Back By Popular Demand

I haven't published a blog in over a month. I wrote a couple - but didn't publish them. I do enjoy writing. Just wasn't feeling like sharing them - too personal.

But hello...I'm baaack! Literally (just back from a weeklong vacation) and ready to write. I saw my relatives and they asked me about it. So here goes!

I love my family - if not for them, I'd be a total Christmas Grinch. Like many others, I get so tired of all the hoopla. Isn't that a great word? See - I've still got it. Insert Smile.

The first leg of our great End of 2018 Adventure started in Denver. This year we flew out! We have driven the past 10 years - taking Odie (RIP baby girl) and braving icy and snowy roads at times. Upon arrival in Denver, we took the light rail from the airport to Union Station where we were greeted by our four "kids". Jud and Kara had arrived from St. Louis the day before. We headed to the Wynkoop Brewery downtown for a brew and appetizers to catch up.

Marty and her peeps

That night we gathered with our Denver family - the Lamms and niece Jordan and wife Jill. Family  Matriarch, Aunt Marty, hosted at her place, Holly Creek Retirement Community. We sipped wine and dined on a lovely meal. But mostly we talked and laughed. It was a delightful evening - 3 generations of Bullocks with cousin Amy Lamm Brownlee's children Matt and Kate. I love nights like that - pretty special. Marty tells stories about prior generations, including my Dad and Mom.

We talked about siblings and cousins who weren't with us - hope your ears were burning! I feel so fortunate that our family truly loves to get together - even the next generation! Our children enjoy their 2nd cousins the Lamms, and Amy and my aunt have a special relationship that warms my heart.

Rounding up the scooters

On Sunday Amy and Corey had a lot planned to keep us busy. It was a sunny nice Denver day. The kids helped the elderly download the Lime app onto our phones to enable us to "check" out electric scooters that have now taken over the larger cities in the US. Are they good? Bad? I'm still not sure but we sure had fun, and it was easier than finding parking for cars. I did feel nervous that I might crash and burn my old brittle bones self. But we all came through unscathed - riding on streets, sidewalks, and bike paths. My lower back took a bit of a pounding - no shock absorbers, riding up to 16 mph. It was fun!

Where did we go? First off, we went to Denver Milk Market. It's a market under one roof with lots of booths and restaurants. We all got sandwiches (lobster roll for me, yummo) and settled into a sunny comfy communal corner - there was all types of seating around for the many restaurants. A DJ type guy started a rousing game of Bingo and helpers handed out cards. (No pesky dobbers for you St. Malachy Bingo veterans - these had sliding tabs built right in). We joined in as game prizes were awarded market stores. The Bingo caller was hilarious.

Using all my talent and skills garnered from my years working Bingo as a St. Malachy parent, I won game 2! Good 'ol B15 - I always did like that combo. But wait! There was another Bingo, a young woman at least half my age. How would they select the prizewinner - bloody mary mix and bacon?

Two draft beers suddenly appeared in front of us. It was to be a chugging contest. You may find this hard to believe, but I've never been a chugger. I prefer to sip my beer. And my competition? She chugged it down like a barmaid from Wisconsin! Well played. I did get a free beer out of my Bingo victory.

Next, we Scooter Angels headed to the Lucky Strike - a bowling alley/game room to watch some football. Even though the Packers are having a bad season, Paul loves those guys. When we came out of that joint, there were only four scooters left, so we had to round up two again. The whole day on the scooter, after our ride back to Amy's was less than $5 - and no fossil fuels were used.

That evening we played laser tag - and I enjoyed being slain over and over again, by little kids in game one. We did play a second game that only involved our family. Our children ganged up on dear old mom. All in good fun! I didn't know I could still run and duck. Next we stopped by a fancy bar called Death and Company for drinks. Catchy name - fitting after I just got lasered! After a fancy cocktail, we went next door to a Latin dim sum restaurant called Super Mega Bien - delicious! It was nice to have Amy and Corey to tell us what to order.

The weather turned colder Monday. Paul and I said goodbye to Marty - she was preparing for their family Christmas Eve party. On our way to Amy's we stopped for Duffey Rolls - in honor of my beloved Uncle Bill, Marty's husband who passed a few years ago. He used to always get the delightful concoctions when we visited. That place was rocking - must be part of many family holidays. They were set up for many carryouts.

