Carrying the Bags

We came together in Arizona - carrying our baggage. Beat up old bags and newer ones, Some were big and others small. We came together to help each other carry our baggage. Sharing the load makes all the difference, yes? Yes.

I first saw Robyn and Paula at the rental car depot in Phoenix, after leaving frigid Des Moines at 5:30 that morning before the Martin Luther King holiday. Thanks to all the TSA employees at the airports I flew through for cheerfully sending me on my way while working with no pay. I thanked them in person too.

We hopped into the rental van and took off to meet the rest of our gal pals for this year's rendezvous. We are a ragtag group of friends who reestablished our friendship that started in our hometown of Atlantic, Iowa. I like to brag about the fact that my friendship with Robyn and Paula has lasted 57 years or so - but there were some long breaks in there. I've known Watson, Julia, Sally, and Pam for much less time - only 45 to 50 years.

This group of us reconnected around ten years ago and a strong bond formed - even closer than our childhood friendship. We discovered at age 50 that we love each other and have very similar world views. We fill each others' buckets - and mostly we think we're funny.

Watson moved to the Phoenix area a couple years ago. Sal and Julia flew in on Thursday and stayed with her. The van girls had a mission before we met at a Mexican restaurant. To pick up a tall can of Pam - to represent our missing pal Pam who stayed home to support a loved one with health issues. Hugs all around as we joined together. Laughter filled the air around the outdoor table where we sat. (Meanwhile, snowy and cold in Iowa).

The trip south to our Oro Valley (near Tucson) condo took just over an hour. Watson had done a great job preparing for the trip - purchasing food, booze and she even made soup! We were set. That night we just hung out enjoying each other's company. That was when we started unpacking our bags.

These girls are my loves in a way I can't explain. Their friendship is a very safe place that boosts me. It picks me up when I'm down. If I'm having a bad day - I can start a text message with them and soon, I'm feeling better.

On Saturday after we arrived in AZ, we visited the Tohono Chul Garden. I didn't know there were so many types of cacti! One even shot a sticker ball out at Robyn. We enjoyed a lovely brunch at the bistro there. That night we visited Robyn's brother's place. Mike and Kathy Henningsen kindly invited us over for a drink. Mike's grandparents were friends with my grandparents. My dad was a pal of Tom Henningsen - who called Dad "Bullock" to the end. Mike and Kathy have a beautiful winter home to go with their summer place in Atlantic. Son Brad now runs Henningsen Construction. It was fun to catch up with them and talk about the old hometown.

View at Henningsen's home

On Sunday we traveled to downtown Tucson for the Women's March. It was a group decision to participate in this event. Why? Women are making progress - but there still is a long way to go to continue the work done by those who went before us. Paul and I attended the Ruth Bader Ginsberg based movie "On The Basis of Sex" Saturday night. It reminds me how far we've come.

It was a wonderful group of progressive people with interesting signs. I especially appreciated seeing the indigenous people of the area, some in their native clothing demonstrating a field hockey type game. It was a gorgeous day in the low 70's. We listened to speakers and walked together with many, circling city blocks. One water stop featured glass jelly jars instead of plastic. Yay!

We headed back towards the van - hitting the jackpot by finding an artisan area with a bar. Drinks and food were in order - along with a bit of shopping. It was game night - NFL playoffs. We stopped at the store to pick up supplies for the game watch - wings and stuff.

I'd been in contact with homies from my other hometown - Creston. Dwight and Marilyn Conover, now of Okoboji, who also winter in Oro Valley. I first met Dwight when I took a job as a bookkeeper at First National Bank in Creston. DC was the bank pres. I was the lowly lippy help. Marilyn aka Merle and I were in a women's sorority together and became friends. Later, we moved next door to the Conovers. They didn't keep us awake at night with loud music or anything! Dwight's work took them to NW Iowa so they eventually moved, but we still see them frequently at ISU events - mostly tailgating. I invited them over for a drink - our condo was a short drive from their home. My A-town friends were delighted to meet them, and besides, they know our pal Roger Underwood, who has served on ISU fundraising boards with Dwight.

Later that night we Facetimed Pammie, who couldn't be with us. I really missed that girl. She is one who I have really gotten to know better as an old lady than I did as a youngster. She's so open, fun, and funny. We celebrated renewal after a tough health year by a couple of us. And Watson's birthday.

A gift of infinity bracelets

French Silk! 

