Just a Small Town Girl

pre-party - McFee deck

Living in a Lonely World...she took a Subaru down to Creston for a McKinley Park celebration yesterday. Little did I know some 40 years ago, as I swam competitively for the Atlantic swim team at the old McKinley pool, that I'd be hanging out in the area as an um mature woman. Listening to knock off bands. They were pretty good bands too!

We traveled to Creston on a swell day (first day 'o summer) to hang with our pals Bobbie and Jeff McFee (bonus - daughter Kimmy was home from Ames) - and anybody else attending at the annual McKinley Park fundraiser event featuring Heart, Eagles and Journey cover bands.
Here are a few observations.

• It's nice to go where everybody knows your name. Big city anonymity has its benefits - but familiar faces are nice too.
• People watching was..."interesting" living in West Des Moines, one forgets the mix of people (hippies, nerds, cowboys, prepsters, drunks, meth heads, fine upstanding sorts, farmers, business owners, factory workers, medical workers - and more!) in the Creston area. Kim commented on it too. Yes - they're around Des Moines too - I just am not exposed to them as frequently anymore. Events like this really bring them out. Aren't we glad we're not all alike...that there are so many "different" tastes...

This guy had few teeth, but had an expensive "teacup" pig he felt compelled to bring to the event...

• I truly enjoyed talking to people like: Todd and Beth Nielson, Linda and Mick Landers, Steve and Barb Crittenden. Love hearing about their lives and fams. Nielsons twins start at ISU this fall! Son Alex will be a senior - he's a great athlete and is still considering his college options.

Bobbie was probably pointing out the weirdo in the yellow and black shorts outfit...

Mick used to work with me at the hazardous materials facility - fun to catch up with him, Barb C., Bobbie, Kim

• I didn't get a picture - but one of Jud's classmates, Brea Steinkamp, recently returned from two years in the Peace Corps in a country I can't pronounce. Now she will teach at their school - St. Malachy, 8th grade. So nice to catch up with her, and another classmate Tyrell Miller. Plus their parents - who we hung with double time when our children attended school in Creston. They both also had a child in Amy's class!
• I chatted with Julie Plotz Weisshaar - a young woman who was one of the first Paul and I worked with (Paul was talking to her hubbie Allan) as a marriage sponsors in our church in Creston. She's doing energy reduction work now and has even started a non-profit to work with schools. Nice.
• I spoke with Amanda Miller, now married to Michael Buck (both Amy's class). Michael is practicing dentistry with his daddy Dave. Love seeing pics (taken by the talented Katie McKim, Jud's classmate) of their boy Carter - now 1 year old. Jennifer Hudson Hoyt was another young mom I caught up with too. She asked about Amo. Stormy was at a James Taylor Concert in Lincoln - missed her. Haylee Walters (Amy's classmate) sashayed by us several times. Crushin'
• I put Denise Miller in charge of my beer whilst I visited the dreaded port-a-potty. I swear she was about to take a sip of it when I returned...she was eying it wistfully.
• Denise's husband Dan and I tried to do a selfie - but it came out too dark. In it we almost look like the cartoon character we love. Droopy. He has a voice that can imitate some of the character so well!
• Next I ran into Jim and Nancy Anthony - they have a new grandson since I saw them last. Kyle is a parent! No doubt a wonderful one. Love those peeps.
• When I finally got back to our seats...I was glad they were not in the shi$*y section....



Must have been incensed that they weren't in the reserved section...

• Sharon and Al Higgins were there! So great catching up with those two lovebirds. Daughter Amanda and fam now live in Overland Park...need to get their address to see how far they are from our niece Katie and fam.

• I gave and received many hugs. Loved them!
• I did a selfie with a balloon that had some sort of light inside.

• We danced toward the end of the party - when fake Journey was playing, but I'm sad to report we didn't remember any of our dance lesson moves. Back to class this fall, me thinks.

• We stayed until the end. Jeff had a hard time using those extra drink tickets he'd purchased, but he gave it his best shot.
• The police and Highway patrol had a big presence at the gate when we left. Good thing our DD was up to the task (and it wasn't Jeff).
• Breakfast - egg casserole was delish, Summit Lake side at McFee's. Great night with great friends.

