Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Exploring Midland, Texas With the Nerdy Unicorn!

Midland, Texas was nothing like I'd expect it to be. While being a decent-sized town, and perhaps comparable to Waco, it has a different topography and style. We have been exploring little by little, when we can.  I thought that I'd share some of our favorite places around this town. Whether you are just visiting or if you are considering moving, here is a little insight.

Readers need books!

Since first coming to Midland, we started to explore around it. As a home schooling family, there were certain places we needed to establish ourselves with. The library is my favorite place to go to and was the first place we got hooked up for our book needs. While there are two locations, we have preferred the Downtown Plaza location for its distance from our home. The building itself is a work of art. Murals are painted on each side. One side has a metal art installation that looks reminiscent of a steampunk hot air balloon.  My daughters and I love bringing the dolls out to get some new photos. Inside this one, there are also screen walls that sometimes play movies or just have cool changing images. There are historical displays inside too. We even found the old map section in the back of the adult side. Those are so cool! To make things easy, I often just put in hold requests. They hold things for up to 3 days. If we are in a hurry, this makes it easier for us to grab and go. I love our librarians. They are always friendly! And when I have asked for recommendations on books, donut shops or even where to find a park, they were more than happy to share!

Taking time to play

We have also been to the Dennis the Menace Park. This is a large park with multiple sections for various sizes in kids to all play on. I think that is what we love most about this park -  the various sizes in the equipment. They have something for all kids. Even my teenage boys can fit as they chase around their sisters! And they aren't just the run of the mill slides and swings. They are themed to give kids more imaginative play!

Sparking the Urban Explorers in us

Across from the park, however, is some place we have been wishing we could urban explore.

I've had difficulty finding out what it was meant to be. Ever since we arrived, there has been no progress in the build. Sad really. It takes up an entire city block. The only thing I found was that it possibly was started as a housing project of some sort that has faulted on their payments and not done anything since 2019. It may have been recently sold, though. So maybe work will finally resume. It definitely makes us wish we could explore other places like it around town.
This town is in between transitions. From a booming oil town to a shift towards a tech town. They are tearing down old businesses and some new ones have moved in. That is just since we made the move.

Donuts! 

We started going to the local Shipley Donuts when my kids won free donut tickets from the library for a reading program. We were going every Saturday morning while we could. I love how they had a mural painted on the side that incorporated Midland's oil history.

They are not the only donut shop in town, however, and to be fair we had to give other places a try. We went to Jack n' Jill's, but we had gone after 10am so they had hardly any selection left. Despite that, they were the fluffiest donuts I had ever tried! I'm really hoping we can go back, earlier, to try other ones. My husbands favorites were the cinnamon rolls and long johns.  

Wall Street Antiques

I love looking for deals. And this one place has so many! I've found things for the dolls, relatives, husband and even my sons! This place is bigger than you'd expect when you look from outside. So many booths filled with antiques, vintage pieces and even some new items. You could go every week and still find new things that weren't there last week.

This vintage find was from the 90's. Remember the Sleeping Beauty dolls back then? For the entire outfit, brand new in the pack was only .99. Even better was that the corset comes separate so I can mix it with my Steampunk outfit for the dolls. But that is just one thing I've found there! And the employees are always helpful. Don't hesitate to ask questions!

Where's the meat? 

My husband and I gave up eating most meats you get at the regular grocery stores. We can't seem to handle whatever they are adding in, be it the dyes or the gases. So we had turned to farm stores or farmers markets when we could. My husbands coworker suggested Midland Meat Co. for our needs.

He swore their meat selection was not only amazing, but the best quality that could be found around here. After getting some, we are hooked! We have tried their ground beef, hamburgers, Texas antelope steak, lamb and Wagyu hotdogs so far. I would say that the hotdogs received the lowest score among our family members. But the burgers have become a family favorite. We get the ground beef in a larger pack and I split it up for shepherds pie, chili, and even taco night.

Meat isn't all they have though. They sells seasonings, produce, Volleman's milks and side fixings for your next cookout. We liked their local made cheeses too. So many flavors to choose from! 

Steak Express

Okay, so here's one I'd not have thought worthy of trying. However, we had family visit and decided to order out. After checking options and dietary needs, we all settled on Steak Express. What is it? A steak delivery company! No, seriously, they cook and deliver fully decked steak meals. They offer lots of variety in meats and sides. I wouldn't say this is my favorite place, but for the food being so good, I'm adding it the list. We definitely can't afford it often. A little too pricey for our family.

Having it delivered is a pretty cool bonus too. After all, food like this cooked to perfection after a long day is tiresome.

