Go Pack GoI

I had a fantastic time on our all Green Bay Packer weekend! So much fun that I had "Green Bay" tattooed on the tops of my feet. No not really - that was the chick in the restroom stall next to me at the stadium. I noticed while I shook sand out of my shoes whilst sitting on the pot. I bet those tattoos hurt! She must be a dedicated fan.

Our longtime Creston friends Deb and Larry contacted us a few months ago to ask if we were interested in going on a radio station sponsored bus trip. Hell Yes! Paul grew up in eastern Iowa - in the shadow of Packerland. He's been a Cheesehead all of his life. Larry is from Fort Dodge, but both guys were in their formative years when the Packers were the champs. Deb and I love Packer fans and have become fans through osmosis - that steady drip, drip of over 35 years of living with those crazy guys cheering for the green and gold. When Pappa is happy, everybody's happy.

Deb & Larry on the bus

We took off on the luxury (cough cough) coach (bus) from Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 6 a.m. Saturday. That was early! Paul and I were able to sit right by our friends and Deb and I got plenty of catch up time. We don't live by each other anymore. Time with my gal was like heaven - even on a bus! Meanwhile, several movies played on a small screens available on the bus - one right above our seat. We saw a newer Star Wars, Blind Side and a few more that I slept and talked through.

Our hotel was actually in Osh Kosh, b'gosh! It's about 50 minutes west of Green Bay. We stopped there before heading to storied Lambeau field. That's where the Packers play - and more. The organization has a shrine there that includes a museum and a huge gift shop. Upon arrival we decided we needed lunch, enjoying the Packer ambience along the way. One could have spent a whole day in the museum if one's wife wasn't with you...

the wind blows in Packerland!

Paul is an OWNER! The kids bought him one share of stock

The man and the legend...Vince Lombardi!

That night we had appetizers at the hotel lounge and a couple beers while we watched the Cubs and the Wisconsin Badger games - with Badgers fans. It was fun, but we pooped out early. The next day we had the waitress/service from HE double toothpicks for breakfast. Still, we laughed! She apologized, it was all good. The river outside our hotel was gorgeous and so was the day. In honor of our son, the Cowboys fan, we took a photo op with the America's Team fans from our bus.

Gary and his wife didn't even gloat after the game

The drive into Green Bay was awesome - I loved seeing the tailgating along the way. There are houses across from the stadium that must get rented out for game day. I'd love to party there! Our Packers experience included a tailgate party right by the stadium that was a lot of fun.

People say you can watch games in the comfort of your own home and wonder why you'd ever want to go to a game. Sunday again proved why to me! We had a blast. Sunshine, beer, brats (with kraut!), music and nutty people. They played some interesting songs...like "Bears Still Suck". Rivalries run hot between those team. Deb and I sang along like veterans. The two of us could have fun in a box...

I could have purchased this sport coat for Paul

Vince Lombardi made an appearance

All too soon, the party was over and it was game time (around 3:30 pm). Paul and I were soaking it in. When we walked to our seats we couldn't believe it. They were great - 15th row in the endzone. We were expecting nosebleed seats. When the National Anthem was sung, the flyover by giant helicopters brought tears to my eyes. At halftime, Packer legend Brett Favre accepted being inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame. He walked right in front of us. So the day had it all!

Now the not as great stuff. The Packers wore throw back uniforms. Damn! We wanted to see them looking like Packers. Then they didn't play well - so that was disappointing. On the other hand, Jud's team, the Cowboys rocked! So as his mother - I still won, right?

When the game was over, we made our way to the bus and it took a long time for the expert driver to make his way out of town. Packers fans were still tailgating as we made our way out of town. We made a stop in Madison, WI and headed on back to Iowa, arriving about 4 a.m. Thank goodness I took Monday off! I'm still tired, but in a good way. What a great weekend experiencing life with friends!

Having fun with my bestie!

He's my Handy Man

A couple months ago Paul and I attended "Team Building", the Thursday after work gathering of federal and former fed NRCS workers. They meet for beverages at local establishments and shoot the breeze. Sometimes the DNR director even shows up...so I'm on best behavior when I go! That last time I attended, we learned that several of them were going to attend the James Taylor Concert November 1. Gary was in charge of getting tickets. We were IN. I'd never seen one of my all time fave musicians live.

