My funny Valentine week

Ah the quiet Sunday morning. Paul is visiting Lake of the Ozarks, helping our pal Don work on the McKim Lake Place. He and Diana purchased it a couple years ago and pretty much took it down to the studs and have steadily worked on making it into a great place to entertain friends from Des Moines. And others. The location is nice and it's going to be sweet when it's done!

Paul does something worky in the garage

Paul loves projects! It's one thing he truly misses at our place in West Des Moines, so when Don suggested this trip, he was chomping at the bit.

But lets start at the beginning of the week. I was in charge of a couple workshops Tuesday and Wednesday, involving our consultants from Ohio. I decided they needed to experience Jesse's Embers - a steakhouse that features wait staff that reminds me of the gals who used to work at the Country Club in Atlantic. Our waitress interacted with us, and the host greeted us warmly. While we were eating, I saw our realtor come in, and was able to say hello Marg and her daughter Holly. Marg was the one who introduced us to Jesse's Embers. It was a fun night talking to Cory and Tom about how we met our Valentines.

Cory and Tom

Wednesday we met Creston friends Deb and Larry Peterson for the Fleetwood Mac concert. The band was back - this time with Christine McVie! That band member wasn't with them when they were in Des Moines in 2013 and hadn't toured with them for many years. I enjoy many types of music and bands - but few bring back the memories of this one.

Concert goers

As I heard them begin to sing "Say that You Love Me" I thought back to the last time I heard them sing the song - 39 years ago. Yikes! Those numbers make me feel old in a way my mind doesn't accept. It was June of 1976. Paula, Chris and I attended Iowa Jam to see Kansas and Steely Dan and this band I hadn't really heard of - Fleetwood Mac was there too. I think we met Craig Both and Jeff Weppler there. It was really hot out, so by the time FM began to play we were heading out. I remember the strains of that song playing - and it stuck with me enough to make me want that album. A long love affair with the band began that day.

We weren't close - but the big screen helped

It was great to have the Christine McVie songs added into the repertoire of the group. Lindsey Buckingham is a fabulous guitarist and Mick Fleetwood rocks on drums. Some people don't like Stevie Nicks gravelly voice but I do - especially when she sings Landslide. I wish Christine would have sung the song Sarah. Good time - late night, but worth it.

Thursday night was ballroom dancing night for Paul and me. We are pretty good at rumba! At least in my view. That dancing is a good workout.

Paul took off early Friday to meet Don to head south to the lake. I had a work trip all day in southwest Iowa - Grand River, Sidney and Malvern. So binging on Netflix (Blacklist) was just what the doctor ordered.

The Cyclones had a home game Saturday. I invited Diana to use Paul's ticket - to watch the Cyclones handle West Virginia. After the game we met our friends Kari and Kevin and some others for a beer at Scheman. Then we headed to Whiskey River for supper - Kevin was our date! Laughter ensued. Fun times with those three friends.

I missed my Valentine but am enjoying the flowers he sent to my work on Thursday. And the chocolates I bought for him...

Today my friend Julia Hoilien is arriving to spend the night. She's been in the area visiting friends and she flies out tomorrow. I'm excited to see her and catch up! We'll begin plotting our next Class of '76 get together. Love goes out to all my family and friends. I don't say it enough to you all. I heart you!

Susi and the Baby! (Uncle Harv) and a walk

My sister Susan is now an Uncle Harv. One time she told me that she worked with a guy that didn't want to be called Grandpa. So he was going to have his grandchildren call him Uncle Harv, or Tom or something like that. Anything but Grandpa. I'm not sure what little James will call Susi. Nanna, Gramma or Momo. Whatever it is...I'm sure she'll love it!

Susi has arrived in Pasadena to help with baby care! She looks like a natural.  

I took a power walk after work tonight. I'm worried about Odie. She isn't jumping - because she's sore or weak - I'm not sure which. I had her anal glands attended to yesterday to see if that might help. I'm hoping she's just still sore from that. I figure it's a bit like hemorrhoids. But today she's still not jumping. The vet yesterday checked her back and legs and they seemed okay. Wiener dogs can have back problems. So I'm worried. If it's not your wandering kids, it's your dog. Walks help relax me.

On the corner of 68th and EP True- you can see Jordan Creek Mall in the distance

I walked along Elmer P. True Parkway and let dog problems fade away. I checked out progress on the new apartments. Who will live in all those units I pondered? Then I began to think about the apartments I lived in through the years.

Our Big 4 (Sal, Vic, Jane and me) first apartment in Ames - at 230 Campus Avenue. It was brand new in 1978 when we moved in, built by real estate guru Scott Randall. We paid $80 each per month that first year - for a two bedroom (2 girls per room).  The apartment was fully furnished - plaid couch/chairs and kitchen table with vinyl chairs, twin beds. I bet they've installed dishwashers at the place by now - but back then we were washing by hand. Vic, Jane, Sally and I sure had a lot of fun there. And that's where I met Paul - he lived in the 200's and we were in the 400's. When it came time to put together a co-ed softball team, he knocked on our door. He hasn't stopped knocking since!