Then we played Left, Right, Center - an easy dice game that even I can play (no real skill is required). After, we sat around and chatted - dragging out some of our baggage and other things going on in our lives. Those are our gathering times I love the best. The support and unconditional love pours out and surrounds us. We laugh, we cry. We share personal care and health tips. Girlie stuff! Some of us sat in the hot tub overlooking the beautiful mountains. The blood moon wolf moon solar eclipse was just starting. I was tired - I had to see it via photo the next day. What a great day!

Marilyn, Watson and me

Marilyn had offered to take us on a hike to Honey Bee Canyon on Monday to hike to see petroglyphs. It was Robyn's first excursion test driving the new hip - walking in a sandy wash. We all made it! Got some good pics and a feeling of accomplishment.  Paula and I got a tour of the Conover home - Dwight says it a view with a home - the back window framing up the area mountains.

When we got back to the condo, the gang was starting to pack up as Sal had a Monday evening flight. It was a flurry of activity that involved packing up most of the food, bevs and their belongings. Jules and Rob were going too - leaving only Paula and me in the condo. Parting was hard - especially this year. We're tough old coots. Hmm, where to next year?

There was a snafu with the rental van keys. They disappeared. Oops. Paula stepped into biz mode and dispatched the van. We arranged for a shuttle to Phoenix. Thanks to Dwight and Merle for driving us to the pickup site. Nothing like old friends! Goodbye to Paula - it was fun to see her twice these past few months.

I kick myself for scheduling my flight through Detroit. What a dumbass. It was fall when I booked the ticket - and I was trying to coordinate with others. Still, bad plan. I ran through the Detroit airport and got to my seat just in time for the airport to be shut down due to ice. First for an hour, then for the night. I considered getting a hotel but just didn't want to spend $130 for a night of non-sleep. So I slept at the airport. The next morning my flight finally took off at 10:30 a.m. I do know how to stretch out a vacation! My honey picked me up.

Another bucket filling vacation was in the books. Time to put those bags away. Until next time.

High Anxiety - you don't win

In 1977, on a break from our vigorous study Iowa State University schedule, Vicki, Jane and I went to see the Mel Brook's movie High Anxiety. In the movie, Mel sings a little song that has the refrain, "High Anxiety - you win", he chortled.

Oh how we laughed at that idea. Yes we had worries as college students.

• What did I get on that test? (Back when they posted scores by Social Security Number in the hall outside the classroom)
• What will I wear when we go out tonight and will the cute guy be there?
• How will I get along with everyone on my dorm floor? (we had to call the girls next door on their dorm phone - to notify them that we could smell the pot they were smoking.) Of course we couldn't be as obvious as telling them that. Vicki came up with using a fake voice like an old neighbor lady - she dialed and said "Your dog's in our garden". Worked like a champ! They stuffed towels under their door...
• Later, I worried about, gasp, getting a job. I didn't want to move back home to Atlantic and live with Mom and Dad.

Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Neuman

As you can see - there isn't all that much to worry about there. My health was good. My parents were footing the bill - and I didn't even question that, or understand how lucky I was. It was just the way my life was - back before the price of college became so outrageously expensive. My parents and Atlantic grandparents were alive. Some of my personality traits were set by then. I feel nervous about being on time for anything (thanks Dad). Unlike my friend Chris Deardorff - to whom time has always seems to be an abstract idea.

I lost my "I am bullet proof status" in my 20's. I think most of us do. I worried about the usual stuff. Work, family, relationships, health. But not obsessively.

That changed last summer. I remembered just how bad is was when I got together with a couple good friends last week - and told my story. Thanks to Julia and Christine (who is looking great in her last trimester of pregnancy) for allowing me to tell my Graves Disease story - which is therapeutic for me.

Last summer before my Graves Disease diagnosis, anxiety was running high - mostly about my symptoms.

Once I was diagnosed, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Even though I still had the medical symptoms, much of the anxiety was gone. Oh I still have my quirks! I am becoming even more of an introvert than ever. It's a good thing I have vitamin Paul to ease my symptoms. I wish it were that easy for everyone with major anxiety.

I'm working on being healthy - that's the best way to fight GD, which is an auto-immune disease that attacks the thyroid, causing it to emit hormones throwing one's metabolism and stress hormones out of whack. I'm hoping a March blood test shows me to be heading toward remission. No matter what, I'll always have GD and will deal with symptoms. But hey - everyone is dealing with stuff. This is mine.

Thanks to my friends and fam for helping me through this. For listening to my story. If you need a listening ear for your story. Just ask. We all have one. Or two!

