Epiphany in the bathtub

No the Three Kings didn't come visit me in the tub. I'm talking about the other definition of the word - according to Webster "a sudden grasp of reality...usually striking and simple".

This happened way back before 1998, because I recall it was in my rose pink tub at our first house in Creston. That was my thinking refuge. The bathtub began to be my refuge when I gave birth to my first child. The tub was a place I could "get away" from everything - nursing bras, pads, a crying baby, the phone. It was all for me. I could think there.

This was about the year we moved to the new house. Paul must have been spending lots of time outside!
 

And just like thoughts that come to me when I'm driving, bathtub thoughts often come out of the blue. It's like they've been percolating in my subconscious, arriving fully formed from the depths of my gooey inner cortex. I told my friend Mary Faber about my epiphany in the tub - she said she was glad I didn't drown.

My inspiration was that I should start a desktop publishing business. Wordsmith Communications didn't happen until we got all situated in our new house out by Lake McKinley, and the kids were around 12 and 9 years old. But my business did become a reality - and actually made money! The cash was very helpful when it came to raising two kids. Athletic shoes for every sport don't pay for themselves...Paul was very supportive of my efforts. (and loved the income)

Newsletters were my forte. I helped our Catholic school with the Foundation newsletter a few times a year. Next I snagged a good gig from an offshoot of an ISU Extension program CHIPS (Cowherd Improvement Program). The beef experts would write articles and I would format them into a newsletter and apply labels and sort for mailing. Amy and Jud helped me.

The other newsletter I worked on was for the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations. As I got more involved with the trash world, I joined that organization and naturally slid into that job - great extra $! I kept it up until I took the job with the Department of Natural Resources. By then, I was emailing the newsletters - not mailing them. And newsletters were beginning to be an out-of-date method of communicating to stakeholders. They were looking for a more "quick hitter" article, not long pieces.

I wonder what's incubating inside my brain right now? Or yours. On behalf of my brain, my mouth (fingers, really) would like to say listen to your inner epiphanies. They're in there! Or that voice inside you that tells you a decision you made is wrong...listen to that too. You're smarter than you think - if you listen.

Movie Night - August in Osage County

I talked Pablo into going to the newest Meryl Streep movie last night. He's not a huge Julia Roberts fan so that wasn't a draw for him. He wants to see American Hustle - so I guess I'll need to go to that now that we saw my pick this weekend. There seem to be a lot of good movies out right now.

The movie was good - but not great. I read today that the screenplay was written from a successful play - and that was what it seemed like - a play. The acting, especially by Streep, was so good that it was almost too painful to watch. She plays a mean mother of three grown daughters. She is suffering from mouth cancer and is addicted to pills - any kind. Painkillers and downers seem to be her favorites. She's married to a washed-up alcoholic poet.

Only one of the sisters lives in Oklahoma near the parents. But the other two (including Pretty Woman, Julia) arrive when tragedy occurs. The interaction between the family members is so realistic. And ugly, and sad. Meryl chain smoked through the whole movie. F-bombs were dropped constantly. While some of the conversations were funny - in a sad way, the movie doesn't contain much humor.

If you want to see a "pick me up" movie - this isn't it. If you'd like to see Meryl act her ass off - go see this movie. There are some other good acting performances in this movie as well. I thought Julia was good - but I don't believe she has a great deal of range as an actress.

So far we have recently seen 3 movies. Nebraska, Saving Mr. Banks and this one. I would rank them in that order. Paul liked Mr. Banks the best - the one with Tom Hanks. It was about Walt Disney and the story behind the purchase of the rights from author P.L. Travers to make the movie Mary Poppins.

I did enjoy that movie. Emma Thompson was great as was Tom. I loved the back story of Emma's character - P.L.'s childhood. When I got home from the movie I had to look up more on the story. And watching that movie made me recall attending the Mary Poppins movie as a child. It came out in 1964 and we got dressed up and saw this in a big city theater I believe. I probably wore white bobbie socks with my dress - cute!

Odie is going to be alright

The vet called me at work Monday as I was heating up my leftovers for lunch (we cooked scallops Sunday night - yummy!). She gave me the good news - Odie's growth, removed from her chest last Thursday, isn't cancer! Yippy! The tumor was some long scientific name - cell growth from a trauma. And now it's been removed and she's feeling really good. Especially since I took the damn shirts off of her.

