Easter Memories

Easter. New beginnings, risen in glory. No matter what faith you are, this day celebrates something wonderful. I have many wonderful memories from Easter. And made a new one today!

Easter Pic

When I became a parent, Easter became even better - sharing this special day with our children. I liked buying Amy and Jud new clothes for Easter Sunday and taking them to church after a long Lenten season. And putting together those Easter Baskets - they were the best! Memories of the days my parents treated me with the excitement of hunting for my own basket. Boiling and dying eggs - ah the smell of vinegar!

Amy and Jud were all about the hunt. Along with real eggs, we had those plastic colored eggs that you could put stuff inside. Candy! It was like hide n seek with eggs. Paul and I would hide them - and they would seek. Or they would hide them and we'd have to find them. It didn't matter - the game was very entertaining!

Amy and Jud weren't able to be with us today to celebrate Easter. Jud was with Kara's parents.

Jud on Easter weekend at Kara's folks - exhausted from crafting (wedding prep)

Amy was with her former Denver roommate, Megan, touring a prison somewhere at Amy's new home state of Pennsylvania. Righteous!

We celebrated with family today - Paul's sister Jean and husband Dave (who will celebrate 50 years o marriage this summer), his sister Carol and her daughter Barb Archer and husband Mike and daughter Mandy. They came to our house. Pablo made his yummy prime rib. I made party potatoes and the others brought stuff too. It was a nice time. Alas, there was no egg hunting.

Paul's sisters regale Mandy with stories of back in the day...

Graves not digger, Goldsmith gathering

I swallowed a radioactive Iodine pill this week and had some photos taken of my thyroid - all to determine once and for-all just what my health status is. My new endocrinologist here is DSM was a bit surprised that my first doc hadn't had me undergo a test to see if I have the Graves antibodies, so she set me up to do the tests Monday and Tuesday this past week.

I checked in at Mercy Nuclear Medicine to take the giant pill and followed up several hours later for the photos that were similar to X-Rays, but took longer and I was able to move as they were being taken. I enjoyed chatting with the techs as the pics were being taken - students at Mercy School of Nursing. On Thursday, Dr. Singaram's office called to say my thyroid indicated mild Grave's Disease. I must admit I was disappointed. I'd convinced myself that I didn't have the antibodies because I've been off the meds for two weeks and have felt okay.

Mild is better than full blown though, ay? So back on the low dose Methimizole (we Gravesters call it meth...). And shoot for remission. I see the doc in September and will see what she says then. In the meantime, my fingernails and hair are growing much better, so something is going right. Plus my physical therapist is happy with progress on my shoulder - I see the surgeon this week. Yeah I know...I'm keeping the medical community busy.

There were Goldsmiths galore this week! Except for Paul who was in Washington, D.C. for work - without a working phone. His Samsung crapped out the day he left. He was reviewing grants with others from around the country - staying not far from all the cool stuff in our nation's capitol. Too bad he couldn't take pictures...he was full of excitement when he arrived home on Thursday, full of stories from the week. I hope to go with him next time he heads that way.

Meyer kids with their momma and spouses

Paul's sister Carol's family was in town this weekend and we were glad to get to see them Thursday night, along with sister Jean and her hubby Dave - Mr. Lucky at the casinos lately. It was fun listening to Tom, Terry and Barb laugh together about their antic growing up in Farley, Iowa - especially the stories about when their cousins the Fox kids would visit. We liked seeing the great nieces and nephews too. Laughs galore. We hated to leave but needed to get ready for out next get-together with Goldsmiths - a trip to Port Washington, Wisconsin the next day.

On Friday when the US Cellular Store opened, we stopped in to see what was up with Paul's phone. It was beyond help - so we switched his information to my phone and I got a new iPhone. Yep - big change for this kid. I'm not an Apple person - so the learning curve is huge. I proved that on the way to Wisconsin when I somehow put a security code in twice that I didn't know...good thing it recognized my fingerprint until I could go to the Apple Store today (they were stellar there). What a dope I am. My children will be happy to know I will no longer carry my phone on my belt. It's a painful change for me - I imagine I'll lose the dang thing now...change is hard for an old broad.

The Goldsmith gathering was fab. Man I love those people! They are such a great bunch - all intelligent, kind and loving (or they fake it well...). They love to laugh. We got to see our nephew Joe who suffered a traumatic brain injury several years ago during a car accident. He's doing great! And our niece Karen, a physical therapist raising three sons (one looks definitely like a Gsmith) with her park ranger husband. Plus Paul's three brothers and three sisters (only Carol was missing due to her fam gathering in DMS - and Connie, who passed away) and all the spouses.

