The other day, that old song popped into my head. All covered in cheese I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed. Or the classic "Found a Peanut", which was really quite a tragic song if you listened to the words - after all the peanut was bad and the author died from eating it...
Do you remember those ditties you learned as a child? (unfortunately, I do, often better then what I needed so badly at the grocery store). We sang or chanted them at scouts, church camp or school. How about those naughty or what we thought were snappy replies. Such as:
I'm rubber, you're glue - everything you say bounces off me and sticks to you. Clever - the first time you hear it, not the 1,483rd. Hmmm I can think of some adults that would be wise to heed those words! John Porter, the (who the hells knows why they let him write a column in a legitimate paper) columnist in the Creston News Advertiser. Most people know I'm a bit left of center in politics, but I enjoy reading well written conservative columns. But that guy is no writer! Boing....(me trying to be rubber after dissing the guy...)
But I digress. We used to jump a lot of rope. As in jumping rope. Singles, doubles. There were lots of cool chants to go with jumping:
Susie over the ocean Susie over the sea, Susie broke a milk bottle blamed it on me. I told Ma and Ma told Pa, Susie got a licking Ha Ha Ha (that's a spanking for all you youngsters out there). This was all done in a sing-song voice. Then you'd say - how many lickings did she get? and jump hot pepper - counting rapidly until you missed. And
Bluebell, cockle shell easy ivy over
Cinderella dressed in yella when upstairs to see her fella
Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack - dressed all in black
Did you ever play Chinese jump rope? It was a stretchy rubber band like rope. Or that game with the strings that you weaved around your hands and the other person would grip it the right way and make a new design on their hands...
Sometimes we used chants to pick who got to go first - like bubble gum bubble gum in a dish how many pieces do you wish? or walking - I left, left, left (in time with your steps) my home and 48 kids in a starving condition without any food...
We played a lot of outdoor games like jump rope. Guess that's why we didn't have the weight problem kids do today. You don't often see them out there jumpin' rope! We also played hop scotch - either drawing it out in chalk, or I had a plastic mat hop scotch. We played jacks - a little red ball with weird metal pieces you had to scoop up between bounces of the ball.
Four square was another wildly popular game back in the day. It was actually painted on the blacktop at our school - that must have been the officially sized squares. At home, again we'd use chalk, simply drawing out two perpendicular lines. It was harder when there were back lines to deal with - out of bounds ya know. And if you didn't have "banks". Banks were when you could block the ball before batting it back to your opponent. What about 500?
Of course I was always hugely intense in those games. Cindo was my big sis and she would tend to dominate me - never letting up just because I was younger. She was the same way in basketball - we'd go to the Reinertson's house to play (we didn't have our own hoop), and she'd be all full of herself cuz she was like a foot taller.
Our house had a flat roof - and the only two car garage around. So in my Billy Jean King years I would bat tennis balls against the wood garage door, and quite often, up onto the flat garage, or even all the way over. Okay I wasn't quite Billy Jean.
The best outdoor games were when the big kids in the neighborhood would allow us lil guys to participate in Ghost in the Graveyard, Kick the Can, and bestest of all, Sardines - the reverse hide and seek game where the seekers hide with the hider when they find him/her. It was big stuff to get to hang with the big kids. When it got dark, it was with great regret that I'd go in the house after Mom or Dad hollered for us. "Susi, Cindy, Leslie, Betsy" they'd yell. After all we're the EE sisters!
Beep Billy Ooten doten bo bo ba ditten dotten shoooo....
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Awww Poo
Someone I love is manning up and heading to Greater Community Hospital tomorrow for a medical test. Pablo, beloved Pool Boy is having a colonoscopy as part of his medical screening. He's not 50 anymore ya know.
It's a first for him, while I, as you know, due to my penchant for oversharing, recently had a hysterectomy. That required a bowel cleansing routine which almost resulted in a "shart"! Through the years had a few other medical procedures that required cleansing of one's bowels. Yep, it's pretty icky, but it can be a light and breezy feeling once you're "cleansed".
I don't recall why I had a barium enema once, but pooping white stuff for a couple hours post procedure wasn't fun. Paul is presently drinking a half gallon of that icky clear stuff, and taking laxative pills. Why is it so easy to drink large quantities of beer, but that stuff is hard to choke down? They both can make you poop...
I'm so glad Paul is not one of those men who refuse to take charge of their own health. He makes his own appointment for a complete physical each year. And this year he pulled the trigger on this procedure, unpleasant as it is. His older bro had a colonoscopy last week and discovered precancerous polyps. Good thing Paul was already on the surgical schedule. I do not respect a guy who thinks he's less than macho if he goes to the Doc. It's not a sign of weakness - it's a sign of strength! (even though I'm chuckling at his frequent flyer mileage on the pot this evening..)
My roomie in Waukee, Joanie, lost a love of her life, her fiance Kevin to colon cancer back around 1990 or '91. He was only in his early 30's. I'm glad Paul and I got to meet Kevin when we all went on a skiing trip to Colorado. Joan, Kevin, Mendy, Dennis, Bobbie, Jeff, Moose, Kay and us. I'm sorry Joanie never got to marry Kevin back then. Life goes on, but one always wonders what her life would be like now if...
It's a first for him, while I, as you know, due to my penchant for oversharing, recently had a hysterectomy. That required a bowel cleansing routine which almost resulted in a "shart"! Through the years had a few other medical procedures that required cleansing of one's bowels. Yep, it's pretty icky, but it can be a light and breezy feeling once you're "cleansed".
I don't recall why I had a barium enema once, but pooping white stuff for a couple hours post procedure wasn't fun. Paul is presently drinking a half gallon of that icky clear stuff, and taking laxative pills. Why is it so easy to drink large quantities of beer, but that stuff is hard to choke down? They both can make you poop...
I'm so glad Paul is not one of those men who refuse to take charge of their own health. He makes his own appointment for a complete physical each year. And this year he pulled the trigger on this procedure, unpleasant as it is. His older bro had a colonoscopy last week and discovered precancerous polyps. Good thing Paul was already on the surgical schedule. I do not respect a guy who thinks he's less than macho if he goes to the Doc. It's not a sign of weakness - it's a sign of strength! (even though I'm chuckling at his frequent flyer mileage on the pot this evening..)
My roomie in Waukee, Joanie, lost a love of her life, her fiance Kevin to colon cancer back around 1990 or '91. He was only in his early 30's. I'm glad Paul and I got to meet Kevin when we all went on a skiing trip to Colorado. Joan, Kevin, Mendy, Dennis, Bobbie, Jeff, Moose, Kay and us. I'm sorry Joanie never got to marry Kevin back then. Life goes on, but one always wonders what her life would be like now if...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
My body is a temple
Above - High Life Lounge post Wicked. Note Hamms sign above the dude in the background behind Sharon.
And this past weekend, I trashed and polluted that temple. Argh! It's not like I'm 40 or even 50 anymore...I can't take the abuse like I used to. It started Friday. Can you say "hello weekend!" I came home Thursday after another big week of work - culminating with my presentation I blogged about recently.
I worked at home Friday a.m. - Paul made a big breakfast, featuring an egg over easy and fried in bacon grease. Not my fave way to have an egg, but hey, I wasn't cooking. Hash browns, toast and one slice o bacon. But not my usual work-a-day breakfast of cereal and blueberries. Then I didn't ever eat lunch - awaiting Pablo's return from putting up tree stands. We took off for DM mid-afternoon, for a bit of shopping before meeting Bobbie and Jeff at Joan's (my home away from home in Waukee) prior to our foray downtown for Wicked - the musical.
I broke out some cheese and crax at Joan's and got out my stash of wine - 1 box of chardonnay that P and I shared. We headed for the Savory at 6 PM to meet Dee, Donnie, Sharon and Al for a bit of food and drink prior to the play. Ummm 2 lemondrop martinis later and half a sandwich we headed to the Civic Center. Lemondrops are my friend, but they have a tenancy to sneak up on me well after being ingested. I discovered my seat had a tenancy to spin like an amusement park ride when I shut my eyes. It was quite a ride - in conjunction with the fabulous set of Wicked. I didn't feel too hammered besides the spinning thing though - no crazy drunk talk or vomiting. The musical was good - not great IMHO. But I'm a Frank L Baum purist (he's the author of all the Oz series that I read as a child). The plot is weak. Acting and music excellent.
After Wicked, we headed to a fun bar called High Life Lounge. Decorated in early bowling alley! Complete with my fave evah Hamm's beer sign, though the one there didn't rotate like it should. I drank a couple beers - though Miller not Schlitz or Hamms. On the way home, Jeff was hungry so we drove thru Burger King (slim pickins at 12:30 a.m.). Gut bomb, but good. Dropped off to sleep in like a minute.
On Saturday a.m. we headed back downtown to the Farmer's Market where we partook in a fab breakfast burrito - thin wrap, eggs, sausage, cheese, salsa, hash browns, sour cream. Yum! Plus half a dutch letter. Then off to Ames for the game. And my downfall. It seems when I tailgate, I am too lazy to eat much. Bloody Marys fill me up or somethin. Good thing we took time to walk across the tailgating area to meet Jud's roomie's parents. A nice break in partaking of alcohol.
After the game - ISU won by the way and it was a wonderful day of tailgating and football watching - I did have a hamburger. And hydrated! By the time we got home at midnight, I had acid stomach. A couple Maalox helped! And I was out like a light once again. This morning Paul and I walked 6+ miles which helped me get on the road to temple recovery.
I worked at home Friday a.m. - Paul made a big breakfast, featuring an egg over easy and fried in bacon grease. Not my fave way to have an egg, but hey, I wasn't cooking. Hash browns, toast and one slice o bacon. But not my usual work-a-day breakfast of cereal and blueberries. Then I didn't ever eat lunch - awaiting Pablo's return from putting up tree stands. We took off for DM mid-afternoon, for a bit of shopping before meeting Bobbie and Jeff at Joan's (my home away from home in Waukee) prior to our foray downtown for Wicked - the musical.
I broke out some cheese and crax at Joan's and got out my stash of wine - 1 box of chardonnay that P and I shared. We headed for the Savory at 6 PM to meet Dee, Donnie, Sharon and Al for a bit of food and drink prior to the play. Ummm 2 lemondrop martinis later and half a sandwich we headed to the Civic Center. Lemondrops are my friend, but they have a tenancy to sneak up on me well after being ingested. I discovered my seat had a tenancy to spin like an amusement park ride when I shut my eyes. It was quite a ride - in conjunction with the fabulous set of Wicked. I didn't feel too hammered besides the spinning thing though - no crazy drunk talk or vomiting. The musical was good - not great IMHO. But I'm a Frank L Baum purist (he's the author of all the Oz series that I read as a child). The plot is weak. Acting and music excellent.
After Wicked, we headed to a fun bar called High Life Lounge. Decorated in early bowling alley! Complete with my fave evah Hamm's beer sign, though the one there didn't rotate like it should. I drank a couple beers - though Miller not Schlitz or Hamms. On the way home, Jeff was hungry so we drove thru Burger King (slim pickins at 12:30 a.m.). Gut bomb, but good. Dropped off to sleep in like a minute.