I've loved JT, well forever. This week before the concert I kept thinking about one particular song - from the first James Taylor Album I ever purchased, "Handy Man." sweet song - young James

I was a lifeguard at Sunnyside Pool in Atlantic when that song came out. And I had to have it! It was one of those songs. You couldn't hear it on the radio enough - must own! I likely buzzed over to Omaha on my day off from protecting the world's children from drowning to purchase it - on the album JT. He had hair then. And mine was a semi afro...

I'd kinda had my heart broken that summer. That spring I'd met a guy at ISU. He seemed very interested in me. We'd been to each other's spring parties. As school wound down and I was studying for finals and starting to pack to head home for the summer, he sent a dozen red roses to me. I mistakenly thought that meant we were something! Then that summer, nothing. I wrote to him - with no response. Good thing my fab Sunnyside friends were there to distract me with parties and fun...

Sigh. Still I needed a song like Handy Man! I didn't know then there was a Paul Goldsmith in my future...a real Handy Man. Funny - a few years later, when I was married, Paul and I went out with a couple in Council Bluffs - and I found out the other gal had also dated this fella. At the same time I had! Cad. He prolly sent her flowers too.

James Taylor has a timeless voice. He told of signing his first record deal thanks to the Beatles in 1968. Look who is still touring and going strong at age 66. While he might not have the zing star power of the Beatles...he certainly has some iconic songs. I purchased the Best of James Taylor as a cassette and then a CD. Now he's on my iPod.

I like the "Steamroller" naughty version thank you! I remember listening to that with the kids in the car and thinking, "I hope they don't learn those words and sing "mfing blues" in front of somebody someday...".

Paul and I began our evening by meeting some longtime friends for supper and a drink downtown first. I had decided not to attend the ISU home game - thinking the chilly weather wouldn't be pleasant for my shoulder. Shivering and scar tissue - ouch (it's slowly getting better)! Painful ugly loss - ouch. I'm glad I didn't go to the game. It's been a long time since we've had a night out!

Deb and Larry Peterson met us at Three Olives (used to be The Standard). It was fun to spend some time with friends. We got the update on the big embezzlement scandal at a car dealership in Creston. Unreal. How do people think they'll get away with that? I feel guilty if someone gives me too much change...

We walked through the skywalk to The Well. There was a nice crowd at the concert and I saw Facebook posts showing several other people I knew were there to take in this great show.

JT played all my faves, plus some songs from a new CD. He talked about how many of his songs are "tree huggerish" I heart that! He ended the first set with "Shower the People you Love with Love". If only we'd remember to live like that every single day!

JT ended the concert with a couple encores. First he got us all up out of our seats to dance to "Mexico". The set of the concert was very cool - see above. 3 big screens and those posts could show videos too. Some of the songs had videos to go with them. For Mexico...we were there!

And then, of course, "You've Got a Friend". That song has been used for so many occasions through the years. James' wife came out for the last few songs. The final one was an Irish or Scottish folk song and it was gorgeous and a beautiful way to end the evening. Life is good.

Veteran's Day - and the anniversary of losing our beloved Boldie

In some ways it feels like I just saw my brother-in-law Brian "Bolder" Lefebvre last summer. In others, I feel like I've missed him for longer than the year he's been gone. Bolder passed away a year ago today. I miss him terribly - but mostly so because I know of the huge hole his loss has left in my sister Cindy's life. Their son Colby is feeling the loss too.

Terrible picture...but one of all 4 of us so couldn't resist...plus Boldie's lil legs

Paul and I were preparing to move to West Des Moines last year when we heard of Bolder's serious reoccurrence of cancer. Virulent the doctor said. Our whole family rushed out to see him and to support Colby and Cindy during this time. The Alvillar girls were there with their mom, Susi. We gathered around for just a bit - and then left the Lefebvres to deal with hospice and...the end. Their wonderful friends, especially the Pottorffs. Eric was with Cindy and Bolder at the very end.

In the past year Cindy has gone through all the tough things. She was called "widow" by the pastor doing the memorial service. Man...that's reality calling. That word sounds like it should be reserved for some spaghetti Western movie, or rich older women dressed in black, riding in a limo. Not a five year old Subaru.

Cindy took part in grief sessions early in 2013. They were set up for people who lost someone - so included those going through divorce as well as death of a loved one. She shared some of the other stories with me. When we lost our son Patrick I read everything I could about others who lived through the loss of a child - reassuring myself that it could be done! There is something to be said for connecting with others going through similar circumstances to help you see that what your doing isn't all that crazy. Crying in your breakfast cereal, no energy - no interest in the typical things you used to enjoy. I wish those sessions could have gone on...but in some ways, it's good to move on.