We shall overcome

Last year in Bolder - the gang

My high school homies and I...we've got a few dings (or are a little dingy). Seriously. My friends have overcome some stuff - but are strong ladies that just keep plugging away. I've had my own trials in life - but can't say how much I love and admire my pals and their grace in dealing with adversity. Here are just a few things they have dealt with:

• While still a youngster herself, Pam discovered her baby daughter was deaf (it turned out okay, because Nicole is great, but it had to be a shock)
• Sally's newborn son suffered from an illness and had to have heart surgery, years later another son suffered a stroke and had to have heart surgery
• Marriage breakups 
• Single parenting
• Children who have gone through problems - health and other issues. No matter how old they are, they're always our babies!
• Robyn lost much of the hearing in one ear  
• Loss of a spouse - Joanie just lost her husband in January. They had just remarried, after breaking up a while earlier. Joan was caring for Larry when he took a turn for the worse.
• Loss of parents - too soon, especially Paula who lost her dad in 6th grade, Julia's Mom died in her early 50's.
• Paula's brother Kirk died of AIDS in the early 1980s - he's been gone so long now. Such a nice guy!

Joanie, Paula and Pammy

I'm sure I've missed other trials and tribulations. Nobody is immune from suffering, for sure. Everyone must decide how to deal with adversity. And despite it all - the girls can still laugh. You have to. I'm glad we are also there to support each other.

We remember our friend Theresa who passed away several years ago. We miss and love you Foostic.  

Kick Ass Mom

Hey Motherhood.org - I have a few words of advice. Yep...it's me. That lady who thinks she knows a lot. I am nearly 56 now. I've been through a lot! I wrote a blog on marriage recently. It only makes sense for me to pontificate on parenting too!

I'm not going to write "yes" as the pic above directs you to, because I don't believe it's true. Being an awesome mom is not a good excuse for being a lousy friend. And yes, I know how much time parenting takes! It sure doesn't leave a lot of time and energy to be a friend and to do things with friends. But just like anything worth while - you need to work at it!

Eating at G & G's in Atlantic

When our children were young, Paul and I lived in Creston where we didn't have family in town - built in babysitters, just dying to take care of our kids. We were on our own. I was lucky (not really - I just chose wisely) because I had a very supportive husband who actually did know how to change  diapers and bathe children. He didn't look at caring for his own kids as "babysitting". He also had this hunting habit that required him to be gone quite a bit during hunting season. Payback! He felt a bit guilty as a result, and encouraged me to get out of the house in order to assuage his guilt.

Amy turned green...as a Vlassic pickle, Jud was a scary guy

Why did Amy get to be Peanut?

Paul recognized how important seeing my buddies was to my sanity! (and he wanted a sane wife) Getting away gave me a chance to blow off steam - about marriage, parenthood, my job - whatever. Then I could go home and be excited to see the little varmints again. And the big one too!

When children observe their parents' positive healthy relationships with others, that's a good thing. They learn about a different kind of love and respect. Our kids saw Paul hang out with guys to hunt and play basketball. They saw me with my girlfriends - cooking Sunday night meals when we got together with McFees or having coffee with Deb.

Family is wonderful - my sisters are my friends too. My closest sister lives 700 miles away! And back when the kids were young, Mom and Dad were only in Atlantic during summer months - and they were busy with their own lives, golfing and traveling.

Regarding friends - I don't know what I'd do without my homies. I sure miss 'em! I look forward to hanging out with a few of my A-town pals soon - and it's got me putting an extra spring in my step!

Just as important as getting out of the house for my sanity, it was important for me - and Paul to show Amy and Jud that they weren't the total center of our world. That's too big a burden for kids. Sure - they act like they want it. They'll eat it up as long as you feed it to them. Some parents - moms especially think they're doing a good thing by becoming everything to their children, revolving their lives around them. Even though, when they're little they take all your time, children shouldn't be your hobby! Show them you have other interests.

Some parents are real martyrs - you've probably met them. They act all dramatic about all the "stuff" they've done for their child. Really? Was it for the kid? Or you? Our egos are powerful things. I know - I've got one! I have basked in the reflected glory of our children's glow. It felt damn good.

Did I push them into activities? Sometimes. Paul and I got more upset about games than the kids did at times! Parenting is much easier in hindsight. I know I'd do a better job now. In theory anyway. haha

So be a kick ass parent. And be a good friend - to yourself, as well as to others. If you're a lousy friend - don't use your kids as an excuse...

Atlantic Homegirls

Creston Homegirls

Lunch at Costco

I took my neighbor Jo's advice. She's a sample lady at Costco. I talked to her last Sunday when Paul and I went to the Diamond Brooke picnic. We enjoyed the picnic a great deal - it was hot but there was a nice breeze. We were glad many of the new people who have recently moved into the in the 66-unit complex attended. It was nice to meet them.

