Joanie's Birthday

Joan

It's my former roomie (I should say landlady) Joan McFee Bentley's birthday today. She never quite catches up with her bro Jeff and me. I love living with my spousal unit and furry pal Odie again, but I sure miss Joanie! I've had some great roomies through the years but Joan ranks up there with the best.

First, I can't leave out Betso Bean. That's my sis Betsy. Even though she is much younger than I am, I was glad to have a roomie. When you're a kid, bedtime - when it's dark, can be kinda scary. There was a light right outside our room that Mom would leave on each night. And then we'd leave the door cracked open. Then one night I noticed something - the light coming through the open door made my shadow look like a dead body on the wall. I was just the age when a kid starts thinking about the possibility of our own death. Scary stuff!

So I was glad to have a little tyke sleeping there right next to me. Some nights I would pull my little record player out from under my bed and pop on my Michael Jackson album. Then I'd talk Betsy into taking turns tickling each other's backs. I could always trick her and tell her she didn't quite do it right, so she'd have to do it again...

My next roommate was during my freshman year of college at Iowa State. I lived on 6th Floor of Maple Dormitory with Loraine Dunn from Pearl City, Illinois. The University housing folks just matched us up - me a small town southwest Iowa jock majoring in Ag and her, a junior majoring in child development without an athletic bone in her body. Loraine was a Mormon, me - Catholic. Surprisingly, it worked just fine once we got to know each other.

Sal, Jane, Vicki

The next year I moved in with the first person I met when I got to ISU for classes. Vicki Gernand (now Behr) asked me if we wanted to go get football tickets and the rest is history. Living together only made our friendship stronger. During our Junior and Senior years we moved into a new apartment on Campus Avenue and added two additional roommates, Sally Rodgers - a longtime Atlantic friend who had just happened to end up living on my dorm floor and Jane Flack, who we all were fortunate to get to know our frosh year. To our friends Moose and Steve, we were known at The Big 4.

Besides Paul Goldsmith (I guess you could count Amy and Jud too), until I lived at Joan's these fine people represent the extent of my experience with roommates. Back then, I was a youngster - so Joanie got me as a jaded old lady. And she put up with me! So for that I thank her. And I miss her. She and I need to get together and celebrate our November birthdays.

Odie goes to the library

I like this author - he combines mystery with spirituality without being too overt...

okay she sat in the car, but I didn't. Odie and I went to the West Des Moines Public Library today after I got home from work. I got a new library card. Okay it isn't really even a card. That's right - library cards aren't even cards anymore. They're bar codes! My new bar code just got applied onto my little plastic tab that is my Urbandale Public Library Card. So it's now a two-fer!

And it attaches to my key chain. Much different than back when I was a kid. Back then, I just had a number at the Atlantic Library. All I had to do to check out a book was to write that number down on the card and the nice librarian stamped it with the very special date stamp. Man I loved those stamps. They let me know how long I could keep my friends - the books. Nancy Drew, all those Happy Hollisters, the Bobbsey Twins - I wanted to live with those families.

Then later in Creston I had a firm cardboard credit card sized ticket to book happiness for many years, until they went to their electronic system. 3893, I believe that was my number. I loved the little envelopes glued into each book. They don't do that anymore, since there aren't any cards. I spent a lot of time at the Creston Library - Matilda Gibson it was called. It's a great library, and I loved how there wasn't as much competition for the new books.

I checked out a couple books and an audiobook with my barcode. Pretty cool, huh. Even though I have an electronic reader, I still like the feel of real books in my hands. I'm sure the WDM library and I will be seeing a lot of each other.

All my bags are (un) packed

I'm not ready to go. I'm not standing here beside my door. Yes - it's the opening words to "Leaving on a Jet Plane." I was thinking of that song as I unpacked my suitcase over the weekend. For the last time!! I'm having a hard time with it.

You see I've lived out of a suitcase for 4 years now. It's become a habit. I grown accustomed to it's space. (Yes, I threw a little My Fair Lady in there for you.) Socks in the outside pocket. Undies in the inside mesh. Of course I had lots of stuff stocked at Joan's so I didn't have to drag makeup, a hair dryer and shampoo back and forth. Now I have 3 hair dryers. Why 3? When we lived in the loft temporarily, I forgot both of them and had none...so I bought another little one for travel!