So Cindy did. She is an awesome inspiration to me. I know she has gone through some tough times - and she keeps those to herself. Just like Eddie Murphy's character in the movie Trading Places - he says he's a "Karate Man" they bruise on the inside. Cindo doesn't like to show her bruises to the general public...or even her family too much. It's the English background you know - stiff upper lip!

I wish I lived closer so we could help more with the physical stuff - changing light bulbs and furnace filters etc. One day I called and her toilet had backed up...to the tune of $600, thanks to a root in the yard. That's when it's nice to have a partner to help share things with - the raking, pet duties, house, financial worries.

Great pic of 3 of my fave peeps!

Then there's being half a couple. I thought about that recently. Yesterday's blog about tailgating and hanging with friends - who were all couples. What a difference it would make if I were single. I doubt I would get football tickets. The thrill would be gone without Pablo to discuss the games with! And who would pack the car and drive me back and forth? I might go to a game or two...but not the whole season. One would have to make a concerted effort to get back into a social scene. And it would be hard.

I told Cindy recently how much we miss Bolder and how proud I am of her. She is making her way in this world and surviving. She isn't retreating into a total shell. This weekend she went to Denver shopping with Bonnie - and bought boots thank you very much! There is a lot of life left for my soon (April 9th) to be 60 sissy (and what a babe at that age!). Bless you Boldie (Coast Guard Veteran) where ever you are. Love to you and the rest of the Lefebvres.

Thanks to all veterans!

Dave served our country and Jean held down the fort while he was gone

Larry and wife Regina

• Our brother-in-law Dave Fox served in Viet Nam and then in the National Guard around the world.
• Paul's brother Larry Goldsmith was injured in Viet Nam. Paul remembers his parents getting the news.
• My dad served in Korea - we loved looking at his uniforms in the closet downstairs. Paula Bacon and I wore parts of the uni's for Halloween one year - including the boots!



Dad in military school uniform with Aunt Marty

• My great, great grand-dad Adnah David Bullock was one of the last living Civil War Vets in western Iowa. A Sherbourne New York native who mustered out of the army at age 18, he died in Atlantic, Iowa in 1941. Ironically, he married a Waukee gal, Ella Fuller, and I've now settled so close to there.

In another small world thing, note where Adnah David's brother lived, listed in the Obit - Earlville - where Paul is from. Things that make you go, hmmmm. Plus I liked how they noted he only had 2 of his own teeth and didn't drink. My grandfather obviously changed that trend - with the liquor thing anyway.  Wouldn't that make today's obits more interesting?

My dad's namesake, and Judson David's too...

My old Crestony Home

Any excuse for a party, and breakfast, and/or drinks! That's been the motto for my Creston homegirls these past few years. I've written about the group before - they are my homies, my gals - my clique.

I first learned that word - clique - in 6th grade (of course I thought it was "click") when Mrs. Nancy Pellett, the teacher used that word like it was a bad thing. And perhaps she was right in that case...we did have a large group of girls who had just learned how to be snotty. We could be bullies. Mrs. Pellett (related by marriage to the nice Pellett families - I think she and her husband (Gary?) eventually divorced) wasn't any help in dealing with us though.

There were two sections of sixth grade at our school - each with about 30 students. The other class had a teacher named Mrs. Harter. I perceived her as a crotchety old women, who used the word Shiste (not sure of the spelling) as an expletive. Doesn't that sound suspiciously like Shit!? She was no help with budding potential bullies in need of guidance. Of course bad then there were no counselors at Washington Elementary. We received little formal input on our behavior. We could have used some!

Wiki defines the word Clique as, "persons who interact with each other more regularly and intensely than others in the same setting". Even though I'm not it the same setting (Creston) anymore, I'm still in the group, thank goodness. Everyone needs a group.

Each year the homegirls have a holiday party - usually after the holidays so the pressure is off. Linda volunteered to host this year. McKims volunteered to host us overnight at their home. They even offered to have Odie, but I arranged for her to go to the Puppy Spa at Lila and Bill's - where she always went when we lived in town. I knew they'd be going through Odie withdrawals.

