Ponderings of a Commuter

Stubborn Wienie

2012-02-13T21:20:00.000-06:00

Another Monday, a bit more snow. This one was slick as snot, according to those who had to commute longer than 3 minutes. That's about what my current commute is. Love it.

Back to the snow. Of course the sidewalk outside the loft hadn't been scooped, so Odie rebelled at the thought of tinkling first thing this a.m. when Paul took her out. It was still snowing right along, so we let it go.

At 11 a.m. , I had an appointment to see the arm surgeon again - after my MRI. I was glad to have the trusty Subaru driving to WDM for my appointment - the snow was still falling and roads were a bit treacherous.

The MRI turned up a nice shot of the blob in my elbow. Of course they still aren't quite sure what that lump is, but we agreed it needs to come out. I'm hoping it's the cause of the pain I'm feeling. Dr. Kallemeier says it could be a benign tumor on a nerve. Yay. (not) Anyway she's going to remove the little bastard on the 28th.

I was in a hurry when I came back (since the doc was running behind and I didn't get back until nearly 1 PM), but I realized I needed to run by the loft to take Odie out. Didn't want the little pooch to explode. I carefully scooped a path to her normal tinkling area, and clipped her on her leash for a quick jaunt out. She wasn't having it. I was angry. It reminded me of the days of having toddlers - totally unreasonable. All she had to do was squat quickly. But no! Argh!

I dragged her back upstairs and was very crabby with her. She got no treat. That's right - you heard me. After work - it was more of the same. Except I bumped my head on the metal railing for the stairs for our loft before taking Odie out - for nothing. Thank goodness when Paul came home she finally did the deed. I was tired of being mad at her.

I hope the winter clears up - I can't take much more of this stubborn wienie stuff!

Warbler

2012-02-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

Late afternoon sun - cool loft shadows

It's very strange sharing walls with strangers once again. After all it's been 26+ years since we last lived in a place that housed more than one family.

Our last apartment was in Osage, Iowa - in a house we shared with an elderly woman. Not elderly like me. More like 80+. She listened to the television really loud. One night, I was afraid she'd "gone to the big house in the sky" because I woke up in the middle of the night and the TV was still going. The old gal usually turned in early. But she must have just fallen asleep with the thing on, cuz I heard her the next day up and about.

Odie with new dolly

When we moved to Creston, we bought our first house - and had to worry about neighbor's yards instead of shared walls. So living in a loft in the East Village of DSM has brought back memories of apartments past! I won't even get into some of the things I heard through college apartment bedroom walls...

The bird?? is on the other side of that wall...

In this building, we can hear the neighbors - despite the pretty good insulation. Like the "thing" next door. We first heard it during last week's Super Bowl - when I asked Paul to turn down the sound on the TV so I could listen to the strange noise. A lion? Of course not. Paul says it's a bird that those are pigeon-like warbles or cooing. It's very sporadic - only going on for an hour or so in the evening. Thank goodness!

There is a standard poodle across the hall that barks periodically - especially when Odie runs by. Neighbors nearby play music loudly on weekends at night. I guess they're not lame early to-bed weekend peeps like we are.

We're settling into the sounds of our new temporary digs. Not sure I'll get used to the damn bird though.

Jud and Kara stopped by today on their way back to Missouri from a visit to Ames. So we showed off the new joint and went back Baby Boomers for a late breakfast. Then we took a quick walk down Locust Street to see the neighborhood before they hit the road. It's fun to introduce people to our temp neighborhood!

Pelvic Politics

2012-02-12T09:08:00.000-06:00

I'm fired up again. Last week it was the Susan B. Komen Foundation cutting off all possibility of funding women's health grants to Planned Parenthood (PP). Wow. I haven't Raced For the Cure for the Foundation for several years in Des Moines, but have in the past. Breast Cancer is something that has touched all of us.

But it seemed to me the event here in town was becoming so huge - over 20,000 walkers in DSM at last count. Then everywhere one looked the Komen name popped up. I saw it on products, with the trademark "for the cure". And pink ribbons everywhere. The Foundation was big stuff.

Prior to last week, I didn't know the back story of the pro-life "new hire" of the Georgia politician hired by the foundation CEO. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being pro-life in my eyes. I'm all for it - just not at all costs. Which is what got in the eyes of the Foundation I believe. The new goal, to strip funding from PP became a new side-mission. Though they won't admit it. They came up with a new rule that said an entity couldn't receive grant funding if it was under congressional investigation. And Surprise! That was PP.

Finally - something I've been waiting for. The women of American woke up! They found their voices and spoke up. SGK wasn't ready for the backlash - on Facebook, in the media, and most importantly around coffee shops and water coolers. I was pissed. This is a Foundation that in my mind should not be political - yet here it was, getting dirty with the best of them. I'm so sick of it.

In Creston, Iowa, where I live, the only access that some women have to a breast exam is through PP. They can't show up at Creston Medical Clinic and expect a free or reduced cost exam. Nope. So to cut that off, putting women at risk, because SGK now decided that PP isn't a pristine enough supplier of these needed health services sucks.

The backlash was immense, and SGK was forced to change their policy. Some board members have resigned. They have egg on their faces. It's still not clear whether PP will receive future grant funds from the foundation. I don't trust them - and I'm not sure many others do.

On to the whole Catholic Church/Contraception thing. I couldn't say it much better than NYT Columnist Nicholas Kristof, who writes an evenhanded column.

I've been back and forth on this issue. I've read lots of articles on the topic. I disagree with the way the Catholic Church handles the whole issue of birth control - head in the sand (the fact that 98% of the flock uses birth control). I must admit I can't argue the theology of the whole thing as I'm not an expert in that area. All I know is people are people - and they aren't going to use the rythym method...
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/opinion/sunday/kristof-beyond-pelvic-politics.html

It's been an interesting couple weeks.

City life

2012-02-11T15:39:00.000-06:00

I stopped by Paul's office in the Federal Building on 2nd and Walnut Streets yesterday - to see his space where he works, and meet a few co-workers. First I stopped by our temporary home, the loft at 301 East Court to take Odie out. What was I thinking? It was cold and windy out - so the pooch was having nothing to do with tinkling until totally necessary.

Then I decided to walk the five or six blocks to the Federal Building - a little exercise on a day in the teens with a brisk wind. It wasn't bad until I turned to the north. Then my face froze. When you enter a Federal Building you go through security similar to an airport - after the Oklahoma City bombing, security is tight at all them across the country.

USDA is located on the 6th Floor. Paul met me there to wind me through the web of cubicles to his temp office - with a beautiful view of the city, north - looking over the Civic Center and toward Wells Fargo Arena. I snapped a photo of him at his desk - looking casual on casual Friday. He wears businesses casual the other days of the week. I think he's enjoying the challenge of his 90- day assignment at the state office.

Last night we headed to the Cheesecake Factory at Jordan Creek Mall for a bite, before attending the movie Safe House - Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds. I had the "skinny" cheeseburger if there really is such a thing - with a salad. Paul got the regular old cheeseburger and fries. I snuck a few. I stared longingly at the cheesecake. Tiramisu how I heart you.

The movie was kinda like a "Bourne" movie with different characters. Shoot 'em up!

Paul contemplates life

Odie was glad to have us sleep in with her this morning. We headed to an East Village joint, Baby Boomers about 8:30 a.m. The waitress complimented us on our Cyclone attire (Paul was dressed and ready for today's home game - he's attending with Jud who is using my ticket). The cook had on an ISU hat. We LOVE this place already. Paul had a big breakfast and I went with oatmeal. Next door for latte on our way to do errands next.

We'll be glad to get back to Creston next weekend - to be sure. But this is a fun temp lifestyle. Now...whilst Jud and Paul attend the game, I'm enjoying some quiet time with my Dell, Odie and a book. The game is on. I'm set!

One is the loneliest

2012-02-10T16:38:00.000-06:00

Bolder leads Christmas Carols at the annual Lefebvre party - with son Colby and Susi's daughter Jordan

Poor Boldie. On top of dealing with prostate cancer, the guy had to have a testicle removed last week. It's been infected since his original cancer surgery back in August. Last week's surgery took an hour (not much effort to getting rid of one of those buggers compared to my 5 hour hysterectomy). He was supposed to be in recovery an hour.

Cindo said he was singing, "One is the Loneliest Number" in the recovery room. Bolder is always a nurse-pleaser. But the guy doesn't do surgery well...and his blood pressure and oxygen didn't regulate for several hours. They were stuck at the hospital much longer than anticipated. Poor Cindo said her BP shot up during the event as well...she said she snapped when she got home. (Updated good news - no sign of cancer in the pathology report of the removed body part).

I know it's a tough deal for a guy to lose "one of the boys". So I had to relate a story about my pal Sal, who dated a kid in college who was one short. He'd lost a testicle to childhood cancer. John, the guy Sally dated, was one of the sexiest guys I've ever met. I think Sal should have stuck with that guy. Cutie!

But still - the whole thing sucks. Bolder has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He's scheduled for radiation therapy next. So the hits keep on coming!
Paul and I tried to think of anything we could do from afar (they live in Vail, Colorado) to perk the two of them up - so they know we're thinking of them. Knowing they both have good funny bones, we picked up some Nuckin' Futs Hot Sauce when we shopped at Bass Pro Shop recently. The name was just too clever.

And when you get down to it - you gotta laugh. We sent Cindy got a jigsaw puzzle - very therapeutic.

So here's my pitch. If you read this blog, think about picking up a funny card for them - just to let them know you care. Boldie is a big old softie - and he'll get all teary-eyed just knowing people he doesn't even know, care enough to send a card.

Don't make it sappy! That would put him over the edge...

Bolder (Brian) & Cindy Lefebvre (it's pronounced Lafave in case you're wondering)
PO Box 515
Vail, CO 81658

Thanks for all your support. And I'm sorry about all those chain emails I broke...since I'm asking you to do this...

Taking the tube

2012-02-08T21:04:00.001-06:00

I experienced my first MRI yesterday. Those initials stand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It's a giant tube that your whole body goes in to. My appointment was at DMOS - Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons out on West 60th in a snazzy (that's an old fashioned word, no?) office building near the new Mercy and Methodist Hospitals.

Dr. Kallemeier - very nice

My new Doc - hand/arm surgeon Dr. Patricia Kallemeier had suggested I have the test - to see just what's going on with my owie elbow. I can see the wheels turning in your brains now - you're a klutz, you say - I've read about your idiotic falls. If not - let me refresh your memories.

First the spill on the main drag in Creston - it was because my knee joints froze up in the cold. My friends made me jog to catch up with them on that cold day. It had nothing to do with the one Mimosa I drank. Really. Then - I may have also hit my elbow when I broke my foot on the stairs at Joan's. But my foot hurt so much that I didn't pay attention to the elbow.

Last winter (or was it two winters ago) I decided it would be a good idea to oil the cupboards in the kitchen while standing on the little wooden step-stool. Probably not such a good idea on a bamboo floor - slick. I flew off, reminiscent of Chevy Chase's best Gerald Ford impersonation. My tailbone took the brunt of the wipeout - but there may have been some collateral damage to the elbow.

No matter the cause. My elbow hurts. I ended up at the surgeon after a couple other tests. The nerve one was kinda cool. That doc, a kindly yet nerdy old guy zapped my arm with electric shocks to see how it reacted. Come to think of it, he was a bit like a Nazi performing experiments on me...

Dr. Kallemeier wanted more information after she looked at my XRays so I got set up for the tube. DMOS's MRI machine is supposed to be extra big, but the cylinder didn't seem any too big to me. I had to take off my jeans and anything else with much metal in it, like my stainless steel necklace. The staff people propped my arm up on pads and told me to lay completely still so they could get good pics for the radiologist.

And I slid in. The headphones were good - oldies. I decided to squeeze my eyes shut so I didn't know where I was - even though the dang machine was quite loud, clunking and grinding. I was relaxed enough to actually doze off at one point until the MRI clunked and startled me. After about 35 minutes they pulled me out and gave me a shot of iodine, so the radiologist could get a better look at the bump in my elbow.

On Monday maybe we'll have more answers when I see the doc again.

The Voice

2012-02-07T20:01:00.000-06:00

No not a TV show. It's my blog voice...it's back! Finally it's back with the installation of a Wifi modem at our loft on Court Avenue in DSM. Phew - I was actually starting to feel quite stifled!

301 East Court

We arrived in DSM Sunday, various items in tow for our new living quarters. We'd only seen it briefly a few weeks ago - so we didn't know the details about the place. Like what it had for dishes, clocks, furniture. Stuff like that.

Our place is the little balcony on the left

When we arrived in town, the fella we were supposed to meet to get the keys seemed to be a bit under the weather. He had ridden his bike in the Saturday snowstorm on the BRR ride - and then partied a bit. So it was a small hassle getting that done.

Odie looks a bit nervous on the way there

Odie the wonder dog was excited to be with us. She rode along to Super Target - waiting in the car while we shopped for essentials for the place. Including potty bags for her. It's not like she has her own yard anymore.

We hauled stuff into 301 East Court #202, and unpacked. About that time a certain football game called the Super Bowl was getting ready to start. I buzzed over to Zombie Burger to pick up carryout for the two of us. We got settled in front of the TV with our laptops and discovered we had no Wifi. Dang! Cutoff again.

Mediacom came today and installed a new modem - and now we're set! Ahh it feels so good.

Embassador

2012-02-04T13:38:00.001-06:00

Pablo and I stayed at the Embassy Suites on East 2nd and Locust Streets in DSM this week. It was our last week of hotel life before moving into the loft - my first time staying at ES. I quite enjoyed it - except for the lack of WiFi.

ES has been remodeled. The showers are almost European - with glass panels and no doors. When staying for a week, it's nice to have two rooms to settle into - and two TVs. Even though we didn't end up spending all that much time in the joint. And they passed the sheet, towel and cleanliness test.

Capitol seen to the right of the Embassy Suites looking east

My fave part? The free breakfast. They're ready at 6 a.m. with eggs, sausage, and potatoes on a buffet - all stuff Paul likes. You can go through their omelet bar, but we didn't do that - in a hurry biz folk ya know. I myself ate their excellent oatmeal with brown sugar, rolled oats and raisins. They also offer fresh fruit, yogurt, toast etc. And their coffee? So very good. Everyone was quite polite too.

I enjoyed walking from the ES to work early each morning up Locust toward the beautiful Iowa State Capitol building. Locust is lit with Christmas lights and there are cool sculptures along the way. It's uphill (followed by 5 flights of stairs to my desk), which helped me with my LiveHealthy Iowa workouts. The unusually warm weather didn't hurt my enjoyment of the walk.

But hotel life is getting old. It's hard to be healthy when you're living hotel life. Even when you're with your honey.

Winter finally

2012-02-04T10:37:00.001-06:00

It's February 4, and we're finally getting a bit of winter weather here in SW Ioway. Really it's about time. It wouldn't be right if we got out of this winter without some hint of the white stuff. Oh we've had scattered 1 and 2 inch storms. But not real winter.

It's somewhat similar to the year my lil buddy Judson David was born - and his birthday was just Monday when the lad turned 23. Can you believe it? Nor I! As I recall, it was something like 60 degrees out when we walked into the hospital to have him. That morning - it was a Monday, just like every birthday for each of my kids - "full of face" (whatever that means).

I was just a couple days past my January 27 due date, and had rolled over in bed - planning to get up shortly to get ready for work, when I felt something pop. My water broke. It wasn't a "drop the pickles in the grocery aisle gusher". Just a trickle. After dropping Amy off at our sitter, Carol Frank's house, we headed to the hospital on a balmy 60 degree day. Typical Jud, just like his sis, he required drugs and time to decide to make an entrance - just past 11:30 PM.

I was shocked to discover I'd given birth to a male child! After 70 years (since my dad was born) there was finally another Bullock male. I have no maternal instinct when it comes to baby sex. When Amy was born, I'd had a feeling she was a boy - Andrew Judson. After Amy was born, we went whole hog on the naming the kid after dad thingy. I've never regretted it - though he has been called Jed, Jude, Jetson and more. It's an unusual name - but it has history and style. You can't find it on a kiddie license plate or pen in a gift store!

Anyway, back in 1989, new moms stayed in the hospital a few days post birth. Thank goodness! Amy had stayed overnight with our friends the McFees the night Jud was born. Then Paul and she muddled through without me for a couple days - until Thursday. The day mom and tot came home. On that day, a big snowstorm hit, and the temperature dropped - similar to today. Welcome to Iowa Judson David! Thus began our lives together - a new family of four.

Cut Off

2012-02-03T21:13:00.003-06:00

I've been out of blogging circulation - cutoff from my beloved laptop due to circumstances beyond my control. Pablo and I stayed at Embassy Suites this week, where again - no Free Internet. Crap! We kept up with stuff through our smart phones, but blogging was impossible. I'll work on it this weekend...

The person you marry

2012-01-29T20:58:00.001-06:00

A wise person I know told me she gave this advice to her daughter recently..."I wouldn't have married the same person at 28 that I did at 22."

That got me pondering this week. After all...that's what I do.

How do some marriages make it through the years, yet others fail miserably in as little as 1 year? Sometimes it's a crapshoot! Deep, huh.

I would agree - you do know yourself much better at age 28, than at age 22. And I'd hope you would be a better judge of character as you age - less likely to fall under the spell of "love". The first stage of love is infatuation - and you shouldn't ever get married at that stage! Here's a question - at age 28 are you more likely to be bored with your life, career path and to be infatuated with the thought of being married or even of - gasp, having a fun party in the form of a wedding?

Don't forget about our old friend peer/family pressure. I think some people get to that stage in life when they think it's just time to married. In the Midwest, that seems to be younger than in other areas of the country. I don't know why they're in a rush - but it does work for some people.

When you marry young - how do you make sure you grow and change together, so you don't "fall out of love"?

Here are some words of wisdom Paul and I have shared with upwards of 30 or more couples we have worked with in our marriage ministry in the Catholic Church over the past fifteen years.

This person you're marrying will be with you through all types of life situations - good times and bad, as the vows say. Make sure you know how to deal with the tough stuff as a team. In my case - as my Aunt Marty says - "as the going gets rough - the tough get bitchy" Paul knows how to deal with my bitchy side! And I know how to react on the rare occasions when he snaps.
Though none of us is Karnak the Magnificent, we need to be honest about our dreams for the future with ourselves and our future spouse. Will you be happy being a small town dweller, hanging with your hometown friends, golfing and working for your dad? Is that your spouse's dream too? What if one of you takes a class online - which opens up your world and you decide you want to move to a big city instead? Or your spouse finds religion? What if one became a golfaholic, or worse, alcoholic, ignoring her family? Those are all the types of things that have been known to break up marriages.
Does marriage get boring? Hell yes! You can't possibly keep the level of enthusiasm you had at the beginning of the relationship. So you must learn how to settle into a mature relationship - the terrain of how you two fit together.
If someone (often the woman) is totally submissive in the beginning, she should realize that eventually she won't feel so submissive. As I tell my husband (though I was never the shy, submissive type) as we women get older, some of our mufflers rust out a bit. So we're not so quiet any more...
If Lover Boy/Girl has a habit that you find highly irritating, but you can live with it because you "love each other", know that the habit will not go away magically because you're married. You need to deal with it if it will cause problems.
Your partner can be an easy scapegoat for your angst/anger. Love the one your with? More like take it out on the one your with! Bad day at work - smile through it and then nail your loved ones at home. That's safe! They can't fire you. (at least as easily as a job can...). If you want to stay married - figure out a way to avoid doing that - and how to say "I'm so sorry!"
I'm certainly not the same sweet girl my husband married. And he's a changed man. Okay he's not all that different. We're partners - figuring out our path - together.

I could go on and on. My point? There is no perfect age for marriage. No matter what your age - it's a journey. One I'm glad I'm on my best friend with!

Home again

2012-01-28T09:24:00.001-06:00

Week 1 is in the books. Paul survived his first week as Assistant State Conservationist. He said he wasn't nervous before that first day, Monday - but I think sub-consciously he was freaking out a little. After all, he's not started a new job for 25 years!

So just like when I started my job at DNR 3 years ago, he said it felt good to get that first day and week over with. Phew! He's supervising a staff of six or so people and over $50 million in programs. Yikes! It sounds like everyone was welcoming. They had a nice lunch at Court Avenue Brew Pub for him on Wednesday, and he went for a couple beers at Raccoon River Brew Pub Thursday after work.

Still he was ready to head home to Crestonia yesterday at 11 a.m. So was I after my week of traveling. Our frig looks like post-vacation - empty. But there's not much use stocking it up for a couple days, since we're heading out again early Monday.

Lila the puppy-sitter dropped Odie off about 2 p.m. Odie did a couple victory laps right away - happy to be home! We were glad to see her too. That night we headed to the local establishments with McKims for relaxation time. Then to A&G for pizza. Home by 10 PM. The end of a long interesting week. One more to go before we move into the loft. This week - Embassy Suites.