After life pulled the college rug out from under me - graduation is a cruel thing after one has grown used to hanging with 3 best friends daily and partying several times a week. I was fortunate enough to land a job so I didn't have to move home to Atlantic. I found a furnished apartment in Sioux Falls South Dakota. The bed had seen better days. Ick. I lived there about ten months before I moved to Omaha.

Chris Deardorff helped me look for a place to live in Omaha. We checked out several and I ended up with a nice unfurnished apartment with cathedral ceilings on 144th and Pacific. I also went to Nebraska Furniture Mart and selected a couch, a queen sized bed and bedroom furniture and a butcher block table and four chairs. Exciting! Good thing I was a single girl and had actually saved money from working. Then I got engaged to that door knocking guy. He had gotten a job in Oakland, Iowa by then.

We decided to live partway in between our jobs - in Council Bluffs. We looked at a few options for living quarters - including a home on Lake Manawa. But we ended up living at an apartment on Little John Circle. Betso even lived there with us before we got married - keepin' things legit ya know. That was a nice 2 bedroom 2 bath place nestled up against a bluff and well-maintained. That was the end of apartment life for us though - when we moved to Osage we found a house to rent.

This place we thought about buying is right on 60th and had just been re-done

It took a while to think all through this. I walked to 60th and up to Ashworth. I took photos of a place we considered buying and that cool barn - the Aldrich Barnes place. It was a good workout in the steamy heat with a few light sprinkles.

I'd never noticed this sign before - we have Aldrich relatives on the Bullock side...

This barn is now sitting on some lucrative West Des Moines property

On the back side of the barn, development is taking place - looking south at Jordan Creek Mall

 

Last I walked by St. Francis, our church before turning south again on the home stretch. It was a nice 3.5 mile jaunt. Odie has a vet appointment on Thursday if she's not better by then. Tomorrow I'm off to Cedar Rapids.

St. Francis of Assisi

 



Odie - my bambino!

Red Magic and Cappel's Ace Hardware

Everett "Red" Faust of Atlantic passed away this past week. He was the father of my longtime friend Theresa, who passed away several years ago, much before her time. The Fausts lived down the hill and around the corner from us. Graysons were next door and the Weresh's across the street. Bredensteiners lived a half block away - scant seconds by bicycle. The Bucks were close by too.

Red Faust was quite a guy - larger than life, which was hard because he was like 6 foot 7 inches tall! His obituary is linked here: Red Faust Obit

Red was a radio guy by the time I knew him. Back then KJAN was Atlantic's only radio station - the one to listen to when one wanted to know what was happening in town. Were we having a snow day, released from school prison? Was our lost dog found? Red had a great radio voice.

Red could perform magic. When Theresa had slumber parties - which included ten or more of her closest friends, he would pull quarters our of our ears and do card tricks. He was game for anything. Robyn reminds me that he even played along with our "Lift" game. It was the usual slumber party thing to do. It went like this:

The volunteer. In this case - long, tall Red Faust lay on his back on the floor. The girls sat around him, each with 2 fingers under his body. The lead girl at his head said the words:
"He's looking ill." then everyone repeated that back, going around in order - clockwise. "He's looking worse" - everyone repeats. "He's dying" repeat and finally, "he is dead." Then everyone begins to chant: "Light as a feather, stiff as a board." (this was before we might have gotten a chuckle out of the subtext of that line...)
and they begin to lift the prone body with their fingers.

I'm not sure we got Red too far in the air! Red and Mary Jane, his wife agreed to judge a dance contest at the party too, as I recall. Later Chris Deardorff and I retired to sleep under the ping pong table. I couldn't handle the hazing that would befall others who fell asleep early - freezing bras, toothpaste on the legs, and the worst - a hand in the warm water, hoping the sleeper would wet the sleeping bag!

Rest in Peace Red. I am comforted with the thought that you are now with your beloved daughter Theresa.

Paul and I were shopping today and instead of purchasing 20 feet of chain for an antique paper press at Lowe's we decided to visit the Ace Hardware we spied on 50th and EP True. I like hardware stores - so full of cool stuff, with real people ready to assist you! As we walked in I noticed something I never had before - it said Cappel's Ace Hardware. Just like the store in Atlantic! Hmmm I wondered - are they related?

Connie Nixon - secretary of our townhouse association knows the Cappels in Atlantic. Before she retired she worked for an association for independent hardware stores. We selected a couple items and found the type of chain we wanted. Paul asked a guy working there to cut it for him, and they chatted. Turns out it was Dougie Cappel - no doubt now known as Doug.