I took my earrings out of my travel jewelry box, and put them back into the real jewelry box. Paul got the jewelry box for me from the corner drugstore when we lived in Osage. It's so weird to be using it again! I forgot I actually had other earrings in there that I never wear because they weren't in the travel container.

Our new home has a closet with shoe shelves.Woohoo! It's going to be so nice to have all my clothes under one roof. It seemed it never failed that wherever I was, the article of clothing I wanted was at the other place...Joan's or my house. Becky at work joked with me today, saying she'd probably see me wear a whole 'nother wardrobe now. Sorry...I pretty well rotated through my clothes even with my suitcase.

I sure won't miss packing each Sunday. Especially doing all that ironing. Now I can be like the rest of you slobs - ironing as I go!

The Help

It's been a trying week. When was the last time you moved? It's hard!

I have moved several times in my life. It gets harder every time! I packed up my 1977 Chevy Monza Hatchback in May 1980 and drove to my first job in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and moved into my 2nd floor apartment all by myself. It was furnished so I only had my TV - a 19 inch to get a hernia over.

Paul and some buddies helped me move to Omaha a year later. Betsy yelled at Nebraska Furniture Mart to get them to deliver my new bedroom furniture, table and chairs and gold corduroy sleeper sofa. So through the years I began to acquire more stuff. In 1982 when Paul and I were engaged, I moved to Counciltucky. I mean Council Bluffs. Our apartment was on the third floor in Sherwood Forest Complex on Littlejohn Circle. Thank goodness Paul had lots of strong friends, because by then my grandparents were moving into Heritage House - a retirement home. I got some of their furnitire - heavy well-made stuff! We bought pizza and beer for all movers.

The next move was courtesy of Paul's employer - the federal government, and Bekins in Griswold, Iowa. Paul had gotten a District Conservationist job in Osage, Iowa. It was 1984, and we used the same mover in November 1986 when we moved to Creston. While in Osage we'd acquired a crib a rocking chair and a few more odds and ends. We lived at 201 East Prairie until 1998, and then moved box by box to the new house on Port Road. Steve Crittenden brought his low-boy trailer for the big stuff. Again we bribed our helpers with pizza and beer - it doesn't seem like enough now...

During our time at our home in Creston on Port Road we went through a lot of furniture. When Dad passed away in late 2006, we ended up with some of his furniture when his condo sold. So there was a lot to move this time. The feds arranged for these movers and they were nothing if not thorough about wrapping stuff in paper - that newsprint type paper. Paul found a handful of paperclips wrapped up! The only thing that I've found that broke are two crystal water glasses. But that is a lot of boxes and unwrapping.

I arrived late Sunday night - back from Bolder's Memorial Service. Paul did a great job of getting all the stuff into our home and getting cable/Internet hooked up. But the place was a shambles! I could even find a cup for some coffee Monday morning. So the kitchen was job 1. It took all day to get stuff unwrapped and put away in those cupboards, drawers and shelves. I did my bathroom that night. So - 2 rooms done! But Tuesday and Wednesday I had to work.

Enter stage left - Amy Elizabeth Goldsmith. Actually she entered on Amtrak from Denver to Osceola. We took Odie to pick her up and we arrived just in time for the train! Odie was so excited to see Sissy (that's what she calls Amy). As soon as she got to the new place, Amy hit the ground running - she began unpacking, organizing and pushing us to put up pictures. It was just what we needed!

 

Dave, Barb, Carol, Mike gather around the food

 

We took a break to give Thanks at our niece Barb Archer and husband Mike's beautiful new home at the Echo Valley Golf Course near Norwalk. Their daughter Mandy is a cutie. Paul's sis Carol was there (Barb's Momma and the cook of the day) and sis Jean and husband Dave (our entertainment of the day). Food and family were just what we needed. The girls took a short walk after the meal, and Dave and Mike even played a few holes of golf - it was right before the cold weather moved in. Then it was back to unpacking and unboxing.

Amy was on a mission to get the dining area done, bathrooms set up and the bedrooms downstairs re-done. The colors are okay, but should be re-painted when we have time. Bobbie and Jeff arrived Friday to take us away to the ISU game. Since it was so cold we decided to tailgate at the brewpub on University. Amy got a bite with us there, before heading off to do battle with shopping crowds. We arrived just in time for the game - much to McKim's relief! Too bad the game didn't come out how we would have liked. We were bundled up and didn't suffer too much from the cold. Later that evening, Jud and Kara arrived from having their holiday with her fam in NW Iowa.

