Like a good neighbor

Well...not just LIKE a good neighbor - they were good neighbors. I had a dream last night that conjured up our neighbors at our home at 201 East Prairie. This morning, while getting ready for work I was thinking of them - Don and Betty. It took me a while to come up with their last name = Tyner.

They lived in the yellow house behind ours - it was actually on Walnut Street. We bought that house, in Creston, Iowa in 1986. (Mom came up with the last $2,000 - they drove a hard bargain!) It was mostly green, with some pink. Yee. But the house had cool bones, and it was the best of all the ones we looked at (that we could afford...) We immediately began painting and putting up wallpaper. Degreening the place.

It was November when we moved in, so it took until the next spring for us to meet the neighbors. We were out in the yard with our toddling girl and the little strawberry blond was a natural ice breaker! And Amy soon grew to be a favorite of our neighbors Don and Betty, who were about my parents age. The couple had raised three daughters in Creston, and had a few grandkids of their own, but none of them lived nearby. Betty especially headed lots of attention on Amy.

Tyners allowed the young couple next door to borrow stuff from them. And not just sugar! They had a camcorder - back before they were in your phone...This was the giant kind that looked like a TV camera. We borrowed it for Jud's baptism. Don had a bright red Ford truck that he allowed young Paul Goldsmith to use anytime we needed to haul stuff.

The summer Jud was three years old, Don and Betty decided to add a screened in porch onto their house where the deck was. They hired a carpenter named Paul to build it. Jud was very interested in the process and Paul very patiently answered the 3-year-old's endless questions. "What are you doing now Paul?" "Why?" The porch turned out perfect. Frequently when they sat there, the children wanted to go see them. Of course our dog Moki thought he was one of them. A kid that is...he thought he belonged in the porch with them and rammed his head into the screen until Don let him in too. Gee they were good sports.

When Amy learned to play the piano, Betty insisted she could in and play a tune for her - and of course Betty raved about how good she was! Jud and Amy could always count on the Tyners to purchase anything they were selling too - sports team stuff or St. Malachy goods. It didn't matter.

It was hard to tell Don and Betty that we were moving. We didn't want them to see the "For Sale" sign and find out that way. Of course we'd still see them around town occasionally. About a couple years before we moved away I read in the paper that Don had passed away. So sad to think of Betty without him. The service was set for when I was out of town, so I wasn't able to attend. So I sent a card of course. We were lucky to have good neighbors like the Tyners. I'm glad my dream conjured them up!

Sunday morning - I laughed, I cried

And no...that wasn't just watching yesterday's ISU Cyclone football game. Though that description could have described me, watching the game. It was ugly again. It's one of those years...we're Cyclone fans - we know the drill. Even before the season started I didn't like the home schedule - few early home games, and those were at night. One was on Thursday. Yuck. Add poor team play followed by injuries. I won't even mention the bad calls by referees - because that would make me sound petty. Yesterday's weather was very chilly and windy - it's too early to be that cold. Plus no RV to tailgate with. Sob...oh poor me. Yeah, I'll get over it. It's only football. I'm doing this for fun, right?

Life is good otherwise! Jud and Kara and friends stopped by our tailgate - always good to see them. I love getting hugs from the gang - Brad, Brady, Mitch, Pat - and I got to meet this girlfriend Lori. We had made a Crock Pot egg bake the night before - and it turned out quite tasty. You can't go wrong with eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage and onion. Diana made her signature sticky rolls with pecans. So despite the lack of an RV, we provided!

My pal - friends for over 20 years

Our waitress brought Deb this ice cream

How did we do it? It all started the night before. My BFF Deb was in town - shopping during her day off for birthday. We had made plans to go out for supper to celebrate. She arrived at my place about 4:30 p.m. So good to catch up - we hadn't seen each other since Labor Day! She, Paul and I headed to Cheesecake Factory for Happy Hour. McKims arrived about 6:45 p.m. for supper. We had a great time celebrating Deb's bday - which was Saturday. Deb took off for Creston when we got back to our place. So glad I got a chance to spend time with my bestie.

McKims stayed at our place for the night so we could get an early start for the ISU game in the a.m. We whipped up the egg casserole Friday night and got it started in the crockpot. About 9:30 p.m., Dee, Don and Paul decided to head to the Keg Stand bar to see Damon Dotson play. Phil Conover was there, and Katie McKim joined the group. Alas, I was pooped and stayed home. Saturday morning I was glad though...no hangover! We were up early Saturday and the rest is history. The beaten and bruised Cyclones and their fans are hopeful for next Saturday.

