Self Care - Seeking the (Shade in the) Sun

Sister Cindy and I spent the month of April in our Happy Place the Gulfview in Marco Island, Florida. Paul was with us for 20 days. He headed home early for Turkey Season in Iowa. He has his priorities. 🦃 Nephew Colby visited for several days - to get his fishing fix. 

People ask me, "What did you do in Florida?". The answer is self-care, Florida style. We were ready for a break after a long cold winter! Vail, Colorado, where Cindy lives was especially snowy and icy this season. Our little big town in central Iowa wasn't particularly snowy but was plenty cold and dark, making our decision to expand Marco-time from ten days to a whole month a good one. 

Exercise: swimming and walking

Before heading to Florida, Cindy and I made a plan to get back to our swimming roots this year. In past years at the Gulfview, we watched others doing morning laps in the lovely pool, but we stuck to brief dips to refresh on hot days. Bullock sisters are water people - thanks to our Atlantic roots with a Red Cross Swimming instructor, Momma Pat Bullock. We took and taught swim lessons, were lifeguards, and participated in the swim team in the summer months. 

Evening view Gulfview, looking south

Getting back to swimming was a great idea. We both loved it! We were the early bird swimmers, two to three days a week - arriving a half hour before the 8:00 a.m. group. Bob, the Pool Man was there scrubbing the pool sides and checking chemicals each morning. The pool temp was around 85 degrees, as we watched the sun come up when heading east. 

It's a great shelling beach - I resisted picking many up due to my collection at home

Most other days were beach walk mornings. We strolled eighty beach miles that month. The Gulfview is located nearly in the middle of Marco Beach. We like to alternate going North and South. It's 3.5-4 miles round trip either way. Beach walking is therapeutic. Soft sand, hard-packed sand, and surf sand lapping at our feet. The roar of the Gulf, slapping against the sand is therapeutic "white noise". 

Besides exercise, finding the perfect poolside site with an umbrella was an important activity. The Gulfview is under new management and the grounds look awesome. They've lost several trees around the pool in recent years. Our mom's memorial tree is gone - damaged 2 hurricanes ago. With fewer trees, there are more pool deck umbrellas for folks like me who can't do sun. We had our favorite spots, so we had to get out there fairly early to get the best lounge spots. Reading (and people-watching) by the pool is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. 

Cap'n EPott yachting

A couple of years ago Cindy's longtime Vail friends Eric and Bonnie retired and purchased a condo in Marco Island. We're so pleased that they love it as much as we do. They have a darling place on a canal on the south end of the island. Eric loves to fish so of course he's got a boat. On Easter Sunday - a gorgeous day - we were invited to "yacht" (that's what Cindy calls it) with Eric and Bonnie. We ended up touring around the whole island. I'd never seen my Happy Place from that viewpoint. Very cool! 

Paul, Eric, and our nephew Colby (who arrived the second week for a few days) fished up a storm. Bonnie, Cindy, and I ventured to Naples for a bit of shopping and a lunch of Blackened Grouper. On Friday nights we went to Bonnie and Eric's for "Date Night". We took the wine, and they cooked. They're really good at it. It makes me wish I enjoyed/could cook. 😋 Not enough to actually do it though...

Speaking of food. When we vacationed in Marco in past years - staying a week to ten days, we dined out every night. Not one who loves to cook, even I get tired of restaurant food. This year we actually cooked. The Gulfview helped by making two gas grills available on the grounds. Tacos and chicken were popular on our kitchen menu. 

Outdoor dining - Capri

There are lots of restaurant choices on the island these days. We enjoy going to old favorites that Mom and Dad introduced us to - the Crazy Flamingo for peel and eat shrimp, and The Little Bar for Scallops and Grouper. Don't forget Peanut Butter Pie! Nephew Colby, who has a Detroit-style pizza joint, Alpine Pizza in Lionshead/Vail, enjoys Joey's NY-style pies on Collier Blvd. Just north of Marco is The Isle of Capri - home of the Island Gypsy Cafe and rum drinks.   

Thanks to Bonnie and Eric for suggesting new places to try. There's an Italian Deli, Tony's N.Y. Pizza, and Cocomo's - where they prepared the fish the guys caught. It was delicious! Don't forget breakfast. Doreen's is a bit fancier - the cappuccino doesn't come from a powder-based machine there. Hoot's is a regular kind of place - with lots of old guys gathering to shoot the crap and eat eggs.

