qUaRtEr sIZe MoSqUiToEs

Welcome New Followers!

The Solla-Mates- Happily Hitched: An RV Blog

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Time to mOSeY aLoNg…

Our time in Iowa is drawing to a close. We’ve had a nice two week stay here at the KOA in Onawa on the Lewis and Clark Trail. This is a lovely park built on Blue Lake where you can fish, swim, ride paddleboats and lots more.

Owners Terry and Linda, along with Martha, Jim and the others have been so helpful and friendly. We’ve had the place to ourselves except for the weekends which has been great!

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There’s just one problem…

 

MOSQUITOES

THE

SIZE

OF

QUARTERS!!!

…and they swarm in VERY large groups! With all the flooding in the area I’m certain this will be an ongoing nuisance. ~Might ought to buy some stock in the companies that make repellant~

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Robert’s new assignment is in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an RV Park in that area?

I found several online but personal reviews are best. You know, like… “the pictures don’t show it but a train runs thru the  middle of the campground twice a day!”

Just thought some of my friends in Bloggeritaville (term borrowed from a super blog entitled Bloggeritaville) might have some reviews.

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I don’t miss much about our “sticks and bricks” home like mowing, pulling weeds, cleaning, painting, sweeping porches, raking leaves…shall I go on? However, ONE thing I DO miss - my beautiful flowers. Peonies, tulips, daylilies, lilacs, roses…Gosh I miss those! So when y’all are posting pictures of flowers either in your yard or from one of your excursions, know that I appreciate them so much! Just wish I had “smellavision”…Hey, maybe that’s the next big thing for the next iPad!

Blessings Y’all!

Kathy

Lemon Zesters

Does anyone else LOVE The World Famous Paradise Bakery like I do?

Recently, I had a layover at the Denver airport where I passed the time by reading my Kindle, watching people scurry to their gates, and playing Mahjong. When that got boring (4 hour layover!) I meandered thru the airport searching for something new. Then I discovered

P A R A D I S E … BAKERY.

The baker told me their Lemon Zesters have been a long time favorite, and after eating one, I knew why. If you love lemon flavored goodies this cookie’s for you!  When I was young, at least one box of Lemon Coolers was a necessity for a weekend camping trip and these cookies are almost as intoxicating!

Needless to say, the Zesters recipe is not published so I found a “close second.” I adapted their published sugar cookie recipe and it tastes very close to the real deal!

 

Here’s the recipe I used.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups shortening
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 1/3 cups CAKE flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• granulated sugar for rolling, powdered sugar for decorating
• FOR LEMON ZESTERS: add 2 teaspoon lemon extract and 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugars and shortening using an electric mixer.

3. Mix on slow speed 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl with a spatula.

4. Increase speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.

5. Slowly add vanilla (lemon and zest if making Zesters) and beaten egg while mixing.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, mixing on slow speed until just blended. Do not over mix.

7. Scoop with an ice-cream scoop and roll in granulated sugar.

8. Place directly on cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with palm of hand.

9. Bake at 375° for 9-10 minutes. Cookies are done when small cracks appear and are pale golden. Ideally, the edges do not brown

10. After cooling, dust liberally with powdered sugar.

Come on over and we’ll enjoy some with a tall glass of sweet tea!

~YUMALICIOUS~

This week’s rainy days FORCED me to read blogs and read blogs and read more blogs. In doing so, I found some wonderful new adventures to follow and gained some new Bloggyland friends.

Welcome New Followers!

Josette - my grama's soul

Jim and Sandie - Where Are The Dixons Today

Ain't For City Gals

Joycee - Granny Mountain

Ellie Great - Blogger (Profile)

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Who has the answer???

I’d like to post a map of our travels like some of you do but I’m not sure what states to include. Do you have to spend the night in the state to count it, or just pass thru? My map will be WAY more colorful if you choose the latter…

Blessings Y’all, Kathy

Daddy-O

Everything Dad

A little girl needs her daddy
To love her with manly charm,
To soothe her when she’s hurt,
And keep her safe from harm.

A girl needs her dad
To show her a man who’s good,
To help her make right choices,
As only a father could.

A woman needs her father
Just to be aware,
He’ll always be there for her
To sustain her and to care.

You’ve been all these things, Dad.
I hope that you can see
How much I treasure you;
You mean everything to me.

By Joanna Fuchs

                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

♥ Best Dad Ever ♥

Happy Father’s Day!

Love you, Dad!

"Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: Ephesians 6:2

Honoring also Robert’s father, Marvin Dale Stephens who has already gone to be with the Lord

We think of you often and know that someday we will reunite ♥

 

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS!

Merri and Steve-Jamminalong

and

Jessica and Harry-rikerrvdays

(Sorry my pictures are a bit messed up…my Live Writer isn’t cooperating!)

Best Kept Secret in the Ozarks

 

Ok CAMPERS, listen up!

This is it, I’ve found it, I am in heaven!

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This is one of America’s best RV values!

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                             “Cloud 9 Ranch Club is a unique and beautiful, member owned RV camping resort located on 6500 acres in the heart of the Missouri Ozark mountains. Experience the Ozark's rolling hills, lush meadows, thick forests and natural beauty unlike any found in the heartland. Cloud 9 has over 600 large full-service campsites with full RV hookups and cement pads located in five geographically different campgrounds. Each campground has access to "stage-stop" facilities including restrooms, showers water and dump stations. Cloud 9 Ranch also has wilderness "tent" camping locations for the true adventurist.”

“The amenities at Cloud 9 Ranch Club are truly outstanding. The "Ranch" is one of the top 5-star rated RV resorts in America. It is also a recipient of the Woodall's Diamond Award.”

Currently, DEEDED MEMBERSHIPS ARE ONLY $500.00!!! 

swimming at the pool or in the streams

Horseback Riding

Off-road-biking on your ATV

Billiard Tables to play Pool

Playing Card Games

Bingo

Fresh water Trout fishing

Wagon Rides at night

Shuffle Board games

Lighted Tennis and Basketball Courts

Hunting

Campfire fun with friends

Family rated movies

 Check it out, it might be just what you’ve been looking for!

 Blessings Y’all!

Kathy