Nearly a bust!

Wow - the first game was nearly a bust! Between rain and week play by the Clones, I was disappointed. Until the exciting end of the game - when we made some plays and pulled out a victory. Whewee coach!

We started out the day by picking up Bobbie and Jeff early so we could stop at the Farmer's Market on our way to the game.

It's started sprinkling while we were at the farmer's market in downtown DSM. Right after I had my breakfast burrito. I know, I'm not doing very well on my vow to cut down on eating post-vacation. Perhaps it will have to be post-tailgating. We got in on a Flash-Mob dance - kinda. Some dance group did a variety of dances in an intersection - hip hop stuff. Very cute. The seasons nuts that were roasting got my nod for best smelling food of the event.

On up to Ames, as it started raining right along. Yuck! We decided to hit the ISU bookstore for more Cyclone gear (as if we need anything). Paul got a visor - I lusted over a Sticks ISU print $40. It would have to be matted and framed, but I love those things - they have everything in there. Off to the game - still sprinkling. Diana was glad to see us. Don's folks - Fred and Margaret were there along with Diana's father, Jim. You might recall one year ago Diana's mom tragically died in a car wreck. We still miss her lil Italian self.

Jeff and Paul jumped into action - putting tents up. While Bobbie and I jumped into action whipping up lemon drops with the mix I found at Marshall's - Freshies. Just the kick start we needed on a crappy weather day! We used my new lemon squeezer - quite effective. Once Paul was done erecting tents he started on BMs. Bloody Marys silly! We did a taste test with several brands and Zing Zang was popular. I didn't have one - I'm waiting for next week's game.

Marilyn and Dwight showed up from Okoboji. It was M's bday! We had lots of great food. Donnie and Ryan showed up about 2 - Donnie had to do eye exams all a.m. Paul grilled thinly sliced ribeyes. They were delish! Bobbie and I shared one. We also had lil cheese cakes, pecan bars. Some really good dips and salads. Very good.

Game time. I put on crop jeans after wearing shorts all day - concerned about a cold front rumored to hit. Packed up my backpack as usual - with coat, trash bags for rain etc. When we got to the gate - I got turned away by the new security outfit due to their NO Backpack rule. WHAT? I hadn't heard a thing about it. My options? Leave my bag outside the gate for later or walk back. I fought a huge crowd going back - getting more furious with each step...others were getting in with all sorts of bags. What's up with backpacks?

When I got to the RV - all the way out nearly by Hilton Coliseum. I had a pouty drink with the McKim parents. Then walked back - I had missed nearly a while quarter of football. Bastards! I walked in behind a woman carrying a baby with...a backpack on who didn't even get questioned - she just walked in! Grrrr. And we were already behind 3-0.

The game was pretty dismal. It sprinkled, then the wind came up when cleared off. We had no offense. I didn't continue to imbibe alcohol. Our defense wasn't good. Luckily - somehow our team managed a TD right before halftime and we led 7-6. Late in the 4th quarter I decided to go to the restroom. It was such a frustrating game, we couldn't do a thing on either side of the ball - UNI was dominating. And while I was down on the concourse, we scored! Being down there must be good luck.

They scored on the next play. Oops. I decided to stay down there. 2.5 minutes left. We run it back to the 40 and start driving - heart thumping we end up scoring with 40 seconds left and thwart their last second heroics to get a field goal. Cyclones win 20-19. What an ending. I may spend the season on the concourse!

Back on the rock pile

It was hard to tear myself away from Pablo the Poolboy's side this a.m. It's always that way after I spend a whole week or more with him. I get used to the routine of being with him. Then...BAM. I have to go back to DSM. When I'm in the rythym of it, it's okay - but when I break it - it's hard to get back into it.

And then he sent me yellow anniversary roses today! Aww, I know. I wasn't expecting them either. I got a call from 4th floor saying I had a delivery, and I thought it was going to be a big envelope. And then the receptionist smiled and pointed to a dozen yellow roses! Shazam!

Joan is gone this week - so I'm a lonely girl, and have plant watering duties. My job here would suck more if I didn't live with Joan. She's such a genuinely nice person - fun and funny. I'm sure she'd love to be crabby sometimes but she doesn't show it around me. So that keeps me from showing my inner biatch to her. I save that for the guy that just bought my roses...

Twenty niner and helping Thea pack

Me with my bestest friend

It's our anniversary today - twenty nine years! Argh and yay! I mean - I can't believe I'm old enough to have been married that long, and wow. I'm so lucky to have chosen wisely - a guy who puts up with me and that is fun, and I can put up with too. That's saying a lot. There's such comfort and friendship to a marriage of 29 years.

I'm not sure I thought about all of that when I got married. I was really just more carried away with the whole - "what do I do now?" thing. I had been dating Paul for a while -we enjoyed the same stuff. I didn't foresee what life would be life 29 years later though...when I was old and wrinkly. Sometimes crabby, but a great deal wiser than I was at 24. I'm a lucky girl to be betrothed to Paul Goldsmith!

We didn't do anything too wild this weekend to celebrate. Last night we went to 5:15 Mass, then met Deb at A&G for supper. They were serving Hurricane drinks in honor of Irene - tasty but strong! And they had a prime rib special for $15 - quite good. Gaylord's Opryland should import the cook. We enjoyed catching up with Deb on what she's been up to. Larry was busy covering a sports activity so he couldn't join us.

I did get a cool anniversary gift - a Barnes and Nobe Nook e-reader! I picked it out myself, and lo and behold they had them at Wal-Mart I discovered when we shopped there today. I got Paul a hunting trip in Colorado! (he's planning a trip there in September). Woowee - don't we know just what each other wants!

We were home early, surfing the net and watching TV. Woowee - the excitement! But we've had quite the traveling week, so a quiet night at home was a treat. Odie is enjoying having us here.

Saturday afternoon Deb and I spent some time with our friend Thea, who has been diagnosed with Myeloma, which is cancer of the bone marrow. Thea retired from her job at the Area Education Association in 2010, and had been working part time at Graceland College when she had her knee joint replaced this spring. It was during physical therapy that she and the therapists noticed problems with recovery. Life sure threw her a loop!

Deb left, with Thea on the right

So I took Odie along to provide some Odie lovin' (though she was a lil pre-occupied with Thea's doggies), and we sat on the deck to catch up a bit. Then Pablo the pool by came to pick Odie up - and he to sat by the pool on the deck for a bit. We did a few chores around the house and helped Thea pack for a trip to Mayo Clinic. She's wisely getting a second opinion there, along with getting suggestions for a treatment plan.  Thea's brother is taking her, and will spend three days in Rochester with her - a nice bonding time for siblings. That's what family is for! Prayers requested for Thea as she battles the evil C word!

Monday after

The Monday after a good weekend sucks. I'm feeling crabby and sad. It's over and I don't know when the kids will both be home again. Work was busy/crazy. Odie is still acting like she doesn't feel well. I'm tired.

But tomorrow is Tuesday. I'll get over it.

Jud's friend Noelle says Paul Goldsmith has a block of tickets for the Iowa Cubs game this week. Umm not my guy.