So - Sunday morning - the CBS Show. http://www.cbsnews.com/sunday-morning/

The pumpkin segment made me laugh out loud! Especially when they used a crane to hoist the giant spheres into the sky - and then let them plummet onto unsuspecting junker cars. Pumpkin races, a regatta - Priceless!

The other precious segment involved football. 
I don't see a heading for the story on the website. It was about a high school football team that took a dive on the 1 yard line to allow a learning disabled teammate to score a touchdown. It's not really a new idea. What touched me was the interview of a receiver. He admitted this was not his idea - he's been pretty self-centered up to this time. Then tears began to roll down his cheeks, and he professed how this one event has changed him.

If only we could arrange for every person to undergo such an event in his/her young life. Alas - each of our hearts are not open to such change. Just like some people pretend to be "Christians" but do not act in a Christian manner when it really counts. I was going to say I'm not pointing fingers...but that would be a lie. I have pointed fingers. And sometimes I can point the finger right at myself - I admit it. I can only keep plugging away! Stories like the one told today about a young man learning the value of giving remind me how important it is.

We shall overcome

Last year in Bolder - the gang

My high school homies and I...we've got a few dings (or are a little dingy). Seriously. My friends have overcome some stuff - but are strong ladies that just keep plugging away. I've had my own trials in life - but can't say how much I love and admire my pals and their grace in dealing with adversity. Here are just a few things they have dealt with:

• While still a youngster herself, Pam discovered her baby daughter was deaf (it turned out okay, because Nicole is great, but it had to be a shock)
• Sally's newborn son suffered from an illness and had to have heart surgery, years later another son suffered a stroke and had to have heart surgery
• Marriage breakups 
• Single parenting
• Children who have gone through problems - health and other issues. No matter how old they are, they're always our babies!
• Robyn lost much of the hearing in one ear  
• Loss of a spouse - Joanie just lost her husband in January. They had just remarried, after breaking up a while earlier. Joan was caring for Larry when he took a turn for the worse.
• Loss of parents - too soon, especially Paula who lost her dad in 6th grade, Julia's Mom died in her early 50's.
• Paula's brother Kirk died of AIDS in the early 1980s - he's been gone so long now. Such a nice guy!

Joanie, Paula and Pammy

I'm sure I've missed other trials and tribulations. Nobody is immune from suffering, for sure. Everyone must decide how to deal with adversity. And despite it all - the girls can still laugh. You have to. I'm glad we are also there to support each other.

We remember our friend Theresa who passed away several years ago. We miss and love you Foostic.  

Austin Sunday

On Sunday our hostess Ms. Paula served a lovely breakfast of oven French Toast. I need to get that recipe for when the fam visits. Then we were off again - this time to climb a mountain - or what passes for one in Texas.

monument at the top of the hill overlooking the river and city

 

These ladies agreed to pose with flat Chris and Paula

 

 

Pam and I walked down the block and took pics of the local building artwork


 

Then we stopped at the Women's Art Center for a bit of shopping. I got a couple neat photos to frame as mementos of my trip.

The University of Texas campus was our next destination. Traffic was busy, but Paula deftly drove us around an accident - and got us to this beautiful fountain.

Texas Capitol - think the Gov is home?

By then, we were hungry again. We proceeded to a fun barbeque place called Rudy's. When they found out where we were from, and that we'd not been there before they rang a bell and said "we have a bunch of newbies from all over!" We got to try samples of everything before we ordered. It was very good.

I got turkey, beef and creamed corn

That night we were so stuffed we only ate guacamole, chips and popcorn. Along with a few adult bevs, that was just right! Man - there's nothing like hanging out with people you've known since you were knee high to a grass hopper. They know all your warts. You know theirs. And there is nothing but love and support going on - trading recipes, family information and work situations. They got stuck listening to a bunch of my crappy stories. I guess I'm more like my daddy than I ever knew I would be. He told stories too.

Sally talked us into taking a mini version of the Myers Briggs Personality Assessment. She brought along worksheets and scoring sheets with assessments. They weren't perfect - except Joanie's. I think her assessment pretty much nailed her personality! Mine made me sound a lot like Pat Bullock - a tough decision maker. I hope I come across as having more heart than that! Interesting exercise.

Paula delivered me to the Austin airport Monday morning. It was tough to say goodbye. I don't know when I'll see my buddies again. Love 'em - they're important to me. Again the security line was slow - and I messed up and had the wrong boarding pass in my hand. After fumbling around to find the right one - the TSA gal checked it and sent me to the short line! The one where you don't have to take your shoes off. Must have felt sorry for the dumb lady...

