Take That, Lucy!

Charlie Brown kicked the ball this time. And it felt so good!

So many times, Iowa State University football fans have been used to getting oh, so close to a big win - then in the blink of an eye, the football gods whisked the victory away. A fumble, a missed field goal - you know the drill.

Saturday, Paul and I were able to watch our team beat Texas Christian University, ranked #4, making our team 4-0 in October. Say, what? It's been a beautiful thing. I hope it doesn't stop, but my Cyclone past tells me "one game at a time".

Saturday was chilly. Good thing Kevin and Kari have sides for their tent. The little radiant heater we purchased at Costco came in handy too. It was nice to see Krissy and Caleb Carroll - they had a day off from parenting as their baby girl Lenny, in Creston with the grandparents. I bet Bobbie was loving it. Jeff had to sneak in time with her during harvest.

I was glad my hunter husband brought along some "Hot Hands". Even though the sun was shining, it got chilly quickly. We did do a bit a jumping around during the game - one of Matt Williamson's buddies was a great high-fiver.

Toward the end of the game, the Cyclones were perched precariously on a 7-point lead (14-7). TCU was driving. They were inside our ten yard-line. Lucy was getting ready to grab the ball away when Charlie approached. Time was ticking down and overtime didn't bode well. Just like that, our defense came up with a turnover! And then to end the game, another turnover. Cyclones win!

Celebrating after the game was what fans live for. Cyclone fans are a loyal lot. We've stuck with our team through thick and a lot more thin. Still, we love our Clones. And partying in a parking lot. I admit I got a little choked up watching the fans rush the field. We sang Sweet Caroline. It was marvelous! After the game, we waited out the crowd by tipping a few beers in celebration. It was a joyous bunch - the same people who have gathered after many a tough loss. This was more fun!

Life isn't all sports, although at our house - sports consume quite a bit of our time. On to other topics. There has been much published of late about sexual harassment. I am fortunate that I don't have any stories to share. I have much sympathy for anyone who has had to endure this type of attention.

A Des Moines Register columnist wrote recently about all of the decent men in her life, which allowed me to reflect on this in the same manner. How fortunate I've been to work with many decent and honorable men (and women). It's my hope and desire that anyone who is treated unfairly, sexually harassed and assaulted will now be emboldened to speak up. And that they will be heard, not discounted. If they aren't heard the first time, they will tell another. Those who have felt like they could take without asking. Time's up! 

Fam Wedding Bells

I love weddings! Our nephew Chris was married to Dana this weekend. Chris is Paul's sister Dorie's oldest son. They are Milwaukee area peeps. The wedding was in Appleton, WI, so we decided to make a weekend of it and stay in Dubuque at the lovely Hotel Julien Dubuque on Friday night.

When Paul and I were first married, Dubuque (near Paul's hometown of Earlville) was a dump of a town. Now it's fabulous! We pulled in about 5:30 p.m. and walked down the main drag to a brewery I'd scoped out online called Jubeck New World Brewing. It isn't a large place, but it's decorated in a cute "flight" theme. It's a small batch brewery - no big tanks, but the beer I tried, a nutty ale, was quite delicious. Then we hit a burger joint to split a burger. Last we found a hidden bar - the Busted Lift. It is listed online, but we had to ask out hotel guy how to find it - like a speakeasy! Very cool underground place. Our hotel room was lovely, and a wedding reception was going on at the hotel, so it was filled with beautiful people.

The Lift, Irish Bar - stone walls

View from Hotel Julien, so pretty! 

In the morning we headed out to Appleton - some three hours northeast. The leaves are just starting to turn, so it was lovely. Once we arrived, there were Goldsmiths galore! All of Paul's brothers and sisters with spouses were there. Sister Carol brought her friend Roger. It was nice to meet him - a former classmate of hers from high school. We love hanging out with these peeps!