In the small world department, Doug said he was just talking about me with my college roomie Jane Flack Conn. Their children attend Des Moines Christian School together. I taught swimming lessons to Doug (then known to me as Dougie) some 35 years ago at the Country Club pool. He remembers that.

It was so nice talking to Doug, the grown up man. He said such complementary things about our dad, Dave Bullock. He said his father Dick had attended Kemper Military School because of Dad, and that his dad thought the world of our dad. Doug also said he thought highly of Dad. It made me feel really good. I'll be buying local from that store again! You know, Des Moines isn't such a big place after all.

Dad 2002 - with his girls

Teachers and "their kids"

Tracey - a teacher friend from Creston, posted this on Facebook.

It got me thinking about my teachers. I had many whom (I hope I'm using this word properly...) I still think of quite often today. It just goes to show you...it works both ways! Teachers/coaches are important people in our lives!

I wrote last fall about my get-together with a group of high school friends. More than once, high school teachers came up. We had a lot of good ones in Atlantic.

To help with my memory, I dug out a couple Javelins - the Atlantic High School yearbook. I knew exactly where the books were because of our recent move.

My 7th grade year - I didn't even realize some of these people were on the School Board. Hell - I didn't even know there WAS a School Board.

• Bill Beatty - who was a family friend and farm manager for my grandparents
• Dick Cook - pharmacist and classmate of my Aunt Marty, we hung out with their fam because our babysitter (when our parents were out of town) Lulabelle, was also their babysitter. Cute kids - Terri, Sarah and Barb
• Supt. Schuler - they later named the junior high after him
• Jim Tyler - of Atlantic Bottling fame, the Tyler fam lived near us and Sue and I played a lot of sports together (she, much better than I) 
• Edith Shank, secretary - roommate of Jeanne Howarth
• Lyle Harris - didn't know him
• Wendell Pellett - later he became a legislator

John Hunter was the Assistant - listed as special services director. I remember him as the Principal of Washington Elementary. Not someone I wanted to meet up with. He looked stern and had a crew cut. They were our neighbors, down the street and had a daughter Susi's age.

High School Principal - Darrell Eblen - a pleasant, smiley man. My senior year I served as the "absent slip" collector in the Principal's office. I got to know the secretaries there and the boss. They were all nice. Del Neary was the Junior High Principal. He was somewhat scary - and he had to be! The Junior High brought together 3 grade schools under one roof, and people tested boundaries.

The enforcer was Rollin Dyer - the Athletic Director. He was a nice guy who could turn into Jack the Ripper with his voice. I tried to avoid that side of him. Years later I saw him on the sidelines of Creston's homecoming football game vs. Atlantic. Paul and I were on the Atlantic side waiting to walk our beautiful daughter daughter across the field as a homecoming princess. Mr. D. was all mellow in a lawn chair and I proudly made introductions. (Paul had broken a front tooth that week and threatened to escort Amy looking like a hillbilly, but Dave Buck came through and bonded it nicely). Creston won the game in a last second goal line stand - yay Panthers!

I must post a disclaimer here that there were probably several great teachers that I didn't come in contact with simply because I wasn't on that chosen career path - like nursing or teaching.
Norman DeLance - is listed as an English teacher. I recall his name - but don't remember him, or Barbara Fredricksen. And I don't mean to use this post as a gossip piece. These are my recollections with some embellishments from my girls through the years.

English
Mrs. Sweeney taught a fun Mass Media course that took our class on a field trip to Omaha. We went to an advertising firm, Bozell and Jacobs. We visited the TV station near UNO that showed Creature Feature with Dr. SanGuinary (Ah, Ah, Ah) - scary shows of my youth. What did Mrs. Royalty teach - wasn't she a character? Junior High stuff?

Poor Jo Ann Runyan got teased because the product Funion Rings came out when she taught, and everyone would sing that commercial inserting Runyon for Funyon.

Miss Wissink taught 7th grade English. Whenever I hear the song "Sweet Seasons" by Carol King, I always think of that class, because of the project I did for the class - using that song. I partnered with someone...Chris or Robyn?

There is lots of lore about Mr. Larry Lyons - and just how his, uh, package was arranged. Word has it that when he would wear his yellow leisure suit and other tight clothes, front row students could identify just what side the package was on. Mr. Lyons would move behind the podium briefly, and walaa! The package had moved to the other side. Magic. Robyn reported that she heard Mr. Lyons was running a bar in SW Iowa later in life...Essex? I've forgotten.

Thane Hascall - taught a couple classes I was privileged to take. Honors English - 10th grade? He was one of those teachers I really wanted to please. He was witty and kept class interesting. We read books like this one. 

High School was when I learned that stories sometimes weren't just about people doing things...they had symbolism. Deep, I know. I also took a class on plays (the kid who would not consider trying out for a play), and ended up playing a character with a Chinese accent in some mini-production. I refinished a little bench that was a play prop. It was a fun class.