We headed up the mountain to Cindy's - running into snow near the tunnel. It got dicey past Copper but Paul and Corey did a great job piloting. (We had to take two cars) This was our 11th year to be with Lefebvres for Christmas. It just seems like the right place for us to be. Bolder has been gone six years now - the annual party has gotten smaller and not quite as animated since he passed. The usual family friends come - all their children grew up together. It's nice to be part of this group. My nephew Colby leads the carols along with his pals. During the second set, they break out the grass skirts. Fun to see our children join in. 

We opened presents in the Christmas morning before Colby had to head off to work. He manages El Sabor restaurant in Vail. Everyone in this area understands - they must serve the people who make their region go. I couldn't wait for my favorite gifts to be opened - yodeling pickle Christmas ornaments. (motion activated). All the kids got 'em! They were a hoot!

Paul and the kids skied Beaver Creek on a gorgeous day. Cindo and I tackled a jigsaw puzzle that was an unfortunate selection by me. I didn't realize when I purchased it that it had "Twists". The puzzle doesn't look like the photo. I have a feeling Cindy ditched it when I left. Too tough for old broads.

That night we were treated to another wonderful prime rib meal at Pottorff's. I think it was one of Eric's best yet! The whole fam got involved - son Byron made a delish Brussels Sprouts/Smoked Sweet Potato dish that was baked. Bonnie whipped up salad, potatoes and even dessert. It was all fantastic - I was still full the next day! We're so grateful to be included in this meal and the Sanders fam is there.

Escape Room deliberatinos

Our drive down the mountain was quiet as there was no snow. That night we tackled an Escape Room - this one required some deep thinking so we're glad Corey and Kara brought their intelligence into the family. It was another fun day with our clan. We kinda like 'em! That was the end of the Christmas part of our trip. We couldn't have asked for more. Bring on 2019! 

Grandpuppy Franklin has already shredded this toy...

Colorado Christmas

Seven states in a week - celebrating Christmas and an ISU bowl game win. Jet-lagged with no jet. 100% worth it. Car time gave Paul and me time to discuss our plans for 2018. I'm not big on resolutions but do like to think about how I can be a better person in the coming year.

What a whirlwind of family love and Cyclone family (with family) love. As we sing when Neil Diamond sings Sweet Caroline - "So Good, So Good, So Good". We too off the Thursday before Christmas with Odie - heading south to Kansas City to avoid the icy rain and snow heading this way.

We arrived in Denver late Friday afternoon. My cousin, Amy Brownlee had us all over for a wonderful family meal including our Amy (Corey was picking his fam up at the airport), our niece Jordan and wife Jill, Aunt Marty and cousin Richard Lamm. Plus the hosts the Brownlee family - Tom, Amy and their children Kate and Matt. We had such a great time sharing a meal and chatting into the evening. 

New Address - coming up!

Saturday morning we got to see Amy and Corey's future home, a townhome they purchased in LoHi with a view of downtown. They will start moving in later this week - so exciting! Amy can't wait to begin decorating her first home. Corey's folks Jeff and Shirl were there too - as it was there turn to be with the kids for this holiday.

After the townhouse viewing, Paul and I took off for Vail. The mountain drive didn't disappoint. Vail Pass was closed not long after we drove through, as snow fell and driving conditions deteriorated. Paul was wise to deny my request to stop at the outlet mall along the route.

Our time at Cindy's was great as usual. It was our tenth Christmas in Colorado - we've been going since Amy moved there after graduating from college. We take our jobs as Kitchenettes at the annual Lefebvre Christmas Eve Party very seriously. We bake the wiener wraps, and sing Christmas Carols. Each year at the party, Bolder Lefebvre's memory and absence are so apparent. He used to do such a good Lawrence Welk show impersonation, MCing the party. In his honor, the next generation does a good job of leading the singing. Boldie taught them well! Somewhere he is proud.

