Coasting

It's been beastly hot (what does that actually mean??) in Iowa this summer. 2018 lurched drunkenly from winter straight to summer. No polite chill in the morn, warmer by day spring. May sported temps in the 90's and plenty of rain. June seemed to like that and copied.

Then we had wacko 4th of July. You working folk know what I mean. Wednesday on the 4th is the worst! I love Independence Day, but I hate to admit it. This one was a dud. The Des Moines area sites didn't quite know when to hold festivities.

Yankee Doodle Pops, the big event complete with symphony and fireworks in the shadow of Iowa's gorgeous State Capitol, was on Monday night, July 2nd. What? That event ran late. Some of us had to work Tuesday. Paul and I had a quiet good time in Valley Junction Tuesday evening and kayaked on the 4th. Our neighbors entertained with fireworks in a nearby park. I kept thinking that at least this year there was no Odie to be scared. I missed that.

Yeah, I know. I sound a little bitchy. I like to sit on my deck. It's been too hot - even for me. Paul and I were more than ready to fly out July 7th for our bi-annual Bullock Girls family reunion in chilly, refreshing Cannon Beach, Oregon. We love the place our sis Betso and husband Wayne discovered - some five hours away from their home in SE Washington State.

By Saturday evening all the "adults" had arrived. It's hard for me to accept the fact that all of our children (even Baby David) are technically considered adults. So I am using that label for my generation. We sat at Betsy and Wayne's condo, one block from the beach and enjoyed each other's company - catching up! Susi and Jim had driven in from Grand Junction with a night in Idaho. Cindy, Paul and I flew into Portland.

On Sunday morning we started our beach walks. By my calculations, we walked about 27 miles that week - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, The longest day was Monday, coming in just under 8 miles as we walked in the afternoon too. The weather was fab (around 60 degrees partly sunny) and if you've never experienced the NW beach, consider it. The surf makes a delightful noise and fellow beachgoers bring dogs. I love watching them!

Kohan men minus Eric 

S'mores night

The Kohan clan (we'll call them kids) started arriving Sunday. Baby David will be a junior in college this year. Eldest of the fam (by scant minutes) Alex and wife-to-be Lisa joined us for supper that night. It was our first chance to make an impression on Lisa, and Betsy reports she was not frightened away - even by my off-color stories, which made Susi giggle all night.

I was glad to relieve Susi's stress. She and Jim were awaiting the birth of their 4th grandchild the next day. My niece Leslie was scheduled to be induced Monday morning. We spent Monday getting text updates on progress. Les looked amazingly lovely in labor. They do things prettier than in my day! A healthy baby girl was born by mid-afternoon. Then we were on name watch! Lillian Elise Lopez - the name is just as gorgeous as this little girl, beloved by her brother James, mommy, daddy Jordan and many more. Can't wait to watch her grow.

I stole this pic off Facebook. Aren't they adorable?? 

The rest of the Kohan kids arrived Monday. Paul (the younger twin) with girlfriend Christine, and Sarah - new college grad and soon to be law school student. We missed Eric, studying for the bar exam. I've so enjoyed getting to know these young people during our times together at CB.

When some people go on vacation, they can check off a bunch of activities - places they visited, sites seen. Nope! On Tuesday we (Paul, Cindy, Betsy, son Paul and daughter Sarah and me) did venture south to order Dungeness crab at Jetty Fishery Marina in Rockaway Beach. The shopkeeper was very friendly, helping us decide how many crabs to order (1 per person). We made plans to stop back to pick the crab up after it had been steamed and put on ice.

Then we headed onward, through Tillamook. We did not stop to see the cheese factory but it was tempting. We had wine on our minds. It was about an hour's drive inland to the Risdall Ranch Winery, a beautiful location that boasts a large Christmas store. It was a fun trip. That night, the crab was so very delicious!

On Wednesday, Paul Kohan made us Bloody Marys and we watch the World Cup soccer match. On Thursday, our cousin Leslie Morehead and her husband Bob came in from Portland/Astoria for a visit. Christine cooked up lumpia, a Filipino treat similar to egg rolls. Paul and Wayne grilled salmon. It was another culinary success. Kudos to both Betsy for her superior large-scale meal planning skills when it comes to meals. Raising five children prepped her magnificently!

