Bucket filling

Relationships fill my bucket. This weekend it came pouring in! First my longtime pal Mary traveled to town from NW Iowa with her friend Henry. The bond we have stretches back to my first year in Creston, 1987. Mary was the "welcome lady" for a women's sorority Beta Sigma Phi. Yeah, that sounds a little bit snooty. Mary likes call it "girl's club".

I've mentioned before that I'm an kind of an introvert. Mary's warm personality broke through and an instant friendship formed. I much admire Mary's easy way with people - so empathetic. And she never forgets anything, asking after relatives and friends, your job and health. People like that in a friend. Mary was by my side when I lost my infant son and later my mom.

Friday night we got to show Hank and Mary a couple of places (4) in our little city. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy living here? You can probably tell. One reason is - people come visit us! Our first stop was our "go to" spot, the Stuffed Olive. The food is good there, and the martinis are excellent.

Next we walked in the cold Iowa spring wind over to the Iowa Taproom - the newest bar in town. We were able to secure the end of a table to sip the delectable brew. We discover that Mary had never been to one of the East Village's oldest venues - Locust Tap.

Yes, that's the Capitol emerging from Hank's head.

A server at the Taproom clued me in on a joint I've been wanting to visit in the Sherman Hill area. I'd scoped it out - a bar with no name outside, just neon beer signs. Challenge accepted! Carl's is a little nicer version of Locust Tap. They like the Cubs there. I'd go back - it's homey.

Back home we dug into the desserts I'd picked up at Whole Foods. A lime tart, crème brulee, and some kind of chocolate thing that even the checker assured me was delish. It was nearly 1 a.m. by the time we hit the hay. Late for this girl.

The Farmer's Market was on the menu for Saturday. The weather didn't cooperate - cold and windy. We did snag burritos before I got out of the wind. Our friends Kevin (recently retired from John Deere) and Kari with their pal Lori joined us at CABCO. It was nice to see them. That was where my head nearly exploded with the connections - Kevin and Kari know Don and Diana, and Mary does too. Poor Hank - he must have spent a lot of time pondering his next paddling trip as we chatted about mutual friends. I value my time with Mary and it was nice meeting a new friend Hank - who like to kayak.

And just like that, tag, the next group of friends were here. We met Bobbie, Jeff and my former roomie Joan for lunch at On The Border. It was fun to catch up with Joanie - someone I used to spend so much time with when I called her house my part time home. I met Bobbie at the same time I met Mary - she was in my sorority "pledge class". As part of the sorority heebeejeebee (sp) stuff, we pledged ourselves to loveliness. I think it worked out swell! Our husbands have become the best of friends as well, but they are not as lovely. We have had some fun with this couple, and they have been there through thick and thin with us.

That night we took B&J to the Iowa Taproom. Yep, now we're "regulars". Bar flies. We put our name in to actually eat there (1 hour wait). We ordered a variety of appetizers along with salads. The food was pretty good.

We saw the peddle-mobile pull up while we were there and Bobbie got the card from the driver for future reference. That will be a chance for more bucket filling. 

Today my college roomie Vicki called from Minnesota - with husband Fred, and our friends Steve (Moose) and Kay in the room. They were celebrating the graduation of Alyssa Wilt from the University of MN. She's the youngest child of our little group. Aww, they are growing up. Wilt's oldest daughter Jaime is now Dr. Wilt, PT. Kelli Behr Hoskins is expecting her first child in August. Jud is married. Lauren Behr and her BF are going to Peru this summer. Amy and her BF are settling in to life in PA. They all turned out pretty darn swell, despite us!

Port-O-Potty Surprise

The Iowa State football team is less than stellar this year, disappointing fans fresh off another good basketball season. Cyclone fans are a loyal bunch sticking with teams through thick and thin. It's been mostly thin for football lately. Still, we do love to tailgate.

Last Saturday was a lovely day. Iowans have been blessed with great fall weather after a rainy summer. We arrived in Ames after noon for a 6 p.m. game with #3 Texas Christian University. The hits just keep on coming for our team. Couldn't we play Kansas again?