Catching up

2012-01-26T20:50:00.001-06:00

I've been gone! Two days of traveling Iowa - though I can't complain about the weather, no sir! Cory - the chap DNR hired to help with one of my programs and I first went to Tracy, Iowa - near Knoxville yesterday. Then we jetted (in his rented KIA) off to Spencer, arriving at 8 PM.

And who lives in Spencer? (or at least she does in the winter...) Mary Faber! So I texted her that I'd be in town, and we got together for a beer. It was swell catching up with one of my fave peeps in the whole world.

Mary works at Iowa Lakes Community College and should be awarded her Phd this summer. Quite an accomplishment for our scholarly friend. That's a lot of time and effort! Who knows what life will bring post escuela?

My two meetings went very well. I'm happy and very tired. Two long days. When I got back about 6:15 PM, Paul and I decided to head to Dos Rios - just down the skywalk to eat. Tamales were good - and guacamole bar too. But I've overeaten and now I'm miserable. Reminding me why I usually try to avoid eating so much. Couldn't stop on the green stuff!

Heading home to Creston tomorrow - Paul feels like he's been here a week. Oh, wait - he has!

Jethro's in Waukee

2012-01-24T20:59:00.000-06:00

Joan and I have been meaning to try out the new Jethro's Barbecue on University in Waukee for quite some time, so last week - before I moved out of her place temporarily - we did!

It's a lot bigger than it looks from the outside! Good thing too - because the parking lot is always full. There are TVs everywhere and the smell of barbecue wafts through the air. I selected a Pale Ale draw to sip while we waited for our food. I selected 2 meats - chicken and beef brisket, along with a corn muffin green beans and mashed sweet potatoes. It was about $16, but J had a coupon for 15% off, so we got a bargain - and I ended up eating barbecue for 2 meals after that night!

This Jethro's location also serve Cajun food - and the peel and eat shrimp made me pine for Marco Island, Florida!

Our night at Jethro's convinced me of one thing - Joan and I should have eaten out together more. Now I'll get a chance to check out some Downtown/East Village places with Pablo.

Annual Holiday Gathering

2012-01-22T14:06:00.001-06:00

The title makes it sound formal, don't it? (My salute to Bugs Bunny talk).

Last Friday was our Annual Holiday Exercise Group get-together - held once again at Susan's lovely home. Everyone but Linda made it. She was just getting back from a Vegas trip with Mick, so she was marked down as "excused".

We each brought food, wine (or in may case an alternative bev - since wine isn't my friend) and a white elephant gift. I don't often get to have lots of time with my buddies, since I no longer exercise with the group. Though I get to see Diana, Bobbie and Deb quite a bit - I usually only see Pat, Nancy, Patti, Lucy, Susan and Linda at our breakfasts on alternate Mondays. So I value my time with this wonderful bunch of ladies a lot.

I had picked up a few interesting looking foods at Trader Joe's. Skinny Fries - air popped and low guilt. They were pretty tasty. Also fat free spicy bean dip and some chips to go with those. I couldn't go totally no-fat, so I got baklava. I wasn't quite as good as the fresh stuff I purchase at Holy Spirit's annual International Food Fair, but not bad.

We chatted, and laughed - and commiserated about aging. And laughed. What else can one do? The alternative is worse! It's so nice to have a group of peers to relate to - at each age of your life. When I was raising children, we talked about the trials and tribulations of that. Aging parents. Check. Female problems? Check. Nice to know I'm not going down this trail alone - and these are some magnificent chicks to trot down the trail to the old folk's home with. Girlfriends are a "must have" as one travels the ups and downs life throws at us.

When Diana got back from the girl's basketball game (son Ryan is Assistant Coach - temporarily, as he's heading back to Ames to be a grad assistant for Coach Paul Rhoads and the ISU Cyclones), we decided to open the White Elephant gifts. It was great entertainment as you can see from the pictures.

Deb explains why she "recycled" the top Susan has on

Lucy and Nancy guard the gifts

Nancy embellished my "new" top from Patti with tissue

Ugliest snowman ever?

After the party, we headed to A&G where we plugged the jukebox and danced all by ourselves. A few people looked in to see what was happening. And then they steered clear and let us do our thing. Our husbands (Paul, Jeff and Donnie) sent back a couple shots. Red headed sluts, and Oatmeal Cookies. Deb put us through a few exercise moves. One lonely looking girl decided to join us - and we gladly took her in.

Ladies in Black - Deb, Nancy, Susan, Diana

The whole gang

Later we stopped at the Lobby with Paul and Jeff for just one more. That place was hopping! Then Paul and I headed home about midnight - late for us old folks! It was a good time with good friends.

The Adventure Begins

2012-01-22T13:36:00.000-06:00

We leave for DSM today as Pablo the Poolboy starts his new Pool job tomorrow. No, it's not really a pool cleaning gig. But we're going on Sunday, because just like when I started at my DNR job, that first day - one wants to arrive on time, bright and shiny.

Our loft won't be available for a couple weeks. So we're living out of suitcases in motels until then. Marriott this week, Embassy Suites next - decent places at least. I get to travel to Spencer and stay in the AmericInn Wednesday though, for work. Yeehaa.

We've called the neighbors to let them know to watch our home. Plus we have the Kimster cat and house-sitting. If you are a robber, consider stealing our 18 year-old kitty, or other old things. Think again. She will hurt you. Odie will be at Lila's for this time. It's Odie's birthday on the 26th - she'll be 7! We'll have to celebrate on the weekend. I'll pick her up something fun

The next two weeks will be a transition to our new temp life. Change is good. Bring it on!

Digging Book Chicks

2012-01-20T14:33:00.002-06:00

Some months I think, "It's a hassle, maybe I should just skip book club". Then I attend, and remember why I enjoy it so. This month we met at A&G Lounge downtown, with eight people in attendance.

I was supposed to pick up Thea, on my way. You may recall she has often been our hostess with the mostess. I've written in this blog about Thea's cancer battle - myeloma. Bitch of a disease. I checked my email right before heading out the door and discovered she was not feeling up to a meeting. ;>(. But she did email her comments on the book. Room by Emma Donoghue. No substitute for her warm and caring personality, but the note would have to do, to share with the group.

I picked up my buddy Deb on my way downtown, and we laid claim to a table in the back of the bar at A&G and ordered a couple drinks - she a hot chocolate/schnapps and I a vodka/cranberry. Gradually the rest of this eclectic group began to gather.

Deb and I started the group back in the early 2000's. Thea was an original member too. Many women have come and gone through the group since then. Most (besides Deb) are not people I would have had occasion to hang out with. But I've truly enjoyed getting to know these women who share my love of books.

This month, our selection, Room, elicited excellent discussion. It's a novel, but was written along the lines of the Jaycee Dugard story - the girl who was kidnapped and held for 18 years or so, having a couple children with her captor. Kidnapping stories creep me out - so the captivity portion was tough to read. I sped read through it. Thea had given me a preview that the escape was worth it - so I forged on.

I'm always amazed at the insight and intelligence of the group members. Book questions can sometimes bring out personal stories and thoughts - almost therapeutic if you ask me. We laugh, we share both happy and painful memories. Sometimes some of us even pontificate a bit. That's when I try to break in with a smartass joke to break things up. If we all thought the book was bad, we just talk about current events or other books we've read, movies, our jobs, and families. It's all on the table.

Last night, newer member, Amber, took it upon herself to bring background information about how and why the author wrote the book - through the eyes of a five year old boy. I had one list of discussion questions and Amber had a whole different list. Each member took turns picking questions to read.

Through the years, some of the women attending Book Club have started out a little shy - rarely chiming in. Others are rather outspoken. As the unofficial leader, I always try to make sure everyone gets a chance to weigh in on questions. I've enjoyed seeing friendships grow within the group! Several of the people now hang out - outside of club meetings. Members have been wonderful about supporting Thea through her illness, which warms my heart. I know T would be doing the same if roles were reversed. I also like to think of those of us who are older..or let's say, more experienced, serve as role models for the younger women.

Room isn't a book I would have read on my own. I pushed myself to read it - which is good. We should get out of our comfort zones. Hanging out with smart women who are not my usual buddies is good too! Viva la reading and Book Chicks!

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

2012-01-17T21:18:00.001-06:00

No, it doesn't have anything to do with my cubical at work. Though some days that could cause me to develop some type of syndrome. Especially when the neighbors are loud. Give me drugs!

I've been having pain issues with my elbow for over a year now. Last time I had a physical, I mentioned it to Sheryl Young, ARNP - she's my nurse practitioner and friend. She used to practice in Creston, as a partner to my doc Chuck Hoyt, but now she works here in DSM. At my physical she X-rayed my arm but we couldn't see anything. Never-the-less, it continues to burn in pain right near the funny bone. Mostly when I drive or dry my hair.

When I saw Sheryl right after the first of the year for my sore throat and head cold, I told her again about the elbow. It wasn't getting any better. She hooked me up with a Doc to do a nerve test. No...not that kinda nerve test - like you're on my last nerve. But more like a study of the nerves in my left arm. Dr. William Koenig hooked me up to a couple machines and zapped me with electrical currents, and stuck me with needles. Nice guy!

It wasn't really too bad. And the doc told me what was going on the whole time. Once he was done, he told me the good news - no diseases of those nerves. And nothing dire or too degenerative. But my ulnar nerve is entrapped at the elbow. Otherwise known at Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

It can be caused by breaking my arm - which I did as a child. Damn playing "boys chase girls" at age 4! That's how I broke it. Or since the symptoms showed up so recently...more likely it was one of those falls in the last couple years. How about the banana-peel like one off the little wooden stool when I thought it would be a good idea to oil the cabinets in the kitchen. I thought I was paralyzed - but thank goodness no.

What to do. I talked to Sheryl today. She's lining me up with a surgeon. Not that I've made my mind up about surgery. Another option is splinting my arm at night and working on not bending it any more than necessary. Yeah...we'll see what the surgeon says.

East Court Ave

2012-01-16T21:34:00.001-06:00

Will be our new part-time address starting early in February. Paul and I took a look at the two lofts coming available in a couple weeks, and though I liked the smaller one better we decided to go with the bigger one. Why?

Small world department - the guy in the Broncos jacket is from Mallard and knows Diana McKim.

It's available earlier
There is a workout room
The bedroom is a separate room
It has a small deck
There are grassy areas to walk Odie around the place

Those reasons trumped the selection of the smaller place. This loft is just three blocks from Paul's office, and about six from mine. The Court Avenue establishments on the West Side of the river are just three blocks away. The East Village stuff around the same distance. We'll be livin' large!

Double Ds are my enemy

2012-01-16T11:01:00.000-06:00

No not those Double Ds. You may recall that one year ago, I took the step of joining Weight Watchers. We had just enough people for a group meeting in the Wallace Building at lunchtime on Mondays. I know - tough day for a weigh in! But I was motivated, so it worked.

I was tired of the extra flab around my middle and hips and wanted to several pounds - to get back to my fighting weight. More importantly, I wished to learn to eat more healthy foods - to be more mindful of what I was putting into my body. While not good at dieting on my own, I performed well in the framework of the Weight Watchers system. I utilized the on-line software, tracking everything I ate and stuck religiously to the points allowed. That was really pretty easy during the week while in DSM.

The weekends were another deal altogether, but with Weight Watchers, one is allowed extra points to use anytime during the week. So I would hoard the extra points for weekends. Note - liquor is a quick point user. So I had to watch that - one lemondrop martini is a gazillion points. Most Mondays I was pleased with the result when I stepped on that scale. Once the sixteen weeks of our DNR Weight Watchers program were up, and I had hit my goal weight I felt really good about it.

Of course...spring came, and I slipped into my old habit of less healthy eating. But I kept an eye on the scale - and stayed in a good range for me. For months.

Duffy roll - only in Denver

Until this holiday season. When holiday foods killed me. Food days at work. I got lax about checking my weight.

And the two main culprits that I'm blaming - Double Ds.

Denver Duffy Rolls and Dunkin' Donuts in NYC. They put me over the top. Now I'm heavier than I've been, well since a year ago. I need to lose about 4-5 pounds to get back to a good weight for me. Those pounds aren't exactly slipping away now that I'm back to my normal - non-donut diet either. Donut weight is hard to take off!

Dunkin' right onto my ass - I prefer Dunkin's chocolate cake donut

The worst part of my gluttony at Christmas? Now I need to detox. One year ago, I did so well at taking sugar out of my diet. I got over my craving for the stuff. Now it's BACK with a vengeance. It's amazing how that works. So now...to cut the craving again - BE STRONG!

And another thing...I admit it, I've not been great about working out this winter. That head cold I had post-NYC didn't help. My Wii called to me several times this weekend, and I did walk on the treadmill at Joan's twice last week. Yay me. Paul and I will need to get on a workout routine with our new living situation. The donut pounds will be stubborn.

Healthy eating? Gotta break out the Weight Watchers cookbook. All it takes is time - something my lazy butt needs to get motivated to invest. I'm excited to shop for food in DSM. Whole Foods opens this year sometime, and Trader Joes in WDM is great. Plus all the usual stores - HyVee, Super Targer, Dahls all carry many interesting foods. So no excuses there. Here's our chance! Another challenge will be eating healthy at restaurants.

How did you do at staying healthy over the holidays? Better than Jud I hope!

Jud - chubby

Jud's girlfriend Kara posted this photo of him from one of those apps that helps you make someone look chubby. She says - from Culver's - someone had too many Butterburgers! Lucky he and Kara eat healthy much of the time.

What Jud really looks like...

I don't want to be obsessed by food. I like to eat to live - not the other way around! Wish me luck.

The jacket

2012-01-15T21:11:00.001-06:00

I talked Paul into recycling a sport coat today. He took the initiative to take some stuff out of his closet - to take to Goodwill. Then he and I went to work. I'm a tosser. My mother was a tosser, and I take after her. Paul is more of a packrat. My rule is - if you haven't worn it in the past year, someone else might as well be wearing it. You need to give it up.

There are a few exceptions. Vintage stuff, like the shirt my grandma Momo bought me, and Mom's blue suede pants. And my Adidas Superstars from High School. Some things you just can't get rid of. But just clothes - those have got to go.

I always liked that sport coat - taupe and navy with white. But it was time for it to go! Paul agreed - and began to clean out the pockets before he put it in the bag. Wedding and funeral papers - the oldest one dating back to 1997. Yikes! It hadn't been dry cleaned since then? To be fair, he hadn't worn since 2004...according to stuff in his pockets anyway.

He also got rid of his faded black jeans - yay. Various frayed color shirts, and old logo Cyclone gear. Some other people are going to love those things.

I'm so proud that Paul's cleaned his closets. He's going to be one of the sharpest dressed guys at the Federal Building!

One week to go

2012-01-15T10:21:00.000-06:00

One week to go of my usual schedule. After tomorrow's Martin Luther King Holiday, it will be a short week too. Tick, tick. I'm sure Pablo is more nervous about it than I am. After all, he's going to be doing a whole different job, while I'm just changing schedules and roommates.

I feel uneasy about leaving my nice room and bed and Joan's house. What if someone else wants to live there? I'll lose my spot! When I first moved in with Joan, her niece Krissy lived there, and she had laid claim to the downstairs bedroom. As the new kid, and only a part timer, I took the spare bed downstairs in the "living room" area. And was very grateful to get that.

I started my job in December 2008, a very cold winter. It was quite chilly by the window in my bed. I'd sleep with longjohns and socks on most nights. Yes, the bedroom and its large bed and closer bathroom access is much preferable. But...if Joan get another roomie while I'm gone - so be it.

My usual schedule has me leaving Joan's at 6 a.m. to start work at 6:30 a.m. (while it's still very quiet in cubicle-land in the Wallace Building), working until 5:00 p.m. most days. And I'm used to coming home to Creston on Thursdays - leaving work around 3 PM that day to head south. Some Thursday nights, I've had book club.

Then, on Fridays I work a few hours where I'm sitting right now - in my chair. I get work stuff done without the distraction of, well...work. My Fridays in Creston give me some flexibility to run errands, have medical appointments - stuff like that. And go to lunch with my spouse. It's been pretty convenient. But all that is changing, temporarily anyway. I'll stay in DSM through Friday with Paul.

Paul and I hope to leave one car here and drive to DSM together - saving $ on our commute. We're going to have a housesitter. A big burly guy named Bruno who knows jujitsu and has lots of weapons. So if you're reading this and plan to rob our home - forget about it! The kitty will stay here too - so she'll hiss at you - it's very scary.

In the meantime, Pablo and I are off tomorrow to look at a couple furnished downtown lofts. Here's a link to one. Ours would be furnished, so we wouldn't worry about that. It's been a dream of mine to live like this. But not really Paul's. So how fun to give it a "test drive".
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/301-E-Court-Ave-207-Des-Moines-IA-50309/2146751676_zpid/

The lofts probably won't be available right away, so we'll be calling Embassy Suites home for a couple weeks.

Pablo and Leslie's Big Adventure. Let's hope we don't knock over some bad-ass bikers' row of Harleys. (like Pee Wee did in his adventure).

Sick cat

2012-01-13T21:24:00.000-06:00

The kitty is congested again - poor thing. She's been like this the past couple years - every few months it gets bad enough that I take her into the vet for a shot of antibiotics. Last night when I got home from DSM, she had a crusty nose. This morning she sneezed in my face. It was time for the vet!

I called early and lucky for me I could get in right away - the joys of a small town. I put her into the small pet carrier and away we went. The tech weighed her right in the carrier - she's down to 6.8 pounds. A few years ago, she weighed 10. Scrawny old thing. Kitty got her shot, and Doc Bruce told me he detected a heart murmur.

On the short drive back home, I found my mind wandering. So much so that I nearly drove through the red light near the YMCA. For some reason I had suddenly pictured myself as one of those old ladie who pushed their cats around in a cart outdoors. Wacky. It could be me someday..the cat will be 38.

HP

2012-01-12T20:28:00.000-06:00

I picked up a new HP laptop computer for Pablo the poolboy today. He had been using my old Dell from 2007 - so it was 5 years old. What's that in laptop years? Do they age like pets, so many years for each one? Poor thing - I think the fan was giving out and it was overheating. I shopped around in DSM this week and got a great bargain. He doesn't need anything too fancy - pretty much all he does is surf the Net on it, and log his hunting information.

I started thinking back to our first computer. We bought it about 1994 - when I worked for Mike Moffitt at Cornerstone Financial. When I worked for Mike, I got my first experience working with a desktop computer, and man - I was hooked! Paul and I bought a computer at Best Buy - and it had something wrong with it, so we took it back right away and got another one. The kids were mad because the second one didn't have as many games. Computers were big bucks back then - and we had to get a Best Buy card so we could get their 6 months same a cash deal so we could pay it off.

Remember the computer games of the mid 90s? They came on floppy disks and were so basic. Jill of the Jungle was one game we (Amy, Jud and I) got hooked one. There was another one where King Kong threw bananas. Those games were addicting!

I had to learn DOS back then. Loading software was so much harder than it is today. All those little diskettes. Computers seemed to last longer back then too. But who could have imagined something as powerful as a droid mobile phone at my fingertips all the time, back in the day of the giant desktop.

I've got my work cut out for me tomorrow - getting rid of all the pre-loaded crap on the new HP. Loading antivirus software, getting the new guy all set up for my baby. I could have paid $129 or so for Office Max to do it. But this way he owes me! Or...I can think of it as a way to pay him back for all the nice stuff he does for me.

Living situation update

2012-01-10T21:28:00.000-06:00

Paul and I are still in the process of figuring out the logistics of how his temp job in DSM will shake out. It's exciting! And a bit scary - especially for him, since he's worked at the same job in the same location for oh...25 years now. Man...that seems like a long time. Yes the job has changed through the years, but unlike the most people (me) who change jobs many times through the years, the guy has stuck with the same job loyally.

Paul started his career as a Soil Conservationist with the Soil Conservation Service in while we were on our honeymoon. Well, he got the call saying he got the job then anyway. We were in Vancouver, but that was a worthwhile phone call...we were thrilled - better benefits and more pay than the county job he'd held prior to that. The job was in Oakland, Iowa - Counciltucky's arm pitier cousin! We but we did live in Council Bluffs back then - midway between his job in Oakland and mine in Omaha. Then there was his promotion to District Conservationist (DC) in a flat county - Mitchell in Northern Iowa - followed by our move in 1986 to Creston.

But when I think back...we were just babies (and Amy truly was a baby as she was just 1 year old) when we moved to Creston and Paul became the DC in Union County, replacing Bob Loudon who retired. I remember trotting into the old NRCS (then called SCS) office downtown (before it nearly collapsed and got condemned) with Amy - showing her off to the clerk Iola who seemed elderly even in 1986, but she worked for Paul for many more years.

Paul was one of the young DCs back then. Today - he's a wily veteran...one of the old guys! And he could do his job in his sleep. In fact I think he has.

So a job change...even temporary? It's a bit disconcerting for the guy. And he's got this wife that insists that he needs new clothes. For some reason, ten year old green Dockers won't cut it in the big city in my view. I'm encouraging to purchase some new stuff. Insisting. I even talked him into some slip on kinda driving moccasins loafers. My next goal? Out with the old. I may need to wait until he slips out to check his deer cameras or something...

