RAINBOW'S END RV PARK, Livingston, TX 77351
Feb. 11-17, 2012

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RV LIFE:

So, I'm out of my "funk" for a while at least. I'm embracing my free time and as you can see from reviews below, I'm enjoying reading books, and listening to audio books while taking the dogs on long walks. I've also been knitting more. Hopefully, I'll break out the embroidery machine and try my hand at that again. One of these days, I'll attempt the knitting machine maybe when we are staying in one place for at least 2 weeks.

Since we are back "home" or more accurately, in our domicile town, we've been mail ordering again. Rainbow's End RV Park is the headquarters for Escapees RV Club. This is where our mail is delivered to and then forwarded where ever we happen to be.

We've renewed our registrations. $190. total for truck & 5th wheel. We got our truck inspected $15. We will probably by pass getting our RV inspected. It's just a PIA to unhitch and take it someplace to inspect. As long as we're out of TX by March 1st, we're good until we come back to TX, which will be quite a while.

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GADGETS:

Scott ordered another Satellite Meter from our favorite on line store, Amazon.

A satellite meter is a great aid in positioning your satellite dish to find the satellites needed for reception. Our previous meter was dropped and the screen broke. It still worked via tones, but it's much easier to position the satellite with the screen view also. Since we are constantly moving, the $180. price tag was worth it. Here is a link to the video showing how to use the meter. 

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CRAFTS:

I joined the "Stitch n' Chat" group this morning here at Rainbow's end. If I was staying here, I think I would really enjoy this group of ladies. There were knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers and plastic canvasers. I was able to give away the remainder of my craft magazines and leaflets that I have scanned into my computer. Ahhh, I feel the weight lifted. 

I ordered my first "good" pair of sewing scissors. I've bought decent scissors from craft stores in the past, and they were only used for fabric, but they have dulled. I've tried sharpening, but could never could get the joint/pivot area sharp, so only the tips were useful. So after reading reviews I decided on Gingher Dressmaker Shears.

While researching, I was hoping for a longer pair, but the reviews stated that the longer the scissors, the wider you have to open the scissors for full use. Since I have small hands, I opted for 8" instead of 10-12" scissors.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

I also ordered Knitter's Pride Dreamz interchangeable circular needle set from Eat.Knit.Sleep. It took quite a bit of willpower not to order some of their beautiful handpainted yarns. I have enough stash...more than enough stash.

Dreamz Wooden

These are smooth sharp wooden needles that are interchangeable with the cables. I NEVER use straight needles anymore. Straight needles just get in the way. I also have a pair of Knit Picks Harmony Wooden & Zephyr Acrylic interchangeable needles.

Harmony wood

Zephyr Acrylic

Trendz Acrylic

If you are an avid knitter, treat yourself to a set of interchangeable wooden needles. I first purchased the Knit Picks Harmony because the wood grain was soooooooo beautiful! But, what I did not like was that all sizes were the same design/color. So I have to constantly check the size with the needle sizer. At the time of purchase, this was the only pretty, good quality wooden interchangeable available. I also purchased the clear Zephyr acrylic, just for the uniqueness. I don't particularly like the acrylic.

With much use and abuse, some needles have broken. Why would a wooden needle break when they are "safe" in my soft bed. Oh, if a dog happens to use my knitting tote as a pillow, I guess that could break them. Duh! Knit Picks replace needs free of charge, but I've opted to purchase the now available different color/different size needle set from Knitter's Pride. 

Knitter's Pride Dreamz has a disclaimer stating no guarantee that their interchangeables will fit Knit Picks Harmony...but they do!

I love both Harmony and Dreamz. Dreamz has the advantage because of the different colors for different needle sizes.

My rating 5 out ot 5

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AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:

Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sequel to Shanghai Girls. It is almost an essential read because Shanghai Girls leaves the story open.
Overall, this is very depressing. Communism taking over China and the abuse of the original idea.
But it is also heartwarming the depth of love, dedication and determination to strive for happiness.


The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Typical Sherlock Holmes story. This was just a short story, only 45 minutes long.


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BOOK REVIEW:

Denial by Keith Ablow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

So many dysfunctional characters, short bursts of raw sex (no romance). About 50 pages into the book I was ready to quit because I couldn't deal with the characters that lacked my respect and had no self control. But I plodded on and the story did suck me in.
With things coming to a conclusion, I was ready to give this 4 stars. But the end was just ridiculous. Characters that are narcissistic, emotionally immature, have no self control, and no social skills.
I wish I hadn't wasted my time.

