Writer's Block redo - Coffee

This post originally ran in 2013. I have updated it and am now reposting for your reading pleasure. I don't know if it's retirement, isolation, or lack of dedicated effort - but I'm having a hard time coming up with Blog topics that I haven't already covered. Plus we don't really do anything, so a diary blog is out. Here goes on the redo: 

Coffee Jones

Age 12 with Momo, Bubba and Charlie the dog

I think it was my grandma, Zora Clayton Stewart Bullock - aka Momo, who introduced me to coffee. She "babysat" a few times when Mom and Dad were out of town. Momo drank coffee, just like Mom, but at breakfast time she encouraged me to try it. She added lots of milk and sugar. Instead of my usual Cap'n Crunch, I had toasted Wonder Bread, slathered in butter dipped into a marvelous concoction of coffee, milk, and sugar. It was a fun and different treat for when Momo stayed with us! It made me feel so grown up. 

Mom enjoyed coffee too (with her morning cigarettes). Remember those perking coffee pots? We had one -just like everyone did in the 1960s. Those pots made interesting noises, indicating that something important was going on inside! They took forever to brew coffee. If you forgot to put the top on the pot, the coffee perked all the way up to the ceiling! Leslie the kid thought that was really funny. 

In the 1970s Mom when through her "Zen" age. She got a funky coffee press with a filter and a decanter that sat on the stove. It was all very complicated. I don't know if it tasted any better, but she thought she was very sophisticated! Many years later, our daughter Amy got this same system. And she's lefthanded like Mom. So even though I attribute Amy's gentle personality to Laura Goldsmith, Paul's mom, there is some Pat in her. haha. Once drip coffeemakers came out, Mom went to a Mr. Coffee system. You just couldn't beat the convenience - AND that name. A dude was making you something! 

I never became a big coffee drinker in my early years, despite that yummy coffee, milk, sugar concoction. In college, roomie Vicki and I picked up some Folgers instant coffee crystals for late-night studying. It was before the microwave days - so we still had to boil water! I remember when Vic and I took Zoology together. We stayed up so late before a test that we became "slap-happy". I still smile today when I hear the scientific words for the various secretions the body makes as we had to memorize them. We laughed until we cried. Those college years were magical! The coffee wasn't.  

I didn't start drinking coffee again until I got married to a guy who has a real coffee jones. Paul can't help it - it's in his genes. Nature and nurture really. The Goldsmiths are farmers. They drink coffee 24/7. Recently we had a family Zoom and we talked about who drinks coffee. Most still do - some all day. Paul amazes me - he can drink the stuff (black of course) until midnight and still sleep. He'll even drink cold coffee after it's sat in the car all day when we're traveling. We take the thermos everywhere. 

Me? I'd better not sniff caffeine after noon or I'll be buzzed for hours. Sometimes I can get jittery from just one cup! My Creston bestie Deb and I used to get coffee drinks at True Value in Creston. Yes, in that town the coffee place is in a hardware store - they can multi-task, and it's good. We'd go on Sunday afternoon, then I'd lay awake for hours that night. Nancy Drew finally figured it out. It was the caffeine. Duh! I had to go to decaf. 

In 1986 we moved to Creston, the home of Bunn-O-Matic an international coffeemaker company. Since then, we have been spoiled by coffee brewed instantly. I know the real experts look down on this method, but we lived and worked with the Bunn-ites! I toured the factory, which is the largest employer in town. Their employee break area has all of the good beverages - coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Okay, probably not as good as the break area at Coors, but close! We had three Bunn-O-Matic brewers in our 26 years of living in Creston plus a few in West Des Moines. Finally, a couple of years ago, our most recent Bunn gave out and we went with a different brand as we were buying retail. We went with a Cuisinart drip coffeemaker that doesn't require a paper filter. We like it. But I still enjoy checking out restaurant coffeemakers to see if they are Bunn people. 

Paul used to think Folgers was the "best part of waking" - except for another day with me (haha). After moving to the (not so) Big City, he has learned to grind his own beans (since we bought Starbucks beans by mistake one time and I purchased a grinder). We've tried lots of types of beans, but he's a Starbucks fan. Since he grinds it and drinks it black, he gets to pick.

Some people swear they can't function without their morning joe. There are lots of cartoons, memes, dishtowels, and decorations based on coffee. Beyond Starbucks, in Des Moines and everywhere, fancy coffee has never been more popular. I do enjoy a coffee drink like a latte but have to admit I am somewhat intimidated by some of the hot and cold beverages available today. Today's people have taken "special orders don't upset us" to a high level. It turns out we like that. 

I'm still getting used to this new personalized way of life. In the olden days, families like mine had more kids and less time for personalization. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the number of choices available. At coffee shops, I usually stick with skinny vanilla lattes. I'm sure there are lots of other delicious possibilities - but what if I choose unwisely? The problem is real y'all! Paul always sticks with black coffee at those places. 