On Saturday a.m. we headed back downtown to the Farmer's Market where we partook in a fab breakfast burrito - thin wrap, eggs, sausage, cheese, salsa, hash browns, sour cream. Yum! Plus half a dutch letter. Then off to Ames for the game. And my downfall. It seems when I tailgate, I am too lazy to eat much. Bloody Marys fill me up or somethin. Good thing we took time to walk across the tailgating area to meet Jud's roomie's parents. A nice break in partaking of alcohol.
After the game - ISU won by the way and it was a wonderful day of tailgating and football watching - I did have a hamburger. And hydrated! By the time we got home at midnight, I had acid stomach. A couple Maalox helped! And I was out like a light once again. This morning Paul and I walked 6+ miles which helped me get on the road to temple recovery.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Heading out
Leaving shortly to attend Wicked in DSM. Looking forward to it. Some culture! We'll be staying at Joan's - so I'll be right at home. Bobbie and Jeff are staying too. Sharon, Al, Dee and Donnie are all also attending the musical.
Then Saturday we've got the ISU/Army game. So I'm just done making my snack mix - Amy's recipe. Odie was picked up by the puppy spa provider - Lila. I'm so glad I have someplace she can go that is safe, and she doesn't sit in a filthy cage. (visions of puppy mills)
I'll update ya'll Sunday on the weekend's fun.
Then Saturday we've got the ISU/Army game. So I'm just done making my snack mix - Amy's recipe. Odie was picked up by the puppy spa provider - Lila. I'm so glad I have someplace she can go that is safe, and she doesn't sit in a filthy cage. (visions of puppy mills)
I'll update ya'll Sunday on the weekend's fun.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Frankly speaking
I had to give a presentation today for the Governor's Recycling Task Force. It's a group of around 25, appointed by the Gov (kinda - I think underlings actually carried out the inviting stuff), stakeholders from all walks of recycling.
There are people from the beer distributors (gots to loves talking to the beer peeps), grocers, Association of Counties, a couple folks that run recycling businesses and more. Unfortunately the wine corkers (or whatever they go by) rep decided to resign already. They may need to replace her with someone from the Jeremiah Weed Vodka bottlers, but that's just my suggestion...
So I was a bit nervous. Public speaking has always been hard for me - starting with speech class in high school. I tend to get all rosy necked (blotches), and swallow in the middle of words. Deardorff used to give me so much crap. My speeches back then tended to be tendered in a monotone, after all, how does one give a passionate speech about such things as wrapping gifts?
Speech was also a requirement for my major, Public Service and Administration, at ISU. Again - I sucked. More of same - swallowing, lack of inflection. I've got to face it - I had no balls (translate - self confidence) back then. I was a wimp at all types of communication with professors too. The only prof I was comfy talking to was my advisor, Eric Otto Hoiberg (yes Fred - the former Cyclone and pro bball star's father).
Lucky for me, jobs during my early years in the working world required no public speaking (see blogs on my employment history written a few months ago). Over the years, I gradually gained confidence. Birthing children really seemed to grow me some nuts, ironic as that sounds. I found my voice!
When I took my first trashy job, public speaking was a requirement. Yes, I was nervous my first time at the podium (and at the Kiwanis meeting, school program, and tour), but it wasn't torture. I was even asked to talk at the Iowa Recycling Association conference in 1999 about my Trash Trunk. I found it was easy to talk about my passion. Garbage.
So now I've got the new job. New stuff to learn - terms, phrases, people, statistics. Sure I can use some of the stuff from my former job as fodder. But the rest is fresh. I put together a PowerPoint, and made notes. Tuesday I went back to Joan's house early (there isn't any place at the Wallace Building to talk out loud practicing, without driving other cube dwellers wild) in order to practice. But it didn't seem to be flowing. Yesterday I planned to practice at Joan's again after lunch.
Not so fast! My boss asked Jeff (a veteran at his Pollution Prevention Program) and me to do our presentations for him in a conference room. Yikes! That sounds worse than talking in front of 30 people! But I could hardly say no could I? I sucked at several junctures in my spiel, but got through it. He had one friendly (he's a very nice, very tactful guy) suggestion about content. Phew! I listened to Jeff and decided I was trying to say too much.
So I got to work early and practiced (inside my head, not talking aloud) today in my cube. Then at the meeting I was asked to go first. Yay - get it over with, less time to squirm. I did okay. Not great but okay. There were several questions, indicating an interested audience. I even got a laugh - something none of the other speakers got. Self Grade = B. I'll never be an A speaker (I'm not dramatic enough), but I can do better.
There are people from the beer distributors (gots to loves talking to the beer peeps), grocers, Association of Counties, a couple folks that run recycling businesses and more. Unfortunately the wine corkers (or whatever they go by) rep decided to resign already. They may need to replace her with someone from the Jeremiah Weed Vodka bottlers, but that's just my suggestion...
So I was a bit nervous. Public speaking has always been hard for me - starting with speech class in high school. I tend to get all rosy necked (blotches), and swallow in the middle of words. Deardorff used to give me so much crap. My speeches back then tended to be tendered in a monotone, after all, how does one give a passionate speech about such things as wrapping gifts?
Speech was also a requirement for my major, Public Service and Administration, at ISU. Again - I sucked. More of same - swallowing, lack of inflection. I've got to face it - I had no balls (translate - self confidence) back then. I was a wimp at all types of communication with professors too. The only prof I was comfy talking to was my advisor, Eric Otto Hoiberg (yes Fred - the former Cyclone and pro bball star's father).
Lucky for me, jobs during my early years in the working world required no public speaking (see blogs on my employment history written a few months ago). Over the years, I gradually gained confidence. Birthing children really seemed to grow me some nuts, ironic as that sounds. I found my voice!
When I took my first trashy job, public speaking was a requirement. Yes, I was nervous my first time at the podium (and at the Kiwanis meeting, school program, and tour), but it wasn't torture. I was even asked to talk at the Iowa Recycling Association conference in 1999 about my Trash Trunk. I found it was easy to talk about my passion. Garbage.
So now I've got the new job. New stuff to learn - terms, phrases, people, statistics. Sure I can use some of the stuff from my former job as fodder. But the rest is fresh. I put together a PowerPoint, and made notes. Tuesday I went back to Joan's house early (there isn't any place at the Wallace Building to talk out loud practicing, without driving other cube dwellers wild) in order to practice. But it didn't seem to be flowing. Yesterday I planned to practice at Joan's again after lunch.
Not so fast! My boss asked Jeff (a veteran at his Pollution Prevention Program) and me to do our presentations for him in a conference room. Yikes! That sounds worse than talking in front of 30 people! But I could hardly say no could I? I sucked at several junctures in my spiel, but got through it. He had one friendly (he's a very nice, very tactful guy) suggestion about content. Phew! I listened to Jeff and decided I was trying to say too much.
So I got to work early and practiced (inside my head, not talking aloud) today in my cube. Then at the meeting I was asked to go first. Yay - get it over with, less time to squirm. I did okay. Not great but okay. There were several questions, indicating an interested audience. I even got a laugh - something none of the other speakers got. Self Grade = B. I'll never be an A speaker (I'm not dramatic enough), but I can do better.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Met my match
Paul Goldsmith, Leslie Goldsmith, Leslie Goldsmith, Paul Goldsmith
Well - we all did! All 2 Paul Goldsmiths and 2 Leslie Goldsmiths met in Osceola at Terrible's Casino in the tiny sports bar with a tiny table. Paul (mine) and I got their first - he arrived from Creston shortly after I arrived from Waukee. Gee that reminds me of my AHS years when we had Sherry Smith (our grade) and Sherry Smith a year younger.
Anyway - we recognized them right away because
a. They weren't ancient and she wasn't wearing a beanie and a fanny pack (like some of the gamblers we saw).
b. We saw their picture in the DM Register back in August (many our friends and family also called our attention to the clipping congratulating them on 30 years of wedded bliss).
c. They walked in looking for someone - us.
They have lived in Chariton for something like 30 years and Paul grew up in DM and attended Dowling - learning from non other than our Father Leonard Kenkel. Leslie spent some of her formative years in MN, but moved to DM later in childhood. They didn't meet until later though - a complex story involving a Chicago airport and another girl. Their son Brian is 29 (all 6' 7" of him) and Rebecca is 25ish and has a bit of wanderlust (just like another daughter of people of the same name).
Leslie teaches 8th grade language arts and Paul is the Lucas County Attorney. They are funny and tell stories together, each from their particular viewpoint or memory. They are certainly much older than we are - why she was born 5/3/57, and I didn't enter the world until 6 months and 1 day later! It sounds like they like to travel and have done quite a bit of it - just back from Vegas (Baby!).
L&P had a couple stories of being mixed up with us - Iowa Methodist must have the dickens of the time keeping us straight! And Paul once called our buddy Steve the Creston banker and Steve assumed it was Pablo (mine), so Paul had to set him straight! I've documented before the many occasions of being mistaken for OL (Other Leslie). I did enjoy receiving the 2 bottles of wine meant for her though. The gifter, when told of the mixup, simply said "enjoy"!
I did take a photo (or at least had our faithful waiter take one). When I get home tomorrow night I will post it ASAP so you can see this Double Mint duo duo! I do hope we have occasion to see them again someday - they're pretty cool, thus the cool names!
Note - her name is pronounced as mine is - with a soft S. (her husband said it very nicely) No Lezzlie, as my 5th grade teacher (for reading) Mrs. Beer pronounced my name very dramatically. Several friends I know call me Lezlie, they can't seem to help it. I don't mind being called Les by friends (Paul's fam has a penchant for calling me Les), but not by outsiders.
I am named after my grandfather Herbert Leslie Morehead. I have an older cousin, Leslie Morehead and a niece, Leslie Patricia Alvillar. Our family isn't real good at coming up with new names...
I have a cousin Amy, a sister Elizabeth (Betso Bean), and a daughter Amy Elizabeth
A cousin David, a father David Judson and a son Judson David
Husband Paul and nephew Paul Kohan
not to forget a Mother Patricia, Paul's father George, and our beloved deceased baby boy Patrick George (12/02/91 -12/08/91) hypoplastic left ventricle in case you're wondering
see - no originality points for us!
Anyway - we recognized them right away because
a. They weren't ancient and she wasn't wearing a beanie and a fanny pack (like some of the gamblers we saw).
b. We saw their picture in the DM Register back in August (many our friends and family also called our attention to the clipping congratulating them on 30 years of wedded bliss).
c. They walked in looking for someone - us.
They have lived in Chariton for something like 30 years and Paul grew up in DM and attended Dowling - learning from non other than our Father Leonard Kenkel. Leslie spent some of her formative years in MN, but moved to DM later in childhood. They didn't meet until later though - a complex story involving a Chicago airport and another girl. Their son Brian is 29 (all 6' 7" of him) and Rebecca is 25ish and has a bit of wanderlust (just like another daughter of people of the same name).
Leslie teaches 8th grade language arts and Paul is the Lucas County Attorney. They are funny and tell stories together, each from their particular viewpoint or memory. They are certainly much older than we are - why she was born 5/3/57, and I didn't enter the world until 6 months and 1 day later! It sounds like they like to travel and have done quite a bit of it - just back from Vegas (Baby!).