Activities: (not many)

The guys fished several times with Eric. They had a great time and didn't get fried by the sun. Colby had a day with a guide all to himself. I think visioning that activity helped him get through a busy winter running a restaurant. 

Paul, Cindy, and I visited the Marco Island Museum one windy afternoon. It's full of archeological, Native American, and island commercial development information. Our Mom - who loved to regale us with Marco history and development information, would have loved it. 

We shopped a bit and went back north to Naples with Bonnie and Eric. I was on the hunt for a big shell for granddaughter Nell - so she could hear the ocean in it. I didn't want to take a smaller one from the beach - visions of baby bro Reece putting it in his mouth. We stopped at a cute area with food trucks and a bar on the bay. Mexican for me, and a margarita! 

So not many activities. We love it that way. We're planning another month there next year. It's hard to wait until April to go, but the crowds and lodging prices are lower then. I hope our sisters and our kids can work in a visit. We have a couple of family weddings coming up this summer - we'll need to start plotting! 

Meanwhile it's onto summer in Iowa! I love this time of the year - bikes and kayaks. Stay safe all! 

With my guy! 

People Who Need People

So we went someplace. That was big!

Paul and I made our usual trek to Colorado over Memorial Weekend. Except it wasn't usual due to the pandemic. This year we prepared our own sandwiches to eat on the road. We loaded up with hand sanitizer and wipes for the car. We each made sure we had our masks along with backup masks. And then packed for Colorado weather - Denver and the mountains, so that means summer and winter!

We took off for Colorado the Friday before Memorial Day around 6:30 a.m. On our drive, we talked about the fact that our last trip before the shutdown had been our Colorado ski trip with our college pals. Covid 19 was just breaking out all over the country and we had no idea what the implications would be. It's a different world today.

Most people say derogatory things about the I-80 drive - across western Iowa, all of Nebraska and eastern Colorado. It takes us around nine hours using the Dave Bullock method - few stops.

It was beautiful - and not just because my eyes and heart were yearning for a change from my quarantine sites. Spring is such a lovely time of year and the rolling plains have experienced plenty of rain so everything is popping. When the Interstate Highway was built, plenty of "borrow" pit type lakes were built along the road, making for nice little wildlife, fishing areas. Shallow rivers flow along the road as well. People complain about how boring Nebraska is - not me! I think it's beautiful. Cornhusker fans...well, we won't talk about them.

Eastern Colorado gets a bit stark, but near Fort Morgan you start seeing a shadow along the terrain and realize, those are mountains, not clouds! We made this drive often when I was a kid because our cousins and auntie live in Denver. Dad would say "first person to see the mountains gets a Popsicle!" In the past, Denver often had some pollution hanging over the city. That day it was clear as a bell. Each time I make that drive I always think of those who made the trip in a covered wagon. Can you imagine their first look at those mountains? How did they ever do it? Hats off to the intrepid settlers of our great country. 

I was disappointed that when we stopped to gas up outside of Lincoln. Few people had masks on inside the store. Omaha was a hotspot at that point, with hospitals concerned they could be overwhelmed. The workers are the vulnerable ones. I wear mine for them. And to keep myself from touching my face. Our other stop was in Eastern Colorado at a small station where I couldn't bring myself to go inside as it was crowded with people. I'm just not comfortable being that close to lots of strangers - even when I have a mask on. I don't know when my Covid claustrophobia subside.

It was so good to see Amy and Corey. They've been sticking close to home, with Corey teleworking for his job with Syncroness, an engineering and product development firm, and Amy continuing her graphic design biz Gold Spark Design. She reported business dropped off early in the shutdown but has mostly bounced back. Usually, when we go to Denver we like to check out fab restaurants they like. That night we hung out at their place and they cooked for us. The rooftop deck is wonderful! The shut down has encouraged A&C, like most of us, to cook at home more. My fave was the twice-baked sweet potato Amy made. Corey grilled a nice rib-eye from a local meat market. We enjoyed just being with them and got to take the pups, Franklin and Eros, on a walk.

