Amy in Equador awaiting Eddie

No not really. Yes, she now has her Ecuador sticker. She's in Vilcabamba. No, she isn't seeking asylum with Edward Snowden. She was having a bit of a problem with the malaria pills she was taking - they were giving her Montezuma's revenge if you know what I mean...but she started taking them with food, and that cleared up.

I took a long walk tonight when I got home from work. It's been too long since I was one with my iPod. I forgot how well I can think when do that. I have a dilemma. My Little Sis Chiya needs to learn to swim. I tried to sign her up for private lessons at the YMCA near where she lives - but they pretty much blew me off. I don't think they have enough teachers.

One of the yards at Diamond Brooke - our townhouse complex

I could teach her myself. It's been a while, since I strapped on the 'ol teaching swimsuit, but I'm sure it's like riding a bike. There's another wrinkle I discovered yesterday when I picked her up yesterday when I thought we were signing up for lessons at the Y. Her two girl cousins - who are close to her age and are living with her family this summer. They don't know how to swim either.

Chiya wasn't real wild about taking swimming lessons. She wants the good part - to be able to go to a pool and not be scared. She wasn't really isn't looking forward to the tough part though - the lessons. I told her we'd go to an Aquatic Center with slides and a Lazy River after she learns to swim. And that she could bring a friend. She asked if she could bring both her cousins. But they don't know how to swim. You see my dilemma.

The Big Sister program prohibits my spending the amount it would require for lessons for all three girls. I could teach all 3 myself though. Logistics is the issue now - when and where could I do the teaching? That's what I pondered during my walk.

If you know of a pool in the Des Moines area that I could use for this purpose - give me a holler or send me a note! It's important. Everyone needs to know how to swim. Pat Bullock would never forgive me if I didn't do something about this. I'll keep working at it - some area pools have family night on Sundays. I check that out to see how busy the pools are then.

I don't read much non-fiction, but the book I'm reading now is quite interesting - in a religious kinda way. It's "Astonished" by Beverly Donofrio. She's got a sense of humor - and she love, love, loves Jesus momma, Mary. The author wrote the book that eventually turned into the movie "Riding in cars with boys" which starred Drew Barrymore and she's written articles for Oprah Magazine and other publications. While living in a town in Mexico, she was raped by a serial rapist wielding a knife. Flailing for a way to recover from such a devastating even in her life - she searched for a monastery to join.

She said she had a hard time praying to and talking to Jesus, for some reason. She warms up to it though - at one point she enters the chapel and says "Jesus, sweetheart, hi, it's so good to see you darling, bunny love, pumpkin pie." I got a big kick out of that! I decided my prayers are way too sedate! The book is thoughtful and touching - with humor thrown in!

On Friday, my friend Deb and I are off on a big adventure! We were supposed to kayak in NE Iowa and SE Minnesota - but severe flooding as put the kibosh on that idea. So we are taking our bikes and will drink, walk, eat and bike. I can't wait! We're staying at a bed and breakfast in Lanesboro, MN.

Southern Visitors, Monsters U

Paul spoke to our fave farmer (Jeff McFee) this week and he surprised us by taking us up on our offer to come up for a night Friday! Bobbie and Jeff (yes he even brought his wife) arrived about 6 that night and we had a drink on the deck - they helped break in the new furniture - before walking over to Jordan Creek to get a bite to eat at Cheesecake Factory. It was such fun to have them come up. The two were our usual Friday night go-to companions, and we sure miss our get-togethers!

After we ate (I had my usual pear/bleu cheese flat bread - not too heavy) we walked south of the mall, along that little engineered pond. It's pretty along there - it was a pretty evening. We made it an early night because we knew we had a big day planned Saturday. It was such fun catching up on family and Creston news.

It was an early morning Saturday - why? Because
a. we're elderly and can't sleep late and
b. we are hard workers and are used to getting up early

So before 7 a.m. we were headed to our fave hole in the wall breakfast joint - you guessed it, the Waveland. Paul heard me talk about taking my sis Cindo there and he got a hankering for their hashbrowns. I had the 1/4 order of "everything" hashbrowns. So tasty with 1 egg.

