My Class Reunion Speech

Hello classmates! Thanks for coming. Thanks to Roger Underwood for being a real life version of my childhood hero - Nancy Drew. “The Case of the Missing Classmate”.

He has taken a great deal of time to hunt down contact information for classmates through the years – no small feat. Thank you Cindy Westfall for helping to set up catering – great job by you! Thanks Dawn Stangl for the nifty nametags.

Great turnout. Why do we come to reunions?

When I was 6 or 7 years old, the Bullock family had a big addition to our family. No not Bitsy Betsy. It was our first electric toothbrush! It was so exciting – each family member had a colored brush head to insert into the agitating base.

I invited my pal Robyn to come over to see it. When she did, we were so busy adding toothpaste and working the new toothbrush, we realized with horror that the bathroom sink was going to run over! Then – I didn’t know which way to turn the flipper to turn the water off. By the time my mother helped us, water had run over onto my dad’s Hi-fi stereo system, set up right below the bathroom - on a shelf in the furnace room downstairs. His pride and joy! Speakers upstairs and down, Ray Conniff and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.

Once the stereo got wet, Robyn remembers my mother inviting her to go home – helping her, not all that gently on with her little mittens. (#badinfluence) Here Robyn inserted her own version of getting sent home. Thanks for the assist babe!

I bet each of you has a story like this from your childhood. They are what bind us together. Our shared experiences from our formative years.

·        Dan Mason, Robyn and I got in trouble in Kindergarten for chatting during naptime.

·        Linda Skoog stapled her own thumb in third grade, which made her puke. We all remember that awful stuff the custodial staff rushed into put on puke!

·        Recess was all important – and I’m not so sure the world wouldn’t be a better place if we had “work recess” with a good game of kickball twice a day.

·        Red Rover is out though – in 6^th grade, those devious boys let go just when I got there – a girl, determined to “break through” the boy arms, sending me sprawling into the mud in my corduroy coat. I learned a lesson that day.

·        Seventh grade! Dodge ball and square dancing for PE. Smokers in the bathroom and twirling gum.

·        Every time I hear the song “Color My World” – I still think of school, church and YMCA dances. We talked Monsignor Kane into letting us Catholics host one dance, thanks to Mary Jean Faust. Once he saw us all slow dancing – that was the end of that.

·        Church youth groups, Scouts and 4-H more memory-making. I don’t care what the Maid-Rite franchise says, the Cass County Fairgrounds had the best sloppy joes ever.

·        Then there was high school. Though I was never a sports star, I still dream about riding on the bus with my buddies. What great friendships were forged. Coming home after a game to scoop the loop before hitting Pizza Hut or Lallie’s. Others here participated in band, the year book, FFA, debate and more – similar hijinx during those events I’m sure.

When I was about 50 (I know - big jump), a group of us got together to celebrate Theresa Faust's life. Life has a way of wearing us down. I discovered how these girls, now all grown up, fill up my bucket. We laugh a lot, we talk about life and in bad times, like after our friend died, we comfort each other.

·        Our class is a fabulous one. Just ask us! Classmates are successful in all walks of life. We haven’t forgotten our roots in this little corner of Iowa….a good place to be from. Thanks again for coming! Help remind me about a few more stories from our youth…

Toto Too

I'm just back from the not so Sunshiney State of Florida where I met my homegirls. I had the unfortunate luck of being first to fly home. I felt like the Wizard of Oz when I hugged each of my friends on the curb by American Airlines - ready to bestow gifts like a heart and a brain. Pam could use a new foot, after all. Thinking back now, I know that it was I who received gifts from each of those fabulous ladies.

• Pam is so wonderful at talking about anything that comes to mind. She's funny and self-deprecating, putting everyone totally at ease with discussing health, finance, love.
• Paula exudes competence and is so casual and fun to hang out with. I love how organized she is and we like to talk Big 12 sports.
• We all love dogs but Sally is our pet rescue girl. She's so intelligent and caring. I love the stories she tells about co-workers or her grand-nephew.
• Julia is such a quiet and calm person among a loud group. I can't imagine her ever snapping and throwing Christmas cookie dough against a wall (who might have done that??) She brings a unique perspective that I much appreciate.
• And then there's Robyn. She's the one who sneaks off and orders a round of desserts to be delivered to your table, making you feel special (and satisfied!). Robyn makes a point to tell people what she appreciates about them. There are so many things to love about Robyn.  