With our cuz Leslie Morehead

Besides a few trips into Cannon Beach "the city" and stops at Warren House, Bolder's favorite bar, that was about it.

• Coffee, muffin
• Walk on beach
• Rest
• Lunch - sandwiches or at our fave, The Driftwood in Cannon Beach
• Shop a bit
• Rest, read
• Cocktails with conversations - priceless
• Eat
• Early bedtime. It stays light late on the West Coast

Saturday came too quickly once again. The good news was we would see each other again soon in the Tri-Cities, Washington for Alex and Lisa's wedding. Our children will join us nearly a year after Amy and Corey's wedding. It will be fun!

Cindy Paul and I drove back to our fave funky town, Portland for the evening. We had a super early flight, so we kept it simple, hitting Henry's Tavern and Powell's City of Books. I just love the vibe in that city. I'd put Oregon in my top four states:
Iowa
Colorado
Oregon
Florida

Probably because I've spent quite a bit of time in each of them.
Which states do you like?

Time with our family is priceless. When our father passed away after Christmas 2006, we vowed to continue to "group up". At events like weddings, we're always so busy that we don't get to share the details about health, life changes, friends, and jobs. Our bi-annual sister reunion allows time to just be together. That's the best!

Walking together through life

Old Woman

Old Woman - Traditional Folk Song

VERSE 1
Old Woman, ole woman are you fond of courting
Old woman, ole woman are you fond of courting
Speak a little louder, sir, I'm rather hard-of-hearing
Speak a little louder sir, I'm rather hard-of-hearing

VERSE 2
Old woman, old woman, are you fond of smoking
Old woman, old woman, are you fond of smoking
Speak a little louder sir, I've just begin to hear you
Speak a little louder sir, I've just begin to hear you

VERSE 3
Old woman, ole woman do you think you'd marry me
Old woman, ole woman do you think you'd marry me
O, my goodness, gracious me, I do believe I hear you
O, my goodness, gracious me, I do believe I hear you

I remember singing this song at Washington Elementary in Atlantic. Don't remember the smoking verse...
Of course, back then I never thought about the time when I'd be the old woman. It happened so fast. AND I'm not quite clear on just when the "old" descriptor kicks in.

I'm okay with being an old woman. Sometime. I guess it depends on just who is calling me an old woman. When I'm with my peers - no problem. We joke about being old women. It's almost a source of pride. Look how nicely we've growed up! I've explained how I forget how old I am - until I look in the mirror. Or when I get out of the car after riding a long distance. "Walk young" our pal Don McKim recommends. My joints don't always obey.

Photo of a project partially funded by the Derelict Building program - will be new City Hall

My nose got a little out of joint this week on a work trip through Eastern and NE Iowa. A younger woman riding with me on a work trip called me an old woman because of the way I parallel parked on a busy street. I'm afraid I briefly saw red and told her she could drive if she wasn't happy with my parking. (she's my boss - oops!) The old girl (me) still has some spunk. So call me Old Woman - if you dare! I may laugh or snap.

Paul and I took a quick trip to Saint Louis Saturday (overnight) to deliver the bookshelf he built and stained for Jud and Kara. Oak with a black finish. It turned out super. It matches the desk he built for them last year. Kara uses the office when she works from home. She has big plans on how to fill all those shelves. It was good to see the kids - and get that big unit out of our garage! 

A night out after delivery - at the Shaved Duck, a family favorite

Des Moines was hit by a huge rainstorm while we were gone - over 10 inches in some areas. A local sports personality was swept away by flood waters after his van was stranded on a city street. Prayers to his family.

We had under five inches at our house and were very pleased to find our basement unfazed. Sump pumps rule! On to one of my favorite holidays - Independence Day. It's tough when it falls on Wednesday. I think a lot of people are taking vaca. Not me! That's next week when we head to Cannon Beach for our Bullock Girl fam reunion. I'm looking forward to it! If you've never been to the Oregon coast, consider checking it out.

