Tales of the Farmer and the Salesman

Our granddaughter Nell is coming for Christmas! Along with her parents Jud and Kara and our daughter Amy and spouse Corey. And our four doggo grandpups - Franklin, Eros, Archie, and Henry. I vowed to never be the type of grandparent that forsakes my kids once a grandchild is born, but this is grandparent thing is pretty fun so far.

Just last night I was thinking of all the things we need to tell Nell. We were watching the news and a story about farming was on. I realized that Paul has a big burden. He needs to connect Nell with her farming roots. He grew up on a farm in Eastern Iowa and worked with farmers his whole career. My dad sold ladies lingerie for nearly 40 years to stores across Iowa! Talk about opposites. Still, growing up in smalltown Iowa in the 1960's and 70's, regardless of my dad's career, farming has been a big influence on my life. I did go to Moo U. 

I smile even today - imagining Paul's dad George asking about my family, and Paul explaining that my dad sold women's underthings. I wish I could have seen the look on George's face. Our dads were not much alike, yet they got along quite well. Both were really good at chatting. After Paul and I got married, when Dad was on his sales route through Iowa, he enjoyed stopping by the Goldsmith home in Earlville for a cup of coffee. I doubt they chatting much about lady's undies though - probably more about weather and crops. 

Dad with Goldsmiths, Jeff McFee, and Jean Fox and St. Malachy food fair

I've actually heard more about life on the Gsmith farm from Paul's older siblings - chicken fixin' day sounds like something I'm glad I missed! Paul and shared stories about meals, making sausage, driving a tractor as a really young boy, being around for milking cows, and scooping corn at the bottom of the silo - scary rats were brought up. And George made sure that Paul got to scoop manure whenever he had a hangover. 

Our former hometown, Creston, may be known as a railroad town, but agriculture is a big driving force there. Amy and Jud grew up with classmates from farm families. Hayrack rides were part of the annual St. Malachy Spaghetti Supper. Kids were into 4-H and Future Farmers of America, showing livestock from prize cattle to hogs and sheep. Classmates with surnames like Baker and Miller took time off to help get crops in. 

The next generation of Goldsmiths aren't involved with farming. Paul's brother Larry and wife Regina lived and farmed the "home" place near Earlville for many years, but sold out once their five boys went off to college and moved away. It's hard for Paul to drive by the farm now - most of the outbuildings are gone, though the house is still there. 

Our friend Jeff McFee is a farmer. It's a a life you must love to take on! I've never been a risk taker - preferring more "knowns" in my life, such as how much $ I'm going to make for the work I do. Farmers don't have that luxury - there are soooo many variables! I enjoy listening to Paul and Jeff talking about what's happening in the ag world - with cattle, crops, weather, prices, and farmer gossip. Boy can they gossip! A few years ago when Jud reached adulthood, he finally started to "get it" about farming. He asked Jeff if he worked outside all day even in winter. "Yep" was the answer. Hard to imagine for we cushy inside job people. Farming is a more than a job - it's a lifestyle. 

Yes, Nell needs to know her farming (and lingerie) roots! Family stories are important. People need to know where they come from - not because they must always stay the same, because is part of their foundation. Paul and I will be sure to tell Nell (and any future grandkids) the lore. 

Don't think for a minute there won't be Laura Goldsmith and Pat Bullock stories. That's a whole 'nother blog or two! 

As you can see below - our family still trades "the goods" on holidays. 

Artsy

Do you consider yourself to be an "artsy" person? My text string with friends recently devolved in to talk about art. One of my friends plans to take online drawing lessons. How cool is that? I must admit, the texting chatter had initially started with a rundown of our ailments - including hand arthritis! But it evolved to art talk. That's how our strings go. They are such therapy for me, especially in this isolated time.  

These texts are with my friends from childhood. At one point I lamented about how our conversations have evolved through the years! Starting with toys and playing, to boys, school ("Mrs. Harter was mean today!"), and makeup - onto relationships and then kids for some of us. We talk about lots of things nowadays like weather, family, the state of the world, and health.  Don't forget pets! It's nice that they share their furbaby pics with me.  

This week it was fun to be on a message string about hobbies that feed our creative selves. As friends of 40, 50, and for a couple even 60 years, we know each others' family trees. We talked about where in our family trees those art genes may have come from. I've got some serious art genes. Please note: I don't really know if there are "art" genes. Maybe it's nature plus nurture. I do know that some of us enjoy things that others don't. It's it grand that we're not all the same? 

 

My grandfather, Wallace Orville Bullock (we called him Bubba) was the first generation artist that I know about. As an older man, Bubba took up oil painting as a hobby. He and a friend, Louis Reinig, traveled to Omaha for art classes. I am fortunate to have one of the first paintings he did - plus two others. He was a prolific painter as his children and grandchildren all ended up with one or more of his lovely works. He painted landscapes. I remember him using pictures in magazines as models/inspiration. A whole room in their home at 909 Poplar in Atlantic served as his painting spot. It was filled with easels, canvasses and paint.  

One of Bubba's later works

Bubba's daughter, my Aunt Marty is very artsy and creative. She's collected art from around the world as she traveled with my Uncle Bill and served as a docent at the Denver Art Museum for years. Her sis, my Aunt Jeanie is a talented cross-stitcher and I remember her sewing too. 

