There are several women on 5th floor at the Wallace Building who brush their teeth after lunch each day. And they're quite the brushers. I feel like my teeth should rot out because I don't brush anything like they do...
I mean they scrub and scrub - touching upon each and every surface of each tooth. I should mention that most of these ladies are oriental. Actually from another country. So I find myself wondering if they have not had the benefit of fluoride in their water from childhood. And then they spit and spit.
I myself have gone with brushing for the amount of time it takes to sing the ABC song. That's what I was told to do long ago, and I'm sticking with that adage...
When I was a kid we went to the dentist Dr. Jim VanAntwerp. He was kinda creepy, and not the best dentist. But I was lucky in teeth - except for the fact that I was missing 4 permanent ones.
The most exciting part about visiting the dentist as a child was that we got to pick out a pin each time. The pins were made from a chalky substance, but I don't remember what the shapes were. Something fun and cool I'm sure. I didn't get a cavity until I was 24 years old so my brushing routine must have been okay in some way.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Birthday boy
Really though. It does seem like just a couple years ago he was 13. And right before that he was 4. Man that kid had some good parties - he had a lot of boys in his class at St. Malachy School, the Catholic school in Creston. I think there were around 15 boys and 9 girls in his class. So at party time, he'd have a huge one.
We usually had the boys stay all night - which meant little sleep for any of us. Those guys had a great deal of energy! Of course we didn't help by filling them up with soda pop, pizza and cake. As Jud got older, he usually arranged large video game tourneys for his bday. Such fun...
Today we met Jud and Kara at Lone Star Steakhouse for lunch. They were only a little late. We like her more each time we are around her - she can hold her own against his..shi* um crap. We proceeded to Younkers to buy him a comforter and pillows to go with the sheets I got him.
We actually stopped at his man cave student apartment yesterday. Ugh. Big mistake. Boys have icky apartments. Avert eyes and nose. I didn't look in his room, but I'm sure new bedding will help.
The next year will be a huge one for my lil buddy. Graduation. First job (fingers crossed bigtime here). Will Kara be a part of that future? Who knows? She has a job lined up in Kansas City. I know he'd like to be someplace close to there...
Judson, the world is your oyster (yeah, I know, you prolly don't like oysters), nevertheless - go get 'em!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Movie Review
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| Jud and Kara |
Like I would rent a movie I didn't want to see...Come on. It's been 28 years, you should know by now that I don't often (unless I was feeling really sorry for you, like for example if the Packers lost the Super Bowl) rent movies I wouldn't possibly like. For example that one they're advertising now where people are going to be stuck in a cave.
Um nope. I would get claustrophobic watching a movie like that. Or those movies that are all testosteronie - simply filled with war scenes. This one had war scenes, but there were story lines which I presume were based on actual history. I enjoy that. Was King John that big a schmuck? Was there really a Robin?
As a side-note - as the opening credits ran, and the movie title came up: Robin. I looked at the word and had a flashback. Though my friend Robbiedob spelled her name Robyn, I distinctly heard her Mom's voice say - in her crabby voice, "Robyn Lee!" That's when I knew it was time to go home from playing with Rob...
The movie was a little hard to follow, and sometimes - especially when our furnace kicks in, the people are hard to understand. That English/French accent doesn't help. Though he's not my fave actor, Russell not too hard on the eyes. Kate Blanchett was the female lead. She's not busty at all. Which I can appreciate for obvious reasons.
It was an enjoyable evening at home! Tomorrow it's off to Ames for an ISU game. We will see Jud - it's his birthday weekend. He and his roommates are planning Jud-A-Palooza2. Let's hope his pores don't ooz liquor this time, as we're taking Kara and him to lunch Sunday - his actual bday. 22, sigh. Hard to believe.
Emergency report - Kimmy McFee had an emergency appendectomy tonight. Bobbie and Jeff had to rush up to Ames to attend to her, but she was already under the knife. I texted Bobbie later, and it sounds like everything went well. Kim s/b out of the hospital tomorrow.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Therapy
I needed some weiner dog therapy. So it was a good thing it's Thursday and my day to go home - finally! Every other Friday this month I've had to work this month. But tomorrow I get to work at home - phew. Just in time.
It's been a long week. In a very long month - all those audits have taken their toll. Traveling, early mornings, long days. I know - waaa waaa. But hey it's my blog I'll whine if I want to.
I was feeling quite depressed last night. It's that time of year. Lack of sunlight, lack of fun. All work, no play.
Good thing I had book club tonight. That helped! Though my good buddy Debbie couldn't make it until late - she was working in Ankeny at the clinic there. But those ladies do make me laugh.
And Odie gave me quite a nice reception. Got a few hugs and kisses from my pool boy too!
It's been a long week. In a very long month - all those audits have taken their toll. Traveling, early mornings, long days. I know - waaa waaa. But hey it's my blog I'll whine if I want to.
I was feeling quite depressed last night. It's that time of year. Lack of sunlight, lack of fun. All work, no play.
Good thing I had book club tonight. That helped! Though my good buddy Debbie couldn't make it until late - she was working in Ankeny at the clinic there. But those ladies do make me laugh.
And Odie gave me quite a nice reception. Got a few hugs and kisses from my pool boy too!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Kid commuters
Back in the day...when our kids were little they had to be entertained by Disney and the Elephant Show cassettes. I did learn how to sing some wonderful songs like "Shoo Fly Pie" and "Skin A Ma Rink" so I have that going for me...
When we went on a trip they could take along a bag with books that also went along with cassettes. Or - imagine this - we could talk and tell our own stories!
Oh I parked Amy and Jud in front of the video player plenty of times - don't let me fool you. It was my rest time, or my time to cook supper. And if they would have had DVD players for cars back then...and if we could have afforded one, we probably would have had one. But we made due without.
Since then...I sure had fun torturing Amy (who was 16) and Jud (was 13) with a Clive Cussler "Dirk Pitt" novel on CD driving out to Cannon Beach, Oregon for our family reunion in 2002. I don't think Jud will ever be the same...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Diet first
It's a first for me. I've never really dieted before. At least not on purpose with a specific plan. So I joined Weight Watchers in mid December with a plan to learn how much I should eat each day. And to learn to make healthier food choices.
I didn't plan to drop a bunch of weight. Maybe a few pounds. Weight Watchers says you must have at least 5 pounds to lose. After the 2nd time I weighed in, the leader said I needed to tell her a goal. I decided pick a weight I was comfortable with - especially in all those winter clothes!
It's not been easy - especially over the holidays and traveling for work this past couple weeks. But I have made some changes in my eating style. I've replaced sweets for fruit. I learned to make better restaurant choices on the road.
And I did it! I lost 6 pounds a whole month ahead of schedule! Yesterday at our regular meeting I stepped on the scale not knowing just what it might say. I knew our scale at home was telling me I was lighter than I can remember. I received a charm and a nice ovation from the other members. Lots of others have lost 5 pounds and/or 5% of their body weight - they got claps too. But I was the only goal-maker.
So I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. As a reward I'm now on the "maintenance" program of WW. That's 6 more points a day - to see if my body will stay at this weight. I actually wouldn't mind losing 2 more pounds. So we'll see.
But I'm feeling pretty good about myself this week - I set a goal and I worked hard to achieve it!
I didn't plan to drop a bunch of weight. Maybe a few pounds. Weight Watchers says you must have at least 5 pounds to lose. After the 2nd time I weighed in, the leader said I needed to tell her a goal. I decided pick a weight I was comfortable with - especially in all those winter clothes!
It's not been easy - especially over the holidays and traveling for work this past couple weeks. But I have made some changes in my eating style. I've replaced sweets for fruit. I learned to make better restaurant choices on the road.
And I did it! I lost 6 pounds a whole month ahead of schedule! Yesterday at our regular meeting I stepped on the scale not knowing just what it might say. I knew our scale at home was telling me I was lighter than I can remember. I received a charm and a nice ovation from the other members. Lots of others have lost 5 pounds and/or 5% of their body weight - they got claps too. But I was the only goal-maker.
So I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. As a reward I'm now on the "maintenance" program of WW. That's 6 more points a day - to see if my body will stay at this weight. I actually wouldn't mind losing 2 more pounds. So we'll see.