I got myself rearranged after getting through security and heard...bagpipes. It was an honor guard escorting WW2 vets heading out to Washington D.C. I was already feeling sentimental from leaving my friends - and this choked me up even more! Those old fellas looked so proud. The musician played Amazing Grace and a singer did the National Anthem. Awesome. It was a fitting end to my weekend.

We salute you

Austin is Bacon my heart!

My new pick city is Austin, TX. What a cool place! You'd never know it's in the middle of a state that considers itself its own country...haha


 

Sammy the dog in his Halloween costume - (being ridden by a cowboy)

I went to visit my longtime pal Paula Jayne Bacon who has lived in Austin for something like 20 years. I've known Paula nearly as long as I've known Robyn! We were tots together. I flew in on Friday morning after Paul dropped me off bright and early at the DSM airport. I actually had to stand in line there for once at security!

Paula and Sammy

My buddy has a lovely home, and the cutest doggy ever. Texas has water problems - or usually the lack of water. So Paula has purchased huge rain barrels that are hooked to the gutters that collect rain off her roof. And - she has a bitchin' composter with a little stainless steel container right by her sink for organics. I'm so jealous. Now that I live in a townhouse, I no longer have a composter. I think I'll check with the landscape committee about getting one. And a nice rain barrel too.

Composter - far left. 2 large and 1 small rain barrels

 Friday night we took in some music - Stevie Ray Vaughn style. We got to the Saxon Pub early enough to get good seats. Because that's how Paula rolls! She's quite organized. I like that. The club owner (at least he said he was...or he was full of shit - we're not sure which), Joe, came around to shoot the breeze. Then he brought us a round of Austin kamikaze shots. Yum!

We got to see Denny Freeman Band. The drummer was a mentor to Stevie Ray, and the bass player was - well a chick. It took me a while to figure that out. I can say stuff like that, because people have mistaken me for a guy too. When I worked for Harry Hjortshoj at his Fina Gas Station - I used to wear uniform shirts and people thought I was his son. Short hair  and no boobs can be a curse sometimes.

The music was really great. Paula says she likes to go to see jazz on Mondays. How cool is that? I love live music. 

The next day, after a hearty breakfast, we set out to conquer Austin. No, not really. It kicked our butts. All week, the Weather Channel told me it was likely to rain. Wrong - beautiful blue sky. We headed to Lady Bird Johnson Lake to see the sites - Stevie's statue and a ghost tree some artist made.



SR Vaughn

Ghost Tree from the bridge
 

We ended up walking over 6 miles that day - and oh the sites we saw - and old hotel, a festival of the dead and don't forget the boot store. I purchased some Frye Boots that feel as soft as buttah! Oh - I how lusted for some hand tooled cowboy boots. They were beautiful. But I couldn't justify a purchase like that. So I went with something more in keeping with my lifestyle.

That night, Paula cooked a tasty pasta dish for us and we watched an old movie - Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I couldn't help but think about the sisterhood our group of friends has. I am blessed to have such friends!

Tiny skeletons in a store



Driskill Hotel, Austin



beautiful boots
 

Sally couldn't make up her mind - even with Paula to help!



Birthday Girl

A gal I work with, Angie, brought her extra birthday cake to work today. You see it was her young son Kolby's birthday last weekend, and the person she ordered the cake from delivered the wrong cake. We got to eat the mistake! Angie said they teased Kolby, age five and expecting a Spiderman Cake, with the originally girlie looking cake before showing him the real one. The reject was tasty though! If we had done that to Jud, he would have snapped!

Both Amy and Jud looked forward to selecting what was going to be on their birthday cake each year. Cheryl Purdum - the wife of one of my bank co-workers was the baker and artist. She could draw a quarterback in frosting better than I could with ink! One year she made Amy a haunted house cake with pretzel fences. It was way cool.

Today is Amy's 28th birthday. This is the anniversary of one of the happiest days of my life. We were expecting our baby earlier. She (or he...we didn't know what we were having) was due on October 7th. But the doc told me from about mid-September on that it could be anytime. And I believed him!

We lived in Osage, Iowa at the time, but were doctoring in Mason City - after a miscarriage that was determined to be a molar pregnancy. I'd never heard of such a thing. It's when tissue that normally becomes a fetus, instead becomes an abnormal growth. Because of that condition, I'd had a D&C in October 1984, and had to avoid becoming pregnant again until the doctor told me it was okay. During that time, my best pal Vic was growing larger and larger - pregnant with her baby who turned out to be Kelli. It was a tough time for me. I wanted a baby too!

