God Bless Texas

Austin - Willy, Paul, and me

Paul and I headed south to Texas last weekend to visit our friend Paula and catch a football game. They play a lot of that in Texas. We'd talked about attending the ISU vs. Texas Longhorns game in Austin the past few years - and finally pulled the trigger this year. (a gun analogy seems appropriate - right?)

We landed around noon on Friday - just in time for some barbecue. Paula Bacon picked us up at the airport. She is a longtime friend from my hometown of Atlantic, Iowa. We've been pals since we met at Mrs. Luin's nursery school over 55 years ago. Through the years Paula and I didn't always keep touch. When reconnected at a class reunion and have been fast friends ever since.

Paula has lived in Austin, Texas for over twenty years - a real Texas gal! Not only that, her sister Jo and family live there too. A year ago, their mother Jean moved from her home in Arkansas to Austin to be closer to her family. Austin has quite an Atlantic connection. Recently our Class of 1976 glue guy, Roger Underwood, was in the area and put together a dinner that included Paula, Ted Simpson, Dave Stuetelberg, Steve Boots and Jan Kramer who all live in the area. Atlantic south?

Paula took us to Terry Black's Barbecue first thing. Meat anyone? The brisket was delicious! It gave us enough energy to go for a five-mile walking tour of the downtown Austin area. It was a gorgeous day for a walk - people were everywhere with dogs, bikes, strollers and just walking like us. We crossed the river to visit a new Central Library - which Paula, like me, is into. It's very cool. Libraries. like gourmet grocery stores are my happy places.

Crossing the river

We walked through the historic Driskill Hotel - beautifully refurbished. The artwork in the bar is worth the visit. It's fun to see the stores and restaurants downtown. I liked this frozen yogurt store. In the shadow of the Texas Capitol building, we stopped at a hotel bar with a deck for a refreshment. Later, we headed to the Blind Pig rooftop where ISU had set up their Friday night festivities. Did I mention Iowa State fans travel well to away games? We had high hopes for this game - B12 implications. It was fun to see all the Cardinal and Gold clad folks representing. There are a lot of Iowans in Texas - and they aren't all from Atlantic!

View from the library

Blind Pig

We didn't stay to party the night away with the Clone fans as we wanted to get a feel for the local music scene that Austin is known for. Paula favors the Saxon Pub. The band that plays the early (6 PM) set has some musicians that have been in famous bands. Now they play here, every Friday night. There is really no dance floor, but people still find a way to dance. We had a sweet table on a riser - with a great view. What a fun day!

Saxon Pub

Paula made us a big breakfast Saturday. We watched Gameday as we're all football fans. Paula and I text each other frequently throughout the season as she's a Longhorn fan and keeps an eye on my Clones too. She and I had a great visit with her mother who lives close by. We talked all things Atlantic.

with Steve

Then it was time to go. Paula had snagged ISU Alumni Association tailgate party and game tickets from our classmate Steve Boots who serves on their board. We parked in a nearby ramp and walked to the nearby neighborhood area gated off for Cyclone faithful. Guess what? More barbecue - and beer. We snagged our classmate Steve for a photo - even though he was busy running the event. The weather was nice - good times! We walked down by the stadium - Bevo Blvd. It's crazy, like the state fair wrapped up with football. They sell beer. Hmmm. Not sure if ISU will get on that bandwagon. We ran into the Downing family as we watched the ISU team, including frosh Trevor Downing, enter the stadium. Then we watched the Horns - it was senior night. There is a lot of tradition.

Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium is something to behold. It's big! (like everything in TX, Right?). We had good seats, on the end zone in the first deck. We were surrounded by fans from both teams. Texas led start to finish, so they were very nice. I'm sorry to say ISU didn't show up this game. We looked intimidated and never got anything going on offense or defense. I've been to games in Boulder, Norman and long ago, Lincoln. This was the coolest gameday experience away from home. Thanks Austin! (and Paula). Several people talked to us after the game as we talked to our car - with upbeat messages about the direction of ISU's program. Nothing like losing to the home team to encourage goodwill messages, but it was nice.