L&P had a couple stories of being mixed up with us - Iowa Methodist must have the dickens of the time keeping us straight! And Paul once called our buddy Steve the Creston banker and Steve assumed it was Pablo (mine), so Paul had to set him straight! I've documented before the many occasions of being mistaken for OL (Other Leslie). I did enjoy receiving the 2 bottles of wine meant for her though. The gifter, when told of the mixup, simply said "enjoy"!
I did take a photo (or at least had our faithful waiter take one). When I get home tomorrow night I will post it ASAP so you can see this Double Mint duo duo! I do hope we have occasion to see them again someday - they're pretty cool, thus the cool names!
Note - her name is pronounced as mine is - with a soft S. (her husband said it very nicely) No Lezzlie, as my 5th grade teacher (for reading) Mrs. Beer pronounced my name very dramatically. Several friends I know call me Lezlie, they can't seem to help it. I don't mind being called Les by friends (Paul's fam has a penchant for calling me Les), but not by outsiders.
I am named after my grandfather Herbert Leslie Morehead. I have an older cousin, Leslie Morehead and a niece, Leslie Patricia Alvillar. Our family isn't real good at coming up with new names...
I have a cousin Amy, a sister Elizabeth (Betso Bean), and a daughter Amy Elizabeth
A cousin David, a father David Judson and a son Judson David
Husband Paul and nephew Paul Kohan
not to forget a Mother Patricia, Paul's father George, and our beloved deceased baby boy Patrick George (12/02/91 -12/08/91) hypoplastic left ventricle in case you're wondering
see - no originality points for us!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Alternative L&P
Tomorrow night we're finally going to meet Alternative Leslie and Paul! After all these years of knowing about each other - at least we knew of them since one of their kids was born and my HS buddy Candice sent me a clipping announcing the birth. I'll report on how it went. I'm thinking the event is really worthy of a DM Register Lifestyles section. haha
I just reconnected with Candice on non-other than Facebook. I know many people just aren't into it. I totally understand that attitude. And I was a lil shy about signing up at first - after all I had been a Facebook Stalker - using Amy's password to check out her college friends ever since she went away to school. But I'm an old lady - why would I get on FB?
Then my sis Bets joined, and friended (it's a verb in FB lingo) both my kids. I thought heck, if they'll be friends with her, why not me? It was a little weird for nephew Colby (little did he know, I'd been checking out his page for years as Amy), so I'm not his buddy anymore. Nor am I Jud's friend since posting some baby pics of his (he was so adorable) that his friends laughed at.
But my other nieces and nephews tolerate me. The older ones with kids can't hardly find time to get one there - understandable! But empty nesters like me have the time. I enjoy looking at everyone's photos.
When Candice friended me I was able to see her photos - when you post photos, you can indicate just who can see them. People who are not on your friend list can't see them, besides a tiny shot of your main photo showing who you are. Some people don't ever put their pic on there.
I've connected with several long lost friends on FB. Mostly Atlantic classmates, and others from nearby classes. Mona Jones and I were once bestest buddies, until I went to college. She is a class behind and decided to try U of Iowa, before going to nursing school closer to Atlantic. Mona is one of the funniest, wittiest people I know. We were mean girls together!
Anyways, Candice lived only a couple blocks from me in the 'ol neighborhood. I'd stop and pick her up (this was back when we walked to and from school) so we didn't have to walk to school alone. By junior high that was important! It was at Candice's house, out back during a student council dance that I experienced my first kiss - Jack Bunce. Hmm that sounded kinda like a Clue guess. It was out back by the driveway with Jack's lips!
That was after Robyn (yes the same Robbie Dob) said that Greg Younger had kissed her. But then she found out he didn't want her to tell, so she rescinded it. But it was too late - by then I'd been kissed too. Alas, later that year Jack threw me over for someone who had made the cheerleading squad. (cheerleading was our only option as sports didn't start in our school until 10th grade).
Candice's parents bought her sister this cool old car, so when it was cold out, Claudia would give us a ride. One wintry day on slick streets near my house we got in a minor fender bender in the car. When Candice got her license, she drove a cool something like '62 Chevy.
Betsy took piano lessons from Candice at some point - we must have been in high school. Not sure why Bets got out of lessons with Mrs. Sandhorst like the rest of us had to suffer through. I still know how to play Skip to My Lou. Beat that Betso!
I know this blog rambled. Sorry - think of it as an exercise in free flowing thought.
I just reconnected with Candice on non-other than Facebook. I know many people just aren't into it. I totally understand that attitude. And I was a lil shy about signing up at first - after all I had been a Facebook Stalker - using Amy's password to check out her college friends ever since she went away to school. But I'm an old lady - why would I get on FB?
Then my sis Bets joined, and friended (it's a verb in FB lingo) both my kids. I thought heck, if they'll be friends with her, why not me? It was a little weird for nephew Colby (little did he know, I'd been checking out his page for years as Amy), so I'm not his buddy anymore. Nor am I Jud's friend since posting some baby pics of his (he was so adorable) that his friends laughed at.
But my other nieces and nephews tolerate me. The older ones with kids can't hardly find time to get one there - understandable! But empty nesters like me have the time. I enjoy looking at everyone's photos.
When Candice friended me I was able to see her photos - when you post photos, you can indicate just who can see them. People who are not on your friend list can't see them, besides a tiny shot of your main photo showing who you are. Some people don't ever put their pic on there.
I've connected with several long lost friends on FB. Mostly Atlantic classmates, and others from nearby classes. Mona Jones and I were once bestest buddies, until I went to college. She is a class behind and decided to try U of Iowa, before going to nursing school closer to Atlantic. Mona is one of the funniest, wittiest people I know. We were mean girls together!
Anyways, Candice lived only a couple blocks from me in the 'ol neighborhood. I'd stop and pick her up (this was back when we walked to and from school) so we didn't have to walk to school alone. By junior high that was important! It was at Candice's house, out back during a student council dance that I experienced my first kiss - Jack Bunce. Hmm that sounded kinda like a Clue guess. It was out back by the driveway with Jack's lips!
That was after Robyn (yes the same Robbie Dob) said that Greg Younger had kissed her. But then she found out he didn't want her to tell, so she rescinded it. But it was too late - by then I'd been kissed too. Alas, later that year Jack threw me over for someone who had made the cheerleading squad. (cheerleading was our only option as sports didn't start in our school until 10th grade).
Candice's parents bought her sister this cool old car, so when it was cold out, Claudia would give us a ride. One wintry day on slick streets near my house we got in a minor fender bender in the car. When Candice got her license, she drove a cool something like '62 Chevy.
Betsy took piano lessons from Candice at some point - we must have been in high school. Not sure why Bets got out of lessons with Mrs. Sandhorst like the rest of us had to suffer through. I still know how to play Skip to My Lou. Beat that Betso!
I know this blog rambled. Sorry - think of it as an exercise in free flowing thought.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Dog's life
Above - Pat B, me in my knee socks around age 8?, and Juddy Dog
I'm enjoying a leisurely Sunday a.m. (went to church last night, just in case you're worried about my immortal soul). Read the paper - doesn't seem to take long these days. Paul made blueberry pancakes and bolted to put up a tree stand for hunting. His therapy.
Instead of watching Sports Center as I do when guys are around, I'm watching The Morning Show on CBS. They just did a segment showing one of the older New York columnist type guys adopting a dog. His first. Ever.
It was sort of a tongue in cheek segment, self deprecating and all that. But it made me think about the dogs in my life. All four of 'em. Jud (the dog not the son- named after my dad just like my son was) of course was my first doggy brother. He was a big part of our lives - mine especially since we were the same age. We grew up together. He was a full sized dachshund - big boned and sturdy.
Dog ownership seemed so simple back then - in my youthful eyes. I didn't pay attention to the work part of caring for Jud - except for shaking the dog food into his bowl. He had a license on his collar, and roamed the neighborhood far and wide. One time I recall Mom having to go get him from someplace a few blocks away as he was romantically attracted to a bitch in heat. Mom didn't quite explain it that bluntly back then though...
When Jud was a few years old, he was hit by a car - breaking his hip. Most families would said goodbye at that point, but my mom insisted we take him to a vet clinic in Red Oak for surgery to pin his hip - at quite a cost I'm sure. He had to stay there several days and came home in a cast. He had to be carried outside to potty each time. Eventually the cast came off and he still had a metal pin sticking out. Then they took that out and only a scar remained - and his tenancy to run a little crooked.
Jud was extremely loyal, watching over his kids as we made our way around town. He followed me to school several times, necessitating a call to Mom to come get him. When those nasty Mallon boys came to harass us while we played in the yard and neighboring "woods", I always sicced Jud on them and they'd run away. He was a fierce barker, though never bit anyone (that I know of).
Jud did no tricks. He couldn't sit up, play dead or speak. But he was most talented at calming angst and protecting a nervous babysitter (me - after watching an evening of Creature Feature, with Dr. Sanguinary on an Omaha TV station). Juddy loved food, and enjoyed rides in the car, especially when the destination was Dairy Queen where he got a $.05 cup of vanilla.
To this day I believe Moki, the wonder dog Westie we shared our lives with from 1990 until 2004, channeled Jud. He had very similar qualities - he too was large boned (read chubby). He was very protective - mea culpa to the paper girl, Molly Hurlbert, who he did chomp on. In his defense he was on a chain in the front when she came at him with a rolled up newspaper. And he was smart and loyal.
Dogs are a hassle. They shed, ruin furniture, floors and leave bones and toys all over. They are expensive - medical care, food, chewies etc. They require planning - daily care and vacation care. And then they go and die on you - leaving you heartbroken. But they're worth it. Friday afternoon when I returned home after a long hard week of work, Odie was here to greet me - beside herself with joy! And in her expressive brown eyes I can see earnest devotion - something everyone needs.
Instead of watching Sports Center as I do when guys are around, I'm watching The Morning Show on CBS. They just did a segment showing one of the older New York columnist type guys adopting a dog. His first. Ever.
It was sort of a tongue in cheek segment, self deprecating and all that. But it made me think about the dogs in my life. All four of 'em. Jud (the dog not the son- named after my dad just like my son was) of course was my first doggy brother. He was a big part of our lives - mine especially since we were the same age. We grew up together. He was a full sized dachshund - big boned and sturdy.
Dog ownership seemed so simple back then - in my youthful eyes. I didn't pay attention to the work part of caring for Jud - except for shaking the dog food into his bowl. He had a license on his collar, and roamed the neighborhood far and wide. One time I recall Mom having to go get him from someplace a few blocks away as he was romantically attracted to a bitch in heat. Mom didn't quite explain it that bluntly back then though...
When Jud was a few years old, he was hit by a car - breaking his hip. Most families would said goodbye at that point, but my mom insisted we take him to a vet clinic in Red Oak for surgery to pin his hip - at quite a cost I'm sure. He had to stay there several days and came home in a cast. He had to be carried outside to potty each time. Eventually the cast came off and he still had a metal pin sticking out. Then they took that out and only a scar remained - and his tenancy to run a little crooked.
Jud was extremely loyal, watching over his kids as we made our way around town. He followed me to school several times, necessitating a call to Mom to come get him. When those nasty Mallon boys came to harass us while we played in the yard and neighboring "woods", I always sicced Jud on them and they'd run away. He was a fierce barker, though never bit anyone (that I know of).
