There goes Johnny

Photo thanks to Beth Nielsen - Johnny's statue at Hilton

I'm not sure when Cyclone fever gripped me. But I'm sure Johnny Orr had something to do with this evolution. Sure, I was a Cyclone fan when I was an ISU student. I went to football games, I cheered - I got a cardinal and gold cowboy hat! But I wasn't passionate (bleed cardinal and gold) like I am now.

Johnny passed away today, December 31 at the age of 86. It's like losing a distant uncle that I didn't really know very well. When I heard the news I teared up a bit. It's the end of an era. Paul and I just saw him at the ISU vs. Michigan game in November. He was invited back because he coached both teams at one time - in fact he is the most winning coach at each school. Johnny looked a bit frail at the game, but he came through and was out on the basketball floor pumping his fist to "Here's Johnny" the Tonight Show Theme, just like during his coaching days before the game started.

JO Tribute at the 12/31 basketball game

ISU's present coach, Fred Hoiberg - one of Johnny's former star players - said he wasn't sure Johnny was going to leave the floor before the game. He said, "I asked him if he wanted me to sit in his seat and he could coach." Finally Johnny's daughter collected him, and Fred got to the business of coaching. Johnny got to meet with Dick Vitale at the game, someone he "had words" with years ago.

Johnny Orr, the "National Coach of the Year" Michigan basketball coach, was hired at Iowa State the spring of my senior year. I'd never heard of the guy, though Paul had. I was off to start my new life in Sioux Falls S.D. I didn't know then how important ISU sports would continue to be in my life.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Johnny slowly brought life back to the basketball program. I believe I went to exactly one men's basketball game during my time at ISU. And that was because my friend Jane Flack's brother gave us tickets. I was only interested because I had danced with 6 foot 10 inch player Dean Uthoff (he was from Cedar Rapids and someone from my dorm floor told him to ask me to dance) at Granddaddy's disco. So I was interested to see his moves on the basketball floor. But our team was pretty lousy and didn't sure generate any excitement, much less magic while I was in school.

When Johnny took over the ISU program, skill-wise - there was a long way to go. Johnny told it best. He said he went home after the first day of practice and told his wife "we aren't very good." He was always very honest. And profane. Ah a man after my own heart. Did he work at a landfill too? He also said something like "This coaching gig would be great, if not for those damn games."

At tonight's ISU basketball game, there was a tribute to Johnny. Link

My memories of Johnny are mostly from the times he came to Creston. There used to be Cyclone Outings where the coaches would come to town and play golf and then arrive at the Elks Club to wine and dine, and then speak about their programs. The great man, Arnie Betts was involved. Johnny was the king of these events. Paul and I would be sure to arrange for a babysitter for the kids because we ate it up!  Rubbing shoulders with coaches and other Cyclones fans - priceless! Most of the media types in town were Hawkeye fans. It was enjoyable to see them squirm a bit when Johnny got in some Hawkeye jabs. But it was all in good fun.

Johnny also got in some jabs - he had some big wins against the Hawks and others, including his former team Michigan. CycloneTV has been showing old games and I've seen the Iowa OT game with Lafester Rhodes, Missouri, Oklahoma State. Some crazy good games. Great players on both sides. Johnny Orr brought magic to Iowa State University basketball. Hilton Coliseum began to fill up and the crowds were loud - helping to defeat teams coming to play there.

I have enjoyed reading the Johnny stories. There are a million of them. He was great for ISU and a great Iowan. I loved that he stayed here after he retired. He was a rock star. There will never be another Johnny Orr. Go with God Johnny!

Under the Knife

My fretter is going. Odie is scheduled for surgery Thursday and I've been fretting about it since we got back from Colorado. I (mostly) squelched my fretter before then. Odie has a tumor on her chest. Our veterinarian aspirated it with a needle, but could not determine what type of cells it was made up of - other than it's not just fat.

I remember when I felt a lump on our first dog Moki's side. I was sure it was cancer. Luckily it was only a fatty tumor - that grew quite large, but never seemed to bother him. Unfortunately, Odie's tumor isn't fat. Our vet wants to find out just what it is - just under the skin.

I wonder if she'll have to have a cone on her head after surgery. That would suck! And look stupid too. I don't think she'll be able to reach this where it is on her chest. A little jacket would probably protect it better. I worry that she'll be a real wiener about this surgery...literally and figuratively. Just look at those eyes - they bulge when she wants something or is upset. Thursday night will probably be a long one - and I am glad I work at home on Friday.