Have a great and safe 4th of July all! Remember - sparkler can be HOT!

Getting along

When my family got together recently in Oregaon, we were a diverse group politically speaking.

It's interesting that four people (me and my sisters) can grow up in the same household - and because (despite) of nature and nurture, end up on different parts of the political scale. My parents were pretty staunch Republicans. I tell myself that was a different day and different party. I'm not sure just what Pat Bullock would think of what we have going on today - on both sides of the ticket. I wish I could have that discussion with her.

So - you're probably wondering, how did the Bullock family get along a whole week, living in close quarters without knockdown drag out shouting matches? I must admit - a presidential election year made it that much more challenging. During our vacation week we roomed with my brother-in-law who enjoys watching Fox News. A lot. I don't. Yet we survived!

Jim graciously agreed to not watch Fox 24/7. Instead we mostly watched sports (golf for him), Olympic trials and HGTV (for Cindo and me) during our time together. Jim thinks Joanna Gaines from Fixer Uppers is HOT. So that helped. Cindy, Paul and I like the Today Show, which Jim liked making fun of because they don't tackle much in the way of hard news. He did get in some Fox viewing - not to worry.

I enjoy talking about issues with my family. That is what helps me understand why they might support a candidate or party. For me, social and environmental issues are dear, but having worked in the environmental field, the realities can be difficult when it comes to costs/benefits. On vacation when I talked to family members about their jobs and views, it helps me work out where they are coming from. Susi works in the energy industry, Betsy's husband Wayne is a doc and Bets is an independent contractor. Cindy has worked in the HR field, dealing in employee issues and regulations. Jim had his own legal practice, and now, though retired, he continues to practice-  assisting other attorneys in their hometown. They are all parents and taxpayers and geography - where they live - also makes a difference. One thing our whole family can agree on - we are lucky to live in this country.

In chilly fresh Oregon, when the whole family got together at the Kohan rental house, we watched sports on television and politics didn't really come up much. We played trivia, talked about kids' careers, sports teams, decorating and laughed instead.

Back in DSM - Odie, me and plants. No politics

If our somewhat diverse (politically speaking) fam can continue to come together - and work out vacation dates, decide on meals, golf trips, how to budget and split up paying for things - then there is hope. Of course we are starting from a basis of love and mutal understanding so that helps. Get it together America - learn to work together again politicians.

Oregon Cool

It was so cool in Oregon - literally, and the state just oozes groovy. It's cool. Especially when the Bullock girls hang out there. We arrived for a week's vacation earlier this month - our bi-annual family reunion. When we get together we don't plan a lot of activities, we just hang out in the cute little village in a house close to the beach.

My typical vacations aren't kick ass - scheduled with one activity after another. They are mostly relaxing once we do the travel thing. Flying was once an enjoyable endeavor. Not so much anymore. I do like the TSA Precheck authorization though! It's like having a magic ticket to get you through security. We snagged sister Cindo at the Denver stop.

Susi and Jim arrived at our cute little home away from home in Cannon Beach before we did. They'd driven up the coast from their daughter Leslie's - enjoying their visit with her little family, it was their grandson James' third birthday. Betsy and fam arrive about the same time we did. I love welcome hug time! That night we ordered pizzas and caught up with each other. It was a bit misty that night, but Paul and Cindo couldn't resist a short walk on the beach.

Sunday we took our first of many excellent beach walks. It was a bit chilly, but so gorgeous. I love the raw energy of Oregon coast. I heard the starfish are making a comeback, but didn't see any. We took a lot of steps throughout the week - and walked about 7 miles one day. Cindy was a relentless slave driver, but it's so good when you're walking and talking with your sisters.

Paul golfed one day with my brothers-in-law. I hung out with the girls including Betso's daughter Sarah and did lunch "downtown". On Wednesday, Susi, Jim and I trekked to a little town north called Astoria where my cousin Leslie has a condo with her husband Bob. I could sit and watch that view all day. We had a nice lunch and went to the top of the hill where I walked up seven flights of stairs.

cousin picture

Astoria tower

Every night we had great meals over at Betsy and Wayne's house, which was across the tennis court from ours - so convenient! Many nights we took over six champagne glasses so I could whip up lemondrop martinis for the group. Nephew Paul Kohan's girlfriend Christine has a Filipino background. She cooked up (deep fried) a delicacy called Lumpia. It was kind of like egg roll, very hot and yummy. We bonded over watching sports television and trivia. The Kohan kids were out and about more than usual - Pokémon Go will do that.

