I switched to my Dooney and Bourke purse last weekend. The Younkers lady complimented me on it yesterday as I paid for Pablo's new jeans - he ripped his old new jeans on a barbed wire fence while working. I was mighty pleased that the Younkers lady noticed my new designer purse.
So I walked with pride at Jordan Creek tonight. I had to go to Gap to look for plain white tees - to replace last years. It seems the underarms were looking kinda yellowish. Must be my deodorant. Can't be my armpits! I'm sure the Gap clerk was impressed with my purse.
I felt quite stylish between my new haircut and my purse, I must say. I stopped to get a hair product at one of those hair product store. I know - I'm getting you know. Snobby! But I've tried to get my WalMart purchased product to do the right thing with my hair and it's just not working. This stuff was $19 - avert your eyes Pablo...so it better work. If it doesn't, the good news is that I can take it back.
After stopping for hair junk, I ran into an old friend Tom Sullivan - we called him Sully. I had a crush on him before I fell for Mr. Poolboy. He's a veterinarian, and is married to Allison also a vet. I was just thinking about the fact that I hadn't seen Tom nor Allison since I've worked here. And Walla - here he was. We stood outside Scheels and caught up.
It was sure nice to see him - nice guy. Spent a lot of good times with that bunch - skiing, and in Wisconsin at Ridgeland. Paul has had fun pheasant hunting with Tom and our other buddy Mike through the years. I don't think Tom noticed the purse...or my hair.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Attack of the killer warts
When we were young we were attacked by warts. Especially Cindo Bean - she had them all over her knees and hands. I just had a couple on my hands and knees.
Mom took her to Dr. Crotti (not sure of spelling) the dermo in Omaha who came up with all types of wild ass things to try to get rid of the damn things. There was acid - which had to hurt. Then they had to cook up some paraffin - wax to put on them. That was supposed to suffocate the little bastards. Yet they persisted.
Eventually I think one too many grew, they killed themselves off. So they up and died. At least for Cindy. For me it took liquid nitrogen. I remember they brought this big vat - it looked like a milk vat but was full of sizzling stuff.
Dr. Wilcox stuck a few very long Qtips into it. Then he pulled one out and put it on the large wart on my ring finger. Sizzle sizzle. It hurt but not too awful bad. There was one on my palm too. It soon blistered. A few nights later, while lying in my twin bed in my room shared with Betsy at 202 Crombie I was pressing the blister - feeling it.
Suddenly I felt it shoot off my finger! It was gone! I turned on my reading light and looked for it in vain - where did it go? It must have been my first blister - I didn't realize it simply had popped. Oh what a learning experience!
More recently, daughter Amy had a monster gym wart on her foot. We tried liquid nitrogen several times at Dr. Hoyt's to no avail. So it was on to the foot Doc. That was kind of a racket - he arranged for foot surgery, in Red Oak no less with a laser, the week before Amy's college orientation, after all her high school sports were over. The surgery went fine, and Amy clomped across ISU campus in her big footie boot.
Later the wart appeared to come back a bit - Amy tried duct tape. I hope that works! Last week my Atown homie Jeanne said she heard the otc wart removers can take away age spots. So I bought Wartner to give it a try on my hands. So far no go...but it is a satisfying bit if pain, putting the white hot freezing burn on an age spot. (picture me with a grimace of a smile...)
Mom took her to Dr. Crotti (not sure of spelling) the dermo in Omaha who came up with all types of wild ass things to try to get rid of the damn things. There was acid - which had to hurt. Then they had to cook up some paraffin - wax to put on them. That was supposed to suffocate the little bastards. Yet they persisted.
Eventually I think one too many grew, they killed themselves off. So they up and died. At least for Cindy. For me it took liquid nitrogen. I remember they brought this big vat - it looked like a milk vat but was full of sizzling stuff.
Dr. Wilcox stuck a few very long Qtips into it. Then he pulled one out and put it on the large wart on my ring finger. Sizzle sizzle. It hurt but not too awful bad. There was one on my palm too. It soon blistered. A few nights later, while lying in my twin bed in my room shared with Betsy at 202 Crombie I was pressing the blister - feeling it.
Suddenly I felt it shoot off my finger! It was gone! I turned on my reading light and looked for it in vain - where did it go? It must have been my first blister - I didn't realize it simply had popped. Oh what a learning experience!
More recently, daughter Amy had a monster gym wart on her foot. We tried liquid nitrogen several times at Dr. Hoyt's to no avail. So it was on to the foot Doc. That was kind of a racket - he arranged for foot surgery, in Red Oak no less with a laser, the week before Amy's college orientation, after all her high school sports were over. The surgery went fine, and Amy clomped across ISU campus in her big footie boot.
Later the wart appeared to come back a bit - Amy tried duct tape. I hope that works! Last week my Atown homie Jeanne said she heard the otc wart removers can take away age spots. So I bought Wartner to give it a try on my hands. So far no go...but it is a satisfying bit if pain, putting the white hot freezing burn on an age spot. (picture me with a grimace of a smile...)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
oDDS n eNDs
I stopped at the Outlet Mall in Williamsburg on my way to Chicago and made a few purchases. I got some capris and a shirt at the Eddie Bauer store. A polo at Ralph Lauren. And at the L'eggs store I got 2 bra-lets for my boob-lets. A sticker on the bras said "breathable". I'm glad my breasts will be able to breathe.
My ISU Cyclone women went out of the NCAA tourney with a wimper against the top team in the nation the UCONN Huskies - losing by 40 points. It was not a good game from the start - they blew the Clones out. But what a season - 2nd in the Big 12, in what was supposed to be a re-building year. I'll miss our Australian lassie - point guard Allison Lacey and defensive specialist Denae Stuckey. I realize women's hoops isn't as exciting as men's but as coach Bill Fennelly says - at least it's not babysitting a bunch of guys thinking they're off to the NBA.
Headache update - Topamax seems to be working. The ingredients are there for headaches, but one rarely bakes up! Yay. I hope the stomach issues lessen. When I take my pill at bedtime I often have stomach pain, and some issues during the day too. On a happier note, I've lost 5-6 pounds - from the meds plus I've been trying to eat healthier and less.
Our healthy meal last night was good, and didn't take an immense amount of time to make. It did however take some planning.
Countdown to vacation in my paradise - Marco Island. 13 days.
My ISU Cyclone women went out of the NCAA tourney with a wimper against the top team in the nation the UCONN Huskies - losing by 40 points. It was not a good game from the start - they blew the Clones out. But what a season - 2nd in the Big 12, in what was supposed to be a re-building year. I'll miss our Australian lassie - point guard Allison Lacey and defensive specialist Denae Stuckey. I realize women's hoops isn't as exciting as men's but as coach Bill Fennelly says - at least it's not babysitting a bunch of guys thinking they're off to the NBA.
Headache update - Topamax seems to be working. The ingredients are there for headaches, but one rarely bakes up! Yay. I hope the stomach issues lessen. When I take my pill at bedtime I often have stomach pain, and some issues during the day too. On a happier note, I've lost 5-6 pounds - from the meds plus I've been trying to eat healthier and less.
Our healthy meal last night was good, and didn't take an immense amount of time to make. It did however take some planning.
Countdown to vacation in my paradise - Marco Island. 13 days.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Couple Things
I coached myself to listen more and talk less last week during my trip to Chicago. Did I listen to myself. Not very well. I am such an over-sharer. Just ask my spousal unit. And I even do squelch a few things I consider sharing.
There are worse people though. Like the guy from Dubuque we ran into at the recycling conference. The four of us - Todd, Kathy, Michelle and I, were eating lunch when Paul (not my Paul but Paul from Dubuque) came up to say "Hi". We asked how he was doing, and he said - fine now that he'd had his prostate tuned up, and he could now pee like a young boy. Hmmm too much information!
Throughout the course of the drive there and back though thinking back I realize I worked into the conversation with Michelle - who road in the back of the vehicle with me - that I'd had a hysterectomy, broke my foot and now take Topamax. It's not like she didn't share info too, but I still feel like a walking medical case...at times. I didn't mention peeing however...out of the blue, like Paul did.
I got enthused about healthy eating again watching Oprah yesterday. I know lots of people don't like the lady, but I do and I like most of her shows. Yesterday's shows featured Jamie Oliver - who is trying to get people and schools healthier and more natural.
Jamie visited a fam somewhere down south - their frig looked worse than ours. It was full of chicken nuggets and cheap frozen pizzas. (while ours only has a one pizza). He cooked up all the bad stuff in their house and piled it on their table. He noted that the color was all pretty much white and tan. He and the kids did a burial ceremony in the backyard with the fry daddy! While it sounds humorous, he said it was actually kinda spiritual and moving. I like the guy.
Then he and Oprah cooked up and meal fairly quickly meant to replace a chicken nugget meal one might purchase at Kentucky Fried or someplace like that. He did whip it up pretty quickly along with smashed potatoes - he's big into knowing what natural ingredients go into your body and your kids.
I feel badly that I didn't do that very well with our children. In our defense - that is Jamie's only job - food. He doesn't have to go to another job and rush home and have hungry people awaiting food on the table. I didn't grow up cooking, and I'm just not comfy doing it. I'm not sure how my sisters learned to be at home in the kitchen - I can clean up with the best of 'em but I'm still a cooking rookie.
Today I took my Jamie recipes along when Pablo and I went to the market. Paul kinda gave me crap in my mission - as he does. urging me to purchase margarine with lots of "good grease". In his own way he subtly sabotages my efforts. And then I give up and revert back to my old ways - and he's comfy with that. I worry that he doesn't eat healthy while I'm gone. We can't rely on youth and good looks to get us by in life anymore (hint hint to all you readers named Paul).
I'm sure I won't turn over a whole new leaf. But I'd like to try again at cooking new and healthier recipes. It's not like Paul and I are rushing around all the time anymore - we have time to cook and it's something we can do together. Maybe Jamie has a cookbook!
There are worse people though. Like the guy from Dubuque we ran into at the recycling conference. The four of us - Todd, Kathy, Michelle and I, were eating lunch when Paul (not my Paul but Paul from Dubuque) came up to say "Hi". We asked how he was doing, and he said - fine now that he'd had his prostate tuned up, and he could now pee like a young boy. Hmmm too much information!