On Saturday morning we walked to a coffee shop. Wearing masks, we took turns going in for coffee and delish pastries. Who doesn't love an almond croissant? We love our kids and time with them was a much-needed salve.

Then we were off, driving up the mountain to sister Cindo's. We so missed our time together with Colby and her that was scheduled for early April in Marco Island, Florida. And Cindy and I were supposed to be with sisters Betsy and Susan on a cruise in France that week, returning Memorial Day. Paul helped Cindy with hard work - picking up and spreading mulch. Cindy invited a few friends that she sees frequently over for supper. Colby and girlfriend Kathleen came too.

The last night we went to our friends Bonnie and Eric's for a retirement party for Eric and the Sanders, another couple we've spent many Christmas dinners with. Shiloy and Jim Sanders retired from their jobs recently too. I sat at the dinner table that Monday night after a fab meal, just drinking in laughter and camaraderie with friends. Hugs and handshakes were out, but we were still together. Hand sanitizer was provided. There is such simple joy in physically being with others. Zoom has been great, but it will never replace this.

On Tuesday we drove to Iowa - back to our new/old life. I'm putting together a small consulting business aimed at assisting stakeholders that I formerly worked with when I was employed by DNR. Just starting a business has been an adventure! When I tried to set up an EIN (biz tax number) IRS told me Thursday that Social Security told them I'm dead. The national Social Security office guy reassured me that I'm not dead in their eyes, but didn't want to provide paperwork. The nice gentleman suggested I call the local office. I waited and tried filling out the online form on Friday and Yes! Lessarus had risen from the dead in IRS's eyes. Maybe it helped that I "unfroze" our credit. No matter what, I was no longer dead and have an EIN.

Now in addition to my usual schedule of reading, jigsaw puzzles, exercise, and household upkeep, I'll slowly start to market the biz - Goldsmith Environmental Consulting. The Trash Lady is back!

Amy designed this awesome logo for me! 

Note: we talked to Jud recently and got an adorable pic of DIL Kara - now around 25 weeks pregnant. They continue to work from home too. They are working on the baby's room and got a new to them vehicle, prepping to carry the precious cargo and 2 dogs. We hope to see them in June. For now, we'll continue laying low. We hope you and your families are well! Take care.

Feeling the love part 4

Four weddings (and no funerals) since late July. Jordan and Jill 9/20/2017. Paul and I were very happy to witness their marriage, together with many of the couple's family and friends. It was grand!

We actually flew to Denver this trip. We've traveled to Colorado by car so many times the gas station attendants along the route know us by name. (no, not really) Paul had never actually exited the Denver airport before - he'd just flown through. Flying was a big deal! Amy collected us curbside in Dave the car. Franklin (the wonder wienie) and Corey were back at the ranch - their apartment not far from downtown Denver.

It's so weird to think of Amy and Corey as husband and wife. I'm still getting used to seeing Jud sporting a wedding ring!

Look at that blue sky! Last year we ate chili in PA with the Parks

On Friday we attended a benefit chili festival put on by firefighters from around the country. It was on Larimer Street on a beautiful Denver day. Amy had helped a guy re-brand his chili powder and he had donated all the bowls for the day. Pretty cool, and the chili was great. 

View from Pottorff's condo

That evening our peeps started to arrive. Logistics boggle my mind, but somehow - through the magic of Uber and Google Maps, we conquered! Cindy hooked us up with awesome accommodations for Friday and Saturday. Our pals Bonnie and Eric (yes, of Christmas Dinner prime rib fame) have a primo place in the Spire in downtown Denver to go along with their lovely home in Edwards. Yep, the best of both worlds! It's super cool, with a view of Rockies stadium and they split tickets to games with other Spire owners. I love how it's decorated - just right for the space and Paul was digging the large TV. We met Cindy there and settled in.

Later we met Jud, Kara, and Kohans (Betsy, Wayne, son Paul and his gf Christine) at a little place called the Corner Office. It was fun catching up. At the last wedding (Amy & Corey's) we didn't get to chat much. Amy and Corey were at the rehearsal dinner. Later, all the youngsters ended at Amy and Corey's place for a few drinks. I love that they like hanging out. My niece Leslie's husband Jordan (not to be confused with her sis Jordan) seems to be a bit of an instigator. He kept them up late, coming up with interesting topics to discuss.

