Today is Jud's birthday hooray, hooray, hooray

It's my little buddy's birthday today. Twenty six years ago today....way late at night after a full day of not all that active labor.

My handsome boy

Since that day, Judson David Goldsmith really put us through our parenting paces. We parented our asses off with that kid at times. He was a feisty little guy who didn't like to lose at sports. He also got a few childhood illnesses that landed him in the hospital that were scary for the 'ol parental units! Roseola that spiked his temp quickly - causing the docs to test for spinal meningitis.

Jud always had great birthday parties because he had a wonderful group of friends...and fab parents that put together fun parties! One year - before schools got worried about liability insurance and getting sued, we rented our Catholic School gym and put out the wrestling mats and let the kids tumble, shoot hoops and draw with markers on reams of newsprint in the hallway.

Looks like Sam Katzer is helping Jud blow out the candles...

By the time he hit high school, Jud was easy to parent. He wasn't the partying kind and he made us proud by working hard at team sports year round. It's only gotten better as he's grown up - going from a quiet introspective guy to someone who can talk to anyone. A person with the gift of gab like my father, lingerie salesman extraordinaire, Dave Bullock.

I hope he has a great birthday party at his place in St. Louis celebrating with girlfriend Kara.

Meanwhile....back at the Goldsmith ranch. Paul and I are recovering from the gunk. Paul...(Mr. "I don't need a flu shot") has Influenza A. Yep...the kind that the shot actually did cover. I can't gloat too much though because I did have the 26% effective flu shot and I still have a sore throat.

We have been binging on Breaking Bad. It's so violent and darkly uncomfortable. We can't stop. I wasn't sure if Paul would like it. And at first, he didn't seem to pay attention much. He bopped into his office and out. Next thing I know - he's in his chair watching with me. Just a couple middle aged folks watching a show about meth....ho hum.

Back in the day in Creston I used to go to meetings run by our Sheriff explaining just how the stuff was made and how one hit could make our children addicts. He said they would always be chasing that next high. The idea that people would mix toxic chemicals together and put them into their bodies is crazy.

Life's a trip. We're missing a fun party in Creston tonight because we're in recovery mode. Get well us!

Sick Day

I'm off sick today. Oh I gave it the 'ol college try at work (just like Governor Branstad who collapsed at an event with flu-like symptoms Monday), but my sore throat and my irritated colon made life miserable there. I didn't wish to infect others, so I came home.

Now I'm listening to a sequel to a Jeffery Deaver book, It's the "Skin Collector". You might remember the movie the "Bone Collector" featuring Denzel and Angelina Jolie. It's fairly grim as forensic science books tend to be. Good stuff for a sick day.

I don't often take sick days - I can count on one hand the number of them I've taken that weren't related to surgical procedures and doctors visits. I don't like missing work. Looking back, I probably should have missed more than I did this fall when I was battling shoulder issues. #workmartyr

My sick day makes me think about days I "called in sick" from school at Washington Elementary and Mom took care of me. Now that was the best! (except when I was really, really sick). I got Mom all to myself instead of sharing with 3 other girls! I usually spent the day in my room with my beloved books. Hey...just like today - but without the Mom part. Miss you Mamma!

Sometimes Dr. Wilcox would come by with his big black doctor's bag. I feared the dreaded butt thermometer and shots! Cough medicine was something else that was difficult to choke down. I did enjoy that yummy children's chewable aspirin.

Today I've got nurse Odie by my side. Advil has taken away my body aches for now. I hope this illness is short-lived. Being sick is boring. Our family is staying with us tonight. Jean and Dave Fox have an early morning flight out of the DSM International Airport. I don't have time for this! Nap time.

Happy Birthday to our wonder dog Odie who turned 10 this week. She's feeling better after last week's tummy troubles. Yay. We old girls must take care of ourselves.

January Thaw

Amy experienced Hoiball, Squirrel Dancing, I lapped it, Jane and Ken got hitched

Let's give Mother Nature a round of applause. I'm loving the warm January weather! Though as I write this I am watching snow fluttering to the ground. I'm sure we'll pay the price at some point - but each day is another one closer to spring.