Aunt Jeanie, Bubba, Momo with Charlie the dog

                                                                                                   Dad with Marty and Jean

I don't remember Dad (Marty and Jean's older brother) displayed any artsy talents. I fondly recall that during my folks' Florida years, he helped collect shells to spray and personalize with sharpies for each of Jud and Amy's classmates. He certainly was a snazzy dresser. And he was funny and had a way with words - crafting them into things still say today. For example, I just saw Pontiac (car) the other day and I caught myself chanting Pontiaciaciac. Why? Because that's what Dad would say. That makes me smile. 

Dad with his girls

Of my siblings, sister Cindy was identified early as the artistic one. You can bet she lorded her artsiness over me, one of little patience (and skill) for coloring and drawing. Later she majored in art education at Drake, and I benefitted from some of the projects she completed - jewelry and clay pots. Cindy still has a great sense of style that I admire - she got the gift. 

Amy did this award winning watercolor in high school

In our own family, Amy self-identified as an artist at an early age. She cranked out drawings on recycled computer paper from Paul's office from the time she could hold a marker. Amy loved creating books - she'd illustrate and I'd fill in the text. Her creativity throughout childhood was amazing. When others made posters for the science fair, she "created" one with fonts, backgrounds, and colors. It was her destiny to become some type of artist in life. Amy's fluorishing graphic design business keeps growing and changing as she adds skills. Jud has the talent of absorbing information in spongelike fashion - you want him on your trivia team. 

When my homie friends and I were texting about artistic talents, we agreed that even though some of us are not as talented when it comes to drawing or painting - that doesn't mean we shouldn't try! And, we know that everyone has talents - some are just more subtle. The nice thing is when you reach a certain age you finally have time to nurture your creative side - flower arranging, wood-working, photography, cooking, music, sewing, painting, writing, and many more that I haven't even considered. 

Or you can calm your soul by completing jigsaw puzzles while listening to books. Have a great Thanksgiving dear readers. It may not be the one you had hoped and planned for, but there is much to be thankful for. Stay safe and healthy! 

Birthday Girl!

It's my birthday - again! I'm getting to be the age where one realizes each one is a gift - not just those important milestones like the one when you get your driver's license or can legally drink alcohol - or can retire. This is my first retired birthday and I must say to do prefer it to a working birthday - even when work treats/singing were involved. 

Paul and I worked as Election Officials at the poll in West Des Moines yesterday from 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. It was our first time. It was exhausting but very rewarding. We completed training a couple of weeks ago, but that really didn't prepare me for a 7 a.m. stream of eager voters lined up to do their civic duty. The crush lasted for about 4 hours - I didn't have time to use the restroom or even take a pill for a headache. 

The team of eleven officials (split evenly Rs/Ds), led by a veteran official was mostly newbies. Older poll workers had opted out due to Covid. We all wore masks - and some of us started the day with a shield too but they proved to be a bit cumbersome. The computer system is very slick - using scanners for those who have Iowa Driver's licenses. Even without, those in the system can use several methods to satisfy voter requirements. 

It surprised me how many people needed to register to vote on Election Day. Did they not see the "Make a Plan to Vote" outreach or was that their plan all along? I've never been a procrastinator so I just don't get it. Still, the system was pretty efficient once I figured it out and we got them registered and able to vote. Paul was the guy that fed the paper ballots into the counting machine. Our site had 2 precincts - had about 1,500 people vote - 700 in the first 4 hours.

So today is my birthday! I'm exhausted and like everyone, am awaiting election results. In the meantime, it's gorgeous here so I hope to get in a walk. I'm trying to stay off the Internet (this counts as writing, not Internet time). That's my plan going forward - less social media, more real life. Or books - always my retreat since childhood. 

                                                Lee Van Nostrand's bday party

This morning I was thinking of childhood birthday parties - mine and ones I went to. We shopped for presents in downtown Atlantic, put on little dresses, and went to large parties where there were games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Pop the Balloon with your Butt. One year I received three identical Piggy Banks as gifts - two blue and one pink. I don't think I had that much change! Sometimes my mom would make me take a little kid pajama set for the birthday girl as a gift - because Dad was a sales rep for that company. Ugh! How embarrassing! I would have hated to get that as a gift. Give me a GI Joe! 

Speaking of my childhood, last week I drove to St. Louis to spend time with my kids - new parents Jud and Kara and grandchild, Nell. While we had time together Jud asked me questions about my childhood - something we'd never had a chance to talk much about before. He has met a few of my childhood friends, though it's been a while since he's seen them - Sally, Robyn, and Julia. It was fun to tell him about some of our childhood antics! And then to talk about things we're doing in our 60's. 

Speaking of Nell - when I'm feeling stressed, I picture that little face and I smile! Jud and Kara are doing such a great job with her. They were very generous to allow me to hold her whenever I wanted to. She's just starting to smile - so many emotions can cross her face in a short time, but she seems to be a pretty chill baby. The weather wasn't too great but I was content just hanging with her at the house.

We did get out on Wednesday on a trip to the free St. Louis Zoo. Nell snoozed her way around the bears, big cats, seals, and apes. She's adorable sleeping in her stroller! It was nice to get out of the house. Jud and Kara went on a date that night and the kiddo and I did just fine. Even mellow babies demand a great deal of attention - parents need their own oxygen as a couple - away from the baby. 