Prior to the trip, we bought supplies at the cult clubhouse - Costco. I was going to make a cheesecake, but then saw one there. And we bought brown water - Black Velvet and some Fess Parker chardonnay. After doing errands and a bit of cleaning Saturday a.m., we watched most of the ISU men's game before we hit the road. Odie was thrilled to go with us until she found out we were visiting Mendy at Creston Vet Clinic for a nail trim and another procedure involving her bottom. It's much cheaper to get that stuff done here than in the big city.

We found time to swing by our former house after that - we noticed they weed wacked Paul's native prairie area, but there were no trees missing. We'd heard tell that they had gotten a Christmas tree off of their own property.

Then we went to McKims. I thought it might seem awkward, but it didn't - since we've spent quite a bit of time there through the years. They're the kind of hosts that make one feel right at home. The Broncos/Ravens game was on. Jeff McFee arrived about 5:30, sans Bobbie who is in Idaho for work. Missing that girl!

We thought it was safe to leave for the party with the Broncos leading with a minute left. Wrong! By the time we got to Linda's, a couple minutes away, the game was in overtime and the Broncos went on to lose. A lot of Broncos fans in my family are not happy campers after that game! When we arrived at Linda's we got hugs from everyone - even the guys! I'm digging that part about being from another town now - I love hugs.

The guys retired downstairs to watch the Packers/San Francisco fame and we stayed upstairs to chat. And eat. I brought along my friend Jeremiah. Weed. Sweet tea vodka. There were 3 kinds of soup and I opted for Reuben - complete with sauerkraut. It was delish! Roll Call: Linda's BF (and my former hazardous materials tech) Mick Landers, Deb and Larry Peterson, Patti Kralik and Dean Leith, Susan and Brian Weinheimer, Nancy and Jim Anthony and the people who came with us. The missing: Bobbie, Pat and Steve Moeller and Lucy and Jim Hyde.
I did a lousy job taking photos this year...;>(

Patti, Deb, Nancy and Diana

Susan and Linda

I love these ladies. I don't have to pretend to be nice with them. I can just be my sarcastic self! They know my kids and I know theirs. We talked about Creston stuff - the basketball game and life in general. We used our collective memories to remember what people's names are that did that one thing that one time. We laughed at ourselves like only old friends can. It was relaxing and fun. I miss these guys!

So while the upstairs conversation went exceedingly well. The Packers game didn't - Paul and Larry are big fans. They weren't happy. Thank goodness for BV and Coke. When the game was over, we decided to head to The Lobby for karaoke and a bit of dancing.

Diana sings, while Don channels John Belushi

It was fun to go to a bar where we could see more people while we were in town. I saw Retta Baker as we walked in, and chatted with her for a while. The Baker kids went to school with Amy and Jud at St. Malachy. In the karaoke room my old pal Jeanne Piel and her hubby Sheriff Rick, and their son Chris with his partner Jason Hoke were hanging out. I haven't seen any of them in person for so darn long - hugs again! Barb and Joe Feld and family (they moved away some 10 years ago or so) were back in town celebrating Barb's 50th birthday. I also saw Brittany - the cute young Creston teacher we have run into at the bowl games the past 2 years.

Paul talked to a kid around Jud's age with an Atlantic connection - Lynn Kinen (Chuck and Collette's daughter) McCabe's son Bryant McCabe. We danced and Don and Diana sang. Don sang the Rodeo Song....a song that always reminds me of our years camping at Ridgeland, Wisconsin and floating the Apple River. I think it was after 1 a.m.  when we left The Lobby - Paul was lobbying us to stop at Sidetracked - the bar across the tracks, but smarter wives prevailed.

I must say we weren't moving real fast this a.m. when Diana served a great breakfast casserole complete with my fave tailgating food - sticky pecan rolls. We headed home around 11 a.m. Odie was happy to see us! We were sad to see Creston in our rear view mirror, but happy to be together when we walked into our WDM home. I don't miss packing on Sundays. Thanks girls (especially Linda for hosting) - let's get together again soon! Thanks McKims for the hospitality!

Not so lonely

Deb and Larry

 

It's good to have friends! Especially friends that make a point to stop and see you when they're in town. On Saturday, Paul and I attended evening Mass at 4:30 p.m. at St. Francis (Paul's niece calls it St. Lexus...but heck, we drive a Subaru...) There we ran into a couple from Creston, the Fremls, Tom and Karin - in town shopping. Then Paul spied Gary Hemann - former Creston physician across the church. West Des Moines is shrinking already.