Speaking of stories, the Creston wrestler who collapsed at the state duel meet the week may be released from the hospital today. His heart stopped and he had to be shocked six times before he got to Mercy right across from Wells Fargo Arena where the match was held. It turns out he has Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. You can look it up. It is something could have taken his life without quick action by those present.

Facebook photo of Tayler and 2 CHS finals wrestlers

I worked with Tayler's grandmother at Gits Manufacturing (she is a character!) and remember Tayler as a little guy running around when Jud played soccer with his older brother. Everyone is so pleased with the great outcome from this near tragedy! And the Panthers bounced back with a 2nd place finish at state. Proud of our former home community and their support of this family.

Burning Girls

I'm a tree hugger, oh yeah

No not really. My friends and I saw lots of people flying in to Reno, NV for the Burning Man Festival on Sunday. They were dressed in tutus and had head dresses with hair the color of rainbows.

The Burning Man organization holds a festival for 8 days around Labor Day every year. This group of people creates the infrastructure of Black Rock City, where participants dedicate themselves to the spirit of community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. That's the official line. From my own outside research - it looks like a great big partay in the desert - 70,000 people strong. All partially clothed (if at all) in crazy clothes.

Jules and me - breakfast in Reno

I was in Reno meeting my girlies. Paula Bacon, Atlantic home girl had so kindly invited me to vacation with her in Lake Tahoe. Our friend Julia Hoilien was able to join us as well. Woo Hoo - girl time. I love my husband dearly - but I do need an estrogen fix now and again! Especially in lovely California/Nevada.

Gambled away $7...
 

Jules and I arrived early in Reno on Sunday. We took a cab from the airport to downtown to get some eats. I was starved! Friendly people told us of a place we could walk to - trailed by our wheelie suitcases. Great place - and fun to catch up with Julia and hear about her fam over a huge mess of eggs and other good stuff. I decided Reno is Las Vegas' slutty uglier cousin. Not as flashy or rich - but nicer. We found our way to Harrah's - and lost a couple bucks before taking the FREE shuttle back to the airport to meet Paula.

Then we watched more Burners arrive before she did. They looked like kids before Christmas. Then the three amigos from Atlantic got together - and we were like kids before Christmas. At a beautiful lake in great weather. Woohoo! Seventy degrees and sunny, nice condo near the lake and good pals.

We walked, talked, biked, hiked, had a few drinks and shopped. We sat in the hot tub. Julia and Paula cooked so we didn't even need to go out for supper. #goodcooks.

a rest stop on the bike trail

• We rented bikes in South Lake Tahoe. Julia got a lemon bike. Her chain fell off!
• We parked the bikes and walked into a park that featured a meadow and a wetland.
• We rode around 10 miles. Paula and Julia did so all in one gear!
• On Tuesday we drove to Lake Tahoe's castle - Vikingsholm.
• On the way there we enjoyed Inspiration Point's beautiful vistas.
• The hike down to the house and beach wasn't bad - the way up...kinda brutal!
• I loved the early "green" roof of the Vikingsholm.
• My cousin Steve Legarra, who is a CA guy, now has a place in Tahoe. He gave us some tips on where to go in the area. We stopped at Sunnyside Resort for lunch - lovely lakeside view and good eats.
• Our last morning we stopped in Carson City, NV for breakfast on our way to the airport - another fab local diner.

with my pal Paula at Inspiration Point

Green Roof

Emerald Bay

Sunnyside - no, not the public pool in Atlantic...



great menu - and sweet potato pancakes in Carson City!

It was a great time with great friends. #blessed

Honoring Bill

Uncle Bill, Christmas 2013

I hope to get a copy of the Eulogy my cousin Amy Lamm Brownlee's husband Tom gave at my Uncle Bill's funeral. It was perfect. And he delivered it well - it a heartfelt manner, but without blubbering as I most likely would have done. Though he did have to take a couple gulps from a bottle of water - to be expected when one speaks in an emotional situation like that one. Tom's been a part of this fam for over 20 years.

I arrived in Denver last Thursday on a Frontier flight from Des Moines. Frontier is picky about carry on luggage! So I ended up checking my bag - since I couldn't smoosh my suitcase into the sizer they have. My baby girl Amy and my sis Betso picked me up at DIA. Bets had arrived a few hours before me and the girls had lunch and shopped awaiting my arrival. I'm happy they had a chance to catch up with each other - comparing MLM notes. That stands for multiple level marketing. Since Amy is starting her own business, Betsy's experience (many years as a Longaberger sales rep) is more valuable advice.