Jud did no tricks. He couldn't sit up, play dead or speak. But he was most talented at calming angst and protecting a nervous babysitter (me - after watching an evening of Creature Feature, with Dr. Sanguinary on an Omaha TV station). Juddy loved food, and enjoyed rides in the car, especially when the destination was Dairy Queen where he got a $.05 cup of vanilla.
To this day I believe Moki, the wonder dog Westie we shared our lives with from 1990 until 2004, channeled Jud. He had very similar qualities - he too was large boned (read chubby). He was very protective - mea culpa to the paper girl, Molly Hurlbert, who he did chomp on. In his defense he was on a chain in the front when she came at him with a rolled up newspaper. And he was smart and loyal.
Dogs are a hassle. They shed, ruin furniture, floors and leave bones and toys all over. They are expensive - medical care, food, chewies etc. They require planning - daily care and vacation care. And then they go and die on you - leaving you heartbroken. But they're worth it. Friday afternoon when I returned home after a long hard week of work, Odie was here to greet me - beside herself with joy! And in her expressive brown eyes I can see earnest devotion - something everyone needs.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Music (Part deux)
Music has continued to be a big part of my life - even beyond my youth. One post-college memory I have is driving to my new job in Sioux Falls, SD listening to Ride Like the Wind on a Christopher Cross cassette. Yeah, he was pretty much a one hit wonder, but it sure was a good one.
My time in Omaha reminds me of a couple artists - Steve Winwood - Valerie, and Jackson Brown - Tender. Good tunes in a good town. Then when Pablo and I got married, we invested in a new stereo - with a turntable and big speakers. When we lived in Council Bluffs I remember hauling old albums down to the dumpster. Duh, what were we thinking? We could have recycled them later in life.
Next move, Osage, Iowa. I'm pregnant and we're thinking of baby names. Andrew (Drew for a boy, and hmmm Lindsay for a girl? Nope we decide on Amy out of the blue. So I immediately purchase Pure Prairie League's album featuring the song Aimee (What chu gonna do?). I still like that song - despite the funky spelling.
Our music has also greatly influenced our children's tastes (but don't tell 'em). Fleetwood Mac, Doobies, Steely Dan, EWF (Earth Wind and Fire). And don't forget Michael Jackson - I used to boogie with the kids to Thriller. Those were the MTV years - remember when they used to play actual music with videos instead of all the reality crap they show now?
When Amy and Jud were little we listened to a lot of kids music - Disney Tunes and Amy's fave - the Elephant Show - Sharon, Lois and Bram, who sang all the old folk songs - Shoe Fly Pie, Jimmy Crack Corn. Plus the Disney Soundtracks - is Lion King the best musical ever?
The Patrick was born and died - and I went through my Christian Artist period - Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman. I liked all of them. Along with Mary Chapin Carpenter - my fave of hers is This Old Shirt and the song about Haley's Comet. Got to see her in concert in Ames.
Bruce Hornsby was my next love. Remember when you could join one of those music clubs and get 10 or so cassettes for free (pay only shipping and handling and agree to buy 6 more in the next year at inflated prices). I mostly got my fave oldies previously mentioned. And then I did the same with CDs.
Until the free online music years. I must admit, I did take advantage of some of those free tunes. I justified it by telling myself I'd already purchased many of those tunes in 3 other formats! I loved getting just my fave songs - without all those flip side songs. But I still feel today's listeners are missing loving the songs that aren't on the radio, as I used to when I purchased albums. I nearly always found a new fave song that was never a popular success.
Who do I listen to today? My most recent purchases are Dave Matthews albums - after a short Van Morrison crush. I like U2 also. Just saw the Bruce Hornsby has a new disc - can't wait to hear that one. Amy burned a CD for me of various artists and songs and I love it - mainly because she made it for me.
Music makes our lives much richer - I'm a rich girl. (and I've gone too far but I know it don't matter anyway).
A couple I forgot from my last music blog. In college, when Vic and I would go to bed at night, we'd load my stereo up with 3 or 4 albums to go to sleep to. Gordy Lightfoot, Hall and Oates, Dan Fogelberg, and yes, thanks to Vic Barry Manilow. Abandoned Luncheonette, Netherlands, Best of Gordy.
My time in Omaha reminds me of a couple artists - Steve Winwood - Valerie, and Jackson Brown - Tender. Good tunes in a good town. Then when Pablo and I got married, we invested in a new stereo - with a turntable and big speakers. When we lived in Council Bluffs I remember hauling old albums down to the dumpster. Duh, what were we thinking? We could have recycled them later in life.
Next move, Osage, Iowa. I'm pregnant and we're thinking of baby names. Andrew (Drew for a boy, and hmmm Lindsay for a girl? Nope we decide on Amy out of the blue. So I immediately purchase Pure Prairie League's album featuring the song Aimee (What chu gonna do?). I still like that song - despite the funky spelling.
Our music has also greatly influenced our children's tastes (but don't tell 'em). Fleetwood Mac, Doobies, Steely Dan, EWF (Earth Wind and Fire). And don't forget Michael Jackson - I used to boogie with the kids to Thriller. Those were the MTV years - remember when they used to play actual music with videos instead of all the reality crap they show now?
When Amy and Jud were little we listened to a lot of kids music - Disney Tunes and Amy's fave - the Elephant Show - Sharon, Lois and Bram, who sang all the old folk songs - Shoe Fly Pie, Jimmy Crack Corn. Plus the Disney Soundtracks - is Lion King the best musical ever?
The Patrick was born and died - and I went through my Christian Artist period - Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman. I liked all of them. Along with Mary Chapin Carpenter - my fave of hers is This Old Shirt and the song about Haley's Comet. Got to see her in concert in Ames.
Bruce Hornsby was my next love. Remember when you could join one of those music clubs and get 10 or so cassettes for free (pay only shipping and handling and agree to buy 6 more in the next year at inflated prices). I mostly got my fave oldies previously mentioned. And then I did the same with CDs.
Until the free online music years. I must admit, I did take advantage of some of those free tunes. I justified it by telling myself I'd already purchased many of those tunes in 3 other formats! I loved getting just my fave songs - without all those flip side songs. But I still feel today's listeners are missing loving the songs that aren't on the radio, as I used to when I purchased albums. I nearly always found a new fave song that was never a popular success.
Who do I listen to today? My most recent purchases are Dave Matthews albums - after a short Van Morrison crush. I like U2 also. Just saw the Bruce Hornsby has a new disc - can't wait to hear that one. Amy burned a CD for me of various artists and songs and I love it - mainly because she made it for me.
Music makes our lives much richer - I'm a rich girl. (and I've gone too far but I know it don't matter anyway).
A couple I forgot from my last music blog. In college, when Vic and I would go to bed at night, we'd load my stereo up with 3 or 4 albums to go to sleep to. Gordy Lightfoot, Hall and Oates, Dan Fogelberg, and yes, thanks to Vic Barry Manilow. Abandoned Luncheonette, Netherlands, Best of Gordy.
More Fun!
At Lake of the Ozarks we visited Capn' Ron's fer supper.
We need to have more fun! That's why I've adopted "Talk like a Pirate Day" as one of my fave holidays! I first learned of it last year, while we were out in Vegas (Baby). It just seems like the word Vegas needs to be followed by Baby for some reason - like "We're goin' to Vegas Baby!"
Back to pirates. Talk like a Pirate Day started thanks to a column by Dave Barry a few years ago. Plus the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series - most popular in the last decade. Also pirates are a group (not counting the evil modern-day pirates) are one group we can't get in trouble by imitating. Arrrgh - it's interestin' to do! I've got me eye patch to be puttin' upon me face.
Paul and I did a 10 mile training walk this a.m. - the DM 1/2 Marathon is coming up October 18. This will be my second time (first sans uterus) and Paul's first event. Last year I trained harder - since I was home and could work out with my homies. This year I had trainus interuptus due to my hysterectomy. And it's way harder to workout after 9+ hour workdays in DM and without peer pressure - yes even at age 51, peer pressure can be a good thing. Missing from my DM experience.
Joan is a wonderful roomie, but she's no Deb - spurring me on to better health.
During our walk, out Prairie and across Townline to Osage to Howard and back via lots of side streets took 2.5 hours. My tootsies were a bit sore by the end, but I felt pretty good. My goodness, who wouldn't on a beautiful Saturday. And it's Balloon Days in Creston so we got to see a few balloons during the walk. They were way south and east of town though, so once we got back into town we didn't see them again. We also came across someone's lost cell phone, which we plan to drop off at the law enforcement center. When I got home I discovered a lovely pirate mask Cynthia Wolf dropped off (stuck in a plant out front) when we got home.
I'm lovin' be home and it's football season - lots to watch on TV. And my little puppy is by my side. Fingers crossed that the Clones show up at today's game at Kent State. We'll be hugging our radio!
Friday, September 18, 2009
wooowee doggies
That was said in my best Jed Clampet voice. I'm happy to be home and to see my doggy! She was very excited to see me too. She made a big to do about my arrival. It's nice to come home to a friendly face - even if it's just a pointy canine one. The kitty jumped off her spot on the bed to welcome me too. I am a pet magnet!
It was a long week. Not returning to Creston to my beloved Poolboy and my nice soft bed on Thursday night makes the week stretch out unmercifully. You see I have to get my "game face" on when I head to DM to work. As one guy - Nate, the guy who runs the Iowa Rivers program on our floor - he also wrote the bible of kayaking in Iowa - said as we entered the Wallace Building together last Monday, "Boy I can't wait get into that cubicle." Nate - sarcasm is thy real name.
Tonight Pablo and I are heading to the Creston/OM football game vs. Lewis Central. It's Balloon Days weekend in Creston and as I type the balloons are flying. Some 80 or so balloons head to Creston this weekend each year. They go up for fun tonight, and in the morning they'll compete, followed by a parade. More flying tomorrow night and Sunday a.m. weather permitting.
A couple years ago, several balloons landed near our house in an open spot. We heard the whoosh of the gas as they came down, and got up to take photos. It was so beautiful. It's been years since I went to the parade though. Tomorrow we're planning a long walk training for the half marathon in a month.
Did I tell you how happy I am to have my laptop back? Yeah I did.
It was a long week. Not returning to Creston to my beloved Poolboy and my nice soft bed on Thursday night makes the week stretch out unmercifully. You see I have to get my "game face" on when I head to DM to work. As one guy - Nate, the guy who runs the Iowa Rivers program on our floor - he also wrote the bible of kayaking in Iowa - said as we entered the Wallace Building together last Monday, "Boy I can't wait get into that cubicle." Nate - sarcasm is thy real name.
Tonight Pablo and I are heading to the Creston/OM football game vs. Lewis Central. It's Balloon Days weekend in Creston and as I type the balloons are flying. Some 80 or so balloons head to Creston this weekend each year. They go up for fun tonight, and in the morning they'll compete, followed by a parade. More flying tomorrow night and Sunday a.m. weather permitting.
A couple years ago, several balloons landed near our house in an open spot. We heard the whoosh of the gas as they came down, and got up to take photos. It was so beautiful. It's been years since I went to the parade though. Tomorrow we're planning a long walk training for the half marathon in a month.