During the pandemic, and just over one year of retirement, it's amazing how much enjoyment I've gotten from my morning cuppa with Cinnamon Dolce creamer. I usually just drink the one cup with a warmup partway through. Caffeine jitters you know. A friend of mine lost her sense of taste/smell after getting Covid-19. Coffee is one thing she really misses. We don't know how much we rely on daily rituals until they're gone. I hope you have something to help get you through each day - a beverage, snack, snuggle, TV show, or exercise. It's all good. Be kind - to you and others. I'm working on that every day. 

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Lovett, Storm Warning, Emergency

Months ago I purchased two tickets for a Lyle Lovett concert at Hoyt Sherman Place. Why, you might ask. How did I become a Lyle fan? I blame it on my friends Mary Faber and Deb Peterson.

In 1996, not long after my Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, those two asked me to go to a Lyle concert. They knew I was feeling sad. I knew who Lyle was - a couple of his band's songs had made it to the radio. But I didn't know much about him - except that he'd had a brief, ill-fated marriage to Julia Roberts. Never-the-less, a night out with those two wonderful friends was just what I needed! I don't remember much about the night except the love and care Mary and Deb provided. And that Lyle Lovett and the Large Band didn't suck. I didn't rush out and buy all their CDs - but their music kept percolating in my head.

Years later, living in Des Moines, I searched for music to fill out my library. I often wear earbuds at work to drown out the cacophony of cubicle-land. Especially since I sit by loud-talking phone guy. He seems to think his phone is like those old "cans with strings" we use to put together when we were kids. He yells at people on his phone. Ugh. Insert earbuds, turn up tunes.

I ended up getting a Lyle CD and they had me at "That's Right You're Not From Texas" and "MONEY". I'd always thought they were a country band, but no - they're more swing. And the individual talent of the Large Band is special.

Deb and Leslie love cheese and fancy drinks

I knew Paul wouldn't be too wild about seeing a band he's never really listened to. And he's left me...for his hunting trip. So I asked my pal Deb and come up for the 8/31 concert. We made a night of it, visiting the Cheese Bar and Eatery A.

Band members have been together for many years. Cello player was born in Iowa! 

Hoyt Sherman is such a special concert venue - the musicians always bring it up. The acoustics are marvelous. I got seats up close but off to the side. They played many of my favorites. The musicians and female singer Francine get a lot of solo time. They played for over 2 hours. Fun night. The while weekend Deb and I enjoyed time to catch up on each other's lives. I miss that! It was hard to say goodbye Saturday morning - but it was Game Day baby!

Or so I thought! I packed up the gear and headed to Ames about noon. Kevin and Kari got a slick new trailer this year. Tailgating was fun, but no lie, I missed my honey.

Kevin and the babes at the game

He did call while I was still on my first beer of the season. He was high on a mountain peak. The phone was cutting out - I heard a story about how he and his hunting buddy Al had come upon a father/daughter team riding mules to hunt elk. It was her 16th birthday present. For some reason, the mules spooked and dumped the riders. The dad hit his head and the daughter was injured and couldn't get up. Paul and Al dumped their packs and hiked back to the parking area to call mountain rescue. Chainsaws had to be used to get a 4-wheeler up the path to get a stretcher up the get the girl. I was concerned about the mules (of course). They ran back to their trailer. Phew! The dad left a note on their windshield yesterday - thanking them. It turns out they ended up with only cuts and bruises. Yay! No other hunting news - the elk are in hiding.

Creston's Trevor Downing (the big guy) Freshman lineman

Hmmm storms look ominous. There's a Cyclone warning! 

The game was exciting! All 4 minutes. The usual cast of people that sit by us was accounted for. Yay! We high-fived after ISU's touchdown. Then lightning and rain hit. Game Over. We sat in the car. It turns out they have to wait 30 minutes after every lightning strike. Which means the game could have started at roughly 3 in the morning. It was the longest lightning show every.

We finally ended up back under our tailgating tent drinking a beer, eating sugar cookies - what a combo! We laughed taking down the tent in the rain. Those people are so damn cheerful. Big thanks to Erecke's for putting me up at their house Saturday night. And to everyone, who stopped by our tailgate. It was fun seeing you all. Next time there will be a real game to follow!

This group laughs a lot! 

Your own toughest critic?

Our recent trip across Nebraska allowed me some "deep thought" time. Sure, I talked Paul into listening to a book with me. It was "Crime Song" by David Swinson. The main character is a coke (the drug, not the soda), addicted private investigator.