But I'm feeling pretty good about myself this week - I set a goal and I worked hard to achieve it!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bucko the cat
I got Bucko in 1980, to be my friend. I was just out of college and was living in Sioux Falls working at Gamble Robinson, a grocery wholesaler. I had no friends! This after being surrounded through friends during the prior 22 years. Bucko needed a friend - he was at an animal shelter, one of a litter dumped of there in the fall of that year. He got his name from Vicki - who was working at a sheltered workshop. One of her clients used to say "*ucko, Bucko" Insert F.
That darn cat was obviously warped by his tough early cathood. He was mean. I didn't plan ahead when I picked him up - so he went along when I stopped at the store for a litter box and food. When I came back - he had disappeared! Catnapped? No - the damn cat had climbed underneath my dashboard. Only the beginning of Bucko's bizarre sociopath ways...
He was a gray tiger stripe with a white belly and paws and huge eyes. Another thing you should know is that Bucko was an athletic freak that was always leaping higher and pushing things off ledges. He pushed a 5 lb bag of sugar off my frig in Omaha - what a mess. He was a retriever who would play fetch all night with a wadded up ball of paper - if he felt like it. Paul would shoot the paper wad into the air and Bucko would leap to get it and bring it back.
At our first home in Creston, we had our first walk in closet. When I would lean down to put my shoes on, Bucko would launch himself off my back and onto the top shelf. He'd also do that to sit on top of the door. Wacko Cat!
Bucko loved me! He would lay on my chest while I read my book. He'd rub his face on my chin - marking me. Rub, rub. Chomp - he'd bite me and run away. It still makes my scalp tingle when I think about it!
When Bucko was about 2 or 3 he got sick - digging in the litter box, but nothing coming out. He had some feline disease where urine crystallized. I freaked out - bawling of course. The vet gave us medicine to crush and put in his food - for the rest of his life he had to be on a special diet.
He hated the kids. And the dog. Bucko made himself pretty scarce by the that time in his life. He hid downstairs a lot - squirreling himself up in the downstairs ceiling, he could get himself all the ways into the garage - where Paul finally saw his little white face above his workshop area.
When Bucko was 13, he got sick and just wasn't getting better. It was time to say goodbye. Paul got the honors of taking him out to the vet clinic. He was buried out by 12-Mile Lake under a tree. He was quite a kitty and I loved him. I need to scan a photo to put on here.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Don Kirshner, Crestmoor
This picture was taken last summer after Kristina and Caleb's wedding, outside of Crestmoor Clubhouse.
Mike McCauley - my HS BF - really nice guy. Loved his family too. Last I heard he now lives in Michigan.
The "Man with the Golden Ear" has passed to the great rock concert in the sky. Don Kirshner - my guru of all things rock of the early 1970's through 1981. He came to my attention because in the days before cable TV.
I used to drag my boyfriends home on date nights for end of the night necking on the couch to the tunes of Don's late night show. (I know this kinda goes against the "de-sexed" description of my blog. Sorry to anyone who may be related to me whom I may offend with thoughts about their mother in her pre-married days. You may want to skip this part of this blog).
Mike McCauley and Craig Both. That's about it for my HS boyfriend selection. I was, let's say, pretty much a good Catholic girl. So the boys didn't get too far on that couch. Still, I was careful to slide the pocket door to the hallway to my parents' room shut - figuring that would:
- Cut the Don Kirshner show noise
- Give time for clothing adjustment in case a parent woke up and needed a drink of water
His show was nothing fancy. He'd come out and introduce the band - just like a concert - thus the name Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. And they'd play. I think they should do more of that these days - I might learn to like more bands. Don himself was no ball of fire - he'd never make it today as an announcer. Today they'd have some flashy, sexy on screen personality. Fond memories of Don and his show - and I read he was married to the same woman for 50 years. Here's to you Don! RIP
Last night, after church we pre-partied at McFees and then proceeded to Crestmoor - invited by McKims for Steak Night. There was a big crowd there. I enjoyed a nice big vodka tonic and chatting with folks I hadn't seen for a while.
Neighbors Kit and Jeff Mostek. Kit was interested in Amy and Jud's latest doings. We heard about what their twins are up to - 8th grade basketball these days. Dave Driskell is always good for a laugh. The Coen fam was celebrating matriarch Dora's 86th bday - Kate and Mike filled us in on their son John and wife Jackie's three children. That couple was one we sponsored in our church. Favorites actually.
Whenever we go to Crestmoor, I can't help but think about the awful thing that happened there. The sexual assault (at least that's what they were convicted of) of a bar maid by two law enforcement officers late one night three years ago. I saw Missy Sickels Friday night at A&G. What a tragedy - no matter what happened the results are that three little girls and a wife are without a father and husband for 17 years. I don't know the victim - and admit I don't know the repercussions to her.
Regardless of the location, we did have a fun night on a cold and snowy, blowy winter night in Iowa. We were home before 10:30 PM. I had a great steak (with leftovers for today) I didn't drink too much - another benefit of Weight Watchers - booze is too many calories! Small towns can be boring. But they have their benefits - last night was a fun night in a small town.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Eat 'em up Panthers
Larry - Deb's husband (the sometime Creston News Advertiser sports guy) took this photo and sent it to me - calling us "Fans of the Year" Um I guess we look less than enthusiastic...and our team was winning!
It was a sparse crowd - and made me miss the days of Kyle McCann and Ben Gerleman. Click here for school sports website and to hear the fight song if you're feeling nostalgic.
http://www.creston.k12.ia.us/
Our neighbor Colby Taylor plays for the Panthers, along with Luke Eblen, the son of a friend Pet. Colby is a young skinny tall sophomore and Luke is finally a senior - he's played varsity since his freshman year. There are a couple other kids I know from church. But the farther we get from the years our kids attended CHS, the fewer we know.
What a difference - to attend games when your child isn't involved. I remember the passion involved when I perceived the refs were "screwing" our team. Or when players from other teams were trying to hurt my kids. Amy did "break her f'in nose" (one of my favorite lines from The Longest Yard) in a game years ago. Luckily it didn't end up flattened sideways on her cheek. I could have run out on the court and elbow checked the chick that did it.
Girls' sports in Creston haven't had a very good fan-following through the years. This year they've had some boy-girl double headers. The link above has photos from one of those when there was an event going on - a fund-raiser for lupus or similar disease a hs student suffers from. Good support there.
Jud's group always had fairly decent support as they were a pretty good team. We enjoyed traveling with those parents and often car-pooled to games. We're still friends with those parents. They were a fun team to watch too, even though my baby boy didn't get to play as much as his parents would have liked!
But yes, I was once one of those over-the-top parents. Yelling things at referees that I shouldn't. Bitching about the coaching - though I usually reserved that for my husband's ears only on the drive home from the game. Our lives were pretty wrapped up in sports back then - it was hard to fast-forward to a time when we wouldn't care so much. Like now.
The crowd at last night's game was pathetic. I talked to Peg Eblen after the game - her youngest is now a frosh. She talked about how his teammate's parents are mostly first time parents - uninitiated about the ways of sports. They think that just because their kids were undefeated in junior high, that their kids will be great in high school. Peg was once that parent - back when we were the veteran parents.
A never-ending cycle. I hope they have some success so they have better crowds than last night!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Bass Pro and my diet
I've been in the shopping doldrums since Christmas...until this week anyway. I just haven't been able to pull the trigger. Oops guess we're not supposed to used gun references anymore. Oh well...I am married to a hunter..
Guess I'm feeling poor. Perhaps it's the change in Governors...but I had a $5 off coupon from my good friend Eddie. You know Eddie Bauer? He likes that I've spent some of my hard earned cash at his place this past year, so he shelled out a whole $5 - but I had to use it by 1/24. So I found a nice purple pull over for $24 earlier this week at Valley West.
And I was very tempted to buy some shoes at Von Mauer - in the sale room for $45. Half price! But when it came down to it, I just couldn't justify those babies. So I walked away. Paul will be so proud!
Today was time sheet day - I got 10 hours of comp time in the past two weeks and that was with me leaving work at 3:30 today. And I have a meeting here in DM tomorrow so I wasn't heading home...so I went east to Bass Pro where they often have good sale prices on active wear. That's what we call the kind of clothes I like...the not too dressy stuff. Columbia, North Face and more.