Key Weird by Robert Tacoma
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Horrible, horrible book. Definitely TRYING to write like Carl Hiaasen, but failing miserably. No point to the story. Different characters from different areas and walks of life end up in Key West. I thought the story would somehow bring them all together in one story, but no. Stick with Carl Hiaasen if you looking for a decent story with some memorable odd characters.


View all my reviews

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WHERE WE'RE GOING

Feb. 18 - 25, 2012

TRAVELER'S WORLD, San Antonio, TX 78214

Freeloader (Title change from Self Reflection)

Sandy Creek COE 
Jasper TX 75951
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RV LIFE: 

So after a year and half of RV fulltime, I'm bored. What???? 

Well, let me explain, maybe.

Throughout college and into my adult life, I have always worked full time and even quite a bit of overtime. Time has always been very precious, with not enough hours in the day. Even during our first year of RV'ing, I had a lot of scanning of photos to do and still enjoying the luxury of time to do crafts and sight see and walk. I now find myself with lots of time on my hands. All my scanning is complete, there is no house and bills to keep track of, no house to clean, no foster pets to train and clean up after, no garden or lawn to upkeep, no job to complain about. So what do I do?

In reality, I'm not bored because I don't have anything to do. I have plenty I can do.

Play computer games, read books & magazines, listen to books and podcasts, follow blogs, knit, crochet, xstitch, walk/explore, watch movies, nap, geocache, rv chores. Plenty to do, but do I want to do them? Some yes, some no.

I'm finding that I need to feel worthy. I'm having a difficult time not contributing to the running of the world. I feel very selfish with all this time and not working. This is just something I have to work through. I guess that's why I volunteer, I guess that's why I signed us up to workamp at Four Paws for 3 months. I need to feel like I'm contributing to making the world go round and to make life easier for others.

I'm finding it difficult spending the majority of time doing things just for me. This has been my ultimate goal, to retire and have the time to do as I please. Now it's here and I'm having a difficult time adjusting. I need to feel worthy or that I earned this time. I feel nothing in life is free and right now I'm freeloading.

I think iI should maybe explore self reflection. Meaning, instead of trying to seek my worthiness within and never living up to it, maybe I should try to see myself as others see me, which I think would be a much better view.

So now that I've decided Self Reflection is the better term, I've searched the net for help. This blog has been such a help in my life. Posting my thoughts leads me to researching instead of just sitting in a chair and pondering. So what I've found so far and this has really lifted my spirits already...

From Wendy Dawn's article in Psychology Today.

"Those who have successfully completed addiction programs, or followed religions that emphasize self reflection have proven that being aware of ourselves is a critical step toward self improvement."

I guess what I'm looking for is self improvement or maybe self acceptance.

I found an informative webiste, that I plan on exploring when my mind is fresh and not now as I'm ready for bed.

Check out Personal Excellence. I plan on looking over the 101 questions to ask myself. 

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WILDLIFE: 

Two surprises were found recently. While in Jefferson, TX, we saw white Pelicans .

 I thought Pelicans were grey & only found in the tropical climates. After searching the net, I found this map of where American White Pelicans are found.

Sure enough, we're in the blue area.

Now in Jasper, TX, we were told to be careful of alligators. Again, I thought they were found only in tropical climates. Obviously, not true.

This 6' gator is right on the shoreline by the boat ramp at our campground.

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BOOK REVIEW:

Killing Floor by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Action packed, "Die Hard" type story. Suspense, a little romance, a macho rebel hero.
I look forward to continuing this series.


View all my reviews

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FOOD: I made sauteed sweet potatoes tonight. Yum!

Just cube. Heat frying pan with a touch of olive oil. Throw the sweet potato cubes in and slow saute away. The outside forms a sweet crust and the inside is soft and sweet. Just add some salt & pepper to taste. Delicious. For an added zing, crumble fresh rosemary into it.

Sports

SANDY CREEK COE PARK 

Jasper, TX 75951

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RV LIFE:

Scott is very happy that the Hockey lock out is over. He is a huge Flyers fan (don't hate). While in high school, I followed our football & basketball teams, and while in college I developed a love for soccer. Loved seeing those college guys with their beautifully muscled thighs kicking high in the air.