Listening to the book didn't lend itself to thinking time. It did help get into the mind of an addict though. The author does a great job of revealing the main character's thought train. He's a good guy, but first and foremost in his life is securing his next high. Life is complex. When you add in that layer, boy. I'm not sure how addicts do it. You can see how their lives quickly swirl towards disaster. Living hell comes to mind. I hope Congress - state and federal continues to work on this issue. 

When we weren't listening to the book I thought about a recent article I read in the NY Times. "Why You Should Stop Being So Hard On Yourself". It was a good read for me because I am guilty of that. (See, I am hard on myself).

Is that a good thing? Or bad. A little of both. Not being satisfied helps you strive for more, better. But constant self-derision is no good. 

I beat myself up (mentally) when I make mistakes at work. Yet I easily forgive others - after all, they're only human. Daughter Amy and I had a conversation about work mistakes last weekend. She depends on herself to proof everything because she is a one-person graphic design shop. Yes, she does require clients to "sign off" on projects, but even then, when mistakes are discovered after printing - she feels awful.

I reminded Amy that people are human. It's a good goal but is not logical to expect 100% perfection all the time. Amy works by herself. She doesn't have human peers - only her canine buddies, Franklin and Eros. They make mistakes that can be cleaned up with paper towels. When you work with other people I think it's easier to forgive yourself because you see and hear about other errors they make. 

My role model for diet and exercise is my bestie Deb Peterson. If you know her, you understand that she is one of the most disciplined people you'll ever meet. She has more self-control in her little finger than I do in my whole body. Deb makes up her mind to change her diet and she just does it. I waffle. Then eat waffles. Deb even works out on vacation. It took me years to join a gym and then hire a trainer.

At last week's training session, Torie, my 23-year-old, perky trainer tortured me with a "pick your poison" kind of workout. I had to pick a word and she'd look on a sheet and tell me, according to the letters in the word, what I had to do. I F-ing hate jumping jacks. Wall sitting for 30 seconds? Leg shakes. Every time she announced my torture, my face told the story. But I performed them all. Except for the plank. My shoulders don't do that anymore. I was being self-critical - that giant mirror doesn't help. Torie did tell me my lunges are getting better. Small victories. 

Then I remembered - I'm now 60 and really haven't worked out for about 10 years. Sure, I walk and ride my bike. When I lived in Creston, I worked out with my girlfriends. That was 2008. I'm trying again. Even though I hate it, I want to have a workout routine because I want to be in shape. 

I've had three weeks off from my volunteer gig at Lutheran Services of Iowa helping teach immigrants English. I'm looking forward to going back. The students genuinely wish to learn. I sometimes feel frustrated at my lack of ability to "reach" the students. My heart is in the right place and I will continue to try to find ways to improve my teaching skills.

Have you noticed those articles that tell you what/what not to wear, and what your hair should look like? I have a love/hate relationship with them. Part of me thinks I should be happy just being me, and the other part wants to "fit in". Ugh, why do I still want to fit in? I need more deep thinking time to solve that one.

If you can't tell, this blog kind of a self-evaluation. Right now I'm working on my evaluation for work too. Noting what I'm doing. Listing what I'll do next year and thinking about what can I do better. Trying not to beat to self-critical. 

What about you? Are you too hard on yourself? Do you carry that mantle around? If so, think about taking it off your shoulders. How would you do that? How would that feel? I'm still figuring it out.

Paul and I took our new kayaks out for a spin at Raccoon River Park this morning. They are beautiful Cyclone red!

Mine's name is Rio and Paul's is Buick (it's really Skylark - but that's not manly enough). It was a gorgeous morning and we love the new boats. They glide nicely and are lighter and shorter - easier to load in the truck. It's a great way to start a day! That sure helps one have a good self-attitude. 

Hating on Hate

There was love and there was hate.

Our former hometown, Creston is a wonderful place filled with some awesome people. And some that aren't that great. Yes, just like in any town, there are some jerks living there - and I don't just mean people who disagree with my views.

I appreciate that everyone can't be as fair-minded and intelligent about the world and politics as I am. Wink, wink.

Creston has had some hiccups lately. For the past few years a wanna-be artist, perhaps with repressed homosexual tenancies (yes, Dr. Leslie has made a diagnosis), has sent anonymous hate mail (the snail kind) to anyone in town that they deem gay or gay-friendly.

I first I  heard of this was when this person picked on my friend Barb on the occasion of her daughter's engagement announcement hit the local newspaper. I can understand someone not agreeing with the concept of gay marriage and not getting married to a same-sex person and attending churches that don't perform those ceremonies. Others feel they must speak out publicly against it, lest we all think silence means agreement. While I'm no biblical scholar, I kinda wonder about the hypocritical religious types. Why are some things not allowed, yet other things such as divorce and affairs are now given a pass...yet another reason why organized religion is now on my "do not participate" list. Too many self-serving, judgmental rules.