Mary checks out the buttons

Eight played golf on Saturday and the rest of us shopped. I went to a quilt store with the group - through not a seamstress myself I'm able to admire the work of others. Then we visited Cedarburg where I purchased some spices, had a nice sandwich and got a puzzle for Christmas! That night we ate at a brewpub (photos above). It was a great time - Denny score the traveling rooster as he'll soon attain the age of 70. Next year - the Golf Tourney will be in DSM. Be on the lookout for the Goldsmiths about this time next year! Listen for the sounds of love and laughter.

Warm homes

As I traveled with work pals this week, somehow the topic of housewarming gifts came up. You know how conversations go...one thing leads to another to another. Soon I was regaling the group with one of my many stories. I'm a walking font you know.

When Paul and I purchased our first home we were at that age. Lots of our friends were purchasing first homes too. Vicki and Fred had bought one in Ames - they were always the "test pilots" for everything - marriage, homes, babies.

We waited until we moved to Creston to buy a house. We were in our late 20's and were ready to take on the joys and heartaches of home ownership. By week 2 we figured out we needed a new furnace. Hello heartache!

We were tapped out by the home purchase and therefore had to take out a very special loan from the manufacturer of the furnace unit, through the local installer Holt Plumbing and Heating. All for a mere 20% interest. What a deal! I didn't have a job yet so it was stressful. We sure loved that house though - not a typical starter home, it had belonged to Dr. and Mrs. Brom, longtime Creston residents who apparently loved green. The whole house was that color head to toe, inside and out. We quickly moved to make it more blue - ah, the 90's.

Our college friends eventually came to our home to help christen it. We had a hot tub party on the patio - it was quite fun, though it was Memorial Day and people gathered around the gas grill for warmth. Brrr. When Behrs and Wilts left to travel back to their homes, Paul and I noticed our yard had some new additions. Pink flamingos and plastic yard bees - so funny and what a surprise!

In that house I found a treasure. I wish I had a photo of it...because a description doesn't do it justice. I discovered the Rose Bowl (nothing to do with football) on the back shelf in the walk-in closet in our bedroom. It was hideous. A heavy glass orb filled with murky water and a blackened (likely once beautiful) rose. It sat on a gold metal base. I'm not sure why the Broms kept it, until they didn't - conveniently leaving it behind when they moved.

What to do with the object d'(not) art? I couldn't bring myself to toss it. Hmmm now I know the dilemma Broms faced. Then our friends Moose (Steve) and Kay Wilt purchased a home just outside of Chicago. They needed assistance roofing. Light bulb moment. Wouldn't that rose be lovely in the Wilt home?  Along with pink flamingos and a bee. We had fun sneaking it into the abode and found a perfect spot right in the entryway for the orb. It took them several hours to spot the beautiful gift. I still smile thinking of it.

Later, when we moved to our second home in Creston...I do believe those darn Wilts gifted the damn thing - in even worse shape by now - back. I tossed it. #stinky. Good friends do warm a home!



Love the DSM specialty stuff

Friday I spent the afternoon with my sis-in-law Carol in my favorite place (not) quilt stores! I'm sure they make her heart go pitty pat. Just like the Columbia Store does for me. Or a book store. But it was all for me - as she has agreed to make a quilt for Paul and me for our quilt rack. It was hard to figure out what fabrics to put together - I was flummoxed! Luckily at the Valley Junction store I found a kit I liked and she was happy with it - so it was a go. Can't wait! There are such cute stores in Valley Junction - need to take my sissies (Cindy and Betsy are arriving next Thursday) there.


So cute...don't know where one would put this and it would be impossible to dust
 

Saturday we met Carol and daughter Barb at the Farmer's Market before the rain started. They snagged rolls for Barb's daughter Mandy.

Sisters, Chiya, Big win, big break

We met Paul's sisters at the Cheesecake Factory for a drink and a bit of supper last night. Carol came down from her home in Northwood to check on the patient, Dave who continues to improve. Jean reported that one of the fellows who found him on the walking trail after his fall called them yesterday. She knew him - he's someone who had been one of Dave's clients at the barber shop.

I'm glad the guy called. There had been a lot of speculation about just what had transpired when Dave fell. Did he fall into the creek? It doesn't sound like it. Though it was fairly warm in Des Moines that day, in Webster City the trail was still a bit icy. It was nice of the guy to call - to help clear things up.

