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...

Language of Love

Bundled with my baby

Paul and I attended a Marc Cohn concert Thursday - he of "Walking in Memphis" fame. He is a singer-songwriter whose songs tell stories - about his family, career and what else - love. One love song, "Perfect Love" is about his brother and wife who have been married for over fifty years. Marc says his brother tells him the song should be entitled something more like "Enduring Love" - because no love is perfect - especially love in marriage. True dat.

Marc Cohn Temple of Performing Arts

pre-concert martini

It may be hard for newlyweds to believe, but that giddy romantic love doesn't last. Not for 36 years anyway. It takes perseverance and some laughter. My honey and I had that this past week....he's been bowhunting. It's that time of year - when I usually start feeling a little cranky. It's my birthday dammit, and he spends days at a time in a tree. I don't mind alone time - but it can get old.

So last Friday I got a "take and bake" HyVee pizza that we ate after he rolled in from his tree down in southern Iowa. I ate a couple pieces sitting my comfy chair. When I went to put my plate in the dishwasher, I saw a black thing on the floor by my ottoman. Hmmm - sock fuzz? I picked it up and immediately recoiled - flinging it to the ground - it was squishy and warm. Worm! I appealed to Paul to save me. He picked it up - putting it right up to his face. Olive - he declared. We had a good laughed! He wished he would have popped it into his mouth.

On Sunday I was getting ready for a nice warm bath when I noticed a bug in my happy place - my tub. "Bug in the Tub", I yelled. Paul appeared in the blink of an eye. "Backrub?" he inquired (that's what he thought he heard), always hopeful, he. I pointed to the offending critter. The perks of marriage - bug removal. Yes, I'm a bug wimp.

What does the Internet think of you? Judging from the advertisements I see when I'm online, it's got me pegged as someone who really needs old lady slippers, pee proof underwear. I've tried to click on the slippers to get rid of the ad that hounds me on the New York Times. Even if I wanted slippers, now that they are trolling me, I refuse to consider Mahabis brand. Ever. And I'm not in need of pee proof undies - unless my girls make me belly laugh with a full bladder (bladder weakness courtesy of 2 9 pounder babies I believe).

huddled in the trailer - pregame

Yesterday's ISU game was one of the coldest I've attended. Big shout out to our fave tailgater host/engineer Kevin. He rigged up the generator to 2 heaters and we sat inside the small trailer eating soup, drinking beer. I suited up in ski pants and many layers with HotHands, toe warmers. Ugly but functional. Still, I shivered. Clones are now bowl eligible! This team just keeps winning. After the game we sat in the trailer again. McKims and Ehreckes are just fun to hang with. We laugh so hard - mostly at ourselves (but I didn't need the pee panties). Phew! Paul and I are off to visit our pal Paula Bacon in Austin for the Texas game next weekend. WooHoo. Hope there are no bugs there. 

Robyn sent me this pic on my bday. Friends for going on 58 years. We were adorable. Wonder who cut our bangs? Mom always put me in cute dresses for parties.

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! 

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. 

 

December Not Chillin'

Last week was a busy chilly week. I didn't get to snuggle with Odie in my comfy chair in the evenings. Instead on Monday, we went to Bravo at Jordan Creek for the Diamond Brooke Christmas party. We enjoy hanging out with our neighbors who we have gotten to know during the five years we've lived here. Bravo seemed to struggle with new wait-staff that night. Then, when it came time to settle up, some of our single women friends had to endure several references of "being alone". Like - "are you here ALONE?" As if that is forbidden. Sue laughed it off, but I thought it was quite tone-deaf. Overall, a nice evening, despite the waitresses. Plus, leftovers!

Tuesday was my volunteer night at LSI. I'm a classroom assistant in an English as a Second Language class. The class was smaller than usual - about eight that night. The students are still working on short and long vowels. In addition, this week plurals were a topic. There's so much that I don't remember learning - it just seems I always knew how to make things plural. The teacher, Sue, goes over rules - for example, when a word ends in ch, to make it plural you need to add es - such as church, churches. If a word ends in a consonant, you just add s. Seems so easy, right? Not when English isn't your native tongue! Class goes by quickly.