Did I tell you how happy I am to have my laptop back? Yeah I did.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Facelift
If only I could send myself into to Dell for a lovely face lift just like the one my computer just got! You may recall - since I've been bitching about it for a month or so - that my computer had issues. The cord quit working and would no longer breath life into my machine.
So as long as I was on the horn requesting assistance - I did it via an online IM thing - typing to a nice polite person who I'm certain lives across the world from me. When she (pictured in the IM as a woman) asked me if there was anything besides the cord they could help me (pictured on IM as a little man) with, I said "my hinges are floppy". I know, kinda personal but I needed help. My warranty only goes through next June.
I got the total protection package for 3 years for both my computer and Jud's. Hey, I figured he's going to college, he'll likely drop his computer sometime. And I've had computer problems before - a tough thing to take care of living in Creston. My Dell hasn't been perfect (either has Jud's) but they've been attentive to fixing it. I had some early issues with the hard drive, but since then, I've not had a problem for over a year.
So I packed Dell off to somewhere in Texas. My roomie Joanie shipped him FedEx, since that's where she works. Today she brought him back, kindly awaiting the return of the delivery guy who tried in vain to bring it to me at Joan's home in Waukee. Yay for Joan.
When I took him out of the box, imagine my delight to find out that not only did I get a new cord, and secure hinges, Dell has a new keyboard, touch pad and wrist rest. He's like a new laptop! Plus they're sending me some little battery that was out of stock.
Imagine if my doc could take care of me like that when I have a physical. "Oh Les, you're looking a little worn - those age spots and all - How about a new skin?" Wouldn't that be fab?
I'm very happy to get my Dell back. We've spent a lot of time together these past 2.25 years.
So as long as I was on the horn requesting assistance - I did it via an online IM thing - typing to a nice polite person who I'm certain lives across the world from me. When she (pictured in the IM as a woman) asked me if there was anything besides the cord they could help me (pictured on IM as a little man) with, I said "my hinges are floppy". I know, kinda personal but I needed help. My warranty only goes through next June.
I got the total protection package for 3 years for both my computer and Jud's. Hey, I figured he's going to college, he'll likely drop his computer sometime. And I've had computer problems before - a tough thing to take care of living in Creston. My Dell hasn't been perfect (either has Jud's) but they've been attentive to fixing it. I had some early issues with the hard drive, but since then, I've not had a problem for over a year.
So I packed Dell off to somewhere in Texas. My roomie Joanie shipped him FedEx, since that's where she works. Today she brought him back, kindly awaiting the return of the delivery guy who tried in vain to bring it to me at Joan's home in Waukee. Yay for Joan.
When I took him out of the box, imagine my delight to find out that not only did I get a new cord, and secure hinges, Dell has a new keyboard, touch pad and wrist rest. He's like a new laptop! Plus they're sending me some little battery that was out of stock.
Imagine if my doc could take care of me like that when I have a physical. "Oh Les, you're looking a little worn - those age spots and all - How about a new skin?" Wouldn't that be fab?
I'm very happy to get my Dell back. We've spent a lot of time together these past 2.25 years.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The tunes of my life
Just finished my hour long power walk while listening to my iPod (sans headache I might add). While walking I began thinking about the songs in my life that I identify with certain sections of time.
My earliest memories are songs from home of course. My mother, bless her heart, had a voice like, well like nothing I can think of. In a bad way. But she taught us some of her childhood favorites.
I See The Moon is my favorite. (the moon sees me, the moon sees the one I want to see. God bless the moon and God bless me, and God bless the one I want to see). What a beautiful little ditty!
The other was more of a dirge - especially when Mom sang it.
Go Tell Aunt Rhodie (the old grey goose is dead)
After that, Mrs. Lewin's nursery school provided the next memorable song:
Way Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch (where oh where is my friend Leslie - way down yonder in the paw paw patch)
Next we have the Brownie/Girl Scout years.
I Have Something in my Pocket it Belongs Across My Face (I keep it very close at hand in a most convenient place - I'm sure you will not guess it if you guess a long long time, so I'll take it out and put it on...it's a great big Brownie smile!
And many other classic camp/scout songs -
The Ants go Marching
Found a Peanut
The song Tallahassee Bridge always reminds me of our drive to Florida - Mom and we 4 girls. We drove through that area, and the sad song made a real impact.
Moving into the junior high range, we have the songs from Chorus:
Inch Worm - we sang in the back of my parents green 67 Ford station wagon on the way to a football game for my birthday. Mom had provided goodie bags for all, including popcorn balls! We sang in earnest teenage voices, in two part harmony
Also we sang a song our class made up - a version of "Come Saturday Morning" I don't know the real words - just the ones our class made up - I'm going to watch cartoons - Pink Panther and the Avenger. Wild World of Sports....etc. My we were clever!
Don't forget the songs from our first dances -
Color My World has to be the all time fave slow song.
Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog
I shared before my love for young Miko Jackson. ABC! Stop the Love you Save - all played on a little record player kept under my beddie bye
When high school hit, we had sock hops after the games (it was a retro thing - thanks to the Happy Days craze) I loved Elton John and the Big Bopper
In 9th grade I fell in love with the Spanish version of If You Could Read My Mind - went something like this "Sentido de sol, sentido de corazon" It was quite beautiful. Our Spanish teacher Senor Seufert taught it to us. We thought Senor was gay (don't know the spanish term) but he surprised us by getting married and fathering 4 boys...)
My sisters Susi and Cindy influenced me all through my wonder years.
Then came the rock years - thanks to the influence of the Deardorff clan, especially Scott who turned me onto Aerosmith
Walk the Way
Toys in the Attic
Doobies, Rare Earth, Steely Dan and more. I loved purchasing a new record album. Back then they were works of art - containing lists of the songs with all the words and sometimes information about what inspired the song.
Then it was 1976 - I had my new stereo, given to me by my parientes (see Senior, some of that espanol did take!)
I went to college with Peter Frampton - who came alive in my dorm room. And Fleetwood Mac. My roomie Loraine had Lynard Skynard - Freebird! Also REO Speedwagon, Head East - college students have the best tunes!
When I went home for the summer, and was a lifeguard at Sunnyside, the local swimming pool. We listened to an Omaha radio station all day. Feels Like the First Time - Foreigner
more later (cuz there's a whole lotta life since college left to talk about) on this topic. But I'd like to hear about your music experiences.
My earliest memories are songs from home of course. My mother, bless her heart, had a voice like, well like nothing I can think of. In a bad way. But she taught us some of her childhood favorites.
I See The Moon is my favorite. (the moon sees me, the moon sees the one I want to see. God bless the moon and God bless me, and God bless the one I want to see). What a beautiful little ditty!
The other was more of a dirge - especially when Mom sang it.
Go Tell Aunt Rhodie (the old grey goose is dead)
After that, Mrs. Lewin's nursery school provided the next memorable song:
Way Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch (where oh where is my friend Leslie - way down yonder in the paw paw patch)
Next we have the Brownie/Girl Scout years.
I Have Something in my Pocket it Belongs Across My Face (I keep it very close at hand in a most convenient place - I'm sure you will not guess it if you guess a long long time, so I'll take it out and put it on...it's a great big Brownie smile!
And many other classic camp/scout songs -
The Ants go Marching
Found a Peanut
The song Tallahassee Bridge always reminds me of our drive to Florida - Mom and we 4 girls. We drove through that area, and the sad song made a real impact.
Moving into the junior high range, we have the songs from Chorus:
Inch Worm - we sang in the back of my parents green 67 Ford station wagon on the way to a football game for my birthday. Mom had provided goodie bags for all, including popcorn balls! We sang in earnest teenage voices, in two part harmony
Also we sang a song our class made up - a version of "Come Saturday Morning" I don't know the real words - just the ones our class made up - I'm going to watch cartoons - Pink Panther and the Avenger. Wild World of Sports....etc. My we were clever!
Don't forget the songs from our first dances -
Color My World has to be the all time fave slow song.
Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog
I shared before my love for young Miko Jackson. ABC! Stop the Love you Save - all played on a little record player kept under my beddie bye
When high school hit, we had sock hops after the games (it was a retro thing - thanks to the Happy Days craze) I loved Elton John and the Big Bopper
In 9th grade I fell in love with the Spanish version of If You Could Read My Mind - went something like this "Sentido de sol, sentido de corazon" It was quite beautiful. Our Spanish teacher Senor Seufert taught it to us. We thought Senor was gay (don't know the spanish term) but he surprised us by getting married and fathering 4 boys...)
My sisters Susi and Cindy influenced me all through my wonder years.
Then came the rock years - thanks to the influence of the Deardorff clan, especially Scott who turned me onto Aerosmith
Walk the Way
Toys in the Attic
Doobies, Rare Earth, Steely Dan and more. I loved purchasing a new record album. Back then they were works of art - containing lists of the songs with all the words and sometimes information about what inspired the song.
Then it was 1976 - I had my new stereo, given to me by my parientes (see Senior, some of that espanol did take!)
I went to college with Peter Frampton - who came alive in my dorm room. And Fleetwood Mac. My roomie Loraine had Lynard Skynard - Freebird! Also REO Speedwagon, Head East - college students have the best tunes!
When I went home for the summer, and was a lifeguard at Sunnyside, the local swimming pool. We listened to an Omaha radio station all day. Feels Like the First Time - Foreigner
more later (cuz there's a whole lotta life since college left to talk about) on this topic. But I'd like to hear about your music experiences.
Migraineur
In case you haven't yet guessed, a migraineur is someone who gets migraine headaches. I am such a person and have been one since I was around 24. I may have started getting them even sooner than that, though they were disguised as hangover headaches.
I have migraines in my family lore - my grandma, Zora had them until menopause (so I've got that hope going for me). And, lucky for me, the past 20 years have brought huge leaps in meds that can help with my symptoms.
Back in the day - when Zora - or as we called her, Momo go them, she had to take to bed for days, curtains drawn. Sometimes they'd call the doc to come give her a hypo and knock her out for a couple days. I've got several of her journals, and they mention frequent headaches. (and today - alas daughter Amy also gets the damn things).
My migraines weren't officially diagnosed until I was in my 30's. My doctors through the years before that made a stab at prescribing something to help the pain - cafergot was one that helped a bit - alas it was from some plant grown in Somalia that was taken over by rebels or some such, and they couldn't get it any more. Some of the pills were huge, so when I was nauseous I couldn't choke them down or they'd come right back up.
When I was a young mother, poor Pablo the Pool Boy got stuck taking care of the kids when I was stricken with one - and it could last hours. Finally one time, when the kids were quite young - perhaps 4 and 7, I was supposed to be hosting people for Thanksgiving, but I was hit with a massive brain squeeze. (that's what they feel like - a drill pressing into my brain). Cold compresses didn't help, nor did not baths with washcloths on my face.
Finally I couldn't take it anymore - I had Paul take me to the Emergency Room. The constant pain was quite maddening and I was starting to lose it. The doc there gave me a new drug in the form of a shot called Imitrex. Ahhh it did the trick! I had a Ct scan to make sure I didn't have a tumor, and was referred to a neurologist in DM.
After that my doc prescribed the self injectors for me - they were $10 each, and that was a lot of $$. So I'd torture myself - is this a $10 headache? Even when I decided it was, I needed Paul to push the button to inject. The only time I injected myself was when he was out of town - and then it took a half hour or so to get the courage. I'm a wimp!