While we were having a nice drink at "the Factory" I received a text on my cell from someone I hadn't heard from for a long time - my former Little Sis - from the Big Sis Little Sis program, Chiya. It was exactly a year ago that we had our first get together - the day ISU lost to Ohio State. I picked her up that day about halftime and brought her back to our place to bake cookies - so I really didn't even pay attention to the game. I know - hard to believe for a die-hard fan like myself!

first date

You can't believe how tickled I was to hear from Chiya. She left last summer to be in her cousin's wedding in Mississippi and went right to Boston to live with her mom for the year - and I never had a chance to say goodbye. In Des Moines she lived with her Grandma. We texted a couple times, and I heard from the Big Bro Big Sis folks - but I didn't really get in closure. They asked if I wanted to be matched up with someone else.

Chiya had told me she alternates living with her Gran and her mom. And even though she's now "aged out" of the BB=BS program I want to stick with the kid. She asked me last night if we could get together this summer when she comes back - I told her "Yes, I kinda like you kid!" She didn't say if she'd stay for the school year. I don't care though - I'm just glad I get to see her again. I felt like I was just getting to know her when she left. Her texts last night made me smile. She told me to tell Paul "Hi". And now daughter Amy has signed up to be a Big Sis in Denver. In my experience it's a very rewarding thing to do.

This morning Jean went to the hospital early because Dave started therapy, but Carol agreed to meet us at the Waveland. So we posed for the usual photo...they recently updated the window for Easter/St. Patrick's Day. Another Newbie broken into "The Wave".

Carol, Paul and me - reflection

My nephew David and wife Ashley called yesterday to thank us for the step stool Paul built for their little guy Jonah. He's adorable - and loves to say "stool" when it's time to brush his teeth and climb into bed. Great Uncle Paul really came through and it was nice of them to call to tell us in person. They live in Manhattan and we don't get to see them much. :>(

Yes he could be a baby model...

Weather people

Gripe alert. It's not their fault that we're having lousy weather. But I'm tired of the endless days ahead forecasting of bad weather. Late last week they started saying ominously that today and tomorrow would be "even worse than last week!"

Crimonently. Stop already.
Huge storm coming
Coldest ever
Terrible
Awful storm...

and one of the worst storms we've had a couple Thursdays ago in Des Moines, they f'ing missed totally! Sigh. Bring back Connie McBurney (former TV 8 Weather lady).

Connie is behind the typewriter in the light top

We had a fun day Saturday. After straying to Perkins a couple weekends ago for breakfast, we went back to the Waveland Café that a.m. It was nice to hear the patter of the usual staff talking about the stuff they do. Real people. And decent food.

The men inside the window wondered what the heck I was doing...

Glad we got to see the Cyclones get back on the winning track that afternoon against Kansas State. Later we attended Mass at St. Francis and ate pancakes at home. Yep - breakfast twice in one day! We finished chewing just in time to head south to Creston to the Lobby for Dean Leith's surprise birthday party.

It was a nice chance to see our pals. Of course the weather geeks had predicted crappy weather coming around 10 p.m. so we didn't want to stay too long. (It didn't ever really materialize - jerks!) Oh well...it kept us clean and sober. McKims, McFees, Crittendens, Deb - sans Larry who was writing up stuff about the wrestling meet that day, Susan and Brian, Piels and of course Patti and the birthday boy.

I got to dance to Love Shack before we left. Patti made sure the girls danced - she wanted her grand daughters got to boogie with her friends. Evelyn is 4ish is Caleb's daughter. Dean's granddaughter - Kayanna? who is around 8. She is Dean's daughter Ashley's child. Amy played softball with Ashley for a year or so. They now live in our first house in Creston. I enjoyed talking to Kayanna about her room. She said she loved the house but mentioned something about rats. Huh?

The only problem when we lived there was the guy that gave his "snake" an outing while he was supposed to be servicing the hot tub. And that was technically after we had moved out and were awaiting the closing with our buyers who were renting the place. The new Mrs. wasn't impressed with the technician's "tool".

We also danced a line dance "Electric Slide". Yay for Sheriff Rick Piel for shakin' it with us. The rest of the men (and Rick's wife Jeanne) were wimps. I stood by Diana so I could follow her steps. I'm slow that way.

I enjoyed sitting by Deb and catching up a bit - though I really didn't get to talk to anyone too long. And I had some great birthday cake. We headed home before 10 p.m. before things got too crazy. It was nice to wake up with no hangover.

Paul's sis Carol stopped by Sunday. She was in town to see her granddaughter Mandy perform in Dowling Catholic's Show Choir. Carol has offered to make us a quilt for our quilt hanger - so we discussed patterns and colors. I know what I like - but not the lingo. It's going to be beautiful! Whenever I figure it out.