I can't believe how strong Nell is getting already! She's getting to that stage where on her tummy she seems angry that she can't do more. She's got a play area mat on the floor and it's fun to see her new awareness of her surroundings. Pups Archie and Henry like to check her out when she's on the floor. Just wait until she's mobile guys! 

I drove home on Friday. It was hard to leave - knowing how much she'll change by the time I see her again. I was happy to see my honey who had spent the week hunting and working. While I was gone we got a new furnace - the homeowner moneypit is alive and well. Next up - a window. Happy Birthday! 

  

Carry On Camping II

Oops, I did it again! Paul suggested that we go to Lanesboro, MN to a Bed & Breakfast last weekend for another outing in 2020. It's been a year of hunkering down for all of us. Like many of you, we missed out on some planned trips - Marco Island and France to name two. In my first year of retirement, the United States were calling! That was before the dreaded Covid made travel higher risk.

I couldn't get in the spirit of a Lanesboro trip. Maybe next year during warmer kayaking season. Instead, I suggested tent camping (oops!) at Backbone State Park in Delaware County. TENT. Crazy, right? So many people are shocked and amazed that I would consider such a thing. The old girl still has some surprises in her! 

Neither Paul nor I had ever been to Backbone before. Kinda surprising since it's in Paul's home county, camping isn't high on most farmer's to-do lists. Backbone (originally the Devil's Backbone) is Iowa's oldest state park, dedicated in 1919. It's in the the Maquoketa River valley and boasts several hiking trails, a trout stream, and limestone bluffs. We booked the last spot available in the "rustic" - no electric hookup Six Pines campground. Yes, I was leery of sleeping on the ground in a tent. We had planned on camping Labor Day weekend, and that didn't work out as the campground didn't have toilet facilities. We needed to get it done!

Paul and I took off Friday morning - first stop, Independence, Iowa where long ago relatives on my mom, Patricia Nelle Bullock (her mother was Nellie), lived. In 1996, the year before she died, Mom and I spent time in the town during a wonderful trip around NE Iowa. She told me how she'd spent summer weeks in Independence with her maternal grandparents John and Millie Weber and lots of cousins. I looked up their burial sites on FindaGrave, but we were unable to locate them as there was no map available. There are many Webers in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. More relatives are in another Buchanan County cemetery. My family boasts many generations of Iowans on both sides - I think I'm going to be the last one. 

After a stop at Casey's, we pulled into the cool restored train depot in town. I'm glad communities take care of these treasures. 

In this photo, Paul is filling me full of flora and fauna knowledge

We arrived at Backbone mid-afternoon and located our little home away from home campsite - not far from the pit type potty and water source (not drinkable). Thumbs up! I didn't want to totter far if I needed a late night potty visit. There is another campground at the park that boasts showers, sinks, and real flush toilets. It didn't take long to set up camp. Then we drove around to see the park sites and check out where we wanted to hike the next day. We'd brought along firewood, but no lighter fluid. Paul used leaves to help get the campfire going. Paul grilled a couple yummy filets on our small grill for supper. There's nothing like sitting around a campfire. And, for dessert - toasted marshmallows. 

We had poor cell reception - helpful towards my goal of checking out. My best friend and I just talked. We decided politics were out - we get enough of that at home. My favorite topic was "places we'd like to go". There are so many. It's fun to dream. It was also a great time to be thankful for all things great and small.   

We went to bed early as it gets dark early when you're away from artificial light. Our neighbors were quiet early too. They did get up early - before 6:30 am and talk in normal voices. Grrr. Even though I was awake, I would have liked quiet time a bit longer. Their dogs barked at night - answering coyotes! 

On Saturday morning we had a great scrambled egg/potato/steak breakfast. Why does food taste better outdoors? Oh, and the tent/sleeping bag - could have been better if I'd remembered my pillow! Argh. I stuffed towels into a canvass shopping bag. Not recommended. The pad under my bag was also not adequate. If we do this again, I need a better sleeping package!  

We drove up to Backbone Trail on a gorgeous sunny morning. The trail was marked "medium" difficulty. The trail is aptly named as it's set right on a ridge between the riverbed and another gulley. At times I had to use my hands to scramble up the path. The vistas and light were fabulous! It's nice to have my very own tree guy with me to identify them. Huge pines not usually seen in our state. We didn't see many people until near the end of the trail that loops back to the parking area - there we came across a large group of teen students. 

We did some more sightseeing after that. And shopping! We needed pillows. Strawberry Point, the nearby town, only had a Dollar Store. So we visited WalMart in Manchester, driving the scenic route. We also picked up more firewood, lighter fluid, and beer, as we'd gone through our small inventory in night 1. There is something about a campfire and beer! 

After a cold lunch of charcutarie. In my day was called "cheese and meat tray". That was followed by rest and reading. Then we hiked an easy grass trail - followed by pulling over in a high spot to listen to the end of the ISU/TCU football game. The good guys won! We stopped at the fancy campground for showers. 

The Cyclone fans in the campsite next to us (ISU lawn chairs were the clue) were happy too. That night was quiet - dogs and kraut, chips, salad, and oh yes, marshmallows. That night I had one more pad under my sleeping bag and a real pillow. I can't claim fabulous sleep, but better! 

We took off fairly early Sunday for home. I was ready for flush toilets and McDonald's oatmeal. Still, our first camping experience as a couple in forty years was really good! I made a list of things we should remember next time. Pillows are on there! And air mattresses. Carry on! 