Amy flew into DSM Monday night - returning from her trip to Pittsburgh with boyfriend Corey, who is moving there for training for his job. Tuesday we scored 2 extra tickets just in front of ours to the ISU/KSU game and Amy invited her friend Rachelle to go with us. The last time she saw the Clones play - she was a college student and we had a different coach and attitude. We ate at Brick City Grill prior to the game (voted #1 burger in Iowa this year). The Cyclones didn't play great, but pulled out a victory.

On Wednesday, our friends Jane and Ken came to pick up their wedding stuff. We'd been storing it at our house because they were flying in from Florida for their wedding Saturday in Norwalk. They invited us out to eat - Ken had not met Amy before and Jane hadn't seen her for many years. She designed a logo for him (he's a radio personality) last year as a gift from Jane. We enjoyed a meal with them at the Cheesecake Factory. Besides getting married Saturday, Ken was here to introduce Donald Trump at an event Friday...he was going to work in that he, as the Emcee, was "Fired".  #cornystuffpeoplelove

In the meantime Paul and I squeezed work into the mix. I had an all day workshop Wednesday with everyone with my section on "Teambuilding" at the State Library. The training session was an opportunity for our section members to remember our common goal. Sometimes we start working in "silos" and forget the resources sitting right next to us.

The trainer did an excellent job of keeping us on task while allowing individuals to express themselves. One exercise involved pairing up. One person talked, not using the words "I, Me, We". The other couldn't make eye contact or talk. The exercise showed what people in a group feel like when they don't have a voice. Good stuff. That was frustrating! I believe we'll make some changes to how our section meetings are conducted as a result of this training.

Thursday night is dancing night! We're working on Swing, which we feel fairly comfortable with. Our instructor came by and told us our hands were too high - making us look like squirrels. He told Paul he should look more cool like Fonzi. The two of us got a big chuckle out of that. We laugh a lot during those classes - which is very therapeutic. Thanks to Sherie for

Amy and I had a nice shopping afternoon Friday with lunch. It was my chance to have her all to myself! We cut it short so she could have a phone conference with a flaky customer who ended up never called. #frustratedsmallbizowner  Amy headed to Creston that night to visit her bestie Stormy. Those two have a lifelong bond. Meanwhile...back at the ranch, Paul and I stayed home and rested with pizza and a movie.



Amy models bibs
 

Saturday was gorgeous in Iowa! I headed to the YMCA before 8 a.m. I've been doing water exercises for a few months...and have been eying the lap pool longingly. Is my shoulder up to it? I decided that I'd give it a shot if a lane was open. Lane #1 welcomed me and I cracked off 10 somewhat wavery laps: breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle, sidestroke and kickboard x 2. Yay me! The shoulder did well.

Paul and I did some errands after that - then I was starving! We headed downtown and grabbed some comfort food at the Highlife Lounge. It had been a while since we'd been downtown - it makes me feel alive!



Jane and Ken's wedding was set to following Mass at the Catholic Church in Norwalk. We headed there about 4:30 p.m. It was lovely and heartfelt and included the song "Rooted in Love" - a play on Ken's last name. (I told Paul that I was going to sing "Goldsmithed in Love" to him this morning - but it just doesn't have the same zing...)

We enjoyed meeting the couple's family and friends and we even dance a bit and had our photo taken by the pros. We talked to the Busy Bee couple from the Farmer's Market for a long time. Ken commanded the mic for a while, and later sat with us and told a hilarious story about his radio days. It was a good time!

Introducing the couple

This morning it's snowing. Thanks Mother Nature for the January reminder...
In other news...Odie is feeling better - Yay! Amy flies back to Denver tomorrow - it's been a nice visit.

Amy's visit, Dancing with no stars, Beating Kansas

It was another busy week in the small city. That's what Amy's boyfriend Corey called Des Moines - and he's right. One skyscraper IS pretty small. We like our small city and lack of big city traffic. I wish we would have had longer than an evening to show him around.