The weather wasn't that great during the time we were in Florida. Though it was warmer than Iowa, it was chilly, windy and rainy. Guess what? We still had fun because we were with each other. I could have fun in a cardboard box with these girls.

You might remember that I just got together with most of these girls just last August in Oregon. Yep - we can't stay away from each other. Paula decided to use her timeshare in Robyn's hometown of Orlando. Rob's lived in Mickey's city for thirty years or so. I've not been there since the kids were twelve and nine - so it must have been 1998. Wow - how it's grown into a sprawling city. Much bigger than the Magic Kingdom.

We bunked in a large condo with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The clubhouse was gorgeous, featuring a pool on the top floor. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. It was chilly! But not as cold as it is here in Iowa. There were other pools - and even a lazy river on the campus. It would have been hard to enjoy it wearing long undies.

at the game

We shopped on Park Place - in Winter Park. Then we visited Robyn house and met her beautiful puppy Oliver. Her bungalow was adorable. That night, we got to attend a professional basketball game as Robyn got us great tickets to the Orlando Magic/LA Clippers game. She has connections (Mickey Mouse - no, not really), so they were great seats. It was really fun.

On Saturday we shopped at an area that had antiques and cute little stores. That was where Robyn went to town on buying dessert. Red Velvet and chocolate - how could you go wrong! That night we stayed in and played Cards Against Humanity. Robyn kicked butt. We had fun chatting and laughing the whole night as we celebrated our dear friend Julia's birthday.

All too soon it was Sunday and time to leave. My balloon flew off - back to Iowa. Man I'm tired of winter, but my time with my pals helps.

Party at the Lobby

I'm served up like Turtle Soup Bob Berning used to serve in his Chef's hat

It's our last weekend as Crestonites. We're going through some stress right now. Our Bro-In-Law is dying. We are moving from the town we've lived in for many years - so there are lots of details to attend to. We are living in temporary quarters. Paul has started a new job and I am in charge of a 1 1/2 day workshop this coming week at work. Even are dog is feeling it. Pressure!

We talked about it on our way to Colorado last week. I was in the mood to be bitchy to Paul and I'm sure he felt the same. Ready to snap. You know how it is - when the going gets rough - take it out on your spouse. We talked it out - recognizing the number of stressers we have on us.  No big knock down drag out fights so far. The movers come tomorrow. They will pack everything and load stuff into the truck. It sure is nice that we don't have to pack. So that helps the stress level. I am packing my undies, as I don't wish to have guys I don't know pawing through my drawers...(or even guys I know).

A few weeks ago we decided we wanted to have a going away party before we leave town. So we asked Tim Gray owner of The Lobby - the newest bar downtown if we could have it in the new room attached to the bar. The Lobby is at the former Bernings. That was where our first realtor Betty Brown took us for lunch when we visited Creston on our househunting trip. Bob and Frieda Berning operated the restaurant and hotel - years later we'd get to know them pretty well. Back on that first day, Hollywood Susie was sitting in the Red Room, in the back of the restaurant. She was wearing her crocheted beer can hat. Quite a character! When I saw that hat, I knew this was going to be my kinda town!

Anyway - I digress. Tim said we could have a party in the new room. We could hire a DJ. No charge for the room, as long as we would invited people who would purchase liquor. Hmmm that might be arranged. I called up Billy O. the DJ/Karaoke guy and we were set for November 10th at 8 p.m. Last night - party time baby!