 

You Were Right!

Nell, nestled in my arms!

I've been hearing for years how wonderful being a grandparent is. You were right! 

What is Nell thinking about? 

Paul and I spent five days in Saint Louis last week with Jud, Kara, and our new grandchild, Nell Marie, born September 5th. I loved holding that little person - just gazing at her. She's a beautiful drama queen who makes lots of faces as a newborn. Did my babies do that? Smiles, frowns, surprise, and the deep sleep "like a baby". 

Paul's look says it all, Patrick our angel

I must admit that the first time I held Nell I felt a huge range of emotions. It was bittersweet because the last baby I held from our family was Patrick George, our son who passed away at six days from a congenital heart defect. He was that same size and looked similar to Nell. After Patrick was diagnosed, life support was removed and we held him for over two solid days until he passed in Paul's arms. 

Poppa has me! 

Hey baby girl! 

Jud and Kara knew of Patrick's history and Nell's heart has been checked out - even while she was in the womb. Technology today is amazing! On the day we met and held Nell, I told Jud and Kara that I had those feelings. I didn't know that those feelings would creep up. Paul admitted he had them too. Kindly, they made sure we had plenty of chances to hold that precious baby girl. Soon, those memories were put away - somewhere Patrick is looking on! 

It's very rewarding seeing your child as a parent. Jud is a very hands-on papa! I loved seeing him hold that baby girl in his huge hands. He and Kara are doing a great job working as a parenting team. Nell is cooperating by being a pretty good sleeper so far! 

Paul and I tried to stay out of the way during our visit - concentrating on food (I was wishing Paul and I were better cooks, but we did the best we could), cleaning up, dog duties, and Paul did yard chores. There are many new baby equipment inventions - very helpful. We got plenty of Nell time too - giving Jud and Kara to rest from night feedings. It was hard to leave on Friday. We know Nell will grow and change so much before we see her again! I'm already plotting my next visit.

Becoming a newly minted grandparent has led me on a nostalgic trip down parenting memory lane. That and sorting through a box of old photos from back when a camera was just a camera. In those days one  actually had to plan ahead when I wanted to record an event for posterity - the days of film. Sometimes several events would be on one roll of film, birthday, Christmas, birthday. 

The photographs helped me remember many good times - from early interactions with Paul while we were at ISU to our children's' early childhood events including birthdays, holidays, and just messing around. Seeing those pictures was good for me. Sadly, in my mind's jaded eye, I had started to think that I was not the mom of younger children I wished I had been. My most vivid memories are of the times I "cracked" and didn't handle the pressures of momhood as well as I would have liked. Toddler logic (lack of) was hard for me. 

Amy and I help Jud blow out his candle. Krissy observes seriously. 

Looking at the joy on my face in the pictures reminded me of all of the times I didn't snap - which was much more often than crabby Mommy. Why does our mind insist on hanging on to negatives? The photos reminded me of so many great kid activities - visiting Creston City Parks with our faithful canine companion Moki (he liked going down slides), playing in the yard, hide & seek, bathtime with lots of tub toys, and baking together.  

  

Looking back, I wish I had been the mom that let the kids make more messes - I was always thinking ahead to cleanup. I hope to be a grandma that is less worried about messes. 

One place we did get messy was the kitchen. We baked together, which resulted in a few eggs cracked on the countertop - even the floor! And they loved licking the beaters. Amy enjoyed art projects (some messy) and who could forget backyard pool days. Pool preparation took much more time than Amy and Jud spent in the pool, but the anticipation was part of the fun. Alas, the temperature of the water coming from the hose would be frigid! Buckets of hot water were required to heat the water.  Pool toys and soggy towels - ah summer!  

Those parenting years roll by so quickly. I couldn't wait until they were out of diapers, then they were in school, sports, and all those milestones. I didn't know how special it was - the last time I read to them or held their hand walking into church. Seemingly overnight Amy and Jud grew up. 

Parenting is a busy life, one that doesn't slow down much until they graduate from high school. Some moms mourn their children's steps toward independence - school, driving, dances, and moving away. I celebrated those - with a small sense of loss, much overshadowed with joy for their journey to be successful adults. Paul and I do love this stage - adult children are wonderful! 

I enjoy seeing photos of you, your grandkids, young and older, babies, prom, and sports. That is why I stay on Facebook. Plus it gives me a place to share my own photos. Facebook friends often tell me - you do so many fun things! It's true. We try to think of fun things to do. Sometimes the little things are the best - a hike, followed by a beer at a brewery. Paul pushes me as he's less of a homebody than I am. We have worked to stay connected with friends from throughout our lives. Connectivity is our superpower. And now along with being parents (and in-laws) we're grandparents! More fun to come.  

It's My Sappy Grandma Post

I haven't even seen her in person yet, and already she has a huge place in my heart. I'm talking about our brand new granddaughter Nell Marie. She was born to our son Judson and wife Kara on Saturday, September 5th - weighing in at 7 pounds 14 ounces, 20 inches long. She surprised us, arriving one week early! We talked to Jud on Friday and discussed that the doc would allow Kara to go as much as a week past the September 12 due date. Yeah, right. Nell had her own ideas! 