On Christmas Day, we were joined by Colby's girlfriend Gretchen. The five enjoyed a wonderful morning of gift sharing. Beaver Creek and Vail depend on snow for their livelihoods. They were glad to get several inches of the white stuff while we were there. Even so, the valley needs lots more to get all the workers fully employed - running lifts and working at sites on the mountain. Paul usually skis, but opted not to this year. Gretchen and Colby went out for a few hours. Cindy and I worked on our annual jigsaw puzzle while watching Christmas movies. Perfect. Peace on Earth and family. 

That night we shared a delicious meal with our friends the Pottorffs, the Sanders and their children. It's been such fun to watch the young people grow up over the last ten years. Fine people. Our friend Frank was there. He's battling oral cancer - and as a wine rep, can't even drink wine. We were glad he could join us! Thinking of him as he continues his fight.

Our drive home through eastern Colorado and Nebraska was long, cold and fairly uneventful. One and a half days of work - and we were off again! 

  

Vail and Jiggety Jig

We spent Sunday evening and Monday in the Vail suburb of Edwards, where Cindo lives. She invited our pals Bonnie and Eric over for marinated skirt steak on the grill. I'm proud of my sis - after Bolder died, these are skills she had to learn - lighting the grill and cooking. She nailed it! It was fun to catch up with B&E - they're heading to Spain soon on vacation. #jealous.

Monday morning we headed to Minturn to the Turntable for breakfast. Kitschy place - we snapped a photo outside. Aren't I a hottie? I didn't know Paul could play the guitar...

After a huge fattening breakfast we headed east to Vail (Minturn is off I-70 in between Edwards and Vail) to do a bit of shopping. Looking really as most of the wares in Vail are out of our price range. #01%. We stopped in a store where a lightweight jacket was $1,068. Gulp. I tried not to get my grimy paws on it.

It was a gorgeous morning and there was an event going on in town - a run was just finishing up and runners were wearing cool medals. I was jealous. The sun was shining and bands were setting up to play. I saw bloody marys being served.

We hung out with this guy - Albert he said his name was...

Love the climbing girl - and the other people too

After shopping in Vail we swung through Edwards and I bought a book - something in my budget. Then we spent time on Cindy's deck reading. It was nice sitting in the sun. Later we went to Bonnie and Eric's for supper. Shaloy and Jim came over too! They were just back from picking up a conversion van in Texas #carryoncamping! Good eats!

We said goodbye to Cindo that night when we went to bed. We got up at 4 a.m. and took off early for home. It's beautiful seeing the sun coming up in the mountains. And getting through Denver before the traffic starts up! We listened to "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" all the way, arriving about 4:30 p.m. Nice to be home again in Ioway. Jiggety Jig.

Skiing - beginning experience

Amy is skiing with friends this weekend. (Snowboarding really) I'm jealous - though I haven't skied for years now. I have many fond memories from my days on the long boards. Except that first experience...

Sister Susi (she had officially dropped the "e" from the end of her name by then -hippy!) was attending college in Denver. For the first two years, she was at Temple Buell - a small private school that eventually turned into Colorado Women's College. She played on the golf team and dated fellas from the Air Force Academy.

The Bullocks decided to visit Susi and try downhill skiing. We'd done waterskiing - so what could be so hard? I think I was in 8th grade. It may have been our Thanksgiving break. All of us - including my father were going to ski. Mom arranged for us to borrow ski clothes from the Pellett family.

The Paul and Betty Lou Pellett Family was Atlantic's version of the Kennedys (except Republican). I will do a whole blog on them later - what a clan! The Pelletts skied often and had the gear of the day - stretch pants, mittens and goggles. It was great that we didn't have to buy that stuff. Susi had been skiing since she started attending school there - so she was a bit of an "expert". I don't know if she had her own skis or not.

We were skiing at Loveland (click for webcam) - the first ski area on I-70 past Denver, near Georgetown where we had a motel lined up. It was so exciting and scary. Most of the family rented skis and boots, but not Dad and me. I got to use my Aunt Jean's 1950's boots (lace up - really?) and long wooden skis. Dad had some family member's too. That is important to this story. In that era, someone decided new skiers should learn with skis that were very short. So Betso, Cindo and Mom got that kind. Dad and I were in the antiques. (likely saving $10)


The probably weren't this bad..but in my mind...

