Barb's Next Adventure

Headed South

2026-10-16T14:05:39.272-05:00

Jason and I are headed South tomorrow. Should be in Trophy Gardens late afternoon on Monday.

There was a big send off for me put on by Keri and Betty and their wonderful helpers. The food was greatly enjoyed by everyone!

I have a mixed feeling about going. It happens every season coming and going. I love it in Texas and Iowa. Good thing too after doing it for 26+ years.

I am a bit pinched by time now and will be for awhile. Hang in there I should have lots to share with you soon.

Towing the line...

2026-10-13T12:21:17.832-05:00

Clicked on my good old blog today and was faced with a policy thing that I chose to read thoroughly from top to bottom. There were too many things that I cannot do. One of witch is; I cannot post nudity or lots of other stuff without labeling my blog as "ADULT" content. I wasn't aware I could or should do that to begin with!! Trust me you will not see any of the naughty stuff from me. Now that you can rest easy I will find something less startling to entertain you.

Jason and I are heading South next Saturday. I should be packing and I promise I will start on it post haste. I know, you have read that before! It is similar to moving and I have had a great deal of that in this past year.

It used to be when I didn't have much to blog about I would resort to photos. I was looking through some photos and now I don't remember if I had ever posted them or not. Since we are mostly senior citizens I will count on you not remembering as well as you used to.

This is my beautiful and talented Great granddaughter, Elise

I still call him 'little' Leo. He is not so little these days. He is sticking with playing the drums.

Leo

Sofa Bed story

Rich slept on my new Sofa bed when he was here. He gave it a very high rating in the morning and said it had been a long time since he had slept that well. Sofa beds have had a bad rep in the past and now they may be more comfy than ever before!

I have been asked where I got it so thought I would try to get a link for it along with a photo. The best I could do is send a link to what is available now. Of course it is Amazon! They used to only sell books now they sell everything!

FiveWillowise Sofa Bed, 4 in 1 Multi-Function Fold Ottoman Couch Bed, LGrey

Modern Convertible Sleeper Chairs with Ottoman, Adjustable Backrest, Breathable Linen for Living Room Apartment Office

Visit the FiveWillowise Store

(190)

Till next time!

One whole week!

2026-10-11T14:57:02.375-05:00

My three sons have been close by this past week. It has been a very long time since they were so close for so long. We played "Wizard" a card game that many either love or hate. Or we played pool. Or the guys went to play golf. Very busy, very fun! It started last Monday and ended this morning with Rich's departure.

They made new friends with my Evergreen neighbors. They are a decade or so from joining us here but I can hope, can't I?

My only regret is that I didn't get any photos!

Here is an old pic of the guy's. Rich on the left has lost lot's of weight since this was taken. Gary is in the middle and Jason is on the right. You might notice that Butch is in the background. In looking again they have all three lost weight! This may have been taken at the surprise party of our 60th wedding anniversary.

Switching Gears

2026-10-02T10:14:27.343-05:00

There is a whole process changing from Iowa to Texas. You might not think so but it takes about a month to get all the ducks in a row. This is last years check list.

I will be making a new one this year. I know it will be smaller. My ducks will be a bit easier to coral this season. if you can imagine what you would need to get by in the next 6 months that is what I will be getting ready. Pool cue and related items. Toiletries and meds. I have clothes in both places. I do not like to carry food so I won't. The computer and related items are a must go.

Then there are the crafts. I have slowed it down to beading and Diamond Art with the emphasis on beading earrings. Of course I will miss things but experience tells me I can do without most things.

Bert and Sharon

Bert and Sharon are friends of mine. Sharon I have known for years. Bert is a new acquaintance upon moving to Evergreen Ridge. They found each other through trivia

and circumstance. They recently took a trip to the Ozarks. They are due home today. Living the good life in their late 80's!

Yah!

Okay, Give me a minute...

2026-09-30T07:44:05.533-05:00

And I will think of something to write about. I am about to do a rerun post. Happy Hour has many definitions. Almost one definition per person! Currently, I am in Iowa and our happy hours at Evergreen Ridge are very flexible. They take place loosely from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Soon I will be going to South Texas for the season where the happy hour I attend is next door to me. Last season I wrote an entry about a happy hour that was above and beyond in quality. It set a goal for me as I would like them all in Iowa and Texas to meet that standard. Why you might ask? Because I go home refreshed in many different aspects. Let's strive for the HAPPY in happy hour.