On Saturday Paul and I planned a camping trip at a remote site, Stephens State Forest near Chariton. That's the town where my grandmother Zora Clayton Stewart was born and raised. Yep, in a weak moment the weekend before, I'd let the offer slip out. "How about tent camping I said?". What was I thinking? Yet it made me smile to see how happy it made Paul. He was planning and puttering, scouring maps, and gathering the gear. 

Friday was a busy day as we had new carpet installed at home. The crew of four was efficient and they finished up quickly. Paul and I had some fun and laughs the night before moving some of the furniture not covered in the carpet deal. Have you ever noticed how similar king-sized mattresses and Jello are? We got the giggles trying to move it into the dining area. Friday was a lovely day and I was able to open up the house to air out that new carpet smell (and hopefully installation crew germs). We were able to sit on the deck most of the time they were here. We even talked to Jud who told us he and Kara took the day off and were going on a picnic. It turned out to be their last outing before parenthood!  

Paul and I tidied up that afternoon - replacing furniture etc. That night I got sidetracked by looking through a box of photos from a closet we'd carpeted. I was feeling nostalgic - some were of the kids. I sent an adorable Jud baby pic to Jud and Kara. So I take full credit for Kara's water breaking early the next morning. haha

Paul and I actually slept in on Saturday. Imagine my surprise when I saw Jud's text just after 7 a.m. - Kara's water had broken, and they were at the hospital. Kara was being induced. Holy Schnikes! We had talked it over with Jud and Kara earlier and knew that due to Covid, there was no use rushing to St. Louis. Kara's folks get "first baby dibs" for a few days and we get to visit next. We could sit around and wait or continue our adventure together and Carry On Camping. So off we went.  

Nell Marie makes her entrance! 

We got a couple other updates along the way - then just after noon, while driving south, we got the text with a photo - Baby Girl G is here! Paul and I high five. He was driving - so no chance for a hug and kiss. My eyes drank her in! She looked a bit like Amy, Jud and Patrick had as newborns. But not quite. Jud said her hair had a ginger look (but now says it's blonder). 

Meanwhile, Paul and I arrived at the campsite. First problem. No restroom. Now that's a problem! We could see where one had once been - now a concrete pad. I could tell Paul was still willing, but not this old girl. It was disappointing as even I had prepared myself to snuggle in a tent. 

So we were on to Plan B - at least to go kayaking at Lake Rathbun. At Lake Rathbun we found an armada of big boats, music blaring. No thanks! We drove east trying to find lake access in shallow water where big boats can't go. Iowa's dry weather seems to have dried up those areas. Googled showed water, real-life showed weeds. We even ventured down a closed road. I was starting to hear Deliverance banjos. We laughed! We're grandparents. 

Plan C. We headed north. Did I mention that during our travels south we cruised dusty gravel roads? Our kayaks and much of our gear was in the back of the truck. When we arrived at a county park just outside of Knoxville, Iowa we found that all of the camping sites were full. So we secured a lovely picnic area instead. By then we had more pictures of the baby with Jud and Kara - so nothing was going to get us down. Even all the gravel dust coating the grill, potato chip bags, sleeping bags - everything! Ugh. 

Our picnic included a toast to being grandparents with a shot of Apple Pie/Cinnamon liquor. It was fabulous. The menu was grilled hotdogs, chips, and a couple marshmallows. I'd had my heart set on one of those delicious white pillowy bites toasted to perfection! 

Then we packed up and drove home. Our campout was a washout. We had a lot of cleanup to do when we got home. It didn't matter. That baby! 

On Sunday night we were overjoyed to learn Baby Girl G's name: Nell Marie Goldsmith. It's perfect! When Kara and Jud told us they were expecting, Jud asked for the genealogy information I've gathered from many generations on both sides of my family tree. Kara did the same from her side too. Jud and Kara also perused name lists online. They did their homework on name selection! 

I would have like any name bestowed upon our beautiful granddaughter but I was especially pleased that they selected the name Nell. It's a version of a name that shows up many times in my family tree and it's in Kara's tree too. My grandmother on my mother's side was Nelle or Nellie. Nelle is my Mom and sister's Elizabeth (Betsy's) middle name. Kara's great grandmother was a Nellie. 

Yes, I'm a softee for family names. I have a cousin Amy and we have lots of Leslies, Pauls, and Davids. Judson's name comes originally from my great grandfathers George Judson Stewart and Adnah David Bullock. He is Judson David. My dad name - David Judson. And in Dad's tradition, she'll likely have several nicknames! Just like I am Looseleaf. Betsy was Lizzie Borden. Cindy = Forsythia. Susi had several - Suso-bean. Chuckle. 

In a week or so, I'll get to hold Nellbell in my arms. She'll feel just right. I can't wait! 

Carry On Camping

Do you remember the movie, "Carry On Camping"? 

The movie originally came out in 1969 when I was only 12, and it looks like it was a bit risque. I remember going with Chris Deardorff, but we must have gone when it came around again...can't imagine Pat B and Ginger Deardorff sending us off to a sexy movie at age 12. Since then, besides my Girl Scout day camp years, anytime I've gone camping that film title pops into my head. Not the risque part - just the humorous part. So much can't be controlled! You're at the mercy of nature, neighbors, and bad planning.