Amy and Corey add another state to their USA passports

Amy and Corey arrived last Tuesday after a long drive from Denver. They were on their way to Pittsburgh where he will live for the next 6 months for his job with GE. They took the scenic route - meandering between here and Pittsburgh through Madison, Chicago and Michigan. During their short stop in DSM, we took them out to eat at Alba. Amy's college roommates Jenna and Rachelle met us later for a drink. Conversation was such fun!

In the morning, they were treated to Paul's breakfast casserole. Paul and I each took a couple of vacation hours from work so we could hang out with them a bit longer. It was very nice to meet Corey and we hope to see him again soon. Amy will be back  in DMS for a few days this week before she returns to Denver. Yay!

Thursday night was Ballroom Dance night with Jim and Suzi, our instructors. We kicked it off with a stop at the Tavern for pizza. Last week we enjoyed their broasted chicken - which is very good. I thought the pizza was okay - not great. At dance, we moved from Fox Trot (named after Vaudeville actor Harry Fox) to Swing - which is more up our alley. There were more couples in class this week - probably 16 - thus more people to dance around. Maybe we'll try to work in some practice time this week. I need to work on my "frame". It's good exercise if nothing else.

Friday night we went to the movie Birdman, which has many Academy Award nominations. It was...interesting.

We traveled to Creston on Saturday afternoon to attend the 50th Wedding Anniversary of some of the nicest people we know - John and Kathy Tapken. Their four children held a party for them at the Lobby. We arrived a Creston a little early so I'd have a chance to check out the stock at one of my fave shoe stores, Family Shoe, operated by Steve McCann aka Dr. Shoe. He's got all my fave brands - Merrill, Clark, Dansko and more. And he's got the Bargain Basement. I scored some great Merrill boots down there - $75!

The Tapken/Goldsmith connection goes back a long way. John Tapken has been part of our lives since we moved to town. He was the director for Union County Conservation and served on the board for Paul's work. We met Kathy through him and they attended our church. John was and is very active in the state with Resource Enhancement and Protection grants. He also hired Jud for his first job - at Three Mile Lake in Afton. He was a great mentor for our son. Kathy was Amy's confirmation sponsor.

The reception for John and Kathy was very nice. I met his oldest child - son Doug, for the first time. He'd graduated from high school by the time we arrived in Creston. We were also able to see a number of longtime Creston friends at the party - Mary Moore, Bob Snodgrass and Gerry Katzer to name a few. We didn't stay long as we had a "next act" planned for the day.

After a quick stop at home to let the pooch out, we headed to Ames for a big basketball game - ISU vs. Kansas. This year it was even bigger than ever because ESPN had made it the location of Gameday. We joined our friends the Ehreckes at Scheman Hall for a meal of pulled pork before the game. And what a game. It was - sold out and rocking - even more than usual with excellent signs that only college students can come up with. Stuff like "Bill Self wears Crocs". Funny. But the final score wasn't funny. Cyclones win! We had a beer with a group back at Scheman after the game - to relish the big victory. Fun stuff. Too bad the Packers weren't able to hold on for a victory Sunday to complete the happy weekend for the Gsmiths.

view from the cheap seats

Sledding through the years

Big snow day!

Sledding made headlines in the DM Register this week. It seems several towns are curtailing just where people can take part it this delightful activity due to lawsuits. Sioux City lost a biggie - just under $3 million for a little girl who was seriously hurt in a sledding accident. I don't know the details of that case. I'm sure there are many medical expense for her care today.

Des Moines has decided to cut the number of places people can sled. That was they can make sure the areas are safe - in case a sledder smacks into a sign or zips onto a road, they aren't liable for all those "off brand" sites.

This made me think about all the places we used to sled in Atlantic. Like wherever we want to...unless someone chased us off! Back in the days before everyone got sued. Or maybe sleds weren't as fast - though our old saucer could really fly!