The traffic cleared out pretty efficiently (better than Ames). We decided we were hungry and had a late night meal at Kerbey Lane Cafe. We got to Paula's late - midnight? She dropped us off at the airport the next morning for a 9:30 a.m. flight - back to the frozen tundra. There were a lot of Cyclone fans at the airport. We gave each other that "chin up old chap" look. We're Cyclone fans - we're here for the duration! We had basketball in Hawaii to look forward to. (Sneak peek - that went okay, looking forward to getting our full team back).

I'd like to go to more B12 venues. I wonder if I have classmates living there? haha

 

Big Vic and Baby's Birthday

Corey and Amy came all the way from Denver for the Iowa State University Cyclones vs. West Virginia football game. A Clemson grad, Corey is a bit spoiled as a fan. His team won the national championship two years ago - he was there! Our team...finally made a bowl game last year after a drought. Corey is a good sport about being a fan of our team. He's even got his wife somewhat interested in football - never her fave sport. 

They flew in Friday evening and we took them to the Cheese Bar on Ingersoll in DSM. It's a small joint that specializes in - you guessed it - cheese. We started with a lovely tray of meats and cheeses with nuts. I had a yummy specialty drink - and they have beer and wine on tap. We finished up splitting a grilled cheese sandwich and some ribs - not made of cheese. I saw some others eating fondue. You sit at long tables - so it's easy to spy on other's food. Din din was a success! 

The Cyclones didn't play until 6 PM on Saturday, but we had some tailgating to do - so we left just after noon. Amy and Corey had to go to Scheels and get some Cyclone gear first. It was a brisk day - nice in the sun, but we were glad Kari and Kevin put the side on the tent. Our tailgating neighbors provided entertainment - dressing in authentic Octoberfest lederhosen with hats, swigging beer from steins. Later they played musical chairs. Is that a German game? 

Paul grilled up burgers and brats. Amy and Corey got to see plenty of pals including Conovers and McKims. I'm glad they got to meet Ehreckes. Fireball shots sent us into the stadium for the game. Things didn't start out great. Our QB threw a pick and our kicker got a field goal try blocked for a touchdown. Despite those setbacks, our defense was marvelous. 

Corey didn't know why we weren't going crazy before halftime!?! We've seen this before - only to see our team fold. But no! The Clones came out strong after half, holding the Mountaineers to very few yard and points. In the end, the crowd rushed the field - celebrating a win over #6 West Virginia. 

Sunday was our baby girl's birthday! Wow. I've been a mommy for 33 years. I joked that Amy should come lay in bed with me so I could tell her the story of her birth - like I used to every year that we lived together. She loved that! It was a special day - overdue by a week. She was born a little after 7 PM, just after the Cardinals beat the Dodgers - Ozzie Smith homered. Yes, I had a labor plan with lovely music on cassette tapes I brought to the birthing suite. But...baseball....for my husband and doctor. It was distracting. 

Amy with Rachelle, Jenna - college? 

Making the phone calls to our parents (long distance ya know) was so joyful. She was beautiful and perfect! Just like she is today. Once the nurse wheeled me into my hospital room - and put her in the nursery, I thought I'd sleep. Nope. I was too pumped up. I was a MOM. And every part of me hurt like a little 9 lb 7-ounce truck had run over me. Even my fingernail hurt. We had a bundt cake at the football game - it was delicious. 

Amy attended a baby shower for her college pal Rachelle - due to have a baby boy in a few weeks. Later she and Corey spent the evening with friends. Paul and I recovered from Saturday. Being outside all day is exhausting! 

On Monday, Paul and I got to each lunch with Corey and Amy in the East Village. They worked at our house that day - before their flight that evening. We'll get to see them at Christmas - still it was hard to say goodbye. What a fun weekend of having them around. Special times. 

Amy's birthday - not this year

Lucky Boots

Have you ever had something start out bad and turn out to be lucky? That's the story of my lucky bowl game boots.

