Homegods

Yesterday I wrote a whiny blog about how it was so lonely running errands in the big city compared to back in Creston. I lamented about how I don't get to see familiar faces here.

Then I drove to Costco and saw Crestonians Denise Miller and her daughter Amanda Buck in the parking lot. Inside I ran into them in the clothing section and we had a chance to catch up. Amanda is Amy's age and the Miller's son Tyrell is Jud's age. Old home week! Then I was off to procure popcorn and probiotics. Amanda and husband Michael are expecting their second child in April and are building a house right by Gwen and Dave Buck's - their in-laws. Michael is practicing dentistry with his dad Dave.

Ha! Ha! The gods of fate laughed in my face. We'll keep you off balance they say. Go to the store in the big city? We'll toss in people you know....just for fun.

Later my friend and former college roomie Jane texted to let us know that she and friends were at Bar Louis - right in our neighborhood. We needed to talk about our Big 12 Tournament plans. That event is coming up in less than two weeks and we have tickets and hotel rooms with Jud heading over from St. Louis. So we headed over there for a cocktail and appetizers. It was a nice way to end the week.

As I gazed across the room at the hipster bar, sipping a Lemondrop martini, I noticed an Atlantic homegirl and her daughter at a table near us. Sandy Travis Raike - Class of '77 lives in West Des Moines and we've been Facebook friends for several years. A University of Iowa grad, she now also cheers for the good guys as her daughter was a Kappa at ISU and her son is a TKE - much to the delight of Roger Underwood.

I promised Sandy that the gals from our two classes would one day meet in DSM

It was a fun night hanging out with Jane, her sister Susan, Barb and another friend. Those Flack girls are just so pleasant and funny - yet easy to talk to about serious stuff. When we left the bar we noticed something funny.

It was fitting with my day. The HomeGods were smiling on me that day. Homies at Costco, a drink with a college homie and an Atlantic homie. Life is good.

I stood outside in 5 degree weather to snap this pic

Exploding eyeballs and running errands

My sisters' eyeballs are exploding. No not really. But close! Cindy experienced a torn retina back in November and underwent surgery right after Thanksgiving. Susi discovered she had tears in both retinas and had surgery a few weeks ago.

Then Cindy's bad eye developed at cataract. When she and I discuss it - we always turn it into an old joke dad told where the punch line was a Cadillac vs. Rinkin Continental. Cindy had that procedure this week. That's no joke. She reported to me last night that the procedure went well. Yay.

I hear from my own eye doc (Dr. Don McKim) that these things are genetic. Dad had a detached retina I recall. So I imagine I've got something like this in my future. Yippy! My eyesight is lousy. Dr. Don likes to say that I have one bad eye and one really biffed up eye. So while I'm not looking forward to health problems, a cataract might end up working in my favor in the eyesight department. So I've got that going for me!

Here's to my sissies returning to good eye health!

Me and sissies - from last summer in Cannon Beach

I'm running errands today. I started pondering - my life has sure changed since we moved here to the big city from Creston a couple years ago. Where errand running was simple.

In Creston I could stop at the scrap book store - located in the restored Post Office. And I could get some engraving done at the same time. Nearby at the quilt store I could take care of clothing alterations. The staff there would pin and mark the item as I "styled it". The actual seamstress picked up the article up at the Quilt Store to transport it back to the town of Orient to her husband's welding shop where she works magic with her sewing machine.

Maple Street Memories - at the former post office

A block away I could swing through Family Shoe Store to check for any hidden gems in the Bargain Basement. If I forgot my purse - no problem! My spouse could stop by later and pay. They know us there. On my way home, I could stop at Farm & Home - operated by our neighbors. It's a place where a person can buy fashionable jeans, bolts, kitchen utensils, lawn chemicals, a toy and a greeting card all on the same trip. One stop shop!

You get the picture. Creston isn't just like the big city. Today I'm on my way to Costco. I might stop by DSW or Trader Joe's. But nobody there will say, "Hi Leslie! How are your kids?"

I like living in the big city. But sometimes I miss that small town.

Paul and I graduated from Ballroom Dance class last night. Maybe...graduated is too strong a word. We're done with class. ChaCha was the last dance we learned. We did pretty well at that one!

Is that relief detected on Paul's face?

High Anxiety - you don't win

In 1977, on a break from our vigorous study Iowa State University schedule, Vicki, Jane and I went to see the Mel Brook's movie High Anxiety. In the movie, Mel sings a little song that has the refrain, "High Anxiety - you win", he chortled.

Oh how we laughed at that idea. Yes we had worries as college students.

• What did I get on that test? (Back when they posted scores by Social Security Number in the hall outside the classroom)
• What will I wear when we go out tonight and will the cute guy be there?
• How will I get along with everyone on my dorm floor? (we had to call the girls next door on their dorm phone - to notify them that we could smell the pot they were smoking.) Of course we couldn't be as obvious as telling them that. Vicki came up with using a fake voice like an old neighbor lady - she dialed and said "Your dog's in our garden". Worked like a champ! They stuffed towels under their door...
• Later, I worried about, gasp, getting a job. I didn't want to move back home to Atlantic and live with Mom and Dad.

Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Neuman

As you can see - there isn't all that much to worry about there. My health was good. My parents were footing the bill - and I didn't even question that, or understand how lucky I was. It was just the way my life was - back before the price of college became so outrageously expensive. My parents and Atlantic grandparents were alive. Some of my personality traits were set by then. I feel nervous about being on time for anything (thanks Dad). Unlike my friend Chris Deardorff - to whom time has always seems to be an abstract idea.

I lost my "I am bullet proof status" in my 20's. I think most of us do. I worried about the usual stuff. Work, family, relationships, health. But not obsessively.

That changed last summer. I remembered just how bad is was when I got together with a couple good friends last week - and told my story. Thanks to Julia and Christine (who is looking great in her last trimester of pregnancy) for allowing me to tell my Graves Disease story - which is therapeutic for me.

Last summer before my Graves Disease diagnosis, anxiety was running high - mostly about my symptoms.

Once I was diagnosed, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Even though I still had the medical symptoms, much of the anxiety was gone. Oh I still have my quirks! I am becoming even more of an introvert than ever. It's a good thing I have vitamin Paul to ease my symptoms. I wish it were that easy for everyone with major anxiety.

I'm working on being healthy - that's the best way to fight GD, which is an auto-immune disease that attacks the thyroid, causing it to emit hormones throwing one's metabolism and stress hormones out of whack. I'm hoping a March blood test shows me to be heading toward remission. No matter what, I'll always have GD and will deal with symptoms. But hey - everyone is dealing with stuff. This is mine.

Thanks to my friends and fam for helping me through this. For listening to my story. If you need a listening ear for your story. Just ask. We all have one. Or two!

Speaking of stories, the Creston wrestler who collapsed at the state duel meet the week may be released from the hospital today. His heart stopped and he had to be shocked six times before he got to Mercy right across from Wells Fargo Arena where the match was held. It turns out he has Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. You can look it up. It is something could have taken his life without quick action by those present.

Facebook photo of Tayler and 2 CHS finals wrestlers

I worked with Tayler's grandmother at Gits Manufacturing (she is a character!) and remember Tayler as a little guy running around when Jud played soccer with his older brother. Everyone is so pleased with the great outcome from this near tragedy! And the Panthers bounced back with a 2nd place finish at state. Proud of our former home community and their support of this family.

My funny Valentine week

Ah the quiet Sunday morning. Paul is visiting Lake of the Ozarks, helping our pal Don work on the McKim Lake Place. He and Diana purchased it a couple years ago and pretty much took it down to the studs and have steadily worked on making it into a great place to entertain friends from Des Moines. And others. The location is nice and it's going to be sweet when it's done!

Paul does something worky in the garage

Paul loves projects! It's one thing he truly misses at our place in West Des Moines, so when Don suggested this trip, he was chomping at the bit.

But lets start at the beginning of the week. I was in charge of a couple workshops Tuesday and Wednesday, involving our consultants from Ohio. I decided they needed to experience Jesse's Embers - a steakhouse that features wait staff that reminds me of the gals who used to work at the Country Club in Atlantic. Our waitress interacted with us, and the host greeted us warmly. While we were eating, I saw our realtor come in, and was able to say hello Marg and her daughter Holly. Marg was the one who introduced us to Jesse's Embers. It was a fun night talking to Cory and Tom about how we met our Valentines.

Cory and Tom

Wednesday we met Creston friends Deb and Larry Peterson for the Fleetwood Mac concert. The band was back - this time with Christine McVie! That band member wasn't with them when they were in Des Moines in 2013 and hadn't toured with them for many years. I enjoy many types of music and bands - but few bring back the memories of this one.

Concert goers

As I heard them begin to sing "Say that You Love Me" I thought back to the last time I heard them sing the song - 39 years ago. Yikes! Those numbers make me feel old in a way my mind doesn't accept. It was June of 1976. Paula, Chris and I attended Iowa Jam to see Kansas and Steely Dan and this band I hadn't really heard of - Fleetwood Mac was there too. I think we met Craig Both and Jeff Weppler there. It was really hot out, so by the time FM began to play we were heading out. I remember the strains of that song playing - and it stuck with me enough to make me want that album. A long love affair with the band began that day.

We weren't close - but the big screen helped

It was great to have the Christine McVie songs added into the repertoire of the group. Lindsey Buckingham is a fabulous guitarist and Mick Fleetwood rocks on drums. Some people don't like Stevie Nicks gravelly voice but I do - especially when she sings Landslide. I wish Christine would have sung the song Sarah. Good time - late night, but worth it.

Thursday night was ballroom dancing night for Paul and me. We are pretty good at rumba! At least in my view. That dancing is a good workout.