In Creston, the best sledding hill was right across from our first home - at the old Bus Barn Hill. It could get so steep and icy that it was hard to climb up. Paul and I started our children on the side hill - along Walnut Street. What a blast it is to see a child's reaction to snow and sledding for the first time. Our dog Moki, a West Highland Terrier loved it too! He'd chase along beside the sled barking and laughing (I swear).

When the kids were a little older we purchased one of those inflatable sleds. The Crittendens invited us out to Steve's Dad's farm south of town where there was a big hill to sled. He forgot to tell us about the frozen cow pies on that hill. Those things can be sharp - one popped our sled. Oops! We enjoyed a wienie roast that day too. There may have been an injury or two - in addition to our sled...but there were no lawsuits. Good memories!

Let's not allow sledding doesn't become one of those activities that can only take place at a paid site. C'mon...can't we just have some fun?

My week...in an allergic nutshell

Whoo! What a busy winter week. It had everything. A winter storm, freezing cold and wind, Cyclone hoops, a medical appointment and a dancing date with my honey. I was exhausted by Friday.

Paul and I left early from work Monday - as the snow started flying late morning. I picked him up on the Locust Street bridge about 2:30 p.m. and it was snowing heavily by then. I avoided the Freeway - sticking to Grand and Ashworth on my way home - slowed down by a wreck on Valley West Drive. By the time we were just a few blocks from home, it was nearly impossible to see - between my frozen windshield wipers and the heavy snow. My co-pilot wasn't much help on EP True Parkway - where I couldn't see the curb or lanes. I was glad to pull into the driveway of our place! Des Moines ended up with six inches.

Tuesday night the ISU Men's basketball team had an 8 p.m. basketball game. Late night for the Gsmiths! We were lucky it didn't turn into overtime - a close game, but the Cyclones pulled it out. Phew. By the time we left Hilton, the cold had started ratcheting up. Schools were beginning to cancel for the next day.

Wednesday was Allergy Test day. Yes Dear Reader, it's more about My Health. Skip over if bored. I find it fascinating, of course...
Turn on the Wayback Machine. When I was about 4 years old, my parents took me to Iowa City to see an allergist. Since then, I've seen allergists throughout my life at various times. It's been at least 10 years since the last time I have been tested. So much more is known now about allergies than in 1960...and 1970. I had shots until I was 18 years old.


the red one is cockroach

Now I know allergies do more than just cause itchy eyes and nose. The medicine I'm taking for Grave's Disease is helping me feel better, but despite that, I have been effected with headaches for the past couple months. This time of year is when I do get more headaches. Why? I'm hoping these tests help me proactively approach this problem.

I remember that when my Iowa City allergist retired, I changed to a new one in Omaha when I was in Junior High. That was the first time I remember going through the testing similar to what I did last week - the needle prick with the offending material. This time I also had to report on several materials 24 and 48 hours after the test.

What I discovered: I reacted to Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Beef, Soy. Wow - that's a bit overwhelming. I eat that stuff all the time. The doctor's office suggests that I emit all of those from my diet for 2 weeks and see how I feel. Then I should slowly add them back in. My shopping list will be different this week! I also reacted to the usual suspects like dust, dogs, cats, mold, and cockroaches. Yep...dirty little rascals. Why would we worry about them? Evidently they are in chocolate! Google the two...ugh!

I have a couple goals. Reduce the number of dust mites in my bedroom and clean up my diet. Odie will be put in a bag. haha. No not really. Part of me thinks that changing my diet is a stretch. I've been eating all of these things all my life. But I'll give it a try - just like in 7th grade when I missed all the good foods Mrs. Elming helped us cook in Home Economics class when I went through this same thing.

Wednesday night Paul and I attended Book of Mormon at the DSM Civic Center. It was our second time to see this decadent raunchy show. I love the music and this show makes me laugh. Another past my bedtime night though...

Thursday evening Paul and I snagged broasted chicken at the Tavern in Valley Junction before attending our first Ballroom Dance class in a series of eight. Yes, it's the exact same class we took a year ago - with instructors Jim and Suzi. Jim tells the same 'ol jokes. Paul and I laughed at each other - again! My how dancing tires you out - even if you're in shape from walking miles toting a tree stand like he is.