Donnie (behind in gray) tied Diana and me into our Snuggies...

Saturday, first Homemakers delivered the bedroom furniture bright and early. Then the mover guy came and got the boxes. Amy and I stopped at Goodwill. Then we went to Younkers and Kohls for Bed and Bath stuff. Paul was hunting. Kara and Jud sprang into action after a trip to Jordan Creek. They were awesome too - getting Jud's new room into shipshape and striking fear into Mediacom, who didn't have our downstairs TV online. The 2 bedrooms look so nice, and the family room and book shelf are clean and organized. I'm so grateful for my kids and Kara! Awww.

That night, Paul and I served our family Thanksgiving. Prime Rib, party potatoes and scalloped corn with fruit. Paul made a pumpkin pie and Amy had picked up some cheese cake. Did I mention how thankful I am that my kids came home and rescued us from weeks of picking through the boxes in their rooms? And trying to decorate? Warm fuzzy feeling in me. But I realized this a.m. I forgot the egg in the corn - damn that's why they tasted funny!

Amy's friends Rachelle and Jenna stopped by before the three former college roomies went out on the town. Always fun to see them. Love those girls, so fun to talk to them and hear them talk to each other. Jud and Kara slipped downstairs to challenge each other to Wii. I'm sure they had a dance-off. Paul and I were beat. We retired happy with our snoring wiener dog. Life is good on Cody.

A fine send off

Colby and Bolder in happier days

Bolder had a fine send off. His memorial service was a great tribute to the guy he was. It was held at a beautiful chapel shared by several parishes - packed to the brim with standing room only, over 300 people. The Eagle County Sheriffs were on Highway 6 parking people, and shuttles were hauling people from far off parking spots to the church. Episcopal priests did the service and three of his best friends spoke.

Cindy and Bolder's son Colby finished things up by doing a short speech. He is Jud's age, and he lives in the Vail Valley, managing a restaurant after finishing culinary and management school in Denver. Colby had to take several deep breaths during his talk, but he did fine. I was so damn proud of him!

 

After the service, Cindy and Colby greeted people in the foyer for nearly 2 hours. Colby's restaurant, Moe's served wings and sliders with pudding and somebody else served chardonnay and Budweiser. Extended family escaped upstairs to the fireside room. My aunties Jean (with husband Bruce) Rader and Marty (husband Bill) Lamm and cousins Amy (husband Tom) and Richard were there. It was so nice to see them! I am usually lucky as I get to see Lamms each Christmas but seeing Raders was one of those sad/happy benefits of a funeral.

clockwise - Paul, Betsy, Jean, Amy Lamm Brownlee, Marty Lamm, Back Row - Wayne, Bruck and Richard

I also go to see my niece Leslie again along with her husband Jordan (no not her sis...) and Susi's husband Jim. Bets was accompanied by her spouse Wayne and her son Paul who had gotten to hang with Boldie this summer during our Cannon Beach trip. Nice to see them too. It's been fun to get to know Paul as an adult. Amy was with me and Paul was home holding down the new fort. And hunting.

Bolder's 86 year old mother Claire was there, accompanied by her son Bret and his wife Trudy. They all live in Massachusetts. Bret had been here the weekend before - and left morning before Bolder died. Claire held up pretty well considering the circumstances.

After the Memorial reception, we went to Cindy's place for a while. Then she looked exhausted. So we went back to our hotel and headed to e-Town - the bar Bolder loved so much. He was the Mayor there! When I walked in, I got to see the end of the Iowa State football game - the Cyclones polished off Kansas. Boldie would have been happy. His ISU cap was one of 3 well worn caps featured at the memorial service. The bartender did a toast to Boldie and we all raised a glass. Amy and nephew Paul ordered "Bolder" drinks. Vodka in martini glasses and Budweiser chasers. Amy was smart to dump her vodka into my cranberry juice. Paul wasn't...Boldie would have loved being there. Gee I miss him!