Paul and I no longer live in Creston but are still proud to call it home after raising our family there. We have several family members who we love dearly that have married and will marry same-sex partners. What is so scary about love and partnership? In my opinion, coming generations will dwell on this concept much less than we do. The letter writer seems to be older...(My Nancy Drew skills have seen the clues in the letters).

clever rainbow sign - Love > Hate

I've not received one of the letters. Getting one would be upsetting. As an observer who hasn't received one, I feel sadder for the writer than mad. They spend a great deal of time on this hobby.

As a result of the letters, Barb decided to arrange a small event in Creston on 9/5 - a gathering of those who are against hate. Though not announced publicly, the turnout was good. I was glad we went, sneaking down early to hang out with our friends Deb and Larry Peterson who also attended. Larry, as a newsman who has covered "taboo" topics, has been the recipient of a couple of the dreaded letters. The police and U.S. Postal Service are trying to find out just who is sending the letters. I'm not sure what will happen when/if they are exposed. In the meantime - the hater will keep hating.

Small but dedicated group - some more clever signs than mine

Later this week all hell broke loose when a photo of five young Creston men was revealed - complete with a burning cross, white hoods and a rifle. When I saw it I was disturbed, angry and sad. The photo made its way onto the media scene around the country, with sad, mean comments about our hometown. Extreme racism, dumb kids or a combination of the two? I can't say.

I've read that the Creston High School student body has just over 10% non-white students. I venture to guess those numbers have increased in recent years. Is there resentment from that, just like overall in our country? Have they heard their relatives talk about this topic? Do they not like outside cultures coming into "their town"? These are all things Creston must painfully delve into. I sincerely hope that those five young men have a chance to meet Jewish people and people of color - in a personal way and understand that what they did truly hurts others. Only then can the healing begin. May they come out of this as better people.

And now it's "Hate Week" in Iowa - the big Iowa/Iowa State football game is Saturday. I'm having a hard time getting too worked up about it. Sure, come game time I'll be cheering on my Cyclones against the dreaded in-state rivals. For now, I'm trying to remember that there is more that unites us.

Go Pack GoI

I had a fantastic time on our all Green Bay Packer weekend! So much fun that I had "Green Bay" tattooed on the tops of my feet. No not really - that was the chick in the restroom stall next to me at the stadium. I noticed while I shook sand out of my shoes whilst sitting on the pot. I bet those tattoos hurt! She must be a dedicated fan.

Our longtime Creston friends Deb and Larry contacted us a few months ago to ask if we were interested in going on a radio station sponsored bus trip. Hell Yes! Paul grew up in eastern Iowa - in the shadow of Packerland. He's been a Cheesehead all of his life. Larry is from Fort Dodge, but both guys were in their formative years when the Packers were the champs. Deb and I love Packer fans and have become fans through osmosis - that steady drip, drip of over 35 years of living with those crazy guys cheering for the green and gold. When Pappa is happy, everybody's happy.

Deb & Larry on the bus

We took off on the luxury (cough cough) coach (bus) from Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 6 a.m. Saturday. That was early! Paul and I were able to sit right by our friends and Deb and I got plenty of catch up time. We don't live by each other anymore. Time with my gal was like heaven - even on a bus! Meanwhile, several movies played on a small screens available on the bus - one right above our seat. We saw a newer Star Wars, Blind Side and a few more that I slept and talked through.

Our hotel was actually in Osh Kosh, b'gosh! It's about 50 minutes west of Green Bay. We stopped there before heading to storied Lambeau field. That's where the Packers play - and more. The organization has a shrine there that includes a museum and a huge gift shop. Upon arrival we decided we needed lunch, enjoying the Packer ambience along the way. One could have spent a whole day in the museum if one's wife wasn't with you...

the wind blows in Packerland!

Paul is an OWNER! The kids bought him one share of stock

The man and the legend...Vince Lombardi!

That night we had appetizers at the hotel lounge and a couple beers while we watched the Cubs and the Wisconsin Badger games - with Badgers fans. It was fun, but we pooped out early. The next day we had the waitress/service from HE double toothpicks for breakfast. Still, we laughed! She apologized, it was all good. The river outside our hotel was gorgeous and so was the day. In honor of our son, the Cowboys fan, we took a photo op with the America's Team fans from our bus.

Gary and his wife didn't even gloat after the game

The drive into Green Bay was awesome - I loved seeing the tailgating along the way. There are houses across from the stadium that must get rented out for game day. I'd love to party there! Our Packers experience included a tailgate party right by the stadium that was a lot of fun.

People say you can watch games in the comfort of your own home and wonder why you'd ever want to go to a game. Sunday again proved why to me! We had a blast. Sunshine, beer, brats (with kraut!), music and nutty people. They played some interesting songs...like "Bears Still Suck". Rivalries run hot between those team. Deb and I sang along like veterans. The two of us could have fun in a box...