Northeastern Bible College Soccer Team 1976

Once out of school, I lost all interest in ALL sports. Of all the sports, I thought Hockey would be one of the last I'd ever follow. And then along comes Scott. As a good girlfriend, I "listened" to him talk about the players and teams & plays of hockey. Little by little, info sank in. I eventually became a Flyers fan. In reality I was a Hextall fan, then a Brind'amour fan.

We went to a dinner and sat with a couple of Flyers. We went to the Wive's Carnival and had photos taken with Brind'Amour and the Stanley Cup. We also went to Voorhees, NJ to their training site and waited outside the rink to get our Flyer's jerseys signed.

I loved to see Ron Hextall stretch to warm up and stretch out to block a goal!
And Brind'Amour...well...

Then Hextall retired and Brind'Amour was traded to the Hurricanes. I was done. I am no longer a hockey fan, but of course Scott continues to follow the Flyers.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW:
Austin Street Bistro, Jefferson, TX 75657
Our rating is 4.5 out of 5

Very quaint restaurant. Flowered cloth tablecloths reminding me of a "tea room" type atmosphere. Very cool dark wood "bar" that was used just for storing extra plates, etc.

Very nice wait staff.
BLACKBERRY POMEGRANATE GREEN TEA: Delicious. Not too sweet, with just a touch of blackberry flavor. Free refills.
IRISH POTATO SOUP: Wonderful! This came with a delicious OATMEAL MOLASSES ROLL with MAPLE BUTTER melted on top.
I am craving this maple butter. I will be trying to make this at home.
TOMATO BASIL SOUP: Good, but nothing special. This was paired with CROSTINI, but I would call it more of a FOCACCIA. With that being said, it was delicious whatever you call it!
While waiting for our salads and main course, we could start to smell the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen, butter & garlic...oh my! Really whets your appetite!
SALAD: Included with dinner. We weren't given a choice of dressing. We were told the dressing was a home made house dressing. Salad consisted of baby greens. Simple salad, but also delicious with the light vinaigrette dressing drizzled throughout. This was served with the oatmeal molasses roll mentioned above.
SHEPHERD'S PIE: Overall this was good. Basically a thick slice of meatloaf smothered with tomato based sauce and vegetables.
ROOSTER'S SKIN: I would not order this again. The base was an open baked potato that was smothered with a tomato sauce with peppers, sausage & chicken. I didn't even taste the potato. This dish would be better suited over a hearty garlic bread or pasta. The sausage, chicken, peppers and sauce were delicious. Just not the right combo with potato.
ALMOND POUND CAKE: Very rich and very good. Baked in a bundt pan. The edges were over done and more than browned. A huge serving served warm with the fabulous maple butter melted on top. Would love this with a nice cup of coffee.
BREAD PUDDING: Rich & delicious.
Right after we started our main course, a group of ladies came in and we heard as they would order, the waitress would say we are out of that, multiple times. This was only about 6pm, so early in the evening to be running out.
Over all, I would LOVE to go back here. A great date night atmosphere. A great ladies night out atmosphere. Just don't have your heart set on a specific menu item. They may have run out.

Lone Star Buffet, Jasper, TX 75951
Our rating 3 out of 5
Looking at the only review on Yelp, it was given 1 star and titled "Gross". I'm sure a teen or 20 something wrote this review.
"A lot of old people eat here and that is because they have liver and onions..."
"Old" people love buffets, but so do young people too. Just skip over the liver and onions. I'm 56 and skipped right over that item. We only saw 1 other "old" couple. We were young compared to the other couple. Most patrons were in their 20's. A lot of scrubs, so I think this is a favorite place for lunch for the local medical office workers.
During the week, this is only open until 2:30. It is not a huge buffet at all. One section for salads, one section for main courses, and one section for deserts. But for the $10. it costs, it was worth it.
The salad buffet was fresh and quite a variety of items making for a very satisfying salad. I tried the HOUSE CAESAR DRESSING, which I thought was very good and not overly thick and heavy.
A decent number of choices for the main courses, most of which were covered in some kind of gravy or sauce. Meatloaf was above average. All the other items were average.
A nice surprise were their huge POTATO ROLLS! Absolutely delicious. You can buy them separately and I was very tempted.
Deserts consisted of a lemon and a chocolate cream pie. They looked like they had been sitting around for too long. Bread pudding was decent. Soft serve ice desert. Can't call it ice cream, because it wasn't. Maybe ice milk? or ice yogurt? Only vanilla offered with some toppings available.
Will probably not return, BUT, if you are in the mood to pig out on some home style gloppy casserole foods, go ahead and enjoy.
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CRAFTS: While in Rutherfordon, NC at the laundry, I met a woman crocheting scrubbies made out of nylon netting. She gave me one to keep. I prefer soap pouches rather than scrubbies. I can toss in the scrap pieces of soap that keep slipping out of your hands when they get too small.

