The Adventure Continued

Do you ever fly Frontier? That airline is much like dining in an ala carte restaurant. They ding you for everything you order. When you look at the menu, it looks like such a bargain - a steak for $16.99! By the time you add a side salad and baked potato, you are closing in on $30. My east/west coast readers are like WHAT? So cheap! I'm talking Iowa prices. #heartofbeefcountry Our flight from Denver to the ISU bowl game in San Antonio was on Frontier, where there is a $38 fee for bags - carry on or checked. Seats, drinks, snacks? Cha-ching $$.

We landed in San Antonio, Texas just before Jud and Kara and shared an Uber into town from the airport. One of our New Year resolutions is to use this service more when we go out at night. Now we both have the app on our phones. Yep - it's only taken years. #olddogsnewtrick J&K went off to find their hotel when we arrived at ours.

Mandy, Barb and Mike Archer

The weather in Texas was a big change from Colorado (plus 50 degrees). Our tailgating pals, Ehreckes, and McKims (note - I don't need to add apostrophes to make their names plural - my pet peeve) were already in town - at a pep rally for our fave team, the Cyclones. Paul and I walked around the Alamo and then found a table at a Riverwalk bar Durty Nellie's to hang out at - complete with dirty limerick piano guy. We enjoyed people watching and snagged another table when our friends arrived. Niece Barb and fam sited us! Many others stopped by to say "hi". Cyclones fans were everywhere - in boats, walking by, in restaurants. Ames Far South.

Eventually, we decided to rustle up some food. Always good to get a base for your beer. If you've ever been to San Antonio you know that you walk upstairs to get the street level from the Riverwalk. We ended up at the Number 1 (and only) Sports Bar in town - right across from our hotel.

Busch guy - next to Donnie

If you aren't from Iowa you may not know our people are known for drinking (hangs head) Busch Light beer. (Black Velvet is the number 1 liquor - so it figures. We like cheap). We drank Memphis out of that beer at last year's bowl game. Budweiser, who distributes Busch, sniffed out a marketing opportunity and sent us the Busch Light Guy and plenty of Beer! So guess who stopped by our table and gave us a beer and stickers. He's very handsome in a beer guy way...

We ate corn dog appetizers and pizza. And were back at our hotel by 10 PM. Yay old people!

Photo courtesy of Kari

The next day was game day.  The weather was a bit chillier. We'd decided to do the Riverwalk boat tour early - to beat the crowd. We bundled up and hopped on a boat to get the historical water tour of the area. Very interesting. Then we walked through the packed Alamo - doing a self-tour. It is very important in the history of the State of Texas.

Don's college roomie Jim and wife Rita arrived in town that morning. We met them for lunch, which was delish but was completed on southern time. The hospitality we experienced in SA was slow. Perhaps they were overwhelmed by the cardinal and gold. Staff at many places just don't see to move in an efficient manner. No wonder Iowans are popular hires wherever they go.

College pals reunited! 

We decided to settle somewhere on the Riverwalk for the afternoon since the game wasn't until 8 PM. We walked out of the restaurant and heard cheering from the other side of the river. What? Jud, Kara and their college buddies were perched riverside at Rita's on the River, cheering when boats went by filled with Cyclone fans. We decided that was our place too! We ran into several friends while hanging out - including our former neighbors Todd and Suzie Stofferahn.

The group decided we needed a brief rest before walking to the Alamo Dome - just under a mile from our hotel. When we got to the stadium it was exciting - music, food, tailgaters. We had to walk down around under train tracks. Don's niece was tailgating near a group of former ISU greats including Coach Dan McCarney and Sage Rosenfels.

Gumbo booth - very good! 