Pasta with scallops

Dr. Merk had told me to protect and support the stitches with a "onesie" baby outfit. So I rushed to Target and got her 3, Cyclone outfits of course. Plus some undershirts in case those didn't fit. I know - overprotective mamma. She hated them! And whined the whole time she had one on. It may have been because she was in pain - but as soon as I took them off - she was better. (She did look adorable - but she's a nudist at heart...). The stitches are set to come out Friday. Our little $700 medical excursion has had a good ending. Relief.

Thanks to all for those puppy prayers. As I was putting my hopes and prayers out there that she would be okay, I began to wonder...do we only get so many requests we may ask of the Big Guy? (or Higher Power - whatever you might call that being you pray to). Did I just use one of my "markers" up on a dog? Ah well - she's worth it!

I would have posted this earlier, but my Internet Explorer and blog software were not playing nicely. I ended up having to uninstall IE11. Google didn't like it.

Monday afternoon Paul and I took off early to drive to Atlantic to attend the visitation for Jody Henningsen. Despite the sad occasion it's always nice to see my wonderful friend Robyn. Her sis Karla was there and the Henningsen siblings too. My homegirls and I (Paula put herself in charge) went in on an arrangement with an angel and Roger Underwood sent one from the Class of 1976.

There was laughter and a few tears. I enjoyed hearing some of the Jody stories some of the other attendees shared - like the woman from Brinks flowers shop. She told about when Jody and Tom first moved into their home north of town - it was a cool place and had a huge great room that featured a fireplace in the middle. Jody stopped at Brinks and said "I want to decorate in red. And I want YOU and You to come help me. Be there tomorrow and bring That and That and That." When they got to the house the next day, Jody put them to work. She also made them lunch and slipped them bottles of booze and cash as they left. I bet lunch was really good - she was a fab cook!

Rob told me Tom Henningsen's brother Denny also just passed away - so the fam is headed to Clear Lake tomorrow for that funeral. At least the weather is warming up a bit for that drive and event. Robyn says that even though her mom is gone, she'll still visit Atlantic every year. It will be different though. I'm glad she's so close to the Henningsens. Mike still throws a big party for the 4th of July every year at his hangar at the airport.

Last night we enjoyed a great basketball game - #9 ISU beat #7 Baylor in Ames. Our team just keeps finding ways to win. They're fun to watch!

Today I had a work meeting at the Kum and Go (I know...awful name) Corporate office - in the Hawkeye room, of all places. The Krause family members are big Hawk fans and I appreciate their support of their team. I thought about how my parents would have gotten a kick out of seeing the memorabilia in the room. I liked the photo on the wall featuring all the assistant coaches who went on to be head coaches. Shelly picked up lunch from Palmers Deli for all of us - I got a turkey sannie with a slice of granny smith - delish! Some unknown person bought our whole group. Pay it forward...I'm looking for my opportunity!

After work, I went to my YMCA for orientation on the weight equipment. Yep - I finally settled into the Y long enough to be comfortable enough to do that. (I'm a slow adapter when it comes to things that involve other people). Eric was very nice - and a young woman shadowed us too. He showed me how to use each piece of the equipment. Most was similar to the Creston equipment - but there were a few different pieces.

I asked about a workout routine - and Eric asked if I wanted to get set up in the ActivTrax program. Sure! I didn't realize that meant I had to do a workout. I'll be sore as hell tomorrow. I did 35 crunches in 1 minutes ya'll. AND didn't wet my pants. That was an accomplishment! The one I really struggled with was a shoulder press - not surprising with my frozen shoulder issues. Hey - that's why I'm doing this.

After my workout I ran to HyVee to pick up supper and some Allegra - isn't winter supposed to be when my nose isn't plugged up? I ran into Meg Gammell Jackson in the college paraphernalia aisle. She and Mark and 3 kids live in Grimes right across from sister Kate (due to have baby #2 on the 20th) and her husband. She said her folks were in the deli. Fun to see some familiar faces at the store again!

Crestonians - Eldon, Marg, their son-in-law and grandkids

I talked them into to posing for a blog pic.

It's been a busy week - and it's "Guess what day it is?"

Tomorrow Pablo and I are giving blood. So it should be a quiet night. I hope your week is going well!