Odie doesn't seem to have any other symptoms going on - so that's good news. It's going to be hard to concentrate at work on Thursday as she goes under the knife. I'm not sure how long it will take for them to let us know just what we're up against regarding the tumor. Fingers crossed! Send your good thoughts out for my puppy! Thanks.

Odie likes to sit on the back of the couch - on this fluffy blankie

Nebraska

Enough of the "Dear Diary" posts. I like to do those - kind of a report for those family and friends who are not with me - and are interested. I know they're not the most interesting to many of my tens of readers...on to another type of Blog:

Have you heard of the movie "Nebraska"? I first did whilst watching the CBS Sunday Morning show earlier this fall. Bruce Dern was featured. Paul and I have wanted to attend a movie for quite some time - but we haven't been able to work it in. There are several out we'd like to see.

I surprised Paul though when, after perusing the movie schedule yesterday, I told him I wanted to see the limited run movie, "Nebraska". He'd never heard of it. He'd been hunting when I'd seen the piece on it that Sunday morning. Give it up to the guy though. He didn't argue. That's why we have stayed happily married for 31+ years. I know when to give in and he wasn't dying to see any of those other movies. So he went along with it.

The movie was playing at the Varsity Theater - in the Drake neighborhood, just off University at 25th. I was also feeling a bit tired of Jordan Creek Mall - another reason to go that route. We attended 4:30 p.m. Mass and headed to the Drake area Jethro's for some BBQ. Their wings are our favorite. The waitress was very good and we split a meal for one.

The Varsity is a chain of one - locally owned. Tickets are $7.50 and between those, popcorn and a soda, we paid $20 - half the price of the same stuff at the big chain places. For this particular film, most of the audience was - well, older. The theater itself is narrow but large. There was music playing, but we weren't tortured with any commercials or admonishments to turn off our cell phones. Or even any trailers for coming films. The movie started promptly at 7:30 p.m.

The movie is filmed in black and white. The premise is that Nebraska native Bruce Dern (Woody) lives in Billings, Montana. He's a drinker, a Korean war vet and is around 80 years old. He's received one of those sweepstakes letters saying "You've Won!". And he believes it. He thinks he needs to get to Lincoln, Nebraska to collect his prize of $1 Million. He starts walking because he doesn't have a license. He's relentless.

His son Davey, played by Will Forte, of Saturday Night Live fame, bumbles into driving him to Lincoln - to the dismay of wife/mother and older brother. On the way, they end up getting sidetracked to Woody's small-town Nebraska hometown. Mom takes the bus in. They all stay with Woody's brother and they have a family gathering with more family members - a stoic bunch to say the least. Woody lets it leak at the local bar that he's soon to come into a small fortune. Of course this travels like wildfire around the town - which if you've ever spent time in a small town, you'll recognize.
Loved this character: newspaper lady

The mom, played by June Squibb, should get an Oscar in my view - she was deliciously evil and real. What a mouth she had on her - Paul told me there would be a "hunting trip" in store for me if I became that woman. One I wouldn't come home from. I think he was kidding.

The cemetery scene is cutting and then hilarious. Brother Robbie shows up and the whole family visits Woody's homestead - a decrepit house on a farm. Paul could relate to some of the farm scenes. But just when you start feeling a little melancholy - the directory/screenplay adds some hi-jinx, or a comment from the mom or a cousin that makes you laugh.

Nebraska - it's not going to be a popular hit. I kinda dragged Paul there kicking and silently screaming. (and bribed him with Jethro's wings) But we ended up discussing that film more than we have any others we've seen in recent memory. And the ending is perfect!

We came home and watched football. Kansas State kicked Michigan's butts. Big 12! Good night.

Christmas Day

Christmas Morning we had a smaller group without Jud and Amy. Paul took her to work early at Beaver Creek at 7:15 a.m. That was strange - neither of our kids was with us on Christmas morning. Jordan, Colby and Liv had to stand in as our token children. Cindy hides pickle ornaments on the tree. Jordan spotted the big one and Liv spied the tiny one so they got to open the first gifts.

We stored Amy's gifts for later when she got back from work - the ones from and for her. Colby always does a nice job of purchasing a gift for his momma. He stepped in after Bolder passed away.