Around 30 people attended the picnic

Many of the people were original owners of the Diamond Brooke units



Jo, the sample lady told me I should eat at Costco - the samples! So I did that yesterday for lunch. The menu:

• bratwurst bite
• spinach dip with crackers
• cream cheese with salmon
• hamburger bite with bun
• pumpkin chips
• dark chocolate covered pumpkin seeds
• coffee

It was a good light lunch - to tide me over until supper. Of course I had to shop a little too. I didn't buy a bunch of food though - I was full! haha. At home I packed up four bags for Goodwill - some shoes even - it's hard to part with shoes for me...but sometimes I have to tell them - "it's for the best!" They deserve to live in a home where someone loves them. At home I finally took time to organize the pantry shelves - something I'd successfully avoided since moving in.

Then, as a reward, I went to Valley West Mall to the Fit to be Tied Store and bought - you guessed it. Shoes. Just one pair though. I got Merrells for work - so nothing too exciting. That's what happens when papa goes elk hunting...

This morning I made the trek to Creston to have breakfast with my home girls. Bobbie had planned to do a breakfast casserole in the crockpot - but had a timer snafu. Thinking quickly like a good girl scout, she threw it into a casserole pan and baked it. It tasted great! It was nice to see Pat, Linda, Patti and Deb along with Bobbie. We caught up on families and talked about recipes - the usual stuff. I miss that.

Afterwards, Deb and I picked up some cappuccino and drove to Green Valley State Park. Right before we turned in - we saw a near accident as a gal pulled out in front of the pickup going south on the gravel road onto Green Valley Road. I considered my options - as there was no shoulder to pull off onto...but at the last second the truck veered and missed her and me. Phew!

Deb and I sat near the beach and talked. I miss my Debbie talks. About noon, I dropped her off and headed home, listening to a stupid book on CD that I can't seem to pull the plug on. I hate the ones where the women keep making one poor decision after another, especially when it comes to sleazy men. I want to reach in and slap them. I'm glad I surround myself with smart women - that means you, oh readers. ;>) smile.

Teachers and "their kids"

Tracey - a teacher friend from Creston, posted this on Facebook.

It got me thinking about my teachers. I had many whom (I hope I'm using this word properly...) I still think of quite often today. It just goes to show you...it works both ways! Teachers/coaches are important people in our lives!

I wrote last fall about my get-together with a group of high school friends. More than once, high school teachers came up. We had a lot of good ones in Atlantic.

To help with my memory, I dug out a couple Javelins - the Atlantic High School yearbook. I knew exactly where the books were because of our recent move.

My 7th grade year - I didn't even realize some of these people were on the School Board. Hell - I didn't even know there WAS a School Board.

• Bill Beatty - who was a family friend and farm manager for my grandparents
• Dick Cook - pharmacist and classmate of my Aunt Marty, we hung out with their fam because our babysitter (when our parents were out of town) Lulabelle, was also their babysitter. Cute kids - Terri, Sarah and Barb
• Supt. Schuler - they later named the junior high after him
• Jim Tyler - of Atlantic Bottling fame, the Tyler fam lived near us and Sue and I played a lot of sports together (she, much better than I) 
• Edith Shank, secretary - roommate of Jeanne Howarth
• Lyle Harris - didn't know him
• Wendell Pellett - later he became a legislator

John Hunter was the Assistant - listed as special services director. I remember him as the Principal of Washington Elementary. Not someone I wanted to meet up with. He looked stern and had a crew cut. They were our neighbors, down the street and had a daughter Susi's age.

High School Principal - Darrell Eblen - a pleasant, smiley man. My senior year I served as the "absent slip" collector in the Principal's office. I got to know the secretaries there and the boss. They were all nice. Del Neary was the Junior High Principal. He was somewhat scary - and he had to be! The Junior High brought together 3 grade schools under one roof, and people tested boundaries.

The enforcer was Rollin Dyer - the Athletic Director. He was a nice guy who could turn into Jack the Ripper with his voice. I tried to avoid that side of him. Years later I saw him on the sidelines of Creston's homecoming football game vs. Atlantic. Paul and I were on the Atlantic side waiting to walk our beautiful daughter daughter across the field as a homecoming princess. Mr. D. was all mellow in a lawn chair and I proudly made introductions. (Paul had broken a front tooth that week and threatened to escort Amy looking like a hillbilly, but Dave Buck came through and bonded it nicely). Creston won the game in a last second goal line stand - yay Panthers!

I must post a disclaimer here that there were probably several great teachers that I didn't come in contact with simply because I wasn't on that chosen career path - like nursing or teaching.
Norman DeLance - is listed as an English teacher. I recall his name - but don't remember him, or Barbara Fredricksen. And I don't mean to use this post as a gossip piece. These are my recollections with some embellishments from my girls through the years.

English
Mrs. Sweeney taught a fun Mass Media course that took our class on a field trip to Omaha. We went to an advertising firm, Bozell and Jacobs. We visited the TV station near UNO that showed Creature Feature with Dr. SanGuinary (Ah, Ah, Ah) - scary shows of my youth. What did Mrs. Royalty teach - wasn't she a character? Junior High stuff?

