Caribbean Bread Pudding

I promised I would share this one if it turned out well. Bubba didn't care for it because it turned out a bit heavy on the rum. I'm sure, if you didn't want to use rum you could soak the raisens in water and put in some rum flavoring. I made two batches, one for Rene and his family and one for us. The recipe fills an 8"x8" Pyrex dish. I put more rum in ours........ and our bread was fresh rather than dried so it turned about a bit more moist than Bubba likes but I'll finish it! ha ha ha ha Instead of using regular bread I found a few braided loaves on the day old cart at Wal Mart and tore them into pieces instead. I also improvised on the amount of raisins because the recipe didn't say. We couldn't find coconut milk at the store so I used coconut cream and it tasted great!

16 slices week-old bread
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar (I used Splenda)
1/2 cup rum (to soak raisins)
4 large eggs
2 cups evaporated canned milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup coconut milk (I used cream)
pinch allspice (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup gold rum (to pour over top)
1/8 cup water (to pour over top)
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Soak raisins in rum prior for 2 hours, or until hydrated. In large bowl tear sliced bread, in separate bowl mix milk, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt and coconut milk. Blend with mixer or blender until smooth. combine with bread, add raisins and butter and stir.

Place in greased Pyrex dish and into a pan of water.
Bake at 350 for 50 minutes until golden brown.
While still warm, add remaining rum and 1/8 cup water on top.
Serve hot or cold.
Great with vanilla ice cream!!!

Creator: Shahine McLaughlin

Its a BEAUTIFUL LIFE

WOW! I remember living in California for 8 years and whining because I didn't experience any good thunder storms. Once in a while it would sprinkle, they would call it a downpour, cars would pile up on the freeway and they would call it a thunderstorm. If they received a storm like this in California they would call it a typhoon, cars would pile up, houses would slide off of hillsides, neighborhoods wood flood and they would declare the entire Southern half of the state a disaster area.
Whats happening here today is a real Thunder Storm. Its loud enough to shake the coach and make you jump at times. It kicks out the power regularly and sounds like beating drums on the roof. The lightening is close enough to really flash through the windows. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! As long as the wind is not blowing and the hail is not falling, this is a very beautiful thing.

Yesterday was another awesome day in the neighborhood. I did some searching, called around and found exactly what I needed in Harrison. We went to Dey Gem Jewelers and dropped off a ring to be re-sized. Their selection of precious stone jewelry and unique designs is vast and wonderful. If I ever win the lotto there would be no stopping me in a store like that.
We then went to the Ashley Music Store. I have two old flutes I had purchased at a yard sale and on eBay which needed repair. We'll see what the repair man has to say about them after he picks them up Wednesday. He comes down once a week from Branson and takes home the non-string instruments that need repair. After Ashley we went to a couple pawn shops. There we found horse shoes for the new horse shoe pit next to the pavilion. Then I got hungry. ;-)

I had an overwhelming craving for Mexican food. I haven't had any since we came South and I was in need of some heat. Bubba knew right where to go and we headed to Hollister, MO. which is a few miles North of the state line. If you're ever in the Branson area and like good Mexican food go to Elenitas. I was impressed. I almost felt like I was back in California. The decor was very welcoming, the music very appropriate and the food was excellent. I had the camarones a la diabla (shrimp in hot sauce). I used to order that every time we went to Zendejas in Colton, CA.. Its one of my favorite dishes and I've never had it as good as it was at Elenitas. The sauce was thick, spicy and really smokey. They should market the sauce!

On the way home we stopped at Wild Bill's Travel Plaza to fuel the truck and pick up another little indulgence we've found. Once in a while I really enjoy a dark, bitter beer. At Wild Bill's we discovered Boulevard beer brewed in Kansas City. The Boulevard Dry Stout is right up my alley. Its almost black and very bitter without a hint of sweetness or creaminess that ruins a good dark beer like Guiness. Its flavorful enough and strong enough that one beer in an evening is kind of like desert. Unlike potato chips, one is all you really need. HA HA HA HA

I suppose I better get busy. Bubba is pulling out his guitar with the new song book he found yesterday and I promised Rene a Caribbean Bread Pudding. If it turns out well I'll pass along the recipe. ;-)

More later ........

PRAY OFTEN
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LOVE MUCH

Moving day

Today we moved from space #14 to space #11. It was good practice for the future. ;-) In my humble opinion this is the best space in the park. I love the privacy, the space, the view and the fire pit. From our door there is nearly 180 degrees of open view with no other RVs. On our utility side there are coaches in spaces terraced up the hillside.