Our tailgating pals the Ereckes had set up the rig in the RV section the night before. Slick! Walking tacos were on the menu. McKims couldn't make the game - a little family thing. Don's folks were celebrating 60 years of marriage. Yep, I'd opt for that over a football game any day. Congrats to Margaret and Fred! Loved the photos of them dancing while at Don and Diana's lake place.

Margaret and Fred - great role models for us youngsters

Since Paul and I had arrived early, we had time to wander around a bit and visit on of our fave guys - Cy. He smiles season after season. Guess it's because he's set in bronze.

The tailgating rig was perched next to one of Kevin Erecke's workmate's group. They are a fun young group to watch and they seem to love sharing with us - yummy ribs that weekend. Our friends stopped by to see us. Always love hanging out with Dwight and Marilyn Conover who discovered Kevin's college friend occupies Dwight's old bank office near Marshalltown. Iowa Nice! A group of Paul's work friends stopped by and it was fun to chat with them too. Tailgating is just like a lil neighborhood. 

I especially enjoy spending time with my friend Kari who is having some health issues right now - she needs your healing thoughts and prayers ya'll. Kevin and Kari are great people and we sure have enjoyed getting to know them - via McKims and this tailgating community.

After a couple hours of tailgating and a couple beers, that time came - I needed to use the port-o-potty. Ugh. There was a group of three not far from our setup, so I headed that way. I don't know about you - but inside one of those things I tend to avoid looking anywhere. I remember thinking that I'd round up a wet wipe for my hands once I went back.

I opened up the door to...the ISU Varsity Marching Band! A group of about 12 wandering minstrels and a director were awaiting my exciting from the vile little box. I wish I had a photo of the look on my face when I spied them! They broke into the ISU Fight Song. I did what you'd expect. Took a selfie and sang along.

Despite the eventual outcome of the game (we hung with the Horned Frogs for a half but the dam broke and were our usual inept selves in the second half), I chuckled about the band the rest of the weekend. And basked in the joy of another wonderful tailgating experience. I can't wait for the next game when my college buddies visit! I hope Mother Nature provides another great day. If not...we'll have fun anyway - we are Cyclone Nation!

On Sunday my wonderful friend Deb came up for the Mary Chapin Carpenter concert at Hoyt Sherman Place in DSM. We went out to eat first - and were so busy catching up that we were nearly late to the show. Our friend Mary Faber introduced both of us to this wonderful singer back in the '90s and we've loved her ever since. She sang several of our faves like "This Old Shirt" -which took me back to my days as a young mother at our first home in Creston. Ahh, good memories.

Not there just for the Barbecue...

What a weekend! I didn't think we could top last year...but this year's Big 12 Tournament was just as good. The games were even more exciting....hard on this old gal! Cyclone fans can thank me for those victories - I found the secret.

Jane, Barb & me

Ask anyone. I'm very superstitious. I watched the first game on the big screen at the Power and Light with my buddies Jane and Barb. The Cyclones struggled the whole game. Scoring was a struggle. The girls and I sat on a wall and became uncomfortable. We were losing! Finally, down 10 points with 4 minutes left, I needed a change. I hit the public restroom - tipping the cheery attendant on my way out.

That did the trick! We were only down 6 when I came out. So I didn't want to return to my "unlucky" spot and jinx us. So I stood by random Cyclone fan strangers as our team proceeded to make 2 3-pointers and tie the game as time dwindled. Texas had the ball but failed to score and we had it with 5 seconds left. I paced in the back - not looking. I knew we won somehow, someway by the crowd noise. Monte had hit a shot as time ran out. Cyclones win by 2! There were several thousand Cyclone fans in the house - all going crazy. I ran to my former spot to hug Jane! Break out Sweet Caroline - the crowd sang along enthusiastically.

A while later Paul, Jud, Kara and my little buddy all growed up Michael Hyde showed up. Michael's gf Erin was there too. How fun is that?!?