I couldn't wait for Friday to roll around so I didn't have to go anywhere! I was tired. I did run down to Creston that afternoon and pick up my new Kate Spade glasses. It was a quick jaunt and I didn't stop anywhere else. The trip brought back memories of my commuting years though. I don't miss them!

I drove by Green Valley Chemical - where an explosion this week took the life of Eldon Ray, who sat in front of us at church at Holy Spirit for many years. We watched Eldon and his wife Cindy nurture their grandson. Periodically their daughter would join them. Thoughts and prayers go out to her and her children.

I scrubbed the allergist's numbers off my arm in time for a water aerobics class at the Y this a.m. Amy and her friend Corey are coming through DSM next week and we're looking forward to that. Winter is a busy time it seems!

RIP Dick McCauley

Paul and I attended Dick McCauley's Memorial Mass at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic Saturday. I was baptized, confirmed and married in that church. Dick's wife Pat played her sweet violin at our wedding.

Dick lost his life in August after a car accident. His wife Pat was injured in the wreck, so the Memorial Mass was delayed to allow her to recover. There were many people at the Mass to pay homage to Dick, a fine man, and Atlantic native. He attended Jackson Elementary School and graduated from Atlantic High School with my Aunt Marty. They were good friends. So they thought it was quite nice when his son Mike and her niece (me) were boyfriend and girlfriend way back during our high school years.

It was during that time that I grew to admire that family - especially the parental units, Pat and Dick. Sure, they were human like all of us. And as a teen - I was supposed to look at them with disdain, right? But they seemed pretty okay for parents of five children - three they gave birth to plus two they lovingly adopted.

And they had toys! I enjoyed a snowmobile trip with the family to Okoboji - they fixed me up with the warm suit and helmet so I could buzz over the frozen lake behind Mike. Pat had her own motorcycle which she loaned to me as I learned to ride. Then I got my motorcycle license. (I'm not sure Pat and Dave B. ever knew about that one...) Mostly I rode on the back of Mike's dirt bike - without a helmet. My grandpa saw me and tattled to my parents. Oops! Those were fun times.

The Memorial Service kicked off with the song "On Eagle's Wings" - a tear jerker, to start the Mass. Mike led the family up the long aisle, mother Pat, sisters Dorothy and Kathy, brother Bok and Joe followed by the spouses, grandchildren and others. It was very emotional - it was a long time to wait to mourn their fallen father.

At the end of Mass, Mike's niece read a piece written by him. It described a day he spent with his father that he thought summarized his life. It was 1979. Mike and Dick had gone duck hunting on a farm in Chariton - and limited out early. Mike described the sounds and smells of the day, how perfect it was - spent with other friend, included a DNR officer. When they started the drive home, winding their way back to Atlantic, Mike started to doze off - they had arisen at 3:30 a.m. to get in place to greet the birds.

Then Dick, the driver, came upon a couple of hitchhikers. Of course he pulled over - that was his nature. They made room in the back seat for the wayward travelers and Dick asked all about their life stories. They'd been on the Mississippi and were now going west. Mike said it was inevitable - that even though the rest of the family wouldn't be expecting it, these people were coming to Thanksgiving Dinner at the McCauleys! That's how Dick rolled - so generous. Later he offered for Mike and his future wife Lori to drive the couple to their hometown in Lincoln, NE. See - so nice! haha

My parents weren't Elks members - I remember going here with Robyn and Bob Bredensteiner.  

After Mass there was a luncheon at the nearby Elks Club. Paul and I took that opportunity to speak to the few remaining Atlanticites we know - they're dwindling I'm sad to say. Many of my parents' generation are gone. That afternoon was to be the funeral of Hugh Ross - another longtime friend of my Dad's - from childhood. We enjoyed seeing Jane Deter - the first time in a long time. It's nice to see people like Jane who knew our parents - "back when". We also saw our parents' former neighbors from Oakmont - Collette Kinen and Marge Grayson. I had a chance to talk to Dick Cook - we spent many hours in his home with babysitter Lulabelle as she stayed with their girls and Betsy and me.