It's Easy As

ABC - it's Easy as 1,2,3. Beyoncé released an album recently without any fanfare - all the songs all at once. She didn't piece it out one song at a time like artists usually do nowadays. She said she wanted to do it the old fashioned way - recalling the excitement of when artists she loved as a kid released new albums. They were probably CDs as young as she is.

Not for me! I grew up back in the day. My first recollection of a music purchase was a day when Laurie Reinertson and I were going to walk downtown to do our usual Saturday shopping. I must have been 9 years old We'd frequent Bonneson's (it was across the street from where it is now) to purchase candy. Pixie Stix, purple bubble gum, giant Sweet Tarts, wax pop bottles. They had all the good candy. Even my favorite - fresh malted milk balls in the candy case. It's surprising I didn't turn diabetic right there...

We'd also hit Woolworth's. I loved looking at the fish and drooled over the hamsters there - so cute! Why wouldn't my mother let me get one? (as a kid I couldn't understand it...as an adult, I totally get why one would not wish to have a rodent-like creature living under one's roof). We'd check out the toys and gadgets at those stores and Ben Franklin too.

On this particular occasion, my oldest sis, Susi, asked me to walk one more block down the street to purchase a "45" for her at Meyer Music. It was 98.6, by the singer Keith. It would cost something like $1 and she would give me an extra $.X for my trouble (I don't remember the amount). Like any bratty little sis, I said no. Laurie was standing right there during the offer. And she was up to make some $. So she agreed to get the record. Joke was on me - I still had to be in on the purchase but didn't get the money. Hmmm.

After stopping at Ben Franklin, we walked the next block north to Meyer Music. Art Meyer owned it - a tony gig since he was also the High School band teacher. He got to sell and rent instruments to students that he then coached in band. "You don't want that cut-rate tuba do you Johnny? You might become first chair if you get this better model." hehe. $$. None of the Bullocks were in band (oops, Bets just reminded me was a flute player. My memory isn't always quite so sharp) so I don't really know how it worked - I'm sure he was more than fair. He probably just wanted students to be in band because he loved it.

Along with instruments and sheet music, Meyer Music featured singles and albums - back before Atlantic had WalMart or any predecessors. I remember scouring the wall for the record I wanted. The clerk helped Laurie and me find the single for Susi. I don't know what was on the "flip" side of the single. That was the song the artist would put on the other side of the popular song - when you purchased a "single" you really got 2 songs. As you can tell, I'm really still mad at myself for not taking Susi up on her offer...

A few years later music started to become important to me. My Dad and older sisters definitely affected my musical taste. Dad liked to listen to Herb Alpert and the Ray Coniff Singers. He had one of the first stereo systems in Atlantic. Mom freaked out when my pal Robyn and I were messing with the electric toothbrush and overfilled the sink - which dripped on the stereo. Oops.

My sisters listened to the Beatles, Rare Earth, Young Rascals, Cream - and many others. In junior high I started to develop my own music identity - I got my very first album!

And I got a great birthday present - a portable record player. It didn't look quite like this one. We got it at Best Western. Everyone knows that was the place to go for electronics! I kept it under my bed and would listen to the Michael Jackson Album every night. Good thing my roomie, Betso didn't mind.

My was brown and had a snap on lid

I shared a bedroom with Betso (pay no attention to the Iowa pennant behind me...)

 

The great thing about albums was the artwork inserted containing lyrics. With every album I purchased, I spent hours pouring over the lyrics of each - memorizing them. I learned the names of band members and tried to decided which one was my favorite. Elton John was another artist I counted down the days awaiting new records from. Some albums even came with posters and other inserts for fans. This couldn't ever be done once cassette tapes and CDs came into being.

When Beyoncé mentioned that she remembered worshipping her Michael Jackson CDs and wanted to provide that experience when she put out her new album - I applaud her! This generation should experience the joy of getting to know their music more intimately than just hearing it. Then someday they may blog (or what ever they call it then) about.

2014 Preview

The new year is ticking away. It's already Day 4.

Odie's January 2nd surgery is in the rearview mirror, thank goodness. She had a tumor near her right armpit (do dogs have armpits?). I first noticed it the Sunday after Thanksgiving when she was sitting on my lap - lumpy. The vet wanted to remove it right away but we delayed until after our Christmas trip.

