Grocery Memz

Our granddaughter Nell's 4th birthday was September 5th. Brings back memz of the day she was born. It was the year Covid changed life around the world. Paul and I planned to camp out in Southern Iowa - so the car was all loaded up with gear and kayaks. We ventured south and discovered the place we booked for an overnight - Shimek State Forest - had no toilets. Not even the "no running water" kind. No can do! 

Then we got word from Jud that Kara was in the hospital - starting induced labor. Feelings of joy and anticipation took over. We got distracted from our original plan. 

Plan B was to continue on to Lake Rathbun and check out kayaking potential. Too crowded and we got lost trying to find another way to get to the water in the more shallow end of the lake. Picture us on a remote gravel road with kayaks on top of our car. Road closed. Queue banjo music! 

We got periodic birth updates from Jud. When we ended up at a Knoxville City Park we got the news that Nell Marie was born. We toasted over a grill campfire with beer, hot dogs, and smores. Happy Birthday to our beloved granddaughter. 💖 As Nell's birthday approached, Paul and I talked about how much life will change during our children and grandchildren's lives. And thought about life today, compared to our youth. Ch ch ch ch changes! 🎶

I walked out of the West Des Moines Costco one day last week with thoughts of change along with my cart full of a variety of items - food and non. I had a flashback of all the grocery stores past - of all the stores I've loved before. 

-The first grocery I remember is the little brick Safeway on the corner of Poplar and 6th streets in Atlantic, Iowa. We shopped there and parked there on Sundays when we attended Mass at SS Peter and Paul up the block. 

-Later, our neighbor Paul Morman (not sure of last name spelling) opened a bigger more modern grocery store on the corner of Highways 6 and 71 - where WalMart is now. I can picture right where the candy was in the store. And recall running through the aisles and bashing headfirst into some lady's metal cart. Paul brought out some ice for my dented head. If you have Facebook check out this link for more Atown memories. 

-Safeway eventually moved to a big new store just east of the Cass County Courthouse. There was also a SuperValu on the west side of town near the Roller Rink - but we didn't shop there much as it was farther from our house. 

-I just got in on the last of the corner store era too. I recall visiting one not far west from North Olive Street. It was the size of a small house and had an overflowing variety of interesting items including candy. And a big old cash register - with the proprieter sitting behind a counter. 

-In the 1970s a shopping center was built in a field, north of Highway 6 and Cass County Hospital. Sally Rodgers, Susie Guttenfelder, and I rode our horses in there before they paved paradise and put up a parking lot. 🎵 The area boasted a HyVee Grocery Store, state liquor store, Alco, Godfathers, McDonalds, and Mitches bar. 😆 

-Do you remember the price sticker guns? They probably didn't change prices as often as today, right? It was important to not select an item with no sticker - or there would be a "Price Check" announcement as you waited, pen in hand to write a check. 

-When I moved to Ames for school, my favorite store was Ames Fruit and Grocery on the west side of town, just off of Lincoln Way. I preferred it over the bigger supermarkets. More cozy. Price can drive where I go, but I do love small gourmet markets. Marczyks (Amy's first job) in Denver and Gateway Market here are a couple. Fewer food brand choices but more interesting. 

- The year I graduated from ISU, the country was heading for a recession. I was lucky to snag a job as the office manager at a grocery wholesaler in Sioux Falls, SD. There I learned much about the grocery business as the company, Gamble Robinson served many commercial customers including institutions, stores, and restaurants. The next year I transferred to another GR office, this one in The Old Market in Omaha. It was a big branch that sold to all of the top restaurants in the area - and stores. In Omaha, my shopping "go-to" was the local grocery chain, Bakers - who still had carryout boys. Today, Fareway continues to provide carryout today. 

- Next, Paul and I moved to Osage, Iowa, for his career. I stuck with my same employer - traveling north to small branch businesses in Wisconsin and Michigan Upper Penninsula. Osage boasted a couple of small grocery stores (Super Valu and ?). To get groceries on a Sunday, we had to travel to Mason City and Austin, MN. Access to fresh foods is becoming less available for people living in small towns across our country. Small town residents visit Super Markets in other towns to get more variety and better prices, and small local stores disappear. 