Here is the rerun post:

Happy Hour Conversation

I keep telling people that our "Happy Hour" is NOT a gossip fest and they give me a skeptical look. One person even said, "Aren't they all?". So as a random thought I decided to take notes on the subjects covered during happy hour. Ours runs from 4-5. After all we are a very busy bunch and we have other things awaiting our attention.

So yesterday this was the rundown:

1. What is the population of Reynosa Mexico. I had recently heard it was 4 Million and that seemed very high. One said they had heard 1 Million. I looked it up and the answer is 1,000,000 in 2020. It was admitted that it fluctuated.

2.The Dangers of seniors and ladders. We shared ladder stories and it seemed everyone had one!

3. Good breakfasts are served at Victoria Palms.

4. We talked about Ropa. A place where people should go at least once. Some people are repulsed by it and others look at it as a fun treasure hunt. Ropa Usada is Used Clothing in English. There are large buildings in far South Texas where discarded clothing is gathered from all over the US with its next stop being overseas. Tre Demensions is a popular Ropa Usada place. This particular place has a mountain of clothing in the middle and people climb the mountain to find their treasures. Gotta see it to believe it!

5. Dentists in Mexico. Seems everyone has a favorite.

6. There is a German restaurant, 'Schneider's' that one of the happy hour people recently went to and gave a good review. It is located 1/2 block north of Dove on Ware Road.

7. We talked about allergies and the different types and suffering of such.

8. Tom Ball stopped by and we talked about his black powder shooting. Not a subject that comes up often.

9. Rumor has it they caught the bike thief, but then you know how rumors are.

10. One of us mentioned they had scratch marks on their car from a cat and would not have believed it but they witnessed it.

11. We talked about the new directory and how great it was!

12. We admired Linda P. new shoes!

13. We discussed food and things we had made lately. Such as Bacon and Waffles.

Promptly at 5:00 we depart and look forward to the next one!

My friend Colleen

2026-09-26T09:35:53.812-05:00

We grew up in the same town and we barely knew each other. That's a different story. We became friends in our adult life surreptitiously and that is a whole other story.

Colleen is a writer, and in my mind a very good one. By reading her writing and being her friend, I know we are on common ground. When we get together, time seems to disappear.

It might be odd to think that two widowed women would be such very good friends and still be so busy that keeping in touch is haphazard for both of us. It is true. Colleen writes for Greene County News Online and I know I can be in touch with her writings in the opinion section if I go there, and I write in my blog on a somewhat regular basis. We are both guilty of forgetting to read the posts of each of us.

Colleen writes about trees because she loves them. So do I. Go read her entry and you will learn something, about trees, about Colleen and about me. https://greenecountynewsonline.com /2026/09/16/what-trees-do-for-me/

7 second poop method?

2026-09-26T08:42:59.658-05:00

I was trying to find the method online. Just curious! I kept being led to another site with promises but no facts. Frustrating! But I am persistent, one of my best traits even though there are those who might not agree.😁

Here is the answer, my friend.

How to Do the Routine

Drink Water: Drink a full glass of room-temperature or warm water right after waking up to rehydrate and wake up the digestive system (some versions also suggest a small amount of apple cider vinegar).

Gentle Stretching: Do light stretches in bed to increase blood flow and relax muscles.

Wind-Relieving Pose: Perform Pawanmuktasana by lying on your back and pulling your knees to your chest for a few seconds to compress the colon and release trapped gas.

Diaphragmatic Breathing: Finish with deep belly breaths to signal calm and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Who has been hanging out at my house watching me do my morning routine?! This is something I have done for quite a few years. I admit to getting offtrack sometimes. I do the bed exercises first because if I waited I would be reluctant to return to bed to get them done.

Happy trails to you!!

Local News

2026-09-22T09:48:08.977-05:00

One of our Evergreen neighbors enjoys cooking. That is how Mike spends his time. If you are lucky you might get a sample. He is also willing to share recipes. Here is one that was mighty good.