Chris and Dana's wedding was simple, elegant and beautiful. They bbeamed with love and happiness during the ceremony and reception, which was right at the church hall. We sat and chatted with the siblings until the delicious meal was served. A bit later I must admit, Paul and I snuck across the street to a sports bar (it's Wisconsin - they're everywhere) with Paul's brother Ken and wife Mary for a beer. We stopped back for a piece of cake before heading back to the hotel.

Goldsmiths!

This morning the groom's parents hosted a breakfast for all (brothers/sisters) of us before we headed home. It's always fun catching up with the family. I enjoyed reminiscing about Paul's mom and dad, Laura and George - two of my favorite people. They would be very proud of their family - children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!

In two weeks we get to do this again with my family when my niece Jordan ties the knot with Jill! Can't wait. I love weddings.

RIP Mrs. Brady

My mother let us watch a lot of television. Except the Brady Bunch. That show was banned from the two Bullock TVs - a Zenith console, color and a smaller black and white set downstairs - set on one of those metal racks.

Why, of all shows did Mom ban this one? She disdained how unlike real life the show portrayed American families. I think there was mumbling about how it "made her teeth rot". Too sweet. Thus the poor Bullock girls had to resort to catching glimpses of the popular show at neighbor's homes. Betso remembers popping next door to the Reinertsons to see it.  Rosemarie evidently was not taking a stand on the Bradys.

As the years went by, Mom slacked off in her edict. We watched re-runs and didn't even think of comparing that family to ours. By then I was older and was able to watch with a jaded eye. Some of the kids had gotten into "trouble" in real life by then. Aha! Mom was right. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. The housekeeper, Alice, was my favorite character. I'm sure Mom would have loved to have a live-in Alice around too - to help with the toil of raising four girls.

RIP to Florence Henderson, aka Mrs. Brady - another icon from the 1970's gone.

Another Thanksgiving is in the past, but giving thanks is not. This year has had many ups and a few downs. When things aren't going so well, I only need think of all of you - my family and friends. I feel the warm puppy by my side as I write this. I call Odie a pup, but is soon to be 12. She's really an old broad with a gray muzzle. She helps enrich my days. It's the little things.

Some of the Goldsmith clan celebrated Thanksgiving with us. Paul is the turkey master. I appreciate everyone pitching by bringing something! I loved getting out the special family china. It brings back memories from many meals through the decades. The gravy boat is my favorite piece.

The platter is stored in a back closet - huge enough for a whole hog. I believe the set is the combination of two grandparent's sets. It's fragile and lovely. No dishwasher for this stuff....

Carol had to break it to us that our antique baster circa 1970, thanks to Zora Bullock) was shot - no suck left.

Foxes and Archers - can't believe Mandy is a HS senior!

A great team,  Carol and Paul - uniting for gravy

The best part about hosting a meal? Leftovers! I had pie for breakfast. Next we get so celebrate Christmas with our children (that now includes their spouses and "to-be spouses" in Colorado. We'll see Aunt Marty, Lamm cousins and my sis and nephew. Maybe even Jordan and Jill! What a way to finish up the year. I hope your tummies are full and you had some "Brady" moments yesterday. Or not...

TBD2

The bride and groom were heading back from their trolley ride with the wedding party around STL - stopping at a couple scenic spots to take photos. What a special day it was - beautiful weather!

Kelly Park Photography

We'd been to the Three Sixty Rooftop Bar overlooking Cardinal Stadium. But there was a party to get to! The terrace at the Hyatt was sunny and wait staff served appetizers and drinks. Paul and I enjoyed catching up with the Gsmith fam.

Bro-in-law John, Brothers Larry, Ken, Denny

Sisters Carol and Dorie

Sister Pat and Bro-In-Law Dave

The meal was inside - a buffet of St. Louis foods. Of course the wedding party had to make a big entrance first, bursting through the doors to music! Jud and Kara cut the cake right away.