Kara, Jud, Michael, Erin

Steve and Jud

Then we ended up at a brew pub for some grub. Our nephew Steve Fox from San Diego looked us up. He was with his buddy from their hometown of Webster City. Our waiter delivered free cinnamon whiskey shots - just because the bottle was nearly empty! It was fun chatting with Steve and Tom - reliving the game.



The next day Jud, Paul and I went with Kara on a tour she had scoped out online. It was of a coffee biz - the Roasterie, in downtown KC. It was started by a Denison, Iowa native and ISU guy. They did a video about how he got interested in coffee and how the beans are selected. It smelled delish there! The beans are roasted in an air system that is like air popping corn.

Then we were off to Joe's Barbecue. So very yummy. It was only an hour wait. Jud bought - can't beat that! I was glad to get a nap in prior to the pep rally. I stopped by the restroom to tip my friend the attendant for good luck. Anything I can do to help the Cyclones!

We saw Dwight and Marilyn Conover at the Pep Rally - wonder how D got those beads?

The Oklahoma game was quite exciting - sitting in the "cheap seats" with my boys. It was another come from behind win. We bonded with the folks around our seats. We all experienced a group sigh of relief when Ryan Spengler of Oklahoma missed a layup that would have tied up the game as time ran out. Jud and Kara partied late into the night at the Power and Light. Paul and I passed on that mob scene - opting for a quiet drink at the motel.

coloring

Saturday a.m. we met the Goldsmiths at the Urban Table near Overland Park. Paul's brother Ken, wife Mary and their daughter Katie Lee with 3 kids. Katie's husband Albert was participating in a run that morning. It was really nice to see them all - such a cute fam! I enjoy seeing their periodic pics on Facebook.

Paul and I got a little shopping in after that. No KC trip is complete without visiting Cabela's. I scored Merrill sandals there. On to Legends Outlet Mall where we ran into the Groth family - Nancy, Kenton and their daughters Karisa and Karlie - with husband Jason Hyde. Plus all the cherubs! It was Karisa's oldest daughter's 10th birthday. I remember when Amy didn't want to turn 10....already lamenting how fast life was spinning by!

We lunched at a Chipotle with Jud and Kara later outside the Power and Light later. ISU Coach Hoiberg's fam lined up behind us - just regular folk. I must say ISU does it right - best band of the four we saw. And our pep rally kicked Kansas butt!

Pre-Kansas game. Fired up!

 I tipped the restroom lady on my way to the arena. The first half of the game was gut wrenching for Jud and me. We were down 17 just after halftime. Ugh! The guy with the "lucky" hair didn't return to his seat - because we began to do better while he stood and watched the game on TV up above. When the game ended - Cyclones win by 4! We watched the cutting of the nets. It was great fun. Our team hasn't won enough for it to be "old hat".

We stopped by the Marriott where the team was staying and mixed with fans there. We ran into our lucky hair friend. He and his ISU grad wife are from Toledo, Ohio. He gave her this trip for Christmas. He's grown to love Cyclone fans so much - and has adopted ISU as his team too. We need more fans like him!

This was an expensive weekend $10 beer - but spending time like this with my family. Priceless.




A beautiful quilted patchwork of friendships

I am blessed with a beautiful quilt of friendships. This weekend I'll be wrapped in it! Friday night, college friends gathered at our new home in West Des Moines. Kay Wilt was driving through with daughter Alyssa on her way from Chicago to her Mom's in Audubon. She contacted Paul to say we should go out to eat. We decided to make it a mini-reunion!

Catching up

Way back when, Paul met Kay even before I did - during our early years at Iowa State. I didn't get to know her well until her "Moose" years. Kay is married to Steve "Moose" Wilt, who coached our dorm floor flag football team my sophomore year. I've been friends with him ever since then. Oh it's really a patchwork thing - Paul's friends and mine all stitched together.