Shutdown

Co-commuting for the Goldsmiths has temporarily been suspended. I hope it's temporary anyway! I've grown accustomed to his face ("My Fair Lady reference here - yes, I'm Henry Higgins. I have spent 30+ years molding this man). I miss getting my kiss on the corner of Pennsylvania and Grand.

My husband Paul George Goldsmith is a United States Department of Agriculture employee of 31 years. He's been deemed "Unessential" and has been furloughed for the time being. Unforeseeable future. And all that.

So far he has painted the short hall outside of Amy's room and hunted. He shot a doe, so papa's bringing home some meat! He delivered it to Zeb's Smokehouse in Bedford. I wish I could have gone with him, because Zeb is smokin' hot!

You can't tell from this pic, but he's very cute!

I met Zeb when I managed the landfill in Creston. Part of his allure is his adorable hunk personality. He knows how to smoke meat too! Paul said he didn't see Zeb when he dropped the deer off though...so no loss.

Yesterday Paul vacuumed and did the pre-Cyclone game prep. I think he's going to be bored by next week. Today he's attending a work related meeting at Des Moines Waterworks - to listen to Bill Stowe talk about water quality. Unpaid of course, but he cares about water quality and is dedicated to his profession.

It's so disturbing to read articles in the Washington Post, New York Times, or even DM Register - and then read through comments to see how casually people trash public employees. Is that jealousy talking? I understand that a few bad apples have shown federal, state and local employees in a bad light. But in our experience, we are doing our best to do to make this city, state and country better. Even our own managers - the politicians who lead the governments in charge of us seem to treat us and our co-workers with disdain.

Yes, I know - we have a pretty good deal, so my self pity party doesn't go far. Many people we know have lost jobs and have had to take pay cuts. So I am not writing this in a vacuum, thinking woe is us...nobody else has suffered. Plus - we are at a good place in our lives. Amy and Jud are raised - woohoo. They have jobs. This would have been much tougher to swallow 10 years ago. I do feel for the other feds who aren't as fortunate as we are. The infuriating part is that this time it's controllable - and is merely because of the dis-function in national government today.

The good news!

The desk came complete with mail!

Amy came home for the weekend. We like to see her, she likes to be home for a football game, her birthday is coming up and her desk is finished. All those things pointed to this weekend being the one.

Paul made her an oak desk when she moved into an apartment in Ames. In the Denver climate, the desk developed a crack across the top, so we brought it back with us in May and he cut it off and replaced it - this time staining it the new top black. She selected modern hardware to replace the brass finish that was on it before. It turned out really cool! Amy's car, little Dave the Honda Fit, really does fit a desk like that.

Jenna, Rachelle and Amy - with Paul staring into the distance

Last night was fun! Despite the fact that our usual homies couldn't make the game. Poor relative wedding date planning for the McKim clan, and Jeff McFee was farming. Bobbie is doing a software upgrade where she works. Regardless - it was a Thursday night tailgating experience - the ISU vs. Texas game for the Goldsmiths. We got to see Rachelle and Jenna -  Amy's college roomies. Man I love those gals! They tell the best stories - oversharing, and laughing about people in their lives who are a bit psycho.

I was proud of the way Cyclone fans turned out on a Thursday night - great crowd. McKims gave their tickets to cousins or some such - they were quiet guys. It wasn't like sitting by Diana. They didn't guffaw over the irritating lady behind us, who says the stupid things like, "run forward!". No shit!

Obviously the game result wasn't what we were looking for. Again. Such is the life of a Cyclone fan. Nothing new there. I'm happy to see our players improving each game - so I'm taking that away from the experience.

Today was girl's day for Amy and me. We got to have lunch with Paul's sis Carol, after a stop at All Spice in the East Village for some yummy oil and vinegar - you can taste it before you buy. We met Carol at the Drake area Jethro's. It was fun to catch up. She's in town for a quilting thing. Good food - good company.

We headed to Valley West Mall after lunch to get a pedis. Amy has a couple of ugly black nails as a result of hiking 14,000 ft. climbs. Her shoes weren't the best - and she bruised her toes. Ugh! Now they're pretty blue. It was fun to have a friend to talk to during my pedi. Usually I just read my phone.

I like having the kid around. I hope the Cyclones can get some wins soon. C'mon congress - figure something out and open the government. 

The wedding was perfect

Congratulations to the beautiful bride and her handsome groom. A good time was had by all, as the recording secretary used to say in the 4-H minutes. Amy left Denver the Monday before the wedding and drove through North Dakota - to cross another state off her list of places.