Amy and Pat boogie

Jud's Best Man, Mitch, gave a great speech and all the bridesmaids spoke including Amy who was really sweet - mentioning the story of when we first heard Jud starting talking about Kara. Kyle, Kara's father, gave the last toast as only the father of the bride can. Once all chewing was complete, the curtain opened and Kara and Jud (who likely didn't eat a thing because of nerves) kicked off the dancing with a first dance. They had been practicing - and I must admit - even though Jud isn't quite ready for Dancing with the Stars, he cut a striking figure with his beautiful bride.

I even had a change to dance with him - the song I selected for my Mother/Son dance was "Momma Told Me There'd Be Days Like This' by Van Morrison. He and I didn't do any special moves - but I enjoyed my short time all to myself with him.

After that the DJ just let it flow. And the photo booth was hopping. Cindy, Paul and I followed Betsy, Wayne, Paul and Alex. I wore a Pirate Hat and Cindy had a chicken carcass on her head. Paul wore wacky glasses and looked like a pimp daddy. Hilarious!

I had the photographer take a pic of the Bullock sisters but didn't get a phone shot - so we'll have to wait. We did get Ken Goldsmith to take this shot of the group though!

Love my family!

The Bullocks didn't party too late. Several had early flights - but we just aren't late night people. The Goldsmiths lasted a bit longer. Those Whiteds! They were there until the end - the last song, and then the real last song. The DJ dragged it out as long as he could.

Open air dance floor with Arch in the background (and full moon)

We danced on the patio, with a blow up beach ball bouncing about. Amy and Corey hung in there with us.

Every once in a while the ball would look like it might go over the wall - as the it was open air, overlooking the Arch. But then it would bounce back in again. By the end, I was happily exhausted. What a fabulous way to welcome Kara into our family and Jud into the Whited family. Can't wait to see what's next!

The Smiths

We been hanging with the the Gsmiths the past 2 days. It's been great. First, we had an invite to our niece Barb's in Norwalk (right south of the 5 Bypass) for Thanksgiving. Bless her for getting me out of the whole turkey day production! We took wine, bread and a relish tray that we put together ourselves. No HyVee tray for us.

Barb and Carol

Barb's mom Carol (Paul's sis) helped with the food prep the day before. Good thinking! Barb's fam includes husband Mike, daughter Mandy a frosh at Dowling and Mike's son Grayson a college frosh at NYU/in NYC. Paul's sis Jean from Webster City was there with her husband Dave. Ham and turkey - with all the fixins'. It was all great - followed by pie and cheesecake. #reallyfull.

Dice golf

Dave shows us how to tie a shoe left-handed

After the big meal some of the gang played golf. No, not really. The dice kind. I'm not a game player - memories of playing with George Goldsmith, Paul's dad. The guy played for blood! I prefer to chat and enjoy life when I'm being social. It's always fun to catch up on everyone's lives - the kids and grandkids. Kara fit in well and she was nice to listen to Dave Fox stories. Jud said it was because she hates football that much. The Packers got drilled, but the Cowboys came through.

Food art by Jud and Kara - pilgrim hats and turkey cookies

After we returned home, while the guys finished watching the game, Kara and I worked on a craft. That's right - you heard me. A craft. She had sent information to Paul to cut out pieces of wood. I painted my ass off and got craft paint all over my hands. By the time we were done, a Bond movie was on. Kara and her mom are big crafters. She and Jud even did food craft!

Friday we headed to Earlville for the Goldsmith fam get-together. It was to be a smaller than usual gathering. Back in the day we used to get upwards of 40 people at this event, but now the the kids are growing up - many have their own kids. Friday only 15 were there and Jud (really Kara) was the youngest. Still it was fun. The Wisconsinites were there and Larry and Regina with son Craig - Kara's first opportunity to meet all of them. She didn't run screaming into the street - a good sign! Again there were more games, and snacks. It was a long drive for the day, but well worth the trip. Love those Goldsmiths!

Farkle

Fabulous gifts!

Add caption

Christmas Fairy Jean is wearing a Duck Dynasty hat...

Amy got to pick first!

It's August!

