Weekend of Whelmed

 

What a summer, y'all.  

We purposefully don't camp in the hottest months here in Texas, because, well, a thousand (degrees) reasons not too, but man! I've been looking forward to this weekend for _months_ because I know how much more settled and rested and relaxed I am when we go camping regularly.  Between the stress at work, family situations, and the political climate in Texas right now - I've been overwhelmed. (If you're not aware, Google: Texas HB 1927, Texas SB1, Texas SB4, and Texas SB8... don't even get me started about how the SCOTUS failed Texans this week; THIS is the reason we all panicked when RBG died last year, y'all) 

Knowing that we had a long Labor Day weekend at Lake Livingston State Park, my mindset and mood this past week has been a hundred percent better.  With my work schedule easing up Friday afternoon (not a single team member had a live web on Friday, and nearly half the team was out on early vacation), RDB and I took off for the park and arrived a little after 6.  Not wanting to cook, we found the Blue Duck on Yelp and went into town to have dinner and support the locals. Generous pours of whiskey from the bartender were the saving grace (read the review, you'll see). 

I had a hard time getting to sleep Friday (to be honest: here lately most days I suffer from revenge sleep procrastination) but RDB had no trouble dozing off on the lazy-boy in the living room.  I woke the next morning to him having set up the coffee maker for me, ready to go with HEB's Texas Pecan decaf (my fav) and a cup.  He asked me later on in the day: "Have I told you yet today that I love you?" You do, RDB, by the sweet things you do for me. (Over and over again, I'm reminded how I found one of the good ones!)

We got a hankering for one of our favorite camping meals - jalapeno cheddar sausage with fried eggs and roasted veggies (I need to get a Camp Cooking post done for that one!) - so we went over to the local HEB and picked up groceries. 

Also picked up a bunch of strawberries and marshmallow fluff - RDB saw a picture of roasted fluff-covered strawberries and was intrigued.  Y'all - lemme tell you - THIS WAS GOOD!  It would be much more fun outside over a campfire, but hello-1000*-Texas-in-September, we roasted it over the flame in the kitchen.  A note, if you want to do this: it's more about getting a bit of char on the marshmallow fluff vs. trying to actually roast the berry.  That little bit of burn + the cream of the fluff + the sweet tartness of the berry = heaven in your mouth.  10/10 would recommend!

We settled in Saturday afternoon to watch our favorite movie (yes, again. We won't ever get tired of Matt Damon's humor in The Martian!) and enjoy being out in our camper.  RDB mentioned that he's heard people comment on "why would you go camping when you just sit in the camper all day?" Well, because it becomes a home-base to check out other small towns. It's a new view outside the windows, even if we are watching a movie. It's a chance to go for late evening walks among the trees once the sun has gone down.   Really, I don't need a reason at all; rest is my why.

And it looks like I'm not the only one who loves to rest....

And yes, we need to have a talk about him smoking cigars in the camper.  He's getting a little crotchety in his old age! Ha!  Of course, he deserves a nap after the walk and photo shoot we had earlier in the afternoon.

Speaking of well deserved rest, RDB was conked out with his head on my lap as the movie played on, when a text came in from Big Bro D out on vacation with his girlfriend in Colorado:

Yeah!! I am over-WHELMED with joy at how happy he is right now! I'm thrilled for him and A - they are such a sweet couple and compliment each other so beautifully; its a real joy to see how happy Big Bro has been these past months.  Looking froward to a wedding in the future and a great marriage for these two! (And even closer than all that - looking forward to camping with Big Bro in November after Thanksgiving!)

Sunday morning we woke up leisurely, and decided to go out for a late lunch rather than cook in (and heat up) the camper.  It's hit or miss sometimes, and unfortunately, it was another miss with the Mexican food place we went to back in town.  The outside was so cool, and the interior decor was a feast for the eyes, but the food was lackluster at best.  Our dining out choices were, well, under-whelming this trip. As Big Bro would say: it'll make a turd.  Lol!

At least the margarita was good!

Back at the camper, we broke out the mini Rummikub set I inherited from Grandma Ford; the box still smells like her living room in Arizona.  I won't say who won all four games we played (me) but it is one of my favorite games. 

Another movie to end the day - one from the Star Trek trilogy (what can I say? We like our space based science fiction!) and another relaxing evening. I'm so grateful that we have a three day weekend and reserved the campsite till Tuesday so that we have several full days here to rest and hang out.

I got demoted (dog-moted?) from my seat. 