Susi wisely lined us up for a short beginner's class on the bunny hill. That seemed to go okay. Then, after a sandwich lunch and hot chocolate, she volunteered to partner with me to go up my first ski lift. It might as well have been a NASA launch as complicated as it seemed to be with my mile long skis! Once I got my ass situated onto the seat, the ride was okay - but I knew the end was coming and I'd have to get off the damn thing.

And did I ever get off! I wiped out in the snow platform leading down from the chair and slide towards what seemed to be a cliff. If I went over that cliff, I just knew I was going end up with broken limbs in some sort of skiing hell. I was terrified and started bawling. Susi helped me maneuver my way out of that precarious situation and start down the hill - which seemed to be a sheer drop. Snot got on my (Pellet's) goggles. I sat on my butt and felt sorry for myself. Susi was forced to use all her collegiate (she was a Sociology major) and big sis tricks to get me going again.

Somehow, I survived! The rest of the family survived. My ankles and Dad's were very bruised from the old leather lace-up boots we wore. Cindy remembers being so very exhausted that she didn't even make it out for supper that night - she just went to bed. Mom was likely stuck dealing with Betsy, who was 10ish and I don't remember much about them...it was all about me, me me.

You'd think I would have never wanted to ski again after that experience. But somehow it was like childbirth...after a year went by, I'd forgotten the bad stuff! By then, Cindy was a frosh at Drake and she and her boyfriend Doug Mustoe took Jennifer Deter and me to some tiny ski place with a rope tow by Dexter. I wore fuzzy mittens (I guess I didn't get the Pellett equipment) and several times they stuck to the rope and continued around the top of the tow without me...I used new equipment there and had a great time.

Cindy had her new Christmas skis (K2s - I can still remember them sitting in her bedroom, a proud possession). Even though her love affair with Doug didn't last, the one with sport of skiing did! She went skiing often and eventually headed west to live in Vail after college graduation. The old bat (and I say this in a loving way...) will soon be 60 and skis often - even helping on the mountain at times when she isn't working her "real" job in Human Resources for Vail Resorts. She says the snow this winter has been fabuloso!

Sadly, Mom and Dad never skied again. Golf was more their thing. I will write more on the fun I've had skiing through the years - and if someone could plop me at the top of the mountain in gorgeous weather with my skis (not wooden) on, I'd do it again. If it wasn't icy or cold. And I could be guaranteed not to fall. Yep...I'm such a wiener. Writing about it almost has me excited about going again someday...



 

Up the big hill

There was a little snow on the way up to Vail on Monday. It was nice and warm in Denver - but you know those pointy hills. They make their own weather! Once we got to the Eisenhower Tunnel there was evidence of morning snow, and we saw some spectacular clouds in the distance.

The photo through the car window doesn't do it justice

We got to Cindy's in Edwards - west of Vail, about 3 p.m. It's always so nice to hug my seester. I'm close to all my sisters, but I've spent the most time with Cindy and we are simpatico. She works so damn hard. She always has - in high school, through college and then when she hit this resort town when it was in its infancy, really when she moved here in 1976. Cindy often worked a couple jobs so she didn't need to move back to Iowa to live with Mom and Dad. (Just like our children - she was deathly afraid of that prospect). I've been visiting her in Vail since she got there. That's a long time!

Jordan shopped at the Silverthorne Outlet Mall on her way up the mountain - in preparation for her NEW JOB at an energy PAC. Congrats Jordie! That night we went to a pizza joint near our Riverwalk Motel. Appleboy, Colby Lefebvre joined us. Why do I call him that? Because just like both of his parents (Bolder was also an extremely hard worker - to the end of his life, when he took orders for his bar supply job as he was signing up for hospice), Colby works long hours managing Moe's Original BBQ in Lionshead. That apple didn't fall far from the tree! That night I was asleep by 10 p.m. Rare air exhausts me!

Paul and Amy skied early the next day at Beaver Creek. It was chilly on the mountain, they said. It was Amy's first day to work at Beano's Cabin - an exclusive restaurant she worked at just after she graduated from college and a couple winters after that on holiday weekends. More about my kiddos job situation later (hint - it's exciting and good news).