Odds and Ends

2012-01-09T21:42:00.000-06:00

Remember stocking hats? No not the Santa ones I wore whilst wandering NYC. The kind from my childhood where the longer the hat, the better. I walked by Claire's at Jordan Creek Mall tonight an saw a longish stocking hat, and remember a striped one I used to have. That thing had to weigh my head down...and was a strangulation threat...yet I survived!
Claire's advertised ear piercing. I can't imagine doing that to someone. Ugh! My mother wouldn't let me get mine done...so I waited until I visited sister Susan in Denver the summer of my Junior year of High School. We went to the mall and I think the person used a needle to do it. Or my faulty memory could be working overtime! Mother was agast, but she gave up.
When I got to ISU my friends and I each got a 3rd earring when we were frosh. Mom cried. "Girls that hang at the roller rink have pierced ears" she said. (those girls musta been the skanks).
Which reminds me - my black sheep sister Cindy once pierced her own ear. (she only had one earring so she only did one). She numbed her ear with an ice cube, sterilized a needle with liquor (probably our paren't fave Ancient Age Bourbon) and poked her right through. Then she kept it covered with her hair when Mom was around and would put her hair behind her ear when Mom was not. (She was sneaky like that). Eventually though - moms figure these things out. And she had to let it grow back.
Looking for apartments to rent is kinda scary. It reminds me of the olden days when Paul and I lived in apartments - the last one was in Counciltucky. Yep - Council Bluffs, on Little John Circle right behind KMart. They weren't supposed to know I had a cat (Bucko), and we were successful at pulling that off. I'm not sure we could sneak Odie the wienie dog in someplace.
In my experience, the worst part of apartment life is the neighbors. They're loud (and walls thin). And rude. In CB the neighbors had a huge fight and their fry pan ended up in the back lawn - complete with the spatula! And that was from the 2nd floor - we were on the 3rd.
Holding the BCS National Championship on a Monday night on ESPN just doesn't seem like a big deal. Or maybe it's because it's 2 SEC teams and nobody around here is too excited about it.

Big Apple Pinstripe Bowl Game Trip Highlights

2012-01-08T11:23:00.002-06:00

Brooklyn Bridge - wish we'd had time to walk across it!

I've blogged a long-version daily diary of our trip. Here is the concise version - for anyone who might be considering a trip to the Big Apple. Paul Goldsmith had never been there - I'd tried to talk him into going, along with our son Jud. They weren't interested. Until the Cyclones were asked to play there.

I admit it - I was one of the doubters when the Cyclones were sitting with five wins and a gauntlet of games left. What do you mean, you ask? Let me tell ya: Our team - picked for last in the Big 12 was faced with #2 Oklahoma State (home), and two other top 20 teams - Oklahoma and Kansas State (both away games).

At work, my supervisor sent around a calendar for employees to fill in holiday schedules. Jokingly, I put a sticky note on it saying - "and time off for ISU's bowl game". Wow -the Cyclones blew me away with their upset of the Cowboys! Next it was Bowl Watch - Paul and I were hoping for someplace warm - not the Pinstripe Bowl.

Boy are we glad our hopes didn't come true! When ISU was selected for the Pinstripe - held in Yankee Stadium in New York City on December 30, we were iffy. Would any of our friends want to go? It turned out the answer was yes. Tailgating buddies McKims, McFees and Conovers all signed on - we few into Newark on 12/28 and home on 1/1/2012. It was a fantastic trip!

We stayed at the Carlton a 4-Star Hotel, on about 28th and Madison, sharing rooms to keep costs down. On Wednesday and Thursday rooms were about $350, they were $500 the next 2 nights. We talked to people who stayed in cheaper spots in New Jersey but they spent lots of time on buses and wished they'd stayed in Manhattan. And for the record - it's true - we did prance all around NYC in ISU gear complete with Santa hats...they did help us find each other in crowds.

Also Dr. Don McKim has a future as a tour director when he tires of fitting Creston area folks with corrective lenses and curing eye-related diseases. In ten years or so, look for Donnie and Dee to be offering touring trips to old folks in who like to have a good time. He knows how to schmooze information out of people everywhere, how much to tip and how to figure out how to get from A to B. Good guy to travel with! In fact our whole group got along great as travel partners.

Wednesday 12/28 arrival, Little Italy meal, Rockefeller Center

-Little Italy is shrinking - as it's next to Chinatown, which is expanding. We ate at a place - the name I don't remember, and I went with boring spaghetti and meatballs. The staff argued with each other like - family! Everyone liked their food. We got to Little Italy on the subway - each ride was something like $2.40, and we bought $20 cards that we swiped each time we used the system, refilling as needed. Subways were clean and efficient - not scary at all.

The security guard kindly took our photo.

-After supper we hopped back on the subway and got off at Rockefeller Plaza. The place was packed with lots of folks lined up to go up to the observation deck - there's a fee and you need a ticket. We headed out to see the Christmas tree and ice skaters.

A window display on our walk home

-We decided to walk the 14 or so blocks back to our hotel. People everywhere - window displays, Starbucks on nearly every corner.

Thursday 12/29
Today Show (Fox and Friends for McKims), Grey Line Bus Tours and Cyclone Gatherings on Times Square

-McFees, Paul and I headed right back to the Rockefeller Plaza early - walking in the dusky chill with our Dunkin Donuts and coffee, all decked out in Cyclone gear. I'd read you should be at the Today show by 6 a.m. if you want to be in front - and we didn't make it until 7 - so we weren't in front. A security guy was nice enough to tell us we needed to scoot around near where all the other people were gathered to get camera time. I did get 3 seconds of fame, standing behind some goofy guys who got on the weather gig. Al Roker was already in LA preparing for his Rose Bowl Parade gig so Stephanie from the Weather Channel was in charge. She chatted up the crowd in our area. She picked the dudes by us due to their goofy hats - so dress goofy and be in front if you want face time! Fox and Friends doesn't have big crowds so McKims were on there quite a bit.

Just like you see on Law and Order...except for the dead bodies

-Our walk from 30 Rock to Times Square to catch the Grey Line provided lots of photo ops. I love visiting places I read about and see in movies and on TV. It makes me feel so connected to those places. And were were there! And it was quite chilly early that day. Our bus pass (we purchased 72 hours for like $60) allowed us to hop off and on) was just the right thing. Some of the tour guides on the buses were good...some not. They were pretty easy to get off and on - but a friend said in the summer they were packed and they couldn't ever get back on. At some stops you must get off - end of the line. We got off at Battery Park where the ferry takes people to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, but planned to do that Saturday - grabbed a bite to eat and made our way back to Times Square.

The skyline from Battery Park

Freedom Tower - going up near Ground Zero

Not wild about crowds

Tonic bar - gathering spot for red and gold clad fans

-That afternoon was the unofficial ISU Cyclone gathering at 2 bars. We started at an Irish bar, and walked through crazy packed shoulder-to-shoulder Times Square en route to the second bar. They were putting up the stages and getting ready for New Years Eve. Later that night, my burger at 5 Brothers? was yummy. We walked back to our hotel with Conovers.
Friday 12/30

The place was huge inside

Yankee Stadium

-Gameday baby! We grabbed some breakfast, and jumped on the subway headed to the Bronx for Yankee Stadium. Don McKim is handy with his iPad, and he had all the routes figured out - some trains stop a lot and we took the one that didn't. We headed to The Dugout - a bar that opened up early for Cyclone Fans, and on to the Spirit Walk, to welcome the team. It was cool seeing Yankee Stadium. Too bad the game didn't go so well...

Yankee Stadium

Foley's - full of sports memorabilia

-After the game we ended up at a cool sports bar, Foley's. Evidently they banned Danny Boy...but they have thousands of pieces of sports memorabilia and good food. We had a chance to catch up with a long time college friend and his gal there. They live here - or at least close. It was nice to catch up and spend time with them.

Pile of garbage everywhere...

-I must comment on the state of waste handling in the Big Apple. Dismal! They must pick it up in bags daily, because it's all on the curb each night. Recycling containers are hard to find. One would think that the fact that landfills are scarce in the vicinity of NYC, they would come up with good infrastructure for recycling. But it's not evident in Manhattan.

Saturday 12/31

Lady Liberty is always an awesome sight...

Diana etches her mom's name at Ellis

-We hopped on the Gray Line to Battery Park to buy tickets to the ferry to the Statue/Ellis. They're working on the Statue again, and planned to go to Ellis only, but the ferry stopped at the Statue to drop people off. Some people had wisely bought tickets ahead for the ferry, but we were lucky our wait wasn't too long. Security is just as tough as flying, so be prepared to strip down and don't bring bags if you want to go on this trip. Diana's mom came through the island - living there for a few months after WW2 as a young war bride speaking only Italian. The former Isolina Consilvio (Betty Brown) passed away last year in a tragic car wreck. We found her name on a memorial wall and Diana did a rubbing on paper. It was quite moving. For more info. on her amazing life journey, see Betty's Obit here: http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/527178.html?nav=5011

-We wandered around Wall Street after Ellis, looking for food, but the holiday weekend shut most places down. So we ended up at the pier and took the subway back to our hotel area.

-That night, Dwight talked us into Korean Barbecue - a unique experience. Our hotel wasn't far from the Korean district and we walked there. The food was cooked on griddles at our tables. Lots of spices and little bowls of stuff that I couldn't identify. My suede purse still smells like the joint! In the street outside - the evening revelers had started to wander. We were nearly hit by a biker on a giant stingray, wearing a foam Statue of Liberty Hat. Instead of braking he just screamed and put up his arm. Crazy!

-Then, instead of braving Times Square, (yes I'm a wimp), we headed to a new bar a half block from our hotel called The Churchills, where Churchill gives moving speeches in the restroom. The place wasn't packed so we did our best to give a warm Iowa welcome to folks coming in the door - cheering and clapping. The English owner thanked us, asking where we were from. When we told him, he said..."I have no idea where that is...". Regardless we had such fun there - dancing to the 80's hits blasting on the sound system. We watched the ball drop on TV, surreal thinking it was really just a few blocks away - hugs and kisses all around.

What a way to start a year! Then we joined together doing high kicks to Sinatra's New York - whilst in New York. Bars here stay open until 4 a.m.! But we headed back to our room just after 2 a.m., tired but happy Iowans, ready to take on 2012.

Cheers 2012!

Movin' on up

2012-01-07T12:37:00.003-06:00

The text message I received from Paul Tuesday came out of the blue. It said something like this: "Zimprich (his supervisor) called they want to detail me to DSM for 3 months talk more tonight" Yikes! That wasn't much to go on! Why, what, how? I had so many questions. But we were both working - I in my cubicle where everyone all around could hear everything I said. So I waited.

That night he called after my roomie Joan and I had taken time to catch up about our Christmas breaks. Paul and I made small talk first about how our days went and other current events...avoiding the elephant.

Then he explained. His supe, Jeff Zimprich, who is the Area Conservationist, will be going to Illinois to serve as the State Conservationist for 3-4 months. While he's gone, an Assistant State Conservationist will go to Atlantic to get some field experience - filling in for Jeff. That leaves an opening at the State NRCS Office. The State Con thought of Paul for that opening, knowing that I work and live in DSM. Paul had one day to decide whether or not to accept the offer. I said "Go for it!" He agreed - to exciting an offer to turn down.

There are many things to consider:

Paul - his staff and work, and our home in Creston - even though we plan to go home on weekends. Where would we live and how much will they pay for living expenses.
For me - what about my roomie deal with Joan? Paul will have to work in DMS on Fridays - should I still go home to Creston Thursdays? Will we like living together fulltime?
And for both of us - about our pets - Odie the wiener and Kitty, the decrepit 18 year old feline. The mail, the trash, making sure the house is okay. Stuff like that.

It's so exciting though - a chance to live together, maybe close to downtown. I'd love it if I could walk to work! We can have our cake and eat it too - big city life and Creston on weekends. He can "test drive" what a job in the State Office might be like. I hope we can find a pet-friendly place.

The sun did come up

2012-01-05T22:06:00.000-06:00

Paul's friend

After the bowl game loss. On Saturday we headed to the bus stop to catch the Grey Line bus to Battery Park for the Ferry to Ellis Island. It was nearly 10 a.m. - after seeing the crazy long lines there on Thursday, we were worried it would be a long wait, but it wasn't bad...unless you dislike street musicians. This one liked us - we were still mostly decked out in ISU gear, so we were easy to pick out of a crowd. He sounded like he was from Jamaica, and he had definitely watched the ISU/Rutgers game because he said - in that accent they have, "yer team needs ter get some offense!" No shit!

Then he sang a sweet song to Don and Diana and told them to have more children. He asked them what Paul's name was, and called him out - saying he bet he'd never kissed a black man before. Paul fessed up right away, saying this was true. So with the weight of the white race on his shoulders (and not one drop of liquor in his bloodstream), Paul gave him a smack on the cheek. I was astonished! Then the guy moved onto the next group. He's the Ellis Island Ferry's version of the United Nations I guess!

Huddled masses yearning to be free

To get on the ferry, you have to strip down farther than you do to fly. I had to take my watch off. Poor Donnie and his titanium hips. But the weather was gorgeous and the boat ride was excellent - sunny and Lady Liberty smiled upon us. We stopped near her base and then moved on to the island that welcomed so many to American soil. It seems so ironic to me that this island has now become such a symbol - yet immigrants are so often even today, looked down upon.

We were on a mission at the island. Diana's mother, the former Isolina Consilvio (RIP) also known as Betty, passed through Ellis Island as a young war bride. She and Dee's dad, Jim Brown were married the last day of the War Brides Act, enacted in 1945 to allow spouses to enter the country after World War 2. Betty's name has been engraved in a memorial wall at Ellis Island, and Dee wished to do a rubbing of the name.

Doing the rub

Diana told the rest of us we could go about seeing the museum - but we wanted stick with her as she did this - we all knew Betty who died in an automobile crash in 2010. At ISU's last bowl game in Phoenix, she rubbed my shoulders as I was tense during the game - saying "it be okay". She never did get English all the way...It seemed fitting that a very light drizzle began to fall as we discovered the location of the name. I held a piece of paper over the site where Diana and Don worked at getting the rubbing. It was all very emotional as tears rolled down Diana's face - I couldn't help but think the rain represented Betty's tears.

My favorite part of the museum were the photographs. If the walls could talk. Just like the war vets, the people passing through Ellis are now passing on. I hope we never forget the history there.

After the ferry returned us to Terra firma, we wandered through Wall Street - there be no food there. At least on weekends. So we headed for the pier where we finally found someplace for lunch. Then we took the subway back to our hotel. It was New Year's Eve baby - we needed to come up with a plan! Dwight and Marilyn had been at a Broadway Play - the Book of Mormon, which they said was good but raunchy. DC got it in his head that we needed to eat Korean Barbecue (and that he needed to wear the ISU chicken hat). This after we tried to put a dent in the liquor we had left.

Ready to order Korean

The Korean Barbecue was very interesting - and spicy. We allowed the waitress to help us select the 8 entrees. They cooked the stuff right on griddles at our tables. I think my purse still smells like it! We drank sake. Not my favorite. Whilst walking back to our hotel from the Korean district, Diana nearly got run over by a guy on a big Stingray bike. He was wearing a foam Statue of Liberty Hat, and must have been quite plastered because he didn't seem to know how to put the brakes on even though he was coming straight for us! He just raised one hand and screamed. I nearly peed my pants from laughing.

We had made the group decision that we didn't want to face Times Square for New Years Eve, so had scoped out a newly opened English Pub by the name of Churchill's a half block from our hotel. We got there just after 10 PM and there was a table right near the front window with our name on it. Our waiter was a cute Australian kid. The music was kinda loud so I tried to come up with something to entertain myself until midnight. They were playing a lot of 80's music. I decided it should be our mission to attract customers in for the owner - the English guy. So when a new person came in the door I would make a touchdown with my arms and yell "score"! Everyone would clap - and the people coming in felt like rock stars I'm sure.

Street lights shining through the window at Churchill's made this shadow...

Soon we were having such fun greeting everyone that the owner came over to thank us. When we told him we were from Iowa, he said - "I don't have any idea where that is...". Next we started dancing, and others were too. At midnight they handed out champagne and we watched the ball drop just a few blocks away...on TV! Hugs and kisses all around. Then they played Sinatra's New York and we did a kick line. It was surreal. More dancing - once I looked over and Diana was dancing with a black chick. (someone we had cheered for when she came in). I think we were the darlings of the bar. We lasted until a little after 2 a.m. There were people all over in the streets and our hotel bar was still rocking. We sat in our room for a nightcap. The funny thing is I had 2 drinks the whole night - I was mostly on a natural high...I hated for the night to end. One of my most fun NY Eve Ever!

Don is ahead of the curve doing YMCA...

Game Day in the Big Apple

2012-01-04T21:03:00.001-06:00

We really needed to eat before heading to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. I like that word - Bronx. We asked the doorman what he might suggest and he pointed us up the street where we found a little grocery/cafe - middle Eastern I believe. They served a decent breakfast. Then we hopped on the subway for the big game.

Pregame was at a place called The Dugout. It was deceiving - the size of the place. It looked like a small bar, but when you walked to the back and around the corner - walaa. A huge room filled with Cyclone fans! I had a $10 Bloody Mary. It was good. Then we headed over to Yankee Stadium and another nice Security Guard took our group photo. Then on to the Cyclone Spirit Walk - and picked up Pinstripe Bowl Pins. College Prez Geoffrey, Athletic Director Pollard and Coach Rhoads all spoke - and we could see 'em on the big screen. Go Clones!

Once we got into the vaunted stadium, we got a hot dog. Of course! It was a pretty cool venue - and the sun was shining. Too bad the Cyclones weren't. They sucked after the first couple series. Not much for us to cheer about. And I sat by the flailing lady - she bruised me several times. Bitch. At halftime we met our old friend Tom Sullivan and beau Shirley. Tom recently sold his Des Moines vet clinic and moved to this area after a divorce. He was in our wedding and we have known him since college and it was good to see him.

When the game was over, we subdued and somewhat crabby fans took the subway back to near our hotel. I must say the Rutgers fans were pretty nice - so that helped. The subway popped out near Macy's - so we looked around in that famed department store. Then we headed to a sports bar - but found the one that had been recommended sported a $20 cover, and was a Rutgers fan bar to boot! PASS. Down the block there was a nice free bar called Foley's that fit the bill for what we were looking for though. It was named after a former sportswriter and was chockfull of sports memorabilia. Plus there were TVs available so we could catch the Iowa vs. Oklahoma game. Tom and Shirley joined us for dinner and a couple drinks - fun to catch up with them, and introduce them to our Crestonia friends.

Foley's Sportsbar

On the way back to our hotel from Foley's Paul snapped a photo of me with trash. It's everywhere in NYC. Not much recycling to be seen, besides the containers I spied at Yankee Stadium. It makes me sad. I'd think they would be more like Italy, placing giant pods for recycling around on the streets. Day 3 in NYC was a bit of a downer - the game made me crabby. The Cyclones didn't seem ready to play. But the end of the day was cool, and it was nice seeing Tom.

One of the balls in Foley's - of What Not to Wear Fame

Big Apple Day 2

2012-01-04T15:45:00.001-06:00

Before we moved near the crowd

We woke up early on Thursday - but not early enough we found out when we arrived at 30 Rock, where people gather to watch the Today Show cast shoot the show. We arrived about 7 a.m. and the "happening" end of the outdoor filming area was packed full of people - some of them Cyclone fans. We tried standing at the far end of the blocked off area, where we had a clear line of sight to the filming area - but a kindly security guy told us they wouldn't be filming down there. So we scrunched towards the throng of people.

Matt looks cold too

Crazy Grecian Formula Saints Fan

It was COLD! I was glad I packed my Cyclone snuggie in my backpack, and wore my Cuddle Duds. Even so, I quickly began to shiver. Bobbie is always looking to get a better spot - she soon began to scootch towards the filming area. Paul said there was room by Bobbie and Jeff, so we moved near them, behind some guys with goofy New Orleans Saints hats on. When it was finally time for the stars to come out, Stephanie Abrams from the Weather Channel (filling in for Al Roker - who was in Cal prepping for the Rose Bowl Parade gig) made like a bee for the Saints dudes. First they went to Matt Lauer - and when the weather came on, there was my face - complete with my Cyclone Santa hat - in the camera shot. It was so funny! All to quickly, my 3 seconds of fame were over. The stars scrambled for their warm studio and we headed into the Rockefeller Building for coffee and heat! Diana and Donnie had been at the Fox morning show - so we sipped java and awaited their arrival.