Poor Jo Ann Runyan got teased because the product Funion Rings came out when she taught, and everyone would sing that commercial inserting Runyon for Funyon.

Miss Wissink taught 7th grade English. Whenever I hear the song "Sweet Seasons" by Carol King, I always think of that class, because of the project I did for the class - using that song. I partnered with someone...Chris or Robyn?

There is lots of lore about Mr. Larry Lyons - and just how his, uh, package was arranged. Word has it that when he would wear his yellow leisure suit and other tight clothes, front row students could identify just what side the package was on. Mr. Lyons would move behind the podium briefly, and walaa! The package had moved to the other side. Magic. Robyn reported that she heard Mr. Lyons was running a bar in SW Iowa later in life...Essex? I've forgotten.

Thane Hascall - taught a couple classes I was privileged to take. Honors English - 10th grade? He was one of those teachers I really wanted to please. He was witty and kept class interesting. We read books like this one. 

High School was when I learned that stories sometimes weren't just about people doing things...they had symbolism. Deep, I know. I also took a class on plays (the kid who would not consider trying out for a play), and ended up playing a character with a Chinese accent in some mini-production. I refinished a little bench that was a play prop. It was a fun class.

Jeanne Howarth is listed as "Head of Dept." I'm sure that was important to her. Never married, roomie with Edith Shank, therefore cause of many rumors by the time I realized two women could be more than just roomies. She also must have had a problem with dry skin that caused her some itchiness. Jeanne took on a frosty, crotchety air as a teacher, but deep down she was a softy, I think.

When I was a freshman in HS, she and Edith moved into the duplex across the street from our house at 202 Crombie. We had just gotten Maxl, our Airdale pup, so I was in the yard quite a bit with him - so I had a few occasions to say "hi" to her. Sadly, one of the roomies, I believe it was Jeanne, was hospitalized and when Edith picked her up from the hospital. Edith went to drop her off at the duplex and must have suffered a massive heart attach at the wheel of the car. She stepped on the accelerator and nailed our former home at 202 Crombie - right where my bedroom was, and died on the spot.

Frances Dyer taught 7/8th English - I remember Roger Underwood announcing his Mom had a baby during one of those classes. We did those color coded reading things in a box. I recall not really reading, just guessing at the questions to see what score I could get.

Science

Lynn Barnes, junior high science teacher, was a hottie. All the girls were gaga over his bod. He and partner in crime, Chuck Burnett made a good duo for 13 year-olds just starting science studies.

Ruth Beaver taught HS Chem...until she quit to run away with a guy (was it Mr. Niemann, the Earth Science teacher?). Leaving me stuck with Roger Mathias - the Physics teacher. I won't blame my lame education in both areas totally on them...it might be genetic...

Lowell Clauson - might just have been the nicest man ever. HS Biology teacher. He would mix in stories of his visits to the Galapagos Islands along with having us to pith (kill) a frog. Later, when I was the asbent slip pickup girl, he would draw little pics on them for me. Good guy, and teacher.

Social Studies
I don't remember Mr. Carmichael. Miss Fett taught Junior High geography? Mr. Huebner was a popular teacher - he's listed for 9th grade history. Mr. Hiemstra taught that too - that's who I had. I had fun arguing with Mr. Neary about all things political - he was a big Dem, and I grew up a Republican. We all took his Government class senior year. Wally Roscoe too was a popular teacher.
Mr. Massman is listed for History - ?

Math
I have a love/hate relationship with math. I had several good teachers in junior high and high school who taught me. I started out the dumb kid in the smart class - in 9th grade honors algebra. Amy is an Algebra whiz, and Jud can do it too. They didn't get it from me. Mr. Holbrook tried to help me, and he kind got through to my sponge brain. I switched classes at the quarter and got into Geometry and Trig. Now that made sense! I believe it was Mr. Nissen who taught that class. Great sideburns.

Mr. Henderson - was a math teacher and also the track coach. Later, when we moved to Creston, he was the bane of our town as those Atlantic teams were always so good.
Mrs. Mikklesen - was a great Jr. High math teacher. I saw her years later when my son played basketball at the old high school in Atlantic.

Other staff
Senor Ricardo Seufert - was one of the most effective teachers I've ever had. I think of him often. We had those reel-to-reel tapes that I still remember pieces of. And some of the songs he made us sing. We also did bulletin boards - Richard Scary characters. I'd end up reading those books to my children 10 years later. We bitched about that man constantly! And he was a tough grader. We always thought he was gay - but he ended up marrying and having children. So much for my gaydar.