Nylon netting

Scrubbie from nylon netting

I cut the netting into 2" strips and just tied the ends together and rolled into a ball.

Netting "yarn"

My soap scrap scrubbie

Another cake I saw on facebook, that looks like knitting.

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PETS:

One think I thing all RV'rs miss is a regular bathroom. Some of the newer RV's have a decent sized bathroom, almost like home. Ours is not one of those. Our shower is in our bedroom and our toilet is in a "closet". Our dogs have always wanted to be where we are, even if it's in a stinky bathroom. Of course I'm sure the dogs find the stinky interesting rather than offensive.

Poor Lyla can't fit inside the toilet closet, so she gets as close as possible. She moans and sniffs the opening at the bottom of the door, so she can still get those "interesting" smells.

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WHERE WE ARE GOING:
Feb. 11 - 17, 2012
RAINBOW PARK Livingston, TX 77351 Escapees Headquarters

Feb. 18 - 25, 2012
TRAVELER'S WORLD, San Antonio, TX 78214

Buckhorn Creek COE Park review, Jefferson, TX

BUCKHORN CREEK COE PARK , Jefferson, TX 75657

Site B122 $26./day

Our rating 4 out of 5

Campsite B122

SITES: Mostly back ins. Decent amount of space between sights. Sites along the river have a large grassy area.

HOOK UPS: W&E (50amp) Dump station
BATHROOMS: Clean
LAUNDRY: none
PETS: Welcome, plenty of places to walk them.
WIFI: none
VERIZON INTERNET: Very Good
SPRINT INTERNET: No signal
VERIZON PHONE: Very Good
AT&T PHONE: Good
BOOK EXCHANGE: None
MAIL ACCEPTED: No
AREA/TOWN/SIGHTS: A little convenience store and propane about 4 miles away. Town of Jefferson is about 14 miles away. This town is well worth the drive. Lots of history, some good casual restaurants, and antiques.
Other notes: This is the cleanest fire pit we've encountered! And we are loaded with firewood!

Firewood left at site

View from our back window.

Lots of fishing for crappie here. So there are lots of smelly dead things for our dogs to find.

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AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting life story of 2 sisters in China in the 1930's. How they transition over or not transition to American life.
One sister is a thrill seeker and grab life and fly. She is an optimist. The other sister plays is safe, but does not necessarily make that the best choice.
Follow their lives through their teens until they are middle aged.
Over all, I found it interesting, informative, yet mostly depressing. I almost gave this novel a 3 because of the ending leaving us hanging. But, aha! There is a sequel, "Dreams of Joy", that I have already downloaded. Hopefully the sequel will clean things up and may be more upbeat.


View all my reviews
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RESTAURANT REVIEW:
Kitt's Kornbread Sandwich and Pie Bar, Jefferson, TX
My rating 4 out of 5
  
Another great casual restaurant in this little town of Jefferson. Another restaurant set in an old building, dating back to 1880's.
Staff was quick, efficient, and down to earth.
Simple menu, but I found plenty that I would like. All sandwiches are made with sliced cornbread. No worries, this cornbread stays together when you hold the sandwich and bite into it.
HUNGRY FARMERS STEW: A slightly thickened vegetable soup with chicken and sliced sausage. Blue tortilla dunked on top with shredded cheddar. Good flavor, just a slight bite of heat.
BROCCOLI SALAD: Excellent! Probably the best we have had. Not overloaded with dressing. Broccoli was in tiny little pieces as well as the other vegees, for easy eating. I'd love to take some home!
THE TEXAN: This was chili on top of sliced cornbread. Nice hearty lunch. Chili was average. Not great, but not bad. This may be my new way to eat chili. Maybe call it "Cornbread a la mode"? A scoop of chili over cornbread.
THE IRISH: Their version of a Reuben. Not a big, thick sandwich. Is fine for lunch, but for a dinner, you'd want to add some sides to fill you up. Corned beef was very tasty, what little there was. A slice of Swiss cheese and fresh red onion. The combo was really wonderful.
I would definitely return and maybe try The Redneck, a fried bologna sandwich. My Mom used to make fried bologna quite often when I was a kid. A substitute for pork roll, that could be difficult to find sometimes.