We stopped at Amy's former workplace Marczyk's Gourmet Grocery, then went to Amy's place near 10th and Pennsylvania to freshen up. Later we stopped to pick up our cutie niece Jordie and headed to my cousin Amy's home in Centennial, a Denver suburb. The freeway was a parking lot, so we took backroads - which probably took just as long - but we had fun chatting. It was nice to arrive and see the family. And get those  hugs. The Lamms are such great people - love my aunties, cousins and their fams. Bill's sis Julie from St. Louis was there too.

David, Bruce, Amy, Martha and Tom

The next morning we met sister Cindy and her son Colby in the parking lot at the church for Bill's funeral mass. Bill was a founding member of the church - near their former home in Denver. Uncle Bruce and David's wife Lisa each did a reading. And Tom rocked that awesome eulogy. The minister's talk was about doors. He said life is full of doors - we all go through them all day long. But doors are an analogy for the stages of our lives too. And that last one - death is inevitable. We don't know what's on the other side of that last door...People of faith like Bill know that what is on the other side is better than anything on Earth...

John, Matt, Lauren and Kate - all very cute kids, all as close as siblings despite the Colorado to California split

There was a nice reception in the church hall after Mass. After people had a chance to greet the family, Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce gave a short talk on their relationship with Bill. I'm sorry but my photo of them came out fuzzy. Then each of Marty and Bill's grand kids (David and wife Lisa have Lauren and John and Amy and Tom's children are Kate and Matt) each gave a short statement about their grandfather.

A beer at the Paramount

That afternoon Cindy, Colby, Betsy, Amy and I walked from Amy's place down to the Pavilion. We met Jordan and her girlfriend Jill for a beer at a pub there. We wandered around in that area for a while and eventually went to Colby's fave place Euclid Hall. We headed back to my cousin's place that evening where David's wife Lisa cooked up a mess of fab chicken. I enjoyed hearing Marty tell...well Marty stories about working as a docent at the Denver Art Museum for many years. She's a wonderful story teller and good artist too.

We met Jordie's gf Jill - nice!

I heard that in Bill's last days he told my cousin about the history of relations between Russia and Ukraine - he was well-read and informed. His sister Julie told about her memories of living on 38th Street in Des Moines - she and her sister had rheumatic fever and had to lay flat on their backs for months. Marty said she met Bill at a party and they ended up going to ski together in Aspen and other places. It was the begging of a beautiful relationship!

The Bullock girls - without our big sis Susi. Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce Rader

Bill flew into Omaha the first time he met my grandparents and parents - and my dad was so nervous, worried Bill wouldn't like us. He must have ended up liking us okay - he married Marty after the meeting!

Betsy had to fly out Friday evening - she had other fam obligations in Reno, Nevada. Jordie graciously delivered her to the airport. Amy caddied Colby, Cindy and me back to her place for a slumber party - but we were all beat and hit the hay soon. We were up early though - Jelly called. It's my fave breakfast place in Denver.

Colby and Cindo headed back to Vail after breakfast

Amy and I had a nice day together Saturday. We were able to meet up with my Atlantic homie Julia Hoilien just off I-25 near REI and her husband Jeff Mason after their daughter's track meet. While we waited we shopped at REI and I snagged a new suitcase - one that could make it through the sizer at the Frontier gate. Boom - take that Frontier.

We met Jules and Jeff at a the Denver Beer Co. It was great catching up with those two - such interesting people. A month ago they took their daughters to an island off of Venezuela to scuba dive. How cool is that? Man I have neat pals.

They also are very interested in my life and Amy's too - Jeff and Amy had a long conversation about Amy's South/Central American trip last summer. They each took her biz card so they can refer people to her should the occasion arise. The beer was good and they were able to snag a bowl of crawfish and fixins from a food truck. Good time!

Amy and I shopped a little that evening and saw a chick flick. Sunday a.m. she dropped me off at the airport. I'll be back in a month - Paul and I have trekked to Colorado for Memorial Day for the past few years. The flight is only 1.5 hours and before I knew it I was hugging my honey - Pablo. Happy to be home.

Finally a Winner

We got up early Sunday to head back north to Iowa. We were on a mission - to attend the ISU basketball game at 4 p.m. We arrived at home about 1:15 p.m. Odie was happy to see us. Our new pretend dog sitter Jordan did a fine job as she was alive and everything! I say pretend because Jordan refused to accept payment for her services, ruling out a repeat performance. What a nice kid!

