Bits and pieces

Ach! The hot, dry summer in Iowa is something else. It does remind me of 1988, back when I worked at First National Bank in Creston. That was the last time it was this dry and hot in the area. I would help stuff bank statements with Sandy Hysell, Cathy Lacina, Pam Grey and others. Cathy, whose former farmed, would talk about hauling water for livestock. We didn't even have Jud then! Seems so long ago.

The yards in Waukee are torched...this is Joan's

I had breakfast with my homegirls this a.m. It was nice to see everyone, though Diana and Bobbie were not there. Nancy, that stud muffin, rode her motorcycle (a Harley) with the Hells Angels (her husband Jim) to bike night in Winterset. She was very proud of herself - her longest ride yet, as she just got the two-wheeled cycle of death (as my mother called them) a few weeks ago. Paul has to report to me each time she drives by on it. It reminds me of his father George Goldsmith, how he used to enjoy keeping up on the neighbor girl's love life.  Nancy got coaching from Chuck, our waiter, on how to waive when one rides a Harley. Two fingers, ya'll.

My physical therapist took pity on me today and went easy. Oh I had to use the instrument of torture - otherwise known as "The Pulleys". When I bought it last week, I joked with Lori the receptionist that I had read 50 Shades of Grey and the contraption would be very useful...HA! Like I feel amorous with this shoulder pain.

My arm is bruised from the manipulation

I took a stroll - not a Deb Peterson power walk around the neighborhood tonight.

This was after I replaced the front right headlight in my car. That's right. I'm a motorhead. As I drove out of my garage this a.m. Charlene Dunphy flagged me down and told me I had a headlight out. Dang...not another one! I love my car, but it goes through lights like nothing else. Anyway after work I cruised to NAPA, thinking...well they'll put it in. Wrong! So I got out the instructions at Joan's. I had to take the air intake out. Holy Snikes! Good thing Joan came home to help me put it back in! But it works - let's hope it points in the right direction.

Joan and I just watched the end of Uncle Buck one of my all time fave movies. John Candy you left us too soon!

My world shifts a little bit

Whenever something big happens and people let me down, my world shifts a little bit. I don't know Joe Paterno and he doesn't know me, but like many of you through the years I have formed an impression of the guy. Paterno is a crusty guy with an East Coast accent. He has always reminded me of Paul's dad - George Goldsmith - all curmudgeony, but lovable under it all! Obviously intelligent, and I thought, to be admired because of his tenure at an esteemed university and the success of his teams.

Until I heard about what he had allowed his friend, Assistant Coach Sandusky, get away with - sexual assault of minors. A mere wrist slap. Allowed to "retire" from coaching with full access to Penn State's facilities. In my opinion the whole Penn State University organization is guilty. Didn't they see any similarities between themselves and the Catholic Church? Cover up galore.

When I was young, I always thought there was someone above me that was watching out for me. My parents, teachers, coaches, the government. The realities of life suck. Those people, whom we have looked up to are weak. And not just the freakin' (insert swear word) sexual abusers. The people who should be looking out for the vulnerable but don't - the ones who look the other way are just as guilty! They allow the abusers to keep up their evil ways.

They protect the institution. For what? For the greater good? For the short term good name of an institution, they have risked ruining people's lives? Those of us who haven't been sexually abused can never know what these incidents have done to stain the lives of those who have lived through it.

Sex should be a healthy part of our lives. How might a young person move past the idea that shame goes together with sex once abuse has taken place? How can somebody form a healthy sexual relationship and marriage relationship after suffering that type of abuse? Man - it's hard enough to have a good marriage without dealing with issues such as that.

So - I go back to Penn State and the (formerly) great Joe Paterno. How did he live with this all these years? How could he not look at Sandusky and wonder - was he still abusing? Could he have convinced himself that the guy could stop? And how could the grad student turned coach - McQueary, have continued to coach after seeing Sandusky assaulting a young boy in a shower. Why wouldn't McQueary step in and stop it right then? Why wouldn't he call 911? Was he too in awe of an assistant coach? Did the Penn State machine step in and assure him this was being taken care of? Isn't it convenient he ended up an assistant coach himself.

I am far away from this situation - and my world has shifted a bit due to Penn State. Just as it did when all the news of the Catholic Church abuse came to light. I feel for the Penn State Nittany Lion players, students and alumni - their world is shaken much more than mine. If this had happened at Iowa State University, my Alma Mater, my emotions would be in turmoil. I'm saddened.

This world never fails to surprise me. I thank God (or whatever higher power is out there...) there are many beautiful amazing things and people out there to offset the ugly and bad. They help set my world back on its axis.