-When we moved to Creston in 1986, there were 3 grocery stores - and WalMart (not Super) joined later in the 1980s. There was some shuffling after that - Easter's Super Valu on the north side of town closed.  Fareway and HyVee built new larger, more modern stores. I developed a shopping system. Meat and other basics at Fareway, HyVee for more selection, and eventually Super WalMart for cereal and other staples. I've heard friends reminisce about corner groceries in Creston - just like in Atlantic. 

-Now we live in the (not so) Big City, right by Costco - a warehouse store, Trader Joe's, a small grocery chain store with mostly reasonable prices, HyVee, and Fareway. And Gateway Market for really good meat and a variety of gourmet products. The other perk is the DSM Farmers Market that runs on Saturdays from May to October - featuring fresh, baked, and prepared foods. 

We haven't yet taken advantage of grocery delivery and services like Grub Hub. Those are likely on the horizon for us. After that? George Jetson type deliveries and cooking? It will be interesting to find out!

September is rushing by - hope you are having a good one.  

 

Birthday Girl!

It's my birthday - again! I'm getting to be the age where one realizes each one is a gift - not just those important milestones like the one when you get your driver's license or can legally drink alcohol - or can retire. This is my first retired birthday and I must say to do prefer it to a working birthday - even when work treats/singing were involved. 

Paul and I worked as Election Officials at the poll in West Des Moines yesterday from 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. It was our first time. It was exhausting but very rewarding. We completed training a couple of weeks ago, but that really didn't prepare me for a 7 a.m. stream of eager voters lined up to do their civic duty. The crush lasted for about 4 hours - I didn't have time to use the restroom or even take a pill for a headache. 

The team of eleven officials (split evenly Rs/Ds), led by a veteran official was mostly newbies. Older poll workers had opted out due to Covid. We all wore masks - and some of us started the day with a shield too but they proved to be a bit cumbersome. The computer system is very slick - using scanners for those who have Iowa Driver's licenses. Even without, those in the system can use several methods to satisfy voter requirements. 

It surprised me how many people needed to register to vote on Election Day. Did they not see the "Make a Plan to Vote" outreach or was that their plan all along? I've never been a procrastinator so I just don't get it. Still, the system was pretty efficient once I figured it out and we got them registered and able to vote. Paul was the guy that fed the paper ballots into the counting machine. Our site had 2 precincts - had about 1,500 people vote - 700 in the first 4 hours.

So today is my birthday! I'm exhausted and like everyone, am awaiting election results. In the meantime, it's gorgeous here so I hope to get in a walk. I'm trying to stay off the Internet (this counts as writing, not Internet time). That's my plan going forward - less social media, more real life. Or books - always my retreat since childhood. 

                                                Lee Van Nostrand's bday party

This morning I was thinking of childhood birthday parties - mine and ones I went to. We shopped for presents in downtown Atlantic, put on little dresses, and went to large parties where there were games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Pop the Balloon with your Butt. One year I received three identical Piggy Banks as gifts - two blue and one pink. I don't think I had that much change! Sometimes my mom would make me take a little kid pajama set for the birthday girl as a gift - because Dad was a sales rep for that company. Ugh! How embarrassing! I would have hated to get that as a gift. Give me a GI Joe! 

Speaking of my childhood, last week I drove to St. Louis to spend time with my kids - new parents Jud and Kara and grandchild, Nell. While we had time together Jud asked me questions about my childhood - something we'd never had a chance to talk much about before. He has met a few of my childhood friends, though it's been a while since he's seen them - Sally, Robyn, and Julia. It was fun to tell him about some of our childhood antics! And then to talk about things we're doing in our 60's. 

Speaking of Nell - when I'm feeling stressed, I picture that little face and I smile! Jud and Kara are doing such a great job with her. They were very generous to allow me to hold her whenever I wanted to. She's just starting to smile - so many emotions can cross her face in a short time, but she seems to be a pretty chill baby. The weather wasn't too great but I was content just hanging with her at the house.

We did get out on Wednesday on a trip to the free St. Louis Zoo. Nell snoozed her way around the bears, big cats, seals, and apes. She's adorable sleeping in her stroller! It was nice to get out of the house. Jud and Kara went on a date that night and the kiddo and I did just fine. Even mellow babies demand a great deal of attention - parents need their own oxygen as a couple - away from the baby. 

I can't believe how strong Nell is getting already! She's getting to that stage where on her tummy she seems angry that she can't do more. She's got a play area mat on the floor and it's fun to see her new awareness of her surroundings. Pups Archie and Henry like to check her out when she's on the floor. Just wait until she's mobile guys! 