Cindy checks out her Golden Bear bracelet

Jigsaw therapy

My sissy game me this. :>)

Betso had my name for Christmas this year (the sisters alternate - though every year we are confused as to who has whom). Usually that means I get a basket! So I was surprised to see a long skinny wrapped box. Longaberger sells knives now - who knew?!? I haven't looked at their catalog for a while. I got a swell paring knife. Pablo got me a Golden Bear (Vail's signature jewelry) necklace that I had admired in their catalog. He actually listened to me! Colby received a fly fishing pole and some lure type stuff to tie flies. I got Paul a new camouflage down jacket he had admired - it's light as a feather. (Probably because down is feathers...).

When Amy got back from her day of working at Beano's, we did it all again without Colbs and Liv. We talked to Jud on the phone too - he was having a good time in Columbus with the Whiteds. He enjoyed seeing the Ohio State University stadium and Kara's mom Renee had cooked some great pie and cake.

Appies - such good cheese

Look at that beef...and the prime rib too. haha

Bonnie always makes beautiful desserts

That night we went to the Pottorff's house for prime rib and lots of other good food. The new food I tried this year was Brussels sprouts. I haven't eaten that particular food since childhood when Pat Bullock made me eat the vile things. I chewed them, spit them into my napkin and fed them to Jud the dog. And vowed then never again to eat them. And never to make my own children eat crap!



Telling jokes

My crown slipped on my tiny head - check out the fab ring found in my popper

But wait a minute...EPott - Eric, made these with cream and bacon. They were delightful! I liked the cranberry salad Shalloy made too. It was all good - including the cookie dessert. Bonnie got out "poppers" at the end, and we all ended up with crowns - found inside along with other cool stuff like jokes, games and jewelry. Some people looked like Jughead in the crowns. Of course with my pinhead, mine slipped down to my nose.

Behind Eric - the "kid's table"
 

When it was time to leave...we had to do final goodbye hugs. I hate that. But we'll see Colby and Cindy in April. And Amy (and Jordan) in May if not before then. I hope to even get out to Grand Junction to see my sis Susi's new house then...before it's not new anymore!

The next day we did the "quick" trip back - 12 hours, very few stops. We dropped Amy off at her place on our way through Denver. We were home a little after 6 p.m. Odie was glad to be home. So were Paul and I. Family rocks! And friends do too. Feeling blessed.

Up the big hill

There was a little snow on the way up to Vail on Monday. It was nice and warm in Denver - but you know those pointy hills. They make their own weather! Once we got to the Eisenhower Tunnel there was evidence of morning snow, and we saw some spectacular clouds in the distance.

The photo through the car window doesn't do it justice

We got to Cindy's in Edwards - west of Vail, about 3 p.m. It's always so nice to hug my seester. I'm close to all my sisters, but I've spent the most time with Cindy and we are simpatico. She works so damn hard. She always has - in high school, through college and then when she hit this resort town when it was in its infancy, really when she moved here in 1976. Cindy often worked a couple jobs so she didn't need to move back to Iowa to live with Mom and Dad. (Just like our children - she was deathly afraid of that prospect). I've been visiting her in Vail since she got there. That's a long time!

Jordan shopped at the Silverthorne Outlet Mall on her way up the mountain - in preparation for her NEW JOB at an energy PAC. Congrats Jordie! That night we went to a pizza joint near our Riverwalk Motel. Appleboy, Colby Lefebvre joined us. Why do I call him that? Because just like both of his parents (Bolder was also an extremely hard worker - to the end of his life, when he took orders for his bar supply job as he was signing up for hospice), Colby works long hours managing Moe's Original BBQ in Lionshead. That apple didn't fall far from the tree! That night I was asleep by 10 p.m. Rare air exhausts me!

Paul and Amy skied early the next day at Beaver Creek. It was chilly on the mountain, they said. It was Amy's first day to work at Beano's Cabin - an exclusive restaurant she worked at just after she graduated from college and a couple winters after that on holiday weekends. More about my kiddos job situation later (hint - it's exciting and good news).

Cindo took Jordie and me to breakfast at the Turntable - a place in the little old mining town of Minturn. There is an electric train track that runs around the whole place. Adorable!

That night - it was the big party. We took some pics before the crowd arrived. The cherubs (Colby, Liv (his gf), Jordie and Amy) went to E-town for pre-party drinks - on the house. They sat in front of Bolder's portrait on the stool he frequented. We got some pics with them when they got back. Amo was a bit tired after her day on her feet - waiting tables is like riding a bike, I guess. It came back to her!