After mass, we welcomed my bestie Deb and her husband Larry, in town for a day of Christmas shopping. And ready for a beer! We enjoyed showing them the new digs. Just that day I'd finished putting pictures on the wall. I also enjoyed setting my some of my grandmother's (I think the stuff came from both of them - Zora Stewart Bullock and Nellie Weber Morehead) beautiful cruets and other glassware on the built in shelves in my bedroom.

We so enjoyed catching up on family and Creston news with Larry and Deb. Conversation was constant! It was as if we couldn't get the words out fast enough. Oh how I've missed my friend! And Paul too misses friendly familiar faces in his daily life. Later we went to Jethros in Waukee for a meal together. Deb and I had Planter's Punch - yummy. Paul and Larry - beer. It was such fun to be with them, and I disliked saying goodbye.

Sunday we woke up to a bit of snow on the ground, much to Odie's displeasure. She would not go potty, even for her favorite - banana pieces. At least until the snow melted, later that morning. My lil buddy Krissy had given us tickets to the ISU Women's basketball game that day, so we headed to Ames for the 1 p.m. game against Fairfield. We were glad the Cyclones bounced back after their defeat by the Hawks a couple nights earlier, and best of all their All American  Chelsea Poppens was back on the court. She had suffered a concussion a couple weeks prior.

Bobbie and Jeff

That evening, I cooked up some soup, and it was simmering on the stove.  I cooked it up for today at work (Munchin' Mondays - we're taking turns bringing food). Before we got anything out for supper, Jeff McFee called Paul to see if we wanted to meet Bobbie and him at Granite City. McFees were on their way back from Ankeny - visiting Caleb and Krissy at their new home there. I forced myself back into jeans from my sweats and off we went - we aren't wasting chances to see buddies! Daughter Kimmy was with them, and we had a nice time hanging out and catching up. Paul misses farm (and other) talk with Jeff, that's for sure. And we've always had such fun together on Friday nights - we miss that here. It sounds like Kim can house and dog sit while we're in Memphis for the bowl game. Good deal!

The Chicken Tortilla Soup was a big hit a work today. I took blue corn tortilla chips along and some salsa from World Market. A couple other people brought food too. After work, Paul and I decided to stop briefly to pick up a few things at the store right off the freeway. Okay, Okay, I admit it...it was a WalMart. I like that I can get generic Allegra D there. On the way in, I ran into my old friend Jane Buck, who was in a great mood! Paul and I each received a big hug, which made my day, really. It was nice to see her so happy. Odie was happy to see us when we got home. Such a nice way to wind down the day.

Me with Jane last winter

My sis Cindy started back to work today. She says it was good to be back, though she is very tired. Thanks again to all who have kept your positive prayers and thoughts going out to/for her.

No Slow Ride

It was retro night in Creston when Foghat came to town. It was a fundraiser for McKinley Park - the beautiful city park perched across from our home. A few years ago park board people came up with the idea to host a big concert at the old band shell that's been somewhat refurbished. Funds go towards fixing up both the park and the lake - a great cause. Amazingly, they've been able to attract some pretty good but, yes, past their prime bands to our little burg.

Last year it was Marshall Tucker. We were in San Antonio with McFees and Higgins, but I heard they weren't all that great. This year? Foghat! Okay - there was only one original guy, the drummer. And when interviewed for the article in the paper he said something like "rock and roll is slang for copulate and nobody is unhappy when they're copulating" Um, Kyle (article writer), did you look up that word? I hope you don't get a bunch of nasty letters from old folks.

The event day didn't start out too promising, weather-wise with rain. But that put all the farmers in a good mood. That makes everyone else happy because they don't have to put up with mopey farmers asking my husband, "When are we going to get rain"? Like he's the dang rain god...We went to evening Mass and Bobbie and Jeff came over for a drink with munchies after. We could hear a warm up band playing as we sat at the kitchen table and chatted. Odie was nervous - the music sounded a bit like thunder!

We headed over about 7:30 p.m. Mayor Woods took our tickets - there were lots of volunteers helping. Sponsors had forked over $ to help pay for the band. Fareway and the Knotty Pine were cooking up sannies. There were a couple bevvie booths and for those with special wristbands, beer and hard lemonade was available. For $3! Take that DSM...it's not $6! And we didn't pay to park. I got a Summer Shandy tallboy and we made the rounds to decide where to park our chairs. We saw Deb, Baileys and Stormy's Mom. It's fun to chat with people you haven't seen for a while.

