Lincoln

After weeks of talking about it, Pablo and I finally made it to a movie! We chose Lincoln, because I cannot tell a lie - I have wanted to see that one since I read some of the reviews about Daniel Day Lewis's portrayal of the president. I wasn't disappointed!

I didn't realize that Sally Field (I remember Sally from her Sister Bertrille days - the Flying Nun. Loved that show as a young Catholic...our nuns wore habits back then, but no funny hats) had been cast as crazy Mary Todd Lincoln until the movie started. She did a masterful job of showing the president's wife to be on the edge of sanity - loving the president, yet driven wild by the sorrow and guilt of the loss of her son Willy. I loved the scene at the party, when she pulls herself together to greet guests, when she royally gives it to the Finance guy Tommy Lee Jones.

Director Steven Spielberg does a masterful job of showing the pressure on the president. Between the stress from family, the desire and drive to get the 13th amendment passed, the strategy of war and the sadness of the effect of war on the people, President Lincoln ages 10 years in a year.

Hmmm and I get stressed about garbage and recycling. I have had some other stuff going on these past few months too though...no wonder my hair has been falling out! I remember it doing this another time in my life after I'd had surgery. Sarah, my stylist says anaesthesia is hard on hair. And I had it twice in 2012 - Imelda my elbow tumor and then the shoulder manipulation. Add that to the stress of the move and illness and death of our beloved Bolder. I hope it snaps back soon - I can't deal with this limp crap on my head...

Back to the movie. Spielberg made me want to meet Lincoln! What a lovely father, boss, thoughtful man, and funny storyteller. Though sad, the movie had some chuckles. The ending was somewhat jubilant, followed by the inevitable - which was handled nicely. Damn you John Wilkes Booth!

The theater (Jordan Creek 20) was pretty full on a Friday night. Popcorn wasn't that great - made me miss the Creston Theater, where movies are $6 and popcorn is good. I did like the seats and pop holder though, with the cool sound system. Why, when one pays $10 for a movie, do we have to sit through a bunch of commercials before previews start?

Go Soap!

I remember when my old pal Freddie Behr was just a youngster in the security biz at Iowa State University, he did a gig at Hilton Coliseum for the Amway Convention. He reported later that the huge group did chants like "Go Soap!" We laughed about it, and talked about the fact that Amway must be some kind of cult like Jim Jones's group.

I thought about that this week as I joined Costco (I mentioned this before, I know). We're in the cult! It costs $55 to join, which has always seemed like a lot. But when I saw the liquor prices, I decided we would save at least that much each year. Alkie cruds or thrifty...you make the call.

After I paid for the membership, I took my first walk through as a full fledged cultist, um I mean member. I picked up some decent vodka.

Martinis take a lot ya know. Plus I got what Cindo calls a "Big Girl" bottle of chardonnay. I took a photo of a big 'ol stack a Black Velvet. That's Iowa's fave whiskey ya'll. Donnie told me so. I sent him this pic.

Donnie's dream....

 I did buy some food too, so don't get the wrong idea. And a lamp for Jud's room. So there! I just didn't take pics of that stuff. Do you think people thought I was strange taking pics of the liquor at my new cult clubhouse?

It was date day for the Goldschmidts. Paul and I met for lunch - hitting City Bakery, a restaurant in the East Village between Grand and Locust on 5th Street. He had a sannie and homemade chips and I got the side salad - it's a perfect size with vinaigrette. After work, we were both in the mood for a drink - so I took him to Maverick. That's the new Sports Bar my new DB (Diamond Brooke) friends introduced me to. We had nachos and dirty martinis.

Then we stopped at the cult to pick up liquor for the weekend party we're attending in Creston. I got Fess Parker Chardonnay! Man I loved that guy as Danl Boone.

Can't wait to see my homegirls. And Odie is getting her nails trimmed and her anal glands expressed at Creston Vet Clinic - how fun will that be?? Then she's staying at Lila and Bill's puppy spa - they're so excited to see her, which warms my heart. Looking forward to it!