During the party, Paul and I were on wienie duty - watching over little wrapped sausages (not our dog, who was in her kennel) in the oven. I won't describe the party, as it was much like last year. Colby and the "next generation" do a fine job carrying on in Bolder's place. Though nobody yells "Shut Up" in the special way Bolder did to get everyone to pay attention and sing.

It wasn't a late night for us - of course we could retire to our motel with our doggy. And we did. Cindy said she was up until 11:30 p.m. or so - shooing guests out and cleaning up. It was grand to see all of our Vail friends once again. We've been going to Vail for Christmas since 2008 - my first year at DNR. The party is a wonderful tradition we're so happy to be a part of.

Of course my favorite moment during the night is Mele Kalikimaka. Everyone knows the actions. There is a soundtrack in the background so we sound great!

And the Stars at Night

Kitchenettes Rock!

Day 2 - Christmas

Jelly, Jelly, Jelly. Jelly stays on my mind! Jelly roll killed my pappy. No, not really. It's an Allman Brothers song - and we went to our favorite joint for breakfast. Jelly Cafe. It's near Amy's place and close to Capitol Hill in Denver. Jelly - yum

I didn't take any photos of the place this year, because I've taken pics before. It's very hipster. We had donut bites whilst we awaited our real breakfast. Then we did a bit 'o shopping. A new Cabela's opened south of town. Paul has a "black" card and earned points. Let's not let them go to waste! He found a most awesome backpack for hunting. Then we hit the Outlet Mall a bit farther south. Odie found some nice hard candies in the cubbie hole of the car. She spit the red hot jaw breaker out on Paul's seat. Her breath was minty fresh though!

That evening we had a date with the Lamms at a Chinese place. We picked up our niece Jordan on the way - such a cutie! My Aunt Marty got there early (along with Uncle Bill) and ordered food for hundreds from Tony (a Chinese guy whose name was really something unpronounceable). Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Bruce were there too. they had just rolled in via Santa Fe, a stop on their way from Green Valley, AZ. They are my Dad's sisters and husbands.

Cousin Amy Brownlee came with husband Tom and kids Kate - who is a college frosh at CSU and Matt who is a HS sophomore. Kate's boyfriend came along too. My cousin Richard was last but not least. Tony kept the food coming. Eggrolls, chicken, shrimp, rice - we didn't have enough room on the table! Amy scored big in the leftover department! All of us scored big in the family department - we have a great one!

2 Generations of Bullock women

On Monday Paul and I drove (in rush hour) to Centennial, Colorado to see Marty and Bill's new place at Holly Creek Retirement Community. It's a gorgeous place. I'm jealous of their indoor/outdoor lap pool. We had a great breakfast (it's not quite as hipster as Jelly) and afterwards sat a Marty's and chatted a while. Made plans to see all of them in 2014. Yay! Then we headed back to Amy's to await her arrival home from work so we could head up the mountain to Edwards - just past Vail.

Christmas from the rearview mirror - Day 1

It's always nice to get the Christmas urgent-ness over with, isn't it? It just kinda hangs over me every year - when they start playing those commercials - around Halloween. Or is it Independence Day? haha.

This year I did actually get in the mood, feel the spirit...well - at least I didn't dread it as much. I think it's because Amy, Jud and Kara helped us kick off the season by coming here at Thanksgiving. We celebrated Pretend Christmas then since J & K would be with Kara's folks this week.

Celebrating Christmas on Wednesday is a bit awkward - but it is Christ's birthday. It's not like we can switch it to a Monday like Memorial Day, right? Paul, Odie and I decided to drive straight through to Amy's house on Saturday. I kept forgetting it was Saturday - and wondered if Amy would be at work. Duh! We let Garmin guide us to her new place - and we ended up behind the place next door that serves crazy old people. (Hey, we could live there someday!) Eventually though - we found her lovely little stable house behind the mansion.

Amy's place is the roof at the back

Her roomie Megan was home and they showed us the new place - which had recently been remodeled by the gay guys that own it and the mansion out front. There is an apartment above and another apartment in the basement of the mansion too. I bet the rent from those places pays for the mansion! At least the heat....



