It's Farmer's Market Time Again!

The first time I ever attended the Des Moines Farmer's Market was the result of another event - the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure. It was a long time ago! I walked the route with Deb and Patti on a chilly Saturday morning. The start/finish line was near downtown Des Moines. We had heard tell there was good food at the Farmer's Market. That morning I scored one of what was to be many in a long line of breakfast burritos and other delicious edible delights at the market.

The DSM Farmer's Market is one of the largest in the country. Today was opening day for 2016. Yippy!

Oh how I've grown to love it. Paul and I take advantage of living so close by attending a couple time a month during the May through October timeline. We especially like to go early, before it gets crowded with strollers and slow walkers.

I don't mind the dogs though (Some people continue to complain about dogs at the market in the DM Register's $.02 worth section. Get over it!). I don't usually rush up to pooches to pet them and find out their stories. I like to see them, large and small, on leashes and in little doggy strollers.

I'm usually one of those people walking with a purpose. Too bad I have to look down so I don't fall on my face. It's the sad result of a couple spills I've taken (#imaklutz). I miss a lot that way - but feel safer, scoping out sudden changes in pavement. If you are there looking for me - look for the top of my head.

Paul is even more "no nonsense" than I am. He actually sees people's faces when he walks - which is great! I drag him around to hear the music at the FM more often than he'd like. He's all about buy and leave. It's fun when out of town visitors want to go to the market. That is when we actually take more time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds. The smells are worth the trip!   

breakfast burrito!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I've been a mommy for 30 years! It's been fabulous and scary. Wonderful and torture. The most joyous thing and the hardest thing in my life (RIP Patrick). I must say, knowing what I know now - I'd sign up for this again in a heartbeat.

We just enjoyed a big milestone when Judson married Kara a couple weeks ago. Our family came together to witness that momentous occasion. Nothing makes this mother happier than being surrounded by her family and watching them interact. I can't wait for Christmas in Vail with the Lefebvres!

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!

By request - my homegirls

We made it home to Crestonia last night in time to see the homegirls at The Lobby. We breezed into our house where son Jud was watching NCAA games. He'd taken the afternoon off from his job as a buyer in St. Joe, Missouri at Altec, a company that makes specialized service vehicles. Girlfriend Kara is in Vegas on a chick trip.

Paul and Jud decided go along for a beer. After all, The Lobby has TVs - NCAA games could be watched there. We were celebrating Patti's birthday. 55! Holy shit, how did that happen? Seems like we were just 40, 45, 50. Insert age here. It sure helps having your girlfriends on this path of life!

Nancy asked about my elbow - mentioning that she reads this blog. Just fine thanks, now that Imelda, the shoe-lovin' tumor has been removed. She also told me that it's high-time that the girls get some blog lovin'. Her wish is my command.

Our cast of characters: (left to right)
Patti - the birthday girl. Lost her husband to a brain tumor when she was in her early 30's and had 2 young sons. I can't imagine how tough that must have been. For the past twenty years or so, she's made her life with Dean Leith, whom she calls her fiance. We joke that they should get married as we want to be bridesmaids! I first knew her aunt - Lamona Bilderback before I met Patti. I worked with Lamona, a wonderful woman, at First National Bank. Then I met her sis Jeanne, who I worked with at Gits Manufacturing. Another swell person who would give you the shirt off her back. I didn't have the privilege of meeting Patti until the late 90's when I began to workout with Deb and her at the Y. It must be a family trait as Patti is another nice and caring person.

Susan Grose Weinheimer - was one of the first people I met in town. Susan was new pledge of Xi Beta Psi - the sorority I was asked to join when we moved to Creston in 1986. We never really hung out though, until recent years. I've enjoyed getting to know her better. We sure had fun at her wedding reception last spring as she married handsome Brian Weinheimer. Susan's daughters are a year younger than Amy and Jud. We're looking forward to daughter Lindsay's wedding this summer. Small world department - Susan lived at 230 Campus Avenue in Ames when we did, but we didn't know her. She's a social worker - so you know she's got the patience of Jobe.