Our pal Krissy gave us tickets to the ISU vs. Iowa women's basketball game in Ames on Wednesday night. We asked our friends Kevin and Kari to meet us at Whiskey River before the game for supper and a beer. It was good to see them and begin making Liberty Bowl plans. The Cyclones played hard but came out on the short end. We trust the coaching staff will have them playing better later in the year.

Cheering at the game

Thursday meant another trek to Ames - this time for the ISU vs Iowa's men's game. It was an early game so we tucked into walking tacos for supper. The crowd was rocking and the game was close until the end when the good guys pulled ahead. We met Kevin and Kari for a beer after the game. Cyclone fans were cheerful as always after a win against the Hawkeyes.

Did I mention we worked all those days too? Paul happened to take Friday off. I work four hours on Fridays after working 36 hours Monday through Thursday. It can be somewhat wearing though - especially after late night Thursdays! Once my work shift was over, I watched Netflix until my car appointment. Suby needed new oil.
That night, thanks to my sisters (a birthday gift - aren't my sissies awesome), we had tickets to the musical Waitress. First, we visited our "go to" when we have show tickets, The Stuffed Olive. Good food and martinis. Loved the show! If you haven't seen it - go! 

Pre-show martini

Saturday was "Tour Des Moines", a walking/food tour of the Court Avenue area - another big birthday gift. This one courtesy of our children/spouses. Kara and Jud have done these types of tours in many cities they've visited along with St. Louis where they live. Des Moines finally caught on, thanks to Angie our tour guide who is super knowledgeable about the city. The website  tourdesmoines.com doesn't seem to be working today.

Our Wisconsin friends

We met at 1:30 PM at The Hub on the corner of Court Avenue and 1st. There were supposed to be 2 couples with us but one canceled, unfortunately. The other couple was from rural Wisconsin. They were fun - a farmer and his nurse wife. They love trips like this, having sampled food in a few other cities. It was their first time to DSM and they were hitting all the highlights! We tried pear, brie and honey flatbread at the Hub - delish!

RoCA

Next, we were off the Vivian's Diner for grilled cheese/beef sannies and grits. On the way, we walked along the river whilst Angie told us historical information about the city. I loved the grits! The diner is at the former Hotel Fort Des Moines which now is being switched over to condos - Angie actually lives there with her husband and college-aged sons in a two bedroom unit.

The last two stops included alcohol tastes, which was fun. We had fancy drinks at RoCA with skewers and roasted Brussel sprouts. Angie showed us a hidden bar - "Shorty's Somewhat Fancy Bar". I had no idea it was there with an alley entrance under RoCA. Dessert was at CABCO. Beer and chocolate. Yum! It was a delightful day. I would say you should not go to something like this for a filling meal - it's "tastes", which was fine with me.

Today was a day of rest! And we stayed home last night too. This week should not be as rigorous for this old girl. But it sure was fun while it lasted.

Spilling my guts

I've said it before - I'm an over-sharer. Others around me are not as...shall we say, forthcoming.
I have loose  (yet very thin) lips. Some people value playing it close to the vest.

I get it. There are many good reasons to keep things to yourself. Like, if they are personal in nature. In fact, I don't like to hear personal stuff from others. TMI baby! Or if others ask you not to tell something. I am good at following directions.

But I have a different mindset than some about sharing information. Sometimes I just put stuff out there for all to see or hear. That way they can share the good/bad with me. stoicism isn't all it's cracked up to be. Holding things in can cause stress. You don't have to carry the load alone.

We had a great weekend celebrating our friend Kari's birthday in Ames, and a big Cyclone victory over Baylor. We took Odie along and stayed all night at Kevin and Kari's house. Our pals Donnie and Diana were in town too. For extra fun, we took the birthday girl to the Tip Top Lounge after the game. High-class joint right there - I hadn't been there since...the 80's.

On Sunday, before we returned to WDM, we got to tour the Sukup Biorenewables Complex where Kevin works. It's a very cool place, where future Ag Engineers learn their stuff.

Sign cut with a water laser

On Sunday night, we got together with all of the McFees who aren't calving. Technically Kristina is now a Carroll, but you get it. Plus we had bonus people, Joanie McFee Bentley and baby Eleanor "Lenny". I didn't get a picture - damn! Lenny was adorable and all of the other people were cute too. We met a Smokey D's BBQ. It was delish.

We were all tired last night. What a good weekend!

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!