Cindo took Jordie and me to breakfast at the Turntable - a place in the little old mining town of Minturn. There is an electric train track that runs around the whole place. Adorable!

That night - it was the big party. We took some pics before the crowd arrived. The cherubs (Colby, Liv (his gf), Jordie and Amy) went to E-town for pre-party drinks - on the house. They sat in front of Bolder's portrait on the stool he frequented. We got some pics with them when they got back. Amo was a bit tired after her day on her feet - waiting tables is like riding a bike, I guess. It came back to her!

During the party, Paul and I were on wienie duty - watching over little wrapped sausages (not our dog, who was in her kennel) in the oven. I won't describe the party, as it was much like last year. Colby and the "next generation" do a fine job carrying on in Bolder's place. Though nobody yells "Shut Up" in the special way Bolder did to get everyone to pay attention and sing.

It wasn't a late night for us - of course we could retire to our motel with our doggy. And we did. Cindy said she was up until 11:30 p.m. or so - shooing guests out and cleaning up. It was grand to see all of our Vail friends once again. We've been going to Vail for Christmas since 2008 - my first year at DNR. The party is a wonderful tradition we're so happy to be a part of.

Of course my favorite moment during the night is Mele Kalikimaka. Everyone knows the actions. There is a soundtrack in the background so we sound great!

And the Stars at Night

Kitchenettes Rock!

Grinchlets heart is melting

Let me state that I detest being cold. When I was young, I didn't really think there was an alternative. Even in the winter I'd walk to school in a skirt (before we could even wear pants to school), arriving with chapped bright red legs. In college I'd bundle up and trudge to class - sometimes with long johns under my jeans.

Sometime in between then and now, my blood thinned or something. Cold makes me uncomfortable. So I'd prefer a warm December - you know the type. Golfers are still teeing it up and folks continue to play all sorts of outdoors activities. This year isn't like that. Unseasonably cold, they've called it. There is already snow on the ground. For some reason it's helping me get that Christmas spirit! It's hard to get the Christmas Spirit in Florida. I've tried.

Earlier this week Pablo and I attended a musical - "White Christmas". We got some culture! Last night was sports night - the big intrastate rivalry game Iowa State vs. Iowa. We have season tickets to ISU Men's basketball games. We ate at Ruby Tuesday on our way to Ames. It's a chain, but I like the sides they offer - green beans and mashed potatoes are good. We passed on drinks - we wanted to be stone sober for the game to come.

We arrived about an hour before game time and the students we in the building already - some having camped out the night before. Those were thawing from single digit temps. Some students had to be turned away! It was a full house with few Hawkeye fans to be seen - a few were seated in our section #217.  The game seemed to be all Hawkeye for the first 38 minutes or so - though the good guys hung in there. Then miraculously the men in cardinal and gold pulled the game out. Woohoo! Sweet Caroline played as we made our way out the door. Both teams should have good seasons ahead.

This morning as I read the paper online and later did up the breakfast dishes, I listened to a Christmas CD. The music sounded good! We had a mission - several shopping stops. A return (channeling my daughter who returns about half of what she purchases), a quick stop at Dillards found some great Columbia tops. Then off to Chocolate Storybook - a great local candy company. And miracle - the Grand Avenue bridge is finally open (only 3 months late). Then we were on to Gateway Market to pick up some special Christmas purchases.

We went to the real grocery store (HyVee) on our way home. (Gateway Market is just too pricey and gourmet for most purchases). Christmas music played on the store's sound system. We cruised through the produce aisle picking up the usual stuff. When we got to the cereal aisle I don't know what came over me. I picked out some oatmeal - Paul had cruised ahead with the cart. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" played overhead as Paul looked back to see where I was. There was nobody in between us - we had beaten the crowd to the store. I couldn't help myself - I did a little jig to the tune, raising the oatmeal overhead. I heard giggles behind me. Paul said, "She isn't normally like this." I turned to see a mom with her son in the cart, smiling at me. I smiled back. I was feeling the Christmas Spirit. Eeegads! What's happening to me?

