Cool casseroles

I've written about my recent visit with my fab hometown friends. You may also have seen me write of my beloved Aunt Marty, who lives in Denver. I was thinking about all these wonderful ladies lately.

Marty lives in a really nice retirement community called Holly Creek which has many of the usual amenities like a weight room, a pool along with a nice restaurants and party rooms. It also has something unusual - a radio station.

My Aunt Marty is a radio personality. Link to TV story. She interviews people who live in Holly Creek, asking them about their lives. When we stayed with her just before Christmas she was able to relate to us a couple of the residents' rich journeys. Marty also has a memory like an elephant - she never forgets. I bet the people of Holly Creek enjoy telling their stories to Marty and the other radio personalities and the folks living in the communities like hearing each others' stories.

When I was with my friends in Florida, as we hung out together, we talked a bit about our own lives. Some of us lost track of each other for some time, during our twenties and thirties. We're still catching up with each other on what we missed - happy times and sad, scary and brave. I wish we would have stayed in touch back then - so we could have supported each other as we do now, but that was then. My friends are such interesting people with rich, full lives, just like the ones at Marty's retirement community - less 25 years experience. Think how cool we'll be at that age!

My mom was great at making casseroles. She'd add various ingredients, chicken - noodles or rice, a few spices and the next thing you knew, it was a delectable meal, hot and filling. People are like casseroles, I decided on my lunchtime walk today. The casserole is good that first day - but let it sit for a while. The ingredients really mix and the spices start shining through. I guess I was hungry when I came up with the analogy but you get the picture.

Young people are beautiful and interesting - full of potential. Someday they will be lovely leftovers like me.

Number five got hitched

Craig, the fifth of the country cousins got hitched a couple weeks ago. Woohoo! Amy and Jud spent a lot of time with their cousins when they were young. Paul's brother Larry and family lived at the farm where Paul grew up. When we went to Earlville to visit Paul's folks, we'd stop at the farm and the kids would hang out with their "country cousins". They'd play video games and ninja turtles. It was pretty cool that Craig, Karl and Kurt (the two older guys, Brad and Chad may or may not have participated - they were a little older and may have been too cool) took Amy and Jud out and about to the creek and climbing in the barn. Good farm stuff and good memories.

Fast forward a few years...kids grow up and all of the country cousins have gone on to go to college, gotten jobs and four got married. There are even several adorable grand nieces and nephews involved. Karl actually teaches chemistry at Valley High School here in WDM - I wish I could have had a teacher like him. The other guys live closer to their folks - in the Waterloo/Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area.

Craig took a while to find just the right partner. Her was busy with his job at Rockwell Collins and training for and doing triathlons. And Erin was it! The wedding took place at a fancy barn venue just north of Iowa City in later January - and they really lucked out. The weather was perfect.

And as a side note, an HGTV film crew was on hand to record the couple right after the wedding. The team had been working with Craig and Erin the past few weeks as they readied Erin's fathers house for sale. He had passed away in 2015. They said they'd let us know when/if this pilot airs on the channel. Don't worry - when I find out it's airing, I'll let you know!

Goldsmith sibs

All of Paul's brothers and sisters made it. The ceremony was simple and perfect, and so they were married surrounded by family and friends. The reception afterwards was fabulous - super prime rib and a s'mores bar and pie! So good.

Time with family, experiencing the joy of a new marriage - so good! George and Laura would have been so proud. Congrats to Craig and Erin.

Toto Too

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

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

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

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

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

at the game

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

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

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

RAGBRAI is going through Creston!

It's about time. The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is going through Creston in 2016. It's number IXIV. I know - I didn't know what that Roman number meant until I went back and looked up the list and figured it out! That means 44. The last time they came through was XXIV, I believe - so it was twenty years ago.

Paul and I were children then! Okay, not quite - but we weren't yet forty years old. That qualifies in my book. We lived in our first home on the corner of Walnut and Prairie Streets in town. Once the route was announced, our rooms and yard were booked quickly by Goldsmith relatives. Paul sister Jean, husband Dave and their daughter Peg called to say they were coming, along with his sister Carol. I think Carol's daughter Barb was there too. We also volunteered to park an RV of Californians (they were kinda snooty) in the yard.

When RAGBRAI came to Creston last time, the whole town was abuzz with the preparations. Creston, a town of just over 8,000 people would be taken over by 10,000 plus sweaty people on wheels. They would be hungry and thirsty, some very thirsty if you know what I mean. They would camp in the parks and stay with volunteer residents - in their homes and yards. There were port-o-potties and waste disposal to arrange (notice I think of this stuff first), food/drink and entertainment to put together. It's a big undertaking for communities.

Our Catholic School, St. Malachy planned to help feed tired sweaty bikers by hosting a Spaghetti Supper. Like most parochial schools, big financial needs, always looking for ways to raise money. As parents of students and active supporters of the school, Paul and I helped plan the big event and worked that evening.

The day the riders rolled into Creston was hot. Some bikers got there early. (The A student over-achievers). Others wheeled in throughout the day - including Paul's family. The parties began. By the end of the day, all towels at the Goldsmith abode were wet. Paul and I worked our shift at the Spaghetti Supper - people were lined up down the block to get those carbs. Later there was a street dance by the Elks Club. The lore is that the people who partied in Prescott, the town before you get to Creston, got pretty wild. There were rumors of naked super sliding and swimming in a pond.

Our niece Peg stopped at the Gummi Bear plant outlet and shipped a case of the gooey candy back to NYC to pass out to kids when she got home. Others took candy along with them as they rode out of town - on through Winterset to DSM. Creston did itself proud that day. It will again in 2016! Bring on the traveling city on wheels.

My honey likes RAGBRAI riding. I prefer riding with fewer friends

Good Bad Twins

Aren't we all really Gemini at heart? You know - the good/bad twins.

