February was rather balmy, but March has been a bit chillier, reminding me that I'd like to head south for a few days while Iowa decides to get its act together. I'm anxious for the Iowa legislative season to be done too. I am every year, but this year especially. I always hoped that Iowa would stay more purple - refusing to take marching orders from outside the state. It's disappointing to find that those outside influences are too strong.
Paul's birthday was March 1 and we celebrated by attending a retirement workshop all day. It was put on by IPERS - Iowa's public employee retirement system. If an employee is within five years from retirement you may attend. It was very informative and somewhat scary! How did I get to be this age?
When I first started working in a public job I had no idea I would be "on the job" twenty years later. So I didn't pay attention to what IPERS was. A pension is a wonderful benefit. As a taxpayer, I understand why there are concerns about the sustainability of such a system. I hope any changes will be fair, but have my doubts, seeing the types of things being ramrodded through the legislature this year.
Last weekend Paul treated himself to a walk in the woods to look for antler sheds. He hasn't had much luck this year. Either the deer are being tight with the horns or someone is scouting ahead of him. He is still one-armed and comes home with stickers embedded in his sling. Physical therapy starts in a week. That could be interesting! #beenthere
Back at home, I attended another IndivisibleIowa meeting. I find them therapeutic, meeting with others who don't want to moan and groan and post online. We are trying to work together locally to support and challenge pieces of legislation. Once the session is over, we'll turn towards working on supporting candidates in local races for school board and city council. Most people in the group are like me and have not been active politically in the past. I've enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories and feeling their energy.
Saturday night we went out to Bubba's Southern BBQ for our "official" Pablo's birthday night out. We got our reservation late, so were in the early 5 PM timeslot (reserved for the elderly...). On our way home, we took the back route, which led us to Bullfrog's, a pedestrian-looking bar on a busy corner that we've been meaning to go to - because my that was my daddy's CB radio "handle".
There were few people there, so we settled in at the bar near a solo young woman. A group at the other end of the bar was playing a "Shut the Box" game. Hmmm Dad had one of those. Yep, Dad was looking down. We were regular barflies, chatting with the gal sitting near us. We learned the place is owned by the same people that own the Legends restaurants. Have I mentioned before that I love divey bars? We stayed for one and then were home and comfy before 8 p.m. Yawn.
Sunday we hiked about three miles at Raccoon River park. It was a lovely day and we saw lots of people and their pooches on the crushed rock trail. Sometimes I wish we had a bigger dog that we could take on hikes - then I remember how much more work that would be than Odie. We stopped for a beverage at 515 Brewery on our way to HyVee. A person needs a reward for all that walking, right?
On Tuesday, we received fabulous news from Amy and Corey. They're moving to Denver! Corey applied for that territory for his job with GE Corporation. Not that we don't like their current location - West Chester, PA. It's a cute little town where Amy can walk everywhere. But we like better them in Denver where other family members are close by. And we can drive there in one day. The move will happen in April, so wedding planning just got easier. It's set for the Botanic Garden in Denver August 5. I need to start shopping for a dress...
Our friends Mary Faber and Hank came to town on Thursday for a Joe Bonamassa concert. We met them at Peace Tree for a beer, then took them to Guru our new fave downtown BBQ joint. Paul and I were especially cheery, celebrating the Cyclones win that afternoon in the Big 12 basketball tourney. (I took vacation for a couple hours to watch the game)
It's always fun to catch up with my longtime pal - one of the first people I met after moving to Creston. Hank is a nice guy and easy to talk to. I am happy that she's living the good life, traveling and going to concerts.
I hope you are living the good life - marching along.
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