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...

Day 2 - Christmas

Jelly, Jelly, Jelly. Jelly stays on my mind! Jelly roll killed my pappy. No, not really. It's an Allman Brothers song - and we went to our favorite joint for breakfast. Jelly Cafe. It's near Amy's place and close to Capitol Hill in Denver. Jelly - yum

I didn't take any photos of the place this year, because I've taken pics before. It's very hipster. We had donut bites whilst we awaited our real breakfast. Then we did a bit 'o shopping. A new Cabela's opened south of town. Paul has a "black" card and earned points. Let's not let them go to waste! He found a most awesome backpack for hunting. Then we hit the Outlet Mall a bit farther south. Odie found some nice hard candies in the cubbie hole of the car. She spit the red hot jaw breaker out on Paul's seat. Her breath was minty fresh though!

That evening we had a date with the Lamms at a Chinese place. We picked up our niece Jordan on the way - such a cutie! My Aunt Marty got there early (along with Uncle Bill) and ordered food for hundreds from Tony (a Chinese guy whose name was really something unpronounceable). Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Bruce were there too. they had just rolled in via Santa Fe, a stop on their way from Green Valley, AZ. They are my Dad's sisters and husbands.

Cousin Amy Brownlee came with husband Tom and kids Kate - who is a college frosh at CSU and Matt who is a HS sophomore. Kate's boyfriend came along too. My cousin Richard was last but not least. Tony kept the food coming. Eggrolls, chicken, shrimp, rice - we didn't have enough room on the table! Amy scored big in the leftover department! All of us scored big in the family department - we have a great one!

2 Generations of Bullock women

On Monday Paul and I drove (in rush hour) to Centennial, Colorado to see Marty and Bill's new place at Holly Creek Retirement Community. It's a gorgeous place. I'm jealous of their indoor/outdoor lap pool. We had a great breakfast (it's not quite as hipster as Jelly) and afterwards sat a Marty's and chatted a while. Made plans to see all of them in 2014. Yay! Then we headed back to Amy's to await her arrival home from work so we could head up the mountain to Edwards - just past Vail.

A fine send off

Colby and Bolder in happier days

Bolder had a fine send off. His memorial service was a great tribute to the guy he was. It was held at a beautiful chapel shared by several parishes - packed to the brim with standing room only, over 300 people. The Eagle County Sheriffs were on Highway 6 parking people, and shuttles were hauling people from far off parking spots to the church. Episcopal priests did the service and three of his best friends spoke.

Cindy and Bolder's son Colby finished things up by doing a short speech. He is Jud's age, and he lives in the Vail Valley, managing a restaurant after finishing culinary and management school in Denver. Colby had to take several deep breaths during his talk, but he did fine. I was so damn proud of him!

 

After the service, Cindy and Colby greeted people in the foyer for nearly 2 hours. Colby's restaurant, Moe's served wings and sliders with pudding and somebody else served chardonnay and Budweiser. Extended family escaped upstairs to the fireside room. My aunties Jean (with husband Bruce) Rader and Marty (husband Bill) Lamm and cousins Amy (husband Tom) and Richard were there. It was so nice to see them! I am usually lucky as I get to see Lamms each Christmas but seeing Raders was one of those sad/happy benefits of a funeral.

clockwise - Paul, Betsy, Jean, Amy Lamm Brownlee, Marty Lamm, Back Row - Wayne, Bruck and Richard

I also go to see my niece Leslie again along with her husband Jordan (no not her sis...) and Susi's husband Jim. Bets was accompanied by her spouse Wayne and her son Paul who had gotten to hang with Boldie this summer during our Cannon Beach trip. Nice to see them too. It's been fun to get to know Paul as an adult. Amy was with me and Paul was home holding down the new fort. And hunting.

Bolder's 86 year old mother Claire was there, accompanied by her son Bret and his wife Trudy. They all live in Massachusetts. Bret had been here the weekend before - and left morning before Bolder died. Claire held up pretty well considering the circumstances.

After the Memorial reception, we went to Cindy's place for a while. Then she looked exhausted. So we went back to our hotel and headed to e-Town - the bar Bolder loved so much. He was the Mayor there! When I walked in, I got to see the end of the Iowa State football game - the Cyclones polished off Kansas. Boldie would have been happy. His ISU cap was one of 3 well worn caps featured at the memorial service. The bartender did a toast to Boldie and we all raised a glass. Amy and nephew Paul ordered "Bolder" drinks. Vodka in martini glasses and Budweiser chasers. Amy was smart to dump her vodka into my cranberry juice. Paul wasn't...Boldie would have loved being there. Gee I miss him!

The toast

The Bolder

 

I shed tears several times throughout the weekend. It's just hard for me to get it through my head that he's really gone. Not just away. There is a benefit fundraiser December 5th at eTown to help pay medical expenses. Even though he's gone, those didn't go away. They may have to pitch a tent to fit everyone in. Vail Mountain has donated an Epic ski pass - that's a $500+value. There are lots of other great things too. I think I'll try to put together some kind of Iowa package with stuff from that Iowa store.

Paul and I will be back in Vail for Christmas. Colby will be in charge of the Christmas party this year...but let's face it. Nobody can ever take Bolder's place! Love you Boldie!

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.