Throughout the course of the drive there and back though thinking back I realize I worked into the conversation with Michelle - who road in the back of the vehicle with me - that I'd had a hysterectomy, broke my foot and now take Topamax. It's not like she didn't share info too, but I still feel like a walking medical case...at times. I didn't mention peeing however...out of the blue, like Paul did.
I got enthused about healthy eating again watching Oprah yesterday. I know lots of people don't like the lady, but I do and I like most of her shows. Yesterday's shows featured Jamie Oliver - who is trying to get people and schools healthier and more natural.
Jamie visited a fam somewhere down south - their frig looked worse than ours. It was full of chicken nuggets and cheap frozen pizzas. (while ours only has a one pizza). He cooked up all the bad stuff in their house and piled it on their table. He noted that the color was all pretty much white and tan. He and the kids did a burial ceremony in the backyard with the fry daddy! While it sounds humorous, he said it was actually kinda spiritual and moving. I like the guy.
Then he and Oprah cooked up and meal fairly quickly meant to replace a chicken nugget meal one might purchase at Kentucky Fried or someplace like that. He did whip it up pretty quickly along with smashed potatoes - he's big into knowing what natural ingredients go into your body and your kids.
I feel badly that I didn't do that very well with our children. In our defense - that is Jamie's only job - food. He doesn't have to go to another job and rush home and have hungry people awaiting food on the table. I didn't grow up cooking, and I'm just not comfy doing it. I'm not sure how my sisters learned to be at home in the kitchen - I can clean up with the best of 'em but I'm still a cooking rookie.
Today I took my Jamie recipes along when Pablo and I went to the market. Paul kinda gave me crap in my mission - as he does. urging me to purchase margarine with lots of "good grease". In his own way he subtly sabotages my efforts. And then I give up and revert back to my old ways - and he's comfy with that. I worry that he doesn't eat healthy while I'm gone. We can't rely on youth and good looks to get us by in life anymore (hint hint to all you readers named Paul).
I'm sure I won't turn over a whole new leaf. But I'd like to try again at cooking new and healthier recipes. It's not like Paul and I are rushing around all the time anymore - we have time to cook and it's something we can do together. Maybe Jamie has a cookbook!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Atown Friends
Top - Cindy and me. Bottom - Jane and Jeanne.
I know, I missed another night of posting. I have a good excuse. I was busy. No not washing my hair. I was getting together with people from Atlantic that I hadn't seen for many years. Some Facebook friends.
I reconnected with these ladies, mostly classmates (one the parent of a classmate) on Facebook in the past year. They all live in the Des Moines area. They had all met for brunch one Sunday a few months ago, but this time they planned their get-together so I could attend.
Jane Buck is the mother of my little buddy of my childhood Tommy Buck. Sister Susi hung out with Linda Buck - that's probably how I hooked up with Tom. Bucks lived about a block from us in the post WWll neighborhood called Fairlawns - single story one car garage homes built in the flat area just down the hill from our house. It was fun to ride my bike there, but the way back was hell.
I mostly liked Tommy because he had all the good boy toys - little green army men, baseball gloves and caps and guns. Jane recalls my mother Pat Bullock calling her to warn that Tommy was invited to my birthday, wondering if he would be bothered that he was the only boy. Jane said he wasn't.
Sadly, Tom and his mother are estranged. Granted I only have her story - which is Tom's wife is very strange and jealous. She cuts Tom off from everyone and every thing. Tom attended the Junior College in Council Bluffs and has made a fortune as a Lab Tech. Not sure how, but it doesn't sound like a happy life to me - his wife has had a $100,000 makeover according to Jane.
Linda Buck has changed her name to Linden. Jane's husband Bill died very young (age 51) like many of the men who worked for Walnut Grove. Jane lives in a ritzy retirement apartment and is cancer free after breast cancer in 2008.
Jeanne Westbrook Smith was another neighbor from the hood, the I learned last night she attended Jackson (Jackass) School from the old part of town before they moved up on Bryn Mawr Circle - across the street and back yards from our house. All I had to do to get there was to walk through the Baxters little sweet corn field. (The Baxters were my godparents)
Until last night I totally blocked out that Jeanne had braces on her leg due to a hip problem. She said she had been in a wheelchair. I wonder if she's okay now - can she exercise? I also remembered later that Jeanne had ponies in a field just outside of town that I got to ride a couple times. Ecstasy!
Jeanne's parents ran the Atlantic Airport and she had a dance at the hangar one time - when I was dating Taco Ortiz (that relationship lasted 5 days or so), his dad managed the Pizza Hut. They moved away when we were in high school and Jeanne graduated from Ames High, but she's always invited back to our reunions. I regret I didn't get to know her better. Her husband Scott seems to be nice - they sell insurance coast to coast for planes, boats - weird to insure stuff. They have a couple college age kids.
Jeanne is also estranged from her family - sounds like a money thing though I don't know details. I don't remember the older sisters. Dick Westbrook used to mow our lawn.
Cindy Westfall comes from a large Catholic family so I knew her from CCD. She also went to Jackson School, but moved up to the newer neighborhood up by the YMCA in upper elementary - I remember going to a slumber party there. She said her mother told her to hang with Jeanne on the blacktop in in wheelchair during recess. Jeanne had blocked that out until they reconnected recently.
Cindy's Dad died young in 1969, so her mom had a tough task raising the large family alone. Cindy was very nice - eager to please. In high school she was one of those people I saw around and talked to at school, but didn't socialize with. She divorced after living in the Spencer area twenty years. She went back to school, lived back in Atlantic for a while and is an EMT. Yesterday she quit her job after being sexually harassed by a woman and not supported by management. She's remarried and her husband lives in Kansas City (even farther away than mine!)
We chatted and caught up on each others lives. After hearing about Jeanne and Jane's issues with family, I once again remembered to be so very thankful for how lucky and blessed I am for such good relationships with my sisters and with Paul's family. Here's to you my fam!
I reconnected with these ladies, mostly classmates (one the parent of a classmate) on Facebook in the past year. They all live in the Des Moines area. They had all met for brunch one Sunday a few months ago, but this time they planned their get-together so I could attend.
Jane Buck is the mother of my little buddy of my childhood Tommy Buck. Sister Susi hung out with Linda Buck - that's probably how I hooked up with Tom. Bucks lived about a block from us in the post WWll neighborhood called Fairlawns - single story one car garage homes built in the flat area just down the hill from our house. It was fun to ride my bike there, but the way back was hell.
I mostly liked Tommy because he had all the good boy toys - little green army men, baseball gloves and caps and guns. Jane recalls my mother Pat Bullock calling her to warn that Tommy was invited to my birthday, wondering if he would be bothered that he was the only boy. Jane said he wasn't.
Sadly, Tom and his mother are estranged. Granted I only have her story - which is Tom's wife is very strange and jealous. She cuts Tom off from everyone and every thing. Tom attended the Junior College in Council Bluffs and has made a fortune as a Lab Tech. Not sure how, but it doesn't sound like a happy life to me - his wife has had a $100,000 makeover according to Jane.
Linda Buck has changed her name to Linden. Jane's husband Bill died very young (age 51) like many of the men who worked for Walnut Grove. Jane lives in a ritzy retirement apartment and is cancer free after breast cancer in 2008.
Jeanne Westbrook Smith was another neighbor from the hood, the I learned last night she attended Jackson (Jackass) School from the old part of town before they moved up on Bryn Mawr Circle - across the street and back yards from our house. All I had to do to get there was to walk through the Baxters little sweet corn field. (The Baxters were my godparents)
Until last night I totally blocked out that Jeanne had braces on her leg due to a hip problem. She said she had been in a wheelchair. I wonder if she's okay now - can she exercise? I also remembered later that Jeanne had ponies in a field just outside of town that I got to ride a couple times. Ecstasy!
Jeanne's parents ran the Atlantic Airport and she had a dance at the hangar one time - when I was dating Taco Ortiz (that relationship lasted 5 days or so), his dad managed the Pizza Hut. They moved away when we were in high school and Jeanne graduated from Ames High, but she's always invited back to our reunions. I regret I didn't get to know her better. Her husband Scott seems to be nice - they sell insurance coast to coast for planes, boats - weird to insure stuff. They have a couple college age kids.
Jeanne is also estranged from her family - sounds like a money thing though I don't know details. I don't remember the older sisters. Dick Westbrook used to mow our lawn.
Cindy Westfall comes from a large Catholic family so I knew her from CCD. She also went to Jackson School, but moved up to the newer neighborhood up by the YMCA in upper elementary - I remember going to a slumber party there. She said her mother told her to hang with Jeanne on the blacktop in in wheelchair during recess. Jeanne had blocked that out until they reconnected recently.
Cindy's Dad died young in 1969, so her mom had a tough task raising the large family alone. Cindy was very nice - eager to please. In high school she was one of those people I saw around and talked to at school, but didn't socialize with. She divorced after living in the Spencer area twenty years. She went back to school, lived back in Atlantic for a while and is an EMT. Yesterday she quit her job after being sexually harassed by a woman and not supported by management. She's remarried and her husband lives in Kansas City (even farther away than mine!)
We chatted and caught up on each others lives. After hearing about Jeanne and Jane's issues with family, I once again remembered to be so very thankful for how lucky and blessed I am for such good relationships with my sisters and with Paul's family. Here's to you my fam!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I've been to the Windy City
I've been away on a business trip - to the Chicago - the Windy City. I attended a Residential Recycling Conference put on by the top publication in the garbage and recycling world Waste and Recycling News. This was the first time this particular event was held - attended by some 500 people.
I drove to Davenport and rode with the Scott County/Davenport people. It was nice of them to let me tag along. I wasn't looking forward to trying to find my way around Chicago, pay tolls and parking etc. Kathy, who drove is an old hat at tooling into the big city (the real one not just DM). She even has that deal that lets you cruise through tolls without stopping!
The conference was at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Hotel. It is a pretty cool place! I love high quality hotels - and pretending to be rich - it even for just a couple nights. This hotel recently underwent an update and it was pretty modern - kinda European. I had a king size bed and I'm lovin' the new linen thing where they don't put an icky not washed quilt on it. I was a little disappointed by the towels though - not too thick. Perhaps that was a measure they're taking to reduce energy use from drying them. Still...