I was nervous I'd be walking in socks by the end of the day

Our trip to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl was such fun! Mother nature didn't cooperate the best - providing chilly weather for the 25K Cyclone fans decked out in cardinal and gold. Our friends Kevin and Kari picked us up about noon on Thursday for the seven-hour trip to Cape Girardeau, MO. The trip to Memphis was a short drive on Friday, with a brief jaunt through Arkansas.

At our hotel, we joined the McKims, who checked in the night before. We headed out to a Cyclone spirit session at the local minor league ballpark. The crowd wowed to the tune of 10,000 people. We do love our team. That afternoon we parked ourselves in a divey bar on the Beale Street parade route. Somebody should have sent Iowa's RAGBRAI committee into Memphis prior to the onslaught of Cyclone fans. That group knows how to get set up for a crowd! Memphis...not so much. Short on staff, certain beer, and toilet paper. Still, we made due! #cyclonescouts

That night we went into a crowded barbecue restaurant, Rendezvous, and were told there was a 45-minute wait. Our neighbors the Stofferahns had been there a while. We were prepared to drink beer and wait. But no, they called us in 5 minutes. Hmm, I didn't even know it yet, but the lucky boots were in action! The ribs were good, but I still choose Jethro's in DSM.

After the meal, we went back to famous Beale Street to an ISU basketball game watch. We met up with our fam. Jud and Kara were there along with our nephew Steve Fox and niece Barb and husband Mike Archer. It was great to see everyone and Kara snagged a pic. Somewhere George and Laura Goldsmith are proud that the fam grouped up!

Goldsmiths fam plus Jud and Kara's friend Jen

Saturday was game day baby! I had decided to pack my warm clothes because the forecast was chilly and I don't handle cold well. I even dug out my warm landfill era boots - Columbia Bugaboos. I was a little worried because they have a little age on them, but decided they'd do. WRONG. As I climbed out of the back of the SUV at the stadium, Kevin noticed the first cracks. Oops. But here is the magic:

• Don and Paul each found a dollar on the ground that day
• We seemed to have found a giant FREE parking lot - though we tried to find someone to pay. Thanks Tom O'Neill (sp) formerly of Creston for flagging us down there. 
• While the line for the restroom at the tailgate/barbeque was long, the live music in the giant room was fabulous. Everything from Footloose to Brickhouse - and really, who needs light in a bathroom? I know where everything is...
• My crumbling boots held together long enough to get seated in the stadium
• My true, loyal and very well prepared friend Donnie went back to his SUV and got his roll of duct tape. Of course, he had one. Paul fixed my boots up after I inserted "hot feet" in each one. 
• My feet were toasty the whole game, though I did look like a homeless person
• Paul brought Hot Hands and when I shivered I even inserted one of the things into my waistband. Okay, the shivering might have been nerves. #toocloseforcomfort
• I missed watching the last 3+ minutes of the game because I couldn't look. Yep, I'm one of those people who travels 450 miles not to watch a game. In the end it was all good though! Way to go BOOTS!
• After the game, Donnie drove us right out of the parking lot - though I heard of others who had to wait an hour #magicalboottrip
• Our Jack Trice football stadium friends from Carroll, Pam and Randy secured a table at the Rum Boogie Cafe on Beale Street. We got one nearby and listened to some excellent music that night - two different groups. The PBR was cold. Jud and Kara got to see football players at the place across the street and Kara even took a pic with our star receiver - even though I'd slipped out of the lucky boots earlier in the evening.

   

I'd like to go back to Memphis in quieter times - fun place! 

What a fun weekend with good friends and family. Would it be nice to play for a national championship? Sure. For now, we'll enjoy these baby steps. This year, the Liberty Bowl was damn fun. The ISU football season was full of more ups than downs - and I must say I've not often been able to say that. Without the ref errors, we'd have won 10 games. Haha - just messing with you. Hope to have a team that can overcome bad reffing better in the future. 