I ended up scoring (a sports term, yes, but not a gun term) some grey jeans and an orange Henley for $10. Got a green shirt for Pablo the Pool Boy too.
My diet has sucked this week. Traveling makes it difficult to eat healthy. My lack of willpower is also part of the problem! I hope to get back on the wagon now that I'm done with those dang audits. I have walked on the treadmill the past couple nights. yay me.
Guess I'm feeling poor. Perhaps it's the change in Governors...but I had a $5 off coupon from my good friend Eddie. You know Eddie Bauer? He likes that I've spent some of my hard earned cash at his place this past year, so he shelled out a whole $5 - but I had to use it by 1/24. So I found a nice purple pull over for $24 earlier this week at Valley West.
And I was very tempted to buy some shoes at Von Mauer - in the sale room for $45. Half price! But when it came down to it, I just couldn't justify those babies. So I walked away. Paul will be so proud!
Today was time sheet day - I got 10 hours of comp time in the past two weeks and that was with me leaving work at 3:30 today. And I have a meeting here in DM tomorrow so I wasn't heading home...so I went east to Bass Pro where they often have good sale prices on active wear. That's what we call the kind of clothes I like...the not too dressy stuff. Columbia, North Face and more.
I ended up scoring (a sports term, yes, but not a gun term) some grey jeans and an orange Henley for $10. Got a green shirt for Pablo the Pool Boy too.
My diet has sucked this week. Traveling makes it difficult to eat healthy. My lack of willpower is also part of the problem! I hope to get back on the wagon now that I'm done with those dang audits. I have walked on the treadmill the past couple nights. yay me.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Done, Phew...
Finally done with #6 of 6 Environmental Management System Audits. It was at the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency. Phew. I am so burned out. I mean fried. When we got back I gassed the state car up and forgot to record the gallons. Oh man, Tina the car pool lady will be pissed.
I really am the one who should be angry, Tina. You gave me a damn Taurus to drive today. I brought you a Strudel from Pella a few weeks ago and you did pay me back with a couple pretty nice Impalas. But today, the Strudel ran out I guess...
My Supe Jennifer and I drove to Cedar Rapids for our last EMS Audit separately from our partner in crime Jeff. He drove another car over for a guy in our department - we arranged to pick him up at Coral Ridge Mall in Iowa City. The roads were fine - until the last mile there when the guy behind me did a 360 spin. Yikes! Jeff drove after that. Our wiper sprayer wouldn't work - frozen so Jeff stopped and bought some fluid to pour on the nozzles to open them up.
The past three weeks have wiped me out. Ya see, I'm not used to speaking to people this much. Dang! I get sick of the sound of my own voice. I need my personal space. I am tired of traveling and early road trips. Now I get to do all the write ups of the audits. With Jennifer and her red pen editing...
I really am the one who should be angry, Tina. You gave me a damn Taurus to drive today. I brought you a Strudel from Pella a few weeks ago and you did pay me back with a couple pretty nice Impalas. But today, the Strudel ran out I guess...
My Supe Jennifer and I drove to Cedar Rapids for our last EMS Audit separately from our partner in crime Jeff. He drove another car over for a guy in our department - we arranged to pick him up at Coral Ridge Mall in Iowa City. The roads were fine - until the last mile there when the guy behind me did a 360 spin. Yikes! Jeff drove after that. Our wiper sprayer wouldn't work - frozen so Jeff stopped and bought some fluid to pour on the nozzles to open them up.
The past three weeks have wiped me out. Ya see, I'm not used to speaking to people this much. Dang! I get sick of the sound of my own voice. I need my personal space. I am tired of traveling and early road trips. Now I get to do all the write ups of the audits. With Jennifer and her red pen editing...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Our State Capitol
It's really cold here in Ioway. My nose was running like a racehorse when I got inside the door. I chatted with all the IRA (not Irish Republican Army) members - and the legislators slowly began to shuffle in. A young man who is a high school student from Waukee took photos. He is a legislative page, all excited about the new session.
I talked to two legislators from Osage - telling each that I used to live there and work at Fox River. I spoke to one from Mason City who knew Dr. Dunker. and Bill Rowland from the landfill. Two new guys are from Jackson County. One was from Harlan - she was in a hurry. Another was from Ottumwa. Towards the end, my very own representative, Cecil Dolecheck stopped by. It was very nice to see him.
Seeing all the legislators, explaining what I do - and why it is important. All in a building where laws are formulated and passed. History is made. Cool stuff.
Monday, January 17, 2011
V. Lamona
I had lunch with Lamona today. That is Violet Lamona Bilderback - my former co-worker at First National Bank, my first job here in Crestonia. After my "big" promotion from bookkeeper to loan clerk, I work with Lamona very closely because she was a loan officer. And I grew to love that lady!
Lamona is a wonderful woman who would do anything for you. And she has been there for me several times in my life. She knew me through my being a young mother, pregnancies, losing Patrick, parents and many other life events. In the meantime Lamona retired from FNB and found a second career working at a funeral home. She's a real natural at comforting people.
We've stayed friends through the years despite our age differences - she's probably 20 years older than I am. Kinda funny - that's how much older I am than Angie and Becky at my work. Friendships sure can span generations.
I'm glad I made the call to get together with Lamona. Another side note - after knowing Mona for several years I later became friends with her nieces Jeanne and Patti. Only in a small town...
The friends I've made in Creston are treasures. Lamona is a gem!
Lamona is a wonderful woman who would do anything for you. And she has been there for me several times in my life. She knew me through my being a young mother, pregnancies, losing Patrick, parents and many other life events. In the meantime Lamona retired from FNB and found a second career working at a funeral home. She's a real natural at comforting people.
We've stayed friends through the years despite our age differences - she's probably 20 years older than I am. Kinda funny - that's how much older I am than Angie and Becky at my work. Friendships sure can span generations.
I'm glad I made the call to get together with Lamona. Another side note - after knowing Mona for several years I later became friends with her nieces Jeanne and Patti. Only in a small town...
The friends I've made in Creston are treasures. Lamona is a gem!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Dreaming of vacations
Betso is coming to Florida! I haven't even allowed myself to think about our annual trip to Marco Island so far this winter. But after the rough driving week of this past week, it's time.
I had a near miss with a semi on my drive to DSM Tuesday. Jeff McFee tells me semi drivers have to hit a switch to release their trailers. So the driver must have done that in order to keep control of his tractor. Whatever happened - scared the bejesus out of me! Then Friday - I was in Centerville with my EMS Audit Team, Jen (my Supe) and Jeff (a co-worker). I'd left my car in Albia, on Hwy 34 so I could drive home after our audit and tour of the Rathbun Solid Waste facilities.
We finished up in Centerville around 2:30 PM and started north - with a stop on the way. Jen had spent New Year's Eve with her whole fam at Honey Creek Resort at Lake Rathbun. It's a beautiful destination resort built by Iowa DNR right on a huge man-made lake. See the link. It's a great place for a family reunion.
http://www.honeycreekresort.com/
Her eight year old daughter left her slippers there - Jen had thoughts of retrieval. No such luck though... It's a cool place - worth a stop if you ever get the chance. About then Jeff got a call from his partner Nick - mentioning freezing rain in DSM. Paul had called earlier saying the same thing about Creston. #%*$(#
So we got on the road. When I got my car in Albia, sure enough all sorts of precip was falling - rain, sleet, snow. The pavement was wet but I couldn't tell if it was slick and really didn't want to test it. I went about 50 mph as I headed west towards Chariton - thinking to myself, "I can always give my friend Leslie Goldsmith a call!" (recall that is where alternative Leslie and Paul Goldsmith live)
But I didn't feel any slip sliding, so I kept forging ahead, listening to my book - the third one I've gotten of the trilogy - Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I'm on #2. When I got to Osceola (home of our friend and new Lt. Gov Kim Reynolds), the pavement finally dried up. Phew. I need a massage after stressful work (these EMS audits are a bitch) and driving. Plus I need a lemondrop martini or two (took care of that Friday night...)