Within minutes of getting set up in this space I saw at least three types of birds in a tree out our living room window. I finally snapped a woodpecker that has been eluding me. There was another type of bird in the tree that escaped my lens but I'll catch him sooner or later. In the little field across the drive I expect we'll see more wildlife. The lady who used to be in this space saw raccoon regularly like we saw armadillos on the hillside.I raked a bit of the space and filled the fire ring with twigs. We have a small pile of fire wood and plan to enjoy a campfire one of these nights.

All in all it was another glorious day. All the photos you see were taken of our new campsite and the surrounding area.
















More later .......

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Happy Easter!

And you thought

you had a bad hair day!

HA HA HA

The one with the most toys wins!! HA HA HA

Now that we've decided to stick around for another month and the projects next to the pond are nearly completed, we've decided to try out a different location in the park. We're going to relocate to space #11. That space is the last terraced space and the most private space with lots of parking and playing space around the coach. I look forward to using the fire pit, picnic table and barbeque. In the open space across the path we've seen lots of wildlife. It also has a fantastic view of the valley through the trees. I won't get my sunset shots from the living room window but I'll likely get some shots I would have missed where we are now.

Happy Easter Everyone!
Praise the Lord; He is Risen!!!!!

More later ......

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Another multiple post day

What a gorgeous walk! Mijo and I made a complete tour around the park. Of course, when I have my camera with me the birds hide. The rest was worth it. I would love to carbon copy this day!

The countdown has begun

If I think about, and I do think about it quite often, Bubba and I likely have more intense conversations about our future than any couple I've known. It seems our life is a bit like a roller coaster ride. We are never positive what our direction will be from month to month. We make a few 'plans' and try our best to follow through. We pray every day and search for guidance and inspiration. Some days we feel as if we're stuck under a rock but most days we feel inspired in one direction or another. We are fascinated by a mirriad of things and seem to change focus regularly. I guess our direction is defined by the old adage "the only constant is change".

I felt guilty about that for a long time. I equated it to not finishing what I started and living without a purpose. This morning I came to grips with part of it at least, seeing it as "seeding" projects. Our calling or mission may be to be instigators; starters of projects or ministries. When I was working in transportation I always felt most productive and comfortable as the 'support staff' rather than the manager. I would have all kinds of fun formulating projects and instigating them. I didn't enjoy managing things and being the leader.

This morning we were contemplating our next move. If the weather straightens out and temperatures stay above freezing daily in Shell Rock we will be headed back to Mom & Dad's on April 1st. If it doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate we may stay here a bit longer. We've decided that, despite how much we LOVE being near family, we do not want to plant ourselves in Iowa when we're through being full timers in our RV. We don't know when that will be but are pretty sure we will end up putting down roots South of the family home. We have invested in our truck and look forward to utilizing that and spending time in many different parts of the country. If we're careful with our budget, stay at least a week to a month in each place and make sure we find Angel Food Ministries locations everywhere we go, we should be able to see as much of the country as we wish. We certainly know how to live in the RV and are looking forward to learning how to travel in it. If you're careful and look at it as a lifestyle rather than as a vacation, full timing in an RV is a much more affordable way of life than being a home owner.

Enough babbling for this morning. Its climbed back over 60 outdoors and I need some sunshine.

More later ..........

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After the rain

Just in time for the rain, the poly on the tables protected them very well.












The pond is as full as it has ever been!

The fresh planting bed held up amazingly well to the rain. It settled but didn't wash away.

Its been a very rainy day

Believe it or not, this project took me the better part of the day.
These huge spools of fine yarn were a bit of a mystery. I think they must have been created for some sort of weaving machine. The yarn is a lighter weight and slightly different texture than most basic crochet/knit yarns. A few regular skeins were in the batch too.
I absolutely love my yarn winder and it was just the tool I needed today. These spools are light weight material and I know I will be crocheting at least two strands together on each project. I also like the way the wound balls of yarn stack and store and you can see that you have nearly even amounts in each ball. They also fit much better on my lap desk for crocheting than the big spools would have.
I was disappointed that this light blue one in the first picture was a really weak weave. I wasn't able to wind it because it broke every few feet. It wouldn't have held together for crochet and would have fallen apart in the washing machine. Guess it wasn't too much of a loss because there was such a big bunch of yarn.