Summer vaca in Florida visiting my grandparents - no camping

Growing up, my family was NOT a camping family. Exhibit A - my dad, Dave Bullock. Evidently, his years in the army cured him of any idea that living "rough" was fun. Our vacations involved hotel rooms or at the least, cabins. My sisters and I were in Girl Scouts and attended summer camp, so we got a taste of camping then. I have fond memories of Camp Cheley in Estes Park, CO - an overnight hike and campout. It was quite an adventure.  

My next camping experience was quite memorable - except for the fogginess due to the liquor involved. It happened while I was studying ever so hard at Iowa State University one VEISHEA weekend. Iowans will remember VEISHEA - that wonderful student-run celebration on campus that was parade/party/ showcase. It was doomed because of riots in later years. They couldn't figure out how to party without being overly destructive - grrr. 

That weekend, early in May, a group that included my roomies, Jane and Vicki, and our pal, ISU volleyballer Kelly, rented a tent from campus recreation. We decided to camp at The Ledges, a beautiful state park near Boone - just west of Ames. We took the essentials - beer, chips, cookies, and marshmallows. 

By afternoon we were already feeling the alcohol glow when our guy pals from Stevenson House, including Moose and friends, Shit for Brains, and others with nicknames I don't recall, were canoeing the Des Moines River. I don't know if we coordinated the meeting, but sure wish I had a video of the event.  Picture - Girls: cheering drunkenly on the shore of the Des Moines River as it passes through the Ledges. Boys: drunkenly see us and stand up in the canoe to wave - tipping over into the chilly water. Slow-motion would be great.  

The whole group ended up sitting around our campsite fire ring. Thank God we had Moose the Boy Scout to build the fire. As night fell, it got chilly and seven or eight of us piled into the tent. The guys hadn't planned to stay but driving didn't seem to be a good idea. I remember being damp and chilled to the bone. Wet drunk boys stink. It was epic!

I didn't camp again until the year I graduated from college - when we started our much blogged about trips to Ridgeland, Wisconsin to tube the Apple River. We stayed in a huge tent owned by the Huston family - again, many stinky people. 

That year I graduated and moved to Sioux Falls, SD where I had my first real job. Paul Goldsmith, bless his heart, made the drive there several times. It was then, without the trappings of college, we really got to know each other and learned how much we enjoyed each other's company. And we went camping. 

Does it look like 2 people will fit in that tent? Especially with that hair!

Paul had a pup tent - a tiny thing. We planned a trip to SE MN, a place some of my SD co-workers had told me about. I believe it was this place - Blue Mounds. I remember seeing the Bison. And how tiny and claustrophobic Paul's tiny tent was - the canvass was mere inches from my face.  

Since then, through the years, we camped a few times. I've written before about our Memorial Day camping experiences - 45 degrees and rainy at Jester Park and Pine Lake with our college friends. What is it about sitting around a campfire with friends? Good times! 

During our Creston years, after the kids were a little older, we camped a few times with our friends who rolled a little nicer than tent camping. Higgins had "the Big Unit", a pull-behind camper, Crittendens had a camper, and Bobbie and Jeff had a pop-up camper. We invested in a new tent that fit four people and a dog. I remember fun trips to NE Iowa near Waukon and Saylorville. We biked and canoed and the kids had a ball. It's always good to go with people who know what they're doing and have the right equipment. And attitudes! 

Since then, Paul upgraded the pup tent for a nicer one for hunting trips to Colorado. He's got some more outdoors equipment too. I haven't camped in 20 years! So imagine my surprise when Paul and I were discussing potential Labor Day weekend plans and I suggested tent camping! I know. But consider this: we need to be away from people as we're on "Baby Watch", and we don't just want to sit here. Jud and Kara's baby girl is due 9/12. We're getting antsy! The words came out of my mouth "what about camping?" I was as shocked as he was. 

So that's the plan. He found a remote camping spot in a state forest. Forty years after the first time we camped together we will Carry on Camping. Maybe we'll make this an every 40 year thing! 

Behold the Beauty of Iowa

Kayaks staged in front of Jane and Ken's place - ready to party! 

The Mississippi River is not the Rhone River in France - where I expected to travel to this summer with my three sisters. Like everyone, the whole world and along with it our plans changed when the pandemic hit. Since March Paul and I have laid pretty low. For excitement and enjoyment, I mostly sit on the deck and watch bikes, people, and dogs passing by. I take walks in the neighborhood and drive to trails around DSM, where I walk whilst listening to books. 

Once the shutdown eased up Paul and I traveled to Colorado over Memorial Weekend - slipping in a visit to Amy and Corey and sister Cindo. A couple of weeks ago we finally made it to Saint Louis to see Jud and Kara before Baby Girl G makes her arrival in September. Both of those trips were so wonderful and reassuring. We didn't do anything exciting, go out or try new restaurants. We were just with each other. The best!

When we made both of those trips, we kinda felt like we were kids who "snuck out" at night while our parents were sleeping, with quick stops only for gas along the way. Those family visits lifted and reassured us. Everyone needs something to look forward to.

Paul and I decided much earlier this year that it was time to see our friends Jane Ertl Root and Ken Root who make their summer home Esmann Island near Guttenberg on the Mississippi in NE Iowa. When the shutdown happened, we still had that date out there in July and put that "depending on the state of things" disclaimer on there, not knowing if they would even want visitors. Lucky for us when the selected weekend came up, it was all systems go in their part of the world. 