I drove home on Friday. It was hard to leave - knowing how much she'll change by the time I see her again. I was happy to see my honey who had spent the week hunting and working. While I was gone we got a new furnace - the homeowner moneypit is alive and well. Next up - a window. Happy Birthday! 

  

Rob the Cradle

Paul turned sixty years old this week. Now he's my age once again.

As his birthday approached, I sensed he was apprehensive about this age milestone.

Sixty seems like reverse puberty. We'll be going through some changes during this decade. Aging bodies and finishing up our careers. It's exciting! And scary. I wrote the blog about this very thing when I turned sixty. March 1 was Paul's turn to join the 60 Club. He warned me - he wanted no surprises.

What does one do if he doesn't want a "party" for his birthday? We planned a pub crawl of course! Our tailgating pals, Ehreckes and McKims came to DSM to celebrate with us on Friday night. It was Kari's big bday earlier in the week, so we had 2 to celebrate.

Initially, Paul planned about five stops. I reminded him that we're 60 (except those youngster McKims).

We started at Peace Tree. It's a Quonset hut brewpub in the East Village. The place is named after a magical tree in the area that is now Lake Red Rock, near Pleasantville. As you can tell, I didn't think to snap the photo until we nearly drained our beers. We did take our own snacks - something that is welcomed at the places that don't sell food.

Then we went to the larger joint, Confluence in a warehouse area off Bell Avenue near Grays Lake. Paul and I usually enter through the other door, biking in. Confluence sells beer all over the state and one can find their beer on tap many places. After I took this pic, Kevin and Kari's daughter Kacie joined us. She recently moved back to Iowa from California and said she had fun hanging with the oldsters. It was nice to see her.

Our last stop before supper was Carl's Place. Because you need a good dive bar to bring you back to your small town Iowa roots.

Carl's is located near Hoyt Sherman on Woodland Avenue. It was hopping - filled with young people. In fact, Donnie tracked down one other group of older people for us to talk with. They too had noticed that we raised the average age of the joint. We watched the end of the ISU/Oklahoma game on the big screen. The Cyclones young team gives us reason for hope for next year. Plus ISU is really a football school, right? haha

We stopped at Gilroy's Kitchen for pizza on our way home. The conversation had me laughing so hard. Watching Paul laugh was fun too. Kevin can be quite entertaining and is a good artist. When we got home, Odie was so overjoyed to see that we brought friends with us.

Saturday morning we tried a breakfast casserole I put together Friday afternoon. Sausage, hashbrown, eggs, and cheese - nothing fancy, but filling. We are already excited about the football season and tailgating. Seven games this year! This is a good group to be sixty with. 

I'm 60!

So just deal with it. Okay, that's me talking to myself.

I must admit I've had a bit of trepidation about this turning 60 thing. I knocked out 30 like nothing, really. My friends put a pretend casket on my porch when I turned 40. I laughed. When I turned 50, I partied with friends at an ISU football game. It was the last time my beloved Cyclones put a beating on Kansas State. We had a fun day - my buddy Jeff McFee (1 whole day older) was there with me. Let's hope we get KSU this year.

Exercise winners - creative leaders

It was a busy work week - so I didn't have much time to dwell on the upcoming birthday this year. Poor planning for my birthfest week to schedule 2 workshops and an on-site training date. Somehow, I survived. The events all went well. Seeing all the Environmental Management System program participants reminds me why I appreciate them so much. They are passionate about what they do.

DNR's Michelle Wilson did a great job providing leadership training. We all could use a brush-up in that area. It is so much about interpersonal communications and personality types. And who can resist an exercise that involves spaghetti noodles, string, tape and a marshmallow? Shelly Codner, who was not able to attend the meeting, arranged for a co-worker to deliver a bday cake. How nice was that?

By Friday, I was toast. Ready to be "off duty". A few weeks ago, I purchased tickets to "The Color Purple" musical for Friday night. You see, in early October, Paul had asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday weekend, and I started to get worried that he was going to wing it. I'd end up at the Cheesecake Factory (which I love, by the way) for my birthday meal. So I made sure we would do at least something fun and bought tix.