We took off about an hour later to head to Hilton Coliseum where Dickie V. (ESPN's Dick Vitale) would be appearing for the very first time to call the a game here. Michigan, ranked number 7 was coming to town. I could feel the excitement as soon as I set foot in the building! We ran into Crestonian Bill Kunert on our way to our seats in section 217. Then we made our way to the cheap seats - but still a pretty good view.

Dick V. made nice with the students - bald guy by the poster

 As an added bonus, the 'ol coach - one of my favorite guys Johnny Orr was in the house. He has history with both these program - as the winningest coach with each program. Johnny is now 86 years old - but he's still got it. The band played "Here's Johnny" the theme from the Tonight Show, just like the did back in the day. His former player - now Coach, Fred Hoiberg got a little teary-eyed they say when both men appeared on the floor together. And then he said we wasn't sure Johnny was ever going to leave. It was a touching moment.

The great Johnny Orr

The game was a back and forth affair with lots of drama. When it was over, the good guys came out on top! Just what the doctor ordered for the win-starved Cyclone fans. The students rushed the floor and soon the joyful sounds of Neil Diamond singing Sweet Caroline rang out over the sound system. Love was in the air. Clone love. We have ourselves a basketball team to watch this winter!

Students rush the court - we did not

Paul and I hustled out the door toward our next appointment. High School friends Robyn and Julia were awaiting at the airport Fairfield Inn, after spending a few days in Iowa with friends and family. Love seeing my gals. Rob made me a nice drink, and then we went out to eat at Johnny's Steakhouse (no relation to Johnny Orr) next door. I was pooped ladies and gents. I could barely keep my itty bitty eyes open. Somehow a lovely birthday cheesecake appeared before me before we said goodbye. Wish I had more time with the girls, but Paul and I had to work Monday. And I'm old. I wish I would have taken a pic of Jules and Rob. Duh.

It was a wonderful way to end a great weekend! I can't stress it enough - we are very blessed.

Marty, Waveland and Jules

I hope I look that good in 25 years! Amy, Marty and Amy's gorgeous 18 year old daughter Kate (takes after her momma and gran)

My cousin Amy just posted this photo of 3 generations of the Lamm/Bullock fam women. It's from my Aunt Marty's 80th birthday party. Our daughter Amy was able to represent the Goldsmiths at the party - as Marty and her husband Bill live in Denver where Amy lives. We sent an Iowa gift bag to her - since that's where Marty grew up, good 'ol Atlantic. The bag even showed Atown on the map, and I included Oinkers Sauce from The Pines. The Bullocks ate many a good broasted chicken meal from that restaurant!

Speaking of food. Saturday Paul and I checked out a new place for breakfast. We'd been at a loss for a good, non-chain joint to go to since Baby Boomers closed last spring. The Sunday before we had tried Mimi's Cafe over by the new Kohl's. It was fine - expensive though. And it just isn't quite what I was looking for - a homey, Creston-like place. My co-worker Alex suggested we try the Waveland Cafe over on University at about 47th.

We woke up fairly early that day - because we're old...it's hard to sleep in! So we headed to the Waveland. Alex told me he eats there nearly every Saturday at 6 a.m. We didn't get there that early! He must have been dining with his father - and they were just on their way out, so we took their little booth for two. The Waveland Cafe had Paul at kitschy Packer decorations. He was sold once he saw that stuff! There were interesting murals on the walls and little drawings here and there - like proud grandparents had stuck them up.

The menu is perfect - you can get half orders of things, which is just the right amount for me! The coffee with rich, and the waitstaff friendly. I bet it gets busy as the morning goes by. I had an egg and a piece of french toast with a piece of bacon for $5.50. Paul had an egg with hashbrowns and toast. It was all good.


Paul is deep in thought...not the old juice machine - I think it's an antique! Love the mural - must be the owners...

Guess who stopped by our place in WDM on Sunday? Odie was thrilled to have her old pal Julia Hoilien come to visit! Jules was in the area visiting friends from her post college years in Iowa. It was fun to see her and to show her our new home. Nice catching up on the Mason fam - she filled me in on what Jeff, Zetta and Marcella are up to. Some of my favorite peeps!

You'd never know she was up late dancing with her girlfriends...what a cutie!

Chick Trip 2

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

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

 

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

We cleaned up and hit a nearby town for lunch.

buddies since pre-school

 

buddies since nursery school

Paula and Sal

Julia and Chris

 

 

Then some shopping. All of that wiped me out!

Looking at some cool art in the window

 

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

 

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

Amy and me creekside

 

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

Julia and Robyn - Pals

 

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