So last week Betsy said she was looking into airfare to go to Marco while Cindy, Paul and I are there. Paul may get to drive 3 Miss Daisys around! That would be such fun. I haven't even allowed myself to think ahead about my paradise...but this week I start to! And now Bobbie has booked us on a summer vaca in San Antonio along with McKims and Higgins. Always a good time with the tailgating group! I love having stuff to look forward to.
I had a near miss with a semi on my drive to DSM Tuesday. Jeff McFee tells me semi drivers have to hit a switch to release their trailers. So the driver must have done that in order to keep control of his tractor. Whatever happened - scared the bejesus out of me! Then Friday - I was in Centerville with my EMS Audit Team, Jen (my Supe) and Jeff (a co-worker). I'd left my car in Albia, on Hwy 34 so I could drive home after our audit and tour of the Rathbun Solid Waste facilities.
We finished up in Centerville around 2:30 PM and started north - with a stop on the way. Jen had spent New Year's Eve with her whole fam at Honey Creek Resort at Lake Rathbun. It's a beautiful destination resort built by Iowa DNR right on a huge man-made lake. See the link. It's a great place for a family reunion.
http://www.honeycreekresort.com/
Her eight year old daughter left her slippers there - Jen had thoughts of retrieval. No such luck though... It's a cool place - worth a stop if you ever get the chance. About then Jeff got a call from his partner Nick - mentioning freezing rain in DSM. Paul had called earlier saying the same thing about Creston. #%*$(#
So we got on the road. When I got my car in Albia, sure enough all sorts of precip was falling - rain, sleet, snow. The pavement was wet but I couldn't tell if it was slick and really didn't want to test it. I went about 50 mph as I headed west towards Chariton - thinking to myself, "I can always give my friend Leslie Goldsmith a call!" (recall that is where alternative Leslie and Paul Goldsmith live)
But I didn't feel any slip sliding, so I kept forging ahead, listening to my book - the third one I've gotten of the trilogy - Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I'm on #2. When I got to Osceola (home of our friend and new Lt. Gov Kim Reynolds), the pavement finally dried up. Phew. I need a massage after stressful work (these EMS audits are a bitch) and driving. Plus I need a lemondrop martini or two (took care of that Friday night...)
So last week Betsy said she was looking into airfare to go to Marco while Cindy, Paul and I are there. Paul may get to drive 3 Miss Daisys around! That would be such fun. I haven't even allowed myself to think ahead about my paradise...but this week I start to! And now Bobbie has booked us on a summer vaca in San Antonio along with McKims and Higgins. Always a good time with the tailgating group! I love having stuff to look forward to.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Scrumptious Soup
I love soup. I picked out a soup recipe in a Crock Pot cookbook, and tweaked it a bit because Wally World didn't have any low fat hamburger and I'm trying to lose weight. So I got turkey burger instead. Paul was leery - not beef!?!?
Here's the recipe - I tweaked a bit more as I realized in my cleaning frenzy I tossed the soy sauce.
1 lb ground turkey - 93% fat free and they mean it. I didn't have to drain it
1 cup carrots sliced fairly thin
1 cup celery
1 onion diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 8 ounce tomato sauce
1 package onion soup mix
you're also supposed to use 1 package Italian dressing mix, but I realized I'd purchased Ranch. (yes, that's how I cook, ridiculous - no?) so I put in a little of it but not a lot
seasoned salt
seasoned pepper
3 cups of boiling water
Soy sauce - can't remember how much, but I used Worcestershire instead, plus a bit 'o hot sauce for fun.
2 cups cooked elbow mac (I used wheat mac)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
parsley
Brown the turkey and put in the crock pot with all fresh stuff. Cook all that stuff on low for 6-8 hours. 1/2 hour before you eat cook mac and put it in the mix with cheese. Add parsley right before you eat. Quite tasty and guess who said the turkey was a nice touch? Yes, my poolboy. I love soup - especially this time of year. I'm going to make this recipe again!
Here's the recipe - I tweaked a bit more as I realized in my cleaning frenzy I tossed the soy sauce.
1 lb ground turkey - 93% fat free and they mean it. I didn't have to drain it
1 cup carrots sliced fairly thin
1 cup celery
1 onion diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 8 ounce tomato sauce
1 package onion soup mix
you're also supposed to use 1 package Italian dressing mix, but I realized I'd purchased Ranch. (yes, that's how I cook, ridiculous - no?) so I put in a little of it but not a lot
seasoned salt
seasoned pepper
3 cups of boiling water
Soy sauce - can't remember how much, but I used Worcestershire instead, plus a bit 'o hot sauce for fun.
2 cups cooked elbow mac (I used wheat mac)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
parsley
Brown the turkey and put in the crock pot with all fresh stuff. Cook all that stuff on low for 6-8 hours. 1/2 hour before you eat cook mac and put it in the mix with cheese. Add parsley right before you eat. Quite tasty and guess who said the turkey was a nice touch? Yes, my poolboy. I love soup - especially this time of year. I'm going to make this recipe again!
It's been a week
One week since the tragic shootings in Tucson. I've had a week to process the event. Lots of finger pointing. It's natural to want to find a "reason" this happened - so we can stop it and it doesn't happen again. Jon Stewart says this best:
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2011/01/11/jon_stewart_arizona_shooting/index.html
It's like when you hear of a car wreck. I usually want to hear some detail - like they were speeding, or some reason someone was at fault so I can avoid doing that thing and stay safe. But just like many car wrecks - in this case, the perpetrator is mentally ill - and there was no easy way to put a stop to that run away train.
There always be mentally ill people among us. How they get their hands on guns and other weapons is the scary part to me. Why the people around them don't pick up on the clues that they are going to do harm to others is a mystery. Most likely it's a case of crying wolf many other times. They've said things in the past that didn't come to pass, so family and friends didn't believe this would happen either.
I certainly don't understand those who believe anyone should have the right to bear arms - everywhere and rapid fire. Iowa now has new rules so that people can take weapons into bars, and carry them loaded in vehicles! That is a recipe for tragedy. Tick one of those people off and wait for the first road rage "accident". "I just meant to scare him with my assault weapon!" It's quite frightening.
As a public employee I can't help but feel the rage directed at government employees in general. Just read comments directed at staties in the online versino of the paper when the DM Register writes about Gov. Branstad's mission to cut the workforce and cut benefits. Nobody likes taxes, but do people truly want no services? No clean water, parks, safe landfills, energy efficient businesses? Many costs result when services aren't performed on the front end. And if you privatize some of these services as the Gov suggests you may end up paying more for less.
Nobody is above justifying what they do and why. Bring it on! I work very hard, use my own cell phone and laptop for my job and put in time that I don't get paid for. I'm not getting stinking rich at this job - I'm doing something I believe in, working with others who are professionals at what they do. We work in a building that leaves a lot to be desired. It's not cushy by any means. Nobody should be above justifying their job though - especially when it's being paid by for by taxpayers, or in may case by trash fees. Bring it on!
In the meantime politicians - please tone it down. Think before you speak. Crazy people don't need any help.
And don't just cut budgets because you said you would - make sure it makes sense! The cuts you make might just cost more money in the long run...
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2011/01/11/jon_stewart_arizona_shooting/index.html
It's like when you hear of a car wreck. I usually want to hear some detail - like they were speeding, or some reason someone was at fault so I can avoid doing that thing and stay safe. But just like many car wrecks - in this case, the perpetrator is mentally ill - and there was no easy way to put a stop to that run away train.
There always be mentally ill people among us. How they get their hands on guns and other weapons is the scary part to me. Why the people around them don't pick up on the clues that they are going to do harm to others is a mystery. Most likely it's a case of crying wolf many other times. They've said things in the past that didn't come to pass, so family and friends didn't believe this would happen either.
I certainly don't understand those who believe anyone should have the right to bear arms - everywhere and rapid fire. Iowa now has new rules so that people can take weapons into bars, and carry them loaded in vehicles! That is a recipe for tragedy. Tick one of those people off and wait for the first road rage "accident". "I just meant to scare him with my assault weapon!" It's quite frightening.
As a public employee I can't help but feel the rage directed at government employees in general. Just read comments directed at staties in the online versino of the paper when the DM Register writes about Gov. Branstad's mission to cut the workforce and cut benefits. Nobody likes taxes, but do people truly want no services? No clean water, parks, safe landfills, energy efficient businesses? Many costs result when services aren't performed on the front end. And if you privatize some of these services as the Gov suggests you may end up paying more for less.