Joni and Bill

It's not easy to get up for a party when your heart is heavy. But my sister Cindy had urged me to have fun. And I know Bolder would be all for it. We have to live. It doesn't help them for the rest of us to be sad all the time. We got to the Lobby about 7:30 pm. Dan and Denise Miller were already there because they thought the party started at 7 p.m. Denis and Mendy Ritzman arrived shortly after we did. Then the rest of the folks started rolling in. I was pleased to see Nancy and Kenton Groth, and Barb and Steve Crittenden stopped by too. I was happy that our neighbors Joni and Bill Taylor attended. They have been so good to us through the years...watching the house, loaning Paul their truck.

Billy O and his wife set up the music and we all moved into the party room, which is attached to the regular bar through a large doorway - so everyone at the Lobby could enjoy the tunes. It was a good thing too, because there were some darn good singers in the crowd - great for karaoke! One was a surgical nurse - a young woman in her 20's who did a great Carrie Underwood. Amy's classmate Haley Walters was there - though she didn't perform her single (from Facebook) "Crushin" she did sing a Bonnie Raitt tune. Near the end of the evening, Deb and I sang backup for Dan Miller on "You Don't Call Me Darlin". He's great on that song!

I'm no lead singer - but Dan is! Deb and I back him up

Home girls lookin' good!

And we danced. Did I mention all my fave peeps were there. Besides the ones already mentioned - The homegirls and their fellas: Joan Weis, Patti Kralik (see I didn't call her Antisdel), Deb Peterson, Pat Moeller, Susan Weineheimer, Nancy Anthony, Bobbie McFee, Diana McKim. Man, how I'll miss them. I reminded them I must be invited to their holiday gathering. Let's hope they don't forget! Deb broke the dancing ice by requesting "Love Shack". I gots to dance to that song! 15 miles to the Love Shack! There were many favorites. One thing I found is that I'm not bad at line dancing when I've only had a couple beers. We finally dragged the guys out to dance when the song "Shout" was played. McKims really got in the spirit and flopped onto the floor on their backs. Too soon it was over.

We had fun dancing

I was tired though. And I knew I had underpants to pack today! My last day as a Crestonite. It's been a good run.

3 a.m. chat and Football

It was a beautiful Friday night for football in Creston - Balloon Days weekend. Always love that.

Balloons over Panther Field

Paul rolled in at 3 a.m. Saturday morning. I thought I'd sleep until he rolled in - it was supposed to be at 2 a.m. But I woke up at 12:30 and thought the clock said 2:30 and thought he was late...so then I started to worry of course! And never really went back to sleep until he showed up. He forgot they had to drop one of the guys off in Fremont County.

Odie and I were so happy to see him! He immediately took a long shower (stinky hunter boy). Then we laid in bed and talked for an hour and a half - catching up on stuff. His trip, my week, the children, the pooch. Moving. Finally, at 4:30 a.m. we gave it up and fell asleep - until 7:15 anyway. Not much sleep for either of us old farts.

But we're Cyclones and it was game day. On the way to Ames, we took a spin through West Des Moines to look at a neighborhood. Then we hit University Bookstore before picking up ice on our way to tailgate in D2. It was perfect gameday weather! Diana had the beans I'd whipped up the day before cooking away. That girl's the bestest. Coach Ryan McKim was there for a few short minutes before he went off to do the coaching thing. Donnie grilled pork loins. Bobbie and Kimmy arrived - no Jeff - he's farming.

Jack in his uni and Olivia at right with Grandma Sharon - left

Every game is a little different. That day, Higgins brought grandkids Jack and Olivia along. Daughter Amanda and her husband Theran and baby boy Cash followed later. Our neighbors Nielsons and Neitzels came by before Luke Neitzel had a visit at ISU - he's being recruited. Good player. I remember when he was about 8 and had a crush and Amy and Stormy...

We walked over for the Spirit Walk again. The players must feel like rock stars during that time. It's fun. On the way back Paul and I stopped at some of his USDA pal's tailgate - they congratulated him, and were very complimentary. Plus we ran into to his new supervisor Larry Beeler during our walk. Lots of Clones in USDA.

Plenty of time to tailgate when the game is at 7 p.m. I didn't even take any liquor into the game. Decided I didn't need to drink after sipping all day. It was family day when kids could go on the field to welcome the team before the game. The crowd was fantastic! Fourth largest ever. Clones with 38 - 3.