She stayed with Kelli and Toby that week - and was their wedding planner, by all accounts. The wedding program she designed turned out quite nicely. The kid does have a knack for that kind of thing. She's a trained professional you know! Kelli arranged for her to have a nice manicure.

Paul and I left our place just after noon Friday. We stopped for a cup of coffee with sis Carol in Northwood - at the Welcome Area near the Diamond Jo casino. It was nice to see her and get caught up on the Meyers kids. Then we were off again!

Moose (Steve) and Kay Wilt were already set up in the Country Inn in Northfield. Kay was having issues. It was too strange for her to be in a motel in Northfield! They almost always stay with the Behrs when they visit their daughters Jaime and Alyssa who attend the U. That's the University of Minnesota for those of you who don't speak Minnesotan. Jaime just graduated and will attend Physical Therapy School this fall. Lis will be a sophomore. The girls had headed to the city for a concert that night.

My pretty girl



Kay with Vicki and her mom Barb

 





 

Once Jud and Kara arrived, the six of us walked to Northfield's beautiful downtown to eat. It was fun having Jud there! He hadn't seen the gang for a long time, and they'd not yet met Kara. In the morning, the guys played golf early and the gals went to Behr's house to see the whole female wedding party makeup thing. Vic's mom Barb and sister Krista were there - it was so nice to see them. Amy's hair was done and she looked so pretty. They all had robes on, but Vicki's was extra special - it was a Lorraine Lingerie robe my dad had given her.

Lauren, Kara, Alyssa, Jaime

Kara and Jud



Kara, Kay, Jaime, Alyssa and I all went shopping downtown after that. I found earrings made of recycled inner tube and steel wire. Cool! There is also an oil and vinegar shop there - you can taste before you purchase. Very funky. We ran into the guys by the river - they were done with their golf game. After a rest, it was time to get ready for the wedding!

 

We got there early and were seated where we should be - near the front like we're family, of course. Prime photo position. Very classy ceremony - harpist, no organ and no soloist. The dresses were very pretty and Kelli looked regal coming up the aisle. Toby looked radiant awaiting her. I snuck a photo in during the ceremony, and then got some good ones afterward. Steve and Ann Hauser had arrived from the cities - another one of our college gang. I knew Moose and Steve before I met Paul!

 

Of course I made the fam get a group photo.

 

Greeting line

Love this shot

 

 

The reception was fun, though I ate so much I couldn't really do all my good moves on the dance floor. Of course nobody could tell...The fun thing was the photo booth set up upstairs. I've not heard of that before. We got a photo of the "gang" - all the Behr, Wilt and Goldsmith kids. We stayed until midnight, before finally giving it up. The DJ quit then anyway. A light rain was falling as we walked back to the motel. I'm sure the newlyweds didn't mind...

 

On Sunday we stopped at Behr's house on our way out of town. Jud and Kara took off before we did. It was hard to say goodbye to Barb and Jon - Vic's parents. Who knows when I'll see them again? Hmmm maybe Kelli's sis Lauren will get married next! Anyway - it was a very good time. And it really made me miss my buddies. We didn't get enough quality time with Vic and Fred. Or Moose and Kay for that matter. They all need to come to DSM to see our new place. First - my sis Cindo is coming with Bonnie. On Friday. Yippy!

Kelli and Amy a while ago

 

Hope you're having fun on your honeymoon Kelli and Toby. What am I saying - of course they are - they're in Mexico. They're newlyweds.  

 



 





Some girls get new Easter dresses

I get Easter shoes.

They were a bargain too. I love loafers! I was admiring these at a store at The Legends Outlet Mall in Kansas City a couple weekends ago when a couple women gazed upon them longingly, sealing the deal. I had to have them. On Sale $, yeah baby.

It's been a busy weekend. Chiya and I went to Oz and Great and Powerful yesterday. We hit Sub City first, where we each got a toasted sub. She likes meatball. I had purchased candy ahead of the movie - to be thrifty. The movie was good - not great. Chiya seemed to like it, and I liked being with her. Paul took the opportunity to head down to South Central Iowa to hunt for shed antlers.

I loved the noise the Little China Girl's feet made when she walked. The characters are the best part of all Oz books - people know the most famous characters: Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and of course Dorothy. Most haven't heard of Tik Tok, the Woozy, Shaggy Man (and his brother) and Button Bright. L Frank Baum, the author of the books, did such a fantastic job of describing his characters - both reoccurring and one-time. He put the reader right in the story.