Okay back to the conference. There were the vendor booths - not really much this state public employee needs, but I was looking out for the needs of my peeps - out in the sticks. But I felt a little awkward - I'm still now one with my new role sometimes. The speakers were pretty good, though one pet peeve is that many didn't even introduce themselves. Hello - the folks in the back would like to know your name!
Sessions yesterday ran all the way until 5:30 PM! It was a LONG day. But after that, Kathy, Michelle (whose nametag said Michael but she didn't even notice), Tim and I went to Trader Joe's - a cool grocery store that is not quite a cool as Marczyk's but is bigger and sells similar types of stuff. I got jelly beans, corn salsa, and almond cookies.
Then we went to a local Italian joint and I had a nice glass of chardonnay, lasagna, and creme brule. Then we went back to the cool motel for one more drink (I didn't have one) and I retired to NOT watch the Cyclone woman cuz I couldn't find them on the fancy TV. I got my first headache in over a week, so the Topamax is working pretty well, cuz I have had all the ingredients for a headache several times - but I didn't get one. Until I finally did.
Now I've made the trek back safely to Joan's and I'm off to bed soon as I'm exhausted. I'm not used to being with people that much. I needs me down time!
I drove to Davenport and rode with the Scott County/Davenport people. It was nice of them to let me tag along. I wasn't looking forward to trying to find my way around Chicago, pay tolls and parking etc. Kathy, who drove is an old hat at tooling into the big city (the real one not just DM). She even has that deal that lets you cruise through tolls without stopping!
The conference was at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Hotel. It is a pretty cool place! I love high quality hotels - and pretending to be rich - it even for just a couple nights. This hotel recently underwent an update and it was pretty modern - kinda European. I had a king size bed and I'm lovin' the new linen thing where they don't put an icky not washed quilt on it. I was a little disappointed by the towels though - not too thick. Perhaps that was a measure they're taking to reduce energy use from drying them. Still...
Okay back to the conference. There were the vendor booths - not really much this state public employee needs, but I was looking out for the needs of my peeps - out in the sticks. But I felt a little awkward - I'm still now one with my new role sometimes. The speakers were pretty good, though one pet peeve is that many didn't even introduce themselves. Hello - the folks in the back would like to know your name!
Sessions yesterday ran all the way until 5:30 PM! It was a LONG day. But after that, Kathy, Michelle (whose nametag said Michael but she didn't even notice), Tim and I went to Trader Joe's - a cool grocery store that is not quite a cool as Marczyk's but is bigger and sells similar types of stuff. I got jelly beans, corn salsa, and almond cookies.
Then we went to a local Italian joint and I had a nice glass of chardonnay, lasagna, and creme brule. Then we went back to the cool motel for one more drink (I didn't have one) and I retired to NOT watch the Cyclone woman cuz I couldn't find them on the fancy TV. I got my first headache in over a week, so the Topamax is working pretty well, cuz I have had all the ingredients for a headache several times - but I didn't get one. Until I finally did.
Now I've made the trek back safely to Joan's and I'm off to bed soon as I'm exhausted. I'm not used to being with people that much. I needs me down time!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Another Creston Tragedy
James and Meghann
Creston has had another tragedy. James Kosman, age 18 was electrocuted when he climbed a power pole around 2 a.m. Friday. His friends flagged down a passing police cruiser and he was life flighted to Des Moines where he was pronounced dead. Damn, there are a lot a ways to die.
I've known James since he was a little guy - but not well. He attended our church and St. Malachy School. His sister Meghann was in Jud's class - both the Kosmans were adopted from Korea I believe. James served as an altar boy and played in various sports like soccer and basketball. He may have graduated last year or was a senior this year. He seemed to be a pretty good kid, but got in a little trouble last year, can't quite remember what that was.
And now he's gone - all for some dumb prank. Probably showing off his climbing skills either sober, or perhaps under the influence of alcohol or who knows. I don't know. I've heard pot and prescription drugs are in vogue in high school today. But I have no knowledge of who he hung around with and their habits.
I'm sad for Susan and Michael - and their daughter Meghan - all of them are very quiet and reliable good workers. They always showed up to help with Bingo, and whatever else you needed them to. I was so pleased a few years ago when they won the car in the St. Malachy Auction Raffle - hard working deserving people!
Susan was not Catholic and had been going through RCIA to join our church this spring. And now they too are in the club - the one nobody should ever be in...thoughts and prayers for them are appreciated.
I've known James since he was a little guy - but not well. He attended our church and St. Malachy School. His sister Meghann was in Jud's class - both the Kosmans were adopted from Korea I believe. James served as an altar boy and played in various sports like soccer and basketball. He may have graduated last year or was a senior this year. He seemed to be a pretty good kid, but got in a little trouble last year, can't quite remember what that was.
And now he's gone - all for some dumb prank. Probably showing off his climbing skills either sober, or perhaps under the influence of alcohol or who knows. I don't know. I've heard pot and prescription drugs are in vogue in high school today. But I have no knowledge of who he hung around with and their habits.
I'm sad for Susan and Michael - and their daughter Meghan - all of them are very quiet and reliable good workers. They always showed up to help with Bingo, and whatever else you needed them to. I was so pleased a few years ago when they won the car in the St. Malachy Auction Raffle - hard working deserving people!
Susan was not Catholic and had been going through RCIA to join our church this spring. And now they too are in the club - the one nobody should ever be in...thoughts and prayers for them are appreciated.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
You're not welcome here
I swiped this photo from a Facebook friend, thanks Teresa Kurtz
Get out damn snow - you're not welcome here! I just got all comfy not wearing boots. I quit worrying about travel plans each day. And then this...5 inches and wind. On the first day of spring no less.
Thursday this week wa s the best weather day we Iowans have had in some - 4+ months. It was over sixty degrees and that yellow orb was up in the blue sky. I shed my coat and even my next layer, a jacket worn over my long sleeve shirt. Then I rolled my sleeves up. The sun was shining and I was driving home to Creston after a meeting in Ames. Life was good! But rumor had it snow was on the way.
I blocked it out of my mind. I was determined to live in the day - carpe diem! Semper Fi, E pluribis unim. And all that rot. That evening, after the sun went down, it remained balmy compared to the brutal winter we've had. I let Odie out for her evening pee and sat upon the front stoop to enjoy the fact that the iceberg similar to the one that took out the Titanic had finally melted from the front yard.
And now the snow is back - but I hope not for long. The sun has more power and the snow looks to be creeping back already. But the piles where it's been scooped look unfortunately familiar.
On the bright side, the weather the rest of the week is looking better. I'm heading to Chicago Monday for a Residential Recycling Conference. I'm really looking forward to is - I should be as I practically had to kiss the pope's ring to get permission to travel out of state due to the budget mess, even though our section's budget comes not from general funds. I'm not sure if I'll have Internet access.
Tomorrow night Pablo and I will head to Ames to watch my beloved Cyclone women play in the NCAA tourney - go Clones!
Thursday this week wa s the best weather day we Iowans have had in some - 4+ months. It was over sixty degrees and that yellow orb was up in the blue sky. I shed my coat and even my next layer, a jacket worn over my long sleeve shirt. Then I rolled my sleeves up. The sun was shining and I was driving home to Creston after a meeting in Ames. Life was good! But rumor had it snow was on the way.
I blocked it out of my mind. I was determined to live in the day - carpe diem! Semper Fi, E pluribis unim. And all that rot. That evening, after the sun went down, it remained balmy compared to the brutal winter we've had. I let Odie out for her evening pee and sat upon the front stoop to enjoy the fact that the iceberg similar to the one that took out the Titanic had finally melted from the front yard.
And now the snow is back - but I hope not for long. The sun has more power and the snow looks to be creeping back already. But the piles where it's been scooped look unfortunately familiar.
On the bright side, the weather the rest of the week is looking better. I'm heading to Chicago Monday for a Residential Recycling Conference. I'm really looking forward to is - I should be as I practically had to kiss the pope's ring to get permission to travel out of state due to the budget mess, even though our section's budget comes not from general funds. I'm not sure if I'll have Internet access.
Tomorrow night Pablo and I will head to Ames to watch my beloved Cyclone women play in the NCAA tourney - go Clones!
Friday, March 19, 2010
hoopin'
Been spending the night watching basketball with the guys - it's NCAAs you know. Or maybe you're blissfully ignorant. Watching wall-to-wall basketball takes me back to the days when I lived hardwood and the round ball.
Oh not that I was ever good. We didn't even get girls basketball until I was a sophomore in high school. The little schools around us had girls hoops way before we did - places like Audubon and Elk Horn. But we could only be cheerleader - and I struck out on that accord in 7th grade, failing to be selected after trying out in front of a panel of teachers.
The only basketball skill I acquired before fall of 10th grade were from playing in the driveway and at the YMCA where Harl Holt organized us and actually let us play 5 on 5. Yeah, Iowa Girls Basketball back in 1973 was 6 on 6 - 2 half courts with guards and forwards. I was a forward though I wasn't much of a shooter.
I'm sure Coach Dale Allen was astonished when something like 70 girls showed up for the first practice - it took him like two weeks to weed out the looky lu's - the girls who just wanted to see what it was like. And once the uniforms were handed out, a bunch more quit. We had to share practice space with boys basketball and wrestlers.
In our athletic conference, the Hawkeye 8 - predecessor to the Hawkeye 10, most schools had girls basketball a year or two before we did. So they were light years ahead of our team. We were still learning how to play organized ball - how to check into a game, and where to stand. How to shoot a layup and set a screen. (I thought Coach Allen was a genius who invented screens - I'd never heard of them before).
I was thrilled to get a silver bullet - one of the uniforms, for the JV squad. Our colors were Black and gold, but since they decided to add girls hoops late, they didn't get the order in soon enough to choose uniform colors. Even so, I loved putting it on along with my Chuck Taylor high tops - until I got shin splints. Then I got Adidas Superstars, with thicker soles.
I'm not sure if we won a game that first year. Yet I loved every minute of it! I ate, breathed and slept hoops! The next year, my junior year I again dressed JV but also for varsity - but didn't get to play much. My senior year we got a new woman coach - we were slowly improving, and I played my role as practice player and all around cheerleader. My best game ever I scored 7 points including one reverse layup!