Then we were on to the Farmer's Market. I know - it's getting to be a real habit with me! There were some righteous young musicians there that morning - guitar, bass and drums. I'm starting to know what vendors to expect - though each week a few are different. This week again we purchased asparagus, strawberries, and bread. I also decided on a couple knives forged in Waverly - cheese and paring, and some pasta that Cindo and Bonnie told me is delish. On the way back to the car, we walked along the Principal Riverwalk.

When we got back to our place, we headed out on our bikes. Somehow after riding east a ways, we ended up at Wellman's near West Glen - on their terrace, drinking bloody marys eating nachos. The waitress very nice - I gave her varicose vein information, she knew Tracy Purdum - ah Iowa, the smallest world. Next we rode west around the campuses of Wells Fargo and Aviva, ending up at Mavericks patio. It was just a short ride home after that, but we'd gone 10 miles.

It was time for B&J to go home. Jeff had cow to preg check and all that farmer stuff, ya know. Paul and I were heading to church at 4:30, so it was a full day - even if we did only watch TV (the movie The Proposal) that night. We were beat! So much fun hanging out with friends. Why couldn't Creston be 15 miles away instead of 70?

Today I had a date with my little buddy Chiya to see Monsters University. She loved the original movie Monsters Inc. and had mentioned when we saw the Oz movie that she'd like to see this sequel. I'd forgotten what it was like to go to kid movies - the previews are so different than the ones you see at big people movies. They still have little cartoons (you can hardly call them that...can you? because they're art!) before the movies - there were two at Monsters U. I loved them. One was about a snowman and an elk, the other about 2 umbrellas in a rain/wind storm. The animation is fabulous of course.

Chiya laughed out loud at the movie - something I don't hear her do a lot. I loved it! The lady next to me was howling. The movie was pretty cute - and the previews make me want to see the ones coming up. Good thing I have a kid to go with now!

I picked up a book for Chiya when we were out in Colorado recently. There is a great little bookstore near where Cindy lives. I figure with summer vaca, the kid has some time on her hands. When I was her age, I lost myself in books. As we drove back to her place and she looked over the book - Chiya told me she'd do a book report when she was done with it. Ha! Do I look like a school marm? I guess she's not used to just reading for enjoyment...I'll have to work on that with her. Any suggestions appreciated.

Bolder is now present in another place he loved

On Sunday, we headed west - to the place of Cindy's and my birth, Atlantic, Iowa. We headed right to the cemetery - where the Bullock stone marks the resting place of many a family member, five generations - skipping my generation (thank goodness) to our baby boy Patrick. The Atlantic cemetery doesn't spend much time on making sure the grass is growing better than weeds...if we lived there we could take better care of it, but it's not possible this far away.

When Cindy's beloved husband Brian (Bolder) Lefebvre passed away last November 11th, he was cremated. They must have used a different type of process than I've seen before, as he looked a lot like sand in the ziplock Cindo had him in. Planning ahead, Bolder was split 4 ways. His buddies took one bag back to Moab, Utah this spring on their annual golf trip. They so enjoyed having Boldie along as the executive chef on the trip each year.

I think I got a little Bolder power on my tongue...

Patrick's headstone - maybe Bolder will help the grass grow

 

It was a beautiful morning, and there was a  light breeze as my sister began sprinkling Bolder's ashes around the special graves of our loved ones. I tried to remain upbeat, and not cry. This has been so tough - and Cindy has been such a strong, brave woman. I mean she doesn't have a choice - but what life has thrown at her, she has handled with guts and grace.

We drove through the cemetery a bit on our way out - and saw the stones of a few old friends. Bev and Eddie Freese - the best neighbors to name two. Then we were on our way to cruise through town and show our guest Bonnie - who is from upstate New York - the A-town sights. Our home at 202 Crombie - which looks like shit! I think the Clampets moved in. The schools - Washington, the new and old high school, our grandparents house and downtown. Bonnie was duly impressed.

Then we headed to Kay and Ted Wickman's home for lunch. Kay was our father's "friend". Girlfriend sounds inadequate. Companion? Live-in? Anyway - they were together until he died. We were so fortunate that he had scoped her out at the drive-in at the bank, and had asked Kay out on a date before he had his stroke in 2003. Kay visited him as he recovered and when he went home from the assisted living place, she moved in to help him. The rest is Dad/Kay history, thank goodness! They had fun traveling to Florida and kept busy with family - hers and ours. And then Dad died too soon, and we were all very sad.