Nobody is above justifying what they do and why. Bring it on! I work very hard, use my own cell phone and laptop for my job and put in time that I don't get paid for. I'm not getting stinking rich at this job - I'm doing something I believe in, working with others who are professionals at what they do. We work in a building that leaves a lot to be desired. It's not cushy by any means. Nobody should be above justifying their job though - especially when it's being paid by for by taxpayers, or in may case by trash fees. Bring it on!
In the meantime politicians - please tone it down. Think before you speak. Crazy people don't need any help.
And don't just cut budgets because you said you would - make sure it makes sense! The cuts you make might just cost more money in the long run...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Carol Glynn laid to rest
Carol Glynn of Creston was laid to rest today. She was only 67 - just Mom's age when she died. Carol fought the brave battle with breast cancer - holding it off for several years before that evil disease took her at last, on Sunday. She lasted at least a month after the docs told the family to have their Christmas as she wouldn't last.
I always liked Carol - she was one of those people who could get away with calling me Les. Usually I don't like people who aren't family members or good friends calling by that familiar name. Somehow Carol got away with it from the beginning - and it didn't bother me. She was just like that. I think she's in heaven now callin' God "Big Guy".
I always liked Carol - she was one of those people who could get away with calling me Les. Usually I don't like people who aren't family members or good friends calling by that familiar name. Somehow Carol got away with it from the beginning - and it didn't bother me. She was just like that. I think she's in heaven now callin' God "Big Guy".
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Mall observations
I decided to go to the mall on a frigid evening after work. It's always a little lonely - walking about by myself. I don't usually walk and talk on my phone though - pretending to have friends.
So I was at Younkers at Jordan Creek. I had made a quick jaunt through the shoes and was heading towards women's clothes when I heard, "I'll be working forever!" I had paused to check out the sale rack, so I kept listening. The woman went on to tell her friend, "Bob left for another girl." Hmm - just how old is this person? I ask myself... It was obviously two Younkers workers catching up...
Then the other one tops her by saying, "You know Jim died." I was moving towards another section by then - but did expect worker number 1 to exclaim how sorry she was. But nope she just went on about her career. Perhaps Jim was her cat...
At the sale rack two ladies were playing this game - it made me chuckle: "I bought this for you last week" - while holding up a hideous article of clothing. They'd both howl.
The mall stalker check tried to nail me with a sample of something - twice. "I said NO dammit - I don't want your stinkin' whatever it is!" I wanted to say. Instead I said. "No thank you." My mom would be proud.
So I was at Younkers at Jordan Creek. I had made a quick jaunt through the shoes and was heading towards women's clothes when I heard, "I'll be working forever!" I had paused to check out the sale rack, so I kept listening. The woman went on to tell her friend, "Bob left for another girl." Hmm - just how old is this person? I ask myself... It was obviously two Younkers workers catching up...
Then the other one tops her by saying, "You know Jim died." I was moving towards another section by then - but did expect worker number 1 to exclaim how sorry she was. But nope she just went on about her career. Perhaps Jim was her cat...
At the sale rack two ladies were playing this game - it made me chuckle: "I bought this for you last week" - while holding up a hideous article of clothing. They'd both howl.
The mall stalker check tried to nail me with a sample of something - twice. "I said NO dammit - I don't want your stinkin' whatever it is!" I wanted to say. Instead I said. "No thank you." My mom would be proud.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Near miss
this wasn't the truck I saw...and it looked a lot bigger in my rear view mirror. I could actually see an orange wire and a black wire in my mirror - that's how close it was to me...
Fate and destiny. And some luck. Divine intervention? Who knows...something or someone was watching over me today as I drove to Des Moines today in less than ideal weather.
I worked at home yesterday ya know - snow day. I was almost like the olden days - home on a week night. But this a.m. I was antsy - figuring I needed to pick the optimal time to drive up here - after the big snow but before the wind picked up. And before the morning commute. That's when all the idiots are out!
So about 9 a.m. I took off - I couldn't stand the pressure any longer! I headed east on Highway 34 - the ditches aren't quite as deep that way, and I-35 is a bit less crowed than i-80. Yikes- Highway 34 was solid ice at least an inch thick. Bad start to my trip with a wreck right on the edge of Creston. But I kept going - at about a 35-40 mph clip.
Once I got to the Clark County line the roads got a little better. I approached Osceola and a car pulled over at passing lane for me. Thanks buddy! I did the same for the semi behind me. The truck approached and WHA? As it pulled up by my bumper, the trailer swung around towards the ditch - I could see it in my rear view mirror. WHA? It was no longer attached to the tractor...SHEEIT. It gradually swung into the ditch. I made a guttural noise and punched the gas - speeding up while the tractor and the car we had both passed pulled over. I was out of there...
Adrenalin pumped! Soon I was at Interstate 35, ready to take on that battle next. The wind was blowing by then...and between that and ice, it too was interesting. My 1.25 hour commute had turned into a 2 hour jacked up commute. But I could easily have been wiped out by that trailer - he could have been right next to me when the thing let go. Kinda creeps me out. And makes me feel blessed. And lucky.
I worked at home yesterday ya know - snow day. I was almost like the olden days - home on a week night. But this a.m. I was antsy - figuring I needed to pick the optimal time to drive up here - after the big snow but before the wind picked up. And before the morning commute. That's when all the idiots are out!
So about 9 a.m. I took off - I couldn't stand the pressure any longer! I headed east on Highway 34 - the ditches aren't quite as deep that way, and I-35 is a bit less crowed than i-80. Yikes- Highway 34 was solid ice at least an inch thick. Bad start to my trip with a wreck right on the edge of Creston. But I kept going - at about a 35-40 mph clip.
Once I got to the Clark County line the roads got a little better. I approached Osceola and a car pulled over at passing lane for me. Thanks buddy! I did the same for the semi behind me. The truck approached and WHA? As it pulled up by my bumper, the trailer swung around towards the ditch - I could see it in my rear view mirror. WHA? It was no longer attached to the tractor...SHEEIT. It gradually swung into the ditch. I made a guttural noise and punched the gas - speeding up while the tractor and the car we had both passed pulled over. I was out of there...
Adrenalin pumped! Soon I was at Interstate 35, ready to take on that battle next. The wind was blowing by then...and between that and ice, it too was interesting. My 1.25 hour commute had turned into a 2 hour jacked up commute. But I could easily have been wiped out by that trailer - he could have been right next to me when the thing let go. Kinda creeps me out. And makes me feel blessed. And lucky.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snow Day
I had a nice snow day today. I had breakfast at S&K Cafe with my homegals. Oatmeal, yum. Good conversation. It had been snowing during the night, and continued to do so during breakfast.
I got home and checked the news. Looked like a bad idea to head to DSM. Fender benders on the commute. Traffic at a standstill. I decided to work at home - and emailed my supervisor the news. She called me shortly after to say - good idea.
I watched it snow while I worked on several documents. Plus I took some phone calls. I got a lot done! We ever scooped some snow. It was nice to be home on a Monday night - to eat porkchops and watch the national championship game with Pablo, my poolboy.
I'll try again tomorrow to make the trek - it's supposed to stop snowing in the a.m.
I got home and checked the news. Looked like a bad idea to head to DSM. Fender benders on the commute. Traffic at a standstill. I decided to work at home - and emailed my supervisor the news. She called me shortly after to say - good idea.
I watched it snow while I worked on several documents. Plus I took some phone calls. I got a lot done! We ever scooped some snow. It was nice to be home on a Monday night - to eat porkchops and watch the national championship game with Pablo, my poolboy.
I'll try again tomorrow to make the trek - it's supposed to stop snowing in the a.m.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Healthy cooking
This weekend I broke out the Weight Watchers cookbook I bought at the Planned Parenthood booksale last fall. Paul and I made a tomato chicken soup - it's quite delicious! I purchased all the ingredients yesterday at Fareway. I think planning meals is really the toughest part of healthy eating!