My Neuro guy wanted to help prevent the attacks so we tried various meds including beta blockers and even anti-depressants, which only served to give me a metallic taste in my mouth and wacked out dreams. I still take a beta blocker but am not sure it helps with prevention. I ended up giving up on prevention and lucky for me Imitrex came out in a pill form. All was well and good until a few years later (by now it was around the year 2000) I began to get rebound headaches from the Imitrex, so I would end up with returning pain after 12 hours.
I decided I needed a new neuro and Dr. Hoyt referred me this time to a woman doc in Iowa City. I'm blanking out on her name - she's retired now, but I loved her! She hit the nail on the head, explaining to me the hormonal reasons for my problems, and my fair skin she said is another indicator that makes me vulnerable. I have triggers besides hormones - alcohol, sun, and sinus pain to name a few. The doc gave me various new meds to try and I ended up with what I take now - Frova. It's very similar to Imitrex with a longer half life.
The stuff costs something like $13/pill, and insurance companies cringe and make me jump through hoops to get the stuff. But it usually helps. Today I live much differently than I did back when I was hostage to the pain. I rarely have bad headaches, though I get dull ones and the meds take up to an hour or two to work. I thank the scientists out there who have helped make life without fear of migraine a possibility for me. I popped a Frova before I began this blog - still feeling a little pain, but I'm going to go for a walk and hope for the best.
I have migraines in my family lore - my grandma, Zora had them until menopause (so I've got that hope going for me). And, lucky for me, the past 20 years have brought huge leaps in meds that can help with my symptoms.
Back in the day - when Zora - or as we called her, Momo go them, she had to take to bed for days, curtains drawn. Sometimes they'd call the doc to come give her a hypo and knock her out for a couple days. I've got several of her journals, and they mention frequent headaches. (and today - alas daughter Amy also gets the damn things).
My migraines weren't officially diagnosed until I was in my 30's. My doctors through the years before that made a stab at prescribing something to help the pain - cafergot was one that helped a bit - alas it was from some plant grown in Somalia that was taken over by rebels or some such, and they couldn't get it any more. Some of the pills were huge, so when I was nauseous I couldn't choke them down or they'd come right back up.
When I was a young mother, poor Pablo the Pool Boy got stuck taking care of the kids when I was stricken with one - and it could last hours. Finally one time, when the kids were quite young - perhaps 4 and 7, I was supposed to be hosting people for Thanksgiving, but I was hit with a massive brain squeeze. (that's what they feel like - a drill pressing into my brain). Cold compresses didn't help, nor did not baths with washcloths on my face.
Finally I couldn't take it anymore - I had Paul take me to the Emergency Room. The constant pain was quite maddening and I was starting to lose it. The doc there gave me a new drug in the form of a shot called Imitrex. Ahhh it did the trick! I had a Ct scan to make sure I didn't have a tumor, and was referred to a neurologist in DM.
After that my doc prescribed the self injectors for me - they were $10 each, and that was a lot of $$. So I'd torture myself - is this a $10 headache? Even when I decided it was, I needed Paul to push the button to inject. The only time I injected myself was when he was out of town - and then it took a half hour or so to get the courage. I'm a wimp!
My Neuro guy wanted to help prevent the attacks so we tried various meds including beta blockers and even anti-depressants, which only served to give me a metallic taste in my mouth and wacked out dreams. I still take a beta blocker but am not sure it helps with prevention. I ended up giving up on prevention and lucky for me Imitrex came out in a pill form. All was well and good until a few years later (by now it was around the year 2000) I began to get rebound headaches from the Imitrex, so I would end up with returning pain after 12 hours.
I decided I needed a new neuro and Dr. Hoyt referred me this time to a woman doc in Iowa City. I'm blanking out on her name - she's retired now, but I loved her! She hit the nail on the head, explaining to me the hormonal reasons for my problems, and my fair skin she said is another indicator that makes me vulnerable. I have triggers besides hormones - alcohol, sun, and sinus pain to name a few. The doc gave me various new meds to try and I ended up with what I take now - Frova. It's very similar to Imitrex with a longer half life.
The stuff costs something like $13/pill, and insurance companies cringe and make me jump through hoops to get the stuff. But it usually helps. Today I live much differently than I did back when I was hostage to the pain. I rarely have bad headaches, though I get dull ones and the meds take up to an hour or two to work. I thank the scientists out there who have helped make life without fear of migraine a possibility for me. I popped a Frova before I began this blog - still feeling a little pain, but I'm going to go for a walk and hope for the best.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Story time
Ah how I loved story time in school. Today I saw a couple kids heading home after school. Once was riding his bike, the other carried his skateboard. I was jealous! Remember the feeling of freedom when that last bell of the day rang? "School's out," it said, "you're free for another day!"
Thinking of school reminded me of how much I loved story time at school. I believe that time of the day is partly why I so love to read. I'd like to thank my teachers:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Christensen - okay so you were kind of an old battle ax, in our kindergarten room with the clock on the floor. You used to stick people in the little bathroom attached to our room as a punishment. Tommy Sandhorst peed all the way around that clock as I recall - so perhaps you had reason to be crabby. I don't remember much about story time in K, but I do recall Robbie Dob and me getting in trouble during nap time for chatting.
First Grade: Miss Casey - who also had my father as a student way back when. I don't remember a whole lot about first grade.
Second Grade: Mrs. Whitaker - allowed me to take a tiny little book home and my baby sister Betso got a hold of it and wrecked it, which made me a neurotic mess. I do believe that is the reason for my OCD behavior today. haha
Third Grade: Mrs. Keebah (no idea how to spell it...) was the first good reader I recall, though I don't know if it was she who first read the class book my Aunt Jeanie (also a 3rd grade teacher) gave me "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". When Charlie unwrapped the golden ticket, I felt it was me. The words were so rich and I could picture the action in my mind's eye.
Fourth Grade: Mrs. Tibben was also a good reader. I believe there was a Beverly Cleary book read that year that I loved.
Fifth Grade: Mrs. Kluever - oh she of bandage wrapped legs (did she have varicose veins like my mother?). She was a homely woman, but that lady could read.
Sixth Grade: Mrs. Pellett was not a very nice lady or good teacher. I don't recall any books that year.
Hats off to you, Washington Elementary teachers for instilling the love of books into this girl!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
TBG
At left - home sweet home at Cyclone games is this RV. Above - I'm slicin' deer sausage for after the game.
The Big Game - turned out to be torture for anyone in cardinal and gold. Yuck!! Hope our team puts that one in the rear view mirror. Besides the game, twas a good time though! But if you're me (and I am) that butt ugly loss just digs away in the back of your psyche for a few days. Until the next game that is.
Why do I care so much? I don't know. It's stupid, really. And I know it, really. I've given myself all the talks. I've said (inside my mind as I don't talk out loud to myself except for brief profanity based bursts when I've done something stupid), "Self, it's just a stupid f'in game, in the grand scheme of life it's not much really!" But self refuses to listen to the voice of reason.
Why don't I listen to my inner wise person? I think it's my ego, and my eternal underdog feeling. After 15 straight years of being pummeled by the Hawkeyes (the 80's and partway through the 90's), who enjoy a much greater fanbase made up largely of what we call Tavern Hawks - those who are fair weather fans with no real attachment to the school except for tee shirts.
The Hawks have a larger fan base with good reason as they have routinely been to bowl game in the last decade or two. I've become very spiteful towards spouting Hawkeye fans. I've had to listen to their pompous shit for all these years - Ames is Lame, ISU teams are clowns, we're only weak sisters. I had to hear school kids tease my kids about their ISU leanings - even though those leanings were forced upon them by Pablo and me.
True and loyal U of I fans aren't the culprits. Hey my parents and grandparents were Hawk fans. I grew up a lil Hawk - when they were really bad in the 70's. But it's the people like a couple guys in our group saw in the men's bathroom before the game. Spouting off to total strangers about how great their team is (after nearly losing at home to UNI last weekend) while spouting into a urinal!
It takes great fortitude to be a Cyclone fan. I've got it! But days like yesterday sorely test me - and make me glad I can lick my wounds with other like-minded folk at the tailgate. Two years ago, when ISU surprised the ranked Hawkeyes by winning, only 1 lonely Iowa fan returned to our tailgate after the game. Yesterday, all of them showed back up - singing the Iowa fight song and razzing us. And those were people we fed and liquored up! Thank God that game is only 1 time per year. As Popeye says "That's all I can stands, I can't stands no more!"
Cyclones - eat your spinach in find a way to beat Kent State. Please! Iowa - lose all the rest of your games.
Why do I care so much? I don't know. It's stupid, really. And I know it, really. I've given myself all the talks. I've said (inside my mind as I don't talk out loud to myself except for brief profanity based bursts when I've done something stupid), "Self, it's just a stupid f'in game, in the grand scheme of life it's not much really!" But self refuses to listen to the voice of reason.
Why don't I listen to my inner wise person? I think it's my ego, and my eternal underdog feeling. After 15 straight years of being pummeled by the Hawkeyes (the 80's and partway through the 90's), who enjoy a much greater fanbase made up largely of what we call Tavern Hawks - those who are fair weather fans with no real attachment to the school except for tee shirts.
The Hawks have a larger fan base with good reason as they have routinely been to bowl game in the last decade or two. I've become very spiteful towards spouting Hawkeye fans. I've had to listen to their pompous shit for all these years - Ames is Lame, ISU teams are clowns, we're only weak sisters. I had to hear school kids tease my kids about their ISU leanings - even though those leanings were forced upon them by Pablo and me.
True and loyal U of I fans aren't the culprits. Hey my parents and grandparents were Hawk fans. I grew up a lil Hawk - when they were really bad in the 70's. But it's the people like a couple guys in our group saw in the men's bathroom before the game. Spouting off to total strangers about how great their team is (after nearly losing at home to UNI last weekend) while spouting into a urinal!
It takes great fortitude to be a Cyclone fan. I've got it! But days like yesterday sorely test me - and make me glad I can lick my wounds with other like-minded folk at the tailgate. Two years ago, when ISU surprised the ranked Hawkeyes by winning, only 1 lonely Iowa fan returned to our tailgate after the game. Yesterday, all of them showed back up - singing the Iowa fight song and razzing us. And those were people we fed and liquored up! Thank God that game is only 1 time per year. As Popeye says "That's all I can stands, I can't stands no more!"
Cyclones - eat your spinach in find a way to beat Kent State. Please! Iowa - lose all the rest of your games.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
While I was away...
Alright I wasn't really away - I just don't have my Dell. Anyhoo, this week I got together with Robbie Dob. She was in DSM after a visit with her mommy and step pop in Atown. We got together for lunch Tuesday near her motel. Of course it wasn't really a long enough time to talk!
You may recall Robbie Dob is a childhood friend - we're talking the Wayback Machine (remember that on the Bullwinkle show?). We've known each other for some 48 years or so. Gosh that sounds downright elderly! Oh well we wear it well!
Robyn spent a few days with her mom and Tom, who are getting on in years. Jeez they're some of the few parents left of the 'ol gang. They've been married so long I don't always remember that their marriage caused somewhat of a scandal as two marriages broke up back when few people divorced.