We were a little fuzzy at this point - must be the photographer (Paul)

 Kay lived with Mary Mormon in Willow Residence Hall at ISU. She dated one of Paul's friends. And I lived in Maple Hall on 6th floor with Jane Flack. Eventually, after college, Jane, Mary and Kay lived together in a house Mary's brother owned in Des Moines. I stayed with them one night when I visited the Capitol City for my job with Gamble Robinson. They were visited by a bat that night, and farm girl Kay took care of the thing efficiently. It was quite exciting!

It was fun having the gals over. Poor Alyssa, who will be entering her sophomore year at Minnesota, just got to mostly listen to our tales of yesteryear. We walked down memory lane, discussing people from college, events and the time period that Mary, Jane and Kay lived together in the mid 80's. It seems so long ago - but sometimes, really not so much. We can't really be this old, can we?

Our discussion briefly turned to Long Term Care insurance. Paul and I have been pricing it. Jeez! We just can't make ourselves pull the trigger on something so expensive and distasteful. It's a very volatile market. WTF. I think we'll wait for a conference with our pals when we head to the Lake of the Ozarks in August. That sounds like a good topic after several drinks...Donnie - we need your deep thoughts.

One of the nice things about our new home is the proximity to I-80. People are more easily able to visit. So we need to get better at entertaining! I didn't get that gene like the rest of the sisters did. We muddled through though. It helped that Mary brought a lovely fruit salad with flowers and Jane brought cake. Too soon, Kay and Alyssa had to head out. It was fun having everyone at our home. I hope it happens often!

I love the window art at the Wave!

I couldn't get Paul the Cheesehead Packer fan to stand under this sign...

Jane took this shot

This morning, we had breakfast with an old friend, Jane Buck - who I know from Atlantic. Bucks were neighbors, living near our home at 202 Crombie. Her daughter Linda was a good friend of my sister Susan, so I became pals with her son Tom. I liked Tom's boy stuff - he had a huge array of army men. We took Jane to the Waveland - or she took us, as it was her treat! She's active in historical issues around town - she's an Altoona gal. At age 82, Jane is sharp as a tack. We talked about all things - from current events to historical buildings. The food was good too. We may just have to make breakfast with Jane a periodic event! It was nice to see her in person, she's such a great supporter on Facebook.

Tonight we will host our Crestonian pal Mary Faber. She transplanted to Emmetsburg years ago, but once a Crestonian...in fact she often tells us local C-town news. The girl is "in the know". Mary can try out our new bed. We got new mattresses and box springs delivered yesterday. I blogged about Mary recently - how she is one of those people who makes everyone feel like you've known her forever. Paul and I are looking forward to seeing her tonight.

Sometimes - like this weekend, when different friends are visiting, I struggle to determine if the various friends we're seeing know each other. It seems like they should! But we are really the only link. Except with Facebook today - some of them know about each other! I told my friends last night that we were taking Jane Buck to breakfast and some of them knew of she was because she posts on many of my blogs and updates.

The friendship quilt stitches tighter and I enjoy it.

Amy update: Amy has been ill with a sinus infection and sounds ready to come home. She flies out of Nicaragua tomorrow for New Jersey and will arrive in Iowa on Monday morning. I can't wait to give her a hug!

Hail, Hail

Some of the gang was all here - in Ames for the ISU vs. Kansas State game. While our beloved Cyclones weren't victorious over #5 KSU (despite some great opportunities), a good time was had, as usual when we get together with these oldie but goodie friends.

First of all, a real Cyclone was forecast weather-wise, at least earlier in the week. I think those weather forecasters are just bored and were excited to get Iowans jacked up about rain and wind. It did end up raining, but the weather gods smiled down as it only misted a bit at the beginning of the game and the sun even tried to pop out a couple times. The wind they forecast didn't really even amount to much.

Pablo and I got up early - to much-needed rain in Crestonia. We headed north, arriving just before 8 a.m. Diana and I jumped into cooked eggs and heating up sausage for breakfast burritos. Moose and Kay arrived first - they came in from Chicago, but drove over to Cedar Rapids the night before. Mike and Paula Huston arrived from the LaCrosse area next, with Behrs arriving from Northfield (Kelli and Toby from Mpls) right before game time - 11 a.m.