I dropped Odie off at Ashworth Road Vet Clinic just after 8 a.m. that day. Dr. Jessica Merk called me late that morning to say she was in recovery and trading yips with her cellmate. Dr. Merk thought the tumor was smaller than when she first felt it 3 weeks ago - good! She was able to remove it all and didn't see any signs of other tumors. Paws crossed that the biopsy turns out good. Today she's feeling very good - the doc had told me to keep her in a "onesie". Though it looked cute, I think it just rubbed the stitches.

Paul and I don't have much planned in the next couple cold Ioway months besides watching some good basketball. We have season tickets to ISU Men's basketball - 30 minutes north of here. The team is playing well so far. The winter of 2013/14 has really been winter like. Damn Iowa. Brutal cold is projected for the next few days. Hunker down time.

Jud plans to come back for a game - around his January 30th birthday. He'll be 25 ya'll. It's just not possible - because I'm only 40! haha

In my spare time I'll plug away on genealogy stuff and go to the YMCA. I love the pool. I signed up for a WordPress class - 2 nights at the end of February. I may switch my blog over to that software. I could do my own website too.

Paul and Judson are buying Big 12 tournament tickets. They're very expensive so I didn't get one - probably a mistake. I just can't part with that much money. It's in Kansas City - Jud's stompin' grounds in mid March. Not long after that we'll be getting jacked up for our annual Marco Island, FL trip. This year will include a special trip to Key West for Cindy's 60th birthday. ROAD TRIP! Should be fun. I'm thinking pub crawl...but at our ages, we'd probably make 2 pubs...I hope the gators don't get us.

In May we will make our annual Memorial Day trek to Colorado. Cindo says she'd like to come down to the big city (Denver). I'd also like to go to Susi's house in Grand Junction sometime too -we've not seen the home they moved to last year. We'll get to see all the usuals including our baby girl.

About our girl. She quit her job Friday. After working at a design firm for a few months, she decided that type of work is what she enjoys doing - but not at that firm. The owner wanted her to sign an all encompassing non-compete contract. Her attorney friend advised her against it. So did her parents. That document would have blocked her from freelance and working in the industry for 2 years. After talking it over we encouraged her to give her dream of starting her own design/other stuff business a chance. A couple of my high school classmates started their own biz - and it worked out pretty well. Of course they worked their asses off, made some right moves and probably had some luck along the way. Fingers crossed (and sweat equity) she does too.

So Amy is starting a whole new endeavor - her own graphic design (and other stuff like writing etc.) firm. It's so exciting! She plans to specialize in things like marketing materials, branding and labels - the types of things she's been doing for the past 3 years. But she won't limit herself as she'll need all the business she can get. She loves doing wedding and other party invites and my favorite part is she knows how to do them in a "low waste" manner, utilizing only one sheet of paper. They're cheaper to mail that way too. She's able to insert the map and other information if the couple wants that too.

So if you know anyone looking for a logo, t-shirt design, brochure, baby announcements, billboard, or food label - Amy Goldsmith Design (or some new cool name) is your company. She is going to spend some time getting her company set up and putting marketing stuff together etc. Right away she'll be working on lining up a part time job to help support herself during this start up time. Go kiddo - pursue your dreams!

One of our few times kayaking 2013 - Red Rock, near Pella

Back to us. Paul and I would like to get more kayaking in this coming summer. Last summer's strange weather precluded much paddling. Perhaps my pal Deb and I can take a trip in - and really get onto a river this year. Last summer the raging river was too fast to paddle on the Root near Lanesboro. I'd like to bike more too - there are so many great trails around here - besides the immediate DSM area, just north there are many to explore. My bike Albie and I need to hit the road.

We're heading west to Cannon Beach, OR to see my sisters July 5th. I'm not sure if the kids will make it. The Kohans (Betso's fam) go there every year, but we've been trying to get there every other year. I hope to see niece Leslie and grand neph James who will be one year old by then. We love that area and seeing our fam - no matter who shows up. My cousin Leslie and husband Bob hail from Portland, and perhaps more cousins will join us?! Chowder, beach walks, Tilamook, beer - the place has it all!