The divorce was very hard on Robyn who was around 13 at the time and Karla who is 4 years older. It must have sucked to be dragged from the home they grew up in to live an apartment with their mom and Tom. Their dad got his own place and never remarried.
The divorce caused lots of hard feelings with our parents (the Atlantic peeps) who all took sides. I don't think my mom spoke to Jody for years. This turned out to be convenient when I was in high school, as I could tell Mom and Dad I was staying all night with Robyn when I really meant Sally's BF Robin (along with Sal and my BF Mike). I knew Mom wasn't calling Robyn's house to check up on me if it meant perhaps speaking to Jody!
The marriage between Jody and Tom really seemed to work though. And after years went by, people forgave and forgot. They were again accepted by everyone at "the Club". I think if that had all happened today, people would have gotten over it much more quickly.
Even so, Robyn did well to adjust to her new life. She split time between her mom's fab homes in rural Atown, and her dad's upstairs apartment (he had Playboy - we peeked). Her dad had the life he wanted I think - girlfriends but no wife. Stepdad Tom had his own fam - who moved away to the East Coast when their mother remarried, but one daughter came back to Atown during high school. Rob is close to them all today.
Tom was one of my Dad's oldest friends. He called dad "Bullock". They went fishing nearly every year - even when they turned into the "Grumpiest Old Men". Tom was a pilot and the last time they went to Canada he didn't file a flight plan and security rushed out the greet the plane - but it was just a few old guys and they let 'em go!
So Rob and I had lunch and a couple hugs - it will need to be enough to tide me over. Remind me to tell you about her Match.com experience - it's a hoot! I value her friendship a great deal. I'm a lucky gal!
You may recall Robbie Dob is a childhood friend - we're talking the Wayback Machine (remember that on the Bullwinkle show?). We've known each other for some 48 years or so. Gosh that sounds downright elderly! Oh well we wear it well!
Robyn spent a few days with her mom and Tom, who are getting on in years. Jeez they're some of the few parents left of the 'ol gang. They've been married so long I don't always remember that their marriage caused somewhat of a scandal as two marriages broke up back when few people divorced.
The divorce was very hard on Robyn who was around 13 at the time and Karla who is 4 years older. It must have sucked to be dragged from the home they grew up in to live an apartment with their mom and Tom. Their dad got his own place and never remarried.
The divorce caused lots of hard feelings with our parents (the Atlantic peeps) who all took sides. I don't think my mom spoke to Jody for years. This turned out to be convenient when I was in high school, as I could tell Mom and Dad I was staying all night with Robyn when I really meant Sally's BF Robin (along with Sal and my BF Mike). I knew Mom wasn't calling Robyn's house to check up on me if it meant perhaps speaking to Jody!
The marriage between Jody and Tom really seemed to work though. And after years went by, people forgave and forgot. They were again accepted by everyone at "the Club". I think if that had all happened today, people would have gotten over it much more quickly.
Even so, Robyn did well to adjust to her new life. She split time between her mom's fab homes in rural Atown, and her dad's upstairs apartment (he had Playboy - we peeked). Her dad had the life he wanted I think - girlfriends but no wife. Stepdad Tom had his own fam - who moved away to the East Coast when their mother remarried, but one daughter came back to Atown during high school. Rob is close to them all today.
Tom was one of my Dad's oldest friends. He called dad "Bullock". They went fishing nearly every year - even when they turned into the "Grumpiest Old Men". Tom was a pilot and the last time they went to Canada he didn't file a flight plan and security rushed out the greet the plane - but it was just a few old guys and they let 'em go!
So Rob and I had lunch and a couple hugs - it will need to be enough to tide me over. Remind me to tell you about her Match.com experience - it's a hoot! I value her friendship a great deal. I'm a lucky gal!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
purloined 'puter
I'm sneaking my roomie and landlady Joan's lovely HP 15" computer to write this. Don't tell my Dell! Joan took it to work today to ship it via FedEx (where she works) back to the Dell Baby Factory for "some work". Dell can't come home fast enough for me!
But the Dell story reminds me of just one of the little mind-games my dad used to play on us. Yes, I've mentioned before that he was a bit of a sadist. Pretending the car was out of gas by lurching on the gas-pedal, sending 4 little girls into spasms of fear. He called that game "bump the peg", after the way the gas gauge looks when it's nearly empty and the indicator is resting on the E. My mother spent a lot of time chastising him "Oh Dave, cut it out!" she'd yell.
The Baby Factory game was when he would not like our behavior, and would swing by the old Cass County Hospital where we were born (thus Baby Factory) and threaten to leave us there. It was a scary looking place, 3 stories brick and very forboding. I once had my stomach pumped there after drinking lighter fluid - New Years Eve when I was 3 or so. My sis Susi recalls one time, Dad went so far as to take her inside the old place while they were remodeling and there were plastic sheets hanging from the ceiling. So it was scarier than usual! Scared Straight anyone?
Another little thing Dad liked to do was to try to freak us out about supper. Betsy would notice that we were grilling (that was the only time Dad was on food duty back then) and ask "what's for supper tonight Daddy?" and he'd say something like "Dead Chicken". Just because he knew that would gross us out. Back then they would buy whole chickens to grill - the grill had a rotisserie, and they'd even cook the hearts. They were quite crunchy and satisfying. Kinda reminds me of the 'ol Bill Cosby Turtle Heads routine.
Dad couldn't get to Cindy though. If we were having steak he might say we were having snake, and she'd say "yum!" That Cindy liked (and still likes) everything. Or he'd say "We're having Frog Legs" and she'd ask, "Are they green?" When she was around 12, the whole fam was in a New Orleans restaurant and Mom was busy with Betso and me, who were only 9 and 5 years old. So Mom didn't notice what Cindy ordered until they brought out a whole horse shoe crab for her enjoyment! I think I got spaghetti and meatballs - I'm much saner (read boring) than Cindo when it comes to food!
Dad and Cindy made life interesting! Cindy and I are built like our mother - very sturdy thighs and legs. I sent her a copy of an article I read in the New York Times saying a new study shows that women with larger thighs have fewer heart problems. So we've got that going for us!
But the Dell story reminds me of just one of the little mind-games my dad used to play on us. Yes, I've mentioned before that he was a bit of a sadist. Pretending the car was out of gas by lurching on the gas-pedal, sending 4 little girls into spasms of fear. He called that game "bump the peg", after the way the gas gauge looks when it's nearly empty and the indicator is resting on the E. My mother spent a lot of time chastising him "Oh Dave, cut it out!" she'd yell.
The Baby Factory game was when he would not like our behavior, and would swing by the old Cass County Hospital where we were born (thus Baby Factory) and threaten to leave us there. It was a scary looking place, 3 stories brick and very forboding. I once had my stomach pumped there after drinking lighter fluid - New Years Eve when I was 3 or so. My sis Susi recalls one time, Dad went so far as to take her inside the old place while they were remodeling and there were plastic sheets hanging from the ceiling. So it was scarier than usual! Scared Straight anyone?
Another little thing Dad liked to do was to try to freak us out about supper. Betsy would notice that we were grilling (that was the only time Dad was on food duty back then) and ask "what's for supper tonight Daddy?" and he'd say something like "Dead Chicken". Just because he knew that would gross us out. Back then they would buy whole chickens to grill - the grill had a rotisserie, and they'd even cook the hearts. They were quite crunchy and satisfying. Kinda reminds me of the 'ol Bill Cosby Turtle Heads routine.
Dad couldn't get to Cindy though. If we were having steak he might say we were having snake, and she'd say "yum!" That Cindy liked (and still likes) everything. Or he'd say "We're having Frog Legs" and she'd ask, "Are they green?" When she was around 12, the whole fam was in a New Orleans restaurant and Mom was busy with Betso and me, who were only 9 and 5 years old. So Mom didn't notice what Cindy ordered until they brought out a whole horse shoe crab for her enjoyment! I think I got spaghetti and meatballs - I'm much saner (read boring) than Cindo when it comes to food!
Dad and Cindy made life interesting! Cindy and I are built like our mother - very sturdy thighs and legs. I sent her a copy of an article I read in the New York Times saying a new study shows that women with larger thighs have fewer heart problems. So we've got that going for us!
Dude my Dell is gone
I said goodbye to my Dell today as he goes in for repairs. So my posts will be sparse as I beg borrow and steal computer time from others. As Arnold would say though - "I'll be back!"
Monday, September 7, 2009
fam
Above my Aunt and Uncle and below - Gsmiths and spouses after Saturday's wedding.
Family is what it's all about. In our regular work-a-day world, I sometimes forget how much family means to me. I'm all about getting it done - the work, I mean, both at my job and at home.
It can sometimes feel like a chore to make the effort to see family - especially at a holiday weekend wedding where we have to drive 5 hours each day for an overnight (or even same-day) stay. But when we finally get a chance to be with them - whether it be the Gsmiths or the Bullocks, I am reminded how much I love these people!
Friday night, tired from our late night at the ISU game, we prepared for our quick trip to Illinois for nephew Kurt's wedding and did a grocery shopping date to get ready for my aunt and uncle's visit Sunday. Thank goodness we had cleaned the weekend before and I got new sheets and a quilt for the guest room.
Early Saturday we took off for Ottuwa, Illinois for Erin and Kurt's wedding. Kurt is Paul's bro Larry's boy - one of "the country cousins", five brothers who grew up on the fam farm where Pablo the Poolboy grew up. Kurt is a year older than Amy, and their mom Regina loves kids so ours spent a great deal of time at their house when we'd visit Paul's folks George and Laura at their home in town. We'd drag along the kids' sleeping bags and park them at the farm where they could play Ninja Turtles and board games galore. I'm glad our kids got to experience a little bit of what it was like for Paul growing up on the farm.
Now four of the brothers are married - Chad and wife Michele have a baby and Brad and wife Jen are expecting anytime. Karl is teaching at Valley HS in DM while his wife finishes grad school at ISU. Craig is the only bachelor of the group now. The brothers served as groomsmen of course. The bride is a triplet! Both sets of parents are still married. So pretty unusual families in today's world.
Pablo himself comes from a fam with nine kids - he's the baby. Alas we lost Connie two years ago to breast cancer. The remaining eight were all at the wedding, at least for the day. It's nice to see everyone at a happy occasion. I felt so loved and such love for them sitting there awaiting the reception. It's fun to catch up with them on their lives and what the kids (23), spouses and grandkids are up to. Our nephew Joe, just 30 years old was in a terrible accident in March and is still recovering from head injuries. Tom and wife are adopting twin boys and Peg and partner Brooke have twins.
It was a pretty early night - we were beat - and we took off early yesterday to come home. Jud was here holding down the fort and caring for the pets. He even helped mow and got his laundry done. We got home and got organized for the next fam event - a visit from my relatives - Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Bruce from just south of Tuscan, AZ. The were back attending Jean's AHS class reunion.
The arrive around 4 PM and we visited non-stop the whole time they were here. Jean is my dad's youngest sis, 6 years younger than he was. They are very interesting folks and love to hear our stories too. We prepared our fave meal for out of state folks - Festival of Meat. A variety of Fareway meats grilled to perfection by Chef Paul. I made cheesy potatoes and a rather soggy spinach salad and steak bread. They did seem to like it all!