There is lots of exposed brick and travertine tile

The bedrooms have big doors - Megan let us stay in her room

Stairway down to the left of Pablo
 

We were starving and decided to go to Larimer Square for a meal at barbecue place with great brisket. Then we shopped a little and went to a downstairs "Speakeasy". It's an anonymous brown door - a place called "The Green Russell. It was fascinating - all dark and full of nooks and crannies. We sat at the bar and watched the bartenders create genius drinks. Some have specially shaped ice chunks - 1 per drink!

They make all their own bitters and fresh additives. Look how straight Amy's teeth are getting with her Invisalign!

A little later we went to the Denver Botanical Center where the whole place was lit up like a walk through an eye-popping wonderland. Amy got the 3-D glasses - that made some of the lights look like Gingerbread Men. Or made one feel like they were on an LSD trip. If one had ever taken LSD...(which I haven't). It was lightly snowing and we stopped in the cafeteria and purchased hot chocolates all around. Megan met us with her friend Joe. We saw a lady wipe out on the slick sidewalk and I took very careful steps so I wasn't next.

The temperature was perfect - just a slight chill, though my Popsicle feet started to get cold.

Of course I had to look at the trash/recycling receptacles...

I like the signage on the recycling containers!

 Megan took our photo at the end of the walk. Then we headed back to Amy's place. Odie awaited - she was happy to see us. We take her small kennel and she likes to get in it even if we leave the door open.

Just call me Rudolf - red nose!

We watched the end of Love Actually when we got back - one of my favorite Christmas movies. Then it was early to bed. Tired kiddos from Ioway!




Jeff N Nic sitting in a tree

My friend Jeff married his longtime partner Nic in October. They had a small ceremony at their home and invited close friends and family. Jeff brought their photo book into to work and I snapped these pics from it.

Jeff on left, Nic on right

I met Jeff Fiagle in 1997, when I started working in the trash world. My mentor in the biz, Tom Clark with Barker Lemar Engineering Consultants told me that I should go to DNR and meet all the people there and find out what they did. I made an appointment and drove to the big city from Creston. I wore khakis and carried my new soft-sided briefcase from JC Penneys. Man was I a dork! Jeff was one of the people I met. I also met another guy, Tom Anderson.

Fast forward eleven years - to yesterday as a matter of fact. On December 19, 2008 I started working at DNR - the best job I've every had. Jeff and Tom became my co-workers. I didn't take the JCP briefcase along. I'm sure they were leery of me anyway...

My "gay-dar" sounded when I met Jeff all those years ago, so I wasn't surprised when I started working with him and found out he had a long time partner named Nic. I met Nic at a gathering that first spring - nice guy. They're both into antiques and make a great couple.

It took me a while to get to know Jeff very well. I finally had a chance to talk to him outside of work (the Wallace Building anyway) when he agreed to be on the audit team for a program I manage. To do the audits we travel around the state - sometimes overnight. Jeff is funny, smart and caring. He's talked a bit about what it was like growing up gay in Iowa in the 70's. It wasn't easy.

I was surprised when Jeff announced that he and Nic were tying the knot October 6th, as I piloted our van on the way to Spencer last June. They were making it official! Same sex marriage has been legal in Iowa for a few years now - and they decided they wanted in on that. The two ordered matching rings. We co-workers assisted in song selection for the post wedding dance in the back yard. Jeff and I tortured our much younger co-workers with artists like Bobby Sherman!

I'm glad I have friends like Jeff and Nic. And a niece like Peg and her partner Brooke. They help us realize people aren't all that different - despite labels. And love is love.

The Embers were warm

Pablo and I went back to Jesse's Ember's at 33rd and Ingersoll last Saturday night. I love that place, man! It's like a restaurant of my youth - an old fashioned steak house. And it's cozy - only 16 tables with a tiny bar off to the right that seats maybe 5 people tops. People stand and wait until they may be seated.

Paul and I found a special spot next to the bar. The bartender chatted us up. He was a moonlighting Meredith Publishing Employee. He knows Marg, our realtor and her daughters. He served a fine vodka tonic.

I had the rib special when we were seated. There was a birthday party going on at the table text to us. The waitress was a veteran - not some college Barbie. I liked her. I had a great view of the cook. Yep - Jesse's is going to be another one of our regular haunts, I believe. It's a night time version of the Waveland Café.


The cook on the right

We thought about driving through Jolly Holiday Lights after supper - the charity Christmas light show in Waterworks Park. Right! The line was backed up way north on ML King. We decided to wait for another night.