We're kicking around a train trip - Osceola to Chicago. And hope to be invited to Lake of the Ozarks. Football season will come around again. I hope for a better season. We are working to upgrade our new tailgating system - post McKim RV. Will I get together with my high school homies? We didn't discuss a location. I'd love to have them visit DSM.

Our routines of lives don't look to change a whole lot though. My vacation time will be used by my trips already planned. People probably wonder - don't we get tired of doing the same things over and over. I guess the answer is no. I'm a creature of habit. I like to relax on vaca. When I retire I'll be ready to explore.

With each passing year I find that I take more pleasure in the little things. Hanging with old friends - they know my stuff. Meeting new ones and hearing their stories - sharing mine. A warm puppy snoring by my side in my chair. Finding a clue and adding information about a relative to my genealogy data. Getting to know our children as adults - how did they do that? Grow up from the little people they were to become these interesting people they are now?

Volunteer opportunities. I would like to find more ways to give back (I know - sounds hokie, doesn't it?). It's not as easy as it sounds though. Many times just finding the thing you can do that fits your schedule and actually helps someone/thing is the hardest part. There is much that needs to be done. I challenge you to do the same. Every little thing helps. I'd also like to remember to "pay it forward" - and do little things to make peoples' weeks better. Pay for the coffee of the next person in line, buy lunch for the couple in the next booth.

Bring it on 2014. With the love and support of my family and friends, and the grace of the higher power I'm ready.

Jody joins her Tom Tom

Robyn with Amy and me this summer

My memories of Jody date back to their first house on Oak Street, nestled up against a hill. I spent a lot of time in that home playing with my friend Robyn and of course her momma Jody was there. I got word today that Jody passed away yesterday January 1, at the age of 83. Obituary

Robyn is my oldest (or should I say mostest longest) friends. I'm not sure how our parents got to know each other - back when Jody was married to Robyn's dad Bob Bredensteiner, who worked at the Atlantic News Telegraph (or the ANT as we called it). Dad's buddy Fritz Simpson was the publisher, so perhaps that was connection. In small towns we all know each other, I guess.

My Mom and Jody were not very much alike, but hung in the same circle. They connected enough to make sure Robyn and I played together. The Bredensteiners had a bar in their basement, which was perfect for pretending we were in the wild, wild west! Robyn was Honey West to my Maverick when we played pretend. Sometimes Jody would come singing down the stairs with a snack for us while we were playing. I still remember listening to the record story of "Hansel and Gretel" at their house. That was scary as hell! "Stick out your finger so I can see if you're fat enough to eat." Speaking of scary - the sound of Jody's voice yelling "Robyn Lee!" is embedded into my memory. It was never good when she rolled out the middle name...

Around the time we were in 6th grade, Bob and Jody's marriage broke up. She found the love of her life - Tom Henningsen - her Tom Tom. It wasn't an easy time for the kids involved - the Henningsens and Robyn and her sis Karla. Back then divorce wasn't common like it is today. But through the years, the new families gradually emerged. Today, all the kids are as close as siblings.

I believe Tom and Jody enjoyed over 30 years of marriage. They had a great life together - enjoying winters in the Bahamas, trips, golf, building homes together and more. Tom, an Atlantic native like Dad was one of my father's longtime friends. They loved to fish together and Tom had his pilot's license. He probably flew much longer than he should have. My fave story was when they flew somewhere without a flight plan...was it Canada? Officials were freaking out. Then they saw it was old guys and just laughed. Jody and Tom were perfect for each other.

Jody was dramatic and had great pipes (voice) and legs. It seems like she was always dressed up too - but that's probably just my memory bank. I think Jody even appeared in Atlantic musicals and seem to recall her sitting on a piano singing. She loved her dogs - she had miniature schnauzers. One was named "ToJo" for Tom and Jody. Hmm how about our next dog to be named LePa! (Kinda like leper) haha. Jody was a great cook and entertainer, much like her daughter Robyn, and she even ran a little antique store in Atlantic for a while. Her homes were awesome - she had great (and expensive) taste!

For the past few years, since Tom's death, Jody has lived at Heritage House, the retirement home in Atlantic. Her health has not been good. Still Robyn has been upbeat when talking about the care she has received and the conversations she's had when visiting her mom, which involved a flight from Rob's home in Orlando - most recently in November.