The Brownies Scouts had it right

I think I had a sash as a Brownie...we never had the vest thing...did have the knee socks though! My sis Susi is still active with Colorado GS, and niece Jordan works for the organization in Denver

In that song they taught me all those years ago, when we met in the Washington Elementary gym after school. We'd sing it in rounds.

Make new friends

But keep the old

One is silver

And the other's gold

 

Old friends like Robbie Dob, Theresa Faust and Cindy Peterson were in the group. Were you in that group Paula, was Chris? I don't recall. I earned lots of badges that my mom then had to sew onto my cool sash. One time we were doing some type of foot race and Robyn was determined to win - so much so that she forgot to stop when we got to the plate glass window. Her knee paid the price - and I think I saw her guts in there. Ick! That's when I knew I'd never be in healthcare. Thanks Robyn, for helping me on my path toward trash.

 

The past week reminds me of that old song, because I've been fortunate enough to get together with both old friends and new! My college pal and former roomie Jane Flack Conn contacted me last week about getting together with her for a margarita at Mi Mexico on Friday. Sounded delightful! While I've been around the area during the week for the past 4 years, Jane and I haven't seen each other nearly enough! She's busy with 3 kids still at home, though now her oldest is a senior - so they're growing up.

My pal Jane

 

Jane and I were first to arrive at the restaurant, which is off of University in Clive - near Chase Suites where Paul and I lived for a month until we could move into our new home.  Jane's friend Barb Thompson also met us, along with another friend, who I must admit I can't remember her name. (I suck at remembering names of people I'm introduced to...I need to take a class on that.) Let's call her Marg. Marg, Jane and I all ordered the special margarita - it comes in its own shaker. It's very good. Barb had a beer.

 

Later, Paul joined us and we ate there too. It was a hopping place and we were glad we got a table in the bar away from all the screaming kids near the front. It was fun catching up with old friends! Barb is originally from Pocahontas where my Creston friend Syd Hudek hails from, and Barb knows who our pals Don and Diana are too since they're from that neck of the woods. And I know all of Jane's fam so it's good to get an update on them, and to fill Jane in on our family. We need to do this more often. Next time we'll have to ask Mary Mormon to attend.

 

I spent the rest of the weekend with my best friend - Paul. We didn't do a whole lot. He hunted in Creston Friday (lunch with old friends for him that day too - Steve Crittenden and Jeff McFee) and Saturday a.m. we got lunch with lots of leftovers at Jethros Saturday.

 

My big accomplishments were cleaning Saturday morning and joining Costco Sunday. The Packers won  - so that made Pablo happy. I decided just beer and other liquor purchases would make the $55 fee worth it. Then the signer upper chick talked me into the American Express card. I hope I'm not sorry! I got some cheese, vodka, Corona, and a lamp. It all sounds yummy, no? I guess it's time to give Joan (My Waukee roomie) her ID card back. I had it temporarily from when I lived with her...but now I'm somebody! (not Joan).

 

Over the weekend, I got an email from Connie from Diamond Brooke our townhouse association, saying it was time for the women to get together. I guess ladies from the townhouses have been doing this for years, and I'm glad! So last night Mary Ann from down the street picked me up at 6 to go to Maverick's, a new sportsbar West of Jordan Creek Mall. Ten or so women met there, including Kathy, the woman who sold us our place. She just moved a couple blocks away and enjoys these get-togethers. She brought me a couple more keys!

Mavericks on another night - but they do have that many TVs

 

Mary Ann's husband is a former community college president, so of course they know the Crittendens. Since retiring, he's been doing stints teaching at colleges in Moline and Cicero, Illinois - so Mary Ann and he have lived in apartments in those towns until recently. She's really enjoyed it. I met Judy who lives across the street from us. I'd been admiring the basket on her door.