The best memories are of riding on the bus and hanging out with the girls after practice and games. We had to dress up for games and had polyester hounds tooth pants made and wore gold cardigans. On Fridays we'd go to Pizza Hut after we got back to town. It was a great way for a teenager to burn up time and energy. Come state tourney time our school took 2 busloads to shop and watch the finals - I idolized those players like rock stars today. Those were the good old days!
Oh not that I was ever good. We didn't even get girls basketball until I was a sophomore in high school. The little schools around us had girls hoops way before we did - places like Audubon and Elk Horn. But we could only be cheerleader - and I struck out on that accord in 7th grade, failing to be selected after trying out in front of a panel of teachers.
The only basketball skill I acquired before fall of 10th grade were from playing in the driveway and at the YMCA where Harl Holt organized us and actually let us play 5 on 5. Yeah, Iowa Girls Basketball back in 1973 was 6 on 6 - 2 half courts with guards and forwards. I was a forward though I wasn't much of a shooter.
I'm sure Coach Dale Allen was astonished when something like 70 girls showed up for the first practice - it took him like two weeks to weed out the looky lu's - the girls who just wanted to see what it was like. And once the uniforms were handed out, a bunch more quit. We had to share practice space with boys basketball and wrestlers.
In our athletic conference, the Hawkeye 8 - predecessor to the Hawkeye 10, most schools had girls basketball a year or two before we did. So they were light years ahead of our team. We were still learning how to play organized ball - how to check into a game, and where to stand. How to shoot a layup and set a screen. (I thought Coach Allen was a genius who invented screens - I'd never heard of them before).
I was thrilled to get a silver bullet - one of the uniforms, for the JV squad. Our colors were Black and gold, but since they decided to add girls hoops late, they didn't get the order in soon enough to choose uniform colors. Even so, I loved putting it on along with my Chuck Taylor high tops - until I got shin splints. Then I got Adidas Superstars, with thicker soles.
I'm not sure if we won a game that first year. Yet I loved every minute of it! I ate, breathed and slept hoops! The next year, my junior year I again dressed JV but also for varsity - but didn't get to play much. My senior year we got a new woman coach - we were slowly improving, and I played my role as practice player and all around cheerleader. My best game ever I scored 7 points including one reverse layup!
The best memories are of riding on the bus and hanging out with the girls after practice and games. We had to dress up for games and had polyester hounds tooth pants made and wore gold cardigans. On Fridays we'd go to Pizza Hut after we got back to town. It was a great way for a teenager to burn up time and energy. Come state tourney time our school took 2 busloads to shop and watch the finals - I idolized those players like rock stars today. Those were the good old days!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Head O'Knuckles
Little Jordie left (before many years and $$ of orthodontia), with Mom and Little Leslie (who is getting married 7/17) in my paradise - Marco Island. I'm sure they're wearing beach shoes that Mom and Dad purchased for them especially for this trip. Looks like a successful shell hunting trip!
I was a knucklehead today. I do not like being a knucklehead. It all started liked this...wavy line to flash back. I got to work at my usual 6:30 a.m. and it was pretty quiet until 8ish, when Becky (she of baby due in a few weeks) stopped by my cubicle to chat about her recent Dr. visit.
As we talked my phone vibrated indicating a call, but I politely silenced it. Then a few minutes later, when Becky retired to her desk, I checked my phone to see that it was baby girl Amy who had called. I texted her to say I couldn't talk - it was unusually quiet around my cubicle and I didn't think a personal call would be good. I suggested we talk during my upcoming drive to Ames for a 10 a.m. meeting.
Time flew of course and before I knew it, it was 9 and I needed to get on the road - I planned to head home to Creston right from the meeting. I set up my Outlook Out of Office Assistant, powered down the 'ol computer and grabbed up my meeting stuff and took off. Amy and I had a good talk enroute - I used the handsfree earbuds and microphone.
Upon arrival at the Ames Waste to Energy facility I considered whether or not to take my purse in with me. Purse? What purse. I forgot my F'n purse! (you know how I like to swear). What an airhead. Now I would have to stop back by the office for it on my way back home. At least the office WAS on my way back home. Lucky lunch was provided at the meeting!
I don't often walk off without stuff. I'm impatient with people that are forever doing that.
As we talked my phone vibrated indicating a call, but I politely silenced it. Then a few minutes later, when Becky retired to her desk, I checked my phone to see that it was baby girl Amy who had called. I texted her to say I couldn't talk - it was unusually quiet around my cubicle and I didn't think a personal call would be good. I suggested we talk during my upcoming drive to Ames for a 10 a.m. meeting.
Time flew of course and before I knew it, it was 9 and I needed to get on the road - I planned to head home to Creston right from the meeting. I set up my Outlook Out of Office Assistant, powered down the 'ol computer and grabbed up my meeting stuff and took off. Amy and I had a good talk enroute - I used the handsfree earbuds and microphone.
Upon arrival at the Ames Waste to Energy facility I considered whether or not to take my purse in with me. Purse? What purse. I forgot my F'n purse! (you know how I like to swear). What an airhead. Now I would have to stop back by the office for it on my way back home. At least the office WAS on my way back home. Lucky lunch was provided at the meeting!
I don't often walk off without stuff. I'm impatient with people that are forever doing that.
Which reminds me of my sometimes absent minded oldest sissie - Suso. She once left my sweet little niece Jordan (she was only like 6) at a gas station pit stop in Nebraska while traveling home to Colorado from Iowa. She and my niece Leslie thought Jordan was under a blanket in the back seat. They got about 50 miles down the road before discovering Their error. In the meantime the nice truck stop ladies were feeding Jordan soda pop. Talk about a parent's nightmare!?!
I'm blaming my airhead move on my new hairdo!
I'm blaming my airhead move on my new hairdo!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Got my hair did
Yep, I went to the fancy schmancy salon in West Des Moines to get my hair done, instead of the beauty parlor in Creston to get my hair did. It was quite the experience. I'd have to say about the only things Sahar's and Hair House have in common are the gossipy magazines you get to read while your hair is doing its color thing. Here's the link: http://www.sahars.com/
When I walked in the door just before 5 PM I was ready for something different. Until one year ago I spent the past ten years going to Hair Designers in Corning - Sherry was nice, and did a fine job with my hair - but she never got too crazy. When I took the job up here, I had to break up with her. It was just too much driving to go to Corning for my hair.
So I tried Amber at Hair House at my friend Patti's (she just turned Granny yesterday - congrats! Evelyn was born to Caleb and wife Charlotte on 3/16) recommended her). But a few weeks ago Amber moved to Burlington with her husband - so I tried Woody at hair house. He's gay - I know, I am totally stereotyping - but shouldn't he be a natural? NOT. I got a mullet.
Diana and Nancy both highly recommended Sarah Darby - married to Casee Piel's former HS BF, Lucas. And what a cutee he was, back in the day when I worked at Gits and CHS played in the state tourney. D and Nan said Sarah was a whiz who would tell it to me straight. And did she!
The top of your hair looks like a loaf of bread she said - like small town stylists cut it. I don't know why they do that, she pondered. You've got a couple styles going on?!? Do you like this color? Do you want it short? Yes I do I said. But not much input on end. I like the end product and like her. She's a pistol. And it wasn't much more than it costs in Creston. And I'm worth it.
When I walked in the door just before 5 PM I was ready for something different. Until one year ago I spent the past ten years going to Hair Designers in Corning - Sherry was nice, and did a fine job with my hair - but she never got too crazy. When I took the job up here, I had to break up with her. It was just too much driving to go to Corning for my hair.
So I tried Amber at Hair House at my friend Patti's (she just turned Granny yesterday - congrats! Evelyn was born to Caleb and wife Charlotte on 3/16) recommended her). But a few weeks ago Amber moved to Burlington with her husband - so I tried Woody at hair house. He's gay - I know, I am totally stereotyping - but shouldn't he be a natural? NOT. I got a mullet.
Diana and Nancy both highly recommended Sarah Darby - married to Casee Piel's former HS BF, Lucas. And what a cutee he was, back in the day when I worked at Gits and CHS played in the state tourney. D and Nan said Sarah was a whiz who would tell it to me straight. And did she!
The top of your hair looks like a loaf of bread she said - like small town stylists cut it. I don't know why they do that, she pondered. You've got a couple styles going on?!? Do you like this color? Do you want it short? Yes I do I said. But not much input on end. I like the end product and like her. She's a pistol. And it wasn't much more than it costs in Creston. And I'm worth it.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Feeling Frosty
Not to say I wouldn't like a frosty one. Though the Doc did say beer would taste a lot like soda pop - flat. So I'll stick with lemon drops. I do think I'll ask Joanie if she wants to meet me tomorrow after I get my hair did (just threw that in there for you grammar po-lice).
Frosty, the light up snowman lit my way to Joan McFee Bentley's house my first winter here on NE Sunrise Drive. The street is filled with twinhomes that are all very similar, so it's a good thing we had Frosty to show me the way - cuz it was also winter and dark!
This winter was hard on Frosty, Joan, me and Krissy our little buddy who also stayed with us a bit. We scooped snow, chopped ice, jumped Krissy's car. I fell on my ass once - but didn't get hurt because I was bundled up. We sprinkled toxic salt that did a number on the driveway and sidewalk. I can't actually believe the pile o'snow is gone by St. Patrick's day!
Notice half of Frosty's smile is gone - he was once covered with an inch thick of ice. His lights are askew. One time his power source was even chopped off! Dang, poor guy. Soon Joan will pop him into the garage for the season. Knowing her, she'll fashion a new mouth before next winter!
I'm excited for my haircut tomorrow with Sarah. I hear tell she's brutally honest - I hope she doesn't break into Cindo's Helmet Head song there at Sahar. Let's hope it's the new me after my cut and color.
Frosty, the light up snowman lit my way to Joan McFee Bentley's house my first winter here on NE Sunrise Drive. The street is filled with twinhomes that are all very similar, so it's a good thing we had Frosty to show me the way - cuz it was also winter and dark!