Jeanne Howarth is listed as "Head of Dept." I'm sure that was important to her. Never married, roomie with Edith Shank, therefore cause of many rumors by the time I realized two women could be more than just roomies. She also must have had a problem with dry skin that caused her some itchiness. Jeanne took on a frosty, crotchety air as a teacher, but deep down she was a softy, I think.

When I was a freshman in HS, she and Edith moved into the duplex across the street from our house at 202 Crombie. We had just gotten Maxl, our Airdale pup, so I was in the yard quite a bit with him - so I had a few occasions to say "hi" to her. Sadly, one of the roomies, I believe it was Jeanne, was hospitalized and when Edith picked her up from the hospital. Edith went to drop her off at the duplex and must have suffered a massive heart attach at the wheel of the car. She stepped on the accelerator and nailed our former home at 202 Crombie - right where my bedroom was, and died on the spot.

Frances Dyer taught 7/8th English - I remember Roger Underwood announcing his Mom had a baby during one of those classes. We did those color coded reading things in a box. I recall not really reading, just guessing at the questions to see what score I could get.

Science

Lynn Barnes, junior high science teacher, was a hottie. All the girls were gaga over his bod. He and partner in crime, Chuck Burnett made a good duo for 13 year-olds just starting science studies.

Ruth Beaver taught HS Chem...until she quit to run away with a guy (was it Mr. Niemann, the Earth Science teacher?). Leaving me stuck with Roger Mathias - the Physics teacher. I won't blame my lame education in both areas totally on them...it might be genetic...

Lowell Clauson - might just have been the nicest man ever. HS Biology teacher. He would mix in stories of his visits to the Galapagos Islands along with having us to pith (kill) a frog. Later, when I was the asbent slip pickup girl, he would draw little pics on them for me. Good guy, and teacher.

Social Studies
I don't remember Mr. Carmichael. Miss Fett taught Junior High geography? Mr. Huebner was a popular teacher - he's listed for 9th grade history. Mr. Hiemstra taught that too - that's who I had. I had fun arguing with Mr. Neary about all things political - he was a big Dem, and I grew up a Republican. We all took his Government class senior year. Wally Roscoe too was a popular teacher.
Mr. Massman is listed for History - ?

Math
I have a love/hate relationship with math. I had several good teachers in junior high and high school who taught me. I started out the dumb kid in the smart class - in 9th grade honors algebra. Amy is an Algebra whiz, and Jud can do it too. They didn't get it from me. Mr. Holbrook tried to help me, and he kind got through to my sponge brain. I switched classes at the quarter and got into Geometry and Trig. Now that made sense! I believe it was Mr. Nissen who taught that class. Great sideburns.

Mr. Henderson - was a math teacher and also the track coach. Later, when we moved to Creston, he was the bane of our town as those Atlantic teams were always so good.
Mrs. Mikklesen - was a great Jr. High math teacher. I saw her years later when my son played basketball at the old high school in Atlantic.

Other staff
Senor Ricardo Seufert - was one of the most effective teachers I've ever had. I think of him often. We had those reel-to-reel tapes that I still remember pieces of. And some of the songs he made us sing. We also did bulletin boards - Richard Scary characters. I'd end up reading those books to my children 10 years later. We bitched about that man constantly! And he was a tough grader. We always thought he was gay - but he ended up marrying and having children. So much for my gaydar.

Delma Wright was the choir director. We liked to watch her arms flop. I was a miserable failure at choir, so I eventually retired. I still pretend today that I can sing. In Junior High we had a nice young woman for Mixed Chorus - she let us change the words to a song "Come Saturday Morning". We inserted "I'm going to watch the cartoons - Pink Panther and the Avengers, Wide World of Sports" and on like that.

Betty Heflin was the P.E. teacher - and golf coach, cheerleading sponsor. She was a solid lady - nice to talk to. She was the face of Atlantic golf for many years. Okay, she wore her hair really short, and I don't think I ever saw her in any color other than blue. She was a "Pat" like the Saturday Night Live sketch. How hard would that have been in the 70s? Hard...but she pulled it off.

Bob Younger - guys' P.E. teacher. They lived right down the hill from us. I didn't ever know him well. When I was younger, one time he watched Greg punch me in their yard, smiling all the while...of course I probably deserved it...Now he's lost 2 sons to early deaths. Sad.

Mrs. Lundgren - Junior High P.E. teacher - she was put in contact with girls at a very fragile time in their lives. She wasn't good at it. Case in point - Dodge Ball. Why let boys throw tiny rubber balls at girls? And why make girls get naked in a wide open shower and stare at them. Heartless.

Joel Simms - Another hottie, but he knew it. He was a very good softball coach. And he taught me to drive - and did a darn good job! Joel once hurdled the softball fence at Sunnyside to scoop up my sis Betso because a line drive had nailed her when she was keeping score on the old score board there.