Delma Wright was the choir director. We liked to watch her arms flop. I was a miserable failure at choir, so I eventually retired. I still pretend today that I can sing. In Junior High we had a nice young woman for Mixed Chorus - she let us change the words to a song "Come Saturday Morning". We inserted "I'm going to watch the cartoons - Pink Panther and the Avengers, Wide World of Sports" and on like that.

Betty Heflin was the P.E. teacher - and golf coach, cheerleading sponsor. She was a solid lady - nice to talk to. She was the face of Atlantic golf for many years. Okay, she wore her hair really short, and I don't think I ever saw her in any color other than blue. She was a "Pat" like the Saturday Night Live sketch. How hard would that have been in the 70s? Hard...but she pulled it off.

Bob Younger - guys' P.E. teacher. They lived right down the hill from us. I didn't ever know him well. When I was younger, one time he watched Greg punch me in their yard, smiling all the while...of course I probably deserved it...Now he's lost 2 sons to early deaths. Sad.

Mrs. Lundgren - Junior High P.E. teacher - she was put in contact with girls at a very fragile time in their lives. She wasn't good at it. Case in point - Dodge Ball. Why let boys throw tiny rubber balls at girls? And why make girls get naked in a wide open shower and stare at them. Heartless.

Joel Simms - Another hottie, but he knew it. He was a very good softball coach. And he taught me to drive - and did a darn good job! Joel once hurdled the softball fence at Sunnyside to scoop up my sis Betso because a line drive had nailed her when she was keeping score on the old score board there.

Dale Allen taught shop and more importantly was the first coach of Atlantic Girls Basketball. Nice guy with a sense of humor. He had to be a very patient man, because we had a long way to go and that first year something like 80 girls went out for bball. Some didn't even know the rules of the game!

Miss Leslein was the coach of Girls hoops my senior year. I liked her a lot, even though she didn't see the brilliance in my playing abilities. I enjoyed having a woman coach. I didn't have her as a teacher. I think of her every time I hear the Aerosmith song "Dream On" - I traveled with Sharon and a couple others to scout teams we'd play in the future, and it seems like that song would always be in the radio.

Mrs. Elming - Home Economics teacher. Everything I know about sewing, I learned from her. Okay, so it's not that much, but I can sew on buttons! We also talked about makeup and cooking. She lived around the corner from us.

Mrs. Nebola - the art teacher. I wasn't the artsy type, so I didn't take any classes from her.

The Guidance Counselors (no help at all) Mr. Eskew/Mr. Jespersen - hope they have better ones today.

Miss Kathy Lincoln - Typing - one of the most functional classes I took! I use this skill daily.

Gwyn Kluever - Jr. High Librarian - I have fond memories of listening to Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat on headphones in the Library. And checking out books like "Are You There God it's Me Margaret". Gwen was my Mom's friend and we went to their house a few times. They had a trampoline. Fun! Gwyn left us too soon.

So those are mostly just my memories - so imagine when you get all of us Class of 76ers together what we come up with on teachers...

And teachers today have an even tougher job - because we were a box of chocolates compared to kids today. Only because the world today is more complex. They have a lot to deal with.

Bless all of you who teach! Remember that in 35 years, someone could be blogging about you!

the middle place by Kelly Corrigan and other stuff

We read this tome (I was using the word book too much in this sentence) for Book Chicks Book Club. It's about a women dealing with being a wife, motherhood and being a daughter. Then she discovers she has breast cancer, and her dad finds out his prostate cancer has come back as bladder cancer.

I read the book over a weekend. I liked the author's writing style and the book drew me in. A couple sections drew me in - this part, two sentences that capture my feelings exactly on faith.

Page 203 -
"I envy my dad his faith. I envy all people who have someone to beseech, who know where they're going, who sleep under the fluffy white comforter of belief."

I also liked how the author wasn't afraid to be hard on herself - her weaknesses. She called herself out on a couple of them. Still she totally idolizes her father - to a point that I found to be a bit over the top for an adult woman. But hey, maybe my dad was just kinda fabulous, unlike Big Greenie.

I'm looking forward to discussion of this book with my bookie friends!