Clayton County, Iowa, despite being a summer home location, has only had 82 total Covid cases. Guttenberg is a riverfront city with Lock and Dam number 10 on the Mississippi. The population is just under 2,000, but it seems bigger due to the summer residents - people with second homes there to take advantage of the beautiful perch on the big water. 

Last Friday was our day to "sneak out" once again! We are still trying to keep exposure low - from us and to us. So we decided on a one night trip and are thankful for gracious hosts who accommodated our schedule and welcomed us into their home. One of the hardest things about seeing friends now is hugging. Do it? Don't? I've done both. 😕 I can't wait for hugging to be cool again! 

Farmstead NE of Cedar Rapids

After being sequestered at home - and perhaps because of my advancing age, now more than ever I enjoy seeing the passing beauty as we drive. We took Highway 330, the diagonal from I-80 up to Highway 30, ending on Highway 136, a road from there to Guttenberg. From majestic barns to the beauty of a lone tree, perfectly shaped in the middle of nowhere, I took it all in. Of course, Paul scopes out all of the wildlife. 

We drove through Paul's hometown, Earlville on our journey. Paul's folks and sister Connie are buried there. It's a pretty little town not far from Dubuque. We were a bit taken aback by the confederate flag hanging on the porch of one of the first homes we saw entering the town. Huh? Paul's folks' former home looks well-kept. George and Laura moved there from the farm when Paul as a senior in high school. It was the only house I knew them to live in, though his brother Larry and wife Regina and their five boys lived at the home place - a farm southeast of town. 

As I said, starting at Dyersville, where Paul attended high school at Beckman Catholic School and met Jane Ertl, we drove on Highway 136. It's a scenic road that winds through small fairly well-kept towns and beautiful churches. Side-note, I first met Jane during my sophomore year at ISU when my roomie Vic and I pulled a tab off of a sign in our dorm elevator looking for girls to go on a spring break ski trip. Jane was part of that group of seven. So I met her before I met Paul. Later it turned out she dated one of his good friends - but that's a whole 'nother story! 

Sign photo - courtesy Jane Ertl Root

Back to the drive - I wish I would have taken time to snap a picture of a sign outside of a little market store in Luxemburg - it claimed wares: "peaches, melons, acid, pencils". What else could one need? The terrain gets quite hilly along the Mississippi in that area. We pulled over at a scenic overlook along a 10% grade. No doubt it's gorgeous there in the fall as from that location, with the vista across the Mississippi to Wisconsin. 

I can see Wisconsin from here

Guttenberg is the home of Lock and Dam 10. Boats and barges pass through - a step to climb or descend as they travel north or south. The town is not as busy in the winter because warmer months bring lots of water people from all over the midwest. Jane's folks have property on Abel/Esmann Island that is connected to Guttenberg. 

Our first visit to the area was in 1982 when Jane invited college friends to her parents' place there. It was an idyllic summer day when a bunch of us piled into the Ertl's big yellow boat. We water skied and found a sandbar with a tree and a rope to swing out over the water. Plus beer! Jane even took the Catholics to an outdoor mass on the Wisconsin side of the river. We were likely a bit buzzed, were dressed in swimwear, and the entire mass lasted about 15 minutes. Maybe all churches should go to that model!

The island has become much fancier since the early 1980s. There are still a few tiny shacks (we even saw one with a sign that said "Love Shack" - it had a tin roof), but now there are homes worth many $$. Jane's folks, Joe and Helen, have a home right on the water and Jane and Ken live across the street. When we arrived we got the tour in their fancy golf cart. Everyone has one of those or a 4 wheeler. On island, there seems to be no rules, anyone can drive a cart and you look weird if you don't have a beverage. Paradise. There is a pond with a beach that looked to be quite popular. After the tour, we sat in their screened-in porch just enjoying the view and conversation with our hosts. That would be easy to get used to! 

Jane thinks of everything! 

Friday night we took Jane and Ken's pontoon out for a ride on a beautiful summer night on the water. We saw people camping on beaches along the river and others hanging out on sandbars. The water is perfect, though muddy. Later we dined with Jane's son Michael back on the porch. Delish smoked meats and sweet corn. Have I mentioned Ken is a media professional? And since I'm a blogger, we're peers. haha. I don't really wish to compare my few years of writing a newspaper column at the Creston News Advertiser and this blog with his decades of media work. But it's my blog and I just did! Ken is now mostly retired and loving it. I do want to share his latest piece on sweet corn - pasted below as I can't figure out how to link the audio file. It's delicious! And since I failed at taking a photo of our hosts, I stole this one off of their Facebook page - from last week after they scaled Iowa's Pike's Peak on their bikes. Impressive! 

Jane Ertl Root and Ken Root

Saturday morning broke sunny and hot - a great day for kayaking! Ken decided to stay home and be the chef ready with breakfast when we arrived back. Ken dropped us and our kayaks off at a place in the backwater that Jane likes. Lily pads are gorgeous right now, with flowers blooming. Again - I have a new appreciation for the beauty all around me. We mostly paddled in backwater areas, but we did cross the main channel two times with a breeze in our faces. Two barges went by so we timed our crossings to avoid them, but they really don't put out much of a wake. Speed boats are worse. 