The toast

The Bolder

 

I shed tears several times throughout the weekend. It's just hard for me to get it through my head that he's really gone. Not just away. There is a benefit fundraiser December 5th at eTown to help pay medical expenses. Even though he's gone, those didn't go away. They may have to pitch a tent to fit everyone in. Vail Mountain has donated an Epic ski pass - that's a $500+value. There are lots of other great things too. I think I'll try to put together some kind of Iowa package with stuff from that Iowa store.

Paul and I will be back in Vail for Christmas. Colby will be in charge of the Christmas party this year...but let's face it. Nobody can ever take Bolder's place! Love you Boldie!

Bolder Memorial Service

I'm heading back to Vail Thursday to attend Bolder's memorial service. Paul arranged with Paul Lorenz at FNB for us to sign our loan papers a day early so I could leave. I wasn't sure if the service would be Friday or Saturday. So we'll head down to Creston Thursday a.m. and I take off for Colorado that afternoon. Paul needs to stay home and oversee the movers, who are hovering around the DSM area with our stuff in a truck.

 

I'm expecting a large turnout at this event, as Boldie is loved by all in the Vail valley. His mother Claire and Brother Bret and his wife are attending. Claire is in her mid 80's so this will be a tough trip on her. I will be glad to thank Bret for all his help for Cindy in Bolder's last few days on earth.

 

Amy will be by my side. Jud won't be able to attend - he's spent so much time traveling lately. I'm so glad he was able to spend time with Boldie last week.

 

I fly back into DSM late Sunday and will spend Monday at home unpacking and recovering. I feel bad leaving Paul with the move, but there's no other option. And he better put the silverware in the right drawer! No picture hanging before I return.

 

 

Isn't this a great picture! 

 

 

Brian Philip “Bolder” Lefebvre 1953 – 2012

Bolder Lefebvre, 59, passed away on November 11, 2012 after a 2 year battle with cancer. He died in the comfort of his home, after spending his last weeks having a great time with family and friends.

Bolder was born on April, 12, 1953 in Holyoke, MA. to Jerome and Claire Lefebvre. He graduated from New Hampshire College in 1975, and spent 3 years in the Air Force National Guard. He moved to Vail, Colorado, in 1978, where he was employed in the food service industry and as a retailer. He met Cindy Bullock in 1981 and they married in 1984. In 1989, they were blessed with a son, Colby Breton Lefebvre.

Bolder was loved wherever he went, and was the type of guy who could sit in pub and instantly connect with the staff and patrons alike. He was known as the Mayor of E-town, because he enjoyed presiding over the bar, and watching sporting events at that establishment in Edwards where he and Cindy live. Bolder was a big fan of the Boston Celtics and the New York Giants. He liked to cook and knew his way around a grill – helping to influence his son’s career choice. He wore his heart on both sleeves and both pant legs. He will be greatly missed.

Bolder is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Cindy, and son, Colby, of Vail. He is also survived by his mother, Claire Lefebvre, West Springfield, MA and brothers Brett (Trudy) Lefebvre (Newburyport, MA) and Russell (Beth) Lefebvre (Carmel, CA). Also left to mourn are Cindy’s family, many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Lefebvre.

A photo I scanned recently...

 

Party at the Lobby

I'm served up like Turtle Soup Bob Berning used to serve in his Chef's hat

It's our last weekend as Crestonites. We're going through some stress right now. Our Bro-In-Law is dying. We are moving from the town we've lived in for many years - so there are lots of details to attend to. We are living in temporary quarters. Paul has started a new job and I am in charge of a 1 1/2 day workshop this coming week at work. Even are dog is feeling it. Pressure!

We talked about it on our way to Colorado last week. I was in the mood to be bitchy to Paul and I'm sure he felt the same. Ready to snap. You know how it is - when the going gets rough - take it out on your spouse. We talked it out - recognizing the number of stressers we have on us.  No big knock down drag out fights so far. The movers come tomorrow. They will pack everything and load stuff into the truck. It sure is nice that we don't have to pack. So that helps the stress level. I am packing my undies, as I don't wish to have guys I don't know pawing through my drawers...(or even guys I know).

