She Called Me Les

San Antonio 2011

Bobbie McFee was one of the first people I met when Paul and I moved to Creston. Rejected by each of the 28 or so sororities when I attended rush as an 18-year-old at Iowa State University, I found my true sisters with Beta Sigma Phi, a women's sorority as a 28-year-old. Bobbie was a new-found sister back in 1987 who later became much more. And she called me Les - a name only my besties use.

After completing the DSM half marathon (walking) Bobbie didn't get the "wear your medal" memo

We're devastated to think this person who was so full of life could pass in a blink with no warning. We are so sad for her husband Jeff - two people who meshed so beautifully. Jeff met Bobbie through her Creston roomie Retta Baker, at Northwest Missouri State University where Bobbie earned her degree. Jeff was a persistent farmer from Creston who attended the local community college, eventually earning his 4-year degree later from Buena Vista.

Those two were truly meant for each other. I keep picturing them swing dancing together - not always technically perfect, but they knew each other's moves and would "go with it" adjusting to what each other did. They were fun to watch - having fun and you could see the love they shared as they moved around the floor.

What a cute family! 

We mourn together with their daughters Kristina and Kim. They are our children Amy and Jud's ages. That is one reason why we spent so much time together as families. On many a weekend evening, one of us would call the other and we'd make a plan to share an evening meal. The kids would play and we "adults" could chat about all things - raising kids, jobs, families, farming, and more. We raised those kids together. We all shared love and admiration for each other - plus a sense of humor! Bobbie and Jeff have always been such positive people - glass half full. Those are people you want to be around.

Kristina and Kim have lost their mother, their biggest fan, listening ear, and their advisor. I'm so sad for them about that. My mom died from lung cancer when I was 40, so older than they are now. Even then I felt robbed of the comfort of a mother - the heart of our family. Jeff is a great dad and will continue to be. Paul and I will try to think of ways we can support this family missing Bobbie.

Kristina has two young daughters under age 5. I'm so sorry that they won't personally remember Grandma Bobbie. I'm sad that now that I'll be a Grandma I won't have the opportunity to get more tips from her! She already told me a couple stories of her times with the girls that I cherish. Just like Bobbie took on all challenges, Bobbie didn't let fussy grandkids fluster her. After keeping the kids overnight in Creston, when delivering the young girls back to their folks in Ankeny, the baby began shrieking in the rear-facing car seat. Not a happy girl. Bobbie didn't stop as she'd already tried several methods to calm the youngster. So she just put some good tunes on the car radio and began to sing at the top of her lungs! Eventually, the little one ran out of steam and konked out. It will be our job now to tell Bobbie stories to the girls - so they know just who their Grandma Bobbie was.

Bobbie did not really believe in allowing herself much leisure time. She was most happy working on projects. She'd just plunge in. Recently, during the pandemic, she painted the inside of their Creston home. Every room! She only got help on the highest peaks of their cathedral ceiling. She loved to exercise, ride bikes and walk - quickly.

We had some good times in Des Moines in recent years when she and Jeff came up to bike with us. We may have overdone the beer to bike mile ratio!

Farmer's Market visit

Don McKim always laughed that Bobbie could be a "sprinter" when we had group gatherings. One legendary time a group of Cyclone fans attended an ISU/KSU football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. A vendor was handing out free Monster energy drinks which Bobbie mixed with vodka. Then she invited herself into a fancy tailgate party with a live band and food! The rest of us were standing behind Higgins' Suburban in the parking lot. Not a super football fan, Bobbie konked out during the game, sleeping with her head on Jeff's shoulder.  I'll miss hearing her version when reminiscing about all those times we've had together.

I enjoyed talking to Bobbie about work. She was a very effective and dedicated comptroller - most recently at a plant in Creston that makes giant equipment that peels potatoes and carrots. They had a branch in Boise, ID so she told us how she got to know that area, mostly on her own. With a previous job, Bobbie and Jeff traveled to far off locations like Germany and Thailand - they loved to visit new places.

I'm so sad for Bobbie's family - her parents Bob and Grace, and her brothers and families. And Jeff's family including my former roomie Joanie. Since we don't have family around Creston, Paul and I have been lucky to be invited to some of their gatherings, so we feel a bit like cousins. Bobbie's loss will hit hard for them all. We will need to try honor Bobbie by keeping our memories of her alive.

Bobbie moved into Creston and won the hearts of Crestonians right away - even with farmers, no small feat. She served on the school board and volunteered for many other things - always dependable. When our son Patrick lived his brief life in 1991, she and Jeff were there for us. She brought ham balls for the funeral - it's a SW Iowa thing. That's what I kept thinking yesterday as we visited the house to see the family. Bobbie would bring ham balls to this. I expected her to drive up and take charge.

Bobbie had a road bike and kept up with the guys. Albie (my crosstrainer bike) and I brought up the rear 

Paul and I traveled to Creston to the house yesterday. Several family members were there and a steady stream of neighbors and friends stopped by to drop off food and to express their sympathies. It's what you do - surround the family with love. This week will be a blur. It will be our job to be there for Jeff and the girls after the funeral too.