Its been raining since yesterday evening. Its amazing how much rain we've received in the last 24 hours. The pond is filling fast. The frogs are singing like mad! I hope I can get out tomorrow and take more pictures. Rene and Bubba put a coat of poly on the picnic tables, finished filling the barbeque pit area with rock and filled a planting bed with top soil next to the sidewalk. Its amazing out there!

We went up to the house last night and played Aggravation with Rene and Theresa. What a blast! I wish I would have thought to pull out that board a couple months ago. Theresa enjoyed beginners luck ........ yeah right .......... ha ha ha and won 2 out of 3 games. I forgot that I had marbles in the cubbard ...... I didn't have enough of the big marbles to play 6 but enough to play 4. I need to order some new marbles to go with that board and send them here. By the time we come back here I hope to have a wood burning brand for the Bubba's Girl Boutique and can mark it.

More later ..........

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LOVE MUCH

Multi-Post kind of day ~ This is the third

We seem drawn to the RV Parks where contractors stay. When there is a job site in the area; in this case a new airport going up in Hollister, MO; the contractors working the site usually live in an RV park near by. Its a great sign. Typically they offer monthly rates which are competitive and the amenities are just what we are looking for. IE.; there is propane available on site, there are laundry facilities on site and there is an available WiFi connection. Some people might not understand, but if I see a truck like this in an RV park its a great sign! ;-)



I was snap happy today. Can you tell? ha ha ha Sure sign of spring: ==>












Several times this past week, especially when its been warm during the day, I hear the frog song through our window as the sun goes down. Today I caught one catching a little sunshine between the clouds.














On and on today ....... I babble ;-)

Multi-Post kind of day ~ this is the second

I would love to tell you about our adventures yesterday.After our trip to New Hope Baptist to pick up our Angel Food groceries for the month we felt inspired to continue our day "out and about".We decided there were several things we would like to do so we headed South to Harrison, Arkansas and made the rounds to see if our targets were open. Its surprising how many places of business are closed on Saturday here.

Our primary targets were thrift stores or flea markets. We had walked through one last week that was great but a little too much like an antique shop. We found several thrift shops around town, the best right on the downtown courthouse square. One of them is exactly the type of place where I could sell my hand made goods and I took a flyer from her about renting booth space there. They had created a few dozen booths out of barn board in a standard retail store on the square. I love it. I found the mother load of yarn at one little shop called Deb's Bugs, I think. These spools are at least 'pounders' if not bigger. The yarn is rather fine but very soft. Will make fantastic shawls with multiple strands or lots of baby sweaters in a single strand. The entire lot of yarn was less than $19. The bears will join my collection; the only collection I kept when we transitioned to the RV, and cost me a total of $3.50! The big one probably weighs over a pound too. ;-)

Our lunch stop was at The Catfish Wharf. I could eat there often. The atmosphere, service and music were fantastic and the food surprising. The music was great; instrumental Blue Grass which is one of my favorites. The appetizers are set, no matter which meal you order. While you wait for your meal you are treated with pinto beans, hot and tasty, hush puppies hot from the cooker and pickled green tomatoes. The pickled tomatoes were so unique we had to buy some to bring home. We grabbed a jar for Dad too because I think its something he will really enjoy and might try to duplicate.

We went looking for the Humane Society but didn't find it where Google mapped it. Might try again another day. I love to simply sit with the animals and give them some extra attention. Those who work there are likely kept busy cleaning, feeding and walking the animals and don't have much time just to love them. We decided to walk through a little pet shop we found and I was so excited to see them handling a couple lizards. I love lizards! I got to handle them too and walked out the door giggled like a little girl.

Bubba wanted to stroll through a Pawn Shop and introduce me to the treasures they can sometimes offer but we couldn't find one open. We'll try again on that one too.

While walking around the Courthouse Square and exploring the shops we ended up in a boot store. The white haired gentleman who met us at the door turned out to be quite an interesting character. While I strolled the isles searching for the perfect pair of boots James Harness entertained Bubba. He is a story teller, puzzle maker and artist. Lining the top of the shelves of boots, all the way around the store, were paintings created by Mr. Harness. Most were wildlife, ranch animals and Southwestern in style. He's very talented!! He gave us a post card which is a reproduction of a mural he painted in a local steak house. The mural measures 5 feet tall and over 16 feet long and is a Southwestern landscape with wild horses; simply gorgeous!

All in all we had one FABULOUS day. We shopped till we dropped, found several affordable treasures and enjoyed some fantastic experiences and food.

More later .....