That evening, we snuck into a place at the bar at the Stuffed Olive for a martini and a bite to eat. The place was hopping. Crestonian Nancy Anthony was there with her crew - pre-gaming for the show. It was fun to see her. The musical was excellent - especially the vocals. When we walked in the door to our place about 10 p.m. we had a problem. Intruders! I was shocked to find my lovely children and spouses had snuck in to surprise me for my birthday. Birthday balloons, flowers, and hugs all around. What a lucky girl (or mature 60-year-old) I am! It seems those plotters had been planning this a while - and had fun on Friday prancing around DSM hiding from me. Too funny.

I was so delighted to wake up Saturday morning knowing my kids were all under my roof. Smile. Paul had a plan to do something special - so after breakfast, we loaded up in the car and were off to downtown DSM. That guy - I am so impressed that he pulled off this event. The bar is set high for his 60th - just 4 months from now. The pressure is on.

Ready for the tour

Ceiling view

looking down

door hinge

We arrived at the beautiful gold-domed Iowa State Capitol for a tour. While I've been in the building many times, I've never had the official tour. A group of about 12 of us assembled at 10:30 a.m. and our guide did it right. I have such an appreciation for the place - filled with so many works of art and craftsmanship. I hope those who work there hold their jobs dear to them. The tour was followed by a swing by some other statues on the Capitol grounds, a trip to our fave store Raygun and a stop at Confluence Brewery. We made it back to our place in time for the start of the ISU football game. Too bad the Cyclones didn't come out on top this game, but Corey's Clemson Tigers won.

Shots were not lucky for the Cyclones - but were for me!

That night we sampled the fare at the 801 Chophouse in the Principal Building. I split the lamb chops and scallops with Amy. The lobster mashed potatoes are so yummy too. For my bday, the restaurant supplied gooey chocolate lava cake. Sitting at the table with Paul by my side, surrounded by our children and their wonderful spouses - life was looking pretty darn good at 60. Cheers!

popcorn friends

Friday Birthdays

Birthdays stopped being something to really look forward to when I graduated from college. Until then each birthday involved a fairly large celebration with me, the birthday girl being surrounded by friends and loved ones. Yeah. I'm spoiled like that.

Photos from early birthdays show Lil Leslie and friends (some were boys) all dressed up at the Bullock house at 202 Crombie. Mom knew I loved chocolate cake, so there were variations each and every year. One year we took all of my little friends to a football game out of town for my birthday - just sitting loose in the back of the 'ol green station wagon. Mom made up little goodie bags for everyone - with popcorn and candy. Way to go Mom!

• Then, when I was older, Mom succumbed to the "Slumber Party" craze. I was a good little beggar. Our house had no insulation in the basement ceiling. Some girls could go all night with "Mary Worth" and the "Lift Game" Ouija Board stuff - no sleep. There was bound to be a catty fight or two. Pat Bullock would usually have to pound her foot and the floor and tell us to quiet down - which lasted all of 15 minutes. That caused my own birthday party to be stressful. Oh for the days of stress free day parties when we popped balloons with our butts.
• By the time I hit High School, big parties were out, but my group of friends would celebrate each other's big day. We'd exchange gifts and go out to eat. Turning 16 was obviously a huge one. That was when I got the keys to the family green Ford Station Wagon. Awesome. haha. Our family had purchased a 1972 Chevy Vega as well - but Cindy had that at college - Drake University. During the winter my grandpa allowed me to drive his 1971 baby blue Volkswagon Beetle. I had a bit more swagger when I drove those cars - both manual transition stick shifts. It's been years since I drove a stick, but think I could still do it. Like riding a bike, right. Oops - back analogy for me...
• College birthdays were awesome! Especially my 20th, when it fell on a Friday - just like last night. That year, 1977 the Big 4 (Sally Rodgers, Jane Flack and Vick Gernand + me) made a plan to FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) at the CaveInn downstairs. Our dorm floor had a "meet up" with a guy's floor. That night I got to dance to the Beetles' "Tonight is Your Birthday" and received birthday kisses from a bunch of guys. There was cake and beer along with loud music in that dark bar that afternoon. It was perfect!
• The year I graduated from college, I worked on my birthday. There was cake. And work. I got cards and people called me long distance. (before cell phones, right) Real world shit! The party was mostly over.
• Okay let's not go into some pity party like bdays suck after college. But once you go to work - and your day is on a work day, they are kinda normal days.
• I have had some fun along the way. My pal Deb and I have birthdays near each other and have had some parties through the years.
• That's why a Friday or other weekend day birthday is special! I work half days on Friday - so I got to pamper myself part of the day yesterday. Last night we went downtown to try a new joint called Bubba. It was so gorgeous out that we took a spin around the sculpture garden prior to heading to the restaurant. I don't often get birthdays in the 70's with sun.