I could have purchased this sport coat for Paul

Vince Lombardi made an appearance

All too soon, the party was over and it was game time (around 3:30 pm). Paul and I were soaking it in. When we walked to our seats we couldn't believe it. They were great - 15th row in the endzone. We were expecting nosebleed seats. When the National Anthem was sung, the flyover by giant helicopters brought tears to my eyes. At halftime, Packer legend Brett Favre accepted being inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame. He walked right in front of us. So the day had it all!

Now the not as great stuff. The Packers wore throw back uniforms. Damn! We wanted to see them looking like Packers. Then they didn't play well - so that was disappointing. On the other hand, Jud's team, the Cowboys rocked! So as his mother - I still won, right?

When the game was over, we made our way to the bus and it took a long time for the expert driver to make his way out of town. Packers fans were still tailgating as we made our way out of town. We made a stop in Madison, WI and headed on back to Iowa, arriving about 4 a.m. Thank goodness I took Monday off! I'm still tired, but in a good way. What a great weekend experiencing life with friends!

Having fun with my bestie!

It's Farmer's Market Time Again!

The first time I ever attended the Des Moines Farmer's Market was the result of another event - the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure. It was a long time ago! I walked the route with Deb and Patti on a chilly Saturday morning. The start/finish line was near downtown Des Moines. We had heard tell there was good food at the Farmer's Market. That morning I scored one of what was to be many in a long line of breakfast burritos and other delicious edible delights at the market.

The DSM Farmer's Market is one of the largest in the country. Today was opening day for 2016. Yippy!

Oh how I've grown to love it. Paul and I take advantage of living so close by attending a couple time a month during the May through October timeline. We especially like to go early, before it gets crowded with strollers and slow walkers.

I don't mind the dogs though (Some people continue to complain about dogs at the market in the DM Register's $.02 worth section. Get over it!). I don't usually rush up to pooches to pet them and find out their stories. I like to see them, large and small, on leashes and in little doggy strollers.

I'm usually one of those people walking with a purpose. Too bad I have to look down so I don't fall on my face. It's the sad result of a couple spills I've taken (#imaklutz). I miss a lot that way - but feel safer, scoping out sudden changes in pavement. If you are there looking for me - look for the top of my head.

Paul is even more "no nonsense" than I am. He actually sees people's faces when he walks - which is great! I drag him around to hear the music at the FM more often than he'd like. He's all about buy and leave. It's fun when out of town visitors want to go to the market. That is when we actually take more time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds. The smells are worth the trip!   

breakfast burrito!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I've been a mommy for 30 years! It's been fabulous and scary. Wonderful and torture. The most joyous thing and the hardest thing in my life (RIP Patrick). I must say, knowing what I know now - I'd sign up for this again in a heartbeat.

We just enjoyed a big milestone when Judson married Kara a couple weeks ago. Our family came together to witness that momentous occasion. Nothing makes this mother happier than being surrounded by her family and watching them interact. I can't wait for Christmas in Vail with the Lefebvres!

Busy mind and other stuff

Technology is making it easy for me to have limited pondering time. The result is less blogging my friends! I used to come up with blogging topics as I drove or walked, listening to music. Random thoughts would pop into my brain and I'd think "I should write about that."

Now I fill up that time with reading - but not the traditional kind. I listen to books downloaded on my phone. Less pondering. Listening to books is enjoyable in some ways, but does limit my thinking time. Am I just into avoidance? Yes.

I'm going to try to allow myself a bit my time to ponder again. I do love my books - "Calgon take me away". But spinning my brain on life's daily issues and thinking back about how my life today connects to my history is important to me.

It's been a fun couple weeks, after a rough work week. You would think at this stage of my career I would have things all worked out in that department - but no. There is still angst. It's been suggested that I should care so much. I just don't work like that. So I fret and tear myself up. I'm glad it's behind me anyhow...

Last weekend we picked up tickets to the musical Cabaret. Neither of us really knew what it was about - Berlin right before World War 2. And raunchy! We enjoyed it. The male lead was very talented. Prior to the musical we split a sandwich and had martinis at 3 Olives in downtown Des Moines. We enjoy sitting at the bar and chatting up the bartenders. This one talked to us about the upcoming big event - the NCAA men's basketball tourney.

When the show ended, a text from McKims took us to a West Des Moines bar to listen to talented singer Damon Dotson, friend of Phil Conover. It was a good time hanging with longtime friends. There was even a bit of dancing. We miss that after our move to WDM. Don and Diana made us of our guest room that night - one reason we picked the home we did. Convenient for travelers.

Keg Stand with McKims

On Sunday we enjoyed watching more talented performers when our niece Barb invited us to watch the Dowling Catholic High School Show Choir perform their last event of the year at the school. Barb and Mike's junior lovely daughter Mandy is a member of the group. I'm so glad Barb hit us up to attend!