Yesterday I was texting Happy New Years to my high school buddies, and my concerns about my dog and her surgery scheduled for today. Rob didn't say a thing about her mom and her health. She said she didn't wish to text about it - understandable.

Jody's passing is a blessing. Her quality of life here on earth was dwindling and now she joins her beloved Tom - who passed a few years ago. Eagle's wings Jody!

I will see Robyn and the rest of the family at the visitation Monday afternoon. I am looking forward to it.

Year in review

For a year with 13 in it, it wasn't too bad! 2013 didn't have the drama, excitement and sadness that 2012 did for us, that's for sure. A year ago, Paul and I had just settled into our Des Moines digs. And last New Years day we were just returning from an ISU bowl game trip to Memphis.

We had spent a "let's make the best out of a kinda crappy situation" New Year's Eve with Don and Diana McKim and Dwight and Marilyn Conover. The Liberty Bowl trip had been fun - though chilly. The game was wet, cold and the team played lousy. Ugh. We retired to our hotel to eat the rest of our snacks, drink up all the booze we'd brought and lick our wounds. Eventually we decided to stay in and order pizza. We ended up making up a game - "Name that Creston Person" - though none of us are Creston natives. Jeff McFee and Sharon Higgins would have kicked ass in that game.

The rules were - give hints about a person like: they had a one-eyed dog and used to work at First National Bank. They wore two different colored shoes to work one time. Then everyone would try to guess who it was. The winner got to give hints about the next person. We played for hours! The game helped me remember many people who do, have and had lived in Creston through the years. Many good folks. Now we are those people, and so are Conovers - who live in Okoboji. McKims still hold down the fort in Crestonia.

Today we have a whole year of living in the Big City under our belts. Of course many - who are not Iowans - would not consider DSM a big city. But I still do. As Harry Hjortshoj (pronounced Yort-soy with maybe a bit of an H sound at the beginning), my boss at the Fina gas station used to tell me when I was traveling to Omaha, "Don't let your tonsils get sunburned looking at the tall buildings." I still gape. I'm living in a town with skyscrapers! (not called the Iowana - Creston's tallest building)

December 19, 2013 was my 5th anniversary of working at DNR. I commuted and lived with my buddy Joanie McFee Bentley a long time before my beloved and I made the big decision to move to Des Moines. We didn't make it lightly - after all we were leaving our home of 26 years! But living together makes it worth it. I like spending more time with Paul - we're not getting any younger - and long periods of time apart weren't a good way to live.

Cindo and Bonnie at the Farmer's Market

We love our new place, and have had lots of visitors, including Cindo and friend Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie Pottorff in June. That was one goal we had when buying a new home - somewhere people would want to stay. We continue to work on it, upgrading the beds and guest rooms (Amy and Jud still claim the rooms as theirs) to make them welcoming to all. We would like to continue to improve our entertaining skills.

Paul enjoys his new work position at the USDA state office. He worked at the county level for 30 years - and does miss being able to get out into the field seeing practices put into use. But he doesn't miss the stress of the potential of a farmer/friend being upset with him/the agency. At this level he's not directly working with farmers. And I'm relieved that he likes his job!

Paul and I investigated our new neighborhood in 2013. It was fun and exciting! Some of you were here to help us do it. We are still finding our way around. The Diamond Brooke ladies - our Townhouse Association - go out to eat the first Monday of each month. It's been nice to get to know them. I got a new bike, Albie, and we've been on the great bike path system around town. This year I'd like to venture farther to the system surrounding the city.

Jesse's Embers - 16 tables packed in

We starting checking out area restaurants we could go to - as our "go-to" places. Sure we enjoy Cheesecake Factory - a national chain that is close to our home. A classmate of Amy's works there, which helps it seem more local. Plus they make kick-ass martinis. And cheesecake (which we don't purchase often). I like the flatbread pizza. Paul likes the clam chowder. The local joints are our faves though - Mavericks is just west of Jordan Creek Mall. It's a sports bar. The original Legends seems like a Creston joint - it's on 60th and Ashworth. Good food!

Waveland windows change frequently

The best places are in Des Moines proper in my opinion. The Waveland Café - at 47th and University. Because of good food and cleanliness. Nope? It's the atmosphere. It's homey! I love the staff, the junk on the walls - and the food is reasonable and good, not fabulous. Jesse's Embers is another similar place - it's been here forever and is tiny and the staff is loyal and dedicated. Alba is my go-to fancy place. We still love The Standard for a martini and sandwich downtown. I can't wait to see what places we find this year!