• I ordered the meat loaf with cheesy mashed potatoes. There was pecan pie for dessert. About then we spied some of Jud's besties from college coming up the stairs at the restaurant to celebrate a birthday. We'd seen them last at Jud and Kara's wedding. It was a fun way to end the evening!
• Amy had called me earlier in the day and Jud called as we drove home. Facebook friends wished me a happy day. Life is good!

Today is Jud's birthday hooray, hooray, hooray

It's my little buddy's birthday today. Twenty six years ago today....way late at night after a full day of not all that active labor.

My handsome boy

Since that day, Judson David Goldsmith really put us through our parenting paces. We parented our asses off with that kid at times. He was a feisty little guy who didn't like to lose at sports. He also got a few childhood illnesses that landed him in the hospital that were scary for the 'ol parental units! Roseola that spiked his temp quickly - causing the docs to test for spinal meningitis.

Jud always had great birthday parties because he had a wonderful group of friends...and fab parents that put together fun parties! One year - before schools got worried about liability insurance and getting sued, we rented our Catholic School gym and put out the wrestling mats and let the kids tumble, shoot hoops and draw with markers on reams of newsprint in the hallway.

Looks like Sam Katzer is helping Jud blow out the candles...

By the time he hit high school, Jud was easy to parent. He wasn't the partying kind and he made us proud by working hard at team sports year round. It's only gotten better as he's grown up - going from a quiet introspective guy to someone who can talk to anyone. A person with the gift of gab like my father, lingerie salesman extraordinaire, Dave Bullock.

I hope he has a great birthday party at his place in St. Louis celebrating with girlfriend Kara.

Meanwhile....back at the Goldsmith ranch. Paul and I are recovering from the gunk. Paul...(Mr. "I don't need a flu shot") has Influenza A. Yep...the kind that the shot actually did cover. I can't gloat too much though because I did have the 26% effective flu shot and I still have a sore throat.

We have been binging on Breaking Bad. It's so violent and darkly uncomfortable. We can't stop. I wasn't sure if Paul would like it. And at first, he didn't seem to pay attention much. He bopped into his office and out. Next thing I know - he's in his chair watching with me. Just a couple middle aged folks watching a show about meth....ho hum.

Back in the day in Creston I used to go to meetings run by our Sheriff explaining just how the stuff was made and how one hit could make our children addicts. He said they would always be chasing that next high. The idea that people would mix toxic chemicals together and put them into their bodies is crazy.

Life's a trip. We're missing a fun party in Creston tonight because we're in recovery mode. Get well us!

Birthday fun

I had a nice birthday - for a Monday! I'm 56 years old. Yikes. It doesn't seem possible. I can't be a day older than 46, can I? I took a quiz linked in the New York Times recently that said my "Fitness Age" is 40. Yippy. You put in workout information, waist size and pulse. 56 is the new 40 - except when I look in the mirror....

I received a number of greeting cards - I saved them all to open when I got home from work. Except Paul's - he'd gotten up to go hunting. I opened his card - just to start my day right. Odie gave me a wag and a doggy smile too. I'd purchased cookies at Trader Joe's, but decided to also get Dunkin' Donuts. I did resist those round mounds of goodness but not the TJ cookies. At our office, you're in charge of bringing treats for your own big day - which works well because then if you don't - it's on you! Amy called early - so I got birthday wishes from my girl.

I even snagged a box of gluten free for my intolerant co-workers (their systems, that is...)

After our staff meeting, I had a message saying I had a delivery.

My deer hunter came through with roses

Some how I was lucky to get put on the special calendar for a work lunch for my birthday - even with Becky gone on maternity leave. My job has me working between 2 sections at DNR. Solid Waste staffers are very good about celebrating birthdays. My real section - Financial and Business Assistance - not so much. Four co-workers and I walked down Grand to Quentins about noon for a big baked potato. I enjoyed chatting with them about non-work related stuff!

That afternoon I received a text from Paul saying he'd shot a buck with his bow - yippy! Last year with the move, he got skunked - no deer. This year he's gotten 3 - 2 with his bow and 1 with my car. Of course that one got up and ran away...(I got my car back today - $4,000 damage in total - out of a 6 lane road with no other cars, the deer had to pick that spot to run??).