We've always enjoyed our time tailgating at Jack Trice Stadium. The people make it the best! This year the weather was more challenging than watching our team - rain and cold. Our young coach has brought new energy to the program. I'm looking forward to the 2018 season already!

I did leave the lucky boots in the hotel room....maybe the staff there needs the karma for 2018. I don't think our team does. Best wishes and good luck to your family in 2018. 

 

Celebrating 35 Years,

This guy

Who could have known? I was such a young thing when I got married. Now here I am, nearly 60 - comfortable, spending time with this fella that worked his way into my life all those years ago. I'm the lucky one. We've woven our lives together so tightly. I can't imagine what life would be like without him.

I've always been one to bristle when people would suggest someones' husband was "their better half". How sexist, I'd think. Each woman should be her own person. Now here I am, not half a person, but interdependent with this dude I've been spending time with for the past 35 years.

These people....heart. 

We spent our anniversary weekend at LOTO (Lake of the Ozarks) with good friends McKims, Higgins, and McFees. It was Shootout Weekend - so the "Go Fast Boats" were going fast all weekend. Capn' Don motored the pontoon into prime race viewing position and we watched the races while floating on noodles. Our friends' lake homes have evolved from works-in-progress to places worthy of Chip and Joanna. Besides hanging out with our friends, my favorite part of the weekend was sitting on the deck in the morning, drinking coffee. That view!

This view

My friend Sandy (a friend from my hometown Atlantic) arranged for us to participate in the annual Meals From the Heartland event at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday. Our Team Name is ForTH - For The Hungry. Perfect. We worked together with another group (Waukee cheerleaders in the next pod) to package 40 boxes of meals. Woohoo. That day over 1 million meals were packaged to be shipped anywhere in the world.

This team

After two hours standing on concrete, a stop at Malo for Mexican Food and a beer was in order. It was nice to get to know our teammates a bit better. Sandy and Steve's daughter Lauren and her husband Adam are super nice. And the others are too. Fun night!

This group of Paul's co-workers - toasting a friend battling cancer

Next up - we were ready for some football! Our beloved Cyclones vs. the UNI Panthers - always a worthy first game opponent. Game time, 7 p.m. It was a perfect day - we enjoyed it immensely, especially the big W this year. Our friends Kevin and Kari are again providing a trailer/tent rig in D2 for tailgating. Perfect for our little group. We grilled brats and hoisted a couple beers. It was fun to see our tailgating "neighbors" and to walk the parking lot, visiting other groups.

This VARSITY marching band

At game time, we walked in with the band. That's living vicariously! The pregame was super. Oh, how I love the pageantry. Soon the moon was shining over the stadium and after a slow start, our team was heading to a victory.

This game day experience

Post game, we allowed the parking lot traffic jam to clear out and took town the tents. Kari and Keven have the real work today - reorganizing that jumble of a trailer. OCD Kevin will need to put it all in order! Then we had a beer by the fire pit telling, telling stories and talking football. Not much overconfidence about next week's game against in-state rivals, the Hawkeyes. But today, we're 1-0!

This hero - Jack Trice 

Felix the Cat - AHS football memories

I love football. I have since I was a little tyke. My parents would take us to watch the Atlantic Trojans play on Friday nights. They were perfect fall evenings when we'd put on our fall jackets and Mom would get out the black and gold wool Iowa Hawkeyes blanket. We'd walk the five blocks between our home and the Trojan Bowl by the high school. The smell of burning leaves hung in the air.

Oh the excitement! The marching band in all their finery - all green and white. What? For some reason the early band uniforms in Atlantic were green - not the black and gold team colors. Blue light special? I don't know. They sure sounded good though - director Art Meyer made sure of that.

I was happy to see some of my little friends, like Robyn (aka Robbie Dob). She would watch the cheerleaders - older girls like Barbie Freese doing cheers like:
Felix the cat the cat the cat
Felix the cat the cat
He wants to know
he wants to know are we going to win, Yes! What Felix, the cartoon cat, had to do with football...hmm, not sure.