This is all I have for now. There are so many other places we hope to check out. (I'm keeping a list now!) And as I do, I promise I'll share my results. But I'm curious, so indulge me, if you have time. What is the first thing you would look for in a new town? Let me know and maybe that will be the next place I try to go to.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Perks to Homeschooling Include - Black Ice Day!

There are many reasons to love homeschooling. One of the best ones, however, include schooling at our pace. That means we can do school every day if we choose. Holidays, weekends, or at night - it is all of our choosing. On the flip side, we can also take days off when we feel like it. And today is one of those days! 

Ice in the desert

We live in west Texas. Literally in the middle of desert land, surrounded by oil fields. When we first looked at the house we decided to buy last year, we asked how often it rains. Because during that trip, it rained overnight and some areas we drove through were completely flooded! Mainly in the nearby town, but still. Our realtor said they typically only get rain twice a year. That the humidity and precipitation levels were incredibly low. Fast forward and that seems to have changed since we moved here. We keep hearing the locals talking about how strange the weather has been. We are glad they are getting more rain here. Even glad to have the light dusting of snow. But we could do without the black ice. 

This morning, 3/4 kids woke early enough to see their dad off to work. He spent about 20-30 minutes scraping chunks of ice off the windows of the SUV while trying not to slide on the driveway and even the dirt along the driveway. (We don't have much grass in the yards.) Yes, the dirt had a layer of ice covering it! 

Lessons on ice and freezing 

My kids started talking about the ice. And the lessons shifted to how it affects things and daily life. We decided to test out a couple experiments. We had tried to freeze balloons that had water with food coloring in them last night.

Each of us, including myself and my husband, chose a balloon. We added the colors we wanted with food coloring. Then I filled each one to make about a golf ball sized ice ball. I told them to pick a spot, any spot, under the back porch and leave their balloon there overnight. Some were right next to the backdoor (she said it was too cold to go further out). Others were in the middle of the porch. And still others were closer to the end of the porch. Here is what we learned from that. First off, this porch is covered and holds the heat radiating from our well-insulated home very well! The ones that were closer to the house did not freeze! Despite temperatures dropping well below freezing, there was small chunks of ice inside water for those right next to the house. In the middle, the balloons had more ice, but weren't completely iced. And those nearest the end of the porch were more solid, but still not 100% frozen. We moved the ice balloons and are waiting to see if they freeze during the day as we haven't had the sun to warm things much. 

The other experiment did not work. We took scalding water and tried to throw it to the wind. It didn't freeze instantly. So we know it isn't cold enough to freeze water in mid air. 

Then came the lesson on black ice. This will be a lesson the kids hold onto for life. Pretty sure. We noticed that the covered inner part of the porch protected the concrete from getting iced. However, as I stepped close to the edge, there was ice. So I started telling them about how black ice works. I showed them by running my foot over a couple areas. Then I showed them the tree and we listened to it creaking and cracking from the thick, white ice that covered it completely. 

I moved over to stand closer to the end. However, I made the mistake of stepping on black ice with one foot and not having enough grip with the other to steady myself. My legs flew forward and I went backwards. My older two kids started freaking out. One asked if she should get dad, but he had already left. The son grabbed my arm and attempted to pull me up. I was in the middle of the ice patch so I slid again trying to get up. Thankfully, he managed to give me enough of a boost that I made it up and could hobble back into the house. 

Freedom in our learning

Which brings us to the Black Ice Day off from school! Mom is laid up in bed. Dad had to turn around and come home as the roads were so bad with black ice that even with his Colorado driving skills couldn't help him. We are going to do fun lessons that don't require too much effort. Like watching Jaws and discussing views on sharks then and now. Then building concepts in Minecraft. And if I'm lucky, maybe my kids will attend cooking class with dad today... 

This is homeschool! This is freedom! This is great for a broken down mom.

Monday, September 20, 2021

Beginning Preparations for the Next Wintergeddon

I don't know how many of you remember, but last winter Texas had a massive winter storm that some have dubbed Wintergeddon. Fast forward to September and we have only recently seen 100 degrees in central Texas. Crazy, right?? 

But even though the temperatures outside are about 98-100, I've noticed that I'm not the only one wondering what is going to happen when winter returns. We lost power during a rain storm recently. During rain! It was crazy to wake up to flashing clocks everywhere. Last I heard, they haven't fixed all the problems that led to days without power, and even some deaths during the frigid cold. 

Knowing this, my husband and I have started to prepare ourselves a little more. Last winter, we had needed to go stay with his mother and sister after waiting several hours for the power to return. Our home does not hold heat thanks to the outdated single-paned windows and gaps in the doors. But since we rent, there isn't much I can do to help that. Or is there?