Next we walked past Radio City - and had to do a few high kicks (as high as we can), and a few more photo ops. We hopped on a Grey Line tour bus to see the city sights. Wall Street, Battery Park, Times Square and more - we sat in an enclosed bubble on the top of the bus. In the late afternoon, it was Cyclone Time - meeting just off Times Square at O'Lunney's. Conovers were already there - they had spent the day at an art museum, skipping the bus tour since they've been in the city before. The Irish bar made a mean Lemondrop Martini I must say! We had a nachos, but no meal and decided to move on to the other ISU Fan gathering place, Tonic. It was a mob scene walking through the Square.

Lemondrop at O'Lunneys

Do I look a little wound up? Notice beer on table...

Second floor of Tonic was a rocking Cyclone haven - and we were lucky enough to snag a table. There were nice young folks at the table next to us - including a first year teacher at Creston Elementary! Small world. We ended up running into this group all around NYC. The youngsters ordered some type of large beer delivery system with a spigot - so by-golly, we oldsters needed one, or two of those as well! You get the picture. We made friends we everyone near us, talking for a long while to a guy from Marion that knew our old pal Bob Fitzpatrick, RIP. Cyclone QBs Bret Meyer and Austin Arnaud were there. Jeff Johnson. It was crazy! Wisely, the Conovers decided we needed to eat. McKims and McFees stayed at the bar. We ate 5-Brothers burgers - best meal I had all week! Then we walked the 14 blocks back to the hotel. Good for clearing the head.

I love this pic of Paul - no not Ryan McKim behind us...

Jeff, Bobbie, Diana and Donnie ended up taking a taxi home. Jeff was feeling a bit wobbly - and the trash bags that often line MY streets were looking so soft and comfy. They ate at the McDs by our hotel (it got an A from the food patrol). During that time Don found a homeless woman walking a dog. The woman told him she was an artist who had fallen on bad times. Softee that he is, Donnie ended up giving her good advice and a bit of cash. I hope she listened - he's got a good head on his shoulders, that guy.

Nobody felt too bad the next day - surprising. We were wise to eat! Day 2 was fun from beginning to end.

Big Apple Pinstripe

2012-01-02T18:40:00.001-06:00

When the Cyclones became bowl eligible, by upsetting the #2 Oklahoma State Cowboys, I thought to myself - "please don't send us to the Pinstripe Bowl". I didn't want to go to a bowl game in a cold venue in New York City. After all, last year there was a big snow storm, and the Kansas State fans who attended looked miserable.

But I warmed up to the idea, after ISU got the invite and McKims started talking about going. Conovers were "All In" (the team's motto) they said. What the heck - it would be my big chance to get Paul to the Big Apple! We were in too. Bobbie and Jeff McFee decided they would go. At first we talked about staying in New Jersey, but Dwight thought Manhattan was the way to go. Good call. Perfect sized group - we could share rooms to save on expenses. Up close and personal - good thing we like each other. Donnie made a reservation at the Carlton - 28th and Madison. (not the Ritz Carlton - but still, a 4 Star hotel).

Don is presently an eye doc. But in his next life he could be a tour guide. He likes figuring out where things are and how to get from A to B. He's good at it too! It's nice for unworldly sheltered folks like Paul and me to travel with him. He's good at tipping and asking for help. I'm not. We're both Scorpios - so that shoots the whole horoscope thing to hell...Don lined up a nice guy with a big black SUV to pick us up at the Newark airport. Slick. After we got checked in, we stopped at a liquor store and asked the clerk to suggest a local bar. Had a nice drink as Desmonds - perfect!

That night we were off to Little Italy for some pasta - in honor of Diana's Italian heritage. We tried the place that had been recommended - crowded. Marilyn went next door - they had a table available that we decided to take advantage of. We ordered some red wine. I decided to go with some basic spaghetti and meatballs. It hit the spot.

Then we headed to Rockefeller Center - or 30 Rock. The place was packed full of people. A nice security guy took our photo by the big Christmas Tree. We saw all sorts of interesting sights walking back to our hotel from there. Our first day was a big success!

A window display

projected on a building by 30 Rock

Christmas Day Fam and Feast

2012-01-02T17:48:00.000-06:00

It's January 2, and we've have been to Colorado, New York and back. But I must write a brief blog about our fam gathering and mouth watering Christmas Day feast at the Pottorff's before I write about NYC. We love being with the Lefebvres on Christmas Day - it's even more special and fun than the big party. There is something about sharing this day with my sis and having our families together that warms my heart.

This year, Jordan Alvillar hung out with us too, before heading home to Grand Junction to be with her parents. The kids spent time looking on the large Lefebvre tree for the little pickle ornament to see who got to open the first gift. Jordan got us some yummy chocolates, and we got her a lil shovel so cute boys can get her car unstuck like they did that week. I admit it - Paul and I overdid it. We went overboard when it came to gifts for our cherubs. But dang it, the little 'uns have their own jobs now! We too received fab gifts from them. We had bloody marys and little quiches.

Then Paul and the kids went off to ski Beaver Creek and Colby left to ski Vail in a Santa suit. Cindo and I were left to do a jigsaw puzzle. It was very relaxing. Bolder rested - tired from the big night.

Amy and Jud

Later, we all went to Pottorffs for prime rib - Eric had put it in 8 hours earlier. What a hunk of meat! Bonnie prepared potatoes, and Shaloy and Jim brought salad. Paul and I brought some of his deer sausage and sticks. There were deviled eggs, shrimp, cheese and more. So very good! Bonnie described their plans to say their vows again this coming June, for their 25th Anniversary - in Vegas. Elvis will pick them up in a pink Cadillac! The Lefebvres will be there too. Fun people!

The Goldsmiths headed home at 6 a.m. the next morning - a long drive, but we were well satisfied. There is nothing like family for the holidays.

On to the mountains

2011-12-27T14:43:00.000-06:00

Fiestas

We were up early Saturday and off to Vail. Jordan drove along, so Amy rode with her. Our car was packed to the gills! Cindo was happy to see us when we piled in the door around 11 a.m. We headed to Fiestas for Mexican lunch to tide us over before the big Christmas party.

Colby and Bolder appeared later in the afternoon - Bold was already in a tiz about party preparations. Nothing new there! He had just had his 4th chemo as he faces down an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The guy wears a cap, so even though he's lost his hair - most people can't tell. His 'stache is still holding on. Cindy says her hair has been falling out too as stress takes its toll. I can't imagine what they've been going through.

A few hours later, it was time for us to experience our 4th Annual Lefebvre Christmas Even Party. They've been putting this shindig on for many years. We feel lucky to be included! (I'm not sure they even invited us...we just keep showing up). We do get a hotel room in Edwards, but their pretend daughter Amy stayed with them.

Colby brought dozens of chicken wings from Moe's, the restaurant he manages. There were meatballs and cheeses. And the wine and liquor flowed. Before long, the place was rocking and it was time for the first set of Christmas music. The rules are, if you don't know the words - sing "hanna hanna hanna". Bolder leads. Cindy and Bolder's son Colby and his peers have grown up with this party - so they help. Our kids...Amy and Jordan anyway (Jud is a party pooper when it comes to singing) join right in. "Mele Kalikimaka" is the crowd fave. There are grass skirts to go with that song.

The Lefebfres with Jordan Alvillar - who joined her parents in Grand Junction the next day

Bold said a few words thanking people for all their support this year. An emotional guy - he didn't make all of us sob. So that was good. One of his friends made up a song to a Christmas tune that had a refrain that said F*&^% (insert bad word) cancer. It was very fitting! What a miserable disease. Be gone damn you.

About 10 PM Paul and I helped begin to clean up, and we took Jud back to our hotel. Amy and Jordan had retired long before - they were very, very tired! There were some party stragglers who stayed until nearly 11:30 PM I heard. Another great party - in the books.

Without words...

2011-12-26T21:58:00.001-06:00

For the first time since I started this blog, I haven't felt wordy. Plus we've been traveling. And we'll be traveling again soon. So I apologize in advance for my lack of production in the blog department. I hope my two trips will rejuvenate my wordlyness. Yes, I know that's not really a word.

Christmas. The holiday that brings fear and dread to the hearts of many. I suppose I'm one of those people. Then I grit my teeth and dig into the season. I get through it by being gone. Thank goodness my sister Cindo invites us (or allows us to invite ourselves) to their Christmas, ever since Amy moved to Colorado. This year it was extra special since my brother-in-law Bolder is fighting cancer.

We headed out from our place about 8:30 a.m. on Thursday a.m. - a bit later than planned because a storm had hit in parts of Nebraska, eastern Colorado and Denver. We wanted to let the damn thing clear out. Jud was flying in to Denver early that morning. We were glad we waited as we spied a few vehicles in the ditches of central Nebraska. Then, as we approached Denver, the roads got a bit icy.

The Mile High City itself received ten inches of the white stuff. White Christmas! Denver doesn't believe in wasting money clearing side streets - like the one Amy lives on, when snow is going to melt in a couple days. How thrifty! Des Moines Public Works guru Bill Stowe wouldn't approve. We were glad our trusty Subaru was all wheel drive.

We headed straight to Amy's and took the kids and our niece Jordan (sis Susi's daughter) out for burgers. Walking in a winter wonderland! So fun to see everyone, and good to catch up with Jordie - she's now working for the Girl Scouts of Colorado. Amy described her exciting drive to pick Jud up at DIA, and Jud told how he drove Amy's car back to her place after dropping her off back at her office. Paul and I headed to Aunt Marty and Uncle Bill's after supper, for our Denver home away from home. It's always fun chatting with my dad's sister and spouse.

The next morning, Bill picked up Duffy Rolls - special rolls you can only get in Denver. So very good. We enjoyed trading stories with Marty and Bill. Then we were off to pick up Jud (taking him several Duffy's) for some errands. We stopped at Amy's former employer for some cheese for gifts. Then we went to my fave liquor store near her apartment - Argonaut. I loved this beer that I spied there.

After that it was lunch and a movie - "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo". Very good - of course I loved the book too. Jud and Paul enjoyed the movie without having read the book.

That night, our family and Jordie, Marty and Bill all went to their daughter (my cousin) Amy's (yes we use names over and over again in my fam) house for supper. Amy's husband Tom and children Kate and Matt (they loved the deer sausage Paul brought) were there too. We had a wonderful time. I love having a chance to hang with my fam. Since I'm the only remaining Bullock living in Iowa, I don't get enough family time like that! All too soon it was time to retire for the night - after all we needed to head to Vail the next day. I hope we'll get to see them all again soon!

Minor Christmas Miracle

2011-12-18T18:35:00.004-06:00

I felt like baking yesterday...I consider it a minor Christmas miracle! I don't bake much these days, now that little children no longer live at our house. Amy and Jud used to "help" me bake. They'd break eggs for me - onto the counter - the floor. Yeah, big help! I'm amazed I was patient enough to let them.

And when it came time to lick the beaters...I had to share with them! That was tough I gotta tell ya! I baked a lot of cookies and bars back then - and would read in between batches, sitting on the little footstool they used to stand on to help. Eventually, Amy became a pretty good baker herself. Jud...learned to toast his own Pop Tarts!

I had to make sure our baking powder and soda wasn't out of date before I began to bake! Stuff gets old when one never uses! I actually made a batch of those chocolate cookies a couple weeks ago when we went to Kansas City - and remembered how much I like 'em! So yesterday I baked a double batch! Next I whipped up snack mix to take along to Colorado.

Computer:
I spent a couple hours today trying to fix my dang computer - it's having issues - waking up after I put it to sleep. I HATE computer problems! It's just supposed to work, right? Dell support sounds like they think I need to reformat my hard drive. GREAT! I'll just back up all my music and pics ASAP. I'll get right on it.

Roll me away

2011-12-14T21:26:00.001-06:00

Me with Pablo the Poolboy

Last night was a great night. For one thing it was date night for the roomies!

Billy and Joan

First we went out to eat at the restaurant located at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. We met my roomie Joan there along with her husband Billy. (Bobbie and Jeff were supposed to attend, but Bobbie found out she was supposed to travel to Idaho, so Joanie jumped at the chance to get the tickets). The restaurant was convenient, but the food wasn't too great, besides the iced tea.

Then we attended the Bob Seger concert along with 12,000 of our best friends. Most were um, mature like us.

I have a distinct memory of a Bob Seger song was from 1976 when I was a frosh coed at ISU. I was at a bar above the Cave In on Welch Avenue with friends - the quiet one bar on the right. The song "Night Moves" by Bob with the Silver Bullet Band came on. I listened to the words. (must have been mellow that night) Ah, that song - so telling, bringing back memories about the angst of one's teen years. You bet!

And since then...so many classic songs by the man. I have grown to love them. One of my fave CDs is Bob's Greatest Hits.

In the early 1980's, when I lived in Omaha and Paul in Oakland, we decided the song "Turn the Page" - with the words "long and lonesome highway 40 miles east of Omaha", was about Oakland. Around then, the hit movie - star-maker for an unknown actor named Tom Cruise, made the song "Old Time Rock and Roll" a huge hit.

These days, each winter...when the snow flies, or when works gets stressful and I feel like getting away, I put on my Best of Bob. The song I want to hear is "Roll Me Away". Because that's what I want to do - hop in my car, with my Pablo and roll away. To my happy place in Marco Island Florida.

Paul was with me. Nearly every song Bob sang was like an old friend!

Last night I was in my happy place!

Silver tongued Sarah

2011-12-12T22:06:00.002-06:00

It all started two years ago when I first heard about Sarah, the Master Stylist at Sahar Salon here in Des Moines. Diana and Nancy were talking about her cutting their hair. Then my "stylist" at Hair House" moved away and Woody cut my hair - badly. I knew it was time - to finally get a good hair cut.

Now she's like a guy who could talk you out of your pants...except she's slowly talking into being one of those chicks who does hair! First...it was color. I'd had highlights before - just never good ones.

The first time she got out the blow dryer, I started with my usual - "I just let it dry naturally" and she insisted "Oh you can do this!" Then she showed me what to do, step by step. So I had to go purchase a blow dryer - hadn't had one for years. (And I had to get one for Joan's house too - so I didn't have to drag it back and forth).

We went along like that for over a year...me being so proud for self-grooming. I've written before about how I'm lacking the hair gene. Betso got it...starting when she was young, styling on Barbie's giant head, with that one lock of hair that grew. Cindo and Suso too - they used giant rollers and hair dryers back in the day. Not me - I was known to go days without combing my hair.

Today Sarah was itching to do something different with my hair - and I was ready too. thing a little longer. It was color day too! When it was all washed and ready to dry, she said, "you might need a flat iron for this one". Ahem! Gulp. She is slowly talking me out of my pants. Figuratively speaking....

Love the color.Style? Looks good when Sarah does it! I got a cheap flat iron tonight after work. But I don't think my hands bend that way. Wish me luck!

Stormy got hitched

2011-12-11T19:40:00.001-06:00

Amy - far left looks on while Stormy and Kyle exchange vows

I can't remember when Amy and Stormy first became friends. It wasn't when both were attending St. Malachy Catholic School from grades kindergarten through 8. Stormy was a grade ahead of Amy, so while they knew each other, they didn't become close buddies there.

Kneeling in the pews getting their knuckles smacked by the nuns. Okay there aren't really any nuns at St. Malachy anymore...after Sister Therese left - she was the principal when Amy first started. Or was she? It's been a long time since then...we had crazy Caroline Heath who installed the stop lights for lunchtime. The lights turned red when the lunch chatter got too loud. Caroline didn't last too long. Finally, Paul and Deb were both on the Board of Education when John Walsh was hired - and he's still at the helm today. The school is thriving today - with large classes, and many of the same wonderful teachers that Amy and Stormy learned from.

It must have been during junior high and high school sports that Amy and the Storm-dog discovered their mutual like for each other. Between basketball, volleyball and track - Amy and Stormy spent a great deal of time together at practices. By Amy's senior year, they were best friends - lifeguarding together at the Creston City Pool, spending most waking moments together it seemed. They shared many thoughts and ideas with each other. Funny, sad and happy times.

All too soon, Stormy went off to college at UNI and Amy was left on her own for her senior year of high school. There were a lot of phone calls. That summer Stormy was back and they were lifeguards again. Then Amy was off to ISU, meeting new people and making friends, but like any good friend - when she talked to Storm, they could pick up right where they left off. For spring break, Amy and Stormy went to visit Dad and Kay in Florida. Stormy continued her schooling at Des Moines University - Physical Therapy School. The two girls got together periodically - always connecting immediately. Never that awkward "I don't know you anymore" stage.

Even though Amy has now lived in Colorado for three years, and she and Stormy haven't been together for long periods of time - their stuck. They've bonded forever just like my friend Robbie Dob and me. So no matter how much time has passes before they see each other again - they'll always be close friends.

Stormy was married yesterday to Kyle Wilson - a high school classmate of hers who she started dating a couple years ago. Amy was pleased to be in the wedding party, and we were happy to celebrate the blessed event with them. Stormy and Kyle bought a house in Creston so we'll be seeing them around. He works for the local newspaper and she works at the Osceola hospital. They'll be friends for Amy to visit when she's home. Did I mention Amy played the guitar at the reception? It was a hoot...

Just another milestone in my maturation process...watching kids grow up. Yesterday was a wonderful celebration!

Single Stream Recycling

2011-12-08T20:45:00.001-06:00

I toured Greenstar Recycling in Des Moines today. They do the Single Stream recycling in Des Moines. Single Stream is when all the stuff you're recycling gets so very conveniently put together in one container.

At recycling processors, it's all about the markets. The recycler has places they sell their stuff to, and they prepare the materials how the buyers like it. Greenstar has sorters and equipment to help them get the material sorted into the piles they want so they can bail it. Our tour guide said they sell all their paper to Mexico where they make it back into newsprint.

Their customer - Metro Waste Authority in this case, gets a cut of their profits from selling the materials. You know me - I love seeing this kind of stuff. Here are the pics I took.

Sorters

Thingy that shoots aluminum out (technical term)

Magnet for metal stuff

Tour guide, Angie, Theresa, and Chad from DNR

All the wrong stuff - sacks put in the recycle bin. Bad idea!

Decorating Queen and the Grinch

2011-12-08T19:28:00.001-06:00

A tale of two roommates - guess which one is which! One is too lazy to put up the full sized Christmas tree - since the fam won't be home for Christmas. Stockings are hung up - kinda with care. Her husband dangles Christmas lights into the bushes. He's even grinchier than she is, but he is a good present wrapper.

The other spends a whole weekend putting up Christmas decorations galore! Even the potty is decorated. It took her two hours to put lights up on the house, and to get Frosty all situated and re-lit from last year's tough winter. And then she discovered she'd put the dangly icicle lights up with the plug in on the wrong end, and had to re-do them. Drat! But she took one for the team and did it.

But the result is extremely festive and Christmasy.

You guessed it! Joan is the EXTREME decorator. I'm the grinch. I don't know how I got this way. It could have something to do with Patrick, Dad's Christmas illness and death, and/or the kids growing up. Or maybe it's just that I grew up.

I must say it's much better now that we go to Vail and spend it with family. This year will be special to be with the Lefebvres now with Bolder fighting cancer. I can't wait to hug him and be with the ones I love. Even if I am a Grinch.

My blah day

2011-12-07T21:11:00.001-06:00

It started at 3:40 a.m. - and of course I didn't doze off until right about when it was time to get up. Then I got to work, shrugged off my jacket, and my bra clasp popped open. The "girls" must have been clammering to get out. Since it was only 6:30 a.m., I was able to snap it without much embarrassment. Funny feeling though.

I was happy to get back to my diet of cereal and bananas for breakfast. After that weekend of eating out in KC, I needed to added fruit back into my diet. I had restaurant gut!

The first meeting I had went okay. Until I wrote the memo and emailed it - with a note for anyone to let me know it they have suggested changes. Hmmm. Bad idea. People should just write memos themselves if they care that much about how they're written...

My next meeting was irritating. I had been hoping to get out of some of the administrative stuff I do - so I could do more of what I do best. Outreach! Help planning areas. The grants that I write, I had hoped to pass off to others to administer. Unfortunately, not only do I get to keep on administering them, I get to do even more paperwork! Crap. That made me feel crabby.

When the crabby leave work, they go shopping! I needed something for Stormy's wedding this weekend. Amy is a bridesmaid! I spent an hour looking for something to go with gray knit pants, before settling on a sweater dress and shoes at Younkers all for about $60 after coupons and discounts. Bargains made me a bit cheerier.

Aw well - it's only work. I'm sure I'll sleep better tonight!

A few funnies

2011-12-05T21:21:00.001-06:00

After my serious and kinda sad post last week about Patrick, I thought I'd post a few funnies I've collected lately from various locations.

Thanks to all who gave me enjoyment from your cleverness! And I happily borrowed them...

These pretty well sum up the way I've felt on various recent occasions. I am home tonight - rare on a Monday. Amy is flying to DSM Friday to serve as a bridesmaid in Stormy Weis's wedding, so I'll stay Thursday night in the big city to pick her up at the airport.