Baking cookies

I baked my Christmas Cookies on Sunday. No not really. I planned on it. Then I realized I was actually dreading baking. Stressing in fact. And why? Nobody was awaiting cookies baked by little 'ol me. It was all on me - pressure I was putting on myself. So I took it off.

I went to Trader Joe's and bought my favorite cookies there. I was happy. I don't care what people think. I did make Mexican dip in the crock pot for Food Day at work Monday. I fried hamburger and everything. Impressive, I know!

Bill Blum, my co-worker made chocolate salad. He took over that job from our former boss, Al, who was single. Chocolate salad involves bringing a bowl and pouring in various types of chocolate - like little caramels and Kit Kats and M&Ms, chocolate covered raisins. There are all sorts of possibilities! 

Later yesterday I noticed my next door (cubicle) neighbor Amy Wilkin scored a chocolate mouse. Someone gave it to her. It was darling. A chocolate covered cherry with chocolate kiss and almond sliver ears on top of a cookie. I posted a picture of this on Facebook and suggested that Jud's girl Kara might like to make these...she likes to do food art. The next thing I knew there was a whole string of messages from my nieces, Leslie and Jordan talking about how my daughter Amy wouldn't eat such a thing because it has a face...

It's true. Amy has lived by that rule for quite some time. Jordan mentioned that Amy will eat hamburgers - that are made from something that really did have a face at one time. PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals). Sorry vegetarian friends. Couldn't resist. Amy finally stood up for herself on Facebook - asking, "Did no one else see Shrek? "Not the gumdrop buttons" scarred me for life!" Ah how I loved the Gingerbread Man! (Not enough to stop eating things with faces).

My mother baked every Christmas. She made two kinds of cut out cookies. traditional sugar and a thin spice cookie that are truly my favorite. The spice cookie recipe is a family one - but I seem to be the only one in our family that really likes them. Amy and Jud weren't ever wild about them and Paul isn't a cookie guy. So there's just me. Not worth cutting out cookies for. I'll eat Trader Joe's almond cookies instead.

Mom used to bake the cookies when we weren't around. At least I don't remember that part. She did let us help frost. We would sit at the kitchen table with table knives and frost away. That frosting was some rich stuff! We'd decorate with sprinkles, red hots and those little silver things that look like beebees.

Then mom would layer the cookies into Lorraine Lingerie boxes with wax paper in between layers. She'd put the cookies into the upright deep freeze in the laundry room. Mom got pretty cranky when she found that some of the layers were gone by the time she got the cookie box out. When playing downstairs we'd sneak into the laundry room and snitch cookies!

I do have good memories of baking cookies with Amy and Jud. And some hormonal memories - one needs patience to roll out cookie dough. I didn't always have it. Does it scar children for life to see dough thrown up against the kitchen wall? Oops. I hope my little lumps of dough children turn out okay anyway...they're frosted pretty well!

Finders Keepers

Remember all those little rhymes we'd say when we were kids?
"Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers"

In today's world - it doesn't apply often anymore. There are cameras everywhere. Finders better be honest! And not just because of the goodness of their hearts.

Last week at the Des Moines International Airport (I always get a kick out of the International part...) a woman took off her .7 diamond ring at one of the gates, laid it down and walked off. (Who could do that?) Enter lady number 2. She walked over, picked it up - looked around guiltily and took off for her Des Moines home.

Police released the video of the act last Friday - and the woman was busted that very same day. Tina Cram told police she planned to keep the ring. How sad - keeping someone else's ring, and feeling good about it. Imagine looking down at a ring on your finger - one you stole. Then looking in the mirror.

Ring Thief

The loser doesn't have to be a weeper anymore. She will get her ring back. I think about that when I'm shopping too. No not because I'm a secret shoplifter. But because people are always watching. It's kinda creepy. Tonight's Creston paper showed an arrest of a woman for shoplifting something like $61 in merchandise. So sad. You'd think they'd at least come up with triple digit value to get arrested for...

I'm rubber you're glue everything you say bounces off me and sticks to you
Sticks and stones will break my bones and words will never hurt me
I know you are but what am I? (what you say to someone who calls you a name)
cross my heart and hope to die...stick a needle in my eye

These came from other people's websites - I didn't remember them until I read them:
great big gobs of greasy grimey gopher guts , mutilated monkey meat , little baby birdy feet, french fried eye balls drenched in monkey blood

See my finger
See my thumb
See my fist
YOU better RUN.....

 Do you remember any others?