Speaking of characters. My lil sis Chiya is a great kid. She texted me yesterday a.m. to ask what time I'd pick her up? (I had talked to her grandmother the day before to make arrangements) Then right away she texted again and said sorry - I forgot to say good morning. How cute is that? I will be going on vaca next Saturday so I won't be able to hang out with her for a while. I told her I'd text her some pics. I'm glad she has a cell phone. I'm looking forward to nicer weather so we can do some outside stuff!

Paul and I went to sunrise Mass at 7 a.m. We were surprised that our former priest in Creston - Father Pins was the celebrant. Small world! He is now in charge of recruiting new priests and religious. His sermon was good and he was very gracious when we said hello after mass. A mob of people were already waiting for the 8:30 a.m. mass as we left - there are 9,000 people in our parish.

Mom would have been proud that I used my China and Crystal

Later, we entertained family (not county the kids and Kara) for the holiday - a first in our new home. Paul cooked his famous prime rib and I did party potatoes in the crock pot. I got a couple desserts at Whole Foods. Paul's sis Carol brought the makings of stuffed mushrooms - they were very rich and yummy. Jean and Dave brought 7 layer salad and Barb brought a delish spiral ham along with her husband Mike and daughter Mandy. There was wine. Everything was good.

Mike and Mandy

Mandy, Jean and Carol

Barb trims the ham. Mandy is a ham.

Card sharks showed up after the meal

It was nice to get together with the fam after a long winter. (Let's hope winter is over!) Jean and Dave just found out that their granddaughter Ellie broke her leg skateboarding - the same type of break her dad had in 1979 (Steve was 13 and a headstone fell on him) when Paul and I first started dating. That was when I met Jean and Dave for the first time. They were in Ames visiting Steve in the hospital. I met Carol the next year. Wow...I've known them 30+ years. Goldsmiths are good Peeps - and not the marshmallow kind. Heal quickly Ellie.

The Happy Place Countdown is ON!

1 Week to my flight to happiness - Marco Island. Paul and I will meet Cindo and Colby there next Saturday. The way this winter has gone...for once it's not just about as warm here as it is there. I have been working at warp speed lately it seems. I love my job, but need a total break tree-hugging and from cubicle land.

I did enjoy a break from my cubicle yesterday as I worked with partner in crime Scott Flagg at a conference for landfill people and public works folks at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. Our bosses decided to invest some time and $ into a booth this year. Alex is a carpentry whiz. He whipped up an official Cornhole game. Yes folks that is what it's called - because Angie Googled it and found an actual association - Cornhole!

Scott Flagg with game - note skin with logo

Cornhole is a great tailgating activity! It was good for conferencing too. Alex built an "official" set and Jen had our communications department design a "skin" for it with our section's logo on it, made from sturdy Tyvec material. Angie ordered 4 bags - and yes, they're filled with - corn. It holds up better than beans.

LF Engineer Mike Smith blamed lack of beer for lack of prowess

We also decided to raffle a 4 seater park bench made from recycled milk jugs and plastic bags. This combination made our corner of the packed full exhibit room the "place to be" during session breaks! The sign up for the park bench was a good conversation starter. Those who chose to play the bag toss were eligible for several prizes - left over from last year's State Fair. People had fun with it. New employee Amy B. kept saying - "try the games - all the cool kids are playing!"

Landfill engineer Matt Phoenix, Scott and new girl, Amy Buckendahl(sp?)

Photo looking away from our booth - over 200 attended

Alex - at left is the supervisor of the Solid Waste Section.

I found out this afternoon that the landfill staff at the Iowa County Landfill won the bench and the director, Rick was thrilled! They have a beautiful facility, right by the Amana Colony and are certain to find a great spot to set the bench.

The other nice thing about this conference? Several people told me how they appreciate the attitude at DNR these days - how they feel staff is more committed to working with them. That comes from the top - Director Chuck Gipp was the keynote speaker yesterday and they liked what he had to say. I didn't get to hear it, but he talks at our periodic staff meetings. He gets it.

Enough about work.

We're entertaining for Easter! Paul's sis Carol, her daughter Barb with fam - husband Mike and daughter Mandy and Paul's sis Jean and husband Dave are coming. Paul will be making his standing rib. I'll whip up Mom's party potatoes in the crock pot. I stopped at Whole Foods today and got some yummy bread, and some desserts. Plus these beautiful flowers.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

Tomorrow, Lil Sis Chiya and I are going to the new Oz movie. I'm nervous, because I grew up on Oz - as did my Mom before me. The books are displayed proudly in my room - much beloved. I'm skeptical - but my supe, Jen said she took her 10 year old daughter who loved it. So I'm willing to give it a shot, for Chiya's sake - no 3-D though...that would mess with my head. Even more than I'm messed up already!