And I've no one to get ready for school! It's the first time in 20 years. Amy used to get so jacked up for "back to school" that she'd put her name on each crayon.  I'm being nostalgic, I know - it's not like I took Judson Goldsmith to buy folders and college-lined paper for his senior year at Iowa State last August. He did call me to ask if he should buy his books online and stuff like that though!

And so it goes. I'm growing up! I'm not sure I like it. And then I do - the end of tuition and paying Jud's rent. That part is good. Thinking about attending ISU football games without a college student seems strange. I'm trying to move on with my life...

I'm planning out my month - it'll be a busy one:

• Goldsmith Reunion in Preston, MN coming up next weekend - hope to leave Thursday night August 11th, so we can kayak Friday on the Upper Iowa River. Paul will golf Saturday so I'll have to come up with something to do that day...since I'm not into golf. It sounds like all 7 siblings should make it - can't wait to see them.
• Lynyrd Skynyrd/Doobies at the Iowa State Fair on 8/16 - that's after I work in the Recycling Trailer that day until 2 PM. Bobbie/Jeff, Pablo and 10 more of our friends are coming up to party to those rockers!
• We're driving down to Lake of the Ozarks that Thursday night, 8/18, for a few days at Higgins' beautiful lake home to hang with Al, Sharon and Don and Diana McKim. It's always a good time! We'll have to cut it short this year though as we're heading to
• Nashville, TN early Monday the 22nd. Paul is traveling with me as I'm speaking at WasteCon - don't laugh. It's real! A conference all about trash at the Opryland Hotel Resort. We'll be there through Thursday a.m. and hope to get a chance to check out the area. Some of my trashy friends will be there so it should be a good time. (except for the talking part - working on my PowerPoint now).

By then, the month will be about shot! Let's hope this heat is gone too. Satan called - he's not sure if he wants his weather back or not.

Easter with the McFeesters

Paul and I were set to be alone for Easter Sunday. Mass at 7 a.m. followed by who knows what. Amy of course is settled in Denver and was invited, along with niece Jordan (and nephew Colby but I'm thinking he was busy) to the Lamm family brunch gathering. (Those are my peeps in Denver - Aunt Marty and family).

Jud decided to stay with girlfriend Kara - it's her birthday tomorrow. Since most students were going home for the weekend, the two of them ended up in Sioux Center with Kara's family for the holiday. He even mentioned going to church (gulp - he must realllly like her!).

That left us alone. I mentioned that to roomie Joan when we talked of our weekend plans Wednesday night, like we usually do each week. She said, "You might as well join us at Jeff and Bobbie's Sunday - we're having around thirty - what's two more?" I laughed.

Then Friday night, we dined with Jeff and Bobbie (Jeff is Joan's bro) at A&G's - catching up on the past couple weeks. Again I mentioned our lack of Easter plans and kindly, Bobbie made the same offer. What the heck - we kinda feel like cousins! Bobbie's family was attending (her mom and dad, 2 brothers, 1 wife and nephew all from a town south of Omaha) along with all the McFees - except for sis Carol and fam, who were entertaining at their house. We've spent some time with the McFee clan - good times - weddings and such. And bad - funerals.

McFee Easter dinner was very nice, and really made me nostalgic for the olden days when we used to have Easter dinner at George and Laura Goldsmith's home in Earlville. It was nice to be with people who love each other, visiting, laughing and sharing life. Food was good too - turkey, ham balls, taters, plus yummy salads. For desert red velvet cake and chocolate pie! I love buffets - eating a little bit of lots of things. Thanks to the McFees for their family event with us.

Earlier that day - 7 a.m. Mass at Holy Spirit was also nice. The sun was shining and the altar was beautiful. Jane McCann lead the songs with Janet Schulte playing the piano, doing many old favorite hymns. At the end of mass Fr. Pins handed out lil fuzzy bunnies to the children - who were shy about accepting them. I complain in this blog about the Catholic church. But events like Easter Mass are why I keep going back.