McKim's hometown buddies came to visit

McKims were parked at a sponsor table as Don had purchased 10 tickets, so we set up our chairs in front of that area. The band wasn't bad - played some Collective Soul and some other recognizable stuff. Foghat was due at 9 p.m. Deb's hubby Larry was heading back from DSM where he'd been for son Keith's bachelor party dinner. Jud was at the event along with many HS buddies. Larry didn't stay for the party bus part of the night. Jud did! Can't wait to hear about it - not too many details though...Keith and Jud have been friends since age 3.

Keith, Jud - First Communion - thus the ties

I wasn't expecting all that much from Foghat frankly. Despite the fact that there's only one original guy, the good news is that the band has filled in with a bunch of talented musicians. The bass player - excellent! Guitar player could rock. Vocalist could play guitar and sing. None of them were spring chickens either - probably in their 40s and up. A big bouncer stood guard on the stage, and a ring of volunteer stage guards helped keep the drunks off the platform.

We started out sitting in our chairs a decent distance away. A nice couple from Marshall town was near us - they said they'd come to celebrate their 29th Anniversary. He was a Lennox Heating/AC guy and his wife commutes to work in a downtown DSM bank. I told them it's our 30th this year, and Deb and Larry just passed theirs in May. We bumped knuckles! The guy said the secret is to keep having fun together - and doing stuff like this. I have to agree! They didn't know any of the Marshalltown people I know like Pam Blake and Casee Piel. He said if Casee is a cop he'd like to keep it that way...anyways...fun to talk to them. (On a funny note, my new friend said he'd found Southern Iowa to be..."different"). Ha! We like it that way.

view from afar

view up close

Jeff decided we'd better go down close to the stage to get the "whole experience". So we did. There were a lot of drunks down there, but it was a fun way to see it. I enjoyed watching the band members work their instruments. And during the instrumentals some of the dancing couples were working it too! We had to move for a fight at one point. A small shaven head guy in leathers and tats was drinking Mike's Hard Lemonade dancing by himself near us. I got a kick out of that...c'mon man. Harley guy can't choke down a Bud? A group of nerdy young guys took of their shirts and gyrated together - yep that's going to attract the chicks. Susan Dunphy came over and yelled, "I'm having a flashback!" Agreed!

rockers

crowd was crazy

There were a lot of people I didn't know. And many I did. More of my homegirls showed up - Pat and Susan. The band played songs I didn't know so well and then the faves - Fool For the City, I Just Want to Make Love to You, and lastly, Slow Ride. Flashback for sure. I love live music!  Fun night in Crestonia.

That's Just The Way It Is

Yes my friends - I saw one of my all time fave artists, Bruce Hornsby up close and personal this week. I didn't even know he was going to be in Des Moines until my buddy Deb mentioned last weekend that he was going to be at Nitefall on the River Wednesday. She and Larry were planning to go. I talked to Pablo and we hatched a plan to attend, since I've been a big fan since the 90's.

BB (Before Bruce) at lunchtime Wednesday, DNR had a dunk tank. We were raising money for the Foodbank, something we do all year round. The new director Chuck Gipp went for a dip early - I missed that, but I went out for a hot dog (price - 2 canned goods) when the deputy director took a dive. He's Bruce Trautman, a former USDA NRCS Area Conservationist - a friend of Paul's. For a new guy, he seems to already know quite a few people...at least several employees wanted to put him in the water! He's a jokester, and he heckled people in between throws.

Trautman drops

Rogue's gallery watches

After lunch, I forked over $5 for my pal Scott to toss a few balls at the big red dot to mess up our co-worker Tom's hair. Our supe Jen's sister Cindy works in Admin. Her sons even got in the act - their mom was dressed like a witch! It was a fun time for a good cause.

Jen, at right, coaches her nephew to nail the target, dunking her sis who is dressed like a witch

I'm not quite sure why Mel was decked out in a sailor outfit. Tom looks damp.

 

Scott waits for another shot at dunking Tom

Later that day, Paul rode up to DSM with Larry and Deb, and we met at Culvers on Jordan Creek Parkway. I was sad that out of the whole week, this one day turned out rainy - just our luck! I got an email that the concert venue was switched to the Val Air Ballroom, kind of a dumpy old place. But somehow it's got character - it has seen a lot of shows in its day.