We plan to leave next Saturday for Denver. I'm looking so forward to seeing my family there. A dinner with Aunt Marty and Uncle Bill, Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce, the Brownlee family and Richard. Monday we'll go to my sister Cindy's in Edwards. My niece Jordan will be there and Cindy's son Colby. And the pretend family - the Pottorffs. Of course Amy will be with us. We'll miss Jud and Kara, who will be with Kara's folks in Ohio.

I heard Mele Kalikimaka at the mall this week - reminding me of the famous Christmas Eve party we've been able to take part in the past four years. I look forward to being a "Kitchenette" again this year. No matter what your year has been like - I hope you are able to muster some Christmas spirit. I know it can be hard - amid stress, the losses one suffers, the commercialization of the holiday. There is still a lot of good you know. Try to find it.

Mountain girls come to the flatlands

One week ago Cindy and Bonnie arrived from Vail, Colorado. They really live in a town called Edwards - but nobody has heard of that, so we'll just say Vail. Cindy moved there shortly after graduating from Drake University in 1976. Some of her Drake friends were moving there, and she didn't think teaching art in Bum#($% Iowa sounded like her calling. So she became a professional waitress in a vacation town.

Bonnie is her best friend - she's half of the Bonnie/Eric duo. Eric was one of Cindy's husband Bolder's best buddies. He was with Cindy when Bolder left this world, and was such a great help through that difficult time. He gave a great talk at Boldie's memorial about their friendship. The Goldsmiths have been lucky to be invited to their home the past 4 years for Christmas dinner. (They are really good cooks, much like my sis and fam).

We had a fab time show the girls around our new town, which of course is Cindo's college town. Paul got to drive us. We called it "driving the Daisies" He's a lucky (and very patient man).

On Friday we toured the Drake area - checking how much the school has changed. The Kappa House looks great too. Cindy entertained us with stories of her renegade youth.

After touring, we stopped for a drink at our fave - the Standard - we got trapped there as it was pouring. Tragically, we had to have another drink. Then we went home for pork cutlets from Whole Foods, and a version of a potato recipe I snitched from one Jane Buck posted on Facebook. Red potatoes sliced and baked with butter and a packet of Ranch Dressing. It was delish. I made a cheesecake that day too. I know - pretty homey for me!

I love this window-front in downtown DSM - sooo busted!

On Saturday we took our guests to Des Moine's fabuloso Farmer's Market. They were impressed! We headed directly to the Farmboys breakfast burritos first off - as we support our former Creston neighbors from Prescott. You can't beat that value. Just don't unwrap the thing, as I found out it blows up. You need the paper to keep it together.

Cindo bought a cute wreath, we got gorgeous asparagus, so very tasty strawberries, an angel food cake, a loaf a bread and Dutch letters (they only come in S). The bands were not anything spectacular that day, but there was a family of fiddlers/pickers. And a corny puppet and enthralled the kids. The weather was great, before once again clouding up.

We headed back towards the State Capitol so they could get a look at that. There was a heart walk going on - we ran into some mimes (who tend to creep me out). I yelled at them to "give us a shout out". Here is what they did.

see...creepy!

Standing on Cass County

We visited West End Salvage next, of HGTV fame. Okay - it hasn't been very popular on HGTV and can be found during odd times. They have some interesting stuff that is probably overpriced. Fun place though - and they have a "cute shoes" discount.

That night we went to my fave restaurant - Alba. I haven't been everywhere yet - there may be better places out there. But I find Alba interesting. I had a quinoa salad that was so interesting and refreshing, along with grilled scallops. Everyone enjoyed Alba. And the wine we drank there.

It doesn't look that cool - but quinoa was!

In my next blog - our trip to Atlantic and Walnut, plus the worst movie ever made...

Kate graduated - how can that be?

What's the world coming to when my youngest cousin's daughter graduates from high school? I'm officially old. Oh well - Paul's grand niece already graduated from college. Ha!

Back to me. My cousin Amy Lamm Brownlee's daughter Kate graduated from Cherry Creek HS last week. Her reception was Sunday morning - how convenient, since we were in Denver to see our Amy and attend niece Leslie's baby shower. It was nice to see my cuz Richard - his nose was a bit out of joint since he wasn't invited to the baby shower. (Gurlz Only) Marty and Bill recently moved - so we'll have to check out their new place when we come back for Christmas. This trip we all stayed at the Marriott. Brownlees and fam were busy entertaining their guests so we soon said goodbye, leaving them to celebrate with their grad.