 

It was nice talking to Kathy too. She and her husband Bill moved from this place because they're adopting their granddaughters. Their mother is ill, and the father isn't in the picture. So they wanted the girls to have a real house to live in with their own upstairs bedrooms. The other Leslie was there - she lives down the street. She was a couple people down, so I didn't get to talk to her much. Connie, the email organizer of the event sat by me. She's very friendly and has a warm bubbly personality.  

 

Before I knew it, the place was getting taken over by young people there to watch the big game. It was time for us oldsters to clear out! We were seriously raising the average age of the joint.

 

I did pretty well with those Diamond Brooke ladies' names, huh!?! (of course I could be making all these names up or have them totally wrong and you'd never know...)

 

I heard from my little buddy Amy when I got home. I always enjoy talking to her and catching up on her busy life in Denver. The game turned out to be a bust - sad for my Uncle Bill, a Notre Dame fan. Let's hope his Broncos represent better this week.

 

 

 

  

 

   



Game Day Baby

Though our team really only played the first quarter...at least that's how it seemed. But more on that later.

We awoke on the last day of 2012 pondering, "what to wear?" Forecast - chilly, wet. But we were going to be mobile so I didn't wish to carry a ton of stuff. I'm the girl who registers "reptile" on the thermometer when I give blood. Last time my temp was below 97 degrees. So I get cold fast. I couldn't believe I saw guy in shorts and flip flops the day before at the parade. I wish I had circulation like that! Thanks Pat Bullock for crappy veins. Oh well - at least I also got your penchant for sarcasm Mom! I settled on several layers, my Cyclone purselet, scarf, hat, visor (for rain) and wore my Columbia jacket. Paul carried a rain slicker in a pouch for me, and I had my Cyclone snuggy.

The cops did smile when we apprciated their helmet geat

The six of us had purchased tickets for a shuttle bus leaving from the Peabody Hotel, so we headed there. After a bit of confusion - the ISU buses were there awaiting the team - complete with escort motorcycle police with ISU stickers on their helmets. Memphis has gone Cyclone! The bus took about 15 minutes to get to the stadium - through some interesting neighborhoods. Once we arrived we headed right to the Pre-game Tailgate party (held in a huge building that said "Roller Derby) that we had purchased tickets for, skirting around the long Cyclone line by going in the Tulsa door.

We were in the middle - I could take the same photo pointing the other way...

Diana is doing her John Belushi "Animal House" pose here...

The event was a blast! Our friends saved us seats - we sait with Kleins and the Davenport people. We each got a big plate full of barbecue - chicken, pulled pork, beans, good cole slaw - I like the vinegar kind best. And with the $35 tickets, all the beer and drinks were free! Our group worked at making sure we got our money's worth.

The place was packed with cardinal and gold clad fans and a band played on a stage at one end. Then the ISU band took over. We began to see people we knew - like our niece Barb and husband Mike and children.

Johnny and about 6 of his former players were at the game

ISU's legendary former coach Johnny Majors came in to get a bite to eat. While he was chewing, Marilyn asked if we could get our photo with him. I think the old fella was pleased to get all this attention. He was the coach 40 years ago when Marilin and Dwight had attended the Liberty Bowl when ISU played.

We headed to the game about a half hour before kickoff. It was misting lightly. Crap! Our seats were in the same area our regular seats are at Jack Trice Stadium - right on the goal line, though we were closer to the action here, sitting near the families of many of the coaching staff members since McKim's son Ryan, Grad Assistant on the coaching staff had gotten us the tickets. The pageantry of the game was cool! A 9 year old cancer survivor (Thanks to St. Judes) sang the national anthem. I was doing fine until I saw Diana and Paul wiping their eyes...there was a giant flag on the field and the holders made if wave. Very cool!

Very moving opening ceremony. The game made me want to cry too...

Before I put my slicker on

 

Then the game. The first quarter was swell! We had offense, a pick 6. Things were going well! Then it started to rain a little harder and things went down hill. There was not much to cheer about after that. We heard later our quarterback had the flu the night before. That doesn't really explain the defenses lack of tackling ability...but regardless, I was cold, wet and not drinking beer. I was glad when it was over. On our way out of the game we saw paramedics working on a person down on the ground. We heard later a 47 year old Cyclone fan had died that day. It puts things into perspective.