Kay missed Dad a lot - I think she still does. But life goes on. Ted and Ann Wickman were friends of my parents. Ted's a farmer, and he always seemed like an odd match for Ann who was rather brilliant and refined. Ted is not refined. Their son Kirk is my age and is a great guy! I'm FB friends with son Charlie - he's around Betso's age. Ann became sick, and passed away after a somewhat long illness - she died not long before Dad, I think.

Kay and Ted

Ted was lonely, Kay was lonely - they got together after their partners died. Why waste time being lonely? We are happy for them! And it was so nice of Kay to invite us over. They live in my friend Sally Rodger's former home. Her brother-in-law Dan designed it for two of my fave peeps - her parents, Wayne and Anna Day. Kay and Ted bought the home after they were married. At lunch that day, we had a lovely lunch of chicken salad sannies, and peach cobbler. The Wickmans put a pool in behind the house - such a pretty view from there! It was nice to see them.

Soon it was time to head out - to where? The antique mecca of the western world - Walnut, Iowa! And little did we know, it was the very special Antique Walk weekend. Jackpot! It was hot by then...and we rounded the corner to town and saw all those people with tables set up - full of you guessed it. Junk. Um, I mean fabulous antiques.  

On the brick main street

They had Prince Albert in a can - and I don't think they're letting him out...

Inside at this store I bought a little wood rooster that looks great on top of my kitchen cupboards. They were out of $1s so I got the $18 item for $15. Can you say BARGAIN!

Cindo found a couple items for the small deck outside the master bedroom at her Vail home. A little metal rack and a tin ceiling tile. Bonnie selected a bird similar to mine. We ran into Atlantic friends - Dr. John and Mary Weresh. Paul recognized them - that guy has an eye for people, I tell ya! We chatted with them briefly - nice folks. Then we made the trek back to West Des Moines.

That night Paul grilled rib eye steaks for the visitors. They loved that Iowa cornfed flavor. Fareway makes great twice baked potatoes too - and we served those suckers, but I did fess up that I didn't make them. It was Father's Day so our Daisy Driver got his angel food cake and fab fresh strawberries that Cindy had masticated (or some fancy cooking word).

In the a.m. we walked a couple miles and went to the local dive for breakfast. Cindy loved the hashbrowns - they reminded her of the ones Coral used to make at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club. That afternoon we went to the dumbest movie ever made - yes, it was my choice. Don't see "This is The End". I must admit - I laughed a lot - at the movie not with it. Bad!

That night we took Cindy and Bonnie to Jethro's in Waukee. We love the wings there. After we ate - we drove by my old roomie, Joan's place in that town. Guess who was planting flowers out front? Joanie - who I was lucky enough to live with for the past 4 years, until last October. We pulled into the driveway so Cindy could meet her and they gave each other a big hug! That warmed my heart - the two had heard of each other, and therefore, my beloved friends were de facto friends. So cool. I need to get together with Joan soon.

I hated to say goodbye to our Colorado roommates early the next morning. I can't wait to see them for Christmas! I wish I could hang out with them more. Thanks for coming to Des Moines! It was fun.

Mountain girls come to the flatlands

One week ago Cindy and Bonnie arrived from Vail, Colorado. They really live in a town called Edwards - but nobody has heard of that, so we'll just say Vail. Cindy moved there shortly after graduating from Drake University in 1976. Some of her Drake friends were moving there, and she didn't think teaching art in Bum#($% Iowa sounded like her calling. So she became a professional waitress in a vacation town.

Bonnie is her best friend - she's half of the Bonnie/Eric duo. Eric was one of Cindy's husband Bolder's best buddies. He was with Cindy when Bolder left this world, and was such a great help through that difficult time. He gave a great talk at Boldie's memorial about their friendship. The Goldsmiths have been lucky to be invited to their home the past 4 years for Christmas dinner. (They are really good cooks, much like my sis and fam).