Mandy - 2nd from right

This week I went out to eat with the Diamond Brooke ladies (our townhouse association) - a group of about 10 of us this month. We wet to Granite City and had a great time - gossiping about the units for sale - one is right next to us. This weekend was our soon-to-be daughter-in-law's bachelorette party in St. Louis. Amy headed there from her home in PA. Jud (not invited) headed here with our newest grandpuppy 4 month old Henry in tow. He's a Cava-poo. But he mostly looks like a spaniel.

Odie, I'm sitting in your bed...

Jud was a good puppy dad, bringing along all the gear - kennel, bed, treats, food dishes, toys and more! Henry's harness requires a college degree to remove. Let 's just put it out there that Odie does not like Henry any more that she likes Franklin, Amy and Cory's puppy. She believes she should be the only dog on earth. Henny Penny as I called him, or Hank, was rather cowed by the old bitty. As he should be. Not yet used to his new longer limbs (he's growing quickly) he would awkwardly fall down at random times or bump his head. He's really cut though and quite love able. He reminds me of my Aunt Marty's cocker spaniel Zelda.

Kara with sash and Amy to her left

The photos from the bach party indicate that the weekend went well. It was fun having Jud home one last weekend as a single fella. It will be really weird to see him married - my baby boy. I've been compiling pictures of him for a slide show for the wedding reception. Damn he was cute!

I attended a fun baby shower for my friend Deb's grandbaby yesterday. Jud and Deb's son Keith were pals through their early years. Of course I know all the hostesses - her 3 sisters. They are so funny. I was pleased to be included in this special event and happy to catch up with several people there.

Kelsey Peterson with Deb to her left and aunties.

Today after Jud left, Paul and I went to the DSM Home Show and stopped for a nummy Bloody Mary at Buzzard Billys before shopping for groceries for Amy's week long visit to DSM. can't wait to have our firstborn girl home for a week!

There you have it - not a thoughtful blog. I'll work on that - but a catch up on whatup with Leslie. Hope you have been doing okay.

Port-O-Potty Surprise

The Iowa State football team is less than stellar this year, disappointing fans fresh off another good basketball season. Cyclone fans are a loyal bunch sticking with teams through thick and thin. It's been mostly thin for football lately. Still, we do love to tailgate.

Last Saturday was a lovely day. Iowans have been blessed with great fall weather after a rainy summer. We arrived in Ames after noon for a 6 p.m. game with #3 Texas Christian University. The hits just keep on coming for our team. Couldn't we play Kansas again?

Our tailgating pals the Ereckes had set up the rig in the RV section the night before. Slick! Walking tacos were on the menu. McKims couldn't make the game - a little family thing. Don's folks were celebrating 60 years of marriage. Yep, I'd opt for that over a football game any day. Congrats to Margaret and Fred! Loved the photos of them dancing while at Don and Diana's lake place.

Margaret and Fred - great role models for us youngsters

Since Paul and I had arrived early, we had time to wander around a bit and visit on of our fave guys - Cy. He smiles season after season. Guess it's because he's set in bronze.

The tailgating rig was perched next to one of Kevin Erecke's workmate's group. They are a fun young group to watch and they seem to love sharing with us - yummy ribs that weekend. Our friends stopped by to see us. Always love hanging out with Dwight and Marilyn Conover who discovered Kevin's college friend occupies Dwight's old bank office near Marshalltown. Iowa Nice! A group of Paul's work friends stopped by and it was fun to chat with them too. Tailgating is just like a lil neighborhood. 

I especially enjoy spending time with my friend Kari who is having some health issues right now - she needs your healing thoughts and prayers ya'll. Kevin and Kari are great people and we sure have enjoyed getting to know them - via McKims and this tailgating community.

After a couple hours of tailgating and a couple beers, that time came - I needed to use the port-o-potty. Ugh. There was a group of three not far from our setup, so I headed that way. I don't know about you - but inside one of those things I tend to avoid looking anywhere. I remember thinking that I'd round up a wet wipe for my hands once I went back.

I opened up the door to...the ISU Varsity Marching Band! A group of about 12 wandering minstrels and a director were awaiting my exciting from the vile little box. I wish I had a photo of the look on my face when I spied them! They broke into the ISU Fight Song. I did what you'd expect. Took a selfie and sang along.

Despite the eventual outcome of the game (we hung with the Horned Frogs for a half but the dam broke and were our usual inept selves in the second half), I chuckled about the band the rest of the weekend. And basked in the joy of another wonderful tailgating experience. I can't wait for the next game when my college buddies visit! I hope Mother Nature provides another great day. If not...we'll have fun anyway - we are Cyclone Nation!