Paul took off early Friday to meet Don to head south to the lake. I had a work trip all day in southwest Iowa - Grand River, Sidney and Malvern. So binging on Netflix (Blacklist) was just what the doctor ordered.

The Cyclones had a home game Saturday. I invited Diana to use Paul's ticket - to watch the Cyclones handle West Virginia. After the game we met our friends Kari and Kevin and some others for a beer at Scheman. Then we headed to Whiskey River for supper - Kevin was our date! Laughter ensued. Fun times with those three friends.

I missed my Valentine but am enjoying the flowers he sent to my work on Thursday. And the chocolates I bought for him...

Today my friend Julia Hoilien is arriving to spend the night. She's been in the area visiting friends and she flies out tomorrow. I'm excited to see her and catch up! We'll begin plotting our next Class of '76 get together. Love goes out to all my family and friends. I don't say it enough to you all. I heart you!

Boots

When one lives in Iowa, deep in the heart of the Midwest, boots are your friend! And they have been my friend since I was little - when I wore the "over the shoe" models. Those boots were fashioned from a firm rubber. At the top, a small elastic band gathered the boot around your leg.

Sometimes we actually put bread bags on our feet or shoes before inserting them into these boots. I suppose the bags assisted in waterproofing the things. We never wore bags over our shoes...I guess Atlantic kids were smarter than Red Oak kids - understanding that the bags would rip right away...

As the third Bullock child, I wore a number of "hand me down" boots. I remember white boots similar to the ones above. As your feet (and shoes) grew, the boots would start getting tighter and would suck the shoes off when you tried to take the boots off your cold pink feet. There were no good socks back then either.

The other hand-me-down boots I enjoyed were the cowboy boots I wore at Bar-L Ranch each year when I attended summer camp in Guthrie Center. I felt so cool wearing those boots and denim jeans. I was a natural cowgirl I guess! They were perfect for Monday night square dancing - "Heel toe, heel toe slide, slide".

Our boots looked similar to these

 When I grew a little older, Mom broke down and bought winter boots that fit our feet without shoes! Of course then we had to remember to take our shoes along to school. I spent many a day prancing around school in my stocking feet. Can you imagine what my socks looked like after that?

One fashion I never did participate in was the Go-Go boots. (Mom probably wouldn't have allowed it if I had wanted them...or, maybe Betso had some) A new girl moved to town in about 4th grade and she had a pair. I sure remember them. Karen Apple was her name - and in my memory bank she looked like Twiggy in those shiny white boots. Gorgeous!

By my high school years, I was much too cool for boots - except when I was working with my horse Jack when I still relied on my trusty cowboy boots. I had a couple pairs. The suede ones were for everyday and the shiny ones were for horse shoes. I wish I still have both pairs! I swear I saw a pair at a retro store in the East Village that looked just like my shiny pair last year.

Boots are huge now. I love it because they are attractive and warm! I try to avoid buying the cheap knock offs, but I admit to having a few pairs - including my cowboy boots. I feel confident when wearing boots - ready to take on horses, show, bosses. Anything!

at work this week
 

Eventually the boots craze fashion will wear off - but I'll still be wearing them. High stepping!

Super Hero

Jonah, David, Ashley, Jordan, Susi, Jim, Leslie, James and Jordan

My big sis is a Super Hero! Of course I always knew she was. She's been my hero since I was a kid. Then she had to go and leave for college when I was 11.

Now she has finally been recognized for all the great things she does.

Susan Alvillar is Grand Junction Colorado Citizen of the Year. Click Here: Sister Susi. She's done so many good things in her life - impacting others in a positive way. Plus she's a wonderful employee and a fab mother and wife.

I'm so proud of her. My parents would have been too. I'm sure they're looking down from somewhere and smiling!  I'm going to come up with awards for my other two sisters next - they're both fab too!

Co-ed Sledding Party

The forecasters finally got one right. After a fabulously snowless January - the last day of the month let loose with 12 inches 1/31 into 2/1.

View of our deck this a.m. 

One of the many places people could sled in my hometown of Atlantic was at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club - just east of the clubhouse where a couple steep holes slant down from the CC road to the ditch before Chestnut Street.

One time my extended friend group of guys and girls decided we should have a sledding party. I'm fairly certain that Sally had a hand in arranging the party. She was always up for a party.

We have a fabulous class - the trifecta of great people, athletes, and students. I don't remember if we were old enough to drive ourselves - or if Anna Day Rodgers delivered us to the Country Club that cold crisp snowy night.

Our toboggan had a green pad and held several people

I may have taken our aluminum toboggan that evening. That baby was scary fast in certain snow conditions! I think I was more into the sledding than the flirting. I never really perfected that art - unlike some of my girlfriends. There was some definite flirting going on though.

Hot chocolate involved. Is there anything better than real hot chocolate with marshmallows?  I'm not talking about that powdered stuff here. Yum! So good your teeth can taste the richness.

I won't be doing any sledding today - but I sure hope others are. It's a beautiful winter day!