Ahhhh!

BUCKHORN CREEK COE PARK 

Jefferson, TX 75657

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RV LIFE:

Ahhhh! These last couple of days have been wonderful.

Ahhhh! The weather is delightful. 45-50° overnight into the morning and 60-70° in the afternoon. 

Mmmm! Scott made smoked chicken in the Cobb for dinner. 

Mmmm! Yummy lunch out.

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SIGHTS: Jefferson, TX

What a sweet little town Jefferson is. We have done more in little ol' town of Jefferson, TX than in busy Little Rock, AR.

We enjoyed a lovely walk on a lovely day, for a quick look-see through town. So many historical buildings still standing. Many kitchy stores set up inside these old buildings.

Quite a few antique stores also. We are not into junk, oops antiques at all. Sure, I'll refinish an old piece of furniture, but I won't pay top dollar because it's an "antique". I'd rather go to Good Will.
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CRAFTS & the digital world unite:  

All joking aside, I have found the most fabulous app for the I-Pad!!!! I am all for reducing paperwork and try to do as much on the computer or other digital devices as I can.

Essentials for following a pattern is my clicky thing row counter.

Magnetic chart keeper for more complicated patterns.

Highlighter tape can be found at office supplies and some crafts stores.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

JKnit HD Lite is a wonderful app for keeping track line by line, row by row of where you are. Once you figure out how to get the pdf into the program this is super easy to use. This takes the place of the magnetic row keeper and the highlighter tape. I still use my clicky just in case my I-pad dies. I haven't seen the benefit of purchasing the "pro" app. I'm very happy with the free "lite" app.

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PETS:

Poor Devin, ever since those "scary children" came into his safe home (RV) for a visit, he has become hypersensitive to children. Now when he sees children even passing our site he creeps under the RV to hide. Even if he hears kids playing/laughing outside, while he's inside, he hides in the back of the bedroom. Poor baby.  I'd like to help him get over this, but we are not exposed to children often, I don't want to be exposed to children and it would take a dog savvy Mom to allow their children to help desensitize Devin.

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BUSINESS REVIEW:
Jefferson Texas General Store, Jefferson, TX
Our rating 3 out of 5
We probably spent at least an hour or more looking at all the interesting items. They have lots of old time candies.

Scott picked up gum cigars.

I chose gum cigarettes.

Scott HAD to purchase Fizzies, which I never heard of. Fizzies are a fruit flavored powder added to water that makes the water fizz and flavors it slightly.
We also picked up a couple of Pralines that we saw being made at the store. These were much better than the Pralines I tasted in New Orleans.
The General Store has lots of jams, sauces, pickled items etc. They have jars open for sampling. That was probably a bad thing, because I didn't like anything I tasted. If there were no samples, we probably would picked up a couple of jars.
The General Store had lots of old time games, magic tricks, wooden gliders,etc. Also carried lots of hats...cowboy/cowgirl, straw sun hats, baseball hats.
We had a enjoyable time just window shopping.

I even met up with John Wayne!

Jefferson Fudge:

Our rating 3.5 out of 5

Friendly clerk. Lots of  jarred jams and pickled items. But none open for sampling.

Fudge was very good. Not the best, but definitely more creamy than sugary.  The nuts were not only beautifully arranged on the fudge, but fresh and rich tasting.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW:
The Bakery Restaurant, Jefferson, TX
Our rating 4 out of 5
Keep in mind this is a very casual, rustic restaurant. We stopped here for lunch in the quaint town of Jefferson, TX.

MEATLOAF: The meatloaf was excellent! It came with a sweet tomato/ketchup gravy. I prefer that to a brown gravy.
MASHED POTATOES: Tasted instant to me. I'm surprised if they were, since they specialize in baked potatoes, they definitely have potatoes on hand.
#2 BAKED POTATO: A huge potato with butter, sour cream, raw chopped onion and real chopped bacon. Absolutely delicious. A full meal in itself.
CINNAMON RAISIN BREAD: This loaf weighs, 2 lbs. 11 oz.. I didn't taste much cinnamon, but had correct amount of raisins and covered with a thick layer of white confectioner's icing. Unfortunately, this loaf was kind of dry, so couldn't be eaten without toasting. Once toasted with some butter melted on it, then it was very good.

SNICKERDOODLES: Yummy!
PINEAPPLE PASTRY: Flaky and overflowing with a delicious pineapple filling.
I would definitely return here for their baked potatoes alone!