On Sunday my wonderful friend Deb came up for the Mary Chapin Carpenter concert at Hoyt Sherman Place in DSM. We went out to eat first - and were so busy catching up that we were nearly late to the show. Our friend Mary Faber introduced both of us to this wonderful singer back in the '90s and we've loved her ever since. She sang several of our faves like "This Old Shirt" -which took me back to my days as a young mother at our first home in Creston. Ahh, good memories.

HoJo's memories and more

The CBS morning show highlighted a gentleman who is trying to bring back one of my fond childhood memories - the Howard Johnson's hotel chain. In the 1960's when the Bullock women (mom and her daughters) traveled to Florida two summers in a row, we stayed at that chain routinely.

The Inn's iconic orange roof was a welcome sight after a day of riding in the green station wagon with my sisters. We'd fight over seats, sit on the floor (no seatbelts, remember), read comic books and lay in the back on top of the luggage. We always knew what we were going to get at HoJo's. A pool, at the restaurant, maybe ever vibrating beds - the whole package. Mom liked Howard Johnson's because they had a kid's menu that actually offered food that Betsy (picky eater) would eat, like macaroni and cheese. The hotel reminds me of bonding time with my sisters. Fond memories.

When we'd arrive at the location for the night, the routine was to wind down the back window of the wagon. There were no automatic windows then. Then the hanging clothes would come out, followed by each kid's suitcase. I admire my mother for managing four kids, ages 16 down to 5 on a trip that long. Along the way there and back we visited several historical and tourist sites. I was ten years old then and I still remember some of the stops, like the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home - going on fifty years later.

After Paul and I retire (not soon for me anyway), we plan to visit that area again when we have lots of time to see things. This fall we plan to go to Atlanta where Amy will be living. I haven't been in that area much. I don't think we'll stay in a Howard Johnson's (HoJo's) though. The chain will always have a fond place in my heart.

Deb and me at Lakeside

Last night Paul and I met our pal Deb in Osceola, Iowa for a meal at Biggy's Italian Restaurant. It was good and I'd go back again. Then we were off for a concert at Lakeside Casino at their outdoor venue. It was a muggy summer night - perfect! Grand Funk Railroad was one of my early favorite bands with "Footstompin' Music" as the song that claimed my heart. It's not really one of their commercial successes, but I've got a keen ear for good music! Some of their others songs:
"Loco-Motion, Some Kind of Wonderful, We're an American Band, I'm Your Captain"

Grand Funk Railroad! Lake in the background

They sang some other songs that I didn't recognize, but they are clearly good musicians and the drummer treated us to fab drumroll as the rest of the band took a break.

There was a lake in the background behind the bandstand, and kayakers floated in the distance. That looked like fun! It was a quick concert - starting right at 7:30 p.m. and it was over by 8:45 - but for $30 it was a bargain. The wonderful evening featured a super venue with a backdrop of an Iowa lake. At one point turkey vultures circled over trees in the distance. I was just glad they weren't coming after this crusty injured winged gal. I had a cold beer, good music and two of my best friends by my side. When the music ended, we sat for an hour and continued to catch up on family and such.

I always hate saying good bye to Deb, but we'll see each other again in the coming months - somewhere! Odie was happy to see us when we got home. She went out the back door to potty to avoid possum confrontations. I love summer in Iowa. And air conditioning!

Paul continues to work on the deck - installing new side rails and posts before we paint. He's in heaven as he love, love, loves projects. I think I'll wipe down the kitchen cupboards. LOL.

Look how happy he is

Creston kids grow up

Iris at the Farmer's Market Saturday - Mom grew them at our home in Atlantic

The Mostek Family - Natalie (signing) Jeff, Kit, and Maria (Photo courtesy Kendall on Twitter)

We made the trek southwest to Creston Saturday night to a party to honor our neighbor kids who graduate from high school Sunday. They were young girls in 1998 when we moved to our home on Park road - across the street from their house.

We mostly watched them grow up from afar as Kit and Jeff set them up with sidewalk chalk, little sports toys, and loaded them up in the car for dance lessons and sporting events. Amy babysat for the twins, sweet girls with very different personalities, she said. Amy liked to bump the volleyball with them.

I started commuting to work in DSM about the time Natalie and Maria hit junior high and didn't get the chance to follow their sports careers except in the paper. They've been spectacular! Both will continue their athletic careers in college. Natalie is seen in the photo above signing with Des Moines Area Community College to play softball. She's a fab catcher and hitter. Maria will run track at Northwestern Missouri State in Maryville. She's a long distance specialist.