Leslie, Jane and Paul paddle the Mississippi and backwater

The whole trip took about 2 hours to paddle back to the beach of a couple properties they own on the island. Then we drove the staged golf cart back to their place and came back with the truck to get our kayaks. It was our boats' first river trip and they did great! And Chef Ken's breakfast hit the spot after our paddle. Too soon, it was time to go. It would be nice just to hang out there for a week, or a summer. Still - to limit exposure, our plan was to keep it brief. 

With thanks to our hosts, we were off at mid-day to stop in Northwood, Iowa to visit Paul's sis Carol on our way home. Northwood is right off of I-35 close to the Minnesota border. Early in our marriage, when Amy was born, we lived near there in Osage, Iowa. So we always like to drive through that town when we're in the area. Our journey took us through Winneshiek County - by the landfill, which I always like to see. One I never got to visit during my DNR years. Yes, I still find landfills fascinating. 

When we arrived in Northwood, we had to call Carol. It seemed she was not in her own place but was a couple of doors down hanging with her homies. Carol has a posse of women who meet every afternoon around 3 PM, which is wonderful, especially now. We call Carol the Goldsmith family matriarch. She's 18 years older than he is - and left home right about the time he was born. Still, as adults, they (and I) have become close friends. I'm glad she has a group of friends to be with each day as she lives far from her family. It was nice to see her, meet her cat "Kitty", eat Casey's pizza, and some delicious brownies with ice cream. 

We arrived home at 9 PM Saturday. In Covid times we couldn't ask for a better 36 hours. In August we are looking forward to a visit from my sisters Cindy and Betsy. Fingers crossed that all systems remain go for that low key trip. I hope you, dear reader, have something in your future to look forward to!  

As promised - not quite as fresh as right from the field sweet corn:

Weekend Ag Matters - I wish you could hear it from him as we did because he's got a great radio voice, just like my pal Robyn. 

July 25,2020

Ken Root

Sweet Corn

We live in corn country here in Iowa.  The state grows thirteen million acres of it in a normal year and there are very few miles of roadway that are not flanked by the tall green stalks.

But, for me, the most important corn is sweet corn.

Grown on very limited acreage in gardens and highly cultivated fields, it is the ultimate fruit of summer.

My Facebook friends are posting photos of their children and grandchildren eating corn on the cob.  Everyone is smiling, the kid’s faces are smeared with butter and the moment lives on with all who love its flavor.

This summer is proving somewhat challenging to find the good stuff.  The farmer’s markets are closed due to CoVid 19.  Roadside stands are popping up and some of the creative marketers have “drive thru” sheds where they have the just picked ears ready for sale. 

For the few of you who are uninitiated to the ritual of finding, cooking and eating sweet corn, I’ll give you the basic technique and you may then modify to fit your own needs.

First, it has to be fresh.  I have heard of people starting the pot of water heating before they head to the patch to pick the peck that they bring in, shuck, silk and dunk. 

Second, assuming you are going to buy it, the ears need to be heavy with brown silk.  I like bi-color kernels (called peaches and cream) Some like yellow and others like white corn.  Some like it immature with small blister like kernels that pop in your mouth and others like it mature with large kernels which require chewing.

Third, don’t cook it too long.  If you boil it, put some salt in the water of a large pot and when it boils, dump in the ears, shut off the heat and put a lid on the pot.  In one to five minutes, it is ready.   The corn should be hot enough to melt butter which can be applied in approximately 100 ways.

Next, take control of the cob.  You can stick skewers in each end or just grab it (watch out for the heat). 

(You can microwave it by wrapping in wet paper towels or some neat little blankets.  Hit it at full power, for about one minute per ear.)

Some people like it naked, meaning no salt, butter or other adulterations.  Most like an oil oozing over the kernels. Some like special seasonings………whatever!

At this point, all you have to do is bite the kernels off the ear.  This is the point of MAXIMUM joy.  You may randomly bite and chew or you may use the Underwood Typewriter method, starting from left and moving right to the end and then going back to the left and starting again.

It is not sinful to cut the corn off the cob but it's about like eating ribs with a knife and fork.  If you have ill fitting dentures or some issue with corn sticking between your teeth, go ahead, just don’t call attention to yourself.

How much you eat is up to you.  Corn comes by the dozen.  I feel insulted if I don’t get at least 2 large ears.  I can eat six.

As you consume this delicacy, you should be approaching heaven.  The corn should pop with a sweet and starchy texture and the butter should carry it to the back of your mouth where you have the option of bringing it around one more time for an encore or just swallowing it and going for another bite.

There is no delicate way to eat sweet corn, so don’t try.

My rule: “Don’t start without a napkin and don’t finish without dental floss.”  Smearing the butter on your face as you chow down is totally acceptable but wipe your face and drink some iced tea between bites.

Disposing of the cob should be on your own plate but not back with the good corn that has yet to be eaten.

The season can be brief, just from the end of June to late August.  Some growers are crowding the earlier dates as the corn is worth as much as seven dollars a dozen in early season.  Right now, we are in prime time for quality and abundance.  Look for trailers with an honor box at strategic intersections.  Even though no one is there, your conscience should cause you to put your money in the slot.  Think of the young child, helping grandpa pick a few bushels and promised the proceeds of the sales.  There you go, guilt is an ugly thing.

Sometimes the simplest things are the best.  An ear of immature corn, bred for sweetness and texture, harvested in the midst of summer and boiled right out of the shuck. It just doesn’t get any better.

That's the way I see it. 

I'm Ken Root for Weekend Ag Matters