Doing the prep thing

On Saturday, Cindy, Paul and I took a long walk and settled into Sam's 3 for a big breakfast. Then we heard from Amy that Sister Susi (at the venue getting ready) was experiencing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and wished for some visitors. Betso, Christine and I Ubered over to the venue and checked it out. We got to meet Jill's parents and chat with Susi, Jordan, Amy, and Les in the totally cool urban warehouse venue. After, we met up with the rest of the gang at Lucky Strike, a bowling alley in downtown, until it was time to get ready for the main event.

Look at this wedding cake topper - clones of the brides! 

Some jubilant faces

Ashley Alvillar and Amy are beaming, David Alvillar in the foreground

The wedding was so beautiful. Susi looked gorgeous with her lovely silver hair and gown. There was a solo of the song "I Want to Hold Your Hand". If you haven't seen the video, it includes the vows which say so much about how these two people feel about each other. The ceremony was perfect and Jordan's dress was so perfect. Jill was killing it in her outfit - it was so Jill. 

4 of my fave guys. Corey - not so secretly watching the Clemson game...

Susi with grandson James - so fun watching them interact

We got to see so many of our family members again! My cousins, the Lamms, with the family matriarch, Aunt Marty. Again - I love that we dig each other. I liked watching Marty watch her grandkids have fun together. I got to finally meet our great nephews James and Jonah and see David and Ashley Alvillar for the first time in a long while. One of my favorite parts of the evening was watching the three Alvillar siblings dance to - you guessed it, my song selection, "Love Shack".  Tin Roof...Rusted. Kara made sure that Paul, Cindy and I had the appropriate photos taken - for the guest book and at the photo booth. #shessosmart.

With Aunt Marty. Somebody took a cousin pic - but I didn't get a copy, hint, hint

It was much harder to say goodbye to everyone at this wedding - because I don't know when I'll see some of them again. Ugh. But...there is the Kohan wedding next August - so we have that going for us. Getting excited for Alex and Lisa!

Congrats again to Jordan and Jill. They have faced adversity because of who they are. It isn't easy to be someone who because of who they are, they do not conform to other's expectations and closely held beliefs. They are difference makers, helping to show that love is universal. We need more of it.

I swiped this photo off of Facebook - so good. 

We got to get together with just our kids on Sunday after Cindo dropped us off. I have to admit, I wasn't ready to leave! We walked to a food court type place for a bite - then Corey took off to host clients at the Broncos game and Amy delivered the rest of us to DIA for our flights. Can't wait to see them all again for Thanksgiving in STL!

Bolder is now present in another place he loved

On Sunday, we headed west - to the place of Cindy's and my birth, Atlantic, Iowa. We headed right to the cemetery - where the Bullock stone marks the resting place of many a family member, five generations - skipping my generation (thank goodness) to our baby boy Patrick. The Atlantic cemetery doesn't spend much time on making sure the grass is growing better than weeds...if we lived there we could take better care of it, but it's not possible this far away.

When Cindy's beloved husband Brian (Bolder) Lefebvre passed away last November 11th, he was cremated. They must have used a different type of process than I've seen before, as he looked a lot like sand in the ziplock Cindo had him in. Planning ahead, Bolder was split 4 ways. His buddies took one bag back to Moab, Utah this spring on their annual golf trip. They so enjoyed having Boldie along as the executive chef on the trip each year.

I think I got a little Bolder power on my tongue...

Patrick's headstone - maybe Bolder will help the grass grow

 

It was a beautiful morning, and there was a  light breeze as my sister began sprinkling Bolder's ashes around the special graves of our loved ones. I tried to remain upbeat, and not cry. This has been so tough - and Cindy has been such a strong, brave woman. I mean she doesn't have a choice - but what life has thrown at her, she has handled with guts and grace.

We drove through the cemetery a bit on our way out - and saw the stones of a few old friends. Bev and Eddie Freese - the best neighbors to name two. Then we were on our way to cruise through town and show our guest Bonnie - who is from upstate New York - the A-town sights. Our home at 202 Crombie - which looks like shit! I think the Clampets moved in. The schools - Washington, the new and old high school, our grandparents house and downtown. Bonnie was duly impressed.