Kevin, Kari, Paul and I decided to walk around and soak in the atmosphere - boy-howdy there was a lot. Huge motorhomes, families with kids on scooters and a band. There were flags from many teams proudly waving in the parking lot - OSU, Nebraska, TTU and more. Then we ran into a guy in an LSU shirt. He offered us gumbo - so sure! Kevin ate 2 cups! It was good and hit the spot. We listened to his spiel about a Wisconsin game he went to - a good 'ol boy with quite an accent.

At the stadium - it looks like a riverboat at night

Finally, it was time to go into the Dome! We drank Fireball shots for luck. Guess I should have finished mine. GRRR. I wish our team would have performed better - even so, we were still in the game until the end. Congrats to WSU for playing a game with very few errors - that was enough to win. Their quarterback was elusive and they had good team speed. Leach is a good coach. On to next year! ISU returns many players. Our clan did a group hug at the hotel. We have a great time win or lose - but winning is more fun.

A 6 a.m. flight made for a short night - but it was nice getting home early. What a week we had. I'm an anxious traveler. I don't like packing, am a nervous flyer - not the flying part but the checking in and airport part. I know - it will all work out in the end, but I don't like things blowing up plans. This trip came out better than any expectations I had. All week before we left I coached myself to just live in the moment. I wasn't perfect - a work in progress. 2019 - live it! Happy New Year!

Back By Popular Demand

I haven't published a blog in over a month. I wrote a couple - but didn't publish them. I do enjoy writing. Just wasn't feeling like sharing them - too personal.

But hello...I'm baaack! Literally (just back from a weeklong vacation) and ready to write. I saw my relatives and they asked me about it. So here goes!

I love my family - if not for them, I'd be a total Christmas Grinch. Like many others, I get so tired of all the hoopla. Isn't that a great word? See - I've still got it. Insert Smile.

The first leg of our great End of 2018 Adventure started in Denver. This year we flew out! We have driven the past 10 years - taking Odie (RIP baby girl) and braving icy and snowy roads at times. Upon arrival in Denver, we took the light rail from the airport to Union Station where we were greeted by our four "kids". Jud and Kara had arrived from St. Louis the day before. We headed to the Wynkoop Brewery downtown for a brew and appetizers to catch up.

Marty and her peeps

That night we gathered with our Denver family - the Lamms and niece Jordan and wife Jill. Family  Matriarch, Aunt Marty, hosted at her place, Holly Creek Retirement Community. We sipped wine and dined on a lovely meal. But mostly we talked and laughed. It was a delightful evening - 3 generations of Bullocks with cousin Amy Lamm Brownlee's children Matt and Kate. I love nights like that - pretty special. Marty tells stories about prior generations, including my Dad and Mom.

We talked about siblings and cousins who weren't with us - hope your ears were burning! I feel so fortunate that our family truly loves to get together - even the next generation! Our children enjoy their 2nd cousins the Lamms, and Amy and my aunt have a special relationship that warms my heart.

Rounding up the scooters

On Sunday Amy and Corey had a lot planned to keep us busy. It was a sunny nice Denver day. The kids helped the elderly download the Lime app onto our phones to enable us to "check" out electric scooters that have now taken over the larger cities in the US. Are they good? Bad? I'm still not sure but we sure had fun, and it was easier than finding parking for cars. I did feel nervous that I might crash and burn my old brittle bones self. But we all came through unscathed - riding on streets, sidewalks, and bike paths. My lower back took a bit of a pounding - no shock absorbers, riding up to 16 mph. It was fun!

Where did we go? First off, we went to Denver Milk Market. It's a market under one roof with lots of booths and restaurants. We all got sandwiches (lobster roll for me, yummo) and settled into a sunny comfy communal corner - there was all types of seating around for the many restaurants. A DJ type guy started a rousing game of Bingo and helpers handed out cards. (No pesky dobbers for you St. Malachy Bingo veterans - these had sliding tabs built right in). We joined in as game prizes were awarded market stores. The Bingo caller was hilarious.