Paul's my chopper guy. He's my Mack the Knife. I organized the reciped and got the pans ready with olive oil whilst Chef Pablo was slicing and dicing. I needed to saute carrots, shallots. In the other pan I had chicken breasts cooking. Once the stuff then I added diced tomatoes, chix broth plus 2 potatoes diced and several herbs and spices. Brought that all to a boil. Through it all into the crockpot for a few hours along with the chicken and some funky beans that were drained and rinsed. Delish!
Today I'm marinating center cut chops with a honey/dijon mustard/red wine vinegar mix that I cooked for tomorrow night's supper. I'm banking on this snow to keep me home tomorrow. (I messed up, not realizing the stuff needed to marinate overnight). Paul's got chili cooking for today.
I did have pizza at A&G on Friday night - 1.5 pieces. But I deserved the hell out of it, despite my unhealthy eating ways of my week due to traveling. (lil hint - don't select the vegetarian ravioli at Olive Garden - it's a whopping freakin' 17 Weight Watchers points!) And that's not counting the nice lemondrop martini I had along with it.
I bought some darling little Clementines yesterday - you know those tiny oranges. 0 points. This is exactly why I'm trying out this WWatchers thing - to encourage the self-discipline it takes to eat better. Much easier at my house than in DSM. I'll keep working at it!
Paul's my chopper guy. He's my Mack the Knife. I organized the reciped and got the pans ready with olive oil whilst Chef Pablo was slicing and dicing. I needed to saute carrots, shallots. In the other pan I had chicken breasts cooking. Once the stuff then I added diced tomatoes, chix broth plus 2 potatoes diced and several herbs and spices. Brought that all to a boil. Through it all into the crockpot for a few hours along with the chicken and some funky beans that were drained and rinsed. Delish!
Today I'm marinating center cut chops with a honey/dijon mustard/red wine vinegar mix that I cooked for tomorrow night's supper. I'm banking on this snow to keep me home tomorrow. (I messed up, not realizing the stuff needed to marinate overnight). Paul's got chili cooking for today.
I did have pizza at A&G on Friday night - 1.5 pieces. But I deserved the hell out of it, despite my unhealthy eating ways of my week due to traveling. (lil hint - don't select the vegetarian ravioli at Olive Garden - it's a whopping freakin' 17 Weight Watchers points!) And that's not counting the nice lemondrop martini I had along with it.
I bought some darling little Clementines yesterday - you know those tiny oranges. 0 points. This is exactly why I'm trying out this WWatchers thing - to encourage the self-discipline it takes to eat better. Much easier at my house than in DSM. I'll keep working at it!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Fried
I arrived home in Creston today fried to a crackly crunch. I mean toasted. I have not been in need of a weekend this badly in the two years since taking the DNR job. Whew!
The two days of auditing in Davenport and Dubuque were very wearing. The twelve hour days - between traveling and talking, questioning the auditees constantly during the audit. I'm not used to the constant "on" position. Tough on this old broad!
Day one we were in Davenport until 4:30 or so - in a cold room and touring facilities in and outside. The agency there has a delightful young energetic staff. I really like them! We headed to Dubuque, stopping in my college roomie, Vicki's hometown of DeWitt to gas up. Lucky for me Jeff took over driving duties. Pulled into the Fairfield Inn about 6:15 PM and at at Olive Garden next door. I had a nice Lemondrop that night. Slept lousy. Missed my bed (or my Joan bed).
Got lost trying to find the Public Works office in Dubuque - stress right away Thursday a.m. Another tough morning of constant talking. I get sick of hearing myself talk! After lunch we headed to the landfill on the west side of town, another cold visit to facilities. Long drive back with much discussion - I should have held me tongue more. Self flagellation later. We arrived in DSM about 6:30 - I had to gas up the car and arrived back at Joan's about 7:15 - decided not to head to Creston as last time I drove home late on a Thursday I ended up with car damage...
Went to bed exhausted before 9 PM. Woke up at 2:30 AM with my fretter all jacked up. Worrying about writing up the audits. Decided to read a bit to take my mind off of work stuff. Slept in until 6 AM and discovered snowy roads for my commute. Yuck! Headache popped up at work and didn't get rid of it all day. A bit slick on my drive home to Crestonia but my trusty Subaru got me here safely - left work about noon. Glad to be home! Still hurting head and quesy stomach - pizza at A&G with McKims - Ryan and Megan are visiting, and McFees. Pop another Frova and drink pop. Finally feel better. YAY. My weekend is here!
The two days of auditing in Davenport and Dubuque were very wearing. The twelve hour days - between traveling and talking, questioning the auditees constantly during the audit. I'm not used to the constant "on" position. Tough on this old broad!
Day one we were in Davenport until 4:30 or so - in a cold room and touring facilities in and outside. The agency there has a delightful young energetic staff. I really like them! We headed to Dubuque, stopping in my college roomie, Vicki's hometown of DeWitt to gas up. Lucky for me Jeff took over driving duties. Pulled into the Fairfield Inn about 6:15 PM and at at Olive Garden next door. I had a nice Lemondrop that night. Slept lousy. Missed my bed (or my Joan bed).
Got lost trying to find the Public Works office in Dubuque - stress right away Thursday a.m. Another tough morning of constant talking. I get sick of hearing myself talk! After lunch we headed to the landfill on the west side of town, another cold visit to facilities. Long drive back with much discussion - I should have held me tongue more. Self flagellation later. We arrived in DSM about 6:30 - I had to gas up the car and arrived back at Joan's about 7:15 - decided not to head to Creston as last time I drove home late on a Thursday I ended up with car damage...
Went to bed exhausted before 9 PM. Woke up at 2:30 AM with my fretter all jacked up. Worrying about writing up the audits. Decided to read a bit to take my mind off of work stuff. Slept in until 6 AM and discovered snowy roads for my commute. Yuck! Headache popped up at work and didn't get rid of it all day. A bit slick on my drive home to Crestonia but my trusty Subaru got me here safely - left work about noon. Glad to be home! Still hurting head and quesy stomach - pizza at A&G with McKims - Ryan and Megan are visiting, and McFees. Pop another Frova and drink pop. Finally feel better. YAY. My weekend is here!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
On the road
I'm on the road again. Hit the road at 5:30 a.m. today - picked up my supe and another colleague. We headed to Davenport for an Environmental Management System audit. It was more fun than it sounds. We meet with people from the local recycling facilities and landfill. We get to ask them questions about what they do.
You prolly know by now I am interested about that stuff. I AM the trash lady after all! So I like talking trash.
After our long day, Jeff, Jen and I drove to Dubuque and checked into the Fairfield Inn. We ate at the Olive Garden nearby (I had a nice cocktail) and now I'm relaxing before I hit the hay.
Tomorrow we hit the audit trail again at the Dubuque Solid Waste Agency. I hope we cruise through it and get back to Des Moines at a decent time - like 6 PM. Today sucked for a Weight Watchers participant!
You prolly know by now I am interested about that stuff. I AM the trash lady after all! So I like talking trash.
After our long day, Jeff, Jen and I drove to Dubuque and checked into the Fairfield Inn. We ate at the Olive Garden nearby (I had a nice cocktail) and now I'm relaxing before I hit the hay.
Tomorrow we hit the audit trail again at the Dubuque Solid Waste Agency. I hope we cruise through it and get back to Des Moines at a decent time - like 6 PM. Today sucked for a Weight Watchers participant!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
It's a Christmas Miracle...at New Years...
Joan's basement is cleaned out of all the stacks of clothing that have been there - on the couch since...forever! She's had some of the clothes for 13 years - since before she moved to Kansas City and back. A few still had tags attached. I'd like to claim responsibility for getting her to recycle said threads. I've been threatening to take matters into my own hands. But no.
Twas her sis, and the threat of an upcoming party she was throwing! Ah nothing like throwing a party to get one motivated to clean house! It gets me motivated to deep clean too. Joan said she and her sis Jeanne were up until 4 a.m. Friday sorting and spiffing. They put up shelves and stuffed the apparel into some seven trash bags - bound for a women's shelter and Goodwill. Yay for Joan!
And I thought I was doing good by cleaning out old food from my cupboards! I'm motivated to look through her Tupperware (translate - all things plastic) cupboard next. She's got lots of bottoms and lots of tops but you can't find one to match the other!