This winter was hard on Frosty, Joan, me and Krissy our little buddy who also stayed with us a bit. We scooped snow, chopped ice, jumped Krissy's car. I fell on my ass once - but didn't get hurt because I was bundled up. We sprinkled toxic salt that did a number on the driveway and sidewalk. I can't actually believe the pile o'snow is gone by St. Patrick's day!
Notice half of Frosty's smile is gone - he was once covered with an inch thick of ice. His lights are askew. One time his power source was even chopped off! Dang, poor guy. Soon Joan will pop him into the garage for the season. Knowing her, she'll fashion a new mouth before next winter!
I'm excited for my haircut tomorrow with Sarah. I hear tell she's brutally honest - I hope she doesn't break into Cindo's Helmet Head song there at Sahar. Let's hope it's the new me after my cut and color.
Monday, March 15, 2010
It's in the genes
I've reconnected with some long - and I mean long lost cousins thanks to dabbling in this thing called genealogy. I've been interested in family lore for a long time - as evidenced by the paper I typed (yes, a real typewriter) in high school or college about the Bullock. Typos and all. Lots of them.
Fast forward many years. I finally had the time to research the stacks of stuff I had collected from both sides of the fam. And I had the miracle of modern technology - the Internet and Google.
Late in 2008 when I was temporarily jobless I spent time tickling to Dell keys finding my roots. I joined a free site called Geni.com filling out the roots of my fam tree. So far there are 636 people on my family tree! That's a lotta leaves.
And Googling for the surnames of my relatives has yielded some nuggets - including a California cousin - Cathy Moorhead, spelled a different way than my Mom's family Morehead, yet the same tree - two brothers who decided to spell it their own way.
Last week I emailed Cousin Cathy Moorhead Miller's Grandpa's Iowa cousin Phil (she wondered if I knew him - hey, it's Iowa right?). I emailed back and asked what town, that might help. She actually had an email addy, so I sent him one, explaining who I am. He sent me an email starting with "Hey Cuz"
He's 87 years old! From Marion and his wife is still living along with his brothers. He grew up in West Branch. We hope to talk on the phone soon. Can't wait! Not too many family members left in Iowa you know.
Fast forward many years. I finally had the time to research the stacks of stuff I had collected from both sides of the fam. And I had the miracle of modern technology - the Internet and Google.
Late in 2008 when I was temporarily jobless I spent time tickling to Dell keys finding my roots. I joined a free site called Geni.com filling out the roots of my fam tree. So far there are 636 people on my family tree! That's a lotta leaves.
And Googling for the surnames of my relatives has yielded some nuggets - including a California cousin - Cathy Moorhead, spelled a different way than my Mom's family Morehead, yet the same tree - two brothers who decided to spell it their own way.
Last week I emailed Cousin Cathy Moorhead Miller's Grandpa's Iowa cousin Phil (she wondered if I knew him - hey, it's Iowa right?). I emailed back and asked what town, that might help. She actually had an email addy, so I sent him one, explaining who I am. He sent me an email starting with "Hey Cuz"
He's 87 years old! From Marion and his wife is still living along with his brothers. He grew up in West Branch. We hope to talk on the phone soon. Can't wait! Not too many family members left in Iowa you know.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Topamax update
So I've been taking this migraine prevention drug for a few weeks now. I understand it takes a while for the benefits to work their way into your system. Hope so cuz so far, I'm still experiencing headaches and a few of the side effects of this drug.
Just last night I began taking 100 mg of the stuff after working up 25 mg per week. My side effects:
Just last night I began taking 100 mg of the stuff after working up 25 mg per week. My side effects:
- Tingling in feet - like my feet have gone to sleep. This isn't too irritating comes and goes. Is supposed to subside after a few weeks. Potassium should also help.
- Ringing ears - or kind of a constant buzz.
- Some stomach upset that comes and goes
- Carbonated bevvies taste like those old pop bottles we left too long in the frig - no fizz left. Even though Pablo reports good bubbles exist. So I drink water and tea, that's okay.
I don't notice a huge loss of appetite - this drug has been known to cause weight loss. I may have lost a pound or two. We'll see what the full dose does.
I hope the full dose gets rid of the pesky Friday headaches. I'm starting to think that my house/pets/town (notice I didn't say husband) is my headache trigger. I'm not sure how long to allow this experiment to go on - obviously the side-effects are not pleasant. So I'm hoping for a benefit soon. If not, I'll call my doc and we'll try something else.
On a happier note I got to walk outside today with buddy Deb. My foot is feeling better! Yay! My ankle is a bit stiff, and I can feel it later, but it isn't painful. It felt great to be outside. The snow continues to melt!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Church thoughts
What do you all think about in church? I know...I'm supposed to be praying and thinkin' pious thoughts. But mostly I'm not.
I AM usually taking measure of my life - a good thing, right? I do tend to wander though...and like Carrie of Sex in the City, I do some questioning and some self talk during that one hour period each week.
Tonight, the sermon was the well known story of the Prodigal Son. I asked myself how I would feel if I were the good bro? I pondered whether the partier bro would still get another inheritance, after the huge party with the fatted calf.
A couple times during Mass we're asked to ask ourselves what our sins have been - and we're reminded that we are sinners. I usually start thinking about my sins sometime during church. It's not like I'm a big goody two shoes - I'm definitely no saint. But even back when I went to reconciliation (we used to call it confession) I racked my brain to come up with sins.
I freely admit it - I'm a meangirl. I'm quick to criticize others. Hell (oops - swearing is another one...) even in church I find myself thinking - I wonder if she's morbidly obese - has she ever considered that stomach band thing??. I think that's my Dad coming out in me. And I'm judgemental - wondering why so and so's husband is never in church. I look at my hands. More age spots. I'm glad I was never beautiful, otherwise this aging thing would be even more painful!
But I got no big stuff to confess. Yeah, I threw up from too much Zin in Earlham at my bday celebration. In a ditch. That's about as crazy as it gets. Then my mind drifts from my sins and I consider what to eat for supper after church.
Then I think about the upcoming work week. How can I get environmental education into Iowa's schools across the state? I plot and plan. Oops - time to stand up and pray. I sit and have time to think again - I remember to be thankful for all I have - my family, our health. I find comfort in the familiar faces around me in church.
We had been watching Big 12 Women's bball before church. I think about OSU player Andrea Riley - a player you love to hate. She makes clutch shots. She flops and gets calls from the refs - even on offense. She takes dumb shots and never gets bench. I consider this. She's one of those players who actually thinks she will make each and every shot she takes I conclude. On to the next non prayer like thought.
We sing a hymn that I like - though only the tune is listed in our hymnal, I attempt to sing alto, wandering back and forth. No one notices (I hope).
Amy I going straight to hell?
I AM usually taking measure of my life - a good thing, right? I do tend to wander though...and like Carrie of Sex in the City, I do some questioning and some self talk during that one hour period each week.
Tonight, the sermon was the well known story of the Prodigal Son. I asked myself how I would feel if I were the good bro? I pondered whether the partier bro would still get another inheritance, after the huge party with the fatted calf.
A couple times during Mass we're asked to ask ourselves what our sins have been - and we're reminded that we are sinners. I usually start thinking about my sins sometime during church. It's not like I'm a big goody two shoes - I'm definitely no saint. But even back when I went to reconciliation (we used to call it confession) I racked my brain to come up with sins.
I freely admit it - I'm a meangirl. I'm quick to criticize others. Hell (oops - swearing is another one...) even in church I find myself thinking - I wonder if she's morbidly obese - has she ever considered that stomach band thing??. I think that's my Dad coming out in me. And I'm judgemental - wondering why so and so's husband is never in church. I look at my hands. More age spots. I'm glad I was never beautiful, otherwise this aging thing would be even more painful!
But I got no big stuff to confess. Yeah, I threw up from too much Zin in Earlham at my bday celebration. In a ditch. That's about as crazy as it gets. Then my mind drifts from my sins and I consider what to eat for supper after church.
Then I think about the upcoming work week. How can I get environmental education into Iowa's schools across the state? I plot and plan. Oops - time to stand up and pray. I sit and have time to think again - I remember to be thankful for all I have - my family, our health. I find comfort in the familiar faces around me in church.
We had been watching Big 12 Women's bball before church. I think about OSU player Andrea Riley - a player you love to hate. She makes clutch shots. She flops and gets calls from the refs - even on offense. She takes dumb shots and never gets bench. I consider this. She's one of those players who actually thinks she will make each and every shot she takes I conclude. On to the next non prayer like thought.
We sing a hymn that I like - though only the tune is listed in our hymnal, I attempt to sing alto, wandering back and forth. No one notices (I hope).
Amy I going straight to hell?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ewww
This has been bothering me for a whole day now. And I must share it with you my best friends, the mysterious cyberspace readers.
I was in the restroom on the fifth floor of the (not so) beautiful Wallace Building on 5th and Grand in Dez Moy Nez. There I was, doing my business in stall #4 (the handicap one), as someone was in #2 and I like to give them space - know what I mean? On a side and unrelated note each stall does have protective paper seat covers available. What's that about? Why does one need to protect one's ass? Anyways...
I finished up and stepped out to lather and rinse my hands under the very hot water (there has been a problem with the water heater this week, and the building dept. needed to order parts so the water has been uberhot - I like it) when I caught a glimpse of said person from stall #2 dashing around the corner without washing her hands!
Ewww - besides the ickiness if that in itself, hasn't that person heard of the various illness causing bugs going around? Has she not heard the coughing and sneezing in cubicle land? Doesn't she worry about what the rest of us think about her?
Guess not.
I was in the restroom on the fifth floor of the (not so) beautiful Wallace Building on 5th and Grand in Dez Moy Nez. There I was, doing my business in stall #4 (the handicap one), as someone was in #2 and I like to give them space - know what I mean? On a side and unrelated note each stall does have protective paper seat covers available. What's that about? Why does one need to protect one's ass? Anyways...
I finished up and stepped out to lather and rinse my hands under the very hot water (there has been a problem with the water heater this week, and the building dept. needed to order parts so the water has been uberhot - I like it) when I caught a glimpse of said person from stall #2 dashing around the corner without washing her hands!
Ewww - besides the ickiness if that in itself, hasn't that person heard of the various illness causing bugs going around? Has she not heard the coughing and sneezing in cubicle land? Doesn't she worry about what the rest of us think about her?