Regardless, we were a bedraggled, grumpy group heading back to our hotel. We re-assembled back at the McKim suite to decide the plan for the evening. Looking out the window - still raining right along. Inside. Vodka, Black Velvet (whisky) and pop and a few munchies. We ended up ordering pizza - it arrived shortly before the new year. We made up a new game - Name the Crestonian! You had to give clues like, "I liked to sit in Berning's Red Room" I wore a crocheted hat made of beer cans" The answer of course? Hollywood Suzie!

Since Conovers lived in Creston from 1984 - 2010ish and McKims and we moved there in 1986, we had a lot to work with! Just think if Higgins and McFees had been there - Creston natives. Sharon and Jeff are scary because they're related to most of the people we gave clues about...

Once again - the bowl trip was a huge success, except for the damn game! The trip home was long - we listened to a somewhat boring book for a while and then enjoyed listening football games on ESPN. We arrived home about 8 p.m. to a happy Odie! Kimmy the dogsitter had done a fine job keeping her alive, with no messes that we know of. Now - on to 2013!

Sunday in Memphis

Cool Sign!

Our hotel had a pretty good breakfast spread! And we really had no right to feel as perky as we did by 8:30 a.m. after walking 10 feet of of Beale on our way back to the hotel the night before...



ducks display mach 1 speed

But by a little after 10 a.m. Sunday we were on our way to the  Peabody Hotel, where the team and all the important ISU people were staying. That hotel has a ducky tradition - literally. Twice a day they parade ducks down the elevator and through the lobby to paddle around in the fountain. We weren't the only ones wishing to view the ducks. Thousands of our Cyclone brethren were also there. Before us. Evidently they weren't out late the night before - party poopers! Some had kids, so they get a pass. The ducks, despite having clipped wings, are super quick! They went by so fast...all I got was this blurry photo. Paul later got the fountain shot.

We heard crowds were even larger for the evening viewing. The story goes that years ago, duck hunters with Peabody connections, got into the Jack Daniels, so they never got out to actually hunt. Instead they snuck their live decoys into the fountain - and a tradition was born.

The Trolley was very cool!

I would like to go back and take some time at the museum near here

Next we decided to walk a block or so and hop on the Trolley for a fee of $1, and take a lap around town. The sun was shining and it was the warmest the city would get. We hopped off at the Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King was assassinated. It's being refurbished. There is a museum across the alley, but we didn't want to take time at that point to go through it.  We walked several blocks back to Beale - noting police presence along the way. There were some sketchy areas around there...

Along the way we came across Elvis. He was "in the house". Of course we had to get our photo with him.

Not a huge Elvis fan, but I did get a kick out of this pic

We located a bar along Beale with a view of the street for the upcoming parade - perfecto! Bloody Marys all around (with little beer chasers thanks to the thoughtfulness of DC). Then we ordered food. Not great, but okay. Our friends Kevin and Carrie caught up with us, and later Phil Conover stopped by. The front of the bar was open air and it was a bit chilly - I wandered out to shop and warm up, and bought a nice little Memphis print as a momento.

A band started playing in the back of the bar - pretty good. The parade - NOT. Lots of beauty queens, bands and a few floats all spaced out unevenly. The VEISHEA organizers could give them lessons! Of course they put the ISU band, cheer squad and Johnny Majors at the end.

Our view for the parade. We didn't miss much...

The pep rally was right after the parade - again, not the best venue. Sound system was bad and the amphitheater was set so we couldn't even see. Our band sounded great though! I was thoroughly cold by then. DC and Marilyn had a date to attend the Memphis U college bball game. McKims, Paul and I went back to the hotel and warmed up.

If I lived in Memphis, I'd join the Boll Weevil Society - those dudes look like fun!