A few weeks ago we decided we wanted to have a going away party before we leave town. So we asked Tim Gray owner of The Lobby - the newest bar downtown if we could have it in the new room attached to the bar. The Lobby is at the former Bernings. That was where our first realtor Betty Brown took us for lunch when we visited Creston on our househunting trip. Bob and Frieda Berning operated the restaurant and hotel - years later we'd get to know them pretty well. Back on that first day, Hollywood Susie was sitting in the Red Room, in the back of the restaurant. She was wearing her crocheted beer can hat. Quite a character! When I saw that hat, I knew this was going to be my kinda town!

Anyway - I digress. Tim said we could have a party in the new room. We could hire a DJ. No charge for the room, as long as we would invited people who would purchase liquor. Hmmm that might be arranged. I called up Billy O. the DJ/Karaoke guy and we were set for November 10th at 8 p.m. Last night - party time baby!

Joni and Bill

It's not easy to get up for a party when your heart is heavy. But my sister Cindy had urged me to have fun. And I know Bolder would be all for it. We have to live. It doesn't help them for the rest of us to be sad all the time. We got to the Lobby about 7:30 pm. Dan and Denise Miller were already there because they thought the party started at 7 p.m. Denis and Mendy Ritzman arrived shortly after we did. Then the rest of the folks started rolling in. I was pleased to see Nancy and Kenton Groth, and Barb and Steve Crittenden stopped by too. I was happy that our neighbors Joni and Bill Taylor attended. They have been so good to us through the years...watching the house, loaning Paul their truck.

Billy O and his wife set up the music and we all moved into the party room, which is attached to the regular bar through a large doorway - so everyone at the Lobby could enjoy the tunes. It was a good thing too, because there were some darn good singers in the crowd - great for karaoke! One was a surgical nurse - a young woman in her 20's who did a great Carrie Underwood. Amy's classmate Haley Walters was there - though she didn't perform her single (from Facebook) "Crushin" she did sing a Bonnie Raitt tune. Near the end of the evening, Deb and I sang backup for Dan Miller on "You Don't Call Me Darlin". He's great on that song!

I'm no lead singer - but Dan is! Deb and I back him up

Home girls lookin' good!

And we danced. Did I mention all my fave peeps were there. Besides the ones already mentioned - The homegirls and their fellas: Joan Weis, Patti Kralik (see I didn't call her Antisdel), Deb Peterson, Pat Moeller, Susan Weineheimer, Nancy Anthony, Bobbie McFee, Diana McKim. Man, how I'll miss them. I reminded them I must be invited to their holiday gathering. Let's hope they don't forget! Deb broke the dancing ice by requesting "Love Shack". I gots to dance to that song! 15 miles to the Love Shack! There were many favorites. One thing I found is that I'm not bad at line dancing when I've only had a couple beers. We finally dragged the guys out to dance when the song "Shout" was played. McKims really got in the spirit and flopped onto the floor on their backs. Too soon it was over.

We had fun dancing

I was tired though. And I knew I had underpants to pack today! My last day as a Crestonite. It's been a good run.

Full of Thanks

Thank you to all the Veterans and actively serving troops. We can never thank you and your families enough for your service to our country.

Next - a shout out to my fabulous family. We are strong and loving. It never shows more than when one of us needs the support of the others - as when some 21 years ago, Baby Patrick was born and too soon, died. And now when our beloved Boldie is spending his last few days on earth.

Last Sunday, Paul and I drove to Colorado - stopping at Amy's in Denver when we got there. It was my birthday! The big double nickle. I recall when my dad turned 55 - he said he was turning the speed limit. Yay. Sister Betsy and Jud were each due at the airport about 4:30 p.m. so we picked them up and drove up in 2 cars - the gals in Amy's Honda Fit and Jud and Paul talking sports in our car. (I suggested they talk about their feelings and emotions, but I don't think that happened...)

When we got to Lefebvre's home in Edwards, Colorado - a mountain village just past Vail at 7:30ish. The Alvillar girls were already there - my sis Susan and her daughters. Bolder - prognosis BAD, was settled into his chair, tucked in with a blanket. Son Colby was there too. Friends had delivered fab food. My nieces, Leslie and Jordan - the lil cuties - had gotten me party hats and a badge for my birthday. The hats said something naughty - Susi was a bit embarrassed that her daughters had purchased them, until I reminded her I am a former landfill lady and have a bit of a potty mouth...The girls also got mustaches for all of us - in honor of their Uncle Boldie, who sports a great 'stache.