McKims were nice enough to give us their two tickets so Mike and Paula could attend the game - the others had tickets to sit on the grass (which despite the rain, was not soaking wet). So we got to catch up with the Hustons during the first half. Mike was the Best Man at our wedding and he and Paul will go pheasant hunting in SoDak soon.

It was so cute when we arrived later than usual at the game - the guy that sits right by us (I regret I don't know his name...) said, "where have you been? I've been worried about you!" Ahhh we're missed.

Vic - first buddy I met my frosh year!

At halftime, I headed down to sit with the gang. No, I couldn't see the game too well - but that was okay. It was fun chatting. It was Freddie B's Birthday! At one point, Kelli Behr (Vic's daughter, Amy's age who brought her fiance Toby - we finally got to meet him, and yes, he passed the test) said, "Just look at this - how great, how you all have stuck together - college friends." It's true! We are the lucky ones.

One thing that helped is that Mike Huston invited us to camp at his family's farm at Ridgeland, Wisconsin to go tubing on the Apple River. So we took him up on it...for 15 years. Through those years, we got married, became young parents, and bonded for life. Our kids grew up like cousins. So even though we eventually got busy with school activities and didn't see each other quite as often, Amy and Kelli have a "thing" like her mom and I. They can pick up right where they left off, whether it was a month since they talked, or six. And now Amy has the honor of being a bridesmaid in Kelli's wedding next June.

Kel and Amy

The Wilt girls, Jaime and Alyssa are like littler cousins to the Behr girls. They went on vacation together. Our kids don't know them quite as well...but Amy did stay at their place in Chicago once. And Jud...he's a guy so he didn't try as much to bond, you know how that goes.

After the game, Mary Morman and her husband Cary came up to hang out with us. She was Kay's roomie in college. I have hung out with her in DSM. I was sorry Vic and my roomie Jane (lives in Waukee) couldn't make it. And Sal - who lives in Oregon.

But I think it's pretty cool. Aren't friendships grand?

Shout out to my Baby Girl on her Day 'O Birth. Hard to believe it was 27 years ago that she popped out (was pulled out with forceps) but then again seems like she's always been with us. We couldn't ask for a finer daughter.

Love you Amy! And so glad to Jud and Kara were able to be with you on your day.

Catching up

I've been gone! Two days of traveling Iowa - though I can't complain about the weather, no sir! Cory - the chap DNR hired to help with one of my programs and I first went to Tracy, Iowa - near Knoxville yesterday. Then we jetted (in his rented KIA) off to Spencer, arriving at 8 PM.

And who lives in Spencer? (or at least she does in the winter...) Mary Faber! So I texted her that I'd be in town, and we got together for a beer. It was swell catching up with one of my fave peeps in the whole world.

Mary works at Iowa Lakes Community College and should be awarded her Phd this summer. Quite an accomplishment for our scholarly friend. That's a lot of time and effort! Who knows what life will bring post escuela?

My two meetings went very well. I'm happy and very tired. Two long days. When I got back about 6:15 PM, Paul and I decided to head to Dos Rios - just down the skywalk to eat. Tamales were good - and guacamole bar too. But I've overeaten and now I'm miserable. Reminding me why I usually try to avoid eating so much. Couldn't stop on the green stuff!

Heading home to Creston tomorrow - Paul feels like he's been here a week. Oh, wait - he has! 



I loves my homies

Breakfast on Monday mornings with my homies at S&K Cafe in Creston makes the day much easier to get through. I've splained before about how depressing Sunday evenings are - what with all my ironing, packing and such. Dreading leaving my honey buns, the pets, and well..my bed. But when I get to start Monday morning with the fun loving, shit-giving and caring gals that are my homies, I'm starting the day out right! This a.m. I had the added bonus of getting to bring an old friend along to the festivities - Mary Faber of Eburg, Iowa is visiting town today and tomorrow and is staying at chez Goldsmyth. Mary was one of the first people I met in Ctown -way back in 1987. She was in charge of recruiting new members to Beta Sigma Phi the social sorority in town. 