I hope the McCauley family enjoyed a day of fellowship - surrounded by the people who love them. That's what hometowns are for. Atlantic is a good hometown. RIP Dick - I'm so glad I had a chance to hang out with your family for a short time.  

Best New Years Ever!

Do you remember your best New Year's Eve celebration ever? You'd think mine would be a tale from many years ago when I was a youngster. I did whoop it up time or two back then. Alas nothing seems too memorable.

Roger and Robin with fro

There was this one time in Atlantic - at the Super Bowl. We had probably made the route from one end of town to the other (remember The Villa?) before settling there for a night of bowling and pinball. No, not really - we were boozing it up with noisemakers from the looks of these photos.

Todd Pellett and Chris Deardorff

During our child-raising years in Creston, we often "grouped up" the kids with other people's kids and a babysitter or two, before going out on the town. One year we played Pitch and other games at Cass's until 3 a.m. Another year I recall staying quite late at Crittendens - Jello Shots were served, along with Jagermeister. The guys were horrible at Pictionary.

Christmas Tree at 30 Rock

My favorite New Year's Eve wasn't all that long ago - spent in New York City after the ISU Cyclones lost the Pin Strip Bowl game. It was 2011 and we were there with McKims, McFees and Conovers - a group who knows how to spell FUN! We'd spent the day being tourists - visiting Ellis Island - so fortunate that the weather was unusually warm.

Betty's Name

Ellis Island was a moving experience - especially since Betty Brown, Diana's mother (RIP) had mad her way to the United States from Italy through there. D rubbed her name from a wall in the yard there as the sky tried to weep a bit. We walked around Wall Street that day too - bullish!

That evening we'd made the decision we weren't going to go far from our hotel, which wasn't anywhere near the dropping ball and the mobs! Dwight had scoped out a Korean restaurant for us to try. Sake anyone? We were nearly mowed down by a crazy Korean on a bike after we ate - I still chuckle about the look on Diana's face as she dove out of the way.

Just a couple blocks from our motel a new bar had opened. It was called Churchills - and Winston was even present in the restrooms, giving speeches. We were a little weary around 10ish when we got there - and it wasn't too crowded. We decided to sit in the front room which was quite empty. Dwight tried to get Marilyn to take off after one beer, but she was having no part of his ear tug signal. It was NYE in NYC!

I came up with an idea to assist this new business in attracting customers - if a group actually came in the door (we tried to look welcoming) we'd yell "SCORE!" and clap and cheer! That would make them smile and feel happy and stay. The manager was very thankful.

The place started to fill up. Towards midnight people started to dance - our group included. At one point I realized I was dancing to the New York song in New York! Thanks Frank Sinatra. Diana McKim danced with an African American woman. Then we all did YMCA together - it was very surreal.

Cheers at Churchills

We didn't get back to our hotel until after 2 a.m. The doorman was a former ISU football player - from the Dan McCarney era. We sat in our room and had just one more drink - not wanting the night to be over - it was that good!

It's fun to dance in NYC, right Donnie? 

You know when you plan a big event you have expectations that interfere with your perception of how things play out. That night I didn't have any expectations - and it was one of the best nights of my life!

Of course the next year we were at a bowl game in Memphis - it was cold and rainy. The Cyclones lost again and we didn't feel like going out. So we sat in the hotel with McKims and Conovers playing the Creston Game. We didn't have the best possible players there - Sharon and Jeff...The rules are simple. Give a couple clues and the others have to guess who you're talking about. The guys ended up having to go out for pizza and more liquor...
That was fun too - but not NYC fun...

Paul and I attended the ISU basketball game last night - pregaming at the Ehrecke's house. After the game we had a beer at Scheman with them. I was asleep in my bed by 11 p.m. No dancing for this girl this year. I'm looking forward to a good 2015 though - I'm trying to live it without built up expectations. It's more fun that way.