Guess not.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Da Wiena
Odie in bun costume
I'm sitting here watching TV with the wiener dog on my lap. She gave me a scare this past week. Bitch (literally). It was just a week ago today - when I got home (use your wayback time machine to pretend).
I got home and Odie greeted me happily as usual. At supper Paul mentioned that she drank a lot of water at lunchtime. Jud noticed a small lump on her side just after Christmas - and I've been keeping track of it. It hasn't grown - at least not much - it seems very similar to a fatty tumor that Moki had.
We went to bed, but owing to the excitement of being home ('nuff said about that) I was still awake at midnight when Odie got up and drank lots of water. You may (or may not) recall that Moki the Wonder Dog was Diabetic starting at age 6. Diagnosed after I noticed him drinking lots of water.
So I lay awake most of the night worrying about Odie being diabetic, and having a tumor. I even got up and read the Internet details about canine diabetes. I also read up on other reasons why she might be drinking water.
I considered crying, but decided I didn't want to have a plugged up nose and puffy eyes. Wise choice - don't ya think? I considered the fact that we'd been scattering salt on the walk all winter and Odie was walking out there. Plus she gets allergies when wet grass is exposed and boy is it wet.
Friday a.m. I made an appointment at the vet for a checkup. Odie now weighs just over 14 pounds. She needs more exercise! Her eyes are bloodshot so allergies are a problem. Her anal gland was impacted. I averted my eyes while Dr. Brus deflowered her. The tumor is in a weird spot and the doc aspirated it - just fatty. Phew! But we need to keep an eye on it.
Hey - she just drank a bunch of h2o again. After the Moki thing - it still makes me nervous.
Update on the whole wall/fountain/leak thing. Paul showed the me the temp fix of the wall leak - it looks like at catheter. Several thousand gallons must have gone through the hoses so far. Crazy stuff.
I got home and Odie greeted me happily as usual. At supper Paul mentioned that she drank a lot of water at lunchtime. Jud noticed a small lump on her side just after Christmas - and I've been keeping track of it. It hasn't grown - at least not much - it seems very similar to a fatty tumor that Moki had.
We went to bed, but owing to the excitement of being home ('nuff said about that) I was still awake at midnight when Odie got up and drank lots of water. You may (or may not) recall that Moki the Wonder Dog was Diabetic starting at age 6. Diagnosed after I noticed him drinking lots of water.
So I lay awake most of the night worrying about Odie being diabetic, and having a tumor. I even got up and read the Internet details about canine diabetes. I also read up on other reasons why she might be drinking water.
I considered crying, but decided I didn't want to have a plugged up nose and puffy eyes. Wise choice - don't ya think? I considered the fact that we'd been scattering salt on the walk all winter and Odie was walking out there. Plus she gets allergies when wet grass is exposed and boy is it wet.
Friday a.m. I made an appointment at the vet for a checkup. Odie now weighs just over 14 pounds. She needs more exercise! Her eyes are bloodshot so allergies are a problem. Her anal gland was impacted. I averted my eyes while Dr. Brus deflowered her. The tumor is in a weird spot and the doc aspirated it - just fatty. Phew! But we need to keep an eye on it.
Hey - she just drank a bunch of h2o again. After the Moki thing - it still makes me nervous.
Update on the whole wall/fountain/leak thing. Paul showed the me the temp fix of the wall leak - it looks like at catheter. Several thousand gallons must have gone through the hoses so far. Crazy stuff.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Evening in Ameless
I had a long day - starting with a budget meeting in Altoona - ending with a meal in Ames with my son Juddy David.
But my day really started (I think it was after midnight but I didn't check my clock) when I awoke from a dead sleep with what must have been a vivid dream. I thought I saw a bat fly from my pillow area up into a vent in the ceiling above my head. How was I going to get back to sleep with a bat up there? Of course I didn't have my glasses on.
So I turned on the little light by the bed and allowed my head to clear. I looked upward. Sheeeit. There's no vent there! I thought a little bit more. I was dreaming! It wasn't a real bat. Phew.
Then I rode with Bill and Kathleen to the joint (Solid Waste/Financial and Biz Assistance) Budget meeting at the Altoona Library. Bad news in the garbage world. Catch 22 - our job is to help people to reduce garbage, but when that actually happens, our revenues suck!
When we talked about a couple of the projects (and accompanying projected budgets) that I work on, my big boss - our Bureau Chief, praised me. Awww shucks.
After that I had to head to Ramsey Subaru to get the rear wheel well protectors put back into my car. Then I headed to Ames - first to my fave shopping spot Jax, where I scored a new winter jacket - Columbia for $55!
Then out to supper with Jud. It's nice to have him all to myself. He really seems to be thinking about his future - where he might want to live and work when he graduates. It sounds like he might want to live in the Midwest, wherever he can get a job.
Paul called and the fountain in our basement is temporarily piped into the drain - so no swimming pool downstairs for us. Last night Paul drained over 100 gallons during the night - he hardly slept! I'm glad it's under control. And no more bats please...
But my day really started (I think it was after midnight but I didn't check my clock) when I awoke from a dead sleep with what must have been a vivid dream. I thought I saw a bat fly from my pillow area up into a vent in the ceiling above my head. How was I going to get back to sleep with a bat up there? Of course I didn't have my glasses on.
So I turned on the little light by the bed and allowed my head to clear. I looked upward. Sheeeit. There's no vent there! I thought a little bit more. I was dreaming! It wasn't a real bat. Phew.
Then I rode with Bill and Kathleen to the joint (Solid Waste/Financial and Biz Assistance) Budget meeting at the Altoona Library. Bad news in the garbage world. Catch 22 - our job is to help people to reduce garbage, but when that actually happens, our revenues suck!
When we talked about a couple of the projects (and accompanying projected budgets) that I work on, my big boss - our Bureau Chief, praised me. Awww shucks.
After that I had to head to Ramsey Subaru to get the rear wheel well protectors put back into my car. Then I headed to Ames - first to my fave shopping spot Jax, where I scored a new winter jacket - Columbia for $55!
Then out to supper with Jud. It's nice to have him all to myself. He really seems to be thinking about his future - where he might want to live and work when he graduates. It sounds like he might want to live in the Midwest, wherever he can get a job.
Paul called and the fountain in our basement is temporarily piped into the drain - so no swimming pool downstairs for us. Last night Paul drained over 100 gallons during the night - he hardly slept! I'm glad it's under control. And no more bats please...
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Lordie
Drill rig drills one of 3 wells for ground source heat in 2008 at our house.
Our downstairs wall has sprouted a leak. Not only a leak - it's spurting according to Pablo the Poolboy, who has drained some 50 gallons down the drain the the furnace room tonight, before calling me to report the bad news.
It seems the tons of ice and snow sitting in our back yard, now melting, along with the rain has made for a fountain in our furnace room. And not a pretty fountain one tosses coins into. I suggested Paul put his finger in it. that he put on his engineer brain and come up with something to capture the spray. He'll prolly pile towels under it.
We installed ground source heat in 2008. In order to install the system they have to poke a hole through the wall of the furnace room. Since then Paul has notice wetness in the furnace room a couple times, but we (by we I mean he because I don't do the basement unless I really have to) couldn't ever figure out where it came from.
He says the gusher is 6 inches above the pipe coming into the house. They must have cracked the wall when the punched the hole. Kirby to the rescue - I hope. Glen the plumber who put in the system is going to call Kirby Berry a wall guy to look at the leak tomorrow. We're hoping he can come up with a way to plug that damn thing!
We've known Kirby Berry a long time. He fixed the wall at our old house at 201 East Prairie. Franklin Kinkade - the like 90 year old guy whose crew did the original work can't help in this case. He's a drilling guy, not a wall-fixing guy.
There are going to be a lotta wet basements this spring!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Dibs N Dabs
I still say there's no better way to start a day than with my homegirls. I actually debated skipping today - to get a headstart on my workday. Then I thought to myself - workday schmirkday. Friends are what's important in life! Garbage can wait. And it did.
As the snow recedes from the roadsides like an old man's hairline, deer carcasses are revealed.
Last Saturday was the YMCA's Home and Garden Show. After an excruciatingly long winter, the people of southwest Iowa ventured out - reminding me of the Munchkins popping out after the big storm and the wicked witch's house dropping down in the Wizard of Oz. "you're out of the woods you're out of the dark you're out of the night" The world was in color! (even though it was raining outside).
My hair has reached emergency stage. (thanks Woody and you're freaking curling iron) It's so bad, I must avert my eyes from the mirror until my hair appointment. I am lined up with someone a few Crestonians go to - at Sahar. When I called to make my appointment, they thought I was ALG (Alternative Leslie G) I had to straighten them out. Then I texted her to let her know I was letting her pay my bill! LOL
As the snow recedes from the roadsides like an old man's hairline, deer carcasses are revealed.
Last Saturday was the YMCA's Home and Garden Show. After an excruciatingly long winter, the people of southwest Iowa ventured out - reminding me of the Munchkins popping out after the big storm and the wicked witch's house dropping down in the Wizard of Oz. "you're out of the woods you're out of the dark you're out of the night" The world was in color! (even though it was raining outside).
My hair has reached emergency stage. (thanks Woody and you're freaking curling iron) It's so bad, I must avert my eyes from the mirror until my hair appointment. I am lined up with someone a few Crestonians go to - at Sahar. When I called to make my appointment, they thought I was ALG (Alternative Leslie G) I had to straighten them out. Then I texted her to let her know I was letting her pay my bill! LOL
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Learnin' to drive
Our Vega looked like this, but was silver with black stripes
(sung to the tune of Learning to Fly - Tom Petty song).
Some people are natural drivers - they grow up driving those little simulated cars. Hop onto the go cart race tracks at a young age and whip the competition. They are the kids who can't wait to turn 14 so they can secure their learner's permit to legally drive in the state of Iowa.
Well honey, that wasn't me! I dragged my feet. I didn't get my permit until just before I took Driver's Education the summer before I turned 16. I didn't feel ready to take my own and other people's lives lives into my hands.