Then we headed to Kay and Ted Wickman's home for lunch. Kay was our father's "friend". Girlfriend sounds inadequate. Companion? Live-in? Anyway - they were together until he died. We were so fortunate that he had scoped her out at the drive-in at the bank, and had asked Kay out on a date before he had his stroke in 2003. Kay visited him as he recovered and when he went home from the assisted living place, she moved in to help him. The rest is Dad/Kay history, thank goodness! They had fun traveling to Florida and kept busy with family - hers and ours. And then Dad died too soon, and we were all very sad.

Kay missed Dad a lot - I think she still does. But life goes on. Ted and Ann Wickman were friends of my parents. Ted's a farmer, and he always seemed like an odd match for Ann who was rather brilliant and refined. Ted is not refined. Their son Kirk is my age and is a great guy! I'm FB friends with son Charlie - he's around Betso's age. Ann became sick, and passed away after a somewhat long illness - she died not long before Dad, I think.

Kay and Ted

Ted was lonely, Kay was lonely - they got together after their partners died. Why waste time being lonely? We are happy for them! And it was so nice of Kay to invite us over. They live in my friend Sally Rodger's former home. Her brother-in-law Dan designed it for two of my fave peeps - her parents, Wayne and Anna Day. Kay and Ted bought the home after they were married. At lunch that day, we had a lovely lunch of chicken salad sannies, and peach cobbler. The Wickmans put a pool in behind the house - such a pretty view from there! It was nice to see them.

Soon it was time to head out - to where? The antique mecca of the western world - Walnut, Iowa! And little did we know, it was the very special Antique Walk weekend. Jackpot! It was hot by then...and we rounded the corner to town and saw all those people with tables set up - full of you guessed it. Junk. Um, I mean fabulous antiques.  

On the brick main street

They had Prince Albert in a can - and I don't think they're letting him out...

Inside at this store I bought a little wood rooster that looks great on top of my kitchen cupboards. They were out of $1s so I got the $18 item for $15. Can you say BARGAIN!

Cindo found a couple items for the small deck outside the master bedroom at her Vail home. A little metal rack and a tin ceiling tile. Bonnie selected a bird similar to mine. We ran into Atlantic friends - Dr. John and Mary Weresh. Paul recognized them - that guy has an eye for people, I tell ya! We chatted with them briefly - nice folks. Then we made the trek back to West Des Moines.

That night Paul grilled rib eye steaks for the visitors. They loved that Iowa cornfed flavor. Fareway makes great twice baked potatoes too - and we served those suckers, but I did fess up that I didn't make them. It was Father's Day so our Daisy Driver got his angel food cake and fab fresh strawberries that Cindy had masticated (or some fancy cooking word).

In the a.m. we walked a couple miles and went to the local dive for breakfast. Cindy loved the hashbrowns - they reminded her of the ones Coral used to make at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club. That afternoon we went to the dumbest movie ever made - yes, it was my choice. Don't see "This is The End". I must admit - I laughed a lot - at the movie not with it. Bad!

That night we took Cindy and Bonnie to Jethro's in Waukee. We love the wings there. After we ate - we drove by my old roomie, Joan's place in that town. Guess who was planting flowers out front? Joanie - who I was lucky enough to live with for the past 4 years, until last October. We pulled into the driveway so Cindy could meet her and they gave each other a big hug! That warmed my heart - the two had heard of each other, and therefore, my beloved friends were de facto friends. So cool. I need to get together with Joan soon.

I hated to say goodbye to our Colorado roommates early the next morning. I can't wait to see them for Christmas! I wish I could hang out with them more. Thanks for coming to Des Moines! It was fun.

Mountain girls come to the flatlands

One week ago Cindy and Bonnie arrived from Vail, Colorado. They really live in a town called Edwards - but nobody has heard of that, so we'll just say Vail. Cindy moved there shortly after graduating from Drake University in 1976. Some of her Drake friends were moving there, and she didn't think teaching art in Bum#($% Iowa sounded like her calling. So she became a professional waitress in a vacation town.

Bonnie is her best friend - she's half of the Bonnie/Eric duo. Eric was one of Cindy's husband Bolder's best buddies. He was with Cindy when Bolder left this world, and was such a great help through that difficult time. He gave a great talk at Boldie's memorial about their friendship. The Goldsmiths have been lucky to be invited to their home the past 4 years for Christmas dinner. (They are really good cooks, much like my sis and fam).