So I worked at home today - even participated in a staff meeting via phone. I made ground turkey and macaroni soup at lunchtime, and was here to greet my honey after work. It was nice. ;>)

KC with Jud and Kara

2011-12-04T16:12:00.001-06:00

We hadn't been to visit Jud and his girlfriend Kara since they had started their jobs in Missouri last summer. Jud lives and works in St. Joseph and Kara lives and works in Kansas City. He spends his weekends in the bigger city. For some reason, St. Joe hasn't been as appealing to hang out in as KC. Why isn't the birthplace of Jessie James exciting?

Now that ISU's regular football season is over, and we're not tailgating every couple weekends, we decided it was time to head that way. Kara's parents, Jud said, had already been down to see them a couple times. Her folks now live in northwest Iowa, but lived in Kansas City when Kara was around three years old. So it's fun for them to re-trace their old stomping grounds.

Paul and I haven't ever spent much time in the city. I went there as a kid, to go to World of Fun. But Omaha was really our destination of choice for shopping and weekend get-a-ways back then. So I don't know my way around at all.

Our buddies Bobbie and Jeff lived in a northern suburb of KC in the 90's and we visited - attending the Renaissance Festival. I'm still wondering why we thought it was a good idea to buy Jud and Kimmy, then around 5 years old, wooden swords. One perfectly cold weekend Bobbie got Packers/Chiefs 4 FREE tickets on the 50 yard line at Arrowhead Stadium - for which my husband could never repay her. A chance to see his beloved Pack in action! With a nearby parking pass. (Except the Chiefs won...). It was pretty cool though.

We attended our niece Katie's wedding in Kansas City in 2006, finally visiting that storied "Cyclone Bar" - Kelly's, later that night. The past two falls, Iowa State played Kansas State in football at Arrowhead. Of course our gang attended and last year we stayed at the Crown Plaza near the Power and Light District - where the Cyclones had their rally. It was a great time!

I made reservations at the Crown Plaza for last night, through Travelocity. It's a 3.5 star hotel. I find, the older I get, the more I like quality sheets and towels. We headed out from Creston around 8 a.m. yesterday, arriving at Kara's North Kansas City apartment just before 11 a.m. Iowa State was supposed to play at 11:30, but lightning delayed the game until 1 p.m., so we hit a cool restaurant in the burg of North KC. It reminded me of a bigger Valley Junction in West Des Moines. This restaurant has tons of sports memorabilia, even old Cyclone helmets! The Cyclones played a valiant game, but lost in the closing minutes to KSU.

Katie with Naomi

Jacob

After the game, we headed to our niece Katie and husband Albert's house in Overland Park, KS for a visit. They have two adorable children - Jacob 2 1/2 and Naomi is 6 months. Plus two nice middle sized doggies. They live in a lovely1960s two-story home in a neighborhood with lots of mature trees. Jake was very intently trying to operate an electric train - with help from Mom and Dad. Naomi was very content with a bottle. It was a nice visit - hope Jud gets together with his cousin Katie again sometime! He and Katie's bro John, who now lives in Orlando, were buddies through the years when cousins would get together.

From there we headed to the Plaza for a barbecue restaurant called Jack Stack. It was only about 6:30 p.m. so we were ahead of the crowd and scored a table pretty quickly in the bar. The guys ordered beer and Kara and I settled on pretty martinis. It was a meat festival - Paul and I both got burnt ends with prime rib and ribs.

We wanted to shop after supper, but it was misting and miserable shopping weather. The stores did look enticing - all the good stuff down there. I must return! We drove to our hotel and checked in - we landed a 2-room handicap accessible suite! What's with the handicap thing? We got a handicap room in Nashville in August too. I must not be aging well...

We decided to walk down to the Power and Light for a drink, ending up at McFadden's - a loud sports bar. There was music, people talking, and televisions with all the various footballs games around the huge bar. The evening crowd was just starting to trickle in. Chicks in their leggings, thigh high boots, and short dresses. It was time for this chick (who obviously looks handicapped) to go.

We crashed shortly after we got to our room. Then at 4 a.m.ish the fire alarm at the hotel went off...lights flashing in our faces. Paul called the front desk and they said they just needed to re-program the alarm, we didn't need to escape. Phew! Two hours later they finally got it stopped! A pillow on my face worked okay - we were lucky the alarm wasn't too loud in our room. They comped us for parking after we complained - $18 for our pain.

We had a yummy breakfast this a.m. with the kids, at a place in the north part of KC. They had eaten there with Kyle and Renee, Kara's parents. I must say, KC is a good time - and I must go back! Jud and Kara are having fun finding their way around the city - reminding me of when I lived in Omaha and Paul would visit. It's exciting, getting to know the restaurants and the shopping areas of a city. They'd like to meet more people, but of course that all takes time. Their jobs seem to be going okay. Life is good!

Patrick - angel at 20

2011-12-02T14:12:00.001-06:00

Was it really me who had that baby who died? Sometimes it feels like that was someone else. Have I really grown that old? In some ways I feel like I was older when Patrick was born on December 2 and died December 8, 1991. He had a congenital heart defect that perhaps today they might have detected while I was pregnant. Would that have changed things?

Anyway, I sure had to act grown up then - a dead child with two babies to raise. Thirty four years old. Phew. Looking back, I was ancient!

Now I'm 54 with a child gone now twenty years! I was feeling so casual about today, Pat's bday, until I heard from some of my fam. Cindo texted. Jordie put something on Facebook and Betso emailed. Then Jud sent a text. I saw that Amy posted a photo of the three kids on Facebook and that really got to me - along with all the associated comments. My poor baby boy - his siblings who never got to know him. Thinking about it makes me a little weepy. It still hurts.

I always thought I'd be an "under the radar" kinda person. I wouldn't be the smartest, the prettiest or the nicest. On the flipside - I didn't consider myself a total dog in the looks department, and I know I'm pretty darn smart (or smartass). I wouldn't ever be the baddest - though I knew how to get in a bit 'o trouble. So I didn't think God would notice me enough to pick on me. Hey, I kept my head down!

So I'm still pretty shocked that it happened to me. To us. How did our family get picked to lose a child? Is there someone/something that does the picking? Is it to help character development? To make us learn a lesson? Was it protection from something that would have happened later in Patrick's life - he was destined to be a druggie? Or does stuff like that just happen randomly, and the higher power cries along with us when we hurt?

I still don't have the answers - the ones I searched so hard for right after Patrick was born and died. And I don't know why a good guy like my bro-in-law Boldie had to get an aggressive form of prostate cancer, or Thea is forced to fight myeloma. There are a lot of sucky things in life we all have to deal with. I guess if we knew, then we'd be that thing we call God.

When I think of Patrick - the miracle was the way our loved ones carried us through that awful time. And beyond that, the way others, some we didn't even know very well, reached out too. It was very touching. And I'll never forget our dear friend Father Howard. He alone makes me give the Catholic Church a pass on many transgressions. The guy spent a couple years stopping by our house, just checking on us, making sure our marriage survived the loss of a child.

He even loaned us money for medical and burial expenses - though he said it was from an anonymous parishioner - I'm sure it was him. Having someone give you an envelope with $2,000 cash in it, saying "just repay it when you can," was shocking. Humbling. We gave it all back quickly - we were fortunate that our parents helped with the funeral expenses. But I have never forgotten that loan.

Bless you our angel Patrick, on your 20th birthday. I learned many lessons because of you. I feel blessed to have a wonderful husband and two other fantastic kids.

For everyone dealing with the difficult things in life - may you be surrounded by loving people who help carry you.

The Landlady

2011-11-30T21:11:00.001-06:00

My landlady Joan is no lady...she's my friend! It's Joan's birthday today. We went out to eat at Applebee's. Joan had a coupon. It was nice chatting with her, until the high school cheer squad arrived - all twenty or so all chatty and LOUD.

Oh well, we just talked louder. It was fun anyway, just catching up on each other's days.

Joan and I get along well. She's so easy to get along with - even tempered and never moody. I try to be a low-maintenance roomie. And she's a low maintenance landlady. In fact she even takes care of me - washing my towels and sheets.

We like lots of the same TV shows, like Revenge and Parenthood. Sometimes she watches funny shows like Modern Family with me but often you can find her out at her dining room table surfing her laptop, while I'm in the TV room on my laptop.

I'm so lucky to have a nice place to live like this. I thank my lucky stars each week for Joan - the birthday girl!

A few things

2011-11-29T20:25:00.001-06:00

Are you one of those people that has your Christmas Tree up?
Did you decorate your whole house with lights already? Our neighbors, the Stofferahns (okay it was Todd) put lights on their house and the trees.
I took my fall wreath off the door. Woohoo! I'm not sure when I'll take that next big step.
I don't think I'll put up the big tree, because we won't even be here for Christmas! Jud won't be home at all. The big tree takes up so much room! Don't tell Paul but tomorrow I'm going to seek out a small pre-lit smaller tree that I can just set out on my coffee table.
I stopped at World Market tonight. I love that store! They have great international foods and drinks. Plus their greeting cards are very funny.
I wish I had a Wii at Joan's place as well as at my house. Over the weekend, I updated my Wii Mii and put new ones in for the rest of the fam. Here I am. And this time my Wii Fit age was 46. My head looks kinda big - doesn't it!

Post turkey day Goldsmith Christmas

2011-11-28T19:15:00.001-06:00

All too soon...our fabulous most funnest (yes, I know that isn't a word) Thanksgiving ended. Okay - it probably wasn't the most fabulous ever. Amy and Kara dislike football (except the Cyclone football..and I'm not so sure they even like watching the Cyclones play). And on Thanksgiving Day, first the Packers game was on (Paul's fave team) and then Jud's fave team was on (Cowboys). Jud did play checkers while he watched the Cowboys. That's what love will do to ya. Paul didn't even pretend to want play anything with me whilst the Packers played...

Anyway, it was great having everyone together. It was hard saying goodbye to Jud and Kara who were heading out for Sioux Center (in Northwest Iowa where Kara's parents live) Friday morning. Amy, Paul and I took off around 8 a.m. for Earlville for the Goldsmith fam gathering. We stopped briefly in Story City at the half empty outlet mall where I purchased some undies at the Vanity Fair store. Paul got some Packers sweats.

We pulled into E'ville about noon, and headed to the town mealsite - where the elderly residents meet to eat each weekday at noon. The Goldsmiths reserve the building each year for this date. Only Paul's sis Carol was there, so we grabbed her and took off for Dyersville to get a snack and watch a bit of the Iowa vs. Nebraska game in a local pub. I had a hard time keeping from cheering out loud for the Huskers - even though I'm not a fan of theirs, they are the lesser of 2 evils in my book. Carol was afraid I was going to get beat up - by the many black and gold clad fans in the pub.

We made it back to Earlville intact! And soon the rest of the Goldsmiths began to trickle in. We finally got to Matt Vorwald's wife of like 3 years - Beth. And the plethora of new Goldsmith bambinos - 4 since April! We held the usual gift exchange - draw numbers, select according to numbers and you can steal someone's gift, up to 2 times. I ended up with an indoor/outdoor thermometer. Quite functional. We ate ham sammies and cookies. It's always fun to see the Goldsmiths and get caught up on their lives.

Katie, Chad, Karen, Kurt with babies

All too soon it was time to scoot home to Creston - Amy had a bridal shower the next morning. Stormy Weis is getting married in 2 weeks!

The gang's all here

2011-11-24T20:55:00.001-06:00

Our gang arrived Wednesday - Thanksgiving Eve. Amy flew from Denver into Kansas City, and Kara, who works there, picked her up at the airport. They drove up to St. Joe, where Jud lives, and on up to Ioway they came, arriving about 6 PM. Paul and I were awaiting with open arms.

It had been a long short week for me. I was only in DSM from Monday morning until Wednesday. But I suffered from migraines all three days. Yuck! So I was pretty puny by the time I worked in my cubicle until 10 a.m. yesterday morning and stopped at the big HyVee grocery store to pick up a few things - a Mexican dip, salads, wine and crescent rolls. I finally felt good enough to eat something on my drive home.

I didn't need to feel crappy on the big day that my kids were coming home! A short nap was in order. By mid afternoon I started to perk up. Paul browned some burger and I put together some enchiladas for supper. I didn't want anyone to go hungry! They pulled up to the house right at 6 PM, and Odie wasn't the only one wagging her tail with delight!

We got the dip and chips out, and cocktails were in order. I decided I best not tempt the migraine gods with liquor - so I stuck with water! Supper was just was right as the five of us talked and laughed over enchildadas. Love having the fam together again.

Afterwards it was Wii time baby. That's right, we started playing Wii Fit. Kara kicked our butts in bowling. Then Rachelle drove in from Ankeny. Rachelle is Amy's college roomie, and she was looking forward to a night of partying in Crestonia - where the night before Thanksgiving is epic!

We broke out Just Dance 3, and Amy and Rachelle shook it up right on the living room floor. It was such fun. Chelle challenged Jud to a dance off and it was a close one. I loved all the laughter and just plain fun being together.

Just after 9:30, it was time for Amy, Rachelle, Jud and Kara to hit the town. Paul dropped them off downtown, and they spent the next 4 hours hanging out in three bars, catching up with old friends. Later, (or earlier Thursday) Paul's phone rang, and he got to go pick them up - they were a little rowdy. He had some funny stories to relate when he got back - stuff they had told him on the ride back. I was wide awake for quite a while after that, even though I didn't pick up duty.

Rachelle is a city gal. She had such fun partying in Creston - but she isn't used to partying in bars with people wearing steel toed boots. And people with camo hats and shirts on. She even saw a guy with a knife scabbard on his belt - and she was impressed (or concerned)! Not stuff you see clubbing in downtown DSM. Her powers of observation are impressive. I am in bars with those folks many weekends and don't even notice.

Paul and I attended mass this morning - it's a routine of mine on Thanksgiving. And it's not even a Holy Day (cuz I miss mass those days...). But I do miss attending on this day with my pal Deb who no longer attends our church. Even so, I have a lot to be thankful for. Family, friends health - the list goes on. Life is good and that higher power is the source.

When we got back, the little party animals - Amy at least, was up. The rest of them slowly trickled in. And we've had a great day watching football (don't expect Amy and Kara to say that part was great), playing Wii, and we worked in a little food too. First, I dragged them outside for a photo op in the afternoon. It was 60 degrees out! The Iowa Silk chocolate pie from Upper Crust Bakery - my pal Cynthia Wolf, was great. And the turkey, stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes and scalloped corn were excellent too!

Posing in the wind

Amy and Rochelle ham it up

My Brave friend Thea

2011-11-20T17:01:00.001-06:00

Deb and Thea Christmas 2010

She's as brave as any of the characters we've read about in all the many books we've read in the past ten years since I've known her. Thea was the first person to contact me ten years ago when I put up that poster at Creston Public Library (aka Matilda Gibson) proclaiming that I was starting a book discussion group. She was interested...and better yet, she volunteered to host it! Her hosting gig ended up being permanent - just like our friendship!

My longtime (I'm not saying old) buddy Deb and I had pined for such a group In town. One where we could meet to discuss books with fellow book lovers. When no such group appeared...besides the stuffy sounding group that posted minutes in the local paper, we decided to start our own. We nearly always pick out and order books from an online list of multiple books the state library hosts. Everybody in our group can suggest titles and we usually have a core group of 6 or 8 people participating. Let's not forget Thea's three dogs - Peaches, Lucy and Mitzi. (Oreo, whom I used to call Hydrox, RIP).

Thea moved to Creston to work at the Area Education Agency as a social worker in area schools, a career she retired from in 2010. Last spring she had a bum knee replaced and was rehabbing at a local physical therapy center. She began to notice pain in other areas of her body and the therapist recognized the pain was not a normal part of recovery from this type of surgery. Several doctor's appointments and medical tests later, she was diagnosed with myeloma - cancer of the plasma cells.

Crap! That isn't the way it should go...somebody retires and then gets sick. Thea decided to go to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a second opinion. Their diagnosis - multiple myeloma and they discovered a cancerous tumor on one of her kidneys that needed to come out. She had surgery to remove it - the kidney. In the meantime, the myeloma has taken a toll on her bones - causing a great deal of pain. She needed to start treatment to knock the cancer back. Thea started chemo treatments as soon as she could, followed by radiation - which really zapped her!

The cancer has taken its toll on Thea's lifestyle. It has made it hard for her to get around. She lives in a big rambling brick 2 story home, and she's taken some steps to make her home more livable for her and the dogs. A doggy door has been installed for the "girls" so they can access the fenced in back yard all on their own. Her house has been arranged so that she can get around with her walker.

It can't be easy, facing that f'ing disease. And Thea does not have relatives in town - though her brother lives in Harlan. She's fortunate that since she's such a swell lady, she's developed a great network friends here in town. Still...it has to be hard. She has to have some hard times. Down times.

I've been to see her a few times - to take food and to help around the house a bit. During those times, Thea has been a champ - what an attitude!
As brave as
1,000 White Women
who have lived in
The Red Tent
and Angry Housewives Eating BonBons
(all books we have read and loved)
So all of you out there- in prayer and good thoughts land - please break out the good stuff for my brave pal Thea. She deserves the best!

Bustin' with "Proud"

2011-11-19T09:57:00.001-06:00

Rock Star Coaches (from Texas game) Below - Rhoads, above - the Burnhams

It's a never-ending roller-coaster ride. Being a fan of the ISU Cyclones, I mean. I know - I've chosen to get on that ride. I could be a casual fan - enjoying the victories and ignoring the other stuff - but oh, not me. I'm the type that invests heavily (emotionally, and..in recent years $) in the Alma Mater sports teams. Mostly football. I spent only four years at Iowa State University, but those years have shaped my life forever somehow. I'm in the cult.

As a Cyclone fan I've seen and felt my share of heartache from athletic losses - especially in football. I've written about it in past blogs. It's like the Cyclones are Charlie Brown - believing somehow, again and again that Lucy will really leave that football out there for us to kick this time. But each time, she whips it away at the last second - laughing cruelly. We fall on our asses, embarrassed, defeated yet again.

We've had some memorable wins through the years. A few. In college I was there when ISU defeated Nebraska at our stadium. It was the fall of 1976 - Dexter Green, baby! Back then I was really more in it for the fun. They didn't care when we took glass bottles of liquor into the stadium. Sometimes the game became a backdrop to mixology! I remember another exciting game vs. Kansas (OT?) in the 90s where ISU prevailed by kicking a field goal. It was very cold and a streaker blessed the event. There wasn't much to see...

Vicki, me, Sal, and Jane - in our ISU Cowboy hats - Iowa game 1979

The ISU vs. Iowa has become a great rivalry game. This year's Triple OT win was one of the most exciting games I've ever seen in person. Our victory over the Hawks during the brief Chizek tenure was memorable too - Shaggy field goal winning, thanks to Diana and I using our special lucky finger clutch. I gave up my ticket to Jud, when he was still in high school, the year the Clones beat the Hawks when they were ranked #10.

Paul and I have season tickets you know, and haven't missed a home game for quite a while! It took all week to decide whether or not we were going. Arguments for not going to the game. Someone Paul worked with was retiring, and Paul was in charge of collecting the guy's laptop and other equipment - so he had to work late yesterday. Plus Paul has not gotten to hunt much this fall, due to our busy social/football schedule. He was concerned a late night might cut into hunting time.

Our tailgating mates were not available for this game. Why going to a game without them would be like making a lemondrop without lemons. Diana had major surgery, taking the backbone McKim family out of the mix. Higgins chose to head to their Lake of the Ozarks home, and McFees couldn't make it. . I also admit I wasn't overly enthusiastic about watching the Cyclones get their asses kicked by #2 Oklahoma State. In the past few years, the Cowboys have had our number. I couldn't see how could we possibly compete with #2.

But...on the plus side of attending the game, my friend Christine was going to be running on the field with the team! Her buddy from Texas successfully bid on some auction package and that was the prize, along with sideline passes. And our pal Hauser from Minnesota was going to be "in the house" for the first time all year.

Ultimately we decided not to go to the game.

Damn, Damn, Damn! What a dumb decision - in hindsight. Bobbie and Jeff came over for wings and a chicken casserole Bobbie made. I enjoyed one nice lemondrop martini before I managed to spill the leftovers from the shaker on the floor. (can you say sticky?). The game looked marvy on the TV and I thought we were hanging in there pretty well, despite not taking advantage of some early miscues by OSU. But that ending was one for the ages.

The early missed field goal - memories of ISU's bowl game miss vs. Alabama. Our boy AJ Klein was a complete stud! Leonard Johnson finally backed up all his trash talking. Our frosh QB made some mistakes, but had nerves of steel. Tip by Iowa boy Knott in OT and interception by Benton (another trash talker). Jeff Woody ran like a man on a mission for the end zone to score a touch down - Clones know better than to rely on a field goal. ISU 37- OSU 31. I love our coaches! The defensive plan was stellar. Paul and I jumped up and hugged - hopping up and down in unison!

scene from last night - crazy!

I wanted so much to be there to drink it in - just like after the Iowa win. The crowd rushed the field and players raised red helmets skyward! That atmosphere is addictive. It was wonderful that ESPN continued to carry the feed long after the game ended. Sweet Caroline played, then Celebrate Good Times, as they interviewed Coach Rhoads and talked about the game.