I studied the booklet and passed the driver's permit exam the first time. Phew - I was kick-ass on the rules of driving. But sister Cindy had scared the shit out of me on the actual driving part - as the driver she peeled out fishtailing in the snow and in parking lots, striking terror in my heart.
Joel Simms and Mr. Barnes? taught Driver's Ed. I took it during the summer and the classroom stuff was easy. Back then they even taught us how to drive a stick shift - it was a 3 speed Chevy Nova. I did okay driving - though I'm sure the instructors were glad they had their own brake on their side of the car!
At home, Dave Bullfrog was in charge of teaching driving - not the most patient man in the world! I got to learn to drive at home using Mom's 1972 Buick Station Wagon - wahoo. Then when Cindy went to Drake we got a Chevy Vega for her and the fam to use. It was a hot looking car - racy paint and a miniscule friction point on the clutch of the 4 speed transmission. It made me cry. More than once.
Dad would have me drive it out to the barn to feed my horse - on the other side of town, while he rode shotgun. There were hills between here and there! One killer hill by the YMCA caused me to kill it multiple times, slam on the parking brake and jump out crying - forcing Dad to take over the wheel.
I eventually did master that tricky clutch - and it was good training for all future cars in my life. Later in high school, I drove Bubba's light blue 1971 VW Beetle - forgiving clutch winters when they were in sunny Florida. My 1976 Monza and Paul's 1979 were 4 Speeds and our 1984 Mazda was a 5 Speed.
I'm a confident driver now, but would still rather not drive if someone else (a GOOD driver) would rather drive.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Across the street
Was where I got my Western Flyer bikes at Western Auto. First the slick aqua girls sting ray with the banana seat and the white wicker basket. Later the awesome 10 speed.
I also go my birthday mini record player there - the one I kept under my bed in the room I shared with Betso. I kept the Jackson 5 LP on it - Stop the Love You Save, ABC - all the good songs. That was a great little unit.
Back then, Betsy was only trusted with a "Close And Play" - a record player that allowed you to slip a special record into a slot and it played with a needle that was like a nail. Downstairs in the play room we had my aunt Jeanie's stereophonic player - that could play either LPs or albums. We had some Disney albums I liked to listen to like "Babes in Toyland". But I digress..
Near the Western Auto was Meyer Music - run by Art Meyer - who was the band director at good 'ol AHS. The store also sold record singles. One time sister Susi asked me to picked up the record 98.6 by Keith. Of course as a snotty lil sis I said "no" so Susi paid my friend Laurie to get it...so I ended up going to Meyer Music anyway!
I already talked about Ben Franklin in my recent Five and Dime blog. JC Penneys was next. Ah visions of my first bra - size flat. The pink box with the kitty on it (WTF) embarrassment for both Mom and me. Tober's Vogue - ladies clothing. Seiferts (not sure of spelling) which got more important as I got older, as they carried young people's clothing and employed HS girls. I think they were in the former Bullock's store - the one my Great Uncle Max ran - a store for older women. The problem with buying stuff there was arriving at school and finding out someone at the next locker was wearing the same outfit!
Fan's Pharmacy was one drugstore we didn't visit much, as we kept Rex busy. Brown's Shoe Fit (or Foo Shit) had a wide variety of styles. Bonneson's were on this side in later years. Fife's had a nice restaurant here when I was ten or twelve. Then Mr. Fife got ill and they had to sell.
As I've said before - it was a simple time, and I got go to most of those stores and purchase something with just a few words - charge it to Dave Bullock. His credit was good in town. I'm sure a few vendors got burned by some people like that. But more often than not, they got their $$. Simple was good.
I also go my birthday mini record player there - the one I kept under my bed in the room I shared with Betso. I kept the Jackson 5 LP on it - Stop the Love You Save, ABC - all the good songs. That was a great little unit.
Back then, Betsy was only trusted with a "Close And Play" - a record player that allowed you to slip a special record into a slot and it played with a needle that was like a nail. Downstairs in the play room we had my aunt Jeanie's stereophonic player - that could play either LPs or albums. We had some Disney albums I liked to listen to like "Babes in Toyland". But I digress..
Near the Western Auto was Meyer Music - run by Art Meyer - who was the band director at good 'ol AHS. The store also sold record singles. One time sister Susi asked me to picked up the record 98.6 by Keith. Of course as a snotty lil sis I said "no" so Susi paid my friend Laurie to get it...so I ended up going to Meyer Music anyway!
I already talked about Ben Franklin in my recent Five and Dime blog. JC Penneys was next. Ah visions of my first bra - size flat. The pink box with the kitty on it (WTF) embarrassment for both Mom and me. Tober's Vogue - ladies clothing. Seiferts (not sure of spelling) which got more important as I got older, as they carried young people's clothing and employed HS girls. I think they were in the former Bullock's store - the one my Great Uncle Max ran - a store for older women. The problem with buying stuff there was arriving at school and finding out someone at the next locker was wearing the same outfit!
Fan's Pharmacy was one drugstore we didn't visit much, as we kept Rex busy. Brown's Shoe Fit (or Foo Shit) had a wide variety of styles. Bonneson's were on this side in later years. Fife's had a nice restaurant here when I was ten or twelve. Then Mr. Fife got ill and they had to sell.
As I've said before - it was a simple time, and I got go to most of those stores and purchase something with just a few words - charge it to Dave Bullock. His credit was good in town. I'm sure a few vendors got burned by some people like that. But more often than not, they got their $$. Simple was good.
Friday, March 5, 2010
I would be remiss
if I went down the left side of downtown Chestnut Street without mentioning Hanke's Jewelry and Fine Gifts. Harold Hanke would positively beam when there was a Bullock wedding!
My Grandmother Nelle Weber Morehead (Mom's Mom) had a penchant for big gaudy jewelry. Maybe because she was a short kinda dumpy (there, I said it - it's okay because she's been gone for 40 years now). She had a ring with four .75 carot diamonds on it - I hear it was might ugly. But I don't remember it.
When Gramma (that's what we called her) passed away Mom put the diamonds from her ring in the lock box for her four daughters, for each of our 21st bdays. Susi of course got hers first - she designed her ring like a cocktail ring. I don't even know what Cindo's looks like?!?
I got mine when I was a junior at ISU. I spent the summer prior searching for just the right design. Suddently - there is was on the front of Cosmo Magazine - my fave read of the summer. I was sure it would make me look just like that sexy model. No, not really, but it was a really great diamond ring that didn't look like an engagement ring.
So Mom sent me to Hanke's to see if they could copy the design. They could, with two platimum wedding bands and a setting. Yee ha. So right before my big bday I headed home to get one of the best presents of my life - my ring from my grandparents, and my parents who sprang for the setting of course. I can't tell you how many comments the ring has gotten through the years. It's not a huge diamond by today's standards - but it looks larger thanks to the setting. I never take it off.
When Pablo the Poolboy and I got married we registered at Hanke's - that was before the days when happy couples got to wander around Target, Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond with a scanning gun. So we signed up for stuff like eight full place settings of china, sterling silver (wish I'd never gotten the damn stuff - it tarnishes!), and juice glasses. The week of the wedding the Hankes van could have gotten frequent flyer miles trotting back and forth from the store to 202 Crombie.
Same story different verse when Betso and Doctor Wayne got married. Only she got the very last of the four diamonds - it had a couple flaws, but oh well...and her ring is like mine but gold. Hankes scored big on that wedding too.
My Grandmother Nelle Weber Morehead (Mom's Mom) had a penchant for big gaudy jewelry. Maybe because she was a short kinda dumpy (there, I said it - it's okay because she's been gone for 40 years now). She had a ring with four .75 carot diamonds on it - I hear it was might ugly. But I don't remember it.
When Gramma (that's what we called her) passed away Mom put the diamonds from her ring in the lock box for her four daughters, for each of our 21st bdays. Susi of course got hers first - she designed her ring like a cocktail ring. I don't even know what Cindo's looks like?!?
I got mine when I was a junior at ISU. I spent the summer prior searching for just the right design. Suddently - there is was on the front of Cosmo Magazine - my fave read of the summer. I was sure it would make me look just like that sexy model. No, not really, but it was a really great diamond ring that didn't look like an engagement ring.
So Mom sent me to Hanke's to see if they could copy the design. They could, with two platimum wedding bands and a setting. Yee ha. So right before my big bday I headed home to get one of the best presents of my life - my ring from my grandparents, and my parents who sprang for the setting of course. I can't tell you how many comments the ring has gotten through the years. It's not a huge diamond by today's standards - but it looks larger thanks to the setting. I never take it off.
When Pablo the Poolboy and I got married we registered at Hanke's - that was before the days when happy couples got to wander around Target, Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond with a scanning gun. So we signed up for stuff like eight full place settings of china, sterling silver (wish I'd never gotten the damn stuff - it tarnishes!), and juice glasses. The week of the wedding the Hankes van could have gotten frequent flyer miles trotting back and forth from the store to 202 Crombie.
Same story different verse when Betso and Doctor Wayne got married. Only she got the very last of the four diamonds - it had a couple flaws, but oh well...and her ring is like mine but gold. Hankes scored big on that wedding too.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
And on down the street
In Atlantic
Beyond Cook and Caslow there was Howard's Men's Clothing, Robinson Hardware, and The Forum - a nice men's clothing store where Scott Deardorff worked. Next door was Family Shoe? Chris D worked there. And Bowers Bakery - they had delectible cupcakes before they were "IN" like they are today. I might have gotten the order of the stores mixed up - it's been a long time ya know!
I didn't even mention the City Square Park at the top of mainstreet. There is a war monument in the center - we used to like to stop to see it. Our great grandpa, Adnah David's (my Dad's namesake) name was on it. But one of us - don't know who - decided Adnah sounded like a woman's name. So we said Adnah was a nurse. Thus begat the legend.
Okay, back down the street - there wasn't a whole lot of shopping beyond those stores. Albertson's Cleaners was on the next block. Cy Albertson and his wife lived across the street from Momo and Bubba my grandparents. Because Dad was a traveling salesdude, he needed crisply starched shirts. So until we all grew up and Mom took over, Albertsons took care of that. They'd stop by each week, knock on the front door and slip in, calling out "Cleaners" and put the clean shirts in the front closet and take the dirty ones out. Such is small town life!