Violinist was good!

And now Bruce was here - his first time in Iowa in 25 years! When we got there, Cornmeal was playing - a string band from Chicago. I know - doesn't seem like it goes together string band - Chicago. A string band should be from Nashville or Montana. But I enjoyed the songs I heard them play. People were sitting all around the sides, but the middle of the floor was open, so that's where we headed after getting a couple beers.

with mondolin

Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers came on about 8 PM. He's such a talented musican! That guy can tickle the ivories. Makes me wish I would have stuck it out with piano lessons. Plus he plays mandolin and the accordian too - a could never dream of doing that. He asked the violinist from Cornmeal to play along with the band. She was great and I loved the interaction between all the musicians.  



see how close we were



I dig live music - so the versions of Mandolin Rain, and Just the Way It Is were great of course. I heard some new songs that were great too. We were so close to him in the Val Air - I got some pics and video. They played for a couple hours. Then Deb and Larry dropped us off back at our car - Pablo stated the night at Joan's. It was a fun night!  

Finally...home again

We are finally home in Creston. It's such a relief! We'd been pouring over photos, videos and written accounts of the storm and aftermath. Now we can see it for ourselves, and talk to those who lived through it.

It seems to be almost like grief. I believe re-telling of trauma can be therapeutic. We heard some stories last night at The Lobby when we met Bobbie, Jeff and Deb (Larry was in Iowa City covering Collin Bevins for the New Advertiser at a wrestling superstar thing) for a drink and pizza (ordered in from nearby A&G).

• Bobbie and Jeff said the actual tornado was over in scant seconds - B ran to get her purse before going downstairs. When she got to the top of the stairs, it was over! Jeff says she should leave the damn purse - next time. They live just west of the hospital complex and after the storm, they ventured that direction to see where debris that had hit their house and yard had come from (a picture frame flew through their garage window and their yard was scattered with someone's belongings and treelimbs). After driving over some downed power lines, they saw the firetruck pull up to the hospital, and decided to go west to get to neighbors to the south.
• Upon arrival, they found the Scott family, whose home was hit, in stunned shock but okay physically. Windows were broken and part of the roof gone from their beautiful home. Jeff said the walls were coated with leaves and grass. People began to show up with tarps right away. Folks went about securing things as best they could.
• Deb told the story of a track coach for Creston High School, Pat Schlapia. He's a bit of a throwback when it comes to technology, so Saturday after evening Mass, he went to the middle school to make copies of results from Friday night's Panther Relays for Deb's sports news guy husband. Whilst in the school, a tornado hits! He heard debris flying, the heat/air units fly off the roof. When he arrived back at his Ford truck parked a the curb - the back window is gone due to flying debris - but he drives to Peterson's house with papers. When they see his truck, all dented and battered they're wondering about his sanity!
• Jeff and Bobbie's neighbors, Dave and Sharon Moffitt watched their pool cover take off like a parachute when the tornado passed. They looked at each other in awe. Moffitts now have 3 college students living at their home. (The college dorms were pretty beat up by the twister). We all agreed that those students won't likely do anything during their stay that Moffitts 4 daughters (now grown up) didn't already think of...
• Jon Carroll was taking a hot bath when the twister hit, while Roxanne escaped to the basement. He agreed that it would have been embarrassing to be naked if the house was wiped out, but said he'd heard the tub was a safe place to be. He says he may take to the basement next time.  
• Dennis Leith suffered the devastating loss of his log home - a place with a lot of history to his family. He grew up there, and raised his family there. The family hosted football fundraisers in the barn (now gone) and class reunions were held there, complete with live band according to my roomie, Joan. A desk in the home (250 lb!) was missing in action. The storm wiped out huge beautiful trees around the home. Dennis vows to rebuild.
• I quickly read through storm coverage in the Creston News Advertiser when we arrived home yesteray. Several of the stories and accounts touched me, but the column by Creston School Superintenent Tim Hood (he's a gruff kinda guy who isn't naturally grateful) makes my eyes well up - even now when I think of it. I would link it if I could figure out how, but I'll have to paraphrase.

"I can't find words to express how proud I am to be associated with this staff, student body and this community. There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for our district...by (those groups) and by surrounding areas. Throughout the cleanup people kept showing up with buckets, rakes, tractors, skid-loaders, dump trucks and more importantly with a spirit to help.