Twas her sis, and the threat of an upcoming party she was throwing! Ah nothing like throwing a party to get one motivated to clean house! It gets me motivated to deep clean too. Joan said she and her sis Jeanne were up until 4 a.m. Friday sorting and spiffing. They put up shelves and stuffed the apparel into some seven trash bags - bound for a women's shelter and Goodwill. Yay for Joan!
And I thought I was doing good by cleaning out old food from my cupboards! I'm motivated to look through her Tupperware (translate - all things plastic) cupboard next. She's got lots of bottoms and lots of tops but you can't find one to match the other!
Monday, January 3, 2011
My Gertrude Stein
One of my very fave Christmas gifts of all time was one from my Aunt Marty - my Gertrude Stein. Of course I'd never heard of her at the time I received the mug. Alice is so ugly she's cute - and her little lover Alice B. Toklas sits on her handle.
Gertrude was an American thinker and writer known for the art studio she put together with her brother Leo. The stein sits in a place of honor in our house - on the blanket press Paul built in the living room for all to see.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
My long weekend
Look how much I love my sissies! I love that TV too - I wonder if that's the one I used to watch Captain Kangaroo on?
I think Chris Deardorff (the red head) had ADD - she can't even pay attention to the camera. Yet Robyn (big smile front row) is hamming it up even then. Let's hope she wasn't "airing out her bottom" that day - going commando. I wish I could see what the necklace was that I have on. Is it something I won? Or some fabulous jewel? Lee - the birthday girl - blondie on the left - looks ready for everyone to just leave!
I like seeing what our house looked like. My goodness we had a lot of stuff around. I am reading right now with the lamp behind Betso. And I had the chair Mom is on for years, even got it re-covered once, but the springs just sprung too badly after 50 or so years of use. Our kitchen was so cool - with a bar sink right behind Mom. 
This fireplace was in our basement right at the bottom of the stairs. In the winter, Dad used to grill on it and we'd have barbeque night - we'd eat down there. I remember Betsy sitting in her little "high" chair - it was a portable one low to the ground. But in this pic, she wasn't around yet. We had a sitter named Mrs. Wise, who didn't keep a good enough eye on me one New Years Eve. I managed to drink the charcoal lighter kept by this fireplace.
So the whole fam damily had to truck down to old Atlantic Hospital as I had my stomach pumped. Susi relates that she had to come home from Marci Cochrons - a social faux pax. All my fault. Luckily I had no ill effects from that episode. I imagine it had a large part in me ending up working to bring safe disposal of household hazardous waste to Iowans. Burp!
Blog continued:
My weekend is nearly at an end. I really could do one more day without being totally bored. Alas I must get back to work. Today was quiet - church at 9 a.m. was the most excitement. Yes, not to worry - I prayed for all you heathens.
McFees and Higgins came over yesterday afternoon to watch some bowl games. Good to see everyone after Christmas. Hadn't seen Sharon and Al since, welp, for a long while! I feel so bad for her - her dad Bill is getting up there in years and her mom Viv has been gone for a couple years now.
Sharon's carried the load looking after Bill, making sure he's eating and taking meds etc. But he's had some health setbacks in the past few months and things aren't getting better. He's not a good patient. I can see it wearing on her - remember how it felt to "be the ball" when Dad was at Allen House but insisted he was going home. Thank God for Kay Harris! So I'm glad Higgins were able to get out and have a couple drinks. Plus we got to catch up with Bobbie, Jeff and Kimmy.
I walked down memory lane and scanned old photos today. Sure takes me back! From college to the kid's youthful years. I worried about both children of course- both were on the road. Amy traveling back up to Beaver Creek in snowy weather to work at Beano's. She's not going back until tomorrow a.m. so I'll continue to fret until she's back in Denver safe and sound. And Jud and Kara drove to Owatonna MN to meet her family. Gulp! I texted him asking if they were as wierd as we are. He got right back to me saying "Nope your weirder" Geez doesn't anybody in today's generation now the diff between you're and your? One is possessive! But I texted back and said "good!"
I want to be weird and interesting!
McFees and Higgins came over yesterday afternoon to watch some bowl games. Good to see everyone after Christmas. Hadn't seen Sharon and Al since, welp, for a long while! I feel so bad for her - her dad Bill is getting up there in years and her mom Viv has been gone for a couple years now.
Sharon's carried the load looking after Bill, making sure he's eating and taking meds etc. But he's had some health setbacks in the past few months and things aren't getting better. He's not a good patient. I can see it wearing on her - remember how it felt to "be the ball" when Dad was at Allen House but insisted he was going home. Thank God for Kay Harris! So I'm glad Higgins were able to get out and have a couple drinks. Plus we got to catch up with Bobbie, Jeff and Kimmy.
I walked down memory lane and scanned old photos today. Sure takes me back! From college to the kid's youthful years. I worried about both children of course- both were on the road. Amy traveling back up to Beaver Creek in snowy weather to work at Beano's. She's not going back until tomorrow a.m. so I'll continue to fret until she's back in Denver safe and sound. And Jud and Kara drove to Owatonna MN to meet her family. Gulp! I texted him asking if they were as wierd as we are. He got right back to me saying "Nope your weirder" Geez doesn't anybody in today's generation now the diff between you're and your? One is possessive! But I texted back and said "good!"
I want to be weird and interesting!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day 1 2011
2011 - I remember when we were going to party like "it's 1999". I'm watching all the year end TV shows and the prognostications looking ahead. Gloom and doom. Gas prices, food prices, crappy weather. In my experience, worrying about that stuff has been worse than actually living through it!
2010 was a pretty good year, I must say! Paul and I certainly enjoy having adult children. Not to say we didn't like having little ones - it was great while we were there, and I do get nostalgic for some parts of that. I'm also remembering my more youthful looks fondly - a face that didn't contain so many lines. (have you ever caught sight of yourself in the side mirror of the car - ey yie yie. they aren't kidding when they say objects are larger - the craters in my face! all the way out to Colorado I looked at them...)
I'd like to live with my honey each and every day. It's like a little divorce each Monday when I leave - we each have to steel ourselves to life without each other, except for that nightly phone call. But it's not looking like that's going to happen any day soon. So we'll keep on carrying on this way. The good news is - we love our friends and our home.
We had some great trips in 2011 - not starting with the one on 1/1/2010. That was when we drove home from Phoenix - the fun Christmas/ISU Bowlgame trip. Oh the trip was all fun (Christmas with my fam, bowl game - McKims, Conovers), but the drive home was pretty wretched - just because it was so f'in long. I think we laid low after that until our Marco Island, FL trip with Cindo - fab as usual and so relaxing. By the time we got back, it was spring!
Then our travel schedule really got hopping. The bestest part of all our trips was the people. We know some swell folks! Whether family or friends we are blessed with the best! (I know - kinda sugary sweet for me. Please don't let it rot your teeth right outta your head..)
2010 was a pretty good year, I must say! Paul and I certainly enjoy having adult children. Not to say we didn't like having little ones - it was great while we were there, and I do get nostalgic for some parts of that. I'm also remembering my more youthful looks fondly - a face that didn't contain so many lines. (have you ever caught sight of yourself in the side mirror of the car - ey yie yie. they aren't kidding when they say objects are larger - the craters in my face! all the way out to Colorado I looked at them...)
I'd like to live with my honey each and every day. It's like a little divorce each Monday when I leave - we each have to steel ourselves to life without each other, except for that nightly phone call. But it's not looking like that's going to happen any day soon. So we'll keep on carrying on this way. The good news is - we love our friends and our home.
We had some great trips in 2011 - not starting with the one on 1/1/2010. That was when we drove home from Phoenix - the fun Christmas/ISU Bowlgame trip. Oh the trip was all fun (Christmas with my fam, bowl game - McKims, Conovers), but the drive home was pretty wretched - just because it was so f'in long. I think we laid low after that until our Marco Island, FL trip with Cindo - fab as usual and so relaxing. By the time we got back, it was spring!
Then our travel schedule really got hopping. The bestest part of all our trips was the people. We know some swell folks! Whether family or friends we are blessed with the best! (I know - kinda sugary sweet for me. Please don't let it rot your teeth right outta your head..)