Monday morning I woke to the delicious smell of coffee, and RDB gently rubbing my shoulder.  Did I say I got one of the good ones, y'all? Because I did!  We spent some time outside the camper (ominous clouds means that we may see rain as we pack up, but at least it cooled things off for a bit) before we took a drive around the campground for RDB's Park and Drive YouTube Chanel. Bacon-wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in the oven for lunch (thanks again, HEB) and it was the beginning of a great afternoon. 

We really do enjoy extending our stays an extra night, even though we know we won't be sleeping over - this weekend it gave us the chance to play a few rounds of Mario Cart 8 (which RDB won, nearly ever single time!) and sit outside again enjoying a few beers in the some-what cooler weather.  By Monday afternoon, we practically had the entire camping loop to ourselves. 

We finally packed up and made the return trip home - only about an hour and a half away, we were home before dark, backed into the driveway and greeted by Tali (the cat) who was just a little annoyed that she wasn't invited on this trip.  Needless to say, her level of attention seeking over the next few hours will likely be overwhelming.  

We were in site #99, Pin Oak Loop at Lake Livingston State Park.  Same as our last visit, not much cell service (I'm back home finishing up the blog and am blown away by how fast the photos are uploading in comparison) A nice amount of shade during the later part of the day, super close to the bath house, but a real challenge to get backed into because of the site marker on the other side of the narrow road. That being said, RDB never ceases to amaze me with his ability to navigate those tight spots. 

For more camping photos, go here. 

Ooooooo-Oklahoma! ./` ./` ./`

"Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...."

After a few days at Lake Murray State Park, I _totally understand_ this lyric now! It was WINDY!!  As I'm typing, the wind gusts around us are 28-33 mph coming across the lake, west-north-west.  Know what, though, I don't mind too much - because the view from here is well... here, just look:

Beautiful, right?  Nothing like enjoying your morning coffee on the couch and having the entire lake as your backyard.

Ah, camping.  I love that we can visit incredible places like this! To be in the mountains, or the forest, or near the beach or a lake with every comfort of home.  It's quiet moments like yesterday (before this crazy wind) that make me feel so blessed.  

We came in Monday morning, though our reservation started Sunday evening - check in is 5pm (2:30 if you get approval from the office) so we stayed the extra time down at the KOA, knowing that we could come in any time on Monday and head right to our spot.  

We got settled in and RDB said: this would be a great place to enjoy a Miller Lite.  Well, I didn't have any (for shame!) so we ran out to the gas station up the road and grabbed a few 6 packs.  And he was right - hanging out, enjoying the afternoon sun, drinking a few cold beers was a perfect way to spend the evening.

Just. Perfect.  (As I cringe at the gust of wind rocking the camper back and forth right now.  Geesh, y'all, this isn't fun!).   We noticed a number of other campers along the shoreline sitting out and enjoying the afternoon; this campground is totally the place for big black dogs - we even saw another black and tan dobie (hi y'all!).  It's so sweet to see others with dobermans out in the parks as well. 

RDB has started up a YouTube channel of sunrises and sunsets on video, so we walked over to the point by the boat ramp and watched the sun dip below the tree line.

Tuesday morning, RDB was up before the sun, as Diesel and I slept in.  Once RDB got his footage, he came back and snuggled up in bed with us.  Sleeping in, for as long and as late as we like, might be one of our favorite things about vacationing this way.  I mentioned how we'd usually be cruising this week, and I can't tell you how many of the best naps I've had in my life were on vacation on cruise ships!

We took a late lunch/early dinner over at the Foggy Bottom Kitchen, part of the Lodge on site in the parks system. We tried hitting them up Monday afternoon only to find that they were closed on Mondays. It was worth the drive back over though - the deconstructed hamburger I had was delicious - check out my Yelp review for more details. 

Tuesday evening we were back on the water's edge, enjoying the "Geese Show."  It was interesting to watch the pairs vs the single - who then went and got her mate (we assume) who came back over to give the firs pair the 'what for.'  It was surprising to me that Diesel wasn't interested in them at all.

RDB set up the camera for another sunset shot, and we enjoyed watching the golden yellow ball slowly sink into the blue waters.  

*sigh*   I love this place.

Wednesday we cooked lunch - have you tried any of the home delivery kits? We're using Green Chef and I love that we get our delivery on Wednesday and I can bring the kits with us camping - everything we need is all ready to go. It makes cooking (and prepping) so much easier!  Lunch was Chicken and Creamy Zucchini Noodles.  Yummy!

We took a trip over to the Tucker Tower in another section of the park.  There is so much to do at this park - over 16,500 acres with the lake, hiking trails, more than 300 RV sites and unlimited tent/primitive camping. We made it over just about 20 minutes before access closed, but even though it was a quick visit up to the tower, it was still worth the drive!