Spaghetti, burgers and chicken were all delish. One night we did the Smores on the beach thing. Betsy bought giant marshmallows this year - they were harder to get to medium well on the inside, but were gooey great. #stickyfingers . One night we stopped at Bolder's favorite bar in CB - Warren House. We didn't get to sit at the bar like he did, but we thought of him as we sipped our drinks.

Road warriors Susi and Jim took off on Friday to head back home to Colorado a two-day trip through Twin Falls, Idaho. Betsy, Cindy, Paul and I headed south to Jetty Marina at Rockaway Beach to rustle up some Dungeness Crab. Shirley fixed us right up.

They promised to steam 8 crabs for us and put them on ice for our return. From wine country. Yep, Oregon has vino! My trusty iPhone lead us to a winery about an inland hour from the coast. I'd made this trip with my girlfriends last August - they showed me the way. I do believe my sisters and Paul had begun to doubt me and my phone as we turned this way and that in rural hilly Oregon. I felt vindicated when we popped out at the top of a hill and there was a vineyard! Unfortunately a sign on the building said CLOSED. Oops.

iPhone went back to work and ten minutes later we were at the Shafer Winery talking to a nice young man who took over as head grape guy (but the scientific name) Wine Master? Anyway, he studied at U.C. Davis and his dad has just purchased the winery. We did a tasting and checked out the Christmas store - quite complete. Cindy bought a deviled egg ornament and Betso purchased a white wine. It was fun. There were many more wineries we could have visited, but Shirley and our crab awaited.

Cousin Leslie and Bob came down and we made that crab disappear along with the leftovers from previous nights. We nearly got rid of the Citron Vodka that Betsy bought 2 years prior. Something to shoot for in two years! I dislike saying goodbye to people, but I do like hugs - so there's that. And Amy is getting married next summer (August 5) so we should see everyone then if not before.

Cindy, Paul and I spent a night in another cool place Saturday - Portland at the classic Benson Hotel. We checked in and Paul and I dropped the rental car off, riding the rapid transit back. It's a pretty slick system. That night we ate at a Fish House overlooking a plaza with a fountain. I enjoyed watching kids play in the water while the people of Portland hung out. The lobster mashed potatoes I ate that night were to die for.

So long Oregon until next time!

crab

Off to CB

And that ain't Council Bluffs. Though Paul and I have a fond place in our hearts for Council Bluffs - the first place we lived as husband and wife. We lived in Sherwood Apartments on Littlejohn Circle right on Highway 6. There was a Friar Tuck Lane too. Shag carpet baby! Betsy even lived with us for a while.

This CB is a great deal farther west - Cannon Beach, Oregon. If you read my blog you know that I've been there before. The first time was in 2000. Dad was there with Pat2 and all of my cousins and Aunt and Uncles on both sides of my family were there. Even Mom's sister, Aunt Dorothy - who I hadn't seen in many years was there. I felt like she was the pope and I needed to "kiss the ring" or something. It was nice to see her - she looked so much like Mom. How I wished Mom was there!

2000 CB picture

Our children were 14 and 11. It was a memory-making time bonding with their cousins. First of all, we drove all the way there - stopping at Cindy's and Susi's to carpool. That was a long drive, even mixing and matching kids in two cars. I tortured my kids by listening to a 28 hour Clive Cussler book. They won't ever let me forget it!

My sister Betsy and husband Wayne get credit for

2000 CB pic - Bets and Jeanie look alike! Miss Dad and Uncle Bill

finding the quaint ocean town. They go their every year. We've made it a bi-annual sister event - to honor our parents. Plus we like each other! Betsy and family book the same house each year and Cindy, Susi and Jim and Pablo and I book a place. In past years our kids have made it out here - the last time was in 2012 for Amy and Jud and Kara. Jordan Alvillar was here that year too. That was also the last time that Bolder was with us.