We have had a string of dampish weather with no sun in sight. This morning I heard someone say it was going to be a long day. I said, "Good!,We can get more done!" Not sure it was appreciated. 😁 This is when we start thinking of heading South. Just a tad too soon, however.

Jason's latest artistic endeavor. ( Abstract, art, steel, wood, and stone)

My latest pair of earrings.

Till next time...

Recalculating!

2026-09-21T10:18:29.302-05:00

Planning

2026-09-21T09:26:55.333-05:00

Maybe I did...I don't remember!

Month from now...

2026-09-17T13:10:42.042-05:00

A month does not seem very far away and that is a date that has tentatively been chosen for "going South". So it is time to cut back on the groceries that will not stand the test of 6 month sitting in a fridge getting closer and closer to being outdated. Heaven knows we are well aware of what being outdated means!

This will be a much easier experience of preparation. The items to pack are minimal compared to years past. A few clothing items, toiletries, meds, craft supplies,T-Mobile hookup, and laptop.

I was surprised to learn that my mail can be put in my apartment by staff. And Keri has told me she will look at any mail that might seem important for one reason or another.

I have my cactus plant with me and staff also said they would water it for me. The cactus is special to me because my middle son, Gary gave it to me for mothers day in 2008. We were full-time RVing at that point and he had purchased one of those very small plants at WalMart so it worked great. I have been taking care of it ever since and there have been several generations since then.

Enough for now. Stay tuned.

Fall

2026-09-15T09:23:02.350-05:00

Looked it up. The type of Hydrangea I have outside my window should be dead- headed in the fall. Good news! They are truly beautiful and do not require much effort from me. I am currently seeing a few dead heads.

I have had a year of many things to take care of and it has come to a normal amount of every day items that happen in most every ones ToDo lists. I was not sure I would ever get here, but here I am and ever so grateful. I set out to simplify my life and simplify I did. I have small, tidy living quarters that I am enjoying every day.

In about a month I will be heading South to enjoy another part of my life in sunny South Texas. I am frequently asked which I prefer but that is asking a question I cannot answer because there are things about each that hold equal appeal. I have friends on both ends that mean so much to me.

Both places are like small town living. My life would be very different had I stayed in the house. As I looked into the future of that, I knew it was not for me. In a way it is a bit strange. I am somewhat of a loner on one hand and an extrovert on the other. I could see me going not days but weeks and perhaps even months without any human contact if I stayed in the house. The decisions I have made will allow a balance on both ends. If I want to sit at my computer and type out my thoughts on a myriad of subjects, or spend hours putting earrings together, or finding someone who wants to play pool, I can. Or it is easy to seek out someone to visit with if you are leaning in that direction. Uhh, the pool thing is easier in the southern part.😄

Well, it is time for some breakfast!

Grands and greatgrands

2026-09-13T08:23:51.848-05:00

My granddaughter Ann, with her husband Anthony and their 3 daughters. Scarlet, Skyler and Nina. Ann is second from left.

Hummers

2026-09-13T08:09:35.656-05:00

I was part of a conversation the other day about humming birds. Jason did some research and found the first to leave and head South are the males, followed by the females, with the youngsters going last. Of course, that brings up many questions. ore research is needed.

My observations about the youngsters are many. They are brave, Mom and Dad would not argue much with wasps, flies, or other things that would try to take over on the feeders, but the youngsters persist. It makes for some interesting encounters.

They also play, "cowboy and Indians". In other words mock battles that look like dancing.

And in discussing the trip south, there are many unknown things. Today I found a post of a friend of mine who lives in Weslaco, Texas. The picture below is what her feeder looks like! I would say that Mom and Dad have made the trip!

Laps

2026-09-12T08:06:47.299-05:00

I have been doing the 7 laps (equals 1 mile) indoors because at my usual walk time it is still dark outdoors. So I should be doing my outdoor walk now but here I sit in front of my computer. Trying to think of something to share with you.

I can see the north side of the hospital from my living room. I know that the hospital provides meals for the prisoners and it gets picked up by the police at 12:15 and 5:15. In the early morning I am too busy to notice.