After traveling with Gamble Robinson, I started a new job in Osage at the woolen mill, Fox River early in 1985. Shortly after that, I took another pregnancy test to find out if fetal tissue was still growing inside me, left over from the molar pregnancy. Fortunately, the test came back negative. About a minute later, I was pregnant again! So Amy and Kelli ended up being born the same year, but are different classes in school.

My pregnancy the second time was pretty easy. Especially compared to my co-worker Becky who suffered morning sickness throughout most of her 9 months. I just felt a bit queasy and used that as an excuse to eat lots of starchy stuff. Of course I was nervous the second time around - after the sad first pregnancy. We were so happy when we heard that reassuring heartbeat the first time. Then - we had a scary time when we went to Veishea in Ames and I got food poisoning. I headed back to the clinic Monday to hear that heartbeat again. The tough little nugget lived through my night of heaving. I gained something like 46 pounds with that pregnancy. I was huge - a beached whale. We'd been through Lamaze classes - we were ready!

My doctor felt sorry for me when I started to limp. The baby's head had begun to put pressure on my hip. He scheduled me to be induced at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Mason City on October 9th. Paul and I got up bright and early and drove the 30 miles southwest. The check in people said "nope" no room in the inn. Their birthing rooms were full and I couldn't have a baby that day. Our doc, Dr. R. Bruce Dunker wasn't on call again until the 14th. I cried all the way home. Dammit - we had called our people to tell them we were having a baby!

It was a looooong weekend. I was a sad sack. Finally Monday rolled around (all three of my children were born on Monday - what does this mean?) and we made the trek again. This time - bingo! We got a room next to a screamer. They broke my water and hooked me up to a monitor - so Paul could notify me when I was going to have a contraction. Thank you very little! I did needlepoint. Still, it took all day. The screamer pooped out a kid and it was our turn to be in the fancy birthing suite. We'd even brought along our whole audio cassette collection - so I could listen to relaxing music. Right. Paul knew the World Series (St. Louis vs. Dodgers) game was on, so that's what he watched while I was on another plane. Of pain.

I don't think they ever offered me pain meds. The doc brought an Intern in - she was from Romania or some other Eastern Bloc country. They decided at some point that they were going to need to yank on the kid to get her out. The Intern used the biggest freaking shot I've ever seen. I remember they saying - we can see a head! Forceps were used. Delivering the placenta was not fun - nor the uterus massage post birth. But none of that mattered once I saw the prize! It was 7 p.m.ish by then.

Baby Girl's first Apgar (post birth exam) wasn't the greatest. I think she got a bit stressed with the whole forceps thing too. But Amy rebounded nicely and scored well the second time. That was her name - and she looked it! We had talked about Lindsay. And Stephanie. But we nailed it - Amy means Beloved.

The nurses loved her hair and brushed it into a little Mohawk swirl on her head that was adorable. I could never imitate it though...of course. I would try - but she'd end up having a spike. Not cute. I had never felt right holding babies before - but this one fit right into my arms. Paul used the phone in the room to call our parents - grandchild number 22 for George and Laura. Number 2 for my folks.

When they wheeled me into my hospital room for the night - I couldn't quit smiling. We had a baby! Paul left to drive back to Osage. I don't think I slept all night. When they brought Amy in the next morning - it was confirmed - she was real! And adorable. And I felt like I'd been hit by a truck - a 9 pound 7 ounce truck. Even my fingernails and teeth were sore - were they having contractions too? Geez. Hemorrhoids, sitzbaths - the whole bit. Those days we stayed in the hospital several days. We checked out on Thursday, when my Mom magically appeared from A-town. Paul purchased a mint green sleeper with a deer on it for his little girl to ride home in. The nurse selected Amy as the bath model baby, I was so proud, I recall. And I've never stopped being proud of my baby ever since!

 

Football memories

An aerial photo of the 1976 Iowa State vs. Nebraska football game was published on Twitter recently. I was at that game.
Video Link - 6 minutes



That's me in the student section - lower level, upper right (that's the NE side) this photo is from the ISU archives

 Check out what is now know as Jack Trice Stadium - it was just a baby then. It was born a year earlier in 1975. I was oblivious to all of this, of course. I was a college freshman - the world was my oyster. They built the place for me!

I attended one game at the old Clyde Williams Field, located on the west side of Iowa State University's beautiful campus. I was with the Rodgers family and was about 12 years old. My friend Sally's older sis Cindy attended ISU, so Wayne and Anna Day (2 of my very favorite people in the whole world) - Sally's folks, took me along to the school several times as a distraction for their youngest daughter. That's when I fell in love with the school - without even realizing it! The old stadium didn't seem much bigger than the Valley High School stadium!