Love this picture from 2012

Bolder never went to Marco with us - it wasn't his thing. But he loved Cannon Beach. He liked the local bars and searching for the best clam chowder. New England boy ya know. In 2012 Betso was turning 50, so Bolder was sure to bring his Pope hat so he could give her a special ceremony with flower petals and booze. It was funny. I like memories of Bolder in CB. We'll miss him.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Kohan fam - they're growing up! David was tiny in 2000, our first trip to CB. Now he's a high school grad who will be off to UW (Washington) this fall. Betsy says she knows how Mom felt when she (the last of 4 girls) went off to school. (Makes raise the roof sign). Bullocks are not ones to get weepy as their children go off to school. (well - maybe that first day, but then - woot, woot!) The rest of them have jobs and college so they will come and go during the week.

We'll also get to see my cousin Leslie and her husband Bob who have a place up the coast a bit in Astoria. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. If you like rain and 60 degrees! I'm packing layers! As long as I have my sissens, I'll be fine.

Top Ten Vaca Things

Bolder sprinkling

1. Hanging with my sisters. (and other loved ones) I grew up with these girls, but hell...I didn't appreciate them all that much back then. We had the same parents, but did we really? Susi was born when our parents were 21 years old! I heard a couple good Pat Bullock stories last week (see below, under photos). I sure appreciate 'em now! Funny, smart, great mothers, hard workers. Good genes...
2. Cannon Beach - the place is a true gem. The zoning rules must be strict  - there are no big box stores or restaurants. All the buildings are quaint.
3. The beach - it's not over-crowded and is dog friendly. Haystack - the big rock is so awesome. Fred and Joe (names my nephew David gave the smaller rocks) are cool too. And by cool I mean really cool - it doesn't often reach 70 degrees. Bundle up.
4. Mo's - the restaurant/diner right on the beach. Voted by our group as the place with the best clam chowder.
5. S'mores. The original kind. While the new larger marshmallows are a good idea in theory - we decided they are hard to cook clear through. Some things are better left alone. Sitting around a campfire with the fam on the beach - nothing better!
6. Leisure time - vacation with nothing planned. Nada, zero, zip. We did a few things - ice cream at Tillamook, shopping in town. Paul golfed twice. We relaxed a lot. Thanks to Betso for organizing most of the meals.
7. Customer service - kudos to all the workers in Cannon Beach. Nearly everyone who served us was very nice and helpful. Big tips were their reward.
8. My cousin Leslie and her husband Bob - for taking time out of their schedules to get together with us. Through the years Leslie - the matriarch of cousins on my mom's side - has always been good about staying in touch. We were able to visit them at their beautiful Astoria condo last Friday.
9. Another place to lovingly sprinkle Boldie's cremains. So far he's in New England - land of his birth, Moab - where he had fun times with his buddies, and Atlantic - another town he loved. There may be other spots I've missed.



Cindy foos her smore...Paul and Paul cook theirs just right



Leslie & Bob's Astoria loft

10. Portland - a funky town that I like spending a bit of time in. Lots of interesting things to see.

do you think our mouths look alike?

Awaiting lunch at the Driftwood in CB - love the flowers everywhere

One of the sunny days on the beach



 

Pat B. stories - just so you know why I turned out this way...when Cindy was in college she went skiing with her friend Debbie who drove an old Studebaker. It sounded like a wild trip that involved an accident - luckily Cindy's skis survived...and the car was drivable. Unfortunately on the way home the car was dying a slow death. In Lincoln, Nebraska Cindy called Mom. The script. "Hi, it's Cindy. Debbie and I are in Lincoln and her car is dead. Can you come get us?" Mom: "Hell No! Take the bus."

Then - the Betsy story.
Betsy attended college at Creighton University in Omaha where she studied nursing. She lived in the rough part of town - near Creighton. She had some type of clinical visit early one morning and walked out to her car - noticing that the medallion from the front of the car was laying on the ground. She thought to herself...that's weird! Not really when the whole front of her car had been sideswiped and smashed. Un-driveable. She called Mom. "What the hell do you want me to do about it?" our mother asked? Very good question mom - you aren't a auto body mechanic are you...