Todd's shirt - a bit snarky...

Back in our seats, Todd Stofferahn had on this shirt...a Cyclone fan has to love it! The band marched up the bleachers to play by us.

A 7 p.m. game with wait time for the traffic to clear make for a late night. Especially when you got 3 hours of sleep. I confess I dozed a bit - we took the Ankeny route when I-35 looked blocked. Poor Paul and his coffee got us through. I woke up when we got to I-80 and kept him company the rest of the way. That will be one nice thing about moving - a shorter drive home from games!

Reality is hitting him now that he's back at work. They've scheduled a reception for him October 4th 1-4 p.m. Kinda gives me a nervous pit in my stomach! This is really happening...we're moving. Scary, exciting. Pray for us.

In the meantime...I'll go on vaca with my homegirls!

Homegirls Soon & Goin' Solo No Mo

The Thursday night before our class reunion last summer - with Chris's daughter bottom left

Sunday I'll be packing for my upcoming Chick Trip! Thursday I'm flying to Denver to hang with Julia, Robbie Dob, Chris Watson, Paula and Sally. We'll drive up to Winter Park to J's condo up there for a couple nights. I feel pretty blessed to have had the great fortune to not only have grown up with these girls, but to be able to keep in touch with them. An now - Jackpot! A whole long weekend together. And we just might have a "Croning" ceremony - to celebrate the age that we are. I'm a lucky gal! Laughter will ensue.



Class Reunion Friday night at Irv's Elbow Room

Paul is due home at 2 a.m. is Saturday. I can't wait. I'm tired of going solo! It's been 8 long days. Thanks to the miracle of cell phones, I've been lucky to talk to him a few times, briefly. He purchased a solar charger at REI when were were in Denver in May. He says it's worked well! But it's not liked we've had time to swap daily info like I'm used to.

I bet he'll be all hairy and skinny. At least that's what he looked like last year when he got home. This year he went with three guys instead of just one, so he should have some good stories to share. I feel pretty important - our Lt. Gov's husband's truck has been parked in our driveway all week. Kevin has ISU plates too - so his truck does fit in with our vehicles. (even if my politics don't quite fit with his and his wife's...) Despite that, I'm a fan of Kim Reynolds - and Kevin. They're good peeps. We have known them and their 3 daughters since 1980. I don't know the two other guys on this trip, but I bet they're nice too. But I bet Paul is ready to be home.

Boxes in forefront still need to be sorted and put on tables...
 

Today after work, I volunteered at Creston's Friends of the Library Book Sale setup. There weren't enough tables for the donations! There were lots of good titles and plenty of junky old books donated. In case you read this it's at Lincoln School on Adams Street in Creston this weekend 4-7 Friday night and tomorrow, um - not sure on the times. There are videos too.

I thought about snatching some of the empty boxes for use when we move, but we're still awaiting word from the Federal Government on just how this works...so we're in a holding pattern, and I'm stuck surfing the net for properties I might like to look at someday if they're still on the market.  

It's game day tomorrow in Ames as the Cyclones take on Western Illinois. The Clones are big favorites for once. I can't remember the last time we had a game where we could relax...it might be nice! Should be a gorgeous night for tailgating but I wish my kiddos were going to be here again. Regardless - should be fun. Friends, bevvies, cardinal and gold.




Checkin' in

I spoke to the man on the mountain today. No, not Moses - Paul G. Goldsmith, The Great White Hunter. Elk are playing hard to get this year. (Phew!) Don't tell him I said that...And it rained all day yesterday and last night. So he was a drowned rat, but just like Annie - the sun came out. Today. It sounds like they're hiking out tomorrow and hunting in the lower area. Heading home on Friday. I'm glad. I miss him! Plus I'm a little freaked out about this moving thing and he's not here to calm my nerves. The nerve of him!

Next week it's my turn to be gone and his week to stress out all by himself. I'm going to Boulder and Winter Park with five of my High School homegirls for a long weekend. Woohoo. That's going to rock. Hiking, beverages and laughter. Plus I think we're going to try that Croning Ceremony I read about - or we'll fake it and just pretend.