Centralizing the heat

I've been doing some research. One way to keep from having higher bills, also works to keep heat or air centralized. You seal off rooms that you can do without. This got me thinking. Wouldn't be so bad to let the kids camp out in the living room, now would it? Close their bedroom doors, stuff towels in the window sills and door cracks. Then, make sure to close their vents. This works for having electricity or not. All the air will blow into the rooms being used instead. 

Firestarters

We have a great fireplace to utilize in winter months. I've been making homemade fire starters from dryer lent and toilet paper rolls. Simple, yet highly effective! I filled a shoe box so far and then have been saving dryer lent as well.Lesson learned - pack it lightly!



Wood is something that we will have to store up. We plan to get a wood stacking rack. I rather not just have it piled on the ground. Plus, we will be keeping it covered to keep it dry from the elements.

Propane or gas grill

We bought a wonderful 2 burner stove top. It has dual uses. We can use it during camping trips as well as when there is loss of power. It is small, so making meals will be time-consuming. But still totally worth it. If you are looking for what we got, it is Ozark Trail. We love their brand! We can grab the little camping propane tanks to use.


Food stocking

Canned goods are definitely the way to go! So our plan is to collect canned soups and maybe ramen for warm meals. Peanut butter will be another thing we will keep on hand. Bottled water will be a big deal for us. These are things we can stock up on little by little from each paycheck. 

Bringing out the heat

Lastly, we have talked about how to heat up the place in the event that the power does go out. How do we keep everyone warm? For the most part, I plan to keep all jackets, hats, gloves and blankets in the living room with the kids. It will be a giant, warm fort! Bundling up will be easy. We are looking into space heaters as well. And the fireplace will be kept stoked. 

Passing the time

Everyone knows we live in the age of technology. So what do we do with no power? How do we plan to pass the time? First off, we have a portable DVD player we picked up at an estate sale. We have 2 DS game devices. And even a tablet. But how will we charge those? Our vehicle comes with plugs, both USB and your standard wall plug! When we have to go places, we can charge them here and there. But those aside, we have a ton of board games! We can easily pass the spare time with that. We are all readers. So books will be at our disposal. Nerf gun fights and Barbies, Lego creations and hide-n-seek games. We can pass the time. After all, during daylight hours will be school too. 

Speaking of light...

Without power, we will be needing to pull out candles and flashlights. My favorites are the LED ones we picked up at Harbor Freight.  They have multiple options on the type of light and are easy for the kids to use. So don't forget those extra batteries!
144 Lumen Ultra Bright LED Portable Worklight/Flashlight 63878 alternate photo #1

What are your thoughts? How would you prepare? I'd appreciate hearing from you. Leave me a comment below!

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Family Fun in Waxahachie With the Scarborough Renaissance Festival!

If you are near Waxahachie, Texas and looking for some good family fun, then this post is for you! US Family Guide and their bloggers (including me) are teaming up with the Scarborough Renaissance Festival that is presented by T-Mobile, to introduce you to some family-friendly weekends that will get you outdoors. All in time for this spring time weather we are starting to get! Check out their information below for the deals and safety protocols they have in place. A review will be coming later, once my family has had a chance to check it out. Hope to see some of you readers there! 

*This post is in partnership with US Family Guide and Scarborough Renaissance Festival. All opinions expressed above are my own. And information presented below belongs to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. I was not paid to present it to you.*

Scarborough Renaissance Festival presented by T-Mobile is coming back better than ever and ready to celebrate its 40th season starting April 10, 2021! The season will run eight consecutive weekends beginning April 10 - May 31, 2021, with a variety of exciting new shows and extraordinary new artisans along with long-time Festival favorites. The health and safety of their employees, participants and visitors is Scarborough Renaissance Festival's number one priority. They have worked closely with local authorities to ensure that all protocols and CDC guidelines will be followed so that they can conduct a safe and fun event for everyone. They have developed comprehensive guidelines and protocols that will be in place for the 2021 season for visitors and participants alike. These include temperature checks, a mask requirement, social distancing and more. These guidelines and protocols can be found on their website at https://www.srfestival.com/covid-19-guidelines/.
Opening weekend (April 10 & 11) is Kids Free weekend - up to 3 kids 12 & under get in free with each paid adult ticket.