I've said before how one of the first things I did when I started school was meet a new lifelong friend, Vicki Gernand (now Behr) and walk to the new football stadium while sharing life stories to buy a ticket. That year they were General Admission (like they are again now) for students. That meant for big games, some students camped out all night in order to be first in line for the best spots.

You may be able to see in the photo that the stadium was surrounded by a mere chain link fence. I must have gotten up darn early that day. I'm sure it was Vic that insisted we do so. The years we lived in the dorms in Shilling House, we variously attended games with our dorm group matched up with a guys' dorm house and just on our own. I remember that game was over the top! I got a "Huck the Fuskers" sticker to commemorate the occasion. Recall I'm from Atlantic, where Husker fans have tormented ISU fans from the beginning of time.

It was November 13th. We lined up on the east side of the stadium, not far back from the front of the line - perhaps 6 deep. There were no security guards back then - so we carried in anything we wanted to. Most of us had pints of some type of liquor. I think it was some type of vodka for me...this leopard don't change her spots. As the gatekeepers began to approach to unlock the gates, the crowd began to surge, pushing those in front against the fence.

I saw people begin to get crushed - it was scary! A girl got some of her long hair pulled out and began to scream and cry. Paul told me he heard someone lost a finger (the lore!). The gates opened and people ran willy nilly (you can't tell that from the video linked) up the stairs. I saw someone drop their fifth of vodka. Tragic! We ran up the steps and found decent seats with our group.

My Junior year, ISU decided general seating was too dangerous - after several incidents like those described above. Everyone purchasing tickets got their group together and went into a lottery for ticketing location - kind of like how the adults do it. We (my roomies Jane, Sal, Vic and I) bought our tickets with Moose and Steve. We were assigned Section R. That's bad - nosebleed. Steve even came up with a cheer.

We like our Cyclone Football
We like it near not far
So F#*$ the damn computer
That stuck us here in R

I'm surprised computers had been invented! haha. We did that cheer every game. After a few years, I think the administration gave up on assigned seats. I still look at section R to see who is sitting there.

Rocking the big glasses and ISU cowboy hats and button down shirts - Hauser is in front of us - with hair!

Do I remember much about the game? Sadly not really. I have a blended memory of many games. We had those big plastic cups with soda pop and ice - perfect as mixers with liquor. We usually drank many! Those cups stacked nicely and were reused in dorms rooms and homes for years. There were not enough restrooms at the stadium then. During team warmups, the cheerleaders had big speakers on the field - no Jumbotron, sound system or fancy scoreboard. We listened to Rubberband Man and Shake Your Booty.

The Cyclones forced several turnovers and Luther Blue ran a kickoff back. Dexter Green was great and Mike Stensrud was a stud on D.

Final Score - ISU 37 - Nebraska 28. We students rushed the field. It was crazy and a bit scary. I'll never forget seeing the goalposts heading down Lincoln Way after the game - traffic parted! My freshman year was a good football year, and I didn't even realize it! I was busy getting acclimated to college. Such a long time ago. Football and I have changed a lot. We're both a bit more jaded now! I miss playing Nebraska in football - such a natural rivalry. Ah well - things change.

I can't wait to watch next week's games.

I put my water wings on!

Oh damn...those aren't water wings - they're my flabby upper arms! A year ago I talked about joining a gym and getting into a pool. But my body didn't follow my mouth anywhere to get it done.

My name is Leslie, and I have a problem. It's called fear of the unknown. Is there a phobia name for that? This problem sometimes paralyzes me. It's stupid, I know - the fear of looking stupid. What's so hard about asking questions and learning something new? I'm not sure, but it's a big hurdle for me.

Last Sunday Paul and I checked out the Y's Healthy Living Center on 58th and University. That's the first step. The Healthy Living Center is not a full facility YMCA - built really for rehab. There is no gym or walking track. But it's the closest Y pool to our place, and I like that the weight area isn't packed with yuppies. And there are not kids all around. Yep - I'm an elderly snob. It's pretty plush too. Members can use all the other YMCA facilities in the area, so I decided to try out the one free week membership. Joining will give me a workout plan - they have advisors to set me up.

I have a long YMCA history. In Atlantic, the Bullocks were longtime members. The building was not far from our house, and it was a place Mom could send us to get us out of the house. We mostly shot baskets and messed around in the locker rooms. They didn't have a pool. The coolest thing was the trampoline! It was the old fashioned kind - made of strong woven fabric (not slick black nylon) with impressive springs. Kids took turns using it and got about 2 minutes to jump. I liked watching the big kids who could do flips - and eventually learned to do one myself - onto my bottom, not my feet.