This morning on ESPN Gameday, they showed a replay of Coach Rhoad's post game lockeroom speech. Some say he's overused the "so proud" phrase. Check out the video: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10100342216168020
Not me. What else can you say? Others say OSU was flat. It may have been a perfect storm - but the Cyclones had the perfect boat to ride the storm out!

Far left - AJ Klein, our hero! (his parents tailgate near us)

Dance fever

2011-11-18T18:11:00.001-06:00

I got a Wii for Mee for my birthday. I'd been considering the purchase for quite some time, and the price had dropped over time - so I finally pulled the trigger. Paul had even said if was okay - like I needed his permission.

We usually do consult with each other on big purchases. But through the years, as we got a little bigger cushion in our bank account, that limit went up a bit. Nintendo Wii used to cost around $300 I think - but I got mine, complete with the Mario Cart game for less than $150.

Then I worked a deal with my 'lil buddy Krissy to purchase her Wii Fit game. It has a balance board that you stand on for most of the exercises, plus the disk you put into the video machine. Last weekend I finally had a chance to try the thing out - fun and good exercise for someone like me who has allowed myself to get woefully out of shape. Now I only wish I had one here AND at Joanie's place.

I programed a "Mii" into the system to represent me in some of the games. It weighs me and figures my BMI too. There are four areas to work on.

Yoga
Strength
Balance
Aerobic

I got up this a.m. and did yoga for 15 minutes followed by some other stuff. Then later this morning, during a break from work I broke out Dance 3 where I worked up a sweat dancing to Dynamite and some Apache song. I suck, but it was fun and got my heart going. I'm going to be in tip top shape in no time at this rate!

My friend Deb purchased the XBox 3D for exercise - can't wait to hear how she likes it. It's more $$ - but you don't have to hold the controller, which would be nice. Watch out - the oldsters are taking over gaming!

I clicked my heels together

2011-11-17T19:54:00.001-06:00

And said, "there's no place like home" and magically, I appeared in my comfy chair in my living room! No...not really. I drove my car - my trusty Subaru - which is like a comfy pair of ruby red slippers.

Today I was itching to get out of town - back to Creston. It's been a long stretch of work - since late September when I organized our first Environmental Management System (EMS)Audit through this week, after completing six audits and now the workshop. I'm beat! As I said in my blog of a couple days ago - the workshop went well...it finished up yesterday with a half day. The evaluations were good. Yay!

Continental - a drink from the bar sounded enticing, but I held back!

When the workshop finished up yesterday, I went to luncheon at the Continental - on Locust at about 4th in the East Village with Laura and Christine. We talked mostly shop. I had a nice blackened chicken sannie. After that, Laura had to catch a flight back to Dallas.

I spent the afternoon figuring out how to update information on the EMS website. Then I heard from my honey PGG, that he was in town having work done on his car. We decided to meet at HuHot for supper. That place is good! You fill a bowl with raw meats, fish, crab, veggies and noodles. Then you pick a group of sauces to dump over the top and take it to an open griddle for men to grill for you. There is white rice to eat with it back at your table. Yum!

After supper we took a walk around Sports Authority, but didn't find anything we couldn't live without. All too soon it was time for Paul to head back to Creston. I went to Joan's to watch TV. My shoulders were so tight from a week of stress! Guess I'll need to contact my friendly masseuse Chris soon to get the kinks worked out. But for now - tomorrow, I get to work at home. I like that perk of my job!

Yowza got thru that!

2011-11-15T19:54:00.001-06:00

Participants eagerly await information

I was in charge of a workshop/conference for work today. I was kinda stressed about it. Because I'm a control freak. It was for the Environmental Management System (EMS) program that I'm lead worker on. It was at the Botanical Center and around 30 people attended.

Laura - consultant, presides

Laura, our consultant from Dallas and I worked together on the content of the workshop. She put together the PowerPoints and the training materials, so she's been stressed too. Laura arranged for a guy from EPA in Washington, who is an EMS expert, to talk after lunchtime. He sat in on our morning sessions and was very complimentary of our program. ;>)

I introduce our speaker

Pat Boddy

I also lined up a couple speakers for the workshop, including Pat Boddy, former DNR Deputy Director. I put together some materials in preparation for the speakers - especially Pat who talked about setting good goals. Because in EMS, the participants - in this case, Solid Waste Agencies, set annual environmental goals to help them meet the requirement of continuous improvement to be in the program.

Goal-setting assistance could help each of us! Who couldn't use help figuring out just what we're really trying to get at!?!

It was a little confusing for some of the participants. But the basic idea is to get at - what is your REAL purpose for a goal you are setting? Here is an example that we had to work through.

A solid waste agency sets a goal of hosting 500 people in their educational center in 2011. Is that a good goal? It's measurable. But what does that number tell us? Not much really. What we talked about today is what the real goal should be. What is that agency was trying to accomplish by bringing people into the ed center? Mostly likely education about the facility services - recycling/disposal etc.

So a better goal might be behavior change after facility tour. To measure this, the facility could poll users to find out how they knew about the services.

It's like the difference between losing weight to fit into your jeans, and eating healthy for your lifestyle. Your goals need to be beyond the quick fix number. It's kind of a hard thing to wrap your mind around...

Jim Horne US EPA talks EMS

Anyway - I'm back at it tomorrow morning! Can you tell - I love this stuff!

Tomorrow will be a smaller group. Next year we'll be doing this conference again - I'm already planning how I might do it better! Control freak!

Diana (I call her Dee)

2011-11-14T20:00:00.001-06:00

It was the size of a kiwi. According to Donnie, the tumor on Diana (I call her Dee) McKim's carotid artery in her neck was the size of the fuzzy fruit - and was likely pressing on her blood vessel.

It's called a carotid body tumor. They found it after Diana complained about having a dry mouth. Our local surgeon removed one of her salivary glands (you have several so that's no big deal), thinking that was the culprit - and that's when he saw the damn thing. But he didn't dare touch it, as it is so close to the carotid, the tongue and some other important stuff like the vocal chords. These tumors are usually hereditary and benign. But they gotta come out if they're pressing on significant stuff.

Diana has a wonderful voice - pure and true, alto. She and Gwen Buck often sing duets at weddings. And who could discount the duet she and I do (she carries me) on the Star Spangled Banner at each and every Cyclone game! Plus...she was one of my backup singers along with Joan (my roomie) and Bobbie for Monster Mash, during my 52nd birthday celebration in Earlham. We sang karaoke at a little bar on main street. I don't think they'll ever forget us. I drank all their red zinfandel, never to drink that wine again...

I'm glad Diana went to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for her surgery. It is where they needed to be. I'm praying my friend Dee Dee will recover quickly. She is supposed to be 2 days in Critical Care then a day or two on the regular floor was the information I last heard. I'm sure they'll take it a day at a time - making sure infection doesn't happen.

I am just so glad and relieved that this tricky surgery went okay - I was really worried. Diana and Don are such good people and good friends. I want Dee to be home so I can make her a lemon drop martini (once the doc says it's okay - I wouldn't want to waste the precious nectar if it trickled out of her sutures...haha little joke Dee). Donnie can mix his own BV and Diet Squirt...

Cyclone fans (Me, Marilyn Conover with Dee on right) adore linebacker JJ Klein

Oh yeah, and Go Cyclones - win one of your three remaining football games against a top-ranked football team so we can go to a bowl game with McKims! (one can dream!)

Bolder update

2011-11-13T08:52:00.001-06:00

Bolder with Bud, Pablo and Lemondrop...last summer

It has been a while since I reported the awful news that my beloved bro-in-law Brian Lefebvre, whom everyone calls Bolder or Boldie has prostate cancer - a particularly aggressive type damn it! He had surgery back in late July to remove his prostate. Then it was discovered that the cancer had spread, so further treatment was called for.

But Bolder had to heal from surgery - and dealt with some complications like infection. So he wasn't able to start chemo until October. He just had his second round of the powerful chemical cocktail Taxotere (he'd prefer scotch), and will have two more chemo sessions - December 1st and 22nd with the drug Jevtana. My sis Cindo say the good news is that his PSA is still really low and his white blood cell count is looking good.

Here is an update in Cindo's words. "Thanks for checking in with us. Oldie Moldie Boldie has now become Balding Boldie. He has lost most of the hair on top of his head but still has a ring around the lower part (kinda like Friar Tuck). I asked if he wanted his friend Eric to shave it off and he said no. It's amazing how well he takes the chemo. He's a little tired but hasn't felt sick at all even after two sessions. Bolder and I are so thankful for our friends and family and that there are drugs to find the horrible disease called cancer! Love you all!"

After Chemo, Boldie will be starting radiation treatment. Amy, Jud, Paul and I will be in Vail celebrating Christmas with the Lefebvres. Can't wait to hug them and son Colby who is working in Vail Valley managing a local eatery.

The Bullock and Lefebvre families appreciate all your good thoughts and prayers for one the the best and most tender-hearted guys in the whole world - Brian Lefebvre.

My world shifts a little bit

2011-11-12T08:41:00.001-06:00

Whenever something big happens and people let me down, my world shifts a little bit. I don't know Joe Paterno and he doesn't know me, but like many of you through the years I have formed an impression of the guy. Paterno is a crusty guy with an East Coast accent. He has always reminded me of Paul's dad - George Goldsmith - all curmudgeony, but lovable under it all! Obviously intelligent, and I thought, to be admired because of his tenure at an esteemed university and the success of his teams.

Until I heard about what he had allowed his friend, Assistant Coach Sandusky, get away with - sexual assault of minors. A mere wrist slap. Allowed to "retire" from coaching with full access to Penn State's facilities. In my opinion the whole Penn State University organization is guilty. Didn't they see any similarities between themselves and the Catholic Church? Cover up galore.

When I was young, I always thought there was someone above me that was watching out for me. My parents, teachers, coaches, the government. The realities of life suck. Those people, whom we have looked up to are weak. And not just the freakin' (insert swear word) sexual abusers. The people who should be looking out for the vulnerable but don't - the ones who look the other way are just as guilty! They allow the abusers to keep up their evil ways.

They protect the institution. For what? For the greater good? For the short term good name of an institution, they have risked ruining people's lives? Those of us who haven't been sexually abused can never know what these incidents have done to stain the lives of those who have lived through it.

Sex should be a healthy part of our lives. How might a young person move past the idea that shame goes together with sex once abuse has taken place? How can somebody form a healthy sexual relationship and marriage relationship after suffering that type of abuse? Man - it's hard enough to have a good marriage without dealing with issues such as that.

So - I go back to Penn State and the (formerly) great Joe Paterno. How did he live with this all these years? How could he not look at Sandusky and wonder - was he still abusing? Could he have convinced himself that the guy could stop? And how could the grad student turned coach - McQueary, have continued to coach after seeing Sandusky assaulting a young boy in a shower. Why wouldn't McQueary step in and stop it right then? Why wouldn't he call 911? Was he too in awe of an assistant coach? Did the Penn State machine step in and assure him this was being taken care of? Isn't it convenient he ended up an assistant coach himself.

I am far away from this situation - and my world has shifted a bit due to Penn State. Just as it did when all the news of the Catholic Church abuse came to light. I feel for the Penn State Nittany Lion players, students and alumni - their world is shaken much more than mine. If this had happened at Iowa State University, my Alma Mater, my emotions would be in turmoil. I'm saddened.

This world never fails to surprise me. I thank God (or whatever higher power is out there...) there are many beautiful amazing things and people out there to offset the ugly and bad. They help set my world back on its axis.

Retrieval Failure

2011-11-11T12:45:00.001-06:00

Governor Rick Perry experienced what the Washing Post calls "Retrieval Failure" a/k/a "brain freeze" at the Republican debate this week. He couldn't come up with a list of government agencies he wants to get rid of when he's elected prez.

You may read the full article here in the WaPo: Washington Post Article

If you know me and my politics, you probably know that I don't agree with much Rick Perry stands for. But in this case I felt a little sorry for the guy. Why? I've suffered from this problem - more as I get older.

I like how the article explains what happens. As I'm aging, my brain is shrinking and rusting - and is overloaded with information. My friends say I have the best memory. Right - I'll be the one that recalls insignificant stuff from high school, but can't remember important names from current events. Helpful - NOT.

It's hard to remember all that crap from the olden days and all this new stuff! I'd say my hard drive size is limited. I could never run for office because it's when I really want something, like a person's name etc. that I can't come up with it. When I give it a few minutes, it seems to percolate to the right place where I can reach it. I remember Dad being like that - great...I'm turning into Dave B.

I liked that Mr. Perry was able to make fun of himself on Letterman last night. That's all one can do about the problem - laugh! But about that presidential run Governor Perry? Forget about it...

Granny Panties

2011-11-09T20:18:00.000-06:00

I'm listening to a Stephanie Plum book on CD this week. It's "Smokin' Seventeen". One must be in the right frame of mind when listening to a Steph book. First thing Monday, I wasn't feeling it. Stephanie (the main character in the books) was trying to select which type of donut she wanted...and I had a lot of work issues on my mind. So I had to turn her off.

But I ran into traffic (evidently some poor schlubs ran into each other on the 22nd street bridge) when I go to Des Moines and traffic was at a standstill. So I turned the CD back on again. I love the reader on the Stephanie Plum CDs. She does wonderful voices. Her Lula is especially great! The character Lula is a supersized black woman (former hooker) who wears spandex and helps Stephanie collect bail skips. They generally get into hijinks together.

Stephanie has a problem. She likes two guys. In "Smokin'" she has a hard time keeping her knees together when she's around Joe (hot policeman) and Ranger (hot security guy). So Lula tells her she needs a break from sex - and they head to JC Penney to get secure some "granny panties," that Lula tells her will protect her from thoughts of men, and if not - they (men) won't be attracted to her in them! Ha!

I grew up in Granny Panties! At least until junior high or so. Those things are comfy!

Listening to Stephanie books makes me chuckle out loud. It probably looks pretty silly when I'm sitting in the car. All by myself. Oh well - I'll have Lula zap 'em with her stun gun.

Shoe shoppin'

2011-11-08T21:01:00.001-06:00

I felt like a judge at a horse or cattle show. But I was shoe shopping. I had been for an oil change at Ramsey Subaru - and discovered I could make due with simply rotating my tires. I don't yet need $600 worth of tires! Why...that's like getting a raise.

So I celebrated by shopping for shoes at Valley West Mall. I entered the mall through Von Maur - the door near the shoes. Right away I found some ankle high boots, with just the right heels by Born. They were called Rachelle.

Then mine eyes fell upon the Uggs - the shoe kind, not the boots.

Like any good judge, I picked up the shoes, and looked them over good. (I checked their teeth) But I was not ready to pick a winner. So on I went to the next store. I wandered through a few clothing stores, before looking at Younkers Shoes. After all I had Coupons for Younkers. But nothing there tripped my trigger. I proceeded to Fit to Be Tied. Good shoes there, but the ones at Von Maur continued to call to me.

I went back and tried them on. I felt like a horse shoe judge - picking them to be in the winner's circle. But wait! The Uggs were tight. The next size up - too loose. And I liked them best...but I needed to think it over. And perhaps try them on with some thinner socks another day. So phew, Pablo dodges a bullet! I do like those boots though...

My 10,000th view

2011-11-07T20:10:00.001-06:00

This blog hit 10,000+ views this past week. (And I bet only 1,000 or so are my own!) Amazing.

I really didn't know where I was going with this blog thing three years ago when I started up in February 2009. You see, daughter Amy had her own blog. I enjoyed reading hers. I started thinking...hey...I could do that too!

And I missed writing my recycling column for the Creston News Advertiser. I enjoyed writing that column for several years prior to taking the DNR job of my dreams in Des Moines. Each month I'd start thinking of an environmental topic, and would rewrite the thing several times before it actually hit the paper. People would often tell me how much they enjoyed the piece, which tickled me to no end! And even better, they would ask me questions about topics because they had read the things I wrote about.

And I have all that commuting time to think while cruising between Des Moines and Creston. (When I'm not listening to a book on CD). Sometimes I worry...should I be putting my life out there on the Internet for the whole world to see? But I can't help myself. So I'll keep postin' for all 11 of my followers! And you other random readers. Thanks! Your comments are always appreciated.

How did I pick Blogger.com? Because it goes with Google, and I already had Gmail. I'm kinda lazy like that.

Deep birthday thoughts

2011-11-06T09:38:00.001-06:00

Upon entering my 55th year (after my 54th bday)

What a great Birthday Week (and the weeks prior)!
It started a couple weekends ago when Amy showed up, surprising me while tailgating in Ames. I, Junior Nancy Drew, and her fearless sidekicks Bess (Bobbie) and George (Diana) (if you have read N. Drew books you know those are Nancy's girlfriend's names - they help her in her sleuthing) did not detect this stealthy surprise. So Jud and Amy were both there at a beautiful tailgating day in Ames, along with our Clone friends. Life is good!
The celebration of Leslie continued last weekend in Galena with friends from my native town of Atlantic - Chris and Paula. We were in beautiful Galena. I probably celebrated bdays years 5-18 with those chicks. So it was fun to kick off my 54 celebration with 'em (and Pablo and Chris's hubby Larry).
Onto the quiet of "My Day Off" Monday. I started with my home girl breakfast. Love those girls too. Are you sensing a theme here? Blessed with friends. Of course all of these things (except chick breakfast) were done with my very best friend Paul Goldsmith (aka Pablo the Poolboy). I then had a nice walk around my neighborhood, and the west side of Creston - McKinley Lake and Park. I can't ever walk through McKinley without thinking of:

Swim meets at the former pool there. The old pool was still there when we moved to town in 1986, and was replaced ten or so years ago with the present pool. One swim meet I was swimming breast stroke (despite my lack of breasts) - and, I recall, (head growing slightly larger) in 2 age groups - 13/14 and 15/16, as our usual swimmer in the older group wasn't able to attend the meet. I had to swim my usual race (which was only 40 yards long). Then the boys swam. Then I had to turn around and do it again. Then I swam it in a mixed relay with our age group. Robyn, Sally, and I can't recall the backstroker - Sue Tyler? For 15/16 it was Barb Hutchinson, and the Merrick sisters - Cindy and Marci.
And years later, taking our children to the former playgrounds in McKinley Park - back when the toys weren't always so safe. The little swinging bridge. Those animals that could knock a kid clean off their feet if they happen to wander in front of one, as the other - going to town swinging on a dolphin. We always walked up to pay homage to the Civil War statue that is now featured more prominently with the sidewalk placement and flags.

Tuesday I was back to work. I'm fortunate to work with a highly professional bunch. A few quirks but, no total disfunctions - you know what I mean. At some of my jobs, one person wouldn't talk to another or one totally didn't do their job. This group all functions as necessary. Which makes life easier for all of us.
I took treats to work Thursday a.m. - Kringle that I purchased at Super Target - in honor of my Scandinavian roots (I have none). I had returned to Target to get myself a Wii - that I need to hook up to our TV today. Yes, I'm going to get FIT.
By Thursday I was heading home to Crestonia. We had book club that night at A&G Bar - and my bookie friends gave me a gift certificate from Dairy Queen. What swell gals - and I didn't even read the book this month! We do miss member Thea, who is battling the evil Myeloma that is ravaging her body. She is throwing both chemo and radiation at it. Damn stuff all of it-cancer and poisonous treatment. We hope Thea joins us (or we can join her at her home) again soon.
Book Club was over at 9ish and I hurried to McKim's house to our last pre-tailgating planning party. Sitting in the RV in McKim's driveway has become a lovely tradition this season - all of the fun (read liquor) none of the stress of real tailgating. Planning takes 15 minutes. Solving life's mysteries - a few more hours. This night we were celebrating Jeff McFee's 54th birthday. Yes he's way older than I. I had a lovely oatmeal cookie shot - green apple, caramel apple and Hot Damn. That's all though - too much to do the next day!

A beautiful trip to Atlantic early Friday a.m. I drove through Fontanelle, a pretty little town on Highway 92, just as the sun was coming up. On the west side of town, I was surprised to see hundreds of windmills waving at me in the dawn. They had popped up since my last trip in July. I met three colleagues - Jen (my supervisor), Jeff and Becky at the Atlantic landfill for an Audit. Then we ate at the Old Hotel downtown for lunch. On the way home I drove through my fave town of Bridgewater - love seeing the Doris Department Store. So cute!
I was home in Creston by 3ish and stopped at Fareway for my tailgating "assignment". Then worked at bit more on my laptop. I got FB bday wishes. various texts from buddies. Amy called. Jud Called.
That evening I met up with girlfriends at The Lobby - the local watering hole. Hmmm start out early Monday a.m. with them - and now ending Friday. Sensing a theme? Nancy showed up! Hadn't seen that chick for a long time. The boys (Jeff and Paul) arrived along with Krissy and Caleb. We went to A&G for a bite before turning in. Only had a couple drinks - thank goodness my friends didn't insist on birthday shots - glad 54 is no 21! Hmmm maybe I should pretend that every night. What a great bday!
Bobbie and Jeff picked us up at 6 a.m. Chilly and windy - guess it is November. But I was definitely an RV sitter today. Gametime - bundled up and it wasn't too bad - snuggled up against each other. The Cyclones were not great - just good enough, and they won the game. That's all we can ask. After the game, we had great "saucy Southerner" sannies, Conovers stopped by. Donnie has outdone himself with his new recycling/trash system and the TV mount on the RV. RV tailgating is the best!