We had a fab time show the girls around our new town, which of course is Cindo's college town. Paul got to drive us. We called it "driving the Daisies" He's a lucky (and very patient man).

On Friday we toured the Drake area - checking how much the school has changed. The Kappa House looks great too. Cindy entertained us with stories of her renegade youth.

After touring, we stopped for a drink at our fave - the Standard - we got trapped there as it was pouring. Tragically, we had to have another drink. Then we went home for pork cutlets from Whole Foods, and a version of a potato recipe I snitched from one Jane Buck posted on Facebook. Red potatoes sliced and baked with butter and a packet of Ranch Dressing. It was delish. I made a cheesecake that day too. I know - pretty homey for me!

I love this window-front in downtown DSM - sooo busted!

On Saturday we took our guests to Des Moine's fabuloso Farmer's Market. They were impressed! We headed directly to the Farmboys breakfast burritos first off - as we support our former Creston neighbors from Prescott. You can't beat that value. Just don't unwrap the thing, as I found out it blows up. You need the paper to keep it together.

Cindo bought a cute wreath, we got gorgeous asparagus, so very tasty strawberries, an angel food cake, a loaf a bread and Dutch letters (they only come in S). The bands were not anything spectacular that day, but there was a family of fiddlers/pickers. And a corny puppet and enthralled the kids. The weather was great, before once again clouding up.

We headed back towards the State Capitol so they could get a look at that. There was a heart walk going on - we ran into some mimes (who tend to creep me out). I yelled at them to "give us a shout out". Here is what they did.

see...creepy!

Standing on Cass County

We visited West End Salvage next, of HGTV fame. Okay - it hasn't been very popular on HGTV and can be found during odd times. They have some interesting stuff that is probably overpriced. Fun place though - and they have a "cute shoes" discount.

That night we went to my fave restaurant - Alba. I haven't been everywhere yet - there may be better places out there. But I find Alba interesting. I had a quinoa salad that was so interesting and refreshing, along with grilled scallops. Everyone enjoyed Alba. And the wine we drank there.

It doesn't look that cool - but quinoa was!

In my next blog - our trip to Atlantic and Walnut, plus the worst movie ever made...

Mele Kalikimaka without Boldie

I admit I've been fretting about how Christmas Eve might go without Bolder around to be a part of the annual Lefebvre Christmas Eve extravaganza. The guy was larger than life, after all. So I can imagine what my sis Cindy must have felt like before the party. Colby and Cindy's best friends Bonnie and Eric's son Byron were in charge of leading Christmas carols, after years of being mere backup singers.

Cindo was in full party prep when we arrived Sunday. We tried to help where we could - but she and Colby pretty much had it under control. That afternoon, we drove into Vail so Cindy could pick up her Golden Bear jewelry, which was at the store getting polished. Golden Bear is one of Vail's signature stores. Bolder used to buy her pieces for gifts.


Cindy and me with Albert Einstein (at right) at the Golden Bear store in Vail

We thought the best thing we could do was to get out the way Monday,  when Cindo was in full party-prep mode. We did a bit of shopping in Edwards with Jud and Kara, after lunch at Fiesta. Amy came to lunch too after she spent the a.m. in Glenwood Springs at the vapor caves.

Jud, Kara, Paul and I hung out at the Riverwalk Hotel's lobby that afternoon. Jud and Kara played board games as it snowed delightfully. The four of us attended a 5 PM Lutheran Church service held at the Interfaith Chapel where Bolder's memorial service was held. Only about 20 people were there - not sure if the small crowd was due to the snow or the fact that people were traveling. That made it rather intimate though - everyone introduced themselves and we said where we were from. The pastor was from Des Moines! He started naming Lutheran Churches in Iowa, until I mentioned we were Catholic...that put a smile on his face. My favorite part was the candle lit singing of Silent Night at the end. I admit it choked me up at times - very moving. Then it was on to the party!

Cindy was putting the final touches on things. The place looked great! Dips, wings, meatballs, cookies, wine, beer, pop, water - it was all there. The tree was perfect! Paul and I were set to cook the wiener winks. We took a few quick family photos, before people began arriving.