We had a fab time show the girls around our new town, which of course is Cindo's college town. Paul got to drive us. We called it "driving the Daisies" He's a lucky (and very patient man).

On Friday we toured the Drake area - checking how much the school has changed. The Kappa House looks great too. Cindy entertained us with stories of her renegade youth.

After touring, we stopped for a drink at our fave - the Standard - we got trapped there as it was pouring. Tragically, we had to have another drink. Then we went home for pork cutlets from Whole Foods, and a version of a potato recipe I snitched from one Jane Buck posted on Facebook. Red potatoes sliced and baked with butter and a packet of Ranch Dressing. It was delish. I made a cheesecake that day too. I know - pretty homey for me!

I love this window-front in downtown DSM - sooo busted!

On Saturday we took our guests to Des Moine's fabuloso Farmer's Market. They were impressed! We headed directly to the Farmboys breakfast burritos first off - as we support our former Creston neighbors from Prescott. You can't beat that value. Just don't unwrap the thing, as I found out it blows up. You need the paper to keep it together.

Cindo bought a cute wreath, we got gorgeous asparagus, so very tasty strawberries, an angel food cake, a loaf a bread and Dutch letters (they only come in S). The bands were not anything spectacular that day, but there was a family of fiddlers/pickers. And a corny puppet and enthralled the kids. The weather was great, before once again clouding up.

We headed back towards the State Capitol so they could get a look at that. There was a heart walk going on - we ran into some mimes (who tend to creep me out). I yelled at them to "give us a shout out". Here is what they did.

see...creepy!

Standing on Cass County

We visited West End Salvage next, of HGTV fame. Okay - it hasn't been very popular on HGTV and can be found during odd times. They have some interesting stuff that is probably overpriced. Fun place though - and they have a "cute shoes" discount.

That night we went to my fave restaurant - Alba. I haven't been everywhere yet - there may be better places out there. But I find Alba interesting. I had a quinoa salad that was so interesting and refreshing, along with grilled scallops. Everyone enjoyed Alba. And the wine we drank there.

It doesn't look that cool - but quinoa was!

In my next blog - our trip to Atlantic and Walnut, plus the worst movie ever made...

My baby has gone south...

After the wedding we had a visitor. No...not really. Amy can't be called a visitor, since she's our kid. But I didn't want to sit around blogging while she was at our house. After Amy left, Cindo and Bonnie arrived. So I'm a bit behind on my writing - and my Aunt Martha texted me to let me know!

Tonight, I'm in Spencer, Iowa - near Iowa's Great Lakes. If you're not from Iowa, you probably don't ever realize we have lakes that are great - natural glacial. I spent some time at the lakes (aka Okoboji) when I was a kid, at my relative's lake place - the Stewarts. Tomorrow - I won't be at the lake. I'll be at City Hall and the landfill. Not quite the same - still, I'll be digging it! Because I love my job.

My workmates - Scott, Jeff and Becky and I all went out to eat with my longtime friend Mary Faber tonight. She lives in Emmetsburg and works here in Spencer. It's always fun the see Mar - one of my fave people. Of course she won the hearts of the staties I was with!

Back to last week. Amy was hanging in WDM with us, preparing for her 5 week trip to South and Central America. She quit her job of 2 years, ready for a new challenge. The kid has been saving her cash, because she works to live - and to her livin' is travelin'! It makes her daddy and me nervous - hell yes. But we don't want her to stop being Amy. We so proud that she is brave enough to travel far and wide, and in this case - by herself for much of the trip. She is a smart traveler, and I tell myself - she could get hit by a bus in Denver, right?

With 2 of my fave peeps

On Monday, I had such a pleasant lunch when Amy and my longtime pal Robyn joined me in the East Village. She was back in Iowa from her home in Florida, visiting her Momma at Heritage House in Atlantic. I'm so pleased she takes time to see me! Such a bonus that Amy was available too! We had lunch at the Continental.

Do I look proud of my girls?

Chiya looks a little scared...we had the owner cook for us - he had a cute giggle!