And I would watch the game. My dad must have explained what was going on, because at some point I was even trying to explain the game to Robyn according to a new clipping in the Atlantic News Telegraph. I feel like I've always understood the game of football. Not like my husband and son - who both played the game - but more than most chicks.

Atlantic was good. Future Hawkeye player Ed Podolak (and Kansas City Chief) played along with several other good athletes. Later Ed's brother Charlie played. Did Tom Hayes play at Kansas? The team was fun to watch - even for a little tomboy.

A few years later, this Scorpio birthday girl got to load up the station wagon with all my little friends for a road trip to an away football game for my very special day. It was 7th grade because I remember singing music we'd learned in mixed choir that year. Mom made up "snack" bags for each of us - she always did the little things. We all just piled into the back of the wagon - loose, no seat belts, singing our lungs out. Good thing that wasn't enough to make my father crash the car!

Football has been a big part of my life - since childhood. I hope ESPN and dirty rat bastard wife beaters don't wreck it.

Iowa State Vs. Iowa football - memories

I was there for the first game when the ISU vs. Iowa football series kicked off again in 1977. So many students wanted tickets that you had to enter a lottery to get the privilege to attend. My college roommate Vicki and I hit the jackpot and were able to purchase tickets for something like $8 each. Woohoo! We made plans to stay with my high school buddy Mona Jones who was a frosh at Iowa.

Check out the Iowa banner behind me...

On Game day, Vic and I tailgated with Vicki's folks - they were ISU grads, but they had Iowa tickets for many years with their friends who had an RV. The game didn't go as planned - ISU was the favored team yet Iowa came out on top that day. Mona's dorm was rockin' with all the partiers later that night. Vicki and I decided about 1 a.m. that we weren't going to get any sleep. So we headed back to Ames. All the way Vicki took me through some story - where you had to make choices and those choices told you about yourself. It was cool! And kept me awake.

The girls at the game

The next year we must have all won the lottery. Or ISU received more tickets - because we all attended the game - which again was in Iowa City. Sal, Jane, Vicki, Moose and Steve. I kind of lost though - because I had to drive...after pre-gaming at Cy's Roost. We drew straws. We passed beers between cars on I-80. Crazy college days.

It was a long night for me - staying in the Chi-O house with Christie Jo Deardorff. I got a post drinking migraine - before I knew that's what I had. The game outcome was much better that year and we danced afterward with Vicki's folks and friends at the Airliner.

During the 15 year losing streak, time my parents, who were Iowa grads, invited Paul and me to attend an Iowa game as their guests. We lost something like 60-6. Butt-kicking. Thank you sir may I have another!?!

The losing streak thinned my skin. It's why I don't get into texting Hawk fans and joking about the game as much as others. They had the edge for 15 years. That took away the fun for me - not due to the good Hawk fans that cheer for their team through thick and thin. But we know those who like to jab like they're true blue and are quick to through the team and players under the buss at the first whiff of a rough season.

I'm trying to lighten up - it's been 16 more years after all. And the Cyclones are holding their own in the W/L department since that time. It's time for me to chill.

More Memories:

I was at one of the kid's soccer games when I heard that ISU was leading Iowa in 1998 - and it looked like the good guys might finally win one. The streak would finally be over. I still love watching reruns of that game. JJ Moses. Finally Jud had a reason to be happy to be a Cyclone - born into a losing streak as his birthright. Amy was happy too, but she wasn't into it like Jud.

2002 - Seneca Wallace brings the team back from several touchdowns down, giving Iowa their only loss. That guy was something to watch. I talked to him last year at one of our home games.

2005? Iowa was ranked and heavily favored. Jud and Paul went to the game. I stayed home. ISU won fairly easily. Drew Tate knocked himself out of that game after a pick.

2007 - ISU The Shaggy game - Culbertson, ISU's kicker, knick-named Shaggy, hits enough field goals to win the game. A drunk Iowa chick, smoking a cigarette shrieks at me from a car - calling me an "F'ing old Hag". And I said - "But I'm a winning F'ing old Hag". Love that story!