When I got home from work, I read all my cards - so clever, and nice to hear from everyone. I had a date that night with the Diamond Brooke ladies - because I wasn't expecting Paul home too early. Plus the Packers were playing that night, so I knew he'd be pretty worthless as a dining companion. Marilyn was set to pick me up - so when a vehicle pulled up outside I nearly ran out and jumped in. Then a guy got out - he had flowers! They were from Jud and Kara - how sweet!

Paul arrived with deer in tow. We already have the meat from the doe being processed so he will donate this one to the HUSH program - so the meat with go to the prison system. Phew- as long as I don't have to eat it.

Marilyn and Mary Lou picked me up about 5:30 to head back downtown to Americana Restaurant. There were 9 of us this month. Sometimes there are more, sometimes less. Many of them have Mary in their names (Mary Lou, Mary Jo, Mary Ann) - it's confusing. Plus there is another Leslie - and her last name starts with B. My maiden name letter, which makes me think it's me sometimes. We range in age from young/old (my age) to middle/old (70's). I had a nice lemondrop martini and scallops. They were yummy! Connie entertained us with stories of her granddaughter.

Paul was entranced by the Packers game when I got home - good call by me to attend the meal! Jud called later to wish me happy birthday. He's headed to California - near Sacramento this week for work. Then he and Kara will fly to Denver for a concert and to see his sissie. They're doing a beer tour. It was nice to talk to my little (6'2") buddy.

I received text messages and Facebook wishes throughout the day. All in all - a very nice birthday. I feel very blessed.

Deep birthday thoughts

Upon entering my 55th year (after my 54th bday)

• What a great Birthday Week (and the weeks prior)!
• It started a couple weekends ago when Amy showed up, surprising me while tailgating in Ames. I, Junior Nancy Drew, and her fearless sidekicks Bess (Bobbie) and George (Diana) (if you have read N. Drew books you know those are Nancy's girlfriend's names - they help her in her sleuthing) did not detect this stealthy surprise. So Jud and Amy were both there at a beautiful tailgating day in Ames, along with our Clone friends. Life is good!
• The celebration of Leslie continued last weekend in Galena with friends from my native town of Atlantic - Chris and Paula. We were in beautiful Galena. I probably celebrated bdays years 5-18 with those chicks. So it was fun to kick off my 54 celebration with 'em (and Pablo and Chris's hubby Larry).
• Onto the quiet of "My Day Off" Monday. I started with my home girl breakfast. Love those girls too. Are you sensing a theme here? Blessed with friends. Of course all of these things (except chick breakfast) were done with my very best friend Paul Goldsmith (aka Pablo the Poolboy). I then had a nice walk around my neighborhood, and the west side of Creston - McKinley Lake and Park. I can't ever walk through McKinley without thinking of:
• Swim meets at the former pool there. The old pool was still there when we moved to town in 1986, and was replaced ten or so years ago with the present pool. One swim meet I was swimming breast stroke (despite my lack of breasts) - and, I recall, (head growing slightly larger) in 2 age groups - 13/14 and 15/16, as our usual swimmer in the older group wasn't able to attend the meet. I had to swim my usual race (which was only 40 yards long). Then the boys swam. Then I had to turn around and do it again. Then I swam it in a mixed relay with our age group. Robyn, Sally, and I can't recall the backstroker - Sue Tyler? For 15/16 it was Barb Hutchinson, and the Merrick sisters - Cindy and Marci.
• And years later, taking our children to the former playgrounds in McKinley Park - back when the toys weren't always so safe. The little swinging bridge. Those animals that could knock a kid clean off their feet if they happen to wander in front of one, as the other - going to town swinging on a dolphin. We always walked up to pay homage to the Civil War statue that is now featured more prominently with the sidewalk placement and flags.
• Tuesday I was back to work. I'm fortunate to work with a highly professional bunch. A few quirks but, no total disfunctions - you know what I mean. At some of my jobs, one person wouldn't talk to another or one totally didn't do their job. This group all functions as necessary. Which makes life easier for all of us.
• I took treats to work Thursday a.m. - Kringle that I purchased at Super Target - in honor of my Scandinavian roots (I have none). I had returned to Target to get myself a Wii - that I need to hook up to our TV today. Yes, I'm going to get FIT.
• By Thursday I was heading home to Crestonia. We had book club that night at A&G Bar - and my bookie friends gave me a gift certificate from Dairy Queen. What swell gals - and I didn't even read the book this month! We do miss member Thea, who is battling the evil Myeloma that is ravaging her body. She is throwing both chemo and radiation at it. Damn stuff all of it-cancer and poisonous treatment. We hope Thea joins us (or we can join her at her home) again soon.
• Book Club was over at 9ish and I hurried to McKim's house to our last pre-tailgating planning party. Sitting in the RV in McKim's driveway has become a lovely tradition this season - all of the fun (read liquor) none of the stress of real tailgating. Planning takes 15 minutes. Solving life's mysteries - a few more hours. This night we were celebrating Jeff McFee's 54th birthday. Yes he's way older than I. I had a lovely oatmeal cookie shot - green apple, caramel apple and Hot Damn. That's all though - too much to do the next day!