Dale Allen taught shop and more importantly was the first coach of Atlantic Girls Basketball. Nice guy with a sense of humor. He had to be a very patient man, because we had a long way to go and that first year something like 80 girls went out for bball. Some didn't even know the rules of the game!

Miss Leslein was the coach of Girls hoops my senior year. I liked her a lot, even though she didn't see the brilliance in my playing abilities. I enjoyed having a woman coach. I didn't have her as a teacher. I think of her every time I hear the Aerosmith song "Dream On" - I traveled with Sharon and a couple others to scout teams we'd play in the future, and it seems like that song would always be in the radio.

Mrs. Elming - Home Economics teacher. Everything I know about sewing, I learned from her. Okay, so it's not that much, but I can sew on buttons! We also talked about makeup and cooking. She lived around the corner from us.

Mrs. Nebola - the art teacher. I wasn't the artsy type, so I didn't take any classes from her.

The Guidance Counselors (no help at all) Mr. Eskew/Mr. Jespersen - hope they have better ones today.

Miss Kathy Lincoln - Typing - one of the most functional classes I took! I use this skill daily.

Gwyn Kluever - Jr. High Librarian - I have fond memories of listening to Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat on headphones in the Library. And checking out books like "Are You There God it's Me Margaret". Gwen was my Mom's friend and we went to their house a few times. They had a trampoline. Fun! Gwyn left us too soon.

So those are mostly just my memories - so imagine when you get all of us Class of 76ers together what we come up with on teachers...

And teachers today have an even tougher job - because we were a box of chocolates compared to kids today. Only because the world today is more complex. They have a lot to deal with.

Bless all of you who teach! Remember that in 35 years, someone could be blogging about you!

Chick Trip 2

Robyn began whipping up a fabulous ham and cheese pastry concoction. and I whipped up lemondrop martinis....I'm not much for cooking but I can make a mean drink! After supper, we ended up dancing - rock and roll only, no hip hop. Chrissy don't do that. Flat Chris and Flat Pam joined in.

I texted this picture to Amy and she asked if we were in public - relieved that the answer was NO.

 

In the morning, Rob was again our chef, with some helpers. I was on clean up crew. She made Slomboli or something to that effect...eggs, bacon, potatoes all thrown together. Yum! Then we drove to nearby Hot Springs - and roasted ourselves in a series of hot stinky pools. Sal treated herself to a massage. I'm picky about who touches me...so I'll wait until I can see Chris my regular masseuse again for any bodily rubbing. (or my spouse of course...)

We cleaned up and hit a nearby town for lunch.

buddies since pre-school

 

buddies since nursery school

Paula and Sal

Julia and Chris

 

 

Then some shopping. All of that wiped me out!

Looking at some cool art in the window

 

But then Amy Elizabeth arrived after we returned to Julia's place that afternoon. It was such fun introducing her to my pals. She'd met and hung out the Jule since living on the land of mountains. And she's been around Sal some. But Amy had never met Chris, nor Paula before. And she'd not been around Robyn since she was a tyke. I loved having my girls all together. I don't think Amy's ever really been around single ladies my age - especially cool ones like Robyn, Paula and Chris. It's good for her to know that married or single - we chicks can have fulfilling lives. We stayed up late laughing and telling stories.

 

I rode with Amo back to Eldo the next day - nice to have time for the two of us alone. We took a scenic route off I-70 through Golden and over to our destination. I played sous chef for Robyn and we whipped up grilled sannies for lunch that day. Then we headed to Boulder where a Fall Festival was going on. I made my big purchase of a pepper mill. The $600 cowboy boots were tempting though!

Amy and me creekside

 

That evening Julia whipped up a tasty Italian Soup. We enjoyed hanging out by the river by our little home we were staying in. I had taken along a book called "If", and we sat beside the creek and posed questions to each other like, if you could reincarnated as an animal, what would you be? I picked eagle. Sally's sis Cindy and her husband Dan arrived - so nice to see them. They have lived in Boulder since 1980. Nice to introduce them to Amy too! All too soon my baby had to head back to Denver. It was hard to say goodbye - probably won't see her until Thanksgiving.

Julia and Robyn - Pals

 

In the a.m. it was cleaning time. We got ready to leave and spiffed up the place. Julia took Robyn to the airport - big hug before she left. Love that girlie! Jules got back right before it was our turn to leave. Then we totally missed the turn and barely got Sal to the airport before her flight. Paula, Chris and I had a nice lunch before it was time for Chris and me to catch our flight to Omaha. Paula's flight was delayed to Austin. But she landed about the same time I drove into Creston, so all the girls were home. Tired, and feeling very content. There's nothing like girlfriends.  