Using all my talent and skills garnered from my years working Bingo as a St. Malachy parent, I won game 2! Good 'ol B15 - I always did like that combo. But wait! There was another Bingo, a young woman at least half my age. How would they select the prizewinner - bloody mary mix and bacon?

Two draft beers suddenly appeared in front of us. It was to be a chugging contest. You may find this hard to believe, but I've never been a chugger. I prefer to sip my beer. And my competition? She chugged it down like a barmaid from Wisconsin! Well played. I did get a free beer out of my Bingo victory.

Next, we Scooter Angels headed to the Lucky Strike - a bowling alley/game room to watch some football. Even though the Packers are having a bad season, Paul loves those guys. When we came out of that joint, there were only four scooters left, so we had to round up two again. The whole day on the scooter, after our ride back to Amy's was less than $5 - and no fossil fuels were used.

That evening we played laser tag - and I enjoyed being slain over and over again, by little kids in game one. We did play a second game that only involved our family. Our children ganged up on dear old mom. All in good fun! I didn't know I could still run and duck. Next we stopped by a fancy bar called Death and Company for drinks. Catchy name - fitting after I just got lasered! After a fancy cocktail, we went next door to a Latin dim sum restaurant called Super Mega Bien - delicious! It was nice to have Amy and Corey to tell us what to order.

The weather turned colder Monday. Paul and I said goodbye to Marty - she was preparing for their family Christmas Eve party. On our way to Amy's we stopped for Duffey Rolls - in honor of my beloved Uncle Bill, Marty's husband who passed a few years ago. He used to always get the delightful concoctions when we visited. That place was rocking - must be part of many family holidays. They were set up for many carryouts.

We headed up the mountain to Cindy's - running into snow near the tunnel. It got dicey past Copper but Paul and Corey did a great job piloting. (We had to take two cars) This was our 11th year to be with Lefebvres for Christmas. It just seems like the right place for us to be. Bolder has been gone six years now - the annual party has gotten smaller and not quite as animated since he passed. The usual family friends come - all their children grew up together. It's nice to be part of this group. My nephew Colby leads the carols along with his pals. During the second set, they break out the grass skirts. Fun to see our children join in. 

We opened presents in the Christmas morning before Colby had to head off to work. He manages El Sabor restaurant in Vail. Everyone in this area understands - they must serve the people who make their region go. I couldn't wait for my favorite gifts to be opened - yodeling pickle Christmas ornaments. (motion activated). All the kids got 'em! They were a hoot!

Paul and the kids skied Beaver Creek on a gorgeous day. Cindo and I tackled a jigsaw puzzle that was an unfortunate selection by me. I didn't realize when I purchased it that it had "Twists". The puzzle doesn't look like the photo. I have a feeling Cindy ditched it when I left. Too tough for old broads.

That night we were treated to another wonderful prime rib meal at Pottorff's. I think it was one of Eric's best yet! The whole fam got involved - son Byron made a delish Brussels Sprouts/Smoked Sweet Potato dish that was baked. Bonnie whipped up salad, potatoes and even dessert. It was all fantastic - I was still full the next day! We're so grateful to be included in this meal and the Sanders fam is there.

Escape Room deliberatinos

Our drive down the mountain was quiet as there was no snow. That night we tackled an Escape Room - this one required some deep thinking so we're glad Corey and Kara brought their intelligence into the family. It was another fun day with our clan. We kinda like 'em! That was the end of the Christmas part of our trip. We couldn't have asked for more. Bring on 2019! 

Grandpuppy Franklin has already shredded this toy...

Lucky Boots

Have you ever had something start out bad and turn out to be lucky? That's the story of my lucky bowl game boots.

I was nervous I'd be walking in socks by the end of the day

Our trip to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl was such fun! Mother nature didn't cooperate the best - providing chilly weather for the 25K Cyclone fans decked out in cardinal and gold. Our friends Kevin and Kari picked us up about noon on Thursday for the seven-hour trip to Cape Girardeau, MO. The trip to Memphis was a short drive on Friday, with a brief jaunt through Arkansas.