Tired of shopping at the Farmer's Market? Have a BM with pal Jane Ertl

If you read this blog then you know how crazy I am about the Farmer's Market. We learned to cook several fresh things purchased there this year. Asparagus (thanks Bonnie and Cindo), green beans, carrots, red potatoes and more. Next year - who knows what cooking heights we could soar to?

Shows - we saw a few! Ran into Mr. Roger Underwood at the Gordon Lightfoot Show. Rog said, "See even Republicans like this stuff." Gee - ballads? No kidding. If you could read my mind! Always fun to see my high school pal Rog. Attended Fleetwood Mac with Barb and Steve Crittenden. Great show - and good friends. White Christmas was fab in December. Cyclone hoops has been fun so far!

We didn't travel too much last year. If you read our Christmas letter and my blogs of course you know this stuff...

We took a trip to Kansas City in March and hung out with Jud and Kara. What a fun town! Our annual Marco Island, Florida trip is always welcome. Love hanging with sister Cindy and nephew Colby - remembering our beloved Bolder. Colby hooked a shark during the boys' fishing trip. The Memorial Day Colorado trip included a baby shower for niece Leslie - so fun to see the Alvillar women along with the Lamms.

Baby Shower in Colorado

A photo booth at the wedding got a shot of the pretend cousins!

Kelly Behr - pretend niece - was married in June. She's my college roommate Vicki's daughter. Amy and Kelli were raised like cousins and Amy was pleased to be asked to be a bridesmaid. Our whole fam was able to attend and we got to see the Wilts and the extended Behr family in Northfield, MN. It was so nice to see Vic's family - I have know them for, well...longer than I've known Paul!



Deb in Lanesboro

My bestest bud Deb and I thought we'd finally get a kayaking trip in this year after a couple years of schedules (her sons getting married) that didn't allow such a trip.  We booked a Bed and Breakfast at the cool little burg of Lanesboro, MN - but Mother Nature supplied a buttload of rain that week and we didn't even take the boats along. We took bikes instead and had a great time drinking, shopping and biking. Paul got his guy trips in - hunting elk in Colorado (not to worry - the elk escaped unscathed) and pheasant in South Dakota with college pals Mike Huston and Tom Sullivan. In October I met some of my high school pals in Austin, TX for a long weekend of fun - what a cool town with some cool chicks!

Paula and Joan must have been talking to each other...

We were in Webster City for the Goldsmith Golf Tourney shortly after Amy returned from her South and Central America trip (6 weeks, several countries). We were fortunate to be invited once again to spend time at the Lake of the Ozarks with Creston friends. Always a good time with good peeps! In November we took a quick trip to Norman, Oklahoma to see McKim's son Ryan coach against the Cyclones in football. He coached his ass off and they killed us. Conovers were there too and we had a good time, despite the game.

My fave lake pic!

Our last home tailgating experience in Ames was memorable, November 9th - Donnie's bday. McKims and McFees came up the night before and stayed with us. Always a good time with those knuckleheads (we're included with that group). It was chilly and we didn't try to get too elaborate tailgating - no RV anymore, since McKims traded up to a lake home...

I keep using this pic - but love it! Skating at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was special! Amy flew in on Wednesday. Paul and I drove with her to Creston and met Jud and Kara there. Several Creston friends met us downtown at a bar, and later we had pizza. Nothing like longtime friends. (Notice I didn't say OLD). Celebrated Tgiving with Paul's sisters Jean and Carol with families. The best was hanging with the kids though. They've turned out pretty well so far. Though they're still in those formative "20's".

I just blogged about Christmas so...I won't go through that again.

We were blessed with several new great nieces and nephews (and some friends had bambinos too) during 2013. I enjoy watching family and friends' families growing up on Facebook. Keep those posts coming! (Not the political stuff - just upsets everyone who doesn't agree with you). We care about you.

Just want to say how much I appreciate how blessed we are to have the friends and family we do. We're not perfect - but we all care for each other - and put politics and old hurts aside. Love is stronger than that stuff!

Signed,
the queen of oversharing,

Leslie