This a.m. they enjoyed a big breakfast and some more chatting before taking off for the next leg of their trip - Knoxville to the sprint car museum. Bruce is into racin'. After heading to Poplar Bluff, AR and Branson they'll go to Denver where I hope they get to see Amy, and then through the mountains enroute to Cindo and Suso's places.
We'll see the Goldschmidts again in November and Raders again next July at niece Leslie's wedding in LA. Cuz the only bad part about seeing fam is saying goodbye!
It can sometimes feel like a chore to make the effort to see family - especially at a holiday weekend wedding where we have to drive 5 hours each day for an overnight (or even same-day) stay. But when we finally get a chance to be with them - whether it be the Gsmiths or the Bullocks, I am reminded how much I love these people!
Friday night, tired from our late night at the ISU game, we prepared for our quick trip to Illinois for nephew Kurt's wedding and did a grocery shopping date to get ready for my aunt and uncle's visit Sunday. Thank goodness we had cleaned the weekend before and I got new sheets and a quilt for the guest room.
Early Saturday we took off for Ottuwa, Illinois for Erin and Kurt's wedding. Kurt is Paul's bro Larry's boy - one of "the country cousins", five brothers who grew up on the fam farm where Pablo the Poolboy grew up. Kurt is a year older than Amy, and their mom Regina loves kids so ours spent a great deal of time at their house when we'd visit Paul's folks George and Laura at their home in town. We'd drag along the kids' sleeping bags and park them at the farm where they could play Ninja Turtles and board games galore. I'm glad our kids got to experience a little bit of what it was like for Paul growing up on the farm.
Now four of the brothers are married - Chad and wife Michele have a baby and Brad and wife Jen are expecting anytime. Karl is teaching at Valley HS in DM while his wife finishes grad school at ISU. Craig is the only bachelor of the group now. The brothers served as groomsmen of course. The bride is a triplet! Both sets of parents are still married. So pretty unusual families in today's world.
Pablo himself comes from a fam with nine kids - he's the baby. Alas we lost Connie two years ago to breast cancer. The remaining eight were all at the wedding, at least for the day. It's nice to see everyone at a happy occasion. I felt so loved and such love for them sitting there awaiting the reception. It's fun to catch up with them on their lives and what the kids (23), spouses and grandkids are up to. Our nephew Joe, just 30 years old was in a terrible accident in March and is still recovering from head injuries. Tom and wife are adopting twin boys and Peg and partner Brooke have twins.
It was a pretty early night - we were beat - and we took off early yesterday to come home. Jud was here holding down the fort and caring for the pets. He even helped mow and got his laundry done. We got home and got organized for the next fam event - a visit from my relatives - Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Bruce from just south of Tuscan, AZ. The were back attending Jean's AHS class reunion.
The arrive around 4 PM and we visited non-stop the whole time they were here. Jean is my dad's youngest sis, 6 years younger than he was. They are very interesting folks and love to hear our stories too. We prepared our fave meal for out of state folks - Festival of Meat. A variety of Fareway meats grilled to perfection by Chef Paul. I made cheesy potatoes and a rather soggy spinach salad and steak bread. They did seem to like it all!
This a.m. they enjoyed a big breakfast and some more chatting before taking off for the next leg of their trip - Knoxville to the sprint car museum. Bruce is into racin'. After heading to Poplar Bluff, AR and Branson they'll go to Denver where I hope they get to see Amy, and then through the mountains enroute to Cindo and Suso's places.
We'll see the Goldschmidts again in November and Raders again next July at niece Leslie's wedding in LA. Cuz the only bad part about seeing fam is saying goodbye!
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Clones
The Clones won last night - their first game in 10 that they've come out with a W. And the fan base heaved out a collective sigh of relief.
Yeah it was only against a 1AA Team North Dakota State University. And the Cyclones didn't really blow the Bison out. It was close all throughout the game until the last quarter. But Iowa State is a team that lost to UNI and other somewhat less than stellar teams during the last 3 years.
A huge crowd of some 45,000 fellow masochistic fans were at the game. We all pay for the privilege of cheering for the Cyclones, heartbreaking as it can be. But that just makes the victories that much sweeter.
No matter what the score, we always have a good time tailgating. Last night I rode up to the game from DM in the RV with Dee, Don and Todd, our walking wounded who had spent the morning visiting an orthropod. So by 2 PM we were sitting in the parking lot in the sunshine, having a beverage. Pablo the Poolboy and Jeff caught up with us a bit later after delivering furniture to Kimmy.
Later, others began to trickle in - our neighbor Marilyn with Philsy and his gf. Sharon and Al showed up with brownies to go along with HyVee chicken, potato salad & deviled eggs (Dee) and I served up the usual cookies.
Our bouncing baby boy appeared with 8 or so friends, ready for the Coors Light we'd packed. And they did like the food. Jud introduced me to several of his buddies - some were even girls. I noticed his hair was now styled - with the gel we picked up last time he was home. It looked good. He looked good.
It was a fun night. Until the drive home - which was torture thanks to the DOT's decision to work on I-80/35 that night - narrowing 3 lanes to 1 and making 8 miles take 45 extra minutes. I was glad to get home at 1:30 a.m. My bed, my pets and my snoring spousal unit next to me.
Yeah it was only against a 1AA Team North Dakota State University. And the Cyclones didn't really blow the Bison out. It was close all throughout the game until the last quarter. But Iowa State is a team that lost to UNI and other somewhat less than stellar teams during the last 3 years.
A huge crowd of some 45,000 fellow masochistic fans were at the game. We all pay for the privilege of cheering for the Cyclones, heartbreaking as it can be. But that just makes the victories that much sweeter.
No matter what the score, we always have a good time tailgating. Last night I rode up to the game from DM in the RV with Dee, Don and Todd, our walking wounded who had spent the morning visiting an orthropod. So by 2 PM we were sitting in the parking lot in the sunshine, having a beverage. Pablo the Poolboy and Jeff caught up with us a bit later after delivering furniture to Kimmy.
Later, others began to trickle in - our neighbor Marilyn with Philsy and his gf. Sharon and Al showed up with brownies to go along with HyVee chicken, potato salad & deviled eggs (Dee) and I served up the usual cookies.
Our bouncing baby boy appeared with 8 or so friends, ready for the Coors Light we'd packed. And they did like the food. Jud introduced me to several of his buddies - some were even girls. I noticed his hair was now styled - with the gel we picked up last time he was home. It looked good. He looked good.
It was a fun night. Until the drive home - which was torture thanks to the DOT's decision to work on I-80/35 that night - narrowing 3 lanes to 1 and making 8 miles take 45 extra minutes. I was glad to get home at 1:30 a.m. My bed, my pets and my snoring spousal unit next to me.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tailgaitin'
Tailgating in Vegas - above
Tailgating is a little like skiing. There is a lot of work before you get to the fun stuff! Last weekend we began preparing for tomorrow night's ISU game. A Thursday night game is especially hard!
We purchased booze at Wal-Mart and I got beer at Fareway. Our baby boy ordered Coors Lite. Then there's the food. There are several couples that tailgate together and we must coordinate. This week, I guess I'm in charge of chicken from HyVee. And figuring out how many pieces to order. I made cookies and snack mix last weekend.
And there is transportation. Pablo is riding up with Jeff, along with a couch and a chair. No room for mwa. So I dialed Dee to see if there is RV room for me. She and Don are coming up earlier in the day to see the orthropod about their decrepit bodies. Sucks to grow old!
Once I'm there though, and hear that band and see the people standing around chatting and partaking in a beverage or two, it will all be worth it, just like that first trip down the mountain after toting one's skis and poles walking in those stiff and hard to walk in ski boots. Shuss!
I hope the game is over by halftime and we know for sure that we have a new coach that football players will run through brick walls for. ISU will never have the most talent, so we have to try harder. No matter how the team does, our tailgating is always a winner!
We purchased booze at Wal-Mart and I got beer at Fareway. Our baby boy ordered Coors Lite. Then there's the food. There are several couples that tailgate together and we must coordinate. This week, I guess I'm in charge of chicken from HyVee. And figuring out how many pieces to order. I made cookies and snack mix last weekend.
And there is transportation. Pablo is riding up with Jeff, along with a couch and a chair. No room for mwa. So I dialed Dee to see if there is RV room for me. She and Don are coming up earlier in the day to see the orthropod about their decrepit bodies. Sucks to grow old!
Once I'm there though, and hear that band and see the people standing around chatting and partaking in a beverage or two, it will all be worth it, just like that first trip down the mountain after toting one's skis and poles walking in those stiff and hard to walk in ski boots. Shuss!
I hope the game is over by halftime and we know for sure that we have a new coach that football players will run through brick walls for. ISU will never have the most talent, so we have to try harder. No matter how the team does, our tailgating is always a winner!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Meat + Sugar what could be better?
That was what my beloved Pablo the PB (Poolboy) said about the hamloaf I prepared for our Sunday dinner. Hmm doesn't that line make me sound like a real southern Ioway hick? Hamloaf is made with mix of pork and ham plus cracker crumbs, egg, milk, mustard and pepper. After you cook it for an hour, it's topped with a glaze of vinegar, brown sugar and more mustard. Thus meat and sugar. Yum.
Several years ago, when we got a couple new priests in our town (after the best priest ever, Fr. Howard was transferred to Dunlap), I decided to take them a meal of hamloaf. Fr. Acrea and Fr. Kenkel admitted they loved it when people made them home cooked meals. So I whipped up a hamloaf and dropped it off along with a note that said when to add the glaze that I had delivered on the side. But I must have forgotten to identify what the meal was. So a few days later Fr. K sent a note thanking us for the "lovely meat mixture."
Fr. Kenkel is probably the best thanker I've ever know. He always sent thank you notes for everything imaginable. He thanked Paul and me for our years of service helping with the marriage ministry by giving us a neat framed picture. He also often thanked me in person after weekly mass - like for showing up. But the best was when I attended communal confession (I know they call it reconciliation now, but it still feels like confession to me...guess that's why I haven't been for so long). Anyway, I spilled my guts to Fr. K and I'll be darned (notice I didn't swear) if he didn't thank me for all the good things I do. Like he was trying to cheer me up - you're not a bad person even though you gossip and cuss Les, you teach people to recycle!
Several years ago, when we got a couple new priests in our town (after the best priest ever, Fr. Howard was transferred to Dunlap), I decided to take them a meal of hamloaf. Fr. Acrea and Fr. Kenkel admitted they loved it when people made them home cooked meals. So I whipped up a hamloaf and dropped it off along with a note that said when to add the glaze that I had delivered on the side. But I must have forgotten to identify what the meal was. So a few days later Fr. K sent a note thanking us for the "lovely meat mixture."
Fr. Kenkel is probably the best thanker I've ever know. He always sent thank you notes for everything imaginable. He thanked Paul and me for our years of service helping with the marriage ministry by giving us a neat framed picture. He also often thanked me in person after weekly mass - like for showing up. But the best was when I attended communal confession (I know they call it reconciliation now, but it still feels like confession to me...guess that's why I haven't been for so long). Anyway, I spilled my guts to Fr. K and I'll be darned (notice I didn't swear) if he didn't thank me for all the good things I do. Like he was trying to cheer me up - you're not a bad person even though you gossip and cuss Les, you teach people to recycle!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)