thinking, hey, they do look like you know what.

Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT
$5./per person, walk in $10./per car Both good for 7 days.
Our price $0./zero/nada because we have the All Access Annual Nat'l Park pass.
Dogs NOT ALLOWED on trails.

Scott visited Canyonlands National Park the other day. I opted to stay home and bake cookies and nest. If I stay in the RV, it doesn't matter where we are, I'm home.

Scott had a great time and was gone all day. I'm very glad I didn't go.

Only one photo, although Scott probably took over 50 photos. But hey, this is my blog and this just does not interest me. I've seen enough of this landscape. I'll link to his facebook page when he posts about it.
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BROWSING THE WWW:
While just cruising the net, I came across the phrase "Life Hacks". Well, that opened up a whole new world for me. Life Hacks are really just ways to make life easier.
Kitchen Life Hack:

Comfort food needed

Mar 14 - 27, 2013 Desert Trails RV Park - Tucson AZ 85735
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RV LIFE:
So after taking an Exedrine & a Benadryl, I was able to be asleep by 10:30pm, even though I had taken a "nap" from 2:30pm - 6:30pm. We were supposed to go out to dinner. Scott woke me up 2x's and I just rolled over. He finally said, "I'm getting kinda hungry. Are we going out?". My answer was "No" and curled up in the fetal position for a few more minutes.
This morning, I woke up feeling really good. The temp outside was 51°. Too cold to sit outside first thing in the morning. The temp went up to 65°. Perfect! Took the dogs for a walk and by the time I got back, it was too hot to sit outside and my headache is back.  I thought people moved to AZ to avoid allergies.
Mello Mike, commented that he lives in AZ and it sounds like allergies. Double ugh! So another day of headaches, itchy and burning eyes and feeling like doing nothing but closing my eyes for relief.
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FOOD:
Maybe I need some "comfort food" made by Chef Scott. He is such a good cook. He made a throw together crock pot stew the other night for the pot luck dinner. I only have the before photo. It cooked down nicely and was delicious!

It's been a about a month since I've had ice cream. I'm really craving it since I'm sick and I "deserve" to have some ice cream to make me feel better. It will right? Of course!

In the meantime, I'll just have a cup of coffee with some Cinnabon creamer and Frangelico added. Sip, ahhh, I'm feeling better already!

Isn't that a cute mug? That was a present from one of my former Post Office co-workers, Anna.

What is your comfort food or comfort technique? I think just typing out my complaints to you is making me feel better already. Thank you for putting up with me. I hope you'll continue to follow me as this private, introvert, blurts out 

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FOOD REVIEW:

International Delight Cinnabon Coffee Creamer

My rating 5 out of 5

We love Cinnabons and cinnamon in general. I usually don't use cream & sugar in my coffee. I drink tea and coffee straight up, black. But, when it's cold out or when I need a comfort drink, then I turn to this creamer.

It's not as bad for me as I first thought. I knew it wasn't really a dairy product, so I figured it was full of trans fats. Wrong! Pleasantly surprised that there are no trans fats and no cholesterol. Of course it's packed with sugar. If I'm adding "cream" I also add sugar, so this kills 2 birds with one stone.

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KITCHEN TIP - Onion tears:
We both love onions in our cooking. But I am VERY AFFECTED by the onions. I usually have to go wash my eyes out and then go outside. It is a horrible sensation.
I've tried a clothes pin on my nose...doesn't work
I've tried biting down on a piece of bread...doesn't work

I've tried opening the window, turning on the exhaust fan...helps a little.
I've tried turning on the gas stove and or lighting a candle & cutting near the flame...helps somewhat.
I finally found a solution that works wonderfully!

May not look great, but I'll sacrifice beauty for comfort. I picked up a pair of $1.99 kids pool goggles at a camp store. I have a little head, so they fit fine. But more important, I could stay in the same room with the onions and not develop any burning tears!
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WHERE WE'RE GOING

Mar 14 - 27, 2013 Desert Trails RV Park - Tucson AZ 85735

Mar. 28 - Apr. 10, 2013 Dead Horse Ranch State Park - Cottonwood, AZ

Apr. 11 - Apr. 17, 2013 Trailer Village - (Part of Grand Canyon Park), AZ

NV, CA, OR, ID, WA, MT, ND, SD, WY, then south for the Winter of 2013/2014

Time flies...

FOUR PAWS KINGDOM

Rutherfordton, NC 28139

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RV LIFE: Still workamping, still enjoying our time here.

Scott clearing woods

Devin & Lyla still enjoying life at "The Kingdom" (Four Paws Kingdom)

Most popular person at the dog park is the person with the dog treats in their pocket. Probably the most "stupid" person also.

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In spite of our small RV kitchen, Scott still cooks some great meals, just not as often as when we lived in a house.

This is Scott's first rib roast in our RV. Yummy! He has this down to perfection. So delicious. 

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TIP: (Kitchen)

My breakfast normally consists of coffee, toasted whole wheat bread with PB & J on top. Scott bought some cinnamon raisin bread, so I've been having that for breakfast instead. PB & J on cinnamon raisin bread isn't a good combo in my world. So, I use butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top.  We don't use butter often, so when I need butter for toast, it's hard. 

Here's my solution:

Use a vegetable peeler to peel the butter into thin slices. The slices go on the warm toast and voila, melted butter.

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BOOK REVIEW:

The Prince Of Beverly Hills by Stuart Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My first Stuart Woods book. I like the characters. I guess I was drawn in, to the wealth & power of the rich movie production companies.
Set in the late 1930's early 1940's, I at first had a difficult time acclimating to that time period.
It was difficult to believe the money that was thrown around and the ease that the main character (head of security), could just command things and they were done no matter what the cost & how quickly he was trusted completely and moved up in the business. But this is fiction, so...
As head of security for the studio, Rick Barron needs to prevent problems and if there are problems, solve them and make sure they are not made public. Protect the movie stars and the production company's reputations.
There is part Lives of the Rich & Famous, part Romance, part Mobster, part War novel.
I look forward to reading more in this series.


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