I ask my Lil Sis Chiya to go out to eat with us at O'Hana's last Tuesday night. I wanted her to meet Amy, because I can't think of a better role model for her. Chiya's Grandma had her all dressed up for the occasion. While she likes Chinese food, I don't think the Japanese fare was her fave - especially when I explained to her that Amy was eating squid. She tried the shrimp appetizer, but Paul quickly got the rest. Amy was the recipient of most of her veggies. Chiya did like the virgin strawberry daiquiris, salad, rice, noodles and sesame chicken. For dessert - a chocolate shake. Amy liked it all - including her Templeton Rye Manhattan.

A couple nights Amy got together with her college pals Rachelle and Jenna. It makes my heart happy to hear those gals laugh so heartily. At one point they took photos downstairs under Paul's antlers - like they were coming out of their heads. Too funny.

All too soon, it was 4 a.m. Thursday - time to take Amy to the airport for her flight. She has texted, emailed and even blogged since she left - so that helps. Amy even met up with a friend of a friend Saturday night, in Cusco Peru, which was nice, because she sounded like she felt a bit down and lonely. The report so far - she loved Machu Picchu. She's in Lima tonight and tomorrow night - I know because she sent me the "where Amy rests her noggin" spreadsheet. I'm not sure I needed to know the names of the hostels she staying in though - like "Supertramp". Sound icky to me...

If you want to keep up on her blog: http://amygizzle.blogspot.com/

Time to get to bed - I have an audit to do tomorrow!

The wedding was perfect

Congratulations to the beautiful bride and her handsome groom. A good time was had by all, as the recording secretary used to say in the 4-H minutes. Amy left Denver the Monday before the wedding and drove through North Dakota - to cross another state off her list of places.

She stayed with Kelli and Toby that week - and was their wedding planner, by all accounts. The wedding program she designed turned out quite nicely. The kid does have a knack for that kind of thing. She's a trained professional you know! Kelli arranged for her to have a nice manicure.

Paul and I left our place just after noon Friday. We stopped for a cup of coffee with sis Carol in Northwood - at the Welcome Area near the Diamond Jo casino. It was nice to see her and get caught up on the Meyers kids. Then we were off again!

Moose (Steve) and Kay Wilt were already set up in the Country Inn in Northfield. Kay was having issues. It was too strange for her to be in a motel in Northfield! They almost always stay with the Behrs when they visit their daughters Jaime and Alyssa who attend the U. That's the University of Minnesota for those of you who don't speak Minnesotan. Jaime just graduated and will attend Physical Therapy School this fall. Lis will be a sophomore. The girls had headed to the city for a concert that night.

My pretty girl



Kay with Vicki and her mom Barb

 





 

Once Jud and Kara arrived, the six of us walked to Northfield's beautiful downtown to eat. It was fun having Jud there! He hadn't seen the gang for a long time, and they'd not yet met Kara. In the morning, the guys played golf early and the gals went to Behr's house to see the whole female wedding party makeup thing. Vic's mom Barb and sister Krista were there - it was so nice to see them. Amy's hair was done and she looked so pretty. They all had robes on, but Vicki's was extra special - it was a Lorraine Lingerie robe my dad had given her.

Lauren, Kara, Alyssa, Jaime

Kara and Jud



Kara, Kay, Jaime, Alyssa and I all went shopping downtown after that. I found earrings made of recycled inner tube and steel wire. Cool! There is also an oil and vinegar shop there - you can taste before you purchase. Very funky. We ran into the guys by the river - they were done with their golf game. After a rest, it was time to get ready for the wedding!

 

We got there early and were seated where we should be - near the front like we're family, of course. Prime photo position. Very classy ceremony - harpist, no organ and no soloist. The dresses were very pretty and Kelli looked regal coming up the aisle. Toby looked radiant awaiting her. I snuck a photo in during the ceremony, and then got some good ones afterward. Steve and Ann Hauser had arrived from the cities - another one of our college gang. I knew Moose and Steve before I met Paul!

 

Of course I made the fam get a group photo.

 

Greeting line

Love this shot

 

 

The reception was fun, though I ate so much I couldn't really do all my good moves on the dance floor. Of course nobody could tell...The fun thing was the photo booth set up upstairs. I've not heard of that before. We got a photo of the "gang" - all the Behr, Wilt and Goldsmith kids. We stayed until midnight, before finally giving it up. The DJ quit then anyway. A light rain was falling as we walked back to the motel. I'm sure the newlyweds didn't mind...