Fitting that the sculpture outside was a giant egg (made with birds in flight). But the really cool thing was the tower itself.

Walking up the hill to the tower gives you great appreciation for the CCC who hauled all the rocks to built the place up the steep incline.

I was instantly enamored with the outside thanks to the guardian cast in stone up above the outdoor fireplace:

The views from ground floor were beautiful, and only become more amazing the further up the tower we went.

The first and second floors of the building act as a museum of sorts - with lots of information on the CCC and the New Deal (all round about the time this structure was built).  And, oddly enough, a large set of bones and as mastodon skull.

I fell in love with this staircase leading up to the second floor.  The place was built for the governor to have as a retreat, but was left unfinished when the cost went beyond the budget. 

With views like these, I would have moved in even without windows or doors!

A few more staircases, including this beautiful spiral one, and we were up at the top of the tower...

Lots of stairs - but it's worth it when you open the door to the top of the tower...

It was an incredible view! We were the last of the visitors up the tower; Sydney, the Ranger, met us as we were coming back in the building to make our way down the stairs.  I had a chance to chat with her and ask why the water is such an incredible shade of blue: no red clay! The rocks and sand that line the bottom of the lake are heavy enough that the water stays clear.  The colors have reminded me all week of the glacial waters in Alaska and the aqua blue waters of the Caribbean. 

Thursday morning we woke up to clear skies, very little wind (yeah!), and packed up to head to our next spot down in central Texas.  About a 4-5 hours drive, so no small feat, but I'm so glad that RDB is willing to do all the work necessary to get us from one amazing spot to another.

We were in site #55 in Elephant Rock campground at Lake Murray State Park.  The site backed right up to the waters edge, which made for the wonderful views above, but you are neck and neck with the neighbors, which is not as fun.  RDB had his eyes on site #68 (he thinks, he can't recall for sure) the next time we come up to this park - it was pull thru further down the loop with lots of privacy.  Truly, any of these sites along the water are worth it - it was just such an awesome trip!

For more camping photos, go here. 

Camp Cooking #13: 10 minute Whipped Cheesecake Pumpkin Pie

So, I wasn't sure what would be a more enticing title: "10 minute" or "no bake"? Because in this case, they're BOTH true!

Traveling for Thanksgiving and we're having a very toned-down family gathering at R&S's house this year, so I volunteered to bring dessert since I had just recently made this pie and RDB and I LOVE it!  It's incredibly easy - though you'll not likely have a pair of electric beaters in your camper kitchen.  

Though, for as easy as this is? You just _might_ want to bring a set!

Ok, let's go!

2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
3/4 can of Libby's Pumpkin Puree
Jell-o sugar free instant pudding, Cheesecake flavor
about 3/4 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 regular spoon's worth of Monk Fruit Blend Sugar substitute

Pecan pie crust 

Measuring spoons, can opener, spatula, electric mixer, big and small bowl

So, you'll notice a theme in the ingredients up there - this dessert is meant to be keto-friendly. RDB started eating that way last January and I've tried to be supportive - finding recipes like this that taste amazing certainly helps.  Give it a try before you turn your nose up at it... or just change out the sugars for the regular and it'll likely turn out just fine, too!

Measure out 2 cups of heavy whipping cream.  Or, if like me, you somehow manage to have measuring spoons but not measuring cups... then measure out 16 tablespoons of HWC into a dixie cup and mark a line (so that you don't have to measure another 16 tablespoons.....)

Pour your heavy whipping cream into a large bowl and sprinkle over the entire package of Jello instant pudding.  Mix on low for a moment to combine, then on high speed for nearly a minute until it stiffens.

Now, truth be told?  You could stop right there - ignore the pumpkin puree, grab a spoon, go turn on the Thanksgiving Day parade and go to town on that pudding mix.  Cause y'all?  That stuff is the BEST.  Super simple and WAY good.  Wanna be fancy? Put it in a bowl with your favorite berries. *mic drop*

But really, we're going for pie, so, prep your pumpkin mixture in a separate small bowl by combining about 3/4 a can of the puree with the pumpkin pie spice and sugar, using the spatula or a spoon.

Next up, scrape the spiced pumpkin puree into the stiffened pudding mix, turn the mixer back on and blend it all together.

You know what's coming next - spoon the mixture into your pecan pie shell and smooth out the top.  From there - you're done!  Or, if you want to get fancy - put a few pecan halves decoratively on the top, and then you're done!  

You can cut and serve this immediately or let it sit in the fridge till later.  But I'm telling you, once you've tried this, it'll be hard to wait!

Happy Thanksgiving - or happy any day you make this delicious dessert!!