We all need reminders of how special each day is. 2020 has worked on that. This reminder hurts so badly. RIP my friend. I  hope you are in your Happy Place forever.

Last year - Lake of the Ozarks - Bobbie's "Happy Place"

LOTO Jammin'

It was the last of my summer excursions - but one I look forward to every year. We got invited once again to Lake of the Ozarks (LOTO). Paul and I feel so fortunate that we have friends in low (on the map) places.

This year we added one more couple to the mix as Bobbie and Jeff purchased a lake place. We looked at this house with them one year ago. Wow. The beautiful lake home we visited this weekend didn't resemble the ramshackle, not updated for years, filled with knickknacks place we saw in 2017. The McFees have put in some work (mostly Bobbie). Walls have been reconfigured so it's pretty much a whole new place inside the shell. It has 3 full baths and 4 bedrooms, with an open kitchen and all new appliances. Okay, all new everything. Plus they replaced the old rickety deck with a new larger one.

Paul and I did get in on the "fix up" fun. Nothing too taxing for me of course. I was on paint patrol - dabbing those darn missed spots one finds after painting. Paul and Jeff installed knobs and a barn door in the master bath (Joanna Gaines has nothing on Bobbie). Joanie McFee, my former roomie, and Jeff's sis was there. Yay!

I miss Joan. She let me live with her for around 4 years Monday through Thursday as I commuted from Creston to my new job in the big city. Her Waukee home housed many roomies through the years. I shared space with Bobbie and Jeff's nieces Kristina and Kim over the years. It was fun getting to know them better (as adults, not as tiny playmates for our kids). Now that I don't see Joan weekly, I miss her!

At the new lake place, Joan was in charge of painting around the deck door while Bobbie cleaned up the downstairs living room. Bobbie and Jeff are considering renting the place once it's ready for prime time. Check out the view.

view at Bobbie and Jeff's

 On Friday when we arrived at LOTO, we had a great lunch complete with sweet corn. Then we hung out on the boat dock until the McKim party (Don, Diana, and their college pal Wally) picked us up in the party pontoon. I always love cruising on this big lake where you can go for so many miles checking out the beautiful homes and boats. Until you stop at a bar.

We went to Fish and Company first. It was a lovely day to hang out with friends with beverages at a bar on the lake. We listened to Dale Blue a solo performer who is part owner of the joint. He's great at involving the crowd. That afternoon, there was a big group of young women dancing and joining him on stage.

love the photo bombers

Then, at one point they cleared out. He looked at me and said, "Hey visor girl, bring your friends up here on the stage." It was Sweet Home Alabama. I started with a tambourine - but after glancing at the chick to my right with the fake guitar, I knew I had to take action. She didn't know how to fake play it AT ALL. I gave her "the look" and she turned it over to me. She wasn't guitar material. I rocked it! My first and last guitar gig.

Later, we danced. "Survey said, drinks up!" We always have fun at LOTO bars.

At our next stop, we were joined by more buddies. Sharon and Al along with Rita and Jim (more McKim college pals). The gang was here! We got some snacks and drinks and caught up with each other. I miss these people! We got to ride back to Bobbie and Jeff's in a boat in the dark. Cap'n Al at the wheel. So cool.

Saturday we sat on that nice new deck for coffee and breakfast. Then we did that bit of work for our keep. The rest of the afternoon involved hanging out on the dock.

Birthday boy - second from left with his lovely wife and college pals

That night was the big birthday party for Jim at McKims. The same cast of characters plus Lucy Eckhoff. and Bob Snodgrass. Cake and balloons were delivered at 6:30 p.m. Jim was surprised and delighted (I think). Even more than the cake, the birthday boy liked the electric bug zapper on the deck. We all have sore ribs today from laughing at Wally's comedic gigs involving a possum and a trash can and swimming noodles. The guy should quit his day job and do stand-up. We sat on McKim's deck until midnight. Another great day with friends - in the books.

view from McKim's deck at night

Today we drove home fairly early. Joan rode with us. The trip takes just over 5 hours with few stops - so we took advantage by catching up even more on Crestonites and her fam and friends. Weekends like this one - priceless!





 







 

Hats off to the workers of this great country

Labor Day 2016. I owe a nice day off to celebrate the working man and woman who make life as I know it possible. Just like many of our holidays, many people don't even care or understand what or who we honor on this day. I do.

I started early in life working with some really awesome people that didn't need a four-year degree from college to make a living. They make it in life with talent, intelligence, and hard work.

My first job was working at a gas station with a talented mechanic who had some of the best customer service skills of anyone I've ever worked with. Harry Hjortshoj loved sending me out for warm donuts from the store a couple blocks away when certain people brought their cars in for service. Or we'd take his old pickup with a tire-covered front bumper to collect their vehicle right from their home. I'd drive their car back to Harry's station, and he liked to bump into me at stop signs. I was a new driver and it freaked me out! He'd smile and wave. What a character that guy was.