PRAY OFTEN
LIVE WELL
LAUGH OFTEN
LOVE MUCH

Multi-Post kind of day ~ this is the first

This morning we heard a bird singing his heart out that sounded as if he were inside the coach. Bubba looked out the door and found this cute little Wren giving it his all.

Less than a month later

I'm not positive about the time frame but I believe that less than 30 days ago this was a tent camping area. The guys building Theresa's new home have had to work between some snow, ice and rain storms. Its amazing to me how quickly her new home is going up. I sure hope they get the siding on before we head North so I can get a completed picture of it. She chose natural log siding and I think it will be gorgeous. Theresa is Cecilia's Mom who moved up from Florida to live near family. Her new home is being built here on Rene & Cecilia's property. Its a beautiful thing!

More later .....

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Wax on Wax off ............ errr Paint the fence .......

White primer
Tan paintRene & Nick teamed up to get the Pavilion siding painted today.

Just in time to dry in the sun before the thunderstorms tonight.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy a spring thunderstorm. This evening it rolled in quickly. First the dark blue skyline, then the bolts of lightening both horizontal and vertical. The rain didn't come right away, instead it simply flashed and boomed for over an hour. I sat on the sofa with Mijo staring out the window as if in a spell. Had I stepped out the door when it started sprinkling I could have involved the 5th sense; as it was I took in the sights, smells, touch of the breezes and the sound of the booming thunder.

Springtime is such a glorious thing. The last couple days it has been warm enough to walk Mijo without a jacket in the morning and I've gotten lost in the bird song and the cool breezes. There are tiny purple flowers blooming around the property and tufts of very green grasses and weeds poking through. The trees are attempting to bud, praying it won't freeze again.

More later ......

PRAY OFTEN
LIVE WELL
LAUGH OFTEN
LOVE MUCH

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is Mom's birthday. I called her this morning and we must have chatted for the better part of an hour and could have gone on all day. It took me too long to figure out that my Mom is my best friend. I know I can't get back the years when I was oblivious but I fully intend to make sure I appreciate her every day for the rest of our lives.

My mother is an amazing woman. She's intelligent, sensitive, complex, caring, curious and funny. I am consistently surprised and impressed by her. She has her weaknesses, as we all do, but they are less evident in her than in most people I know. She is beautiful and creative too, though would never believe it or recognize it in herself.

Happy Birthday Mom! May God smile down upon you today and every day. May he give me the strength to show you as much love as you show me and to be more like you where I am not.

Update

Not your typical quicky

I find myself putting down a baby blanket after a few days and picking up something I can finish in a couple sittings. My lack of patience gives in to the longing for immediate gratification. Using the puffy baby sweater pattern, cotton crochet yarn and a smaller hook, I made this sun dress.

It feels good to be tired

I can go on about being tired tonight and likely will, but am sure I feel nothing compared to Bubba, Rene & Nick. Today I went after a few housekeeping jobs that I don't do often enough. I took Windex to all the mirrors and windows inside the coach, I vacuumed and swept floors and dusted flat surfaces, I took out the trash, I picked up things and put things away, I walked Mijo at least 4 times and I scrubbed the kitchen trash can. Not a very pleasant job ~ hot water and Pine Sol on the inside, Formula 409 on the outside. It smells better than it has smelled in years. I bagged up a bunch of finished crochet projects that were piling up on the bookcase in the living room and put them in a cubbard. I still have lots of filing to do but that will wait till tomorrow as will dishes and laundry, the more typical household chores.

The gentlemen, however, accomplished a far greater and more laborious task today. In just over 8 hours they poured the entire sidewalk leading from the parking area to the pavilion. It was impressive. After 9 hours Rene and Nick were still giving it the final touches while Bubba called it a day and headed in and to the shower. I think I'll have to shake out his clothes before I throw them in the washer. With just a few breaks for food, drink and supply runs they accomplished a great deal today. I'll get out there tomorrow and snap come pics so you may admire their work as I am.

I have been sedentary for far too long. When I walk up the hill with Mijo it takes my breath. Some days I feel as if there is a basketball living under my ribs. I know its not gal bladder problems because they took that from me 20 years ago. I haven't put on any more weight and I haven't taken any off .... It simply seems to be migrating to my waste. It must be my age! ha ha ha

Enough fluff for now. More later .....

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LOVE MUCH

SNOW is a 4 letter word

I hate snow. I know I've pontificated on that before. Today I'm trying my best to figure out who to maintain perspective while watching our world turn white once again after enjoying temperatures over 70 just days ago.

Lets try this ...