We have received calls from neighboring districts, various colleges, community groups, as well as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross with offers of assistance. ...FEMA officials were incredulous that so many people came to help in such a short time span. Well folks - that's the Midwest, that's Iowa that's CRESTON.

(Someone asked) "Why are so many people here?" ...the answer is we are a family. "Panther Pride" was on public display for the state to see, and we've done ourselves proud.

There's no way we can thank every person who helped after the disaster....many came and slipped quietly away without fanfare....
He goes on to thank the officials like fire, emergency responders, utility workers etc.

The response of my community to this disaster just makes me so darn proud. Bobbie said Todd and Lori Scott were so surprised at how many people showed up at their house to help them - people they didn't really know or consider "friends". It brings back memories of when our baby Patrick died.

People are so generous by nature - my faith in humanity is restored. Temporarily, anyway.   

Pals and Marrow

We were in Galena this weekend with my old pals Paula Bacon and Chris Deardorff Colletti, along with Chris's husband Larry Colletti. Paula, it seems, has a time share and decided to waste some of her points on us! And we're glad she did.

We took off about noon on Friday, driving to Galena, arriving about 5:30 PM. Galena is just across the Iowa border past another of my fave communities, Dubuque. Paula had flown into Chicago from her home in Austin, TX that morning and rode up to Galena with Larry and Chris who live in Downers Grove, a Chicago suburb. We were just getting settled into our beautiful WorldMark Club condo east of town when Larry, Chris and Paula joined us after they picked up a few groceries for breakfast the next morning. Hugs all around.

Let me tell you about these ladies. They have been friends of mine for a long time, since we went through grade school together - lots of history there. Even though Chris and Paula weren't into sports and I was, we managed to stay friends through high school. By my senior year, they were they people I hung out with the most. When it came time for college though - we all went different ways. Chris and I hooked back up when we both lived in Omaha for a time. No matter what, our shared history of growing up in A-town, slumber parties, school, dances etc. has bonded us forever! Plus we all grew up to be pretty fun!

We each got our own 1 bedroom condo, complete with a 2-way living room/bedroom fireplace and a great big whirlpool tub. There was also a nice big swimming pool and hot tub, workout area and game room. It is a very nice facility! We decided to meet at Collettis place for drinks before we headed out for supper at Vinnie Venucci's, an Italian place on Main Street in town. I mixed up Lemondrops for the gals - which they enjoyed if I do say so myself. After supper we wandered up the street a bit, and then headed back to the condo to sit in the hot tub. Paul and Larry watched the yawner of a Game 7 World Series game.

The next day (Larry Colletti's birthday!) after breakfast at Paula's (we forced Chris to get up early...she's normally a late-to-bed, late-to-rise kinda gal), we headed to town for a day of shopping and hanging out. We had a bit of chocolate, and loved the vintage store that contained goods from our era (damn...we're now vintage!) Of course there were football games going on, so there were plans to check on scores throughout the day. It was gorgeous out! We ended up standing in a sports bar watching then end of several games. Larry attended Missouri, Chris - Iowa, their daughters Annie and Kate - Illinois, and all you readers know where my heart lies - with ISU (and anybody playing against the Hawkeyes...haha).

We ended up the night at a brew pub, getting a drink and a bite to eat. They had an interesting menu that included...marrow with crackers. Yum...NOT! We did end up with a meat and cheese tray that included venison and buffalo sausage that Chris couldn't bring herself to eat. Paul was incensed. Not really.

It was entertaining to see all the costumes. Galena hosts a fantastic Halloween Parade - that we could almost see from our table! I did wander out to the street to check it out a couple times. Thousands of people lined the narrow main street. Lights, costumes, floats - even bands. It was all really awesome on a warm night for late October. I saw a couple dressed in boxes that said Barbie/Ken - with plastic on the front. I asked "Ken" if he was anatomically correct. I can't help it...these things just pop out of my mouth!

ISU vs. Texas Tech scores popped up on the TV at the bar we were at - couldn't believe we were leading! Headed back to our condo to again sit in the hot tub, while Paul watched the 2nd half of the game. I didn't want to jinx the team by watching...they had done so well without me in the first half!

This a.m. we had breakfast at a place on mainstreet and then it was time to say goodbye. I was sad to leave - such fun to see my friends again. I hadn't seen them for several years, and then I got to see them in July for our class reunion and now. When will we see each other again? I think we better make this type of get-together an annual thing!