Colby was wearing "The Sweater". It's his legacy from his father. I don't even know the story behind this work of art. But he definitely looked the part. 

Colby doesn't tuck the sweater in like his father does...

Prior to arriving, Colby and Amy had been at E-town and Woody's, Bolder's fave hangouts, for refreshments to prepare for the evening. Byron arrived a bit later - looking classy - hair freshly cut, and with new glasses. I think they went to the garage for some liquid courage prior to their first set. People continued to arrive, and the noise level began to arrive. Paul and I chatted with the friends we've made through the years.

Then it was time. Colby, Byron, the Sanders kids - Kelsey and Reeve, Sarah Melzer and a few others got into position and it was time. We sing, and if we don't know the words, we sing "hanna hanna hanna". It's fun. This year, Bart Garton wrote a song to one of the Christmas tunes with works about Bolder. Was it Winter Wonderland? It was very clever, mentioning how he liked to bowl, and how he buttoned his shirts to the top. It made us all sing and smile. Cindy's friend Clarey kept hugging her the whole night! Actually Cindy got hugged a lot by a lot of people. Kara got mistaken by someone else's girlfriend. Holly broke a wine glass and just kept eating her wiener.

We sang the very last set about 9 p.m. That's when the kids come out in the Hawaiian skirts and we do Mele Kalikimaka, complete with motions. It was so fun, we did it twice. I was feeling the joy. This holiday season, every time I heard that song - in Younkers or where ever, I though of Bolder watching over me. It made me happy. About 10ish it was time to go. Of course Cindy was up until all hours cleaning up. I hope she was pleased with the party - as pleased as one who has lost a spouse could be. And all the parents can be pleased that Bolder's legacy has been passed on through their children. A Merry Christmas Bolder Style!

Friday night in big D (enver)

Amy had plans for us in Denver Friday night. First, we picked up Amy's friend Becca on our way downtown for a drink. Becca is an Iowa girl - she grew up in Muscatine and like her daddy works for the investment firm, Edward D. Jones. Becca is a University of Iowa grad who worked in Santa Barbara for a few years after college. Besides being Amy's friend, she also assists our daughter with her IRA account.

We parked in a city lot downtown (and chatting, stupidly forgot to pay the man...cha-ching $60 fine later when we came out. OUCH). We headed up to a mod lounge at the top of a hotel on something like the 27th floor. It had a beautiful view of downtown and the mountains. A few minutes after we got settled, Amy's friend Rachel, an English teacher, arrived with her Mom who was visiting from Urbandale along with a friend of hers from Adel. We had a nice adult bevvie and chatted about jobs and Iowa stuff.

Later we dropped Becca off on our way to Amy's surprise for her daddy (her daddy's day gift)- an evening at Denver's oldest restaurant:
Buckhorn Exchange
http://www.buckhorn.com/

This guy smiled at me whilst I ate

We shared a meal of bison, elk and a tiny bird, with an appetizer of fried artichoke. We so enjoyed an evening of catching up on Creston talk and hearing about Amy's life in Denver. The meat was all so tender and the atmosphere unique and interesting. Quite a night.

This guy stared at me whilst I ate...

Saturday we were off fairly early - heading for the hills...but not without stopping at the Duffyroll joint. Uncle Bill usually gets these unique rolls when we stay with them. We picked up Amy and our first stop with Silverthorne where they have, you guessed it, a Columbia Outlet Store. We ate a Noodle Joint, arriving at Lefebvre's just before 2 p.m.

Really...it's a rooster with a boulder in it...from Iowa with love! And check out Bolder's shorts!

Bolder - the mayor

Bolder and Cindo loved the Boulder Rooster (or faked it well). It was our first chance to see Cindo after her partial knee replacement surgery. She's still on one crutch, but it getting around pretty well. In July she'll get the other one done. We had a nice drink at E-Town, where Bolder spends time shooting the breeze with the fellas.

That night friends Bonnie and Eric and our nephew chef supreme Colby came over to Lefebvre's for a fab supper.

Colby lives in his own apartment these days and works in the valley for a chain of barbecue restaurants. Good food, conversation, and a good time - celebrating Bolder's completion of radiation.

We know where Colby gets his cookin' genes!

That concludes our Saturday. We did miss our Juddy - who was busy helping GF Kara move to a new apartment in Kansas City.