Monday I worked until noon and drove to Madison, WI all by my lonesome. I had a book on CD to listen to on the way there. Still Life With Crows by Preston and Child. It's about a six hour drive - and I didn't have a GPS, alas. Pablo has it in the mountains. But I managed to find my way to the Microtel. Why is it Indians are in the hotel biz, Vietnamese gravitate to doing nails and Chinese do food? That was one thing I pondered on the way home, when I didn't have a book to listen to...

The next day, I met with several people from Wisconsin DNR about their Green Tier Program. The program cuts through regulations for companies who are already going over and above doing good things environmentally. Cool stuff. I arrived in downtown Madison early and walked around a bit. Of course their capitol isn't quite as impressive as ours...no gold dome. I met the program chief and we headed to the Marigold for breakfast - I had a lovely tomato/artichoke quiche.

Madison is built between a couple lakes. It's a lovely town. I wish I would have had more time to look around. Lunch was with 3 staffers at a place called the Great Dane - on a veranda outdoors. Quite lovely. I'm awful at eating and talking though...everyone was done and I was still chewing!

It was after 8 p.m. when I got back to Joan's. And my roomie is at Lake of the Ozarks, so I'm Home Alone! Except tonight - her niece Kimmy will be here after her class at Mercy.

shoes made of chocolate

It's massive!

Tonight after work I visited the most hugest HyVee in the world - the new one on Douglas in Urbandale. It just opened in August. Here are a few photos. From this video display, it looks like they're going to Leed certification. That means they've gone all out to reduce waste, save energy and recycle. It's very impressive! I must say I'll go back.

Video display showing enviro stuff

HyVee Lounge area...
 

Today at lunch I spied this T-shirt at a shop in the East Village. Thought my pal Vidette might appreciate it. It's prolly tough to be African American in a town like Creston that's 95% Caucasian...

See my head in the window - almost as if I'm (a pasty white girl) in the shirt

Atown Girls in the Big O

My ribs hurt. Somebody shoulda filmed us because sizzle - we are smokin' hot funny! At least in our own minds!

I headed out from my place Thursday shortly after lunch - stopping in Atlantic to pick up my friend Joanie Troll Farmer whom I hadn't seen for prolly 25 years. We cruised to Omaha and were first to arrive at Chris Watson's house. Her house was not far from where I lived in Omaha - in fact I got off the freeway on Pacific, but turned off on 120thBut it wasn't long before Sally and Julia, Pam and Robyn got there. Soon we broke out the beverages.

Chris got out some snacks. I had brought some fixins' for - you guessed it - lemondrop martinis. Except Alexx - Chris's daughter had to run out for some Sweet/Sour mix for me (yeah, she's a sweetie) Forty years melt away as we begin to laugh about old times - Joan's old Chevy rollin' up to my house to pick me up for school, cigarette smoke rolling out of it. Black Water playing on the 8 Track player. We sing along.

How did the bond develop? Hmm? Not overnight. And evidently it doesn't ever go away. And it reappears whenever we get back together. Some of us have been since we were 3 years old. We went to Mrs. Luin's Nursery School together and lived in the same neighborhood.

Once we were a few drinks in last Thursday night, it was time to walk to the restaurant. (good idea, no need for a designated driver). We staggered around the corner, thinking we'd eat Mexican, but that place was closed - fortunately, another restaurant down the road was open featuring an nice bass player and great burgers! Food was needed. Of course we were the life of the party at the joint, and people lined up to take our photo - including an online magazine photographer.

After we walked back from there, another friend, Candace had arrived. It was pretty loud in the place by then. Joan was truly enjoying herself! The rest of us had fun telling the story of our 50 year gathering - when we nearly got arrested. I retired to Chris's bed close to 1 a.m.

We got up around 7 a.m. (we're old - we wake up early) to drink coffee, talk and sit on the deck. We chatted about our lives, Pam told us about her daughter who is moving to Seattle and her brother-in-law, our classmate who recently died. All too soon it was time to head home. I hated to say goodbye to Pam, who couldn't make it to Atlantic for the rest of the weekend. Off to get Pablo!