Pat Moeller - didn't really get to know Pat until Jud and her son Steven were in class at St. Malachy together. But we ended up seeing a great deal of each other through those years - as the boys participated in every sport together and Paul coached many of them. Plus my fave story. One time I traveled out of town for my work at Gits. Jud (was about 8 years old) had Steven stay over night. During the night (Jud was a very sound sleeper) Steven had a bad dream and woke up scared. So he ended up sleeping with Paul part of the night. I could imagine that line of questioning at Moeller's house the next day. Pat, "How was your night, Steven?" "Fun, but I slept with Jud's dad." "What???" Pat is a serious person, but with a lighter side when you get to know her. She's a hard worker who has volunteered for many things around town. It's nice to see her beam when she is asked about her granddaughter.

Next up - Deb Peterson - my bestie. Everyone needs one! I originally met her because of our children. We felt a bond right away. She and Larry moved away once, and to my great fortune, they moved back. That's when we really started hanging out and got to know each other very well. We're both from families of four girls and are simpatico on nearly every issue. (Except the whole Cyclone/Panther/Hawkeye thing) Love our kayak trips together, she's who I want in my corner when something goes bad. Gotta have my Debbie fix, or I get the jitters. I look up to her - she leads the way (but age isn't everything...haha). Naw, I can't ever keep up to her, but she drives me to try.

Diana McKim is another of my sorority friends and we've always had our Cyclone love in common. Just like Petersons (and McFees - though Bobbie is missing in this picture, due to the fab weather and her taking advantage of deck time), McKims have children the same school grades as Amy and Jud. That meant carpooling, birthdays together etc. McKims (she and Donnie are a package deal) have always been so wonderful to be there for us when times are tough. We've grown especially close to them the past several years thanks to our tailgating (and pre-tailgating) escapades. We share joys and sorrows. Just not politics...don't get us going on that as we're oil and water on that topic. We've talked about retiring together, and I could see it. Donnie is going to drive us around, Diana will enable us with drinks, Paul will grill. I guess I need to come up with a talent...

Nancy Anthony - the new kid. Okay she's lived in Creston probably 15 years or so. So she's a relative newcomer compared to the others. But it seemed like she fit in instantly. Cuz she's one of those people with such a warm personality that you feel like you've known her. People like to be around Nancy because she exudes good attitude and vibes. Presently she's studying for her BSN degree, which I think is cool - we old chicks need to keep learning.

She and spouse Jim have been presented with family situations that others might not have handled with such grace. Oldest daughter Kelly married an African American man. I'm sure that raised some eyebrows in Creston - but Jason is such a wonderful guy, I think he's done wonders for race relations in town. People who had never really met a black person before have had a chance to get to know him. Now they realize that they're people, just like we are.

Youngest daughter Kendra is gay. I'm sure wasn't an easy situation to come to terms with for anyone in the family - mostly Kendra. Just like for any young person who discovers they don't quite fit the mold, it had to be tough. Hell, it's hard enough getting through puberty as a straight kid. And sometimes I think it's even harder on parents guiding children through the landmines of childhood than it is on the child! I myself stressed when Jud wet the bed longer than most kids - worried about what the other kids might think if he had an accident at a sleepover. We just want them to "fit it". So learning your child wasn't going to have the white picket fence with a husband and 2 kids had to lead to a few sleepness nights.

Son Kyle is a free spirit who still likes to play baseball and in a band in his free time. He just married his longtime girlfriend. All three kids live in Kansas City, so Jim and Nan spend lots of time there. Four grandkids (Kelly and Jason's kids) might have something to do with it.

I'm sure the Anthony fam has its dysfunctional moments as we all do. But you can tell - Nancy is proud of her diverse fam and acceptance is the word around their home. I like it.

So there you have it. The homegirls, at least the ones who showed up at Patti's bday celebration. You asked for it - hope it's not TMI (too much information). Just know I love you all, and appreciate having you as my friends!

Gotta go - time for some hoops. March Madness ya know.

McKinley and the Magic Paintbrush

I walked around Creston's McKinley Lake and Park yesterday as I took the day off. I was recovering from our wonderful trip to Galena, Illinois with HS homies Paula and Chris along with Chris's hubbie Larry. When one is a commuter, it's brutal to get home on a Sunday and pack up once again to leave at the crack O'dawn the next day.