After the party, we headed to Vail, stayed at Cindo's and had a chance to shop at the fab store in Edwards, Ptarmigan. Amy got the perfect bag for her travels in South and Central America. That night we were invited to eat a delicioso meal at Bonnie and Eric's - barbecued ribs and chicken. Bonnie's potato salad was bueno too. Eric has been re-doing their master bathroom, tiling it himself - very nice. Wine guy Frank was there too. Fun hanging with those guys in the summer. Bonnie will be coming to DSM with Cindo in a couple weeks - her first trip to Iowa so we'll need to put out the red carpet.

Two beautiful women - graduate Kate Brownlee, and my Auntie Martha

Susi's pal Debbie, Jordie's honey Westy (making a face) and the Jordo

Pablo, Amy and mamma Leslie

Uncle Bill chats with Susi

We dropped Amy off in Denver early Monday a.m. and loaded her desk up in our car. Paul made it for her out of oak when she was in college - now the top has cracked, most likely due to the dry Colorado climate. Paul will work his magic on it.

 

We listened to "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" during the trip. I bought it at a book sale, as I enjoyed it so when I was commuting. Paul liked the movie, and the book is 16+ hours, just right for this trip. The reader really brings the characters to life.

 

Tomorrow our recycled plastic deck furniture is scheduled to be delivered. Finally! Now we can finally invite guests over for drinks on and deck. I'm excited. Tonight as we walked off the deck to take Odie for a walk, Creston's Kyle McCann (former Hawkeye QB) and wife Maggie with their 2 daughters were walking by across the street. Paul called to them and we walked along for a bit as their girls rode bikes. We're Neighbors! 

What's Wrong/Right with People?

What motivates a person to set a bomb off? Or to start a fire, shoot innocent children, send poison through the mail, rape? Do we all start out okay, and somewhere along the line, certain people go off the rails of normal human behavior? Or, do some people just start with a pre-disposition to hate? I don't have the answer to those questions/ponderings. Unfortunately nobody does.

Thank goodness there are more decent people than bad people. And then there are the heroes. The ones I hear about and think "Whoa! What a thing they've done." or "That person exemplifies all that is right in this world - I want to be more like her/him." CBS news often has stories on their Friday night news about people like that. NBC does it too. People who feed the hungry in their towns, or start music programs from nothing. Those stories inspire me.

Photo from the Vail website

There was a story on NBC about the Adaptive programs in Vail, where my sis lives and works for Vail Resorts. Vail Veterans ProgramsThe program is set up to help injured veterans do the things they loved prior to their injuries. I saw another story about a similar program run by a vet running a biking program.

I have seen stories about amputees visiting the Boston bombing victims who have lost limbs. Their message is one of encouragement. One young man was a double leg amputee - he walked into the hospital room of victims. Another young girl lost a leg in an accident - her friend drove into her, crushing her leg. She too visited victims. A soccer player before her accident - she switched to the goalie position and still plays the game. I love that spirit!

I don't know how I'd react if I was faced with the trauma those people have been. And why? Because evil young men just felt like it - because of hate. And it all took place in a matter of seconds - fate and destiny. I'm sure the victims feel a great deal of anger, sadness and loss. Why them? Others who were nearby may be wondering  - why wasn't it me? Life is so random. And unfair - there's no doubt about it.

Speaking of good peeps, we ran into our longtime friend Jane Ertl's guy, Ken Root at Court Avenue Brewing Thursday night. We were there for a gathering with Paul's work group - mostly retirees from his agency. Ken told us (and he was kinda giddy) he's moving east to Dyersville this week. Yay! He's a radio guy and can ply his trade from any location. Though this means we won't see Jane in DSM anymore, unless her business brings her here - I guess we'll have to head that way to see them. We'll take our kayaks and our bikes!

Jane and Ken

Full of Thanks

Thank you to all the Veterans and actively serving troops. We can never thank you and your families enough for your service to our country.