 

 

 

  



My girls in Colorado

I'm exhausted. In a good way! I returned yesterday from my long weekend with my girls - some of them have been my friend since we were 3 years old. Paula, Robyn and I attended Mrs. Luin's nursery school together - way down yonder in the Paw Paw Patch. (we sang that song when she picked us up in her station wagon). Sal moved in a few years later and Chris and Julia not until elementary school - 6th grade?

We all converged in Eldorado Springs, Colorado (Eldo) last Thursday because we like spending time together. We had fun last summer at our 35th class reunion, so we planned this then. Jules did a great job putting together a plan for us. Chris and I arrived first and Julia picked us up. We headed to Big D - Denver! To see my baby girl Amy, who rode her bike to a coffee place. Julia and Amy knew each other but it was nice introduce Chris to my daughter. She's such a cutie. Fun hanging out for an hour before she had to head to work.

Then, to Eldo for Chris, Julia and I where we saw Julia's massage studio. It's a cool lil spot along a beautiful river. She doesn't need to pipe in massage music - just crack a window. I bet the sound is just so beautiful along with the masseuse. Then we whipped us some snazzy sandwiches for a gourmet picnic when the others arrived in their rental van a couple hours later to hugs all around. J's husband Jeff was at her place - such a nice guy. We grabbed the cooler and snacks and headed to the park by Eldo - there were hikers and rock climbers, and then us. Chatters and sippers.

That night Julia served us some great cream of butternut squash soup. And we got to see the Hoilien-Mason girls - Zetta and Marcella. Julia worked a deal so four of us could stay a few doors down at her friends home, right on the river. Cool place! Our home away from home.

See Chris and Pam over Chris W's shoulder...

Friday we stopped in Boulder for lunch and a bit of shopping. Our friends Pam and Chris couldn't join us - but Robyn brought along Flat Pam and Flat Chris, and we took them everywhere! Such fun. We even took them shopping. Then we were off to Winter Park - through Estes Park and over Trail Ridge Road.

All the elk Paul didn't see on his hunting trip

The girls look over the wall

Next - we reach WP.

McKinley and the Magic Paintbrush

I walked around Creston's McKinley Lake and Park yesterday as I took the day off. I was recovering from our wonderful trip to Galena, Illinois with HS homies Paula and Chris along with Chris's hubbie Larry. When one is a commuter, it's brutal to get home on a Sunday and pack up once again to leave at the crack O'dawn the next day.

Monday a.m. I got to spend my morning with my good friend Chuck at S&K Cafe. And my homegirls Deb, Susan, Patti, Pat, Diana, Bobbie and Linda. They all brought me birthday cards - yes, it's my birth week! I got to kick it off in style. After breakfast I headed home to hang out and relax on my day off. Odie was overjoyed to see me. It doesn't take much to please that little wiener!

That afternoon, when the autumn sun was beaming down, I decided to take a walk around the lake by our house. I took the camera along to capture some of the sights of my neighborhood and hometown. Creston is at its finest this time of year! It's as if some higher power dabbed beautiful fall colors around town, making even the most mundane areas flashy and handsome.

She looks very pissed off about being in a bun

It was Halloween of course so I dragged out Odie's bun costume. She hates it, but I talked her into leaving it on long enough to get her photo taken. We only had a few trick or treaters. Mmmm more candy for us

Pals and Marrow

We were in Galena this weekend with my old pals Paula Bacon and Chris Deardorff Colletti, along with Chris's husband Larry Colletti. Paula, it seems, has a time share and decided to waste some of her points on us! And we're glad she did.

We took off about noon on Friday, driving to Galena, arriving about 5:30 PM. Galena is just across the Iowa border past another of my fave communities, Dubuque. Paula had flown into Chicago from her home in Austin, TX that morning and rode up to Galena with Larry and Chris who live in Downers Grove, a Chicago suburb. We were just getting settled into our beautiful WorldMark Club condo east of town when Larry, Chris and Paula joined us after they picked up a few groceries for breakfast the next morning. Hugs all around.

Let me tell you about these ladies. They have been friends of mine for a long time, since we went through grade school together - lots of history there. Even though Chris and Paula weren't into sports and I was, we managed to stay friends through high school. By my senior year, they were they people I hung out with the most. When it came time for college though - we all went different ways. Chris and I hooked back up when we both lived in Omaha for a time. No matter what, our shared history of growing up in A-town, slumber parties, school, dances etc. has bonded us forever! Plus we all grew up to be pretty fun!

We each got our own 1 bedroom condo, complete with a 2-way living room/bedroom fireplace and a great big whirlpool tub. There was also a nice big swimming pool and hot tub, workout area and game room. It is a very nice facility! We decided to meet at Collettis place for drinks before we headed out for supper at Vinnie Venucci's, an Italian place on Main Street in town. I mixed up Lemondrops for the gals - which they enjoyed if I do say so myself. After supper we wandered up the street a bit, and then headed back to the condo to sit in the hot tub. Paul and Larry watched the yawner of a Game 7 World Series game.