Who could say no to such a warm and caring voice? Not me. Plus I had NO friends and no job, besides 1 year old Amy whom I was tending to day and night. I was dying to get out and meet people. I remember distinctly that Mar even came to get me that first meeting. I believe Bobbie and Mendy also rode along to Gwen Buck's house. It was so exciting! I met several life-long friends in that little group. Sharon, Diana (Dee) and Bobbie to name three. And Mary, who moved away from me something like 10 years ago. Insert tears here. Mar is so easy to talk to, and is interesting, smart and funny. Plus she oozes empathy, so folks seem to find it easy to tell her all their troubles. My breakfast homies today included Nancy, Susan, Pat, Patti, Mary, Lucy, Bobbie and Deb the bday girl. Most of us wore our Half Marathon shirts and medals. Heck Patti even brought her trophy from the Balloon Days race. Mary took the photos, so I'm sad to say she's not in any of my shots. Typical though - she caught us in our natural state here - laughing! I loves my homies! (and a gal from Eburg!)

Fist bumps

I just had an epiphany! Fist bumps are much more sanitary than high fives or hand shakes. Another reason to do them. I vow to start doing more fist bumps - they're kinda like a little hug, with out the tenderness of course.

Hmm deep thoughts by LBG. (we'll see how this goes, I tried walking the dog without a kleenex in my pocket last night and my nose itched and dripped, so I wished I'd taken one along - I'm so damn sensible).

I worked at home today and it was good! First I got up and walked with Patti and Susan - a nice way to start the day. Then I showered and had my usual cereal breakfast while reading a hard copy of the DM Register. When I'm in the office I have to look at the Register online, which isn't nearly as satisfying. In fact it's much like eating 100 calorie packets of Lorna Doones vs. the real thing. After a while I want to say "ptooey on you fake snacks". And fake newspaper.

Anyways, I hopped on my laptop around 7:30 a.m. I must admit I keep the Today Show on while I work - hey it's no more distracting than listening to Hylton from contaminated sites talk about the rain suit he purchased, and how much he paid (yet again...). I perused my email - both work and home, as I still get many work-related emails on my lgold email.

I can read my work emails from my own laptop and access my saved email and contacts, which is convenient but can be confusing - especially when I email from my laptop to work and it comes back to me via my work email addie. I also worked on busy-work - those calculations I must do to determine how solid waste planning areas are doing on diverting waste from the landfills in the state.

After a nice lunch at the Elms with my favorite Pool Boy (Paul G. Goldsmith - Pablo), and Steve Crittenden, I stopped at the Creston Library and at HyVee. Then it was back to work, until John Cook arrived with my new washer and dryer. yay!

It started to rain around 2 and it's been coming steadily down since then. The neighbors are having a family gathering across the street - Odie has amused herself by barking at kids and dogs periodically. Knucklehead! I worked until just after 4 and am now watching Oprah. Much more relaxing than my days at the Wallace Bldg, but prolly not so productive.

I may just have to have a lemondrop or two tonight, once my friend Mary gets here. I can feel my endorphins getting ready to kick in! Hope you have a nice weekend too...

I'm a scofflaw

Not really, but I do like that word. I did go 70+ mph when passing a slow-goer in a 55+ zone today. That's when the word popped into my head. And I decided I liked it!

That was after decided a one word description of myself would be "sensible". Shit! How did I end up being sensible? I want to be madcap and scofflaw. But I'm too damn no-nonsense. I vow to try to do some little things to get out of my ordinary life comfort zone.

Like...I may just leave the house WITHOUT a tissue in my pocket. Yeah, take that! Then I can just sniff annoyingly. And I might just each my lunch at breakfast and my breakfast at lunch. I'm going to speak first to people who aren't really looking at me. I'm going crazy now...

Speaking of crazy, my good friend Mary is coming for a visit tomorrow. In reality she's coming for a wedding, but we get to see her! When Mar and I get together it seems like she never moved away. Can't wait!