When I graduated from college, I landed a job (during a depression no less), at a grocery wholesale biz. There were lots of smart, creative people working there. They taught me about working in an office, banking for businesses and how to get along with a bunch of women in an office. The sales staff and the drivers were pro's. Except the ones who weren't - and everyone worked together to either work around them, or eventually ditch them. Face it, there are losers in all levels of occupations.

After we got married, Paul and I moved to northern Iowa and there I experienced my first factory job - Fox River Mills in Osage. I was in the computer department where Karla Smith and I had entered orders. I've always been fascinated by factories - I think it came from those early kid's TV shows where they showed how to make pencils and stuff. And touring the Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling plant in Atlantic. The people working at that factory were (and are) good hardworking people that make excellent socks and gloves right here in the USA.

Fast forward to the mid-1990's when I worked in Creston at Gits Manufacturing as a production planner - one of the most stressful jobs I ever had, (not so) magically making purchased parts and manufactured parts come together to complete a complex part to sell to the automotive and other industries. Workers would take pressed sheets of steel and make them into parts. Others would had bolts and vents. It was tedious work, and could be steamy hot. Some of the people at that shop could fabricate anything. How cool is that? These people, and all the service people make our lives possible. We thank you!

I love Sundays when we have Monday holidays. Yesterday our friends Bobbie and Jeff came up and we rode bikes down by Cumming. Fun time - seeing friends and having a couple beers. Later we sat on our deck and chatted, then watched that exciting Texas Longhorn victory over Notre Dame. Life is good!

Holiday lives up to the hype

Friday wasn't the 4th of July - still it was a 10 for weather and holiday celebrations. Des Moines had set that day for Yankee Doodle Pops. It was mid 70's and partly sunny. Paul finished up work early and we got afternoon errands and cleaning done.

Walking across the bridge

Woohoo! We were off. First stop - Buzzard Billy's, since we parked there and needed a bit more change for the meter. Then - chair placement at Governor's Plaza for the Pops was in order. Paul was carrying chairs and I had the backpack with jackets.

We decided to go to Locust Tap for a brew - and met a delightful older couple visiting from the Pueblo, Colorado area for a wedding. He was a font of knowledge regarding lower league baseball as he'd followed Pueblo's team when they played Des Moines's teams. They were truly enjoying their time in DSM.

I got a text from my former roomie Joan McFee Bentley who was just leaving work - she'd join us for the evening. Yay! Unbelievable that Joan had never been to Locust Tap, where nobody really needs to worry about who is using what bathroom because the doors don't really close on either one...Next we went to Lime. The crowd doesn't show up there until late, so we were pretty much alone with the bartender as we caught up on roomie stuff. Then we were off to the real entertainment.

Cute family having fun

I love people watching. There was an adorable family in front of us where cute boys entertained themselves - making memories. I love the military band music. It reminds me of my father. I love "God Bless America" because we are blessed to live here. When the fireworks started, we realized that we were in a bad spot to see them - right behind a tree! Next year - top of the parking ramp is looking good. We started heading back to our car. Fireworks with live music. It was a fabulous night.

Saturday morning our friends Bobbie and Jeff arrived early to go to the Farmer's Market. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate as well. Still, we headed downtown and snagged green beans, a burrito and a pie! We headed home to warm up - then eventually east to the Fairgrounds (with more clothes on) to the Good Guys Car Show where Al and Sharon were showing off their 1958 Chevy truck that Al had worked on. The car show was like walking through my childhood.

Love the plate!

Sharon, Paul and Bobbie talk motors or something

Fred Behr had a Dodge Dart - not this color...or same year, but reminded me

Deardorff's Monte Carlo was beloved by many - so cool

Wayne Rodgers had a Chevy truck similar to this one

Joanie Troll has an Impala that was green and shaped somewhat like this

Robyn's dad Bobbert had a Riviera like this one - hardtop I believe - stylish!

How many families had wagons like this one in Atlantic, Iowa?

We had a fun night at our place with Higgins and McFees. Paul grilled chops, Bobbie made sangria and we cooked the green beans on the grill too. Later we sat on the deck laughing and talking. It was a great day despite weather chillier than usual for the 4th of July weekend.

On Sunday we celebrated the 50th Anniversary with Jean and Dave Fox and their families in Webster City. It was a celebration to remember - especially for their grandchildren! Congratulations to wonderful partners and parents. The slideshow made me a bit weepy.

I remember my grandparent's 50th. Most of the Morehead cousins were there (1 missing Legarra?) - one of the only times I remember us all getting together. The Fox fam is spread throughout the country - New York, California, Texas and Minnesota. I hope the cousins keep track of each other - cousin relationships are cool! (along with friends like the ones we celebrated with this weekend.) Today - I'm resting.

Dave & Jean - formal pics to come

Pops and Grandma Morehead 50th in Cedar Rapids