At our hotel, we joined the McKims, who checked in the night before. We headed out to a Cyclone spirit session at the local minor league ballpark. The crowd wowed to the tune of 10,000 people. We do love our team. That afternoon we parked ourselves in a divey bar on the Beale Street parade route. Somebody should have sent Iowa's RAGBRAI committee into Memphis prior to the onslaught of Cyclone fans. That group knows how to get set up for a crowd! Memphis...not so much. Short on staff, certain beer, and toilet paper. Still, we made due! #cyclonescouts

That night we went into a crowded barbecue restaurant, Rendezvous, and were told there was a 45-minute wait. Our neighbors the Stofferahns had been there a while. We were prepared to drink beer and wait. But no, they called us in 5 minutes. Hmm, I didn't even know it yet, but the lucky boots were in action! The ribs were good, but I still choose Jethro's in DSM.

After the meal, we went back to famous Beale Street to an ISU basketball game watch. We met up with our fam. Jud and Kara were there along with our nephew Steve Fox and niece Barb and husband Mike Archer. It was great to see everyone and Kara snagged a pic. Somewhere George and Laura Goldsmith are proud that the fam grouped up!

Goldsmiths fam plus Jud and Kara's friend Jen

Saturday was game day baby! I had decided to pack my warm clothes because the forecast was chilly and I don't handle cold well. I even dug out my warm landfill era boots - Columbia Bugaboos. I was a little worried because they have a little age on them, but decided they'd do. WRONG. As I climbed out of the back of the SUV at the stadium, Kevin noticed the first cracks. Oops. But here is the magic:

• Don and Paul each found a dollar on the ground that day
• We seemed to have found a giant FREE parking lot - though we tried to find someone to pay. Thanks Tom O'Neill (sp) formerly of Creston for flagging us down there. 
• While the line for the restroom at the tailgate/barbeque was long, the live music in the giant room was fabulous. Everything from Footloose to Brickhouse - and really, who needs light in a bathroom? I know where everything is...
• My crumbling boots held together long enough to get seated in the stadium
• My true, loyal and very well prepared friend Donnie went back to his SUV and got his roll of duct tape. Of course, he had one. Paul fixed my boots up after I inserted "hot feet" in each one. 
• My feet were toasty the whole game, though I did look like a homeless person
• Paul brought Hot Hands and when I shivered I even inserted one of the things into my waistband. Okay, the shivering might have been nerves. #toocloseforcomfort
• I missed watching the last 3+ minutes of the game because I couldn't look. Yep, I'm one of those people who travels 450 miles not to watch a game. In the end it was all good though! Way to go BOOTS!
• After the game, Donnie drove us right out of the parking lot - though I heard of others who had to wait an hour #magicalboottrip
• Our Jack Trice football stadium friends from Carroll, Pam and Randy secured a table at the Rum Boogie Cafe on Beale Street. We got one nearby and listened to some excellent music that night - two different groups. The PBR was cold. Jud and Kara got to see football players at the place across the street and Kara even took a pic with our star receiver - even though I'd slipped out of the lucky boots earlier in the evening.

   

I'd like to go back to Memphis in quieter times - fun place! 

What a fun weekend with good friends and family. Would it be nice to play for a national championship? Sure. For now, we'll enjoy these baby steps. This year, the Liberty Bowl was damn fun. The ISU football season was full of more ups than downs - and I must say I've not often been able to say that. Without the ref errors, we'd have won 10 games. Haha - just messing with you. Hope to have a team that can overcome bad reffing better in the future. 

We've always enjoyed our time tailgating at Jack Trice Stadium. The people make it the best! This year the weather was more challenging than watching our team - rain and cold. Our young coach has brought new energy to the program. I'm looking forward to the 2018 season already!

