Monday, July 5, 2010

Laying Low

That’s us, in the windy Texas Panhandle City of Amarillo – taking it one day at a time, laying low.  Well, mostly, anyway.  We’re here to see family and take care of some business.  Jim’s 40th high school reunion is here this month too, so he’s been reconnecting with friends he hasn’t seen since graduation and introducing me to them.

Unfortunately, about a week ago, I really took today’s title literally by pulling a back muscle and putting myself flat for a few days to recover.  I missed a couple of gatherings due to that.  I had to get myself back on my feet though, because our dear friends Karon and Dan were able to get a couple of weeks in their schedule to join us at the Oasis RV Park. 

The “Schnauzer Brigade” together again (can you tell how windy it is?):

Ellie 007

As is our tradition, we fixed dinner for them on the evening they arrived.  Since it was close to Independence Day, I made a patriotic themed pie for dessert (yes, Weight Watcher’s friendly):

Ellie 002

Today, we had another new-to-us experience.  Over the holiday weekend, there were people camping near us who saw nothing wrong with setting off fireworks in the RV park, some of them fired off right above our motor home.  When we attempted to discuss the problem with the park’s owner, he basically abdicated any responsibility or interest in solving the issue.  So, we asked for a refund of our unused fee and we moved today.  At least they were decent enough to agree to a refund, but we definitely will not be staying at The Oasis RV Park in future visits to Amarillo.  We’ve never been so unhappy in a park that we felt compelled to move, but there’s a first time for everything!

We’re now in an older park  on the East side of town (Amarillo Ranch RV Park) and feeling far more comfortable with our surroundings here.  Karon and Dan moved too, they are in the site next to us.  The way the sites are arranged, our doors are facing each other so we are sharing a nice patio and yard area., complete with a big shade tree.

At this park, they are charging us a lower rate for a month, but adding electric.  This will give us a chance to use solar power part of the time to save a few dollars.  When we got here around 11 and got set up, we left the electric unplugged.  It was after 5:00 before it got too hot to have just the windows open and fans going, so we switched over to AC power and turned on the air conditioners.  Our solar panels kept up just fine with 3 fans, our computers and various other small things running.  We love our solar!

We sat outside in the shade for awhile this afternoon with Karon and Dan, enjoying our tree!  We finally decided to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner, and Karon wanted to take us for our anniversary, which is Wednesday.  Theirs was yesterday, so Happy Anniversary to them, and thanks for the great dinner tonight!

I had a request for the crock pot pork tenderloin I mentioned in my last posting.  It’s really easy – simply put a pork tenderloin in the crock pot and pour a jar of green chili salsa over it.  Cover and cook on low for 8 or more hours.  I added black pepper, but that’s all, no salt.  Great flavor!  The pie above is just 2 (4-serving size) boxes of fat-free, sugar-free vanilla pudding and pie mix, made according to the recipe on the box for pie.  I arranged cut strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and  whipped topping on the top.  The crust is a reduced fat graham cracker pre-made crust.

We’re enjoying life, especially since we’re sharing time with great friends!

10 comments:

LakeConroePenny,TX said...

What a shame, Ellie! The holidays seem to bring out all the slobs.
Gypsy had a very bad experience, too, at her family camping trip.
Where do these people come from?

Good recipes, Thank you.
Great to see you and Karon together again, it's been a while.
Happy Trails, Penny, TX

A couple of newer paintings 2019 said...

Glad that Karon and Dan could join you. It seems like ages since you guys were together.

Happy Anniversary to you two this week!

Mark and Dortha said...

Sorry to hear you were down in your back. Hope you are up and about now and feeling much better.

Glad to hear you are getting to visit with Dan and Karon. Have a great adventure.

Hugs to you all.

Happytrails said...

So sorry to hear you had to leave your campground. I don't blame you though! Fireworks shouldn't be allowed inside a campground. We didnt' allow them at FDR either.
I hope your new campground is better and you all enjoy your stay there.

Take care!
Mike & Gerri (happytrails)
http://freedom2roll.blogspot.com

Lee Ann said...

Thanks for the recipes Ellie, we'll definitely be trying them both. And Happy Anniversary too!

KarenInTheWoods said...

I think we would have moved too...

One time our dog went right through the window screen of our motorhome and jumped down to the ground, because of fireworks going off in the park. He frantically ran from site to site looking for us, we were in the camp store when the fireworks went off. We are lucky he didn't run to the road or get hit by a car.

We spent this year 4th of July on a friend's private cottage property, just to stay outta the parks and away from the fireworks.

Sounds like you found a nice alternative in the other park, and a nice setup being across from each other.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

All Because Two People Fell In Love said...

Glad to hear that you're up and moving again. They pie looked delicious. I know Jim must be loving those solar panels. You have definitely been converted to something other than a 50 amp girl. Just not sure what that is other than a "Freedom Girl"LOL Tell Jim to Enjoy his reunion. Hope to see y'all down the road.

Stay Safe,

Rollie & Gina

The Happy Wanderers said...

Happy Anniversary to you wonderful friends! Hope your stay in Amarillo is super good. We will follow your lead and not stay at Oasis the next time we pass through that area. We have stayed there twice in the past.
I have a letter to write to Jim about the salsa recipe, but suffice it to say that I would like to pay Jim for a jar rather than go to all that work. LOL
Love and big hugs to both of you!
P.S. Tell Karon & Dan that we wish them a Happy Anniversary also.
E & M

Linda and Bud said...

Congratulations on your 25th!! Been out of touch the last few days and am so sorry for the belated wishes (was in Oklahoma for Bud's aunt's funeral & got home last night). Anyway, as usual, all sounds wonderful w/ you two - even without the anniversary part. :-)

Rosalie said...

Hi Ellie and Jim,

Happy Anniversary! Reading your blog is always a treat -- think I may try your pork roast recipe. I will try to keep up with your blog a little more regularly to see if you continue moving east! Love, Rosalie