My 50's have been fun. As I grow older I tend to reflect more - I suppose everyone does. I'm watching the CBS morning show as I write this a.m. The topic is the recently deceased Andy Rooney (who worked and lived until age 92) - commenting that he never pretended to be something he wasn't. I try to live my life like that. Yeah, I can make nice. But I don't put up fronts - especially now, in my 50's. What you see is what you get.

There is a guest editorial in the DSM Register today by a priest who is dying from pancreatic cancer. It hit home. It seems that a lot of people I know these days are struggling with illness. As I hope and pray for them, I can't help but wonder how I might confront cancer or some other illness if I ever get that type of diagnosis.

He says, "As a priest I have observed many for whom death was an unwelcome enemy. Frequently it was because they lived only for themselves. And now they faced death by themselves, even though others were physically around them. Many others bravely faced death surrounded by the people whom they had loved and served. They had shared much in life and now they were sharing the dying experience with loved ones."

I hope I'm living my life in a way that I would be strong enough to fight the good fight against cancer/illness. But ultimately, I could be brave and surrounded like the Reverend Hemann. And I wish to serve more - though my present livestyle makes it hard to do so. And I'm being selfish right now - working hard during the week, so I play hard on weekends.

I don't want to end on a downer. We're all healthy. And yahoo - the Cyclones won. Can they sneak out 1 more win? I'm done with the six work audits I needed to complete. So work should calm down. Both kids will be home for Thanksgiving. Life is good!

BFSW and Wii

2011-11-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

You probably know the store better as DSW, which stands for Designer Shoe Warehouse. To me, it's that Big F'n Shoe Warehouse. They do gots lots of shoes. But for some reason, it's just too overwhelming for me, shoe lovin' girl. Can't pull the trigger.

So I left with my tail between my legs. And my credit card in my purse. I know...it's a sad story!

I did go to Target after that, and I purchased a Nintendo Wii with Mario Cart. And I went Wii Wii Wii all the way home - to Joan's. I plan to get a Fit - to start working out. Yeah - that's right. Me and the machine. I can't wait! Next I may get a dancing thingy. I'll be in tip top shape in no time.

McKinley and the Magic Paintbrush

2011-11-01T21:30:00.000-05:00

I walked around Creston's McKinley Lake and Park yesterday as I took the day off. I was recovering from our wonderful trip to Galena, Illinois with HS homies Paula and Chris along with Chris's hubbie Larry. When one is a commuter, it's brutal to get home on a Sunday and pack up once again to leave at the crack O'dawn the next day.

Monday a.m. I got to spend my morning with my good friend Chuck at S&K Cafe. And my homegirls Deb, Susan, Patti, Pat, Diana, Bobbie and Linda. They all brought me birthday cards - yes, it's my birth week! I got to kick it off in style. After breakfast I headed home to hang out and relax on my day off. Odie was overjoyed to see me. It doesn't take much to please that little wiener!

That afternoon, when the autumn sun was beaming down, I decided to take a walk around the lake by our house. I took the camera along to capture some of the sights of my neighborhood and hometown. Creston is at its finest this time of year! It's as if some higher power dabbed beautiful fall colors around town, making even the most mundane areas flashy and handsome.

She looks very pissed off about being in a bun

It was Halloween of course so I dragged out Odie's bun costume. She hates it, but I talked her into leaving it on long enough to get her photo taken. We only had a few trick or treaters. Mmmm more candy for us

Galena

2011-10-31T12:18:00.001-05:00

Before last weekend, the last time I spent time in Galena was with my Mom (sniff, sniff). The year was 1996, the year she was diagnosed with lung cancer - but when we took the trip, she had not yet been diagnosed. We were still oblivious. We had met Paul's sis Pat Vorwald and daughter Sarah in Galena. Amy was going with them for a few days while Mom and I traveled the area site-seeing.

Streets of Galena today

I remember shopping antique stores and visiting General Ulysses S. Grant's home. I found an antique creamer in the shape of a West Highland White Terrier that I fell in love with...but it was $60. Far too much for our budget! Mom bought a cute flamingo to put in their Florida place. We continued on our way - traveling to various scenic sites in NE Iowa that only Mom could put together. Bellevue, Bily Clocks, and Governor Larabie's Mansion in Clermont. We finished up in Independence looking for her relatives' cemetery plots (goulish - no?). Then we headed to Paul's hometown, Earlville, to collect Amy who had been delivered there, and headed home.

Later that summer, we traveled to Pat and Dave Vorwald's in Freeport, Illinois - driving through Galena - and we stopped and purchased that creamer. I couldn't stand to leave it behind. It was meant for me. I'm glad I got it! It's been a lasting momento of that trip - the last fun thing I did with Mom. When we cleaned out our parents' home, I claimed the flamingo to pair with the Westie. They make me smile.

My prize Galena possessions

Galena today has developed into an even nicer destination to visit. The quaint main street is so lovely! There are great stores and many little restaurants. Now I'd like to go back again - and I don't want to wait 15 years.

Handsome dude in window

Pals and Marrow

2011-10-30T22:38:00.002-05:00

We were in Galena this weekend with my old pals Paula Bacon and Chris Deardorff Colletti, along with Chris's husband Larry Colletti. Paula, it seems, has a time share and decided to waste some of her points on us! And we're glad she did.

We took off about noon on Friday, driving to Galena, arriving about 5:30 PM. Galena is just across the Iowa border past another of my fave communities, Dubuque. Paula had flown into Chicago from her home in Austin, TX that morning and rode up to Galena with Larry and Chris who live in Downers Grove, a Chicago suburb. We were just getting settled into our beautiful WorldMark Club condo east of town when Larry, Chris and Paula joined us after they picked up a few groceries for breakfast the next morning. Hugs all around.

Let me tell you about these ladies. They have been friends of mine for a long time, since we went through grade school together - lots of history there. Even though Chris and Paula weren't into sports and I was, we managed to stay friends through high school. By my senior year, they were they people I hung out with the most. When it came time for college though - we all went different ways. Chris and I hooked back up when we both lived in Omaha for a time. No matter what, our shared history of growing up in A-town, slumber parties, school, dances etc. has bonded us forever! Plus we all grew up to be pretty fun!

We each got our own 1 bedroom condo, complete with a 2-way living room/bedroom fireplace and a great big whirlpool tub. There was also a nice big swimming pool and hot tub, workout area and game room. It is a very nice facility! We decided to meet at Collettis place for drinks before we headed out for supper at Vinnie Venucci's, an Italian place on Main Street in town. I mixed up Lemondrops for the gals - which they enjoyed if I do say so myself. After supper we wandered up the street a bit, and then headed back to the condo to sit in the hot tub. Paul and Larry watched the yawner of a Game 7 World Series game.

The next day (Larry Colletti's birthday!) after breakfast at Paula's (we forced Chris to get up early...she's normally a late-to-bed, late-to-rise kinda gal), we headed to town for a day of shopping and hanging out. We had a bit of chocolate, and loved the vintage store that contained goods from our era (damn...we're now vintage!) Of course there were football games going on, so there were plans to check on scores throughout the day. It was gorgeous out! We ended up standing in a sports bar watching then end of several games. Larry attended Missouri, Chris - Iowa, their daughters Annie and Kate - Illinois, and all you readers know where my heart lies - with ISU (and anybody playing against the Hawkeyes...haha).

We ended up the night at a brew pub, getting a drink and a bite to eat. They had an interesting menu that included...marrow with crackers. Yum...NOT! We did end up with a meat and cheese tray that included venison and buffalo sausage that Chris couldn't bring herself to eat. Paul was incensed. Not really.

It was entertaining to see all the costumes. Galena hosts a fantastic Halloween Parade - that we could almost see from our table! I did wander out to the street to check it out a couple times. Thousands of people lined the narrow main street. Lights, costumes, floats - even bands. It was all really awesome on a warm night for late October. I saw a couple dressed in boxes that said Barbie/Ken - with plastic on the front. I asked "Ken" if he was anatomically correct. I can't help it...these things just pop out of my mouth!

ISU vs. Texas Tech scores popped up on the TV at the bar we were at - couldn't believe we were leading! Headed back to our condo to again sit in the hot tub, while Paul watched the 2nd half of the game. I didn't want to jinx the team by watching...they had done so well without me in the first half!

This a.m. we had breakfast at a place on mainstreet and then it was time to say goodbye. I was sad to leave - such fun to see my friends again. I hadn't seen them for several years, and then I got to see them in July for our class reunion and now. When will we see each other again? I think we better make this type of get-together an annual thing!

Fried, but in a good way!

2011-10-27T20:02:00.002-05:00

I'm fried tonight, so pardon me if this isn't my most scintillating post. I've been traveling the state of Iowa again, with a motley crew of co-workers, auditing Environmental Management Systems at solid waste agencies. Cast of characters:My supervisor

Jennifer - her husband and 9-year old daughter were at home, where Molly only ate the carbs out of her school lunch
Becky - a mommy who left her husband in charge of a couple kiddos. Becky actually partially dressed sleeping Trent the morning she left, and left a reminder note about "show and tell" Ah I remember those days...
Jeff - partner Nick was left in charge of pooches Leia and Lucy.

This week we visited Cedar Rapids Linn County and the Waste Commission of Scott County in Davenport.

Scenes from the audit, Scott County - wow, doesn't this look exciting?

Jen, Jeff and Becky look over the recycle beetle located at the CR Linn Landfill

They're doing good things for the environment at those places, despite what you might think about trash and landfills! I enjoy getting out and talking to the people that are on the "front line". The ones that run the dozers, collect household hazardous materials, pick up litter and run the scale.

But man, being on the road two days, and having to be "on" all the time. It's quite wearing. I drove about half the time - thank goodness Jeff shared with me. The traffic across I-80 is a bitch!

The scale operator keeps the bad stuff like chemicals and other hazardous things out of the landfill...plus she has Milkbones!

These are the types of projects our participants are doing - setting goals to sell composters and rain barrels and surpassing them - continuous improvement!

I was glad to get home to Joan's yesterday evening. The furnace guy was there - to the tune of a new motor for $600+. Joan was not a happy camper for a 7 year old furnace..

Paul returned home Wednesday evening from a successful hunt in South Dakota. He was with Mike Huston and Tom Sullivan- college buddies. Next - a weekend trip with my High School homegirls - Chris and Paula!

One on one

2011-10-24T21:35:00.001-05:00

I had a special day yesterday with two of my favorite people. Paul left around 10 a.m. to go to South Dakota pheasant hunting with Mike Huston and Tom Sullivan, our college buddies. He actually knew those fellas before he met me! They've done this hunt the past few years and always have a great time. (I figured it out that his early start was so he could get to Sioux Falls for the Packers Game - he's a man of simple rules).

So I had Jud to myself the rest of the morning and early afternoon. We sat watching some NFL games, and talked about stuff. I don't often get one on one time with my kids anymore. Most often, when we get together, it's in a group, because they come to visit for shorter periods. It was nice to discuss his job in depth - beyond "how's it going?". He's already thinking about how he can move up in the company, and where he may want to live next. He seems to be ambitious about the future!

Around 1:30 p.m. I took off for DSM to meet Amy. She stayed in Ankeny with friends Jenna and Rachelle after the big surprise. We shopped a bit at Jordan Creek Mall and then got some cheesecake. She and I also had some alone time to talk. Our discussions are less rare than a talk with Jud - because we chat on the phone. Still it's good to sit across from her to do it. All too soon I had to drop her off at the airport. Even today - 24 hours later, I'm still pretty smiley about the whole weekend. We've got some pretty cool kids - they're growing up nicely!

And speaking of Dad...big panties for the Pantie Man!

On the way to work this a.m., I had to take an "alternative route" as Stuart Road is being worked on. As I drove (and dodged deer) I thought about how that is just like life - you think you have your route in life plotted out, and then you come across a sign - detour! You need to make plans, like Jud is trying to do, but they better be flexible, because life has a way of making us detour - a lot!
Paul texted that he finished the pheasant hunting today filling their limit with a "double flush". I wasn't sure what that was - thought perhaps it had to do with a potty break and a big poop! But no he said later it was flushing two birds at once.

I shopped at Target tonight and saw this video set. Dad would have loved it! Once we got cable TV, he spent a lot of time watching Little House on the Prairie. Personally, I liked the books better than the TV show.

I had breakfast with my homies this a.m. Always a great way to start my day and my week! We noticed the owners "decorated" with a sign for Halloween stating "Witches Corner". We decided it was strategically placed because we always sit at this table...(not sign above table...)

red sign next to shelf...

Steady Eddie and the Wonderful Surprise

2011-10-23T09:05:00.001-05:00

This has been just about a perfect weekend. Too bad the Cyclones couldn't come through with a victory against a top 20 team.

It started Friday night when Mr. Steady Eddie, Judson David, appeared after his job duties for the week as a purchasing specialist at Altec Corporation in St. Joseph, Missouri. Altec makes service vehicles - drill rigs and lift trucks- for companies like Alliant energy. Jud was supposed to arrive at 6 p.m. and he rolled up the driveway a couple minutes after that. Steady.

Just after 6:30 p.m., our friend Deb (another steady in my life) arrived. Those two, Pablo, my Poolboy and I, had a date to eat a homecooked meal (requested by Jud who had eaten restaurant food all week entertaining potential new Altec employees) and to gather around our radio for the Creston vs. Harlan high school football game. Deb's husband Larry was covering the game for the local newspaper. We ate Top of Iowa Sirloin, cheesy potatoes (hashbrowns, a couple AE dips plus cream of celery soup, a bit of milk, pepper), a couple salads, and baguettes. Paul is a top notch steak griller.

We settled into postion for the game. Deb had brought wine, Jud and Paul had beer. Bucklin from KSIB was on the radio - with former player Scott Driskill along side. A little history for you readers not from Creston. We've beaten Creston exactly twice since 1975. They have won the state title 4 times in recent years. They are Ohio State and USC of Class 3A Football. The last time we sniffed beating them was Jud's senior year, when Deb's son Keith was our QB, and Jud was a star (in his mommy's eyes) punter. On this night, we kicked their butts, starting with the first play from scrimmage when QB Luke Neitzel (our neighbor) ran 86 yards for a touchdown. Shortly after that my friend Mick Lander's boy Ben took a punt back for a TD. Domination! Creston wins the division by beating Harlan in Harlan. McKim's son Ryan (Amy's classmate, offensive coach for CHS, is in 7th heaven). So is the rest of Creston - team gets an escort back into town by fire and police - yes, it's that big a deal. Now - onto HS playoffs starting Wednesday.

Saturday. Jud, Paul and I picked up Bobbie at 8:30 a.m. to head to Ames for the ISU vs. Texas A&M game. McKims parked the RV there after the Harlan game the night before. Jeff, Bobbie's husband is farming today. Beans are done, but corn must be combined and the calves are weaning. I don't think he's making earlage, but I just like that word! (it's like silage, but with ears of corn). Jeff can't take time for fun just now. When we arrived we helped Don and Diana finish setting up the area for our guests. Donnie had spent an hour on the phone the the Dish TV folks trying to get the 2 TVs on board the RV working correctly for the day. Games are a must!

We made a giant sandwich out of a loaf of French bread for after the game. I made lemondrop martinis - always a production but worth it. Paul began to grill thinly sliced ribeyes for sandwiches. I came out of the RV and turned towards where Paul was grilling. I blinked - it looked like Amy standing there. Why that couldn't be right...she told me she was going out with friends in Denver where she lives, wearing her new shoes that hurt her feet! And a whole litany of things she was doing this weekend. I had emailed, lamenting, "I wish were coming to a game!" She said back - "I'll come next year again".

"Surprise," she yelled! I think. I was in a fog as I hugged her! It was my early birthday surprise - and Paul and Jud knew all about it. I was stunned.

Caramel Apple shots - with Krissy, Rachelle

Amy's friend Rachelle was with her. Even Donnie knew ahead, but the girls were kept in the dark, as the men were concerned they'd have loose lips! Amy gave me a birthday gift - a recycled tin pig with a pop bottle cap nose, and a nice card with a Moki dog on the front and a heartfelt message inside. I choked up a bit. It took me several minutes to accept that she was here.

Donnie made us caramel apple shots. (He loves to serve chicks liquor). We took a family photo - I must do that each time we're all together.

We didn't get a lot of time to talk. That's how tailgating is. And the game - well...the Cyclones were not awful. It's a tough league. Still disappointing. After the game Amy, Rachelle and Jenna their third college roomie came by to say goodbye. They were going out on the town. I'll drive to DSM today to spend some time with my girl before she heads back to Denver. Some bonus time I wasn't expecting. What a wonderful surprise!

Haircut chatter

2011-10-19T19:55:00.003-05:00

Sarah - good form in the blue shirt

I got my Locks of Like (don't get excited I made this term up) trimmed yesterday (they're not long enough for Locks of Love). My stylist Sarah ran the DSM Half Marathon despite being deathly ill with a kidney infection a couple weeks ago. She ran the whole thing - I saw her photos on Facebook later that day. They reminded me of my two Half Marathon experiences - and how much they meant to me.

So as she trimmed my hair we talked a mile a minute about it. That's what we usually do - each of us can hardly get a word in edge-wise. She is such a cool chick! Sarah is a HS graduate of the Muy Largo (I know Miss Spanish Smarty Pants Krissy, that word means long...but it looks like it mean large!) town of Murray where she was an excellent athlete who ended up with a scholarship to play basketball at NWMSU. I don't quite have her life story down, but she's lived in Arizona, and was once engaged to another guy before marrying Lucas, who is from Creston and dated my friend Jeanne Piel's daughter back when I worked at Gits (yes everything truly is connected when you're from Iowa).

Somehow she burned out of her fitness type job and other things she did and decided hair was for her, and by the time I knew about her, was doing hair at Sahar, a fancy schmancy place in DSM. (Plus she was married to Lucas and had 2 cutie patootie sons) Nancy Anthony, Diana (and lots of other peeps from Creston) somehow knew about her and filled us in at breakfast one morning at S&K. I was intrigued. A stylist who ridicules you? She did laugh at my hair style when I first went in - courtesy of Woody a stylist at a hair place in Crestonia. Man I thought some gay guys just had the hair gene - I guess they have to keep up on training just like everybody else!

We hit it off right away. Poor Sherri at Hair Designers in Corning tried to get me to blow dry my hair for years, but I was too afraid to tell Sarah "no". She showed me what to do while the dryer was going so it wouldn't go "poof"! I even purchased not one but two blow dryers. One for home, and one for Joan's, where I live when I work in DSM. Sarah is so spunky - she'll tell you just what she thinks! And yes, it's expensive - but I'm worth it!

So last night we discussed the Half Marathon. We agreed we both got emotional crossing the finish line. Because for each of us - putting the time into training, and working that hard for something...and then completing it was so satisfying! Her husband was very supportive of her efforts, which makes me think very highly of him. (and it makes her think highly of him too!) It reminded me of how my fam was very supportive of my effort - Paul and Amy both came for my big finish in 2007. Those things are important.

I'm glad my friends told me about Sarah. She's not just a stylist - she's a friend!

Mystery Date

2011-10-18T20:54:00.001-05:00

Open the door for your...Mystery Date! Watching "Dancing With the Stars". Something one of the dancers said made me think of this game I used to have. Mystery Date. I guess I knew I liked guys even way back then...even though I did love to play with GI Joes, and was such a tomboy.

I must have gotten the Mystery Date game in about 6th grade. I'm sure I made Cindy and Betsy play with me...and Cindo probably cheated! Betsy probably won. (That kid won at everything...it frustrated her older wiser sister that she was so lucky..) As I recall, you had to collect things, and then you got to spin the doorknob and see if you matched your intended date. If you were lucky you'd get a hunk - like the ski dude or the beach guy. If not you'd get a loser...(hey, just like real life!).

We had so many fun games. Our grandfather, Herbert Leslie Morehead built our home in Atlantic and there were lots of built in features in it. Betsy and I roomed together. Our room had drawers with cupboards above and they were filled with these games.

Mousetrap (more fun to mess with than to actually play...)

The Amazing Kreskin, Stratego, Life, Stratego (Cindy would say "Wanna play Strag? - then she would cheat and move her bombs...). We had a Spirograph of course, and the mandatory Etch a sketch, Monopoly (did anyone ever really finish that game?) and Kerplunk.

There wasn't much on TV back then...

I guarded all the games with my Secret Sam!

Those were the magical days of make believe, great neighbors and endless summers.