I did leave the lucky boots in the hotel room....maybe the staff there needs the karma for 2018. I don't think our team does. Best wishes and good luck to your family in 2018. 

 

Exploding eyeballs and running errands

My sisters' eyeballs are exploding. No not really. But close! Cindy experienced a torn retina back in November and underwent surgery right after Thanksgiving. Susi discovered she had tears in both retinas and had surgery a few weeks ago.

Then Cindy's bad eye developed at cataract. When she and I discuss it - we always turn it into an old joke dad told where the punch line was a Cadillac vs. Rinkin Continental. Cindy had that procedure this week. That's no joke. She reported to me last night that the procedure went well. Yay.

I hear from my own eye doc (Dr. Don McKim) that these things are genetic. Dad had a detached retina I recall. So I imagine I've got something like this in my future. Yippy! My eyesight is lousy. Dr. Don likes to say that I have one bad eye and one really biffed up eye. So while I'm not looking forward to health problems, a cataract might end up working in my favor in the eyesight department. So I've got that going for me!

Here's to my sissies returning to good eye health!

Me and sissies - from last summer in Cannon Beach

I'm running errands today. I started pondering - my life has sure changed since we moved here to the big city from Creston a couple years ago. Where errand running was simple.

In Creston I could stop at the scrap book store - located in the restored Post Office. And I could get some engraving done at the same time. Nearby at the quilt store I could take care of clothing alterations. The staff there would pin and mark the item as I "styled it". The actual seamstress picked up the article up at the Quilt Store to transport it back to the town of Orient to her husband's welding shop where she works magic with her sewing machine.

Maple Street Memories - at the former post office

A block away I could swing through Family Shoe Store to check for any hidden gems in the Bargain Basement. If I forgot my purse - no problem! My spouse could stop by later and pay. They know us there. On my way home, I could stop at Farm & Home - operated by our neighbors. It's a place where a person can buy fashionable jeans, bolts, kitchen utensils, lawn chemicals, a toy and a greeting card all on the same trip. One stop shop!

You get the picture. Creston isn't just like the big city. Today I'm on my way to Costco. I might stop by DSW or Trader Joe's. But nobody there will say, "Hi Leslie! How are your kids?"

I like living in the big city. But sometimes I miss that small town.

Paul and I graduated from Ballroom Dance class last night. Maybe...graduated is too strong a word. We're done with class. ChaCha was the last dance we learned. We did pretty well at that one!

Is that relief detected on Paul's face?

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!

Class reunions - a dying event?

Amy headed home on Amtrak - arriving Friday a.m. in Crestonia (late as usual - good job Amtrak) for her 10th high school class reunion. Hungry, she walked to S&K Café for a bit 'o breakfast. She recognized a few familiar faces and one smiling one especially. When she tried to pay Chuck, the proprietor, someone had already taken care of it...anonymously. That warms my heart. Good 'ol Creston.

Was it Darwin West auctioneer, bus driver, prom announcer and all around good guy? Amy will never know but is forever grateful. The Denver kid still loves her home town because of things like that!

Amy planned the Creston High School's Class of 2004 reunion from afar. She wasn't the Class president or anything, but hey...nobody else was doing it - and it seemed important to her. Maybe her business mentor, my classmate Roger Underwood (Atlantic High School Class of 1976) is rubbing off on her. He's been great at planning our Atlantic class reunions (except for the last one when I accepted the challenge). I'm glad it's important to Amy as well.

I totally understand it when some people choose to just walk away from high school and wash their hands of the whole thing. They had a bad experience, have become a new person and don't feel like revisiting that time in their lives. Or some people just don't have that much vacation time - and peeling off time for a reunion isn't in the cards. Others just might not want to see a certain someone in the class, or to talk about where they are in their lives at that point. But in my opinion they're missing out.

I'm intrigued by watching people grow up. I must admit, I didn't pay attention to some of my classmates as we moved through those high school years. I had my group of friends and the others were bit players in my eyes. After graduation - when classmates had matured a bit...and maybe I had too - it was fun to talk to them. I hope they didn't think I was a total idiot.