My kids (I'm guessing Amy) put me through a "follow the clues" to my birthday gift - tickets to Book of Mormon, when it comes to DSM. Can't wait to see it! My sissies purchased a couple cakes. Cindo's neighbor offered rooms in her home for the kids to stay in. Paul and I and Susi and the girls had hotel rooms - we headed there pretty early as everyone was beat. Betsy - our resident nurse (though she's a retired RN to concentrate on her true love - selling Longaberger baskets) stayed in Lefebvre's spare room. Bolder's condition is worsening daily.

The next day we arrived back at their place in the a.m. to eat the quiches friend Eric Pottorff had baked ahead. Fab! Bets was able to attend a doctor's appointment with Cindo and Bold. It was as we feared - all blood counts were worsening. We were glad Bolder was able to go to the pub that night with us, before the kids headed back to Denver. Susi, Leslie and Jordan headed home from there, while Amy and Jud came back for yet another meal supplied by friends. Lasagne.

That was the hardest time for me - when the kids had to say goodbye to their Uncle Bold. Amy lived with their family when she was just out of college and worked at Beano's on the mountain. So she's kinda like their pretend daughter. And Jud has bonded with Bolder over sports - the guy wears ISU garb in our honor. So tears were shed when they left to head back to Denver. This is SO hard.

The next day Cindy, Bets and I went for pedicures. Paul hung out with Bolder at the house. We took care of some necessary business - tough stuff, but glad we were there for support. Then we stopped by Colby's work to say goodbye. By then Paul had driven Boldie to another pub to see his peeps. E-town, his regular hangout, was closed for cleaning. Paul said people were hugging him, and greeting him - he's so well-liked and obviously the news has gotten around. He was exhausted by the time he got home though. So that night - when it was time for us to leave, oddly it wasn't all that emotional. It was like we were all too spent at that point.

Bolder's brother Bret has been there since Thursday. It's a good thing because his health has diminished very quickly. He was able to go to E-town with his brother Thursday night - and it was packed and they toasted him. But that night was bad - he needed help changing clothes and showering. Since then he has needed oxygen and they brought in a hospital bed because he can't make it up the stairs to their room. Cindy says his breathing has grown very raspy. Bret had to leave today to go back to Massachusetts, so I hope the hospice nurses give her enough support with his care. I'm so very proud of my sister Cindy. She's been so strong through this, and I can't say enough about how much I admire her.

Cancer is ugly stuff. I hope and pray Bolder is not in pain. Though I know that mentally he was suffering when we were there - I cried with him as he lamented this illness stealing his life. The frustration that he wasn't able to do what he wanted. Cindy says he's so sad that he won't be around to watch his son get married and have children. That makes me tear up to think about. We will have to be sure to tell the little Colbinis about their grandpa - the legend of Bolder! Thank God for family.

I grew up in Creston

I was born and raised in Atlantic, Iowa - but I grew up in Creston. I've lived in Creston longer than anywhere else in my life. Paul and I moved here in 1986 thinking it was a stop on our way to someplace else, and we stuck a lil longer than we planned! And in the meantime...I grew up!

Amy was a babe in arms when we arrived all rosy cheeked to the southwest Iowa town of 8,600 people. It's no Atlantic! Don't get me wrong - I love my hometown. It's attractive, and there are a lot of nice people there. Chestnut Street the main street downtown, which still seems viable compared to many Iowa towns. Yep, Atlantic is nice, but it can be a little um, snobby. (My view after attending there as the "other" team as our children played for the CHS Panthers).

Creston is a blue collar town, with several factories dotting the landscape. Bunn-O-Matic - the coffeemakers, are made here, along with Gummi-Bears, a fruity smelling place! Plus some other stuff you probably wouldn't recognize. Like Vanmark - they make giant peelers for companies like McDonalds. And Fansteel, a foundry for helicopter parts among other things. Some local guys have also built up a good sized business grinding lenses here too. All those businesses have one thing in common - they need workers. The unemployment rate in town is around 5%.

It's not really a pretty town. You tend to forget that unless someone is coming to visit and you look at the place through a visitor's eyes...then you see the salvage yards on each edge of town. And the rundown homes people have neglected. Downtown isn't winning any prizes either - there's no main street to brag about. The refurbished Iowana and former FNB Building - now Upper Crust have perked things up though! The Depot was once where my office was - I'll always cherish hearing Bingo called downstairs whilst trying to put together a recycling education program. There are some nice parts of town too! The college and hospital are looking good once again after the tornado.