No helicopter parent there...I believe our mother did call someone at the university at some point to complain about the home visits Betsy had to do by herself in scary places...she knew when to make herself heard. But she wasn't about to rush in and take care of us when we were capable of taking care of ourselves.

Today's kids need more Pat Bullocks. It's hard to let your children (no matter how old they are) suffer through what life throws at them. But look how my sissies turned out!

Portland
 

The commuter got out the map

We traveled afar my friends. All the way to Pacific time. Yes the left coast....right up my alley some might say - Oregon, where greenies run rampant. It's 2014 ya'll time for the Bullock Girls family reunion in Cannon Beach - about 1.5 hours (in good traffic) west of Portland.

It's our 4th time there. Sister Betso and family go every year. The first year we traveled there was 2002. Dad was married to Pat2 and they were there. I believe all of our worldly cousins were there - on both sides of our family. My mother's sister, Aunt Dorothy made the trip. We hadn't seen her for years and she didn't travel much - so it was a rare treat. On Dad's side our beloved Aunties and Uncles - Marty and Bill, Bruce and Jean.

Kids - Cannon Beach 2002 Adorable!

The cousins - all of our children bonded once again. I love how despite the age difference - niece Leslie will be (gulp) 30 this week! And Baby David (he'll always be called that) is 16. Our kids got to hang out with my cousins' kids too. Family lovin!


2002 - group shot

The next time we were able to go it was 2008 - after Dad's death. It was a great time, though this time it was mostly just our immediate family. Jud was a college kid and what was Amy up to? She had just graduated from college and was on her was to working for the Dems. Leslie and Jordan were there, but no Colby-monster. He was busy with an internship - cooking in Vail. The husbands - Jim, Bolder and Paul discovered Warren House - the bestest bar evah.

In 2010 Alvillars put on a big wingding in Los Angeles - Leslie and Jordan Lopez's wedding. So we missed that year - in a good way. We met Cindy and Bolder a few days early and checked out the city.

In 2012 we stayed in the coolest house - so close to the beach and right across from Betsy's place. She liked it so well she snagged it last year and this year. Our children and Jud's gf Kara were able to come that year which was really nice, but no Lopezs or Jordie Alvillar. Susi's husband Jim didn't even make it - he was tied up with a trial, so Susi brought a friend. Bolder, Cindo's hubbie had such fun stalking the area tasting clam chowder.  He brought his Pope Hat along to help celebrate Betso's 50th birthday better...he taught Paul to drink martinis and make friends with bartenders. Later that year, sadly, he lost his battle with prostate cancer.

That brings us to this year - 2014. Our kids were busy, so it was only the Kohan children that were "in". Bets and Wayne had snagged the good place. Susi took it upon herself to find a house for the rest of us. We ended up at the rustic "Judy's House" - it was clean and served our purposes. We think Judy got her furniture at a yard sale. In the 1970's.

With our cousin Leslie

Cindy's friend Bonnie Pottorff decided to join us as a 5th sis. She's fun to hang with and loves to walk, so she fit right in. Poor sister Suso wasn't up for walking - she has a stress fracture in her foot and is in a boot. More about the week later. Suffice it to say - "a good time was had by all". I love my family. #luckygirl

One year ago...

What a difference twelve months can make. In church yesterday I was pondering again. (Yes, my mind wanders as the Homily drags on.) A year ago we were just getting home from our great family reunion trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon. This year...

S'mores...Cannon Beach 2012

• Bolder wasn't yet aware he was still ill with evil cancer
• In mid July I had my manipulation surgery to release scar tissue in my right shoulder after months of pain and immobility. That was followed by weeks of physical therapy and more pain. I was able to put my arm over my head for the first time in months, and broke through the pain after several week of PT.
• Paul had submitted his application for a permanent job in GULP Des Moines at the NRCS state office, and received notice that he got the job a few weeks later. It was one of those - "we hope it happens, "Oh shit" kinda things.
• We celebrated our 30th anniversary

He's got the jacket on here

Big stuff. All of these events have had huge implications. Except our anniversary, which was more like life as usual. With each passing year, and especially after this last one I realize how lucky and blessed I am.