Visit with Candice

I got together with an Atlantic Homie Candice Drake - now Morey yesterday whilst Judson was hanging with Jacques P. (JC Penney) in Lenexa, KS. Candice grew up about 2 blocks from our house, but now lives in the KC area. We hadn't seen each other for several years so it was nice of her to take time to meet me at Panera. We hardly took a breath for 1.5 hours because we were talking so fast. During the drive back to Creston I took a lil walk down memory lane.

I've known Candice a long time. Her house was more like 3 blocks away if you walked on the street/sidewalk but a long 1 if you cut through the "woods" the narrow strip of trees adjoining our yard and the Freese's yard, which ran the length of the block. There was a narrow path through the woods I could take if it wasn't muddy, which popped out near Candice's house. I recall even cutting through people's yards. Can't imagine doing that now, but you know how kids are - "the world is my oyster, I'll walk anywhere I want!"

I would walk to Candice's house so we could arrive at school together. When we were a bit older Candice's sister Claudia (her dad was Claude the Frito Lay man) would give us a ride in her cool classic car. One time we were in a wreck in my winding neighborhood - BAM! It was only a fender bender, but got my attention - before seat belt days ya know. Nobody hurt, thank goodness.

Candice (never Candy) and I were in the same very large group of "popular" girls. The original group of us all attended Washington Elementary. We were a clique our sixth grade teachers would say. Today I'd have to agree. In 4th grade we were just kids having fun. Girls do get kinda (really) mean!

Remember Tiger Beat with lil Michael Jackson and Mark Lester (from Oliver)? They were hanging on my wall. Some of us (not me) had discovered local boys by 5th grade. But to go along with the crowd I picked one from another school - Jack Bunce, for my boyfriend. Our mothers were friends and he went to Lincoln School (Lincoln Stinkin we called it). We had a quite long successful relationship - 5th-7th grade. I guess never seeing each other or talking is good for young love (like).

Starting around 6th grade, when the boys (they had a big group of friends too) had slumber parties (maybe they didn't call them that - it sounds kinda girlie)...and the girls did too, we'd plot a get-together. Sometimes we'd meet with they guys with the parental units' permission during the evening hours. Other times, after hours we'd sneak out and meet them later. Looking back, it seems like the sneaking out and the trip part (walking during the night) were way more exciting than actually seeing them though...

In Junior High - 7th grade, Candice and I were both elected to Student Council and she hosted a party (dance) for members of the council on her back patio. I'm sure lots of Frito Lay products were made available (her dad delivered 'em, get it!?!) and Coke of course (Atlantic is a big Coke town thanks to the Tyler fam but that's a whole 'nother story). I'm sure we talked school stuff first - but then, social stuff.

We had extension cords to a record player and were slow dancing in the shadows in the back yard. Robyn was with her long-time BF Greg Younger, Candice with Todd Pellett, and I was with Jack. I'm sure a Michael Jackson tune or Chicago (Colour My World) was playing. During a break, Robyn reported her first kiss - how exciting!

Word spread and the next thing you know, during the next slow song, I turned to talk to Jack and he gave me a give 'ol smack on the lips. Whoa! I remember being stunned but peer pressure is powerful. If kissing was good for Robyn, then I wanted to be doing that too! I know, I know - if she had jumped off a cliff, would I have done so too? Oh, at 13...probably...

Then the party was ending and Greg told Robyn "not to tell anyone" about the kiss. Right - like Rob could keep those lips sealed about anything! It was already on the marquis by the courthouse Gregy! Oh those innocent days when 13 year-olds weren't savvy to all of today's sexual terms.

We were the lucky ones with loving involved parents, able to ramble about our cozy rural Iowa town without fear of being molested. Our drama was who liked whom and girlie spats, not drugs and whether or not we'd have food at our homes. I know we can't turn back the hands of time but it doesn't hurt being nostalgic for the good old days once in a while. Good to see ya Candice!