The Depot

So as you can tell - wasn't been the looks of the place that kept us in Creston. It's the people! Right from the start - they were darn friendly! They accepted young Paul Goldsmith as their District Conservationist in 1986 when Bob Loudon introduced him around. And once I was invited to join Zeta Iota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, I was set. We were "somebody" - we had friends! Folks at my job at First National Bank were nice too. Even today, we are friends with people we met all those years ago. When we were babies. We've grown up together - they know all my crap. Warts and all.

So that's what I mean. We grew up in Creston. When we moved to town - neither of us had experienced much strife in our lives. Our parents were living. Though I wasn't finding the job of my dreams, I was happy parenting and working. We had great daycare providers who helped us raise our children.

Through the years - we lost a child. The town stepped up to help. Our parents passed away. Paul's sister Connie, and two Brother-In-Laws died. Happy things happened too. Jud was born. The kids grew up and participated in activities. Relatives married, babies were born. Amy and Jud graduated from high school and college. We celebrated joys and sorrows with our friends. Somewhere along the way I grew up (I know, sometimes I pretend I'm still 22).

When I started working in Des Moines, I suppose I knew it might someday come to this - moving to the Big City. Now it's a reality and I'm happy and sad. Driving around town has it's been hitting me. Adams Street with all the fall leaves. Soon I won't live here anymore!

I HATE goodbyes. So just know I will never say goodbye to Creston and my friends here. Only "until later". You'll see me. We have friends in town. We know where they live!

If you read this before Saturday November 10th and live near Creston - come to the big party to celebrate at The Lobby. 8 PM. There will be a DJ. Put on your dancin' shoes!

Volcanic Cancer

Bolder and Cindo

It's taking our beloved Bolder down. Cindy and Bolder saw the chemo specialist yesterday. He only had bad news for them. For whatever reason, cancer is spreading like lava through Boldie's body. Fucking Volcanic Cancer. The doc said he could try some trial treatment and spend his time in the hospital being a pin-cushion - with no guarantees. Or he could go home and wait. What would you choose.

They did give him a hormone shot yesterday, and some type of new pills. He's not in terrible pain at this point - just is experiencing awful itching. Cindy says he looks like he's been beaten with a chain - likely because his bone marrow isn't functioning properly. He doesn't have much of an appetite, but I was glad to hear he still went to Etown - his favorite bar with Colby recently.

I talked to Cindo today. It was good to speak to her in person - and not just get my info from texts like I did yesterday during lunch. Texting while I sat outside Jimmy Johns and tried to keep a stiff upper lip. I chewed food that tasted like cardboard, reading words that couldn't possibly be true. Bolder is going to die soon.

The news was so surreal. How can it be possible? The doctor says Bold may only have a couple weeks to live. I'm glad their son Colby lives in the Vail Valley. That he lives close is such good support for his parents. When they left the Doctor's, despite wanting to dissolve in a puddle, they needed to do things like talk about a funeral and call hospice. It just sucks so bad!  

We all want to be with them, but don't want to overwhelm and tire them out. Paul and I are driving out there Sunday. Susi will head over from Grand Junction. Betsy is flying in. Amy will come and Jud is considering coming too. Our family (my sisters and Paul) loves Boldie like a brother - he's a tenderhearted soul who wears his heart on his sleeve. He loved our parents. He's cried with us when we're sad and is happy when he knows we are happy. He cheers for the Cyclones because we do! (He wears an ISU cap and crewneck sweat shirt in our honor).

We'll be together to hug Bolder, Cindy and Colby. We'll cry and we'll laugh. I'll be able to tell Bold how much I appreciate him - and how well he's loved my sis. Even though we've called them "the Bickersons". Yep - they're one of those couples - crabbing at each other about dumb things. It's the patter of their marriage. Ying/Yang. He comes in the house and yells, "Cindo!" at the top of his lungs and watches ESPN on mach 10 sound level. That irritates Cindy. Man how she'll miss it.

For now, I'm glad we're heading to see them. Families should be together at a time like this. Please keep the circle of your prayers surrounding us. Thank you!