Grinchlets heart is melting

Let me state that I detest being cold. When I was young, I didn't really think there was an alternative. Even in the winter I'd walk to school in a skirt (before we could even wear pants to school), arriving with chapped bright red legs. In college I'd bundle up and trudge to class - sometimes with long johns under my jeans.

Sometime in between then and now, my blood thinned or something. Cold makes me uncomfortable. So I'd prefer a warm December - you know the type. Golfers are still teeing it up and folks continue to play all sorts of outdoors activities. This year isn't like that. Unseasonably cold, they've called it. There is already snow on the ground. For some reason it's helping me get that Christmas spirit! It's hard to get the Christmas Spirit in Florida. I've tried.

Earlier this week Pablo and I attended a musical - "White Christmas". We got some culture! Last night was sports night - the big intrastate rivalry game Iowa State vs. Iowa. We have season tickets to ISU Men's basketball games. We ate at Ruby Tuesday on our way to Ames. It's a chain, but I like the sides they offer - green beans and mashed potatoes are good. We passed on drinks - we wanted to be stone sober for the game to come.

We arrived about an hour before game time and the students we in the building already - some having camped out the night before. Those were thawing from single digit temps. Some students had to be turned away! It was a full house with few Hawkeye fans to be seen - a few were seated in our section #217.  The game seemed to be all Hawkeye for the first 38 minutes or so - though the good guys hung in there. Then miraculously the men in cardinal and gold pulled the game out. Woohoo! Sweet Caroline played as we made our way out the door. Both teams should have good seasons ahead.

This morning as I read the paper online and later did up the breakfast dishes, I listened to a Christmas CD. The music sounded good! We had a mission - several shopping stops. A return (channeling my daughter who returns about half of what she purchases), a quick stop at Dillards found some great Columbia tops. Then off to Chocolate Storybook - a great local candy company. And miracle - the Grand Avenue bridge is finally open (only 3 months late). Then we were on to Gateway Market to pick up some special Christmas purchases.

We went to the real grocery store (HyVee) on our way home. (Gateway Market is just too pricey and gourmet for most purchases). Christmas music played on the store's sound system. We cruised through the produce aisle picking up the usual stuff. When we got to the cereal aisle I don't know what came over me. I picked out some oatmeal - Paul had cruised ahead with the cart. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" played overhead as Paul looked back to see where I was. There was nobody in between us - we had beaten the crowd to the store. I couldn't help myself - I did a little jig to the tune, raising the oatmeal overhead. I heard giggles behind me. Paul said, "She isn't normally like this." I turned to see a mom with her son in the cart, smiling at me. I smiled back. I was feeling the Christmas Spirit. Eeegads! What's happening to me?

We plan to leave next Saturday for Denver. I'm looking so forward to seeing my family there. A dinner with Aunt Marty and Uncle Bill, Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce, the Brownlee family and Richard. Monday we'll go to my sister Cindy's in Edwards. My niece Jordan will be there and Cindy's son Colby. And the pretend family - the Pottorffs. Of course Amy will be with us. We'll miss Jud and Kara, who will be with Kara's folks in Ohio.

I heard Mele Kalikimaka at the mall this week - reminding me of the famous Christmas Eve party we've been able to take part in the past four years. I look forward to being a "Kitchenette" again this year. No matter what your year has been like - I hope you are able to muster some Christmas spirit. I know it can be hard - amid stress, the losses one suffers, the commercialization of the holiday. There is still a lot of good you know. Try to find it.

White Week, White Christmas

One of my favorite holiday shows is the classic White Christmas. It's my sis Betso's fave too - I wonder if our Mom got us started watching it? I'm not a huge old movie fan, but I do have a few that I've grown accustomed to. Who doesn't like Bing and Danny together dancing with babes? The music is great too - Irving Berlin.

So when I saw that Irving's White Christmas was coming to DSM I knew I had to snag tickets. I wasn't quick enough on the draw and didn't get close tickets - but they were good enough. We went on the first night - Tuesday. Paul and I went a bit early and got dinner and a drink at our place - The Standard, the martini bar across 3rd Street. The show was a long one and we didn't get home until about 10:30. But it was well worth it!

The plot was very similar to the TV movie - but not exactly.

What do you do with a general?

The whole cast could sing and dance!

 

Colors were vivid!
 

I love live shows and living closer to the Civic Center is one of the benefits of living here. Tomorrow night - we're off to the ISU vs. Iowa men's basketball game!