• A beautiful trip to Atlantic early Friday a.m. I drove through Fontanelle, a pretty little town on Highway 92, just as the sun was coming up. On the west side of town, I was surprised to see hundreds of windmills waving at me in the dawn. They had popped up since my last trip in July. I met three colleagues - Jen (my supervisor), Jeff and Becky at the Atlantic landfill for an Audit. Then we ate at the Old Hotel downtown for lunch. On the way home I drove through my fave town of Bridgewater - love seeing the Doris Department Store. So cute!
• I was home in Creston by 3ish and stopped at Fareway for my tailgating "assignment". Then worked at bit more on my laptop. I got FB bday wishes. various texts from buddies. Amy called. Jud Called.
• That evening I met up with girlfriends at The Lobby - the local watering hole. Hmmm start out early Monday a.m. with them - and now ending Friday. Sensing a theme? Nancy showed up! Hadn't seen that chick for a long time. The boys (Jeff and Paul) arrived along with Krissy and Caleb. We went to A&G for a bite before turning in. Only had a couple drinks - thank goodness my friends didn't insist on birthday shots - glad 54 is no 21! Hmmm maybe I should pretend that every night. What a great bday!
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• Bobbie and Jeff picked us up at 6 a.m. Chilly and windy - guess it is November. But I was definitely an RV sitter today. Gametime - bundled up and it wasn't too bad - snuggled up against each other. The Cyclones were not great - just good enough, and they won the game. That's all we can ask. After the game, we had great "saucy Southerner" sannies, Conovers stopped by. Donnie has outdone himself with his new recycling/trash system and the TV mount on the RV. RV tailgating is the best!

My 50's have been fun. As I grow older I tend to reflect more - I suppose everyone does. I'm watching the CBS morning show as I write this a.m. The topic is the recently deceased Andy Rooney (who worked and lived until age 92) - commenting that he never pretended to be something he wasn't. I try to live my life like that. Yeah, I can make nice. But I don't put up fronts - especially now, in my 50's. What you see is what you get.

There is a guest editorial in the DSM Register today by a priest who is dying from pancreatic cancer. It hit home. It seems that a lot of people I know these days are struggling with illness. As I hope and pray for them, I can't help but wonder how I might confront cancer or some other illness if I ever get that type of diagnosis.

He says, "As a priest I have observed many for whom death was an unwelcome enemy. Frequently it was because they lived only for themselves. And now they faced death by themselves, even though others were physically around them. Many others bravely faced death surrounded by the people whom they had loved and served. They had shared much in life and now they were sharing the dying experience with loved ones."

I hope I'm living my life in a way that I would be strong enough to fight the good fight against cancer/illness. But ultimately, I could be brave and surrounded like the Reverend Hemann. And I wish to serve more - though my present livestyle makes it hard to do so. And I'm being selfish right now - working hard during the week, so I play hard on weekends.

I don't want to end on a downer. We're all healthy. And yahoo - the Cyclones won. Can they sneak out 1 more win? I'm done with the six work audits I needed to complete. So work should calm down. Both kids will be home for Thanksgiving. Life is good!

The big unit

Sharon and Al

It was Allan Higgin's birthday yesterday. So of course we had to get together to celebrate - the tailgating-Ozarks/vacation group. We met at - where else - A&G for pizza. And a few drinks. Higgins, McKims (they were suprisingly early), McFees (farmer time late), Pablo and me.

Al can do about anything. Yard stuff, build a gorgeous house, rebuild a car - he can do it all. Al loves babies and seems to be a great dad. Plus he's a handsome dude married to a wonderful lady, Sharon for 40 years. I'm sure he's got some bad habits - but he seems to keep them well hidden!