 

On Sunday we stopped at Behr's house on our way out of town. Jud and Kara took off before we did. It was hard to say goodbye to Barb and Jon - Vic's parents. Who knows when I'll see them again? Hmmm maybe Kelli's sis Lauren will get married next! Anyway - it was a very good time. And it really made me miss my buddies. We didn't get enough quality time with Vic and Fred. Or Moose and Kay for that matter. They all need to come to DSM to see our new place. First - my sis Cindo is coming with Bonnie. On Friday. Yippy!

Kelli and Amy a while ago

 

Hope you're having fun on your honeymoon Kelli and Toby. What am I saying - of course they are - they're in Mexico. They're newlyweds.  

 



 





Kelli is getting married Saturday

Toby and Kelli

I've known her all her life - and before. Way back when Moose would yell - "BEER" into Vicki's belly. We did shots of some awful liquor at Moose's backyard party in Ankeny right before Vic found out she was pregnant with Kelli. Yet she still turned out okay. (Kelli...I'm still wondering about Vic (my college roomie) - those college years took their toll on both of us!)

Kelli is a great person and I'm sure she will be a beautiful bride. Amy has spent most of the week with Kelli and Toby, her fiancé. The two met on Match.Com - not the most romantic story in the world, but hey, what ever works! It turns out their grandparents are all from DeWitt, Iowa - so it's meant to be. Though he grew up in Minnesota, Toby is a Hawkeye fan...and Kelli - she was born in Ames and both parents have Iowa State degrees. She's a Cyclone! Her dad Fred is still somewhat of a closet Hawk fan though...so she can live in a "house divided".

For more information on the happy couple, check out their website: Toby and Kelli

She's a beautiful young woman today - but to me, Kelli, in some way will always be this kid. Look for wedding photos next week.

Kelli and Amy at Bemidji?

The girls at VEISHEA

 

Red Magic and Cappel's Ace Hardware

Everett "Red" Faust of Atlantic passed away this past week. He was the father of my longtime friend Theresa, who passed away several years ago, much before her time. The Fausts lived down the hill and around the corner from us. Graysons were next door and the Weresh's across the street. Bredensteiners lived a half block away - scant seconds by bicycle. The Bucks were close by too.

Red Faust was quite a guy - larger than life, which was hard because he was like 6 foot 7 inches tall! His obituary is linked here: Red Faust Obit

Red was a radio guy by the time I knew him. Back then KJAN was Atlantic's only radio station - the one to listen to when one wanted to know what was happening in town. Were we having a snow day, released from school prison? Was our lost dog found? Red had a great radio voice.

Red could perform magic. When Theresa had slumber parties - which included ten or more of her closest friends, he would pull quarters our of our ears and do card tricks. He was game for anything. Robyn reminds me that he even played along with our "Lift" game. It was the usual slumber party thing to do. It went like this:

The volunteer. In this case - long, tall Red Faust lay on his back on the floor. The girls sat around him, each with 2 fingers under his body. The lead girl at his head said the words:
"He's looking ill." then everyone repeated that back, going around in order - clockwise. "He's looking worse" - everyone repeats. "He's dying" repeat and finally, "he is dead." Then everyone begins to chant: "Light as a feather, stiff as a board." (this was before we might have gotten a chuckle out of the subtext of that line...)
and they begin to lift the prone body with their fingers.

I'm not sure we got Red too far in the air! Red and Mary Jane, his wife agreed to judge a dance contest at the party too, as I recall. Later Chris Deardorff and I retired to sleep under the ping pong table. I couldn't handle the hazing that would befall others who fell asleep early - freezing bras, toothpaste on the legs, and the worst - a hand in the warm water, hoping the sleeper would wet the sleeping bag!

Rest in Peace Red. I am comforted with the thought that you are now with your beloved daughter Theresa.

Paul and I were shopping today and instead of purchasing 20 feet of chain for an antique paper press at Lowe's we decided to visit the Ace Hardware we spied on 50th and EP True. I like hardware stores - so full of cool stuff, with real people ready to assist you! As we walked in I noticed something I never had before - it said Cappel's Ace Hardware. Just like the store in Atlantic! Hmmm I wondered - are they related?