Of course losing Boldie - in such a short time after the docs told him the cancer was back was the biggest baddest thing. It's all really still so surreal.

The shoulder thing made me realize I'm not getting any younger. Though I still can't seem to get in any kind of work out routine or rhythm. I know I need to do it, but I can't find my way there. I walk and ride my bike but it's all sporadic. I need a trainer and a plan. I can't seem to get motivated to workout after 10 hour work days. I'll figure it out eventually. I may have to bribe a certain workout fanatic from Creston to move to DMS.

If you read this blog then you know how much the move has affected our lives! Mostly for the good. We sure miss our homies - our Creston friends. And we still consider ourselves Crestonites - pretending to be city folk. I suppose over time that will change. I have lots of people who have lived here a long time say - "you do lots of things I never do". We just take advantage of it, because it's all new to us! We're like kids in the candy shop.

We like city life - and the opportunities the Des Moines area offers. It's convenient to live near an airport. Amy flies in tomorrow after her 6 week trip to South and Central America. We can go to any movie showing on any night. Restaurant options are limitless. We live on a bike trail and many more are minutes away. There are lots of concerts and live music opportunities and we're seeing Jersey Boys Wednesday night. The short drive home is sweet - especially late at night. Another bonus is being able to volunteer! I love hanging out with my Little Sis match, Chiya. She's been a blessing in my life.

I got to introduce Chiya to Amy

We have found that in Des Moines, we get to see friends from afar and family more often. We were able to host Easter this year with the Goldsmiths. Paul's sis Carol calls when she's in town visiting daughter Barb. Cindo and Bonnie came for a fun visit in June. Robbie Dob called when she came through town and Jane Ertl messages when she's in the area. Bobbie and Jeff stayed a night and we biked in our neighborhood, which was lots of fun. Mary Faber stayed last night! Kay and Alyssa Wilt called as they were heading through town. I need to do better about seeing local friends like Joan, Mary and Jane. It's nice living close to I-80. We got new beds ya'll - the welcome mat is out!

My shoulder gives me little reminders that not all of the scar tissue is gone. Early this year I even had to visit a chiropractor for some treatment. It's motivational, really. I'm not going to frozen land again!

I think of Bolder often. I picture him in his yellow jacket tucked into his plaid shorts like a homeless guy. He is with us going forward - especially in his son Colby (and his near-son Byron Pottorff). Our children too have absorbed their uncle Bolder. Legendary.

Change, though scary, can be good for us if we take advantage of opportunities. That's what we're trying to do by "living la vida loca". (well it's been crazy for us)

I miss my sisters and my Bolder

Betsy has been at Cannon Beach all week with her family. The Kohan family goes every year, since they only live a few hours from there. Last year, all the Bullock sisters went - our last fam reunion. It turned out to be the last one with Bolder before his cancer reoccurred with a vengeance.

We had such a good time! Pablo, Boldie and Paul Kohan (Betsy's son - one of the twins) had a great time hanging out. Cindo, Paul (mine), Bolder and I spent a lot of time together. Amy, Jud and Kara were there. Susi brought her friend Sher - as husband Jim couldn't make it, nor could her children my niecelets Leslie and Jordan. All the Kohans were there - including the wiener dogs Kirby and Ziggy. Colby, Cindy and Bolder's son was heading to Oregon for a concert later in July so he wasn't with us.

Bolder loved his vests!

Cannon Beach was perfect. Bolder said it was the best vacation ever. We're pretty good about scheduling a few activities but not booking our trips up solid. Our cousins - from my Mom's side - Leslie Morehead and husband Bob, and Steve and Karen Legarra with their daughter Andra and husband Zach with their triplets, who were three years old stopped by. We got to enjoy s'mores on the beach with them!

Bolder and Pablo became regulars at the pub just up the street from our rented condo. The staff loved Boldie of course, and told him about a place to go for supper. The Lefebvres and Susi and Sher went there the night we went to pick our children up at the airport in Portland. Then it burned down during the night! Crazy. We were on a mission to find the best chowder in the area. There was lots of testing.