The YMCA also sponsored girl's basketball - and Mrs. Holt coached us to play 5 on 5. She didn't believe in half court wimpy stuff! Atlantic's new Y still has a photo of our group on the wall, complete with my sis Betsy. Why? Mom must have talked me into taking her along that day. Y-Teens sponsored junior high dances that were the site of some steamy dancing, as I recall. Color My World!

In Creston I served on the YMCA Board of Directors for 3 years.  I used to work out at the facility quite religiously with my friends. (miss those gals!) On Fridays I especially enjoyed swimming. That was one thing I really missed when I started working in the big city. (I'm a longtime pool rat).

When the YMCA opened in Waukee, I was living close by with Joan, so I eagerly joined. But the place was packed to capacity all the time - and I just didn't like it. The pool was busy with team practice during the times I wanted to use it. Bleck! After a few months I dropped my membership.

Last summer I suffered from frozen shoulder syndrome and had it manipulated in July and went through rehab for several weeks. Then Paul and I uprooted our lives and moved. I just didn't have it in me to get out and exercise. Ya, excuses - I know. I stuck with doing my Wii at home and walking at the mall. But I need more, I know. Everything I hear and read points to exercise as the key to good health. I'm for that. I realized last night that I had tossed my lap swim suit when we moved - the elastic was shot! So we went to Sports Authority to get one - SALE win: $24 Speedo.

I loved swimming! I'm a water girl. The pool at this Y is not big. I shared a lane with a young man. I wound up doing 10 laps - could feel it in my shoulder, but in a good way. My arms are in such bad shape that when it was time to pull myself out of the pool, my arms were like noodles and I ended up crawling out very unceremoniously. I hope nobody was watching! Can't wait to go back.


 

Kick Ass Mom

Hey Motherhood.org - I have a few words of advice. Yep...it's me. That lady who thinks she knows a lot. I am nearly 56 now. I've been through a lot! I wrote a blog on marriage recently. It only makes sense for me to pontificate on parenting too!

I'm not going to write "yes" as the pic above directs you to, because I don't believe it's true. Being an awesome mom is not a good excuse for being a lousy friend. And yes, I know how much time parenting takes! It sure doesn't leave a lot of time and energy to be a friend and to do things with friends. But just like anything worth while - you need to work at it!

Eating at G & G's in Atlantic

When our children were young, Paul and I lived in Creston where we didn't have family in town - built in babysitters, just dying to take care of our kids. We were on our own. I was lucky (not really - I just chose wisely) because I had a very supportive husband who actually did know how to change  diapers and bathe children. He didn't look at caring for his own kids as "babysitting". He also had this hunting habit that required him to be gone quite a bit during hunting season. Payback! He felt a bit guilty as a result, and encouraged me to get out of the house in order to assuage his guilt.

Amy turned green...as a Vlassic pickle, Jud was a scary guy

Why did Amy get to be Peanut?

Paul recognized how important seeing my buddies was to my sanity! (and he wanted a sane wife) Getting away gave me a chance to blow off steam - about marriage, parenthood, my job - whatever. Then I could go home and be excited to see the little varmints again. And the big one too!

When children observe their parents' positive healthy relationships with others, that's a good thing. They learn about a different kind of love and respect. Our kids saw Paul hang out with guys to hunt and play basketball. They saw me with my girlfriends - cooking Sunday night meals when we got together with McFees or having coffee with Deb.

Family is wonderful - my sisters are my friends too. My closest sister lives 700 miles away! And back when the kids were young, Mom and Dad were only in Atlantic during summer months - and they were busy with their own lives, golfing and traveling.

Regarding friends - I don't know what I'd do without my homies. I sure miss 'em! I look forward to hanging out with a few of my A-town pals soon - and it's got me putting an extra spring in my step!

Just as important as getting out of the house for my sanity, it was important for me - and Paul to show Amy and Jud that they weren't the total center of our world. That's too big a burden for kids. Sure - they act like they want it. They'll eat it up as long as you feed it to them. Some parents - moms especially think they're doing a good thing by becoming everything to their children, revolving their lives around them. Even though, when they're little they take all your time, children shouldn't be your hobby! Show them you have other interests.

Some parents are real martyrs - you've probably met them. They act all dramatic about all the "stuff" they've done for their child. Really? Was it for the kid? Or you? Our egos are powerful things. I know - I've got one! I have basked in the reflected glory of our children's glow. It felt damn good.

Did I push them into activities? Sometimes. Paul and I got more upset about games than the kids did at times! Parenting is much easier in hindsight. I know I'd do a better job now. In theory anyway. haha

So be a kick ass parent. And be a good friend - to yourself, as well as to others. If you're a lousy friend - don't use your kids as an excuse...