I can see life-flight hellecopters when they come and go. Of course I wonder who,what and where whenever I see them. Sometimes I find out later, but most of the time I do not. Last night was a busy night, lots of ambulances arriving and going. Many police cars coming and going. Jefferson is a small town of approximately 5000 people so this is unusual.

Evergreen is a like a small town within a small town. I am beginning to know everyone. We have about 6 openings right now and I won't get to know the new arrivals until I return in the spring. When a vacancy occurs it can take 1 to 2 months to get it ready for new tenants. As I am going south in October, I will be a stranger to them when I return.

On another subject, I am still making earrings, playing pool, reading or listening to books and other fun things.

Till next time!

One Year Mark

2026-09-09T11:20:09.813-05:00

Today, September 9th, is the one-year anniversary of Butch's death. It feels so strange to put that in a sentence. I suppose,at least partly, because in many ways he is still with me. I feel that he always will be. I get dozens of reminders every day.

It has been a busy year and I think that was a blessing. Idle hands...and minds are the devils workshop. One of my many "theories" is if you do not get enough human contact your thinking can get a bit wonky. In an indirect way, I learned that from my mother.😁 Yup, she was many times on the wonky side. Always interesting,however!

So today is a day whereby Butch will be jumping into my mind more abundantly than normal. He will be very welcome.

Safe Cleaning

2026-09-08T08:57:59.949-05:00

Jason and I went through my Safe this past weekend, discarding things that were outdated, or merely no longer needed. We ran across some sayings that I had kept a long time ago. I am guessing in the 1980's. I have always been a fan of word play and this find brought it out front and center.

I will put them here in no particular order:

If it doesn't affect your breathing, let it go.

If you cannot change your mind, are you sure you have one?

Purranoia: The fact your cat's up to something.

A guy had to give up drag racing-couldn't run in high heels.

I have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiates me from a doormat. Rebecca West-1913

A bad spell of wether.

Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.

Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will piss on your computer.

Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

If you keep doing what you have always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got.

Most computer problems are caused by a loose nut between the chair and the keyboard.

I still like all of them!

Choose Wisely

2026-09-08T08:28:18.441-05:00

I think you know where I stand.

Take it to heart...

2026-09-05T10:44:02.464-05:00

How do you stay married for 60 plus years? This is how!

It happens every fall

2026-09-05T09:54:45.156-05:00

My thoughts start heading South every Fall. I am not quite there yet but it isn't far off. After all October follows September right on it's heals. I pare down what I buy for food. I have a container that holds things I plan to take but do not need in the margin. I start making lists. Not as long as they used to be, however still needed.

My main thought in coming to Evergreen Ridge was having a life with few complications and short ToDo lists. I have achieved that. It leaves time for many things, such as reading, walking, crafting, playing pool, playing cards with friends, and many other fun things.

We have several openings in this wonderful place I am living in. I asked about that when they were still full and was told it fluctuates. We currently have 6 maybe 7 open units. In our age group the coming and going can happen quickly. Keeping in mind we are an Independent facility. We must be able to take care of all our needs on our own. Another good reason to stay fit as a fiddle.

Across the street is an assisted living place. I heard yesterday that a person from there is coming here! I asked how that happens and was told they went there first not thinking about the differences. They happened to be a late sleeper. They would not let them sleep in. Must be up for breakfast! I can see the reason for that as they are supposed to keep tabs on the people. But if you have slept till at least 8 AM most of your life 7 AM breakfast is not on your to-do list. I guess that is another motivation to stay able to do for yourself as long as possible. I also thought of several people in my life. My mother had a business in her home but if you called or came by before 9:00 you were on her blank list. I told her the World turns at 8 ,Mom. She did not believe it. And my husband loved staying in bed in the morning as long as possible. He would have been livid if he had to get up before 8, unless it was to play golf or some other fun event.

So I walked 2 miles this morning...now if I can stay away from the sugar treats I might be able to stay Idependent.

Going WAY back!

2026-09-04T07:43:07.387-05:00

I hate to admit this, but I never look at comments. I didn't know I could, to be honest. And today, of all days, I found 74 of them going way, way back to before 2012!