The next day (Larry Colletti's birthday!) after breakfast at Paula's (we forced Chris to get up early...she's normally a late-to-bed, late-to-rise kinda gal), we headed to town for a day of shopping and hanging out. We had a bit of chocolate, and loved the vintage store that contained goods from our era (damn...we're now vintage!) Of course there were football games going on, so there were plans to check on scores throughout the day. It was gorgeous out! We ended up standing in a sports bar watching then end of several games. Larry attended Missouri, Chris - Iowa, their daughters Annie and Kate - Illinois, and all you readers know where my heart lies - with ISU (and anybody playing against the Hawkeyes...haha).

We ended up the night at a brew pub, getting a drink and a bite to eat. They had an interesting menu that included...marrow with crackers. Yum...NOT! We did end up with a meat and cheese tray that included venison and buffalo sausage that Chris couldn't bring herself to eat. Paul was incensed. Not really.

It was entertaining to see all the costumes. Galena hosts a fantastic Halloween Parade - that we could almost see from our table! I did wander out to the street to check it out a couple times. Thousands of people lined the narrow main street. Lights, costumes, floats - even bands. It was all really awesome on a warm night for late October. I saw a couple dressed in boxes that said Barbie/Ken - with plastic on the front. I asked "Ken" if he was anatomically correct. I can't help it...these things just pop out of my mouth!

ISU vs. Texas Tech scores popped up on the TV at the bar we were at - couldn't believe we were leading! Headed back to our condo to again sit in the hot tub, while Paul watched the 2nd half of the game. I didn't want to jinx the team by watching...they had done so well without me in the first half!

This a.m. we had breakfast at a place on mainstreet and then it was time to say goodbye. I was sad to leave - such fun to see my friends again. I hadn't seen them for several years, and then I got to see them in July for our class reunion and now. When will we see each other again? I think we better make this type of get-together an annual thing!

Fried, but in a good way!

I'm fried tonight, so pardon me if this isn't my most scintillating post. I've been traveling the state of Iowa again, with a motley crew of co-workers, auditing Environmental Management Systems at solid waste agencies. Cast of characters:My supervisor

• Jennifer - her husband and 9-year old daughter were at home, where Molly only ate the carbs out of her school lunch
• Becky - a mommy who left her husband in charge of a couple kiddos. Becky actually partially dressed sleeping Trent the morning she left, and left a reminder note about "show and tell" Ah I remember those days... 
• Jeff - partner Nick was left in charge of pooches Leia and Lucy.

This week we visited Cedar Rapids Linn County and the Waste Commission of Scott County in Davenport.

Scenes from the audit, Scott County - wow, doesn't this look exciting?

Jen, Jeff and Becky look over the recycle beetle located at the CR Linn Landfill

They're doing good things for the environment at those places, despite what you might think about trash and landfills! I enjoy getting out and talking to the people that are on the "front line". The ones that run the dozers, collect household hazardous materials, pick up litter and run the scale.

But man, being on the road two days, and having to be "on" all the time. It's quite wearing. I drove about half the time - thank goodness Jeff shared with me. The traffic across I-80 is a bitch!

The scale operator keeps the bad stuff like chemicals and other hazardous things out of the landfill...plus she has Milkbones!

These are the types of projects our participants are doing - setting goals to sell composters and rain barrels and surpassing them - continuous improvement!

I was glad to get home to Joan's yesterday evening. The furnace guy was there - to the tune of a new motor for $600+. Joan was not a happy camper for a 7 year old furnace..

Paul returned home Wednesday evening from a successful hunt in South Dakota. He was with Mike Huston and Tom Sullivan- college buddies. Next - a weekend trip with my High School homegirls - Chris and Paula!

Lover man

Oh where can you be?

Do you remember Lady Sings the Blues? My high school homies and I loved that movie about the legendary blues singer (and heroin addict) Billie Holiday. The movie featured Miss Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams - before his Star Wars days. Sexy. I purchased the record album and memorized it.

My frosh year of college Robyn and Chris D. came to visit me in the the dorm - back in the day when dorms weren't nearly cushy like they are today. You had to go down the hall to the shower - and there just happened to be 3 of them lined up in a row. We three girls showered at the same time and somehow started belting out, "Lady sings the blues. She's got 'em bad. She feels so sad. Wants the world to know. Just what her blues is all about." The theme song from the movie. And let me tell ya - them gals can sing! (and I fake it pretty well in the shower).