Beyond Cook and Caslow there was Howard's Men's Clothing, Robinson Hardware, and The Forum - a nice men's clothing store where Scott Deardorff worked. Next door was Family Shoe? Chris D worked there. And Bowers Bakery - they had delectible cupcakes before they were "IN" like they are today. I might have gotten the order of the stores mixed up - it's been a long time ya know!
I didn't even mention the City Square Park at the top of mainstreet. There is a war monument in the center - we used to like to stop to see it. Our great grandpa, Adnah David's (my Dad's namesake) name was on it. But one of us - don't know who - decided Adnah sounded like a woman's name. So we said Adnah was a nurse. Thus begat the legend.
Okay, back down the street - there wasn't a whole lot of shopping beyond those stores. Albertson's Cleaners was on the next block. Cy Albertson and his wife lived across the street from Momo and Bubba my grandparents. Because Dad was a traveling salesdude, he needed crisply starched shirts. So until we all grew up and Mom took over, Albertsons took care of that. They'd stop by each week, knock on the front door and slip in, calling out "Cleaners" and put the clean shirts in the front closet and take the dirty ones out. Such is small town life!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Chestnut Street cont
Quicks Donuts was on Highway 6 out by the Zenith TV place part of the time and was on Chestnut part of the time. They had excellent cake donuts and very cold milk. I seem to recall little malts too.
On down the street was Rex Pharmacy, run by Rex Moorman and his son Kenny. They were good to our family and viceversa. Rex's didn't just carry drugs - no sir! They had a cornucopia of goods - from typing paper to calculators, banks to gifts items like wallets and perfume. When Laurie Reinertson and I were in around 6th grade we discovered they had Playboy magazines, and even though were were not destined to be lesbians we were curious about the female body.
The magazine rack was near the back door of the large store. And near the bathroom we'd frequent while downtown shopping. So several times we snagged the Playboy and checked out the girly pics. I know - decadent!
Next door was Anthony's - formerly known as Bullock's Department Store. Anthony's was a nice, full range store - shopping on 3 floors. Dad and my aunts Marty and Jean owned the building until 1o years ago and we'd go through the display window (cuz my former BF Mike McCauley was the manager of the store) through a secret doorway into the upstairs, which had been covered over by a facade. There was lots of old stuff up there (prolly still is there) like calendars, and dental molds from the nazi torturer (I'm mean dentist) who practiced there.
Across the corner was Dick Bell Insurance - where Tom Clithero and Virginia Deardorff both worked. Cook & Caslow Pharmacy was directly north (yep there were lots of small pharmacies back then) complete with a lunch counter. Aunt Jean took me for my first Green River there! You could get a phosphate! At the pharmacy you could get cinnamon oil from the pharmacist to make your own cinnamon toothpicks.
On down the street was Rex Pharmacy, run by Rex Moorman and his son Kenny. They were good to our family and viceversa. Rex's didn't just carry drugs - no sir! They had a cornucopia of goods - from typing paper to calculators, banks to gifts items like wallets and perfume. When Laurie Reinertson and I were in around 6th grade we discovered they had Playboy magazines, and even though were were not destined to be lesbians we were curious about the female body.
The magazine rack was near the back door of the large store. And near the bathroom we'd frequent while downtown shopping. So several times we snagged the Playboy and checked out the girly pics. I know - decadent!
Next door was Anthony's - formerly known as Bullock's Department Store. Anthony's was a nice, full range store - shopping on 3 floors. Dad and my aunts Marty and Jean owned the building until 1o years ago and we'd go through the display window (cuz my former BF Mike McCauley was the manager of the store) through a secret doorway into the upstairs, which had been covered over by a facade. There was lots of old stuff up there (prolly still is there) like calendars, and dental molds from the nazi torturer (I'm mean dentist) who practiced there.
Across the corner was Dick Bell Insurance - where Tom Clithero and Virginia Deardorff both worked. Cook & Caslow Pharmacy was directly north (yep there were lots of small pharmacies back then) complete with a lunch counter. Aunt Jean took me for my first Green River there! You could get a phosphate! At the pharmacy you could get cinnamon oil from the pharmacist to make your own cinnamon toothpicks.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
More along Chestnut (Main Street) A Town
Now that I started walking down mainstreet with Bonnesons, I thought I'd reminisce about some other stores I remember. First - when I was really little there was a hamburger joint called The Spot on the corner at the top of Chestnut right by the park. The name was pretty accurate, except the word Grease should have gone on the front of the name. We'd pick it up to go, and the back would practically drip with grease.
There was a hair place along that side of the street called the Powder Puff - it was farther north at a smaller joint earlier, but moved up the street later in the years. You may have seen my blog recently about how I don't like my current Woody haircut - it reminded me of my Powder Puff haircuts when sister Cindo, ever the encouraging one, would sing "Helmut Head" to me. Sung to the tune of Baby Face. She was so very kind (thought with sincere sarcasm). Yes, she was the same person that came up with the "Groucho Moucho" song, I believe. We weren't a real musical family (except for the piano lesson/guitar/ukelele thing) but we could come up with songs to ridicule.
There was a hair place along that side of the street called the Powder Puff - it was farther north at a smaller joint earlier, but moved up the street later in the years. You may have seen my blog recently about how I don't like my current Woody haircut - it reminded me of my Powder Puff haircuts when sister Cindo, ever the encouraging one, would sing "Helmut Head" to me. Sung to the tune of Baby Face. She was so very kind (thought with sincere sarcasm). Yes, she was the same person that came up with the "Groucho Moucho" song, I believe. We weren't a real musical family (except for the piano lesson/guitar/ukelele thing) but we could come up with songs to ridicule.
Appetite makes the sauce
Aww - I can't say how much I'll miss Robert B. Parker. I know...I'm being repetitive. I almost want to save some books to read later - except I can't help myself.
I'm presently listening to The Professional - like many of his books, it's pretty short and isn't about much. The best part is his interaction with his paramour, Susan - Shrink with a Harvard doctorate.
The book is about sexual addiction, infidelity and blackmail. Spenser spends a great deal of his time thinking. He also does a lot of pro bono work - hmmm must be independently wealthy. He is very dependent on Susan, and that both reassures and seems to distress him.
He and Susan exchange wonderful playful banter - about their roles, sex and life in general. I enjoy how unseriously they take themselves. At one point, they are discussing the main people in the case - Gary and Beth, who are both huge hose monsters if you get my drift. Yet they don't seem to love anyone but themselves.
Spenser and Susan decide that their lovemaking is better because they love each other. That's when my favorite quote of the book comes out - "appetite makes the sauce". In other words, when you love someone, sex with them is better, just like when you're hungry food tastes better. Apt!
I'm presently listening to The Professional - like many of his books, it's pretty short and isn't about much. The best part is his interaction with his paramour, Susan - Shrink with a Harvard doctorate.
The book is about sexual addiction, infidelity and blackmail. Spenser spends a great deal of his time thinking. He also does a lot of pro bono work - hmmm must be independently wealthy. He is very dependent on Susan, and that both reassures and seems to distress him.
He and Susan exchange wonderful playful banter - about their roles, sex and life in general. I enjoy how unseriously they take themselves. At one point, they are discussing the main people in the case - Gary and Beth, who are both huge hose monsters if you get my drift. Yet they don't seem to love anyone but themselves.
Spenser and Susan decide that their lovemaking is better because they love each other. That's when my favorite quote of the book comes out - "appetite makes the sauce". In other words, when you love someone, sex with them is better, just like when you're hungry food tastes better. Apt!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Bday boy
It's my special fish's birthday today - Paul George Goldsmith, Pisces born March 1, 1958. Yes he's nearly 4 months younger than I am. I wobbed the cwadle. (said with Baily Rodger's Rs for those of you from Creston).
Paul is the youngest of 9 - born when is mother Laura bless her soul, was 43 years old. Can't believe her uterus hadn't already fallen out by then, but she did have a hysterectomy after that. Catholic birth control - allowable. Paul's oldest sis Carol was 18 when he was born and headed out to nursing school shortly after. Growing up, he slept in a bed with 2 of his brothers.
I thank my lucky stars the day I met Paul. Even though I didn't know it at the time. I didn't really even think much about him at all - though I thought his friends were hot. He seemed highly organized and hyper about the softball team he put together. Eventually he asked me out - lacking other options at the time, I said yes.
We had a good time - double dating with friends. I didn't think it would ever be any thing that might last. But slowly we became a couple. I've blogged before about how like then turned into love - during my time in Sioux Falls.
We got married in 1982 when we were 24. We've now been married 27+ years - longer than we each were single. Yikes! We've gone through a lot together. Good times and bad. Happy, sad, mad, drunk, sick, joyous, grieving, goofy and on and on.
We can complete each other's sentences and sometimes he says things I'm thinking. Weird. I can't imagine anybody else putting up with me like he does. Well I guess Joan does, but only 3 nights a week. And we're not making decisions together.
I'm a lucky gal - I freely admit it. Paul's bday is a happy day for me!
Paul is the youngest of 9 - born when is mother Laura bless her soul, was 43 years old. Can't believe her uterus hadn't already fallen out by then, but she did have a hysterectomy after that. Catholic birth control - allowable. Paul's oldest sis Carol was 18 when he was born and headed out to nursing school shortly after. Growing up, he slept in a bed with 2 of his brothers.
I thank my lucky stars the day I met Paul. Even though I didn't know it at the time. I didn't really even think much about him at all - though I thought his friends were hot. He seemed highly organized and hyper about the softball team he put together. Eventually he asked me out - lacking other options at the time, I said yes.
We had a good time - double dating with friends. I didn't think it would ever be any thing that might last. But slowly we became a couple. I've blogged before about how like then turned into love - during my time in Sioux Falls.
We got married in 1982 when we were 24. We've now been married 27+ years - longer than we each were single. Yikes! We've gone through a lot together. Good times and bad. Happy, sad, mad, drunk, sick, joyous, grieving, goofy and on and on.
We can complete each other's sentences and sometimes he says things I'm thinking. Weird. I can't imagine anybody else putting up with me like he does. Well I guess Joan does, but only 3 nights a week. And we're not making decisions together.
I'm a lucky gal - I freely admit it. Paul's bday is a happy day for me!
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