• Sunday I finally got some girl time with my BFF Deb. Since the hardware store that doubles at a pseudo starbucks in Creston is closed for tornado repairs, we went to McD for Latte- and hardly came up for a breath. And we didn't even get to politics, baby! But we covered a lot of territory - our vacation, both works, Keith's bride-to-be's bridal shower, Jud's up-coming move, Kara's new apartment, Brett and Shawna's visit, Paul's job experience, Amy's big win at Once Upon a Race in Denver, plus Kitty's unfortunate demise - and of course tornado stories. When I dropped her off at her house nearly 2 hours later - we both did a big sigh of satisfaction. It was good!
• I got to have breakfast with most of my homies this a.m. Nan is in Arizona (with Jim) being unemployed. She works at the hospital which you may recall is a shambles - take heart Nancy, the Servicemaster crews are there in force! Diana was not there either - not sure if she and Donnie are still at the lake (or if she even went). It was reported that Lucy was quilting this weekend. Susan had photos from daughter Lindsay's bachelorette party here in DSM. Looked like a good time was had by all. Patti told us about all the volunteers from around the state who showed up to help clean up at her brother-in-law's place (wiped out by tornado). Boy Scouts from Onawa - where the Scout Camp was hit, and a church group, complete with chain saws. It gave me chills to hear about people coming all that way to help. Bobbie reported that her Mom Grace is back in the hospital - she suffered a heart attack recently, and was having chest pains again. Scary!
• I got my hair cut today - phew! Sarah cut those wings off the sides - lets hope I can get it under control now. After work I put on my walking shoes and took a walk around the Capitol, around through the East Village. It's just not the same without my Pablo and my little black wiener dog waiting for me on East Court Street. sniff sniff...
• I moved my shi*, um stuff back into Joan's. I never really asked her if she was ready for all that. Regardless - here I am. I need to settle back into Waukee - get back into my routine. I feel so fortunate to have a pal like Joanie willing to take in a vagabond like me.

By request - my homegirls

We made it home to Crestonia last night in time to see the homegirls at The Lobby. We breezed into our house where son Jud was watching NCAA games. He'd taken the afternoon off from his job as a buyer in St. Joe, Missouri at Altec, a company that makes specialized service vehicles. Girlfriend Kara is in Vegas on a chick trip.

Paul and Jud decided go along for a beer. After all, The Lobby has TVs - NCAA games could be watched there. We were celebrating Patti's birthday. 55! Holy shit, how did that happen? Seems like we were just 40, 45, 50. Insert age here. It sure helps having your girlfriends on this path of life!

Nancy asked about my elbow - mentioning that she reads this blog. Just fine thanks, now that Imelda, the shoe-lovin' tumor has been removed. She also told me that it's high-time that the girls get some blog lovin'. Her wish is my command.

Our cast of characters: (left to right)
Patti - the birthday girl. Lost her husband to a brain tumor when she was in her early 30's and had 2 young sons. I can't imagine how tough that must have been. For the past twenty years or so, she's made her life with Dean Leith, whom she calls her fiance. We joke that they should get married as we want to be bridesmaids! I first knew her aunt - Lamona Bilderback before I met Patti. I worked with Lamona, a wonderful woman, at First National Bank. Then I met her sis Jeanne, who I worked with at Gits Manufacturing. Another swell person who would give you the shirt off her back. I didn't have the privilege of meeting Patti until the late 90's when I began to workout with Deb and her at the Y. It must be a family trait as Patti is another nice and caring person.

Susan Grose Weinheimer - was one of the first people I met in town. Susan was new pledge of Xi Beta Psi - the sorority I was asked to join when we moved to Creston in 1986. We never really hung out though, until recent years. I've enjoyed getting to know her better. We sure had fun at her wedding reception last spring as she married handsome Brian Weinheimer. Susan's daughters are a year younger than Amy and Jud. We're looking forward to daughter Lindsay's wedding this summer. Small world department - Susan lived at 230 Campus Avenue in Ames when we did, but we didn't know her. She's a social worker - so you know she's got the patience of Jobe.

Pat Moeller - didn't really get to know Pat until Jud and her son Steven were in class at St. Malachy together. But we ended up seeing a great deal of each other through those years - as the boys participated in every sport together and Paul coached many of them. Plus my fave story. One time I traveled out of town for my work at Gits. Jud (was about 8 years old) had Steven stay over night. During the night (Jud was a very sound sleeper) Steven had a bad dream and woke up scared. So he ended up sleeping with Paul part of the night. I could imagine that line of questioning at Moeller's house the next day. Pat, "How was your night, Steven?" "Fun, but I slept with Jud's dad." "What???" Pat is a serious person, but with a lighter side when you get to know her. She's a hard worker who has volunteered for many things around town. It's nice to see her beam when she is asked about her granddaughter.

Next up - Deb Peterson - my bestie. Everyone needs one! I originally met her because of our children. We felt a bond right away. She and Larry moved away once, and to my great fortune, they moved back. That's when we really started hanging out and got to know each other very well. We're both from families of four girls and are simpatico on nearly every issue. (Except the whole Cyclone/Panther/Hawkeye thing) Love our kayak trips together, she's who I want in my corner when something goes bad. Gotta have my Debbie fix, or I get the jitters. I look up to her - she leads the way (but age isn't everything...haha). Naw, I can't ever keep up to her, but she drives me to try.