We ended up the night - of course - at Sidetracked. I have started to dislike the place less. Last night there was even a lime in my vodka tonic. It was pathetic, but there. There is a regular bunch of people that hangs out at the joint. Barflies, ya know. Last night we were part of that crowd - not that I'm bragging. John Carroll joined us as we talked about RAGBRAI - the bike ride across Iowa.

It probably wasn't Al's most fun bday ever - but I was glad to spend it with a great guy and good friend. Happy Birthday Allan - and many more!

My hunnie's birthday

Pablo the Poolboy came to the big city for his birthday. It was nice to see him on a work night - I looked forward to it all day. (That and getting my hair highlited. Sarah the hair dresser worked her magic! ) I tried to talk him into going to Nick's for supper, but he had his heart set on some Friday's ribs. He quite enjoyed them too! I think he liked his bday presents - 2 new sharp knives for our kitchen, a new Cyclone (what else!?!) top, and some DVDs of movies we'll enjoy seeing.

My baby girl called with some good news today. She landed a job doing marketing at Marczyk's Fine Foods in Denver during the height of the recession. During the past couple years she's worked her tail off, and the managers have slowly worked her into positions of more and more responsibility.

So the past couple months, Amy has been pushing for a raise. She realized that some others at the company make more money than she does. She's a college grad and is ready to make big-girl money! So recently she went through the torture of asking for a raise. It wasn't easy, and didn't come about without angst! I'm not sure I could have gone through with it at her age...but she did.

Now she has a dilemma - they have given her a choice of two jobs. One is doing the same thing she's doing now. The other is more accounting and human resources related. I'm sure she'll make the right decision. The kid has a pretty good head on her shoulders! Her dad and I are very proud of her.

Birthday boy

It's my baby boy's 22nd birthday today. I'm in denial...seems like only last year he's a a punky first time drinker who oozed liquor when we picked him up for his birthday meal...oh wait, that was just last year after his big birthday extravaganza. His roomies call the party: Judapalooza. Or some such...

Really though. It does seem like just a couple years ago he was 13. And right before that he was 4. Man that kid had some good parties - he had a lot of boys in his class at St. Malachy School, the Catholic school in Creston. I think there were around 15 boys and 9 girls in his class. So at party time, he'd have a huge one.

We usually had the boys stay all night - which meant little sleep for any of us. Those guys had a great deal of energy! Of course we didn't help by filling them up with soda pop, pizza and cake. As Jud got older, he usually arranged large video game tourneys for his bday. Such fun...

Today we met Jud and Kara at Lone Star Steakhouse for lunch. They were only a little late. We like her more each time we are around her - she can hold her own against his..shi* um crap. We proceeded to Younkers to buy him a comforter and pillows to go with the sheets I got him.

We actually stopped at his man cave student apartment yesterday. Ugh. Big mistake. Boys have icky apartments. Avert eyes and nose. I didn't look in his room, but I'm sure new bedding will help.

The next year will be a huge one for my lil buddy. Graduation. First job (fingers crossed bigtime here). Will Kara be a part of that future? Who knows? She has a job lined up in Kansas City. I know he'd like to be someplace close to there...

Judson, the world is your oyster (yeah, I know, you prolly don't like oysters), nevertheless - go get 'em!

BD and WTH

I have had a nice birthday to start out my 52nd year. As one of my high school friends on Facebook said (it was her bday yesterday) - now I have a full deck. Ha ha. Pretty clever way to look at it.

I started out the day at 6 a.m., finding a nice Barbara's Bake Shoppe bday cake left for me by Joan, my lovely roomie. I stopped by Donut King and picked up a couple dozen cake donuts for work along with the cake. I got lots of bday wishes all day, and Facebook provided lots of shout outs. Several people called - Deb, Amy, Robyn and Jud.

I left work early and headed out to Jordan Creek to stomp around in my broke foot boot. Awaiting my beloved Pablo - who had to drive all the way from a meeting in Corning to let Odie out on his way here. We had a date. He shopped with me a bit - I got some bday clothes and shoes. Yay!

And he brought some cards and a gift from Robbie Dob - a book called The Last Lecture. I know that will be a tear jerker! Paul and I ate at Joes Crab Shack. It was okay - not great. It was just nice to spend some time with my honey.

WTH - I plead girly ignorance. What is eyebrown threading? Another one of those things girls invented and didn't explain to me!