Peaceful Sunday

2011-10-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

I spent my Sunday morning so peacefully. That's why I love being Catholic...we can get church out of the way...um I mean celebrate Holy Eucharist on Saturday evening. So I can sleep in a bit (I still got up at 8 a.m.) and relax. Yesterday I didn't even rush out to get the paper. After all, who wanted to read about the Cyclone game. Ugg. They stunk it up.

Paul had sneaked out early to hunt. (I think he let his alarm go several times, but I have successfully learned to block those noises out, after 29 years of this activity). So I was on my own. I love watching CBS's Morning Show. And somehow I've become a political show junkie as well. I know, it's disgusting. Why do I bother? Both sides are quite irritating. As I watched, I messed around with my iTunes creating a new playlist - Mumford and Sons.

Paul got home just after 11:30 a.m. - when I was busy doing laundry and vacuuming. He was itching to watch the Packers...alas they weren't on TV. And he's keeping costs down by not signing up for the NFL package. I didn't volunteer to go to a bar to watch it with him. Bah Humbug...I'm tired of pro football already! I ran to WalMart for a few things.

After the game we did an activity together. ;>) My fave part of the day. We took Odie to Green Valley State Park for a hike. She's such a wimp! She was off the leash, jogging along sniffing things. Paul walked ahead and cleared the mowed trail of a dead bloody mole or some such creature. We couldn't fool the nose. She zeroed right in on the spot - and immediately turned back towards the car. Dead things be Here!

We forged ahead but I was forced to pick her up and carry her 11 pound body for a while. Then Paul did. She finally walked a bit more, but she finally decided to walk a while. When we did turn around she practically scampered towards the car - just like a barn shy horse. She is definitely a homegirl!

Deb came over later in the afternoon to chat. I do need my Debbie fix! She and Larry had been to Iowa City to see Keith and his GF (now fiance!) Kelsey and go to the Hawkeye game. It was fun to get caught up on each others' lives. Brett and Shawna moved back to Nashville and are now working temp type jobs while looking for career jobs. I cooked hamloaf for supper, and The Good Wife was on at 8 PM. Amy called at 10ish to fill us in on her birthday weekend, and Paul talked to Jud earlier in the evening. So a quiet Sunday was pretty nice.

Husbands beware

2011-10-16T10:12:00.002-05:00

Of wives coming home from a week of high anxiety, high pressure work at their away from home jobs. Throw in concern for relatives and friends with health issues. That wife might be all negative and critical. And therefore hard to live with. Hmmm whom could that be?

This story ends in a "come to Jesus" moment after a crabby trip to the grocery store and a couple hours of mutual silent treatment (my trademark). I was under the impression I was being unfairly criticized.

Then I went on an afternoon "I can't take listening to the awful Cyclone Football Game" walk, while listening to Collective Soul. I thought over my behavior since arriving home Thursday night. I came to realize I had been "acting out". Taking a page from our children back in the day - take it out on the ones you love!

I've had a long couple weeks. (This busy time doesn't look like it will be over until Thanksgiving - note to self to get a better stress reduction method) Nothing stresses me more than having things at work that I'm responsible for, yet are out of my immediate control. On top of that, I've been out of the office so much, emails and duties have stacked up so at times I was not only doing two things at once, but three. I broke out the Silly Putty to squeeze for stress relief.

Through all this, I try to continue to put up a "happy face" for co-workers and Joan. That comes with a price. For Paul, I guess! I saved up that anger over this situation and my wicked tongue let fly a few times. Mea Culpa.

I came home from my walk and apologized. Which isn't easy for me. Because I don't say I'm sorry unless I mean it - so it's emotional. It was a relief though - silent treatment over. Leaving me free to enjoy the rest of this gorgeous October day.

ON a happy note:

Keith - at back with Bullwinkle horns

Church, supper at A&G - where we ran into Ginny and Wayne Lents. Their son Jason, who is Jud's age, is engaged to GF Adair! Wow - Jud's classmates are dropping like flies. Keith Peterson proposed to his GF Kelsey this week too. They're growing up so fast. Congrats to the happy couples!

Jason Lents - right in the middle of the pic, 2 left of Jud in his dyed blond hair stage

Baby's Birthday

2011-10-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

Bucko, Amy and me with really big glasses

She was almost a "Lindsay". That was the name I liked early in my pregnancy, way back in 1985. But somehow Paul and I kept trying out names. We knew that one wasn't right for our lil growing bambino. Paul affectionately called the baby "Turdell" (ick!), after some Green Bay Packer football player. Guess his momma didn't realize people might someday shorten his name to Turd...

Way back in 1985, we were driving along in our charcoal gray Mazda 626 one day (loved that car), talking girl names. We'd already decided on Andrew Judson (sound familiar?) for a boy, when I suggested the name Amy. It just popped out of my mouth, out of the blue. Paul liked it. I have a first cousin Amy. Which is in keeping with my fam tradition - recycling names. I have both an older cousin and a niece Leslie Susi's daughter. And though he wasn't born yet, someday I'd have a nephew Paul. And a Dad David Judson, a nephew David - not to mention Jud. We must enjoy hearing a chorus of "what's" when someone yells a name at family reunions.

But somehow the name Amy Elizabeth (that's Betsy's real name) felt right for our baby - should it be a girl. I looked it up in our baby name book. Amy means "Beloved". How could a name be more right? From before birth, but especially when we first saw our little chubby -9 lb 7 oz redheaded girl on October 14, 1985, she has been the much-loved light of our lives. I don't think we tell either of our children enough how much they mean to us. (It's just a little much for my English ethnic background - to break into spontaneous positive emoting.)

I didn't babysit much - and never for infants. So I was shocked when the nursing staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Mason City up and sent that innocent baby girl home with Paul and me a couple days after Amy was born. There were no instructions. Good thing I had Dr. Spock's Childcare book! (The baby doc not the Star Trek guy) Man how I devoured that thing. The book is probably the reason Amy got through those first few weeks!

Somehow, we survived. And Amy thrived. Of course we were convinced she was the cutest, smartest baby ever. I couldn't wait to get off work to go pick her up! When I think back, it seems so long ago. It was 26 years!

Amy with cousins Jordan and Leslie Alvillar (my folks' Atlantic friends called them Salt and Peppers..)

And now Amy has grown into a great young person - so interesting, talented (okay so we still think she's the cutest, smartest, ever). And more importantly, she's a very caring person with a good heart. Beloved. Happy Birthday Amy!

Oh that pie

2011-10-13T20:53:00.002-05:00

I decided Bishop's Buffet needed its own blog. When I was a kid, and we'd travel to See the Rabbits (a/k/a Cedar Rapids), to see by Mom's parents, Pops and Grandma, we'd often go to Bishop's Buffet. For me, the highlight came at the end, when I could get the helium filled balloon that came with little feet attached. I'm picturing Grandma in her mink stole...me with my balloon, rubbing it on the stole's tiny lil minky head.

I'm sure it wasn't easy for Mom track of what we each were getting - four girls and all. At Bishop's, you'd pick up your tray and select items as you pushed the tray along the metal ramp. They always had fancy schmancy looking jello - cubes with whipped cream in a parfait glass. But no - I was not allowed to select that! Bishop's had helpers at the end of the line to carry trays to your table. Those were the days.

When I got older, we kept up the Bishop's tradition at Westroads, the new (it was the late '60's) "upscale" shopping mall in Omaha. My fave meal consisted of their french dip with au jus (a man in a tall chef's hat prepared it!), fat french fries, and Bishop's Chocolate Pie for dessert. I could get all that in the "short line" (they also had a full service line where you could select from many more entrees). But I would get so full that sometimes I couldn't eat all of the delightful pie - and its crumbly graham cracker crust.

What a waste! The picture above doesn't do it justice. Oh those chocolate curlie cues. Good memories of my childhood often seem to include food.

Back to Dubuque and more

2011-10-12T19:52:00.001-05:00

It was a 14 hour day yesterday. It started out rough - getting four people (Scott, Jeff and Jen along with yours truly) on the same page at 6:30 a.m. is imposible (pronounced im po see blay - that's spanish for impossible). And then the bladders...Dave would never have stood for it! He would have suggested, "sit on your foot!" and other helpful hints. So the trip that should have taken a little over three hours took more like 3.5. I was agast! Bullocks don't like to be late.

But you know what? The world didn't come to an end. We got the Audit done and it all went well. I simply called ahead and told them we were running late. The ride back was filled with, um interesting (insert gross) smells. We'd had a brief shower, and somehow between that, and the wind direction made the hog confinement smells seek out our van. Poor Jennifer has a very sensitive nose and was forced to breath through her sweater at times. Lucky for me my use of nose sprays through the years, and age had rendered my sense of smell less than keen.

Our conversations on the way back were inane. We discussed our favorite Halloween candy. There were arguments about what pie flavor is best. (Jen likes banana creme, it's lemon meringue for Scott - me, so hard to decide. French Silk? Remember Bishop Buffet's Choc. pie? Jeff didn't weigh in). You have a lot of time to talk on a drive to Dubuque (and back). We also talked about work stuff, which wasn't nearly as fun as popcorn balls that we got for Halloween.

Tonight I took a walk when I got home from work. Along the route, I was excited to see there is a Jimmy Johns going into the former Medicap near Joan's house. Yay! I like Jimmy John's. Big John (roast beef) with oil and vinegar instead of may. No cheese. Yum. Around the corner, I almost stepped on a big fat toad sitting on the warm walking trail path. My power walk was a nice way to walk of the steam I worked up from my day of acting as a go-between for 2 bureaucracies. EPA and DNR. Nuff said.

My double life

2011-10-09T20:36:00.001-05:00

My double life - in Creston and Des Moines - I've grown accustomed to it...but it's still hard to leave home each week. Tonight I had to drive up to Waukee (it's Sunday) for an early a.m. trip to Dubuque tomorrow. I already miss Paul, Odie, my homegirls, my house. Sadly, I'm not sure I'd be happy living full time in Creston any more. The truth is - I'm spoiled by the bright lights of the big city. Or should I say the amenities of living here. And the fact that my life's work is here.

Amy's 26th birthday is Friday. So that means come this November, we will have lived in Creston 25 years. It's so comfy - like a great pair of shoes you can slip on, and your feet go, "AH..." I can get to where I'm going in five minutes. No nasty traffic to slow me down, unless you factor in trains, causing me to re-route.

I see people I know where ever I go in town, and I know their stories. They know mine. They ask about the kids. I have status (or a reputation - put it that way) in Creston. We can shop in stores and take things with us to "try out" like samples of products from furniture stores and cabinet and counter tops etc. In Des Moines you have to sign away your first born (and she's almost 26!) when you take a sample from a big box store.

And our friends. What can I say about them? We've known some of them for nearly all of those 25 years. They have seen us through the fun times and some sad stuff too. Sober, and the other end of the spectrum - in a ditch, relieving myself of excesses (puking). And they still like me! (Or they fake it pretty darn well). We know each other so well that we can almost speak in code. Lois, curlers. And everyone knows who I mean. So very comfy.

But when I get to Des Moines, I enjoy all the choices of life here - shopping, restaurants, movies. Too bad I have no friends - besides Joan, who like me seems exhausted by her work schedule and doesn't do much during the week besides work and a bit a shopping. The logistics of life in the big city do take more effort - precluding a lot of running around like you can do in Creston.

It's hard to believe that December will mark 3 years that I've been living with Joan. For now anyway, I will continue to enjoy my double life - with perks in both towns.

Solo walk thoughts (long!)

2011-10-08T14:36:00.001-05:00

Politics and Philosophy - avert eyes if you are upset by these topics.

Amy emailed me in some distress this week. She feels the universe is out of wack, as people around her are experiencing friends and relatives who are sick and dying. "How can this be?" She asked. I was at work, so I didn't have time for a long heartfelt answer. But I felt I had a motherly duty to provide some type of perspective.

I have a little experience along these lines - though when I was her age (25) I had none. For me at that age, bad things were what happened to others. Not me. As the years went by my untouchable status changed. The unthinkable happened - we lost our son, baby Patrick to a heart defect. I found myself reading "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" by Rabbi Harold Kushner, to help myself get some perspective (and regain sanity?). After all - I saw women around Creston who had to be "worse" parents/people than I with healthy babies. Was that fair? It was a paradigm shift for me.

So in my short email to my daughter, in my 53-year old wisdom, I said something to this effect: Yes bad things do happen. If they didn't and we were all happy all the time, we wouldn't recognize it. Life would be boring. I know this doesn't take pain away though. You must build (pray for) the strength to get through the tough things. And to acknowledge others' tough things in life.

A couple things I vow to do:

Not live my life in fear - of illness, loss, pain etc. Easier said than done, I know. And in the dark of the night - when I wake up and am all alone with my thoughts, those fears sneak in. Is that sore spot in my back cancer? Will I get a bad illness? Will I lose my beloved Pablo and be a widow someday? How would I survive? How would my family go on without me? But then I suck it up and think - You're a survivor. You will have inner strength (grace/faith? - more on this under religion). You have great friends and fam. You're a Bullock.
Recognize when others are going through bad times and try to be supportive. Of course I'm busy. We're all busy. And it's so much easier to put it out of our minds - less messy to get caught up in the emotional and physical part of a friend's illness or sadness. This will be tough because I'm not getting any younger. And more friends/fam will experience loss and illness. Doing this takes a toll. But it also provides a reward.

Okay - enough philosophy.

Politics. I saw a blurb on Facebook recently that went something like this: My friend Trixie (I made this name up) should be in charge of the U.S. Here's what she would proclaim:

People don't get food stamps for stuff like steak and "luxury" items.
Women have to have birth control shots to collect benefits
People have to have drug tests to collect unemployment

Which all sound reasonable. Who doesn't get ticked off when hearing a story about somebody behind a lady in the grocery line who purchased T-bones and shrimp with food stamps and then used cash to buy booze and cigarettes?

But how many of these people coming up with great sounding ideas touting program restrictions have ever written a rule that can be implemented and enforced? And are they the same people bitching about "BIG Government"? I have tried to write state rules (cuz I'm a state employee - yep, a bureaucrat). It's much harder than it looks folks! I can't imagine trying to put something together like that - and then to enforce it. It would take tons of staff. How would grocery stores, state agencies handle these rules? Nightmare!

I agree - there has to be a better method than what we're doing now regarding getting people to pay their own way. You could say - "Just cut them off altogether". I'm not ready to see soup lines with little children going hungry. Hell - that's already happening! I saw the story on 60 Minutes about all the newly homeless in Orlando due to joblessness. Those kids weren't making it up. They were going to bed hungry. That's not right.

Let's start a national think tank to pilot new methods. I used to think there had to be smarter people than me somewhere up the food chain thinking of stuff like this. Now I'm not so sure... My name is Leslie Bullock Goldsmith and I took the time to type this message.

Road Game

2011-10-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

So I was feeling I hadn't had enough road time lately (sarcasm). We decided to ride along with the McKimsters to the Creston High School (5-1) football game vs #5 ranked Carroll HS (6-0). It's close to a 2 hour drive. McKims are always fun to chat with, and we weren't doing anything on this Friday night anyways.

Pablo and I hadn't been to an out of town Creston sports game since, well, our baby boy Juddy graduated. But now Ryan McKim (Don and Diana's son - Amy's age) is an assistant coach on the football team, and the team is doing well. We may not have as much "skin in the game" as when our son played, but we're fans.

It was a bit breezy and unseasonably warm for an October game. McKim family members were in attendance - Grandpa Jim Brown - Dee's dad, along with her sis Barb. Their daughter Katie was there with Ryan's GF Megan.

Carroll has a nice older football field that they share with Carroll Kuemper, the Catholic school in town. The game was exciting, back and forth. The Carroll Tigers had a great quarterback and drew first blood marching down the field on drive 1 and scoring. Creston answered quickly. Our QB - neighbor kid, Luke Neitzel, who had a crush on Amy and Stormy when he was around 8 years old, is pretty darn good himself. He threw a TD pass, had an INT on defense and had a break away TD in the second half to put Creston up.

Creston was driving to go up 10 points late - when there was a fumbled snap that Carroll recovered. Oh NO! Their QB could march right down the field, or so I thought. Carroll completed one long acrobatic pass. Less than 2 minutes left. The next pass was in the flat on our side of the field. Ben Landers - son of Mick, the guy that used to work with me when I collected household hazardous waste for my old job, whipped in front of the receiver, grabbed the ball, and ran for our end zone - PICK 6! (as a side-note - Mick now dates my friend Linda Kilgore - small towns, gotta love 'em).

With a few more end-of-game dramatics, the game was over. Team handshakes and that was it. The end of a great to watch HS football game, no matter who you are (but especially for Creston fans...) Our team gathered in the center of the field and took a knee to listen to Head Coach Morrison as Carroll players and fans quickly left. After he said a few words they jumped up and cheered as the students lined up in a gauntlet to congratulate them on their victory over a ranked team, to take over the top spot in Division 1 in 3A. Parents and fans stood around beaming, and moved in to congratulate parents and then players as they left the field. Everyone was united by community pride. I could hear the players in the team bus chanting Morrison, Morrison! It's a good sign, when the players like their coach.

We stopped at a restaurant in Carroll for a bite to eat with Diana's Dad and sis before heading back. Don got chicken gizzards - which always reminds me of Dad. This day was Diana's dad's birthday - he's 84, born in 1927. Dad left us too soon.

It was a late night, but well worth it. I'm glad we went. Go Panthers!

Duh Byuke

2011-10-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

That's how you say it (Dubuque). Although I did like the Canadian pronunciation - Duh Buke. I've been there since Monday. I'm thinking of relocating there (okay it's just a fleeting thought). But what a cool city! (Except it IS on the dark side where everything is Hawkeye).

This year's annual Recycling and Solid Waste Management Conference was in Dubuque. Colleague Scott Flagg and I drove up there Monday afternoon and set up the DNR booth.

The DNR displays are brand new - and now I don't even need an engineer to help me put them together! They are like window shades. The old ones involved magnets and assembly. See the orange thing on the table? I forked over $5 of my own hard earned money for pretzels to lure people in to our table...since we don't have swag like other vendors do. And yes, I went around and gathered swag from other booths to distribute to my supervisor and key staff for bonus points when I get back to the office. I'm a suck up, I admit it. Plus I just like the joy of giving - especially when I got the stuff FREE.

There were some great speakers at the conference, including the gal from the City of Ontario - who pronounced Dubuque so delightfully. This morning's session was about social media - using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the like to further the cause of your organization. Yesterday our Bureau Chief Brian gave a DNR update, and a state senator from Dubuque talked about legislation she's sponsored on recycling.

The downside of representing the State of Iowa at this conference is that I can no longer party like a rockstar at this event. In the olden days, when I just represented Adams, Taylor and Union Counties, I used to tip a few. Just a few years ago in Dubuque as a matter of fact, Christine, Jeff and I drank our way up Main Street in Dubuque Night 1 of the conference. We went to a place called Paul's Tavern - where 60 year-old mounts of long ago hunted animals are located. Last night, co-workers Laura, Scott and I went there for 1 beer. Yeah, that's my limit now - I figure I can party on non-work nights. After the Tavern (3 beers $4.65), we hit an Italian place that was really good.

This morning I took an early walk around downtown Dubuque. The sun was just coming up, and I saw things that I'd never seen before, despite all my years of hanging around NE Iowa. After all my Paul is from Earlville - not too far from Dubuque. And I did do the tipsy walking tour a few years back. Here are a few photos I snapped.

American Gothic - as seen at the Art Museum

There were so many cool architectural shots - wished I had a real camera, not just my Blackberry. But the emerging light was part of the beauty. Our consultant for a project I work on is from Dallas. She does talk about moving to Dubuque. I can see why!

That wasn't pretty

2011-10-02T21:53:00.002-05:00

Good thing we had fun tailgating. When you're a Cyclone fan, you have to take solace in that sometimes. But damn - it was a big stage, and once again the team fizzles. It's frustrating for fans not to even get out of the gate.

Kara and Jud got here Friday night about 7:30, and we went to Casa de Oro for some Mexican food, then we played a little Scene It while we listened to the Creston Panthers polish off the Winterset Huskies. Kara's not big on sports, so it was a compromise. She and I vs. Jud and Paul - they beat us at the very end.

I wore all my lucky clothing yesterday - down to my skivvies. Guess the stuff only worked in September, huh. It was gorgeous out - light breeze and mid 60's. We got to Ames about 1:30 PM, just in time to break out the grill. Paul wisely put on the apron to protect his shorts.

Bobbie and Jeff arrived shortly after we did, along with several with Jud and Kara's friends. Donnie decided to mix us up some delish shots to kick off the afternoon.

Then Diana and I went to watch the football team make its entrance to the game - very dramatic!

Paul Rhoads makes his way to the locker room along with players below

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The pageantry and crowd were A+. Too bad the team sucked. Nonetheless, we stayed until the bitter end. The drive home was long - got here about 1 a.m. Glad the deer stayed out of our way!

Jud and Kara pose for a pic along with Pablo and me

Jud's friend Noelle was Cy for 3 years, now works for Learfield Sports.