Iowa fan in a kilt...

Iowa won the next three - until 2011 when, in Ames in a back and forth game, I won the game for us in triple overtime by standing in a lucky spot on the stairs below the concourse. The excitement was heart stopping - over and over as each overtime went by. I high fived strangers. My phone blew up as friends around the country texted after the game. It was awesome and so very fun. My most fun time at an Iowa game.

2012 - watching on TV as Iowa State linebacker Jake Knott saved the game in the closing minutes by tipping and intercepting a pass. The radio feed notes Iowa's color man Ed Podoak stating "this should be a touchdown". Not. Phew! Relief!


There is some talk of ending the series. Logically it may make sense for both teams. ISU could use a cupcake. Why can't we schedule one or three? The Big 10 now has 14 teams in the conference - and scheduling issues. I don't care. This state loves this game. It's good for commerce, workplaces, media and people. I hope it never ends. I'll continue to work on my attitude.

Donnie's Birthday

Bobbie dropped a ($100) Benjamin at Maverick's Friday night for a drink - and didn't realize she'd only gotten change for a Jackson ($20) until the next day. But that and the last minute of the game - with the final ugly score - were the only bad things about the Donnie McKim birthday weekend. And Bobbie called Maverick's - the restaurant/sports bar near our place on Jordan Creek Parkway - and talked the manager into replacing half her missing $, so $40.

The Mcs - McFees and McKims showed up Friday night about 7 p.m. for a slumber party at our place. We headed right to Mavs cuz we were all hungry. I volunteered to be the designated driver. After messing around with headaches for the past week, I decided I didn't need the additional ammo of alcohol to fuel more head pain. It was fun catching up with the Ms. We hadn't seen Bobbie and Jeff since early September.

Don scored his favorite bev from Conovers for his birthday

Great crowd - despite a dismal record. Hats off to ISU fans!

Saturday we got up early - another 11 a.m. kickoff for ISU. Paul had made a crockpot egg casserole that cooked all night. It was delish! We arrived at Jack Trice to tailgate around 9ish. The wind was brisk, but the sun was shining. Dwight and Marilyn Conover stopped by, along with son Phil who was hanging with Bobbie and Jeff's niece Brittany - whose guy worked with Phil this summer. Ryan McKim's girl Laura gave us passes into the Jacobson Building - the inner sanctum by the football field. She's the nanny for a coach's kids, so she is golden!

Went in the Jake at halftime

The alumni band played in the Jake

After the game we hung out for a while to let the crowd clear out. But the cars kept driving through our area - irritating the birthday boy. He and Bobbie decided to handle it - putting the barricade across, cutting off traffic.

Great pic of Don and Pablo

We stopped at a bar south of Ames, near Kelley, Iowa on the way back to West Des Moines.

I drank my one beer/drink of the whole weekend at this bar
 

Bobbie had to commiserate with this fellow farm wife.

After we drove back to our place - with Paul as Designated Driver. Bobbie was quite chatty and we sang along with satellite radio. We headed 30 miles west to Dexter where a good restaurant, the Rusty Duck awaited. Along with two couples to surprise Donnie - Paul and Donna Pals and Beth and Todd Nielsen. We sang Happy Birthday and Don received ice cream (not a neck rub from the waitress, like he requested...)

Though it was only 9 p.m. when we left it seemed like it should be midnight! Paul and I headed home after that and the rest of the gang talked of stopping in Stuart at a bar. Yawn...we were in bed by 10 p.m.

It was a fun day with good friends. In this month of Thanksgiving, I remain grateful for our wonderful friends.

Sports and Art

Our first weekend back has been a busy one! Bobbie and Jeff McFee phoned Friday to say they were coming to the Big City from Crestonia. We met them at Maverick's after Paul got home from work - they beat us there! My former roomie Joanie joined us later and we shared some nachos.