Atlantic Homegirls

Creston Homegirls

One year later

It's hard to believe it's been a year since Paul started living in DSM with me. We were living in hotels this time last year, shopping for a home in town and selling our place in Creston. It was an exciting and stressful time. I'm glad it's in the rear view mirror, really!

It's amazing when I think back though. We were so lucky to sell our house so quickly! We're very happy with our selection of a town home at Diamond Brooke. Paul might get a little antsy though - as the government shut down goes on, he's going to run out of projects. He's available for honey do projects - phone: 1-800-Pablo. haha

October also makes me think of the terrible news we learned about my brother-in-law Bolder about a year ago now. He had battled prostate cancer the year before, and it came back in deadly fashion - the doctors told him and his family there was nothing that could be done for him. So I've been thinking of Cindy and Colby this month. There are so many emotions for them to go through as the anniversary of Bolder's November 11th death approaches. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Art with me at the MidAmerica Center

I feel like I've worked a week already - after traveling to Council Bluffs Monday and Tuesday for a Solid Waste and Recycling Conference. They were two long days of glad-handing my peeps - the trash folk.  The Mid-America Center was the site of the Conference - it's amazing the changes to CB since Pablo and I lived there as newlyweds. Scott and I set up the booth - complete with our co-worker Jim. Scott had to set Jim straight right from the start.

CB added these sculpture pieces to the bridge over the railroad tracks on Highway 6

Monday night Scott and I headed across another bridge to Omaha to the Old Market for a meal. I love that area - even though they made my former employer, Gamble Robinson, into a parking lot.

Old Market - still beats Court Avenue and East Village in DSM

 On Tuesday more of our DNR co-horts showed up at the conference and Alex gave the DNR update. There was a motivational speaker at lunch - speaking on customer service. Though he was a bit corny...(he showed us how to make WOW out of our fingers and our mouth in the shape of an O) he had a great message. People don't remember blah service. And often don't even bother to complain to managers about bad service - they just don't come back. Of course they don't have options when you're the government (and are here to HELP them...). But why not provide great service?

I also attended a good session moderated by my pal Susan Salterberg that reminded me that waste reduction is a step above recycling...but it's a tough sell. There aren't any companies out there in support of helping you purchase nothing! Our economy is based on sales, man! So that is a tough nut to crack. Reusable water bottles was a model we discussed. We plan to hold a forum on this topic in the future.

Today - on a gorgeous October day, I dragged Scott out to walk a mile for the Healthy Iowa walk. It was right in the Wallace Building back yard - at the State Capital! Former Detroit Lion Jared Devries was there to talk to the group assembled, then we did a lap around the block. A nice way to spend part of my lunch hour.

Just like that - gone again!

Amy took off this morning after a few days at home. We had a good time - as usual, during her visit. I wish Jud could have come too - but he's been running himself ragged traveling. Today he takes off for Virginia for a few days for work. So it didn't work out to get the whole fam together. ;>(.

Yesterday we kinda dragged Amy out of bed early, though she said she automatically wakes up anyway. We treated her to breakfast at the Waveland Café - a place she'd not visited before. We secured the last three spots at the counter. She liked it of course. Who wouldn't? Unless you're a big fan of expensive chains like Perkins. Hey - I like Perkins too. But I have a weakness for joints like this! The waitresses call everyone "Hon", the wall paintings are sweet and the political signatures and the wall are impressive. Not to mention the window paintings!

Check the chicken eating chicken - above it says "Dude that's just wrong"

Next, we stopped at the Farmer's Market - though not for too long because it was darn chilly! Amy has discovered a new love - Dutch Letters! Flakey pastry with almond paste filling. Yum. We picked up more of that excellent bacon too, along with tomatoes and green beans.

On our drive home, she texted her pal Kelli Behr Hoskins who lives in Minneapolis - only to discover Kel was on her way to DSM for a wedding! A bit later we drove back downtown to see Kelli and Toby - newly married in June. How fun and random is that!?! I spoke to Kelli's mama (my college roomie Vicki) in the meantime. We got caught up - since we haven't talked since Kelli's wedding.

lifelong pals - Amy and Kelli

Last night we hit the Cheesecake Factory. I know - it's a chain. But it's close and we had a good waitress. she even brought a crew over to sing Happy Birthday to Amy, despite the fact that Cheesecake doesn't usually do that. Good thing they didn't know that Amy's bday isn't until the 14th! Amy's friend Rachelle came with us. Those two are always funny - laughing about hijinx from the past.