So today, as Paul headed off to Colorado hunting, out of cell phone reach, another of the movie songs, "Lover Man oh Where Can You Be?" popped into my head. At least he left a map showing the area where he'll be. And Amy called to check on me already. ;>) 

Saturday night's alright for chatting

Back to a rundown of the AHS class reunion weekend. Saturday - after the walk through the old neighborhood, the rest of the day went quickly! Paul and I first shopped in friendly downtown Atlantic. While I can no longer say "charge it to my dad," in the stores, like I could back in 1972, I still enjoy shopping in Atown. Back then, I'd give the clerk my name and they'd send an invoice to my folks. No plastic needed!

Our first stop downtown was at Bonneson's 5 & 10. The clerk there was sure to speak to us as we walked in the door. The candy counter looks much the same as it did when the store was across located the street, and I would stock up on pixie stix, wax lips and lemon heads. Today Bonneson's is chock full of a variety of goods - from candy to fabric to Iowa and Iowa State stuff. Next we were off to Brown's Shoe Fit where the manager was very nice and happily accepted our Cabela's Visa for the lovely Clark's sandals I found on sale. We bought flowers for the cemetary and made a stop there where five generations of Bullocks are buried.

We met Chris and Paula for bite to eat at Bob's Downtowner, checked out the school, and looked at photos on the wall at the new Atlantic YMCA. The picture is of our girl's basketball group, circa 1969? What a hoot! Mrs. Key was the leader, Chris and Paula reminded me, with crabby Mr. Holt holding down the fort as manager of the Y.

And at the new Atlantic Y, my mom's photo is on the wall for a volleyball championship with Betty Pellett and Bev Freese (Mom's bestie who died of lupus in 1975). I don't even remember mom playing volleyball. The Atlantic YMCA is a beautiful facility with a huge weightroom. I'm sure it doesn't have the heart of the old place though - oh the fun I had on that trampoline!

Paul and I stopped at the Country Club to check out the accomodations for the evening and most importantly make sure the bar was set up. Old guys were playing pitch in the bar. I stopped to say "hi" to Don Reinertson and Ron Guttenfelder. Seemed like Dad should be sitting there! Then Paul and I went back to Chestnut Charm to get ready for the big night.

Of course as hostess, I wanted to get to the Club first. Paul got me a nice vodka tonic, and we sat and waited for the other 76ers. While we waited we got to see some old friends! It was good to talk to Collette and Chuck Kinen - Mom and Dad's neighbors at the condo. Chuck is battling pancreatic cancer - so good to see him looking pretty good. His daughter Lynn is married and lives in Creston. Her husband Mike McCabe coached Amy in several sports and their kids are around our kids' ages. There are a number of Creston/Atlantic connections. (but we all know Atlantic is kinda snooty but richer, and Creston is plainer but good hearted).

I also got to say hello to Dick and Pat McCauley - parents of my HS BF Mike McCauley. That fam will always have a warm place in my heart! Pat played the violin at our wedding. Mike lives in Michigan and didn't make it back for the reunion - some story about bike trips he needs to go on. Likely story!

Classmates started heading in to the Country Club. Fun to chat with everyone! Facebook friends can see them all there on my page. I took photos throughout the meeting.

I know people were prolly disappointed, but I didn't make any big Roger Underwood type speeches, and all too soon the meal was over. After that, many of us headed downtown for a photo opp at the Atlantic sign.

The girls then headed to the community center for Pianopalooza - dueling pianos, held in conjunction with the All Class Reunion. We got to see some '75ers like Pat Riggs and Marci Merrick. Plus Chris's bro John and wife Amy were there. But it was too loud, so we headed to a bar out by HyVee, so we could talk. I realized my time with my friends was growing short!

We had quite a tableful of folks! Robyn, her sis Lynn Henningsen, Joan, Chris D, Chris W, Candace and her husband Matt, Paula, Sally, Julia and Toni Mason (who got home so late her 81 year old dad got worried and drove around looking for her..). Finally it was time to head out. On the way back to Chestnut Charm (Paula and Chris D rode with us), we had an inane conversation about the Bauer girl who was in the Animal House movie and Chuck Templeman....

Again - lots of laughing throughout the day. Did I mention how I much I love to hang with my girlfriends of the class of '76?  I guess when you:

• Go to birthday parties with people when you're little, popping balloons with your bottom - and then win prizes!
• Attend school with kids every year, playing together at recess - 4 square, kickball, boys chase girls, the 5th grade girl's video on getting one's monthly curse (aka eating hohos)
• slumber parties - staying up all night, "light as a feather, stiff as a board", dance contests, sneaking out, feed us Faust
• Y-Dances, Jr High Dances, 4-H Dances, Church Dances
• Keggers, Driver's Ed and so much more

You never forget your bond!  So my goodness - I've been through a lot with these girls. My formative years! So I hope we still have a few formations ahead of us. We plan to get together again in a couple years. Some people mentioned Okoboji - but it's off the beaten path. I'm thinking someplace easier to fly into. But hell, I'm up for anyplace these chicks wanna go!