Later we ventured back out to Beale Street - thoroughly taken over by Cyclones - a sight to see! I just love neon signs, and this street is a delight. We went to a pretty generic Canadian restaurant where I had a good salad. Then we just wandered down Beale - plenty of police presence once again. We enjoyed talking to some locals outside one bar. We made our way through Coyote Ugly where beer coated the floor about 1/2 inch deep and people were shoulder to shoulder. I might have enjoyed that at 25 and single...We ended up back at Silky's, watching the piano show, but retired pretty early. Monday there was a game to play!

Bras at Coyote Ugly. Mine was under about 5 layers of clothes and did not join...

And we're off...

We returned from lovely Colorado on 12/26, where they had some snow, to really snowy West Des Moines. Did I ever mention how much I enjoyed last winter where global warming was so much more evident? I put in a couple days at work - it was pretty quiet at the 'ol Wallace Building. I didn't ever go say a final goodbye to our Chief Brian Tormey. I hate goodbyes. So long Big Guy! We'll struggle at times without you, but we'll survive.

Friday night we packed again - I had gotten Blackie out for the Colorado trip. That's my ancient wheelie suitcase I inherited from my mom. It must be one of the original Samsonite bags, and it's so old that the wheels are about shot. But I used it these past 4 years commuting and it's like part of me. Everything has its place.

Dwight and Marilyn Conover picked us up Saturday morning. They are our former Creston neighbors, though they moved to Okoboji a couple years ago and had spent lots of time there even before that. Dwight was the prez of the bank I worked at when we first moved to Creston, so we've known them ever since. Nice people, and as a bonus, huge Cyclone fans - especially Marilyn (we call her Merle). She and I have had discussions about how it's not logical for adult women to lose sleep over college athletics...yet we can't stop ourselves. Ah well...I guess it's better than being addicted to bath salts (that's a drug I saw information about on the news...bad stuff!)

Our drive to Memphis was pretty uneventful. We dropped our car off at the Reynolds home in Osceola. You might recognize that name - yes, our car is now famous because Kim Reynolds is the Lt. Gov. I told Paul that we might return to find my car soaped if Kim knows my political persuasion...but she restrained herself. My Republican friends cautioned me to lock the doors just in case..

Our friends Don and Diana McKim arrived at our motel, Residence Inn just before we did. They were traveling from Dallas where they went just after Christmas to see relatives. Don's nephew and wife gave birth to twin sons on Thursday! Don already had a drink mixed when I rolled Blackie by his door. The hotel was old but rooms were recently re-done and each had a raised bedroom/bath with a sitting area and kitchenette below.

Love this pic of us 3 girls!

Another good shot. Damn we have good school colors!
 

 

We soon ventured out to the streets of Memphis. Barbecue was the meal of choice, so we put our name in at Rendezvous - a wait of 1+ hour so we went around the corner for a drink instead of standing outside in the cold. No heat wave in Memphis - I think Denver was much warmer! When we returned to the restaurant, the food was good and they were quite efficient moving folks in and out.

Waiting for Barbecue

Next stop, the famous Beale Street! Now I finally know just what Marc Cohn is saying in the "Walking in Memphis" song - "walking with my feet ten feet of of Beale" I alway sang pier. But I knew that wasn't quite right!

We went to Silky O'Sullivans, where some tailgating friends were. It's a rickety old structure with some outdoor areas covered with plastic that did nothing to keep me warm! Kevin and Carrie from Davenport were there along with Kleins - parents of our star linebacker, A.J. who will play in the NFL next year. They park their RVs near where McKims park the Pace Arrow for each home game - so through the years they've all gotten to know each other. Small world department Kevin and Carrie's son worked at the landfill at one time and knows Kathy the manager there. Only in Iowa...

Coach Paul Rhoads!

Did I mention Memphis was inundated with cardinal and gold? Cyclone fans were everywhere! I love it. It's like taking the state of Iowa on vacation with you, with lots of familiar faces. I saw Amy's college roomie Rachelle first thing. Later I cruised through the other rooms of the labrynth - the dueling pianos were great! The rest of the clan joined me there - it was much warmer, and ISU's athletic director introduced CPR (Coach Paul Rhoads). The crowd went wild. The singers did Sweet Caroline and a pathetic version of the fight song. A good time was had by all! By the time we left we WERE walking with our feet 10 feet off... 