We decided to head to the Original Legends on 60th and Ashworth for supper. Maverick's is just a bit loud for elderly folks like us to chat. B & J's daughter Kim joined us after she got off work. Legends isn't flashy but the food is good. It was nice to catch up with our chums. We had missed McFee's surprise 30th Anniversary Party the night before we left for Florida. -so we got to hear about the big event. Kim and Krissy cleaned the house in case visitors stopped by, and then panicked thinking that might be too obvious...so they messed it up again. Funny.

Saturday Paul and I headed to Ames to the ISU Spring Football Game. The Gridiron Club had a barbecue at noon, so we grabbed sandwiches at that. We heard a rah rah pitch from Coach Paul Rhoads and picked up new football posters. Now I'll have something to look at in my cubicle (besides all of you readers who are in photos I have on my walls). The sun was shining and there was no breeze - fans showed up in force. Only 4 months until the real thing - then we'll fill up both sides of the stadium. My HS classmate Ted Simpson told me Nebraska had 60,000 at their spring games...Don McKim says that's because they don't have television there...

Section B - Row 13 is my spot!

This is the first time we've made a spring game. It was fun - but not nearly as much fun as a real game. All the fans sat on the east side - so we could see our Season Ticket seats West Side in section B from our seats. Paul and Jud (who wasn't able to attend, since he's taking a continuous education course for his job) know all the recruiting and roster information. So Paul especially enjoyed watching the talent. We sat in front of two non-stop talkers who started to drive me crazy. They knew it all! So we located our pals the McKims and made plans to meet later for a beer in the parking lot.

This week I heard the U got wise and refurbished the fountain in the Dairy Industry building. About time! It's only my fave place on the prettiest campus in the country. Okay I might be a bit partial...I did spend four of the best years of my life there. When the 4th quarter rolled around, Paul and I walked to campus to check it out. We had to go on a stealth mission to get in to see the most awesome place on the prettiest campus. It turns out they are still keeping it a secret. The building didn't seem to be officially open.

No problemo for me! I could still be a co-ed. If you don't look at me closely. And you're looking from the back. We found an open door and made our way to the enclosed courtyard. Paul had to hold the door open, so we didn't get sealed in the courtyard forever. But I got my photos!

The cows look so relaxed

I used to study here. Or pretend to.

Paul holds the door

 

 We walked back around central campus. A large man was chopping wood for the forestry department. Some women were doing their native dance near the campanile. I vow to make it back for the parade some year soon.

After a few brewskis in the parking lot with McKims and Ryan's girlfriend Laura's parents, we went downtown to Whiskey River where Kevin and Keri (from Davenport - they tailgate by us) joined us. Diana sat by this weird group - one guy had a stuffed snake on his shoulder. We asked if it was a trouser snake.

Snake guy - just over Dee's shoulder...

Kevin and Keri with Don

 

 Today after church, Paul headed to south to turkey hunt. I had a date with little sis Chiya this afternoon. We went to the Art Center for an Art Sampler event designed for kids to try different art. She was one of the oldest kids, so I was afraid she'd find it a bit lame - but she was a good sport about it.

Since Chiya is in 6th grade, she doesn't have official art class. Doing a project like drawing a still life is a new experience for her. A volunteer tried to explain to her what to do but she was still a bit confused about it. I tried coaching a little. Then I took pics. Volunteers praised her work - that pleased me! There were several other stations that involved gluing, bending wire and more.

The volunteer told her to draw an outline first, then color it in

Look at that concentration!

 

We got to talk to a guy who draws comics for TV - he showed us how to draw faces. Artists are amazing - how skillfully they move their pens to create. We also watched a couple people spinning pottery - so cool. Chiya seemed especially interested in that.

Last we had to look at 3 pieces of art in the galleries to describe what season each made us think of. The Art Center is a hodgepodge and they were hard to find even with a map! Chiya and I laughed at several pieces...I don't think that's what the artist had in mind. I hope she enjoyed the day - I know I did!

No turkey for Pablo. The gobblers are safe this season. That guy needs to kill something...