Maybe Amy will never come back to another reunion. Or maybe, like her momma, she'll go to many. She enjoyed this one. She wished more classmates could have attended, but what can you do? There's never a perfect weekend - you just have to pick.

Paul and I chose to chaperone part of the evening at The Lobby along with some of our homies. First we ate at A&G where the Class of 1994 reunion was happening. I wish I would have known that Missy Frank, daughter of our daycare providers Carol and Mark, was there in the party room. We did run into these honeys.

Hudek girls - Megan, Syd and Erin

 We also saw many other familiar faces including Stew Stewart and family and Troy Jay's parents. Katzers came in for a bite with Ron and Dottie Dunphy. It's nice to go where everybody knows your name.

Amy and Kristina McFee Carroll

The crowd at The Lobby was much younger. Tim, the Lobby Owner, had hired a DJ with karaoke capabilities - one of the guy singers was pretty darn good. The girls gathered in the corner so we could keep an eye on the people - a mix since the bar wasn't closed to just the Class of 2004. Just down the street the Class of 1984 had hired a band and they were celebrating in the alley. Wow - 3 decades of former students in town.

unofficial chaperones/stalkers

It was fun to chat with some of the kids from the class who chose to take time to speak with us parents. Soon however the fellas (Jeff, Paul and Donnie) felt the need to keep moving. They walked to the Elms Club to catch up with some of the folks from that class. 1984 was a couple years before we moved to town. Thane Glynn told a couple of hilarious stories and then they were off across the tracks.

When we first moved to Creston, Sidetracked was a dive bar right next to First National Bank where I worked. Then it got "selected" to move when the city decided the area was needed for urban development - Fareway went in there. Sidetracked (named due to proximity to Burlington Northern tracks, or because certain husbands get off course when they go there) moved to the south side of the tracks and has been there ever since. The establishment is run by a CHS classmate of Jeff's (Class of 1976) Randy Hagel. He's a big boy.



we were the only customers by this point...

When I got a text saying the boys were at Sidetracked we decided to join them. I didn't think we really needed to stay for the Class of 2004's whole reunion. Deb decided to head home - her husband Larry and sons (Brett is Amy's classmate) are in Cooperstown, NY at the Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony - trip of a lifetime! So Deb was flying solo.

On our way out of the door I stopped to say goodbye to Amy and chatted with Stormy Weis Wilson - longtime bff of Amy. What a sweetheart! Amy stayed at Stormy and Kyle's this weekend and I'm so glad they had a chance to catch up.



Don describes to Diana how to get him to listen to her...

Bobbie, Diana and I walked across the tracks to see what the fellers were up to. Of course when we got to Sidetracked...it was evident - the guys were up to no good! Soon Cheetos were had. Randy shot water at Diana from behind the bar when she tried to order just a water...so she had to settle on a vodka tonic. No limes at that joint...or diet tonic!

We shut Randy down and ended up back at the Elm's Club for just 1 more. Not for me though - I was driving. By the time we got back to B&J's Kristina was there and Odie was able to enjoy some Cheerios with Jeff and her. Bedtime 1:30 a.m. - late for this kiddo!

Bobbie served a lovely egg casserole this a.m. and we picked Amy up in time to do a rundown of the evening - who was there and who was a no-show who had said they were coming. It was a pretty good turnout for a Facebook Invite event with no real "buy in" required by anyone. Everyone there said they'd like to do it again in 5 years. Amy better get some tips from Roger...

Some say class reunions are dying out because people keep track of each other on Facebook. I say bah humbug.

Workin' shorts

Friday is laundry day at the Goldsmith abode. As I hung Paul's shirts up on his side of the closet, I got a glimpse of them. Paul's work shorts. And in that moment I had a flashback - to my husband's first ever work shorts. At least the first ones he had as a married man - some 31 years ago.