Diana McKim is another of my sorority friends and we've always had our Cyclone love in common. Just like Petersons (and McFees - though Bobbie is missing in this picture, due to the fab weather and her taking advantage of deck time), McKims have children the same school grades as Amy and Jud. That meant carpooling, birthdays together etc. McKims (she and Donnie are a package deal) have always been so wonderful to be there for us when times are tough. We've grown especially close to them the past several years thanks to our tailgating (and pre-tailgating) escapades. We share joys and sorrows. Just not politics...don't get us going on that as we're oil and water on that topic. We've talked about retiring together, and I could see it. Donnie is going to drive us around, Diana will enable us with drinks, Paul will grill. I guess I need to come up with a talent...

Nancy Anthony - the new kid. Okay she's lived in Creston probably 15 years or so. So she's a relative newcomer compared to the others. But it seemed like she fit in instantly. Cuz she's one of those people with such a warm personality that you feel like you've known her. People like to be around Nancy because she exudes good attitude and vibes. Presently she's studying for her BSN degree, which I think is cool - we old chicks need to keep learning.

She and spouse Jim have been presented with family situations that others might not have handled with such grace. Oldest daughter Kelly married an African American man. I'm sure that raised some eyebrows in Creston - but Jason is such a wonderful guy, I think he's done wonders for race relations in town. People who had never really met a black person before have had a chance to get to know him. Now they realize that they're people, just like we are.

Youngest daughter Kendra is gay. I'm sure wasn't an easy situation to come to terms with for anyone in the family - mostly Kendra. Just like for any young person who discovers they don't quite fit the mold, it had to be tough. Hell, it's hard enough getting through puberty as a straight kid. And sometimes I think it's even harder on parents guiding children through the landmines of childhood than it is on the child! I myself stressed when Jud wet the bed longer than most kids - worried about what the other kids might think if he had an accident at a sleepover. We just want them to "fit it". So learning your child wasn't going to have the white picket fence with a husband and 2 kids had to lead to a few sleepness nights.

Son Kyle is a free spirit who still likes to play baseball and in a band in his free time. He just married his longtime girlfriend. All three kids live in Kansas City, so Jim and Nan spend lots of time there. Four grandkids (Kelly and Jason's kids) might have something to do with it.

I'm sure the Anthony fam has its dysfunctional moments as we all do. But you can tell - Nancy is proud of her diverse fam and acceptance is the word around their home. I like it.

So there you have it. The homegirls, at least the ones who showed up at Patti's bday celebration. You asked for it - hope it's not TMI (too much information). Just know I love you all, and appreciate having you as my friends!

Gotta go - time for some hoops. March Madness ya know.

Yakking

I need to get fired up! I'm get to go kayaking Friday - on the Upper Iowa, my fave kayaking river. I've had a rough week...and I'm feeling mopey. So I've got one day to get out of mopesville - tomorrow is it. My crabbiness will dissipate tomorrow at around 4 PM.

Why the bad week? I'm sure you're dying to know - because none of you have had your own stuff do deal with. Sunday was a great day...walking and kayaking with Deb. And Monday started out well, with breakfast with my homies. But went downhill when I got to work.

I had worked on a PowerPoint presentation for my Nashville talk for 2 days. It was based on a paper I had written for that event. The problem is four of us are doing the talk together on our Environmental Management System Pilot Project (I know - I bet you're sad you won't get to see it!) - and 1 person (not me - another queen bee) is in charge of melding all the presentations together. I get to present last, and didn't have the benefit of seeing the other people's stuff before doing mine.

The Queen Bee dissed my presentation and nixed half the slides I worked so hard on. My giant ego was crushed and it was back to the drawing board. I finally finished version 2 today. That all happened late Monday.

After work that night I decided to shop - figured that should perk me up, right? I even had a coupon for Eddie Bauer. But no luck. Stopped at HyVee for a few things on my way to Joan's - then discovered I'd forgotten to drop off my 3 bags of clothes at Goodwill on the way there, AND my milk was leaking. Yep, TRAGIC!

You know what...writing it all down...it all sounds pretty stupid and not worth being crabby over. I'm still mostly sad because of Boldie's illness and another friend who is also ill. I need to find a way to deal with this stuff.

And I get to kayak Friday!

White knuckle affair

We didn't wear our medals to breakfast again today - I didn't take pics today so am using this one from October.

Driving to work today was a white knuckle affair! I started the day calmly, with my homies at breakfast celebrating Lucy's bday. I had oatmeal. Exciting huh? We had a full compliment of homies. Pat, Nancy, Lucy, Patti, Deb, Bobbie, Linda, Susan, Diana and me.