The graduation party was such fun - reminiscent of one held 11 years just across the street. The girls appreciated fact that we'd made the trip down for the party and to deliver our gifts. (On the way there we'd also stopped at the Nielsen house around the corner - to drop off Alex's gift - his party is Sunday.) The garage was filled with tables of people, most of whom we knew - all asked about the Goldsmith cherubs. Dave Buck smoked turkey, pork and ribs prior to the event. Yum. Young people gathered there too of course - including Taylor Pettit, who earned the type of fame nobody wants at the State Wrestling tourney when his heart stopped. He's doing fine now.

During the trip to Creston, Paul and I talked about the fact that we're nearing the end of our invitations to such events in our former hometown. We're running out of kids we know. No worries though - wedding invites and baby showers will take their places.

Just prior to the party we stopped to see our friend Ryan's newly purchased home in town. He and his dad Don are working with a contractor to demolish some of the interior of the house to install the cabinets and doors Paul helped them load last weekend in Urbandale. Donnie found that stuff on Craig's List. Reuse!

Ryan ripped out this Lazy Susan cupboard - just like one we had in our first house. Our dog Moki loved to serve himself crackers from it...

Our first home! It's looking pretty good with new front steps.

Bobbie, Deb and me - I didn't get a photo of the guys

After the graduation party Saturday, we met up with friends at the watering hole to catch up. It's always such fun to see them. This is what I miss most about living in Creston - seeing friends and chatting with people we've known for many years.

Before the latest round of storms hit, we were off to the big city. A friendly face was there to greet us when we got home - it had a snout.

He's my Handy Man

A couple months ago Paul and I attended "Team Building", the Thursday after work gathering of federal and former fed NRCS workers. They meet for beverages at local establishments and shoot the breeze. Sometimes the DNR director even shows up...so I'm on best behavior when I go! That last time I attended, we learned that several of them were going to attend the James Taylor Concert November 1. Gary was in charge of getting tickets. We were IN. I'd never seen one of my all time fave musicians live.

I've loved JT, well forever. This week before the concert I kept thinking about one particular song - from the first James Taylor Album I ever purchased, "Handy Man." sweet song - young James

I was a lifeguard at Sunnyside Pool in Atlantic when that song came out. And I had to have it! It was one of those songs. You couldn't hear it on the radio enough - must own! I likely buzzed over to Omaha on my day off from protecting the world's children from drowning to purchase it - on the album JT. He had hair then. And mine was a semi afro...

I'd kinda had my heart broken that summer. That spring I'd met a guy at ISU. He seemed very interested in me. We'd been to each other's spring parties. As school wound down and I was studying for finals and starting to pack to head home for the summer, he sent a dozen red roses to me. I mistakenly thought that meant we were something! Then that summer, nothing. I wrote to him - with no response. Good thing my fab Sunnyside friends were there to distract me with parties and fun...

Sigh. Still I needed a song like Handy Man! I didn't know then there was a Paul Goldsmith in my future...a real Handy Man. Funny - a few years later, when I was married, Paul and I went out with a couple in Council Bluffs - and I found out the other gal had also dated this fella. At the same time I had! Cad. He prolly sent her flowers too.

James Taylor has a timeless voice. He told of signing his first record deal thanks to the Beatles in 1968. Look who is still touring and going strong at age 66. While he might not have the zing star power of the Beatles...he certainly has some iconic songs. I purchased the Best of James Taylor as a cassette and then a CD. Now he's on my iPod.

I like the "Steamroller" naughty version thank you! I remember listening to that with the kids in the car and thinking, "I hope they don't learn those words and sing "mfing blues" in front of somebody someday...".

Paul and I began our evening by meeting some longtime friends for supper and a drink downtown first. I had decided not to attend the ISU home game - thinking the chilly weather wouldn't be pleasant for my shoulder. Shivering and scar tissue - ouch (it's slowly getting better)! Painful ugly loss - ouch. I'm glad I didn't go to the game. It's been a long time since we've had a night out!

Deb and Larry Peterson met us at Three Olives (used to be The Standard). It was fun to spend some time with friends. We got the update on the big embezzlement scandal at a car dealership in Creston. Unreal. How do people think they'll get away with that? I feel guilty if someone gives me too much change...

We walked through the skywalk to The Well. There was a nice crowd at the concert and I saw Facebook posts showing several other people I knew were there to take in this great show.

JT played all my faves, plus some songs from a new CD. He talked about how many of his songs are "tree huggerish" I heart that! He ended the first set with "Shower the People you Love with Love". If only we'd remember to live like that every single day!

JT ended the concert with a couple encores. First he got us all up out of our seats to dance to "Mexico". The set of the concert was very cool - see above. 3 big screens and those posts could show videos too. Some of the songs had videos to go with them. For Mexico...we were there!

And then, of course, "You've Got a Friend". That song has been used for so many occasions through the years. James' wife came out for the last few songs. The final one was an Irish or Scottish folk song and it was gorgeous and a beautiful way to end the evening. Life is good.