The shorts remind me a little (a very little) of a favorite Mary Chapin Carpenter song, "This Shirt". The song is a ballad about all the memories relating to a shirt. I've had some clothes like that - a few articles I really can't part with - but I don't really wear them. And they aren't as ugly as those shorts...

Paul's official 2013 work shorts

They were tennis shorts (and quite short in keeping with the era, early 1980's) and white - or should I say formerly white. By that time they had a gray pallor. And a black icky splotch of tar or black paint on the butt. Oh I hated those shorts.

And now - the current version - Dockers shorts. He loves to wear those things while he landscapes, sweating and digging in the dirt. Dirt that doesn't wash out. I don't even try to "Spray 'n Wash" them. Hell - the dirt and grease are badges of glory to my husband, born a farm boy.

I put my foot down - he should not wear them to stores in West Des Moines. He sneaks out to Lowes in them without me. I cringe. Don McKim has his garage shoes, Paul's got the shorts. I love him anyway.

Paul's niece Peg was here from Brooklyn visiting her dad Dave who is recovering from a head injury at Mercy here in DSM. I snapped this pic before she and her mom Jean took off this a.m. I always love getting together with those ladies but wish it were under better circumstances this time. Note neither of them had "work shorts" on.

Cheers!

The cherubs arrived on Wednesday. Paul picked Amy up at the airport as I finished up DNR work at home. It's so great that DNR allows me to do that - since nobody else was going to be at work that day anyway and I had a bunch of grant agreements to work on. It was about 1 when Amy and Paul pulled in - Odie and I were so happy to see Sissy. (That's what Odie thinks Amy's name is...)

While I was working, I had an idea. Unfortunately it wasn't work related. I'll admit it...I was daydreaming a bit. I would have been doing that if I was in my cubicle too...
Amy planned to drive to Creston for the night to stay with her friend Stormy. Jud and Kara were driving up from Kansas City. My idea: We could ride down to Creston with Amy and have a few drinks - eat at A&G like the olden days and ride home with Kara and Jud, who would meet us there. Brilliant! I texted Paul, Jud and Creston pals to fill them in.

I also texted my pal/eye doc Donnie to see if I could slip in to see him - my left eye has been a bit wackier than usual lately. I feel/see a shadow going across it when I read especially. I figured it was a "floater", which is something you can't treat - but wanted to make sure. He nicely fit me into his late afternoon schedule. We pulled in about 4:45 p.m. and he stared intently into my eye - and put icky drops in them. I also took that peripheral vision test. Yep - sounds like a floater. Don says my old eyes are like an old basketball with bulges. Great! Don also took a look at Amy's post Lasix surgery eyes - doing fine!

Beautiful sunset over the rail/agricultural town

We saw him scant minutes later at the Lobby. It's like walking into the "Cheers" bar when we walk into a Creston establishment. So nice to see so many familiar faces. Along with several other friends who were there for a drink. Patti, Pat, Susan - several of the exercise gang was there. It was so nice to see them. The McFee girls were there, Krissy with husband Caleb and Kim, who is back studying at ISU. Bobbie and Jeff came after Jeff was done with chores. My BFF Deb stopped by.

 

Jud and Kara arrived about 5:30 p.m. Fun to see Jud introduce his honey to Crestonians, and to chat with hometown friends. I took lousy pics - I was in a hurry, so excited to talk to my buddies. I had a good long chat with Patti, but not much chance to talk to any others. We MUST arrange a winter brunch and shopping trip in DSM.

After the Lobby, eleven of us headed to A&G for supper - pizza mostly. Amy went off to Stormy's for the evening. She said the downtown crowd had turned into mostly younger generations - though she got to talk to some friends like Dusty Mullin and Zack Schaeffer. We hopped in Jud's car for WDM about 9 p.m. My brainstorm was a good one!