Isn't that street cool!?!

Christmas Day

I hope I can remember this - it's been over a week ago already! I think I've killed some brain cells since then.

First I must tell you, my daughter back-handed me in our motel room Christmas Eve...It was my own fault! I was being cute. We were all very tired, though I'd only had one drink all night. She was sleeping with us at the Riverwalk Inn that night so Colby could stay at home after partying.

Amy popped into the bathroom and slipped into her jammies and brushed her teeth. Then she slipped into bed. Paul, who had imbibed more than one drink, changed next and tried to slip into bed. I asked, "Did you brush your teeth?" Sheepishly, he went back to take care of that chore. Then I popped my daily migraine meds into my mouth and took a sip of water walking  towards Amy, now tucked into her bed. Feeling smart and funny, I put my face too close to hers and started to ask, "Did you wash your face?" Like I was the night night police. Unfortunately Amy's not used to people invading her space when she's trying to sleep! She backhanded as a reflex (I think...) and I choked, nearly aspirating my meds while I laughed.

The children (they'll always be my babie) search for a tiny pickle ornament

Colby went all out and got Liv some Cheerios for Christmas (and nice earrings)

The next day, we arrived at Cindy's ready to open gifts. The kids had to find the pickle to see who got to open the first present. Liv, Colby's girlfriend won the prize. Cindy tried to cook breakfast goodies and be the present fairy, but eventually Amy took over. Once again, people were much too generous! I hope all were pleased with the gifts we got them (or they had proper gift receipts if not...). Amy, Jud, Kara and Paul left to ski Beaver Creek mid morning. So fortunate Aunt Cindo provides free lift coupons! She shouldn't even bother with gifts for them after that...$100+ worth. Colby planned to ski so he and Liv left soon too. That left Cindy and me to clean up a bit and we had a jigsaw puzzle to do. It was a nice chance for me to talk with my sis - to see how she is doing. Dang, it's F'n hard to lose your spouse.

 

That afternoon, after Paul and the kids got back, we went back to the Riverwalk for a bit, then it was time to go back to Cindy's. Odie was staying there in her kennel while we went to Pottorff's for supper. She feels safe there.

We took some leftover chicken wings and Cindy's halftime dip over to Bonnie and Eric's. They had deviled eggs - reminding me of my gran, Momo. She used to make them for Christmas too. Frank the wine rep was there and there was delightful chardonnay. Bonnie and Eric's son Byron wasn't there. He'd gone back to California to work at his internship with the LA Clippers as a trainer early that morning. The Sanders fam arrived and the kids all mingled - fun to see. Reeve is a frosh football player at a college in SW Colorado. Kelsey played soccer at NWMSU (Yes Maryville, MO) graduating when Jud did from ISU. Cute kids. Kelsey is now at Physical Therapy School - at Eastern Michigan I think.

Sanders Family. Mad I didn't get one of the Pottorffs!

The prime rib was fab as usual. We gotten to know Shaloy and Jim, Bonnie and Eric so well. I still don't know Frank the wine guy that well, but his wares are yummy! I love how they love my sis and Colby. And they loved Bolder. Kara isn't a big meat eater which was fine because Jim and Kelsey are vegetarians, so there are plenty of potatoes, bread and salad. Bonnie even made dessert.

At the end of the evening I was sad to say goodbye to everyone - including Cindy and Colby, because we were leaving early the next day. Good thing we're seeing them in April in Florida! Paul and Colby have plans to go fishing a couple times. Cindy and I will read and hang out by the pool.

It was a good Christmas. We missed Bolder. There is an empty spot where the big lug should be! Colby and Cindy are doing as well as can be expected. It sucks. They're survivors. We sure love 'em! And we were honored to be invited (or to invite ourselves) to be with them again this year.

My gift from Jud and Kara - so cute!