Fish 'n Eastern Iowa Transplants (mostly)

Headed to Norwalk - St. John's Catholic Church for their weekly Friday fish fry last night with a couple groups. First, we were invited by my long-time (notice I didn't say OLD)pal, Jane Ertl. I met her in college. She was friends with people who posted a note in the 'vator looking for chicks to go skiing over spring break.

Yep, that's right. My roomie, Vicki and I saw one of those signs in the Maple residence hall elevator - a sign with the little pull off tabs - that said something like: "looking for girls to share expenses for spring break ski trip to Colorado".

Vic and had gone to Vail over spring break the year before. We stayed with my sis Cindo and her roomies in East Vail. Cindy moved to Colorado after graduating from Drake in Art Education. She realized she didn't wish to teach in Bum#$%*, Iowa and some of her friends had moved west - so she followed. I was in my "all about me" me stage at that time in my life (18, preparing to attend ISU) and really didn't pay much attention to what my parents were talking about. Thinking about it now...I'm sure there were many loud conversations between Cindy and them about this development. "What about teaching art?"

Cindy and I have talked about it since then, and she's told how determined she was not to have to admit defeat on "making it" in Colorado. She worked several jobs to make ends meet - determined not to have to move back or ask for help. Cindy lived with a couple gals in part of a roundish house in East Vail. Vic and I shared the fold out couch - um not comfy. At the same time another Atlantic friend visited - Scott Deter, who was in grad school at Michigan State. So it was a full house. I think one of her roomies, Debbie Rouser, stayed with a friend to make room for Scott.

It was fun - we skied a lot and were so exhausted we were really too tired to party. We must have had high hopes in that regard, as I remember dragging hanging clothes on the plane, the bus and shuttle bus to Bart and Yeti's in Lionshead - just one of the places Cindo worked. It's a pub/restaurant - named after the owner's dogs, who really did hang out there. We dragged a lot of fancy clothes we never ended up wearing.

Anyway, back to the 'Vator note. Sophomore year we decided a group trip would be fun, but none of our pals were up for it. Vic pulled the note tab and made the call. The rest is history. I've lost connections with most of the people we traveled with - mostly first floor Maple gals (except Jane) Jolene Magill (sp?), Cindy (CA) Nutt, Deb Enzler, Terry something, and Jane - who was a fam friend of Deb E. Later some of us ended up living at 230 Campus Avenue - where I met Paul G. Goldsmith...Jane grew up in and still lives in Dyersville. She went to high school with Paul at Beckman - the Catholic school there.

Last night Jane was heading to Norwalk to see her guy, Ken Root, who lived in Norwalk for several years and got involved with the Knights of Columbus there - they head up the fish fry. In the meantime, Paul had talked to his sis Carol, from Northwood (Northern Iowa) who was headed down to see daughter Barb and fam - husband Mike and their cutie 8th grade daughter Mandy. Last fall they moved to a lovely townhome on the north side of Norwalk. Paul made arrangements for all of us to go for fish!

Barb grew up in Farley - not far from Dubuque. That's where Carol and her first husband Irv had a farm, before Irv's early death from a form of Alzheimer's disease. Carol, Barb and Jane played the "do you know" game while we ate fish, and Mandy found a friend from school to talk to. Ken is a radio/TV guy - so he can talk about anything! It was a nice time. When it was time to go, Paul even started up a conversation with one of the guys working - he was wearing a uniform, DM Police Dept. It turns out he was the guy who shot the mountain lion last summer. Ken needed to set up for another event the next night so Jane, Paul and I decided to drive over to Cumming to check out the Tap there.

Love this pic of the schoolmates - and couldn't make myself cut out the guy in the bibs in the background...

We went into Norwalk to another local joint when Ken joined us. It is a big karaoke night in town...but we resisted taking the microphone. I didn't have my backup singers - Diana and Bobbie...
Fun night! Note - I was drinking H2O on that night. In preparation for Saturday?

Shoulder and Peg - it will come back to you *(politics)

One of my favorite peeps was visiting Iowa this week. It worked out nicely into our schedule - the most excellent Bruce Hornsby concert Wednesday night - Paul rode up with Petersons and stayed all night with me at Joan's. I'm so lucky to have a nice roomie! ;>)

The next morning, we had a quick breakfast at Panera (did you know there's such thing as a French Toast bagel?) before my appointment with the shoulder surgeon at DMOS. That's the same place I went for the removal of Imelda, my shoe loving tumor (see my blog from March for more on this...). Unfortunately, the arm surgeon doesn't do shoulders. So that day I saw Dr. Kary Schulte.