Connie Nixon - secretary of our townhouse association knows the Cappels in Atlantic. Before she retired she worked for an association for independent hardware stores. We selected a couple items and found the type of chain we wanted. Paul asked a guy working there to cut it for him, and they chatted. Turns out it was Dougie Cappel - no doubt now known as Doug.

In the small world department, Doug said he was just talking about me with my college roomie Jane Flack Conn. Their children attend Des Moines Christian School together. I taught swimming lessons to Doug (then known to me as Dougie) some 35 years ago at the Country Club pool. He remembers that.

It was so nice talking to Doug, the grown up man. He said such complementary things about our dad, Dave Bullock. He said his father Dick had attended Kemper Military School because of Dad, and that his dad thought the world of our dad. Doug also said he thought highly of Dad. It made me feel really good. I'll be buying local from that store again! You know, Des Moines isn't such a big place after all.

Dad 2002 - with his girls

Kelli's getting married, a tale of friendship

Kelli and Amy

I've known her all her life! Kelli Marie Behr has been the trial child of our college group. Parents Vicki (my college roomie) and Fred started with trial child kitty cat Cato. They didn't do so well with her. We blame Moose - he terrorized the cat and helped make her kinda psycho when she was in her formative months.

Kelli was the firstborn child that any of us had - born 8 months before Amy. So she was our model. Vicki and Fred lived in Ames back then, and all of us - Moose (Steve) and Kay, Jane, Hauser and others got together fairly often at their first home. I was soaking up all things "baby". I had the cat thing down - since I'd had Bucko before Behrs got Cato. I knew cats. Babies were foreign stuff to me - I hadn't done much babysitting, and knew practically nothing about them.

Thank goodness for the trial child, Kelli and Behrs to train us, or Amy might not have survived. I must also give a shout out to Dr. Spock - his book was my bible. Kelli was the perfect girlie child - never wanting to get dirty, pretty much potty training herself. Amy - not. I'll never forget the time we went to a little playground near Behr's home in Northfield, MN where they have lived for 26 years now. Amy was around 2 years old - sitting in the sand under the swings digging her hands around happily. Kelly had gotten her hands dirty and wanted to go home and wash them, of course. All of the sudden Amy's hand scooped sand into her mouth! My kid liked dirty hands AND eating sand. Great!

Amy and Kelli grew us as close as cousins - I love that! Vicki is one of my closest friends. For four years at Iowa State University we shared everything together, as close as friends can be. After that - of course we didn't see each other as much, especially when we got married and had kids. But not matter how long it has been, when we talk, the years fade away and we can pick up where we left off.

Amy and Kelli never roomed together, but they've known each other since birth. They experienced day camp at Bemidji when they were 6 or 7. They spent the 4th of July in Ridgeland, Wisconsin together for many years. The girls were the oldest and bossed the other kids around when they went to a sitter's while the parents attend ISU football games in Ames each fall. When Amy attended ISU, Kelli would visit - as she attended St. Olaf College in her hometown. Amy says their relationship is similar to mine and Vicki's - they can pick up right where they left off.

Amy was thrilled to be asked to be a bridesmaid in Kelli's upcoming wedding. Kelli will marry Toby Hoskins next Saturday. Our whole family will be there, along with Moose and Kay and their daughters Jaime and Alyssa - more cousin-like friends. Jud and Behr's daughter Lauren are also close in age, but because of the difference in interests and the fact that we didn't get together as much - they didn't bond with each other like Kelli and Amy. It's been a very long time since we had the whole Behr, Wilt, Goldsmith clan together. Add in the Hausers, maybe Hustons and Jane. It should be a blast!

Congratulations to Kelli and Toby. You will be surrounded with friends who love you.


Yesterday I ventured to the Des Moines Farmer's Market by myself to pick up a special wedding gift for Kelly and Toby. Paul was busy and I was on a mission. The morning was gorgeous!

Flowers outside Federal Courthouse

Footbridge across the over-full river

Excellence Brazilian band

Love people watching

Bike shop on my way back to the car - you can see the spokes of a big wheel bike