Kids 4 & Under are ALWAYS free
https://www.srfestival.com/ticket-information/

What would you be most likely to want to see? I'm thinking the Fire Whip Show, The London Broil Show and Birds of Prey!  But those are just scheduled things you can see. They also have jousting matches! And shows that are geared towards entertaining the children. My daughters are going to want to meet the mermaids of Mermaid Lagoon for sure! The children can participate in a knighting ceremony, ride an elephant, camel or pony and then watch the daily parade. Check out the list of fun HERE.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The Original Savory Saltine Seasoning Review

Here's an interesting snack idea that I was given the chance to try out... Savory Saltine Seasoning. I'm big on having snacks around the home. I don't always get to sit and eat a meal uninterrupted. But I don't like eating the same things over and over again. I like having a variety of things. Plain crackers are not very appealing to me. Particularly when that's what I ate a lot of during the bouts with morning sickness in my pregnancy. So this seasoning was very intriguing for me. These are also great to bring to parties when you need a snack food idea.
Inside my package from them came this kit: a 2 gallon zip top bag, the Seasoning, and the instruction card.
It comes with enough to make a full box of Saltines or you can make just one pack. The instructions are easy to follow and understand. You do need to give yourself at least 4 hours to let them set. The instructions say for better results to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or pop them in the freezer.
I chose to leave them overnight. I mixed them with the seasoning and oil as directed and refrigerated them in the bag. 
The next morning, I pulled them out and set them on a plate to dry and get to room temperature. My boys immediately wanted to try them. My oldest (3 years old) told me they were hot (meant spicy). But my younger son (2 years old) kept coming back for more. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. They are indeed savory with a tangy-ness to them. I told myself I'd only eat a few, but I couldn't stop! They make an ordinary cracker extraordinary. But it's not limited to crackers. "The seasoning is so flavorful that it is not limited to making the ultimate cracker. Other uses for Savory Saltine Seasoning include spicing up fajitas, coating chicken or pork, adding to ground hamburger or turkey and dips for chips, crumbling on casseroles, salads and baked potatoes, plus much more. It puts the “yummy” in all your dishes."
And one thing I really like about this... Made in Navasota, Texas!
As their phrase goes: "Savor the Flavor!"
If you'd like to know more about this Seasoning and how to get some for yourself - just check them out on any of the following ways!
Twitter: @SavoryFineFoods
Facebook: Savory Saltine Seasoning
Search "Savory Saltines" on YouTube  (http://youtu.be/YJhzl40qq4A)
Email  info@savoryfinefoods.com
Call:  936.825.1500
Or go to their website:  www.savoryfinefoods.com

***I was not paid or comensated to write anything. I was given this product free for the purpose of review only. Anything said is completely my opinions.***

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Texas Chili Cook Off (Humor)

Okay so most of you have probably already read this before. Its been going around the internet and emails for years. And no matter how many times I read it - I still laugh until my sides ache. So a little humor for your day!
Notes from an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting Texas from the East Coast:
Recently I was honored to be selected to be a judge at a Chili cook-off in Texas, because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in sick at the last moment, and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides, they told me that I could have free beer during the tasting. So I accepted.

Here are the scorecards from the event:

CHILI # 1: MIKE'S MANIC MONSTER CHILI

JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.

JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

FRANK: Holy crap, what the heck is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with this stuff. I needed two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. Those Texans are crazy.

 CHILI # 2: ARTHUR'S AFTERBURNER CHILI

JUDGE ONE: Smokey, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.

JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor. Needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

FRANK: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to walkie-talkie in three extra beers when they saw the look on my face.

 CHILI # 3: FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI

JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.

JUDGE TWO: A bean less chili. A bit salty. Good use of red peppers.

FRANK: Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting plastered.

CHILI # 4: BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC

JUDGE ONE: Black Bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods. Not much of a chili.

FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills; that 300lb woman is starting to look HOT, just like this nuclear-waste I'm eating.

 CHILI # 5: LINDA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER

JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

FRANK: My ears are ringing, and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly from a pitcher onto it. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Crazy rednecks! ! !

 CHILI # 6: VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY

JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers.

JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions and garlic.

FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulphuric flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. I need to wipe my rear with a snow cone!

 CHILI # 7: SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI

JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum. Tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge # 3.

FRANK: You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a darn thing. I've lost the sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of a lava-like mess, to match my shirt. At least the during the autopsy they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful. I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the four inch hole in my stomach.

CHILI # 8: HELEN'S MOUNT SAINT CHILI

JUDGE ONE: A perfect ending. This is a nice blend chili, safe for all; not too bold, but spicy enough to declare its existence.

JUDGE TWO: This final entry is a good balanced chili, neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge # 3 passed out, fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor Yank.

FRANK: - - - - - Mama? (Editor's Note: Judge # 3 was unable to report)