Bill and Kay were our friends and neighbors when we wintered in Magnolia Park, Donna, Texas. Bill of Bill and Kay was a very thrifty fellow, along with being a happy and very fun guy to be around. Bill and Kay are both deceased now. I so enjoyed finding this post, so I am sharing it with you.

Sent on May 6th from Kay S

For my friends who know Bill and Kay this will not be surprising...We need to reach out to our friend in this time of need. Perhaps we should consider an intervention.
Barb
From Kay:
"I have been home exactly 1 week today and already I am dreading the summer. Bill went up to his special little fruit market just across the border in Michigan. They had fresh strawberries for 25 cents a quart. His heart stopped, his eyes bugged out and he had thought he had hit the mother lode. He came home with 20 quarts. I am just now getting done. I ended up with 9 (16 oz). Red Neck wine glasses, 18 other jars of various sizes, but most were 16 oz, and 4 quart bags of sliced berries that I froze. I could give a s--t if I ever see another strawberry. Tell Butch there will be an ample supply of jam this winter on Peach Street. Also in this same trip he got a head of lettuce, a head of cauliflower, celery, and last but not least a bag (not small) of fresh green beans. Think of me, as it is only the first week of May. Somebody please adopt me QUICK"
Kay S.

1 comment:

Kay Voss said...: Hey, I will adopt you....bring veggies. haha Jim bought at least 50 new strawberry plants this year besides the 4 long rows we already have. One would think we had 15 children living here......He did cut back and only got 40 baby chicks this year. The "other Kay"....; 9:45 PM

Right?

2026-09-03T07:32:29.148-05:00

Oh, yes! This happened at our house! Always with a smile!

Let's go for a walk!

2026-09-02T10:09:38.261-05:00

When I lived on Cedar Street, I had it all figured out. From the house to the mile marker on the bike trail was a block or two over a mile. So to the mile marker and home again was easy, a bit over two miles.

It has been a bit of a struggle to figure it out since moving across town, but I had a breakthrough this morning. It was too dark to start off outdoors, so I made the seven trips around inside that equal one mile and then went outdoors to do my usual trip. I clocked the whole business, and it was the same amount of time it always was on Cedar. In other words, a bit over two miles.

I have been committed to walking for more years than I can count. I assume if you know me very well at all that isn't news. There have been times and circumstances that have kept me from walking, but the way my day goes and how I feel always brings me back to it.

There are things that make it easier. Walking with a friend, the time just flies. It isn't always easy to find one who will commit. Set a time and a place every day to meet, and then you don't want to let your walking partner down. Or you can listen to an audiobook. I only wear one earbud so I can still hear what is happening in my surroundings. Many times I continue to listen once I get home.

Intending to lose weight by walking is not a good reason to start. Results are not quick or perhaps impossible. I have talked to many who have made that a goal without results. More energy, sleeping better, and a general overall good feeling are all better and often immediate results. Now, if you are a lifelong couch potato, take it slow, maybe starting off with a block. If you don't, you may not believe a word I have written.

I used to take my camera. I can always find something to take a picture of. Your phone can work too.

Trail pics: A favorite of my trail pics. I was very close.

On the trail

Taken this year!

Pondering

2026-09-02T09:10:06.845-05:00

Good Grief

2026-09-01T06:02:25.487-05:00

September 9th, 2026, will mark the one-year anniversary of Butch's passing

Butch and I were a team. We knew each other like the back of my hand. You do not happily live together for 66 years without that truth. Every time we embarked on a new adventure, we would say, "Just you and me, kid!" We were and are as tight as any two would want to be. It was a gradual thing, of course, as life is, and there were rocky times for sure. After all, we were married in our teens!

But now he is gone from here, but not gone from me. I know he would be proud of me, as I am so proud of him. In the last days of his life, he knew it was about to end, and he did it so well and tried his best to make it easy for me.

Everyone grieves differently. It is the most personal thing to go through. I am happy, and there are those who may think I shouldn't be. All I can say is you can't take that away from me. I am happier and more grateful than ever and always will be. He would approve wholeheartedly.