First, because the computers at DMOS don't speak to the computers at Southwest Fam Physicians I had to have more X-Rays. I don't like that, but what are you going to do. At least I didn't have to disrobe and it was quick. Dr. Schulte reminded me a lot of my Doc Bro-In-Law - Betso's husband, Wayne Kohan. He's probably in his late 40's, soft-spoken, but someone you listen to. He put me through a series of movements and poked around. It didn't take him long to decide that scar tissue is my problem - not a torn rotator cuff, which I had feared.

I had a few options, but as bad as it's gotten, I've decided to have him put me under in mid July (as early as our schedules allow) and he'll crank that sucker and pop the scar tissue. Yeah, I know - sounds very painful. Paul had that done after his knee surgery and it was worse than the surgery! The same day of the procedure I'll begin physical therapy to prevent new scar tissue from laying down. This time I'll have to work through the pain instead of babying the thing - which is what I must have done that cause this whole problem. When it got sore, I quit using it. How are you supposed to know? And I didn't go to the doctor until it was too late - it was frozen by then. So a lesson to you all - treat injuries early! In between now and July 18, I'll Advil will be my friend and sleep hard to come by. Now that I know nothing is torn in there I'm going to get back to working out - no more whoa is me.

After my appointment (I was glad to have Pablo there for moral support and to ask questions), Paul dropped me off so I could work for a couple hours and he stopped at LifeServe Blood Center to donate. Yes - I turned him into a donor during our time living in the East Village. (Score one for me). I tried to donate at Valley West later, alas my blood pressure was too low. I hate getting rejected!

Dave Fox, Jean, (with Kelli - Denny's wife - not in this blog...)

Then we headed to Webster City for a mini-Goldsmith gathering - a chance to see my girl Peg Fox, who was coming back for her 25 high school reunion and to see family of course. In addition Paul's sisters were visiting: Pat, with husband Dave from Freeport, IL, Carol from Northwood and of course Peg's folks Paul's sis Jean and Husband Dave who have lived in Webster for a long time. Peg and her wife Brooke and twins Alex and Logan, age 4 arrived around 5:30 p.m. Sib pictures from last summer's fam reunion. Didn't seem to get one of Pat and Dave...

Carol and Jean

Peg is the second oldest of the Fox clan. Steve her bro lives in San Diego, Peg in New York City, Kris in Houston and Annette just west of the Twin Cities. So they are spread far and wide. When Peg moved to NYC in the mid 1990s, Jean and I went to visit her there. She attended the New School and worked part time. She had already gotten her undergrad and masters at UNI. It was then when I began to suspect that she was gay, but it was unspoken - I don't think I even said anything to Paul about it.

In 2000, Amy, Jean and I took a trip to NYC. Peg was temping at an insurance company and got us their box seat tickets to Tina Turner at Madison Square Garden. How's that for your first concert experience, Amy? We saw Lion King at the New Amsterdam Theater and had a great time throughout the whole trip! I love talking to Peg - she's a caring, intelligent, funny person. She always asks about our family and takes a true interest in their lives.

I can't say I was surprised a couple years later when Jean told Paul and me that Peg had come out to them - that she is gay. It was hard on Jean and Dave. I don't wish to bring this up every time I talk about her - the fact that Peg is gay certainly doesn't define her - but so many people still don't get it. I can't remember how long ago Peg and Brooke got married in Canada. Four years ago Peg gave birth to the boys - with the help of donor sperm. They are a committed couple raising their family just like any other couple. Oh wait - lots of children don't have 2 parents raising them...

Brooke, Logan, Alex, Peg

Anyway, for all of you out there who are against gay marriage - I wish you could meet Peg and her wife Brooke. Peg didn't choose to be attracted to women - she was born that way. The same with Brooke. Would it make all of us feel better if they faked it and married men? I'd prefer happy people marrying the ones they really love. If Dave Fox can accept this (he started out very conservative and his mind changed through the years), I think many of you out there can. When you have people who have been married and divorced multiple times arguing about the sanctity of marriage....

I'm glad we got to see them. The boys are full of energy - especially after a day of traveling. Like any good auntie I took sidewalk chalk - they enjoyed drawing "ant traps". It was a busy day, but paid off in hugs!

*Peg It Will Come Back to You is a song by Steely Dan