Next - a shout out to my fabulous family. We are strong and loving. It never shows more than when one of us needs the support of the others - as when some 21 years ago, Baby Patrick was born and too soon, died. And now when our beloved Boldie is spending his last few days on earth.

Last Sunday, Paul and I drove to Colorado - stopping at Amy's in Denver when we got there. It was my birthday! The big double nickle. I recall when my dad turned 55 - he said he was turning the speed limit. Yay. Sister Betsy and Jud were each due at the airport about 4:30 p.m. so we picked them up and drove up in 2 cars - the gals in Amy's Honda Fit and Jud and Paul talking sports in our car. (I suggested they talk about their feelings and emotions, but I don't think that happened...)

When we got to Lefebvre's home in Edwards, Colorado - a mountain village just past Vail at 7:30ish. The Alvillar girls were already there - my sis Susan and her daughters. Bolder - prognosis BAD, was settled into his chair, tucked in with a blanket. Son Colby was there too. Friends had delivered fab food. My nieces, Leslie and Jordan - the lil cuties - had gotten me party hats and a badge for my birthday. The hats said something naughty - Susi was a bit embarrassed that her daughters had purchased them, until I reminded her I am a former landfill lady and have a bit of a potty mouth...The girls also got mustaches for all of us - in honor of their Uncle Boldie, who sports a great 'stache.

My kids (I'm guessing Amy) put me through a "follow the clues" to my birthday gift - tickets to Book of Mormon, when it comes to DSM. Can't wait to see it! My sissies purchased a couple cakes. Cindo's neighbor offered rooms in her home for the kids to stay in. Paul and I and Susi and the girls had hotel rooms - we headed there pretty early as everyone was beat. Betsy - our resident nurse (though she's a retired RN to concentrate on her true love - selling Longaberger baskets) stayed in Lefebvre's spare room. Bolder's condition is worsening daily.

The next day we arrived back at their place in the a.m. to eat the quiches friend Eric Pottorff had baked ahead. Fab! Bets was able to attend a doctor's appointment with Cindo and Bold. It was as we feared - all blood counts were worsening. We were glad Bolder was able to go to the pub that night with us, before the kids headed back to Denver. Susi, Leslie and Jordan headed home from there, while Amy and Jud came back for yet another meal supplied by friends. Lasagne.

That was the hardest time for me - when the kids had to say goodbye to their Uncle Bold. Amy lived with their family when she was just out of college and worked at Beano's on the mountain. So she's kinda like their pretend daughter. And Jud has bonded with Bolder over sports - the guy wears ISU garb in our honor. So tears were shed when they left to head back to Denver. This is SO hard.

The next day Cindy, Bets and I went for pedicures. Paul hung out with Bolder at the house. We took care of some necessary business - tough stuff, but glad we were there for support. Then we stopped by Colby's work to say goodbye. By then Paul had driven Boldie to another pub to see his peeps. E-town, his regular hangout, was closed for cleaning. Paul said people were hugging him, and greeting him - he's so well-liked and obviously the news has gotten around. He was exhausted by the time he got home though. So that night - when it was time for us to leave, oddly it wasn't all that emotional. It was like we were all too spent at that point.

Bolder's brother Bret has been there since Thursday. It's a good thing because his health has diminished very quickly. He was able to go to E-town with his brother Thursday night - and it was packed and they toasted him. But that night was bad - he needed help changing clothes and showering. Since then he has needed oxygen and they brought in a hospital bed because he can't make it up the stairs to their room. Cindy says his breathing has grown very raspy. Bret had to leave today to go back to Massachusetts, so I hope the hospice nurses give her enough support with his care. I'm so very proud of my sister Cindy. She's been so strong through this, and I can't say enough about how much I admire her.

Cancer is ugly stuff. I hope and pray Bolder is not in pain. Though I know that mentally he was suffering when we were there - I cried with him as he lamented this illness stealing his life. The frustration that he wasn't able to do what he wanted. Cindy says he's so sad that he won't be around to watch his son get married and have children. That makes me tear up to think about. We will have to be sure to tell the little Colbinis about their grandpa - the legend of Bolder! Thank God for family.