S ~ Silly white stuff falling from the sky
N ~ Nothing I can do about it
O ~ Outside my world turns white
W ~ Won't it be delightful when it all melts away

I've been making a concerted effort to never cuss again. I've been working on it for a while. Few things test my will like the silly white stuff falling from the sky.

Time to head back to the crochet I guess. I started a shawl with a good supply of yarn but ran short before I finished. I've been pondering finishing it with another color or two added to the ends, but I haven't decided which yet. I decided to work on a baby blanket while I ponder. It'll be a real pretty blanket; light weight baby yarn in pastel colors. Will snap it when I get a little further.

More later .......

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The guys have been busy between storms

Added Frills

I am having too much fun now that I've learned the patience ....... or maybe persistence to complete an actual crochet pattern.
Booties even! ha ha ha ha

Nothing philosophical today ....

PRAY OFTEN
LIVE WELL
LAUGH OFTEN
LOVE MUCH

What a mood I'm in

Once again I'm reminded of how a change in weather can dramatically effect one's state of mind and emotions. I think about the days I spent in January and February stewing, spinning and sobbing; feeling trapped and futile, embroiled in my emotions. For the past few days I have felt free and energetic, inspired and lighthearted. The sunshine and warmth beckon me outdoors and refresh me with the windows open while I sit her writing. I pray for strength to lead me through the rough times and often forget to thank the Lord for the sunshine. Cabin Fever and Spring Fever are real, tangible conditions which not only effect our emotions but our physical wellbeing.

Today the bluebirds were bouncing off the windows, confusing their reflections for other birds I guess. For hours the ladder on the back of the RV was inhabited by a lovely male. After a few futile attempts to 'hook up' with the gorgeous bird in the window he gave in to grooming and bracing himself against the strong breeze coming in. I saw one of our neighbors walking the park with his camera today. He must have seen all the squirrels, robins, blue birds and junkos playing too.

Amazing what a bath will do, huh? ;-)

I suppose I should get busy. I felt energetic enough to take lunch to the guys today as they are working on landscaping around the pavilion and I need to run through some dishes. Mijo and I walked down to the barn again and took such a brisk pace up the hill I thought my calves would cramp.

More later ....

PRAY OFTEN
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LAUGH OFTEN
LOVE MUCH

Comments Please

I know there are a few family members and friends out there who occasionally read my blog. I would like to make a request of you all. When you read my blog, if it brings forth thoughts, opinions, laughter, tears, frustration or confusion, please click on the "comments" button and share those reactions with me.

I feel as some folks might when speaking to a TV camera or at a potium; I'm throwing some ideas and observations out there and receiving no feedback. Its like keeping a journal that others can read, I guess, but I would love to know your impression of my ponderings.

Changing the subject ..... Yesterday felt like spring here. Fever broke out everywhere! I think everyone felt it; we saw people outdoors everywhere we went. We headed to Springfield for some fun in the sun and shopping. Stopped at Cracker Barrel for a little brunch; it was AWESOME as usual. Went to the Mac Daddy of all hunting and fishing stores; the original Bass Pro. After slobbering on everything in sight and only buying a cap and a bag of circus peanuts, we moved on to Sam's Club. We stacked our cart with months worth of paper products, piles of meat, a few dietary supplements best purchased in bulk and made it through the check out for under $300!!!!!! Thats at least twice in a row and an amazing personal record for us.

I drove to Springfield and back and experienced our new exhaust brake for the first time. It made me laugh out loud! It was delightful! There are some big, beautiful hills between here and Springfield that really illustrated what an exhaust brake is for. They are the kind of hills with the 'truck on a grade' sign to give warning. I would start down the hill at about 70, let off the accelerator and have to get back on it before the bottom of the hill because the exhaust break alone took me below the speed limit of 65. It was amazing. You can hear it, but instead of the rumbling noise they make on a big rig, this one is simply air. Its operated but a little air compressor mounted in the engine compartment. There is a quick connect valve on the air compressor so we can use it for other things too.

Its gorgeous out again today, but Rene tells me we might see snow yet before the season is over. When I get done posting I just might have to go clean out the truck. I've already shaved Mijo; albeit a little prematurely, but he I found a tick on him and just had to get rid of the hair.

I just stepped outside and took a few more blue bird pictures. I had a pair flirting with each other on the side mirrors of the truck. After the female left the male came back and continued to flirt with himself in the mirror. It was so cute!


Oh well. Gotta run and take advantage of the warmth while its here.

More later ...

PRAY OFTEN
LIVE WELL
LAUGH OFTEN
LOVE MUCH