Rachelle and Amy

Today is a drizzly, catch up kinda day. I should go pack for my trip to Council Bluffs tomorrow - the annual Recycling and Solid Waste Conference. Looking forward to seeing the trash peeps! Paul will get some more hunting in. And painting! Let's hope congress comes up with something so he can get back to work this week.

Shutdown

Co-commuting for the Goldsmiths has temporarily been suspended. I hope it's temporary anyway! I've grown accustomed to his face ("My Fair Lady reference here - yes, I'm Henry Higgins. I have spent 30+ years molding this man). I miss getting my kiss on the corner of Pennsylvania and Grand.

My husband Paul George Goldsmith is a United States Department of Agriculture employee of 31 years. He's been deemed "Unessential" and has been furloughed for the time being. Unforeseeable future. And all that.

So far he has painted the short hall outside of Amy's room and hunted. He shot a doe, so papa's bringing home some meat! He delivered it to Zeb's Smokehouse in Bedford. I wish I could have gone with him, because Zeb is smokin' hot!

You can't tell from this pic, but he's very cute!

I met Zeb when I managed the landfill in Creston. Part of his allure is his adorable hunk personality. He knows how to smoke meat too! Paul said he didn't see Zeb when he dropped the deer off though...so no loss.

Yesterday Paul vacuumed and did the pre-Cyclone game prep. I think he's going to be bored by next week. Today he's attending a work related meeting at Des Moines Waterworks - to listen to Bill Stowe talk about water quality. Unpaid of course, but he cares about water quality and is dedicated to his profession.

It's so disturbing to read articles in the Washington Post, New York Times, or even DM Register - and then read through comments to see how casually people trash public employees. Is that jealousy talking? I understand that a few bad apples have shown federal, state and local employees in a bad light. But in our experience, we are doing our best to do to make this city, state and country better. Even our own managers - the politicians who lead the governments in charge of us seem to treat us and our co-workers with disdain.

Yes, I know - we have a pretty good deal, so my self pity party doesn't go far. Many people we know have lost jobs and have had to take pay cuts. So I am not writing this in a vacuum, thinking woe is us...nobody else has suffered. Plus - we are at a good place in our lives. Amy and Jud are raised - woohoo. They have jobs. This would have been much tougher to swallow 10 years ago. I do feel for the other feds who aren't as fortunate as we are. The infuriating part is that this time it's controllable - and is merely because of the dis-function in national government today.

The good news!

The desk came complete with mail!

Amy came home for the weekend. We like to see her, she likes to be home for a football game, her birthday is coming up and her desk is finished. All those things pointed to this weekend being the one.

Paul made her an oak desk when she moved into an apartment in Ames. In the Denver climate, the desk developed a crack across the top, so we brought it back with us in May and he cut it off and replaced it - this time staining it the new top black. She selected modern hardware to replace the brass finish that was on it before. It turned out really cool! Amy's car, little Dave the Honda Fit, really does fit a desk like that.

Jenna, Rachelle and Amy - with Paul staring into the distance

Last night was fun! Despite the fact that our usual homies couldn't make the game. Poor relative wedding date planning for the McKim clan, and Jeff McFee was farming. Bobbie is doing a software upgrade where she works. Regardless - it was a Thursday night tailgating experience - the ISU vs. Texas game for the Goldsmiths. We got to see Rachelle and Jenna -  Amy's college roomies. Man I love those gals! They tell the best stories - oversharing, and laughing about people in their lives who are a bit psycho.

I was proud of the way Cyclone fans turned out on a Thursday night - great crowd. McKims gave their tickets to cousins or some such - they were quiet guys. It wasn't like sitting by Diana. They didn't guffaw over the irritating lady behind us, who says the stupid things like, "run forward!". No shit!

Obviously the game result wasn't what we were looking for. Again. Such is the life of a Cyclone fan. Nothing new there. I'm happy to see our players improving each game - so I'm taking that away from the experience.

Today was girl's day for Amy and me. We got to have lunch with Paul's sis Carol, after a stop at All Spice in the East Village for some yummy oil and vinegar - you can taste it before you buy. We met Carol at the Drake area Jethro's. It was fun to catch up. She's in town for a quilting thing. Good food - good company.

We headed to Valley West Mall after lunch to get a pedis. Amy has a couple of ugly black nails as a result of hiking 14,000 ft. climbs. Her shoes weren't the best - and she bruised her toes. Ugh! Now they're pretty blue. It was fun to have a friend to talk to during my pedi. Usually I just read my phone.

I like having the kid around. I hope the Cyclones can get some wins soon. C'mon congress - figure something out and open the government.