All in the same general time period: Taste of Chicago with Behrs and Wilts - a college buddy gathering. Stopped to see Juddy at his internship at J. Deere in Moline along our way. Memorial Day in Colorado at Cindo's and with Amy and the historical tour and retro concert at Red Rock. Gorgeous weather. Fun with our daughter. The McFee wedding. Independence Day was a rain out but we had fun drinking with the McFee clan and newlyweds Caleb and Krissy.
Then the big trip - Pasedena (this as I watch the Rose Bowl Parade - cooler now that I've been there), via LA, Santa Monica and Hollywood. For niece Leslie's wedding - with most of my beloved fam along for the big event. Not enough time to sufficiently talk to them all of course. We'll never forget making friends with Jorge the shuttle driver (we were with Cindo and Bolder - B makes friends wherever he goes) at the Best Western in SM - hugs all around when it was time to leave! Watching the Rose Bowl parade today as I write this - means a bit more now that I've been there! Jud, Paul and Bold liked the sports bar with a gazillion beers.
Paul and I did a combo work/Goldsmith fam trip to NW Iowa in August. Hauled the kayaks along while we visited first my old workplace Fox River and my friend Karla Smith in Osage. Then the nearby landfill and on to Decorah where we stayed at a cool restored hotel. Kayaked the Upper Iowa river on our way to the Goldsmith fam reunion in Preston, MN. Paul was STRIPPED of the green jacket at the golf tourney (what a relief). Stayed at the Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast - lovely place.
The very next weekend it was off to Osage Beach, MO - yes we are well traveled folks hitting all the Midwest states! Al and Sharon Higgins were kind enough to invite us once again to their lovely home on the lake there. This year they even got to stay (last year Sharon's aunt passed away). McFees and McKims also sweated away the weekend with us. Seriously hot - so we floated lots (yet my ice never melted...thanks Tervis Tumbler). And sipped, while under attack by some flying little fish. I had great concern one might fly into Sharon's cleavage...(I wasn't as obvious a target..)
It was very sad the next week to learn of Diana McKim's mom Betty's sudden death in a car accident. She was such a nice lady - we missed her tailgating this fall. I feel badly for Jim, going it alone now. Reminds me of Dad after mom passed away - like a rudderless ship. I hope 2011 is a healing time for the Brown family.
Of course September kicked off football season. It kinda dominates our lives! But in a good way. This year we went to KC in September for the KSU game. Headed out from the Elms Club and partied right through the night. Pretty good for old folks! Ran into Jud and buddies there - I don't know which group was having more fun?!? The piano bar at the Power and Light district (and the blue stuff we drank there) was the best! Tailgating was fun too - met the guy in the gold double-knit sansabelt pants who knew Creston gals.
Had some good tailgates in Ames too - as usual. Having the McKim RV makes all the difference. Don and Diana just keep improving the '92 Vista Cruiser (okay I might have made that title up). Don put new flooring in this year and a sound system. Pimpin'! We all got Cyclone Snuggies at the Texas Tech game - and they were good luck! We have such a good group to hang with - Jud and roomies loved us (something about the food, beer and flatscreen).
Amy was back for the Utah game (good to see her college roomie Chelle and we got to meet Jud's GF Kara. Deb and Larry were there (in their Utes costumes) too. That night we old folks even went to the compustown bars. And the Nebraska game was a Big 4 Plus More reunion - bringing together my college roomies, Hauser, Julia and Paul's buddies Mike and Tom. It was almost too much - like getting married - too many people to talk to!
The next weekend Diana and I decided we had to go to the Colorado game in Boulder. We got rooms at the Millenium that were $150, but included $100 coupons for food/drinks. We were up to the challenge. Unfortunately the Clones weren't... But we got to see Amy briefly and the Cyclone tailgate before the game was lots of fun.
The Goldsmith Christmas gathering Thanksgiving weekend in Earlville was special this year as we had a surprise 70th birthday party for Carol on Saturday. So Tom and Terry Meyer were there with fams along with Barb. Good to see everyone as usual! Those Goldschmidts are a great group. Love 'em.
Finishing up with our Christmas trip to Colorado. See my past couple blogs - so luck Lefebrvres let us horn in on their Christmas.
Then the big trip - Pasedena (this as I watch the Rose Bowl Parade - cooler now that I've been there), via LA, Santa Monica and Hollywood. For niece Leslie's wedding - with most of my beloved fam along for the big event. Not enough time to sufficiently talk to them all of course. We'll never forget making friends with Jorge the shuttle driver (we were with Cindo and Bolder - B makes friends wherever he goes) at the Best Western in SM - hugs all around when it was time to leave! Watching the Rose Bowl parade today as I write this - means a bit more now that I've been there! Jud, Paul and Bold liked the sports bar with a gazillion beers.
Paul and I did a combo work/Goldsmith fam trip to NW Iowa in August. Hauled the kayaks along while we visited first my old workplace Fox River and my friend Karla Smith in Osage. Then the nearby landfill and on to Decorah where we stayed at a cool restored hotel. Kayaked the Upper Iowa river on our way to the Goldsmith fam reunion in Preston, MN. Paul was STRIPPED of the green jacket at the golf tourney (what a relief). Stayed at the Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast - lovely place.
The very next weekend it was off to Osage Beach, MO - yes we are well traveled folks hitting all the Midwest states! Al and Sharon Higgins were kind enough to invite us once again to their lovely home on the lake there. This year they even got to stay (last year Sharon's aunt passed away). McFees and McKims also sweated away the weekend with us. Seriously hot - so we floated lots (yet my ice never melted...thanks Tervis Tumbler). And sipped, while under attack by some flying little fish. I had great concern one might fly into Sharon's cleavage...(I wasn't as obvious a target..)
It was very sad the next week to learn of Diana McKim's mom Betty's sudden death in a car accident. She was such a nice lady - we missed her tailgating this fall. I feel badly for Jim, going it alone now. Reminds me of Dad after mom passed away - like a rudderless ship. I hope 2011 is a healing time for the Brown family.
Of course September kicked off football season. It kinda dominates our lives! But in a good way. This year we went to KC in September for the KSU game. Headed out from the Elms Club and partied right through the night. Pretty good for old folks! Ran into Jud and buddies there - I don't know which group was having more fun?!? The piano bar at the Power and Light district (and the blue stuff we drank there) was the best! Tailgating was fun too - met the guy in the gold double-knit sansabelt pants who knew Creston gals.
Had some good tailgates in Ames too - as usual. Having the McKim RV makes all the difference. Don and Diana just keep improving the '92 Vista Cruiser (okay I might have made that title up). Don put new flooring in this year and a sound system. Pimpin'! We all got Cyclone Snuggies at the Texas Tech game - and they were good luck! We have such a good group to hang with - Jud and roomies loved us (something about the food, beer and flatscreen).
Amy was back for the Utah game (good to see her college roomie Chelle and we got to meet Jud's GF Kara. Deb and Larry were there (in their Utes costumes) too. That night we old folks even went to the compustown bars. And the Nebraska game was a Big 4 Plus More reunion - bringing together my college roomies, Hauser, Julia and Paul's buddies Mike and Tom. It was almost too much - like getting married - too many people to talk to!
The next weekend Diana and I decided we had to go to the Colorado game in Boulder. We got rooms at the Millenium that were $150, but included $100 coupons for food/drinks. We were up to the challenge. Unfortunately the Clones weren't... But we got to see Amy briefly and the Cyclone tailgate before the game was lots of fun.
The Goldsmith Christmas gathering Thanksgiving weekend in Earlville was special this year as we had a surprise 70th birthday party for Carol on Saturday. So Tom and Terry Meyer were there with fams along with Barb. Good to see everyone as usual! Those Goldschmidts are a great group. Love 'em.
Finishing up with our Christmas trip to Colorado. See my past couple blogs - so luck Lefebrvres let us horn in on their Christmas.
And all the work and blood, sweat and tears in between all the funn stuff of course. We are two lucky souls! We found each other. We popped out three great kids. One hasn't given us one bit of lip...okay he's in heaven but he has been good! The other two are good citizens - hard workers, thrifty and are loving children. Who could ask for more?
So bring on more in 2011~!
So bring on more in 2011~!
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