We laughed a lot as usual. We gave Pat crap when she tried to tell Chuck (our waitress) that he gave her too much toast. Duh Pat, two halves make a whole. What are friends for? Glad to see Diana - Don had his second hip replacement, and she's been so busy with family stuff, work (important job - she does my taxes!) and now nurse.

During the night before, as forecast, it began to snow. However we got more than they had projected. So after breakfast I went back home to monitor road reports and weather. About 8 a.m. I couldn't stand the stress of waiting - so I took off for DM across Highway 34. It was icy and blowing snow made seeing tough. The wind was very strong.

By Osceola I had another problem - I had to pee (all that coffee at breakfast). I decided to forge on - I have a strong bladder (I told myself) I can make it. Travel on I-35 was slow. I got behind 3 cement trucks going 45 or so. Around New Virginia it began to snow again. Traffic slowed as we began to see cars in the ditch.

My white knuckles weren't the only part of my body stressed by now. My bladder was getting very uncomfortable. Not quite as bad as last summer at the Ozarks (when I was forced to rush into the men's room with tears in my eyes after boating all afternoon), but close. I debated pulling off at the Winterset exit, but it looked icy. So I put the pedal to the metal (not really I was still going 40).

Just south of Grand I did pass a couple cars and cruised to the McDonald's on Mills Civic Parkway. Relief at last! The weather hasn't gotten any better, so I passed on heading to Davenport this afternoon. Might try it in the a.m. or may just phone it in!

I loves my homies

Breakfast on Monday mornings with my homies at S&K Cafe in Creston makes the day much easier to get through. I've splained before about how depressing Sunday evenings are - what with all my ironing, packing and such. Dreading leaving my honey buns, the pets, and well..my bed. But when I get to start Monday morning with the fun loving, shit-giving and caring gals that are my homies, I'm starting the day out right! This a.m. I had the added bonus of getting to bring an old friend along to the festivities - Mary Faber of Eburg, Iowa is visiting town today and tomorrow and is staying at chez Goldsmyth. Mary was one of the first people I met in Ctown -way back in 1987. She was in charge of recruiting new members to Beta Sigma Phi the social sorority in town. 

Who could say no to such a warm and caring voice? Not me. Plus I had NO friends and no job, besides 1 year old Amy whom I was tending to day and night. I was dying to get out and meet people. I remember distinctly that Mar even came to get me that first meeting. I believe Bobbie and Mendy also rode along to Gwen Buck's house. It was so exciting! I met several life-long friends in that little group. Sharon, Diana (Dee) and Bobbie to name three. And Mary, who moved away from me something like 10 years ago. Insert tears here. Mar is so easy to talk to, and is interesting, smart and funny. Plus she oozes empathy, so folks seem to find it easy to tell her all their troubles. My breakfast homies today included Nancy, Susan, Pat, Patti, Mary, Lucy, Bobbie and Deb the bday girl. Most of us wore our Half Marathon shirts and medals. Heck Patti even brought her trophy from the Balloon Days race. Mary took the photos, so I'm sad to say she's not in any of my shots. Typical though - she caught us in our natural state here - laughing! I loves my homies! (and a gal from Eburg!)

Fiction and religion

Sometimes I don't mind when an author slips a bit of the character's feelings/doubts/thoughts about spirituality into a book. I just don't like "holier than thou" attitudes.

This past couple days I've been catching up on some reading. I picked up a couple "quick reads" at the library. Robert B. Parker is one of my all time faves - he writes the Spenser books, along with Jesse Stone and now Everitt Hitch - Westerns. All the leading characters are pretty much the same guy. And all the books are filled with bits of conversation by men of few words. I read yesterday's offering "Brimstone" a western, in about 4 hours or so, finishing when I couldn't sleep after we went to bed.

Robert B. Parker books don't usually get into religion, but surprisingly, this one did broach the subject. The religious guy turned out to me a schmuck of course, in it for the power and the money. But Parker's lead character did admit that he thought the religious guy actually believed the stuff he was spouting, all while molesting a teenage girl. Jim Bakker anyone? and others...

Today I dug into "Face of Betrayal" by Lis Wiehl. I should have gotten a clue that this would be a very conservative book, as it was reviewed on the cover by Bill O'Reilly. But I must give the author credit. She inserts religion into the various character's lives, but not in an "in your face" way. I'm only about half way through so I hope it doesn't take over!

Today I had breakfast with my homies after running into them on my inaugural post-hysterectomy walk around Lake McKinley with Pablo. Ah I've missed them so! It's amazing how a bit of girl chat can lift one's spirit (speaking of religious experiences). We talked about girl stuff - BMs and sex. And got into the world's problems on which we don't all see eye to eye. But we were able to stay civil, and when conversation got a bit animated, we decided to switch back to BMs. haha! Estrogen trumps politics!