Monday a.m. I got to spend my morning with my good friend Chuck at S&K Cafe. And my homegirls Deb, Susan, Patti, Pat, Diana, Bobbie and Linda. They all brought me birthday cards - yes, it's my birth week! I got to kick it off in style. After breakfast I headed home to hang out and relax on my day off. Odie was overjoyed to see me. It doesn't take much to please that little wiener!

That afternoon, when the autumn sun was beaming down, I decided to take a walk around the lake by our house. I took the camera along to capture some of the sights of my neighborhood and hometown. Creston is at its finest this time of year! It's as if some higher power dabbed beautiful fall colors around town, making even the most mundane areas flashy and handsome.

She looks very pissed off about being in a bun

It was Halloween of course so I dragged out Odie's bun costume. She hates it, but I talked her into leaving it on long enough to get her photo taken. We only had a few trick or treaters. Mmmm more candy for us

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...

My big race

My 50th year was the setting for my first Half Marathon. I’ve talked about my most disciplined companion Deb. She got herself in such awesome shape when she turned 50 and is always looking for new challenges to keep her edge. One day last spring Deb approached our other workout companion, Patti about walking in the Des Moines Half Marathon set for October 19th.
Patti dragged her feet a little bit. After all, she hadn’t ever done anything like that. It sounded too professional for her. But she said she would train with Deb when convenient.

Then Deb asked the person who is really at heart, a couch potato - yours truly, about training. She said we would be training for several weeks, working up from the current 3 miles 3 times a week to being prepared to walk over 13 miles. “I’m in!” I declared, feeling especially perky that day.

When we started talking about it, there were other chicks (insert mature women) in town up for training for this challenge. I decided to start an email group to inform our loosely knit group about what the training plan was for the week. Some of us would meet to walk together and others would train on their own. We walked 3 or 4 miles early in the mornings 3 days a week, and did the longer training routes on weekends.

That first Saturday we walked 5 miles or so. I noticed I had a hard time keeping up with the others. Why so? I’m still not sure (it could be my inner couch potato holding me back), but for whatever reason I couldn’t stay up to the pack. Deb used MapMyRun to set up the routes. As we started doing longer training walks, I began to map my own route since I would lag and lose contact with the group after a couple miles.

Thank God for my iPod – the kids gave it to me for Mother’s Day. Dave Matthews and various other artists kept me company on walks eventually reaching 12 miles in September. Then we tapered our distances back to rest up for the big day. Each of us had hurdles in the way – sore feet and hamstrings, toenail issues, and blisters of course. In order to help us have the inner strength to continue the rigorous schedule we began to meet for breakfast a couple Wednesdays each month. Bonding over food cemented our resolve! Patti, who had dragged her feet about taking part in the actual Marathon, was most enthusiastic by now.

Finally it was the morning of the Big Race. Des Moines seems to run a first class event. We met in Nollen Plaza near the starting spot while it was still dark. We got awesome wick-dry long sleeve shirts that we all donned, along with other layers as it was only in the 40’s when we got started. The group consisted of Susan, Bobbie, Patti, Diana, Pat, and Deb along with some of their out of town relatives. I started farther back in the pack, knowing I would keep up with them – so I didn’t see them the whole time.

It turned out to be a beautiful perfect day. Local bands, loudspeakers pumping music and cheering crowds lined the streets. Adrenaline blocked any feelings of pain until late in the race. There were water/Powerade and potty stops all along the route. I chewed the sports gum for energy. We walked through downtown Des Moines, Waterworks Park and Grey’s Lake. In Waterworks, Paul and Donnie were there to cheer me on – it was so nice to see familiar faces.

As I got towards the end, that last mile stretched out like 10 miles! Finally I neared the finish line, cheered on by strangers but then…there were my buddies who had finished several minutes before, cheering me on. I got to the finish mat, choked with emotion. I set a goal and accomplished it. It felt damn good!

Paul was there to greet me along with daughter Amy (she hates it when I do that - label her daughter Amy). We all soaked up the atmosphere and let our accomplishment sink in. It just goes to show - at this advanced age, I still have some new frontiers to face and goals to accomplish. What’s next?