Buddies!

Paul learned to love martinis by drinking some of Bolder's. We've been drinking them ever since - as a tribute to Bold. And because they're good! One night after a couple martinis, Paul chased bunnies around our house with Sher's dog Cowgirl. He looked like Elmer Fudd hunting wascally wabbits. Bolder grilled salmon on a plank one night. It was fabulous. The good always is when my sissies are involved. They're all good cooks! I try to stick with the clean up crew.

Bolder planned ahead for Betsy's surprise 50th birthday celebration. He brought the pope hat! He talked her daughter Sarah into picking flowers for scattering petals and he chanted like a pope. Susi carried out the special medallion she brought - one Mom had purchased. It was a hoot! Bullocks know how to have fun.

the pope hat

In Portland, Amy was approached by a wall-eyed older woman, begging for cash. There are a lot of panhandlers in that city. At first Amy held fast to her money. Later she felt bad and she went back with $5. This begat one of my favorite Bolder quotes of all time. He said something like "Amy - later that old lady probably went back to her mansion with her lazy eye and her Lazy Susan." Remember those kitchen appliances called lazy susans? So Bolder. I'm so glad Amy got to know him so well.

Susi just booked a place in Cannon Beach for 2014, just after July 4! We're in - with Susi and Cindy. Who knows who will make it from our fams at this point? We will hoist a few for Bolder I'm sure.

Good News and Friday

I've been remiss not to mention the good news we had from Bolder (Brian) Lefebvre, who has spent the past year battling prostate cancer. The damn stuff had escaped the prostate. So the poor guy has been through not only awful initial surgery to remove the thing, an infected testicle also had to be removed, chemo and radiation - that finished up in May. Boldie just had his PSA re-checked and those numbers came back very good! So we are happy about that. Prayers and other good thoughts that all the evil cancer cells have been banished from his body.

The 3 bro-in-laws chat

Friday a.m. Susi and Sher plus Cowgirl the Wabbit Wuving doggie too off for Grand Junction - with an overnight stop somewhere in Idaho. We were sad to see them go! I'm not sure when I'll get to see Sus again...a wedding in the future? No engagements yet...

That morning was hike day for Paul, Amy, Jud and Kara. They walk up a peak overlooking a beach and the town of Manzinita. I had the bad shoulder and am in awful shape, so decided to pass. Several of Betso's kiddos went along - they all packed into the Kohan Suburban. Sounded like a fun trip.

Besides - I'd gotten a text from my Atlantic friend Julia Hoilien. We had seen her whilst in Colorado over Memorial Day and discovered we'd both be in this area during this week. Her family was in Cannon Beach! We made arrangements to meet at Haystack that morning. Betsy and the doggies walked there with me.

Jules and me

Jeff, Marcella, Zetta and Julia - beautiful fam!

Once Pablo and the chillens got back, we were off to CB to shop a bit and we and Cindy and Bold ate at the Driftwood. We saw a person with a pet duck with a lil duckie diaper. It takes all kinds!

Yep - one's a dog, but one's a DUCK!

That night our gang - 17 or so in number had reservations at the Lumberyard. Nope it's not like the one in Des Moines (where REAL men go to get wood...). This one was an okay restaurant. We started out at Warren House - disturbing Paul and Bolder's last night with their honeys...the waitresses there who had grown to love them.

Cute little place...Bold makes friends wherever he goes...

Jud and Kara had stopped by the candy store on their way home from shopping that day...and on a little walk down memory lane. (Jud remembered buying funky jelly beans when we were here in 2002 - he was 13), he bought these Jelly Beans. Under the influence of a couple drinks I had the bad idea of trying two of them...and of course instead of Pudding I got Dog Food, and instead Strawberry Jam, I got Centipede. That taste was in my mouth even after I brushed my teeth!

It was a fun night out and the waitresses came and sang to Betso! We got a lot of mileage out of the birthday gig.

Sad that it was our last night in Cannon Beach - the week was going so quickly as vaca always does!