Can you tell I've been watching Nurse Jackie on Netflix. I like complex characters - in books, movies and television. Nurse Jackie, the drug addicted ER nurse epitomizes the term complex. Jackie, played by Edie Falco, does a crackerjack job of making you love the highly competent nurse and person that she can be. Yet the addict Jackie infuriates. She cheats on her husband, messes up her daughters, lies to co-workers and steals from them. She endangers patients - and does not see this as against her oath as a nurse.

I became addicted to the show Nurse Jackie and began thinking about addiction and the idea of the good/bad sides of people. There are seven seasons of the show on Netflix. I've watched them all in the past few weeks. In the first few seasons, the good things about Jackie outweigh the bad things. Now, in later seasons, I'm disgusted by the things Jackie has done. She slid further and further down the addiction hole. She is the best liar ever. In real life I can't believe an addict could keep all those lies straight. I can believe how those around an addict want to believe the lies.

I believe each of us has a good and a bad side - we have to choose our own path. It's been interesting how the producers of the show have allowed this character to slide downhill. It's even harder to watch people slide like that in real life.

I believe we all have tenancies for addiction - some of us have stronger tenancies than others. I know how easy habits are to slip into. A cappuccino here, a hot bath there - a glass of wine. Next thing you know, it's a daily thing.  Some addictions can be a good thing, like exercise. Even exercise can be an addiction if it controls you.

Addictions don't follow the rules of logic - something I struggle with as I watch the show Nurse Jackie. Just when she seemed to have her life squared away - one year sober, a new boyfriend and a job going well, she messed it up by using again. It's like she sabotaged her life on purpose. How does one combat that? I'm watching Season 7, the last season, now. It will be interesting to see how the producers put this one to bed. I can't believe they will allow an ending that is too rosy, considering what a trainwreck Jackie's life as been to date. I hope they allow a glimmer of hope for happiness for the family and others who love Jackie.

Life can be hard. We all do the best we can. I'll keep working toward the good me on this journey.

Sparkly dresses

I purchased a sparkly purse last Sunday at TJMaxx for under $20. It's a little clutch to use at "the wedding". At Christmas my sister Cindy jolted me into the reality that I couldn't be dragging my large leather Dooney and Bourke shoulder bag along wearing a MOG dress. To translate Mother of the Groom.

Holy smokes - I've got to get a fancy schmancy dress for this formal occasion. It's not like I haven't worn a dress in years. Okay it's been a couple now. But I wear them to other people's weddings. But this one is special and demands a special dress! Gulp.

The last time I graced that section of a dress store was shopping for prom dresses for Amy - her junior year. By her senior year, she was over it and just got a dress online. For her stint as homecoming queen candidate, she borrowed beautiful gowns instead of buying - saving additional trips to Stacy's and David's Bridal. Phew!

Now I'm faced with the hunt for the dress. Long or not? Um - with my legs...those lumpy knees. (Thanks a lot Mom) it will likely be long, at least over the knee. That would also help solve the show problem - flats! I will need some way to cover my shoulders, so a jacket would be good, but I don't want to look like Jud's grandma either! Then there is my last of a bust...so there may be some alterations involved.

Some of the selections tried on so far...

Yes, I know - I won't be the center of attention at this grant event. But I want to look good, you know? Wish me luck as I venture out to begin trying on dresses. Those dressing room lights are very unforgiving. I hope to bring my bestie Deb in for support soon. I already checked out Von Mauer but there are many other places to go. Or not - maybe I'll get lucky quickly!

Smart Wool socks didn't look great with this one..

The good news? Wedding plans (April 23) are going well! Jud and Kara are very organized and have done a great job at dotting all those important i's. It's going to be a fairly small affair with mainly family (which is large on both sides) and their friends. It will be here before we know it. I need a dress!

Kids These Days

Kids these days...they can't get away with anything. I guess it's kind of their own fault. Or social media's.

Back when I used to walk five miles uphill both ways to school, before the advent of instant sharing of all things, kids did crazy things. It was rare for the press to pick up on the stuff we did and make it front page news. Today, there is no place to hid.

Like the Stanford Band, for instance. Their antics from the Rose Bowl were big news here in Iowa. Stanford Cow

While I wasn't at the game, and ESPN didn't care to show the performance once they realized the gig wasn't a marching band spelling out the word Cardinal. I didn't see it until Twitter links and articles began to show up online after the game. It seems Hawkeye fans booed the performance making fun of Iowa farmers and they began to tweet about it. Some of the tweets were a hoot! Like the guy who said he overheard someone in the crowd say "the cow isn't even shaped right"! Only an Iowan, right?

Soon the real news media was covering "the story". People were pleased to see that the Stanford Band is banned from traveling to games due some other antics having to do with alcohol and some such (not cows and Farmersonly.com). Still, some serious angst went out toward those kids. Iowans wrote columns about how important our state is in delivering food to America. Seriously? I doubt band members were thinking about food when they came up with the routine. (unless they were smoking doobies and had the munchies).

I was surprised that people got so bent out of shape about the band. Can't we laugh at goofy stuff anymore? Why must we be so serious all the time?

When I was in college, there was a terrible tragedy where a cult leader named Jim Jones talked hundreds of people into committing mass suicide at the People's Temple in Guyana. They drank poison mixed with Kool aid.

What did college kids at the U of I do? They had Jonestown parties with liquor and Kool aid (according to my Atlantic Hawkeye friends). I thought it was funny. Did we think about the victims or their families? No. We were self-centered college kids. It was all about us!

a pic of HS friends during college years

Does this prove we are uncaring souls? Not really. Just like those in law enforcement and health care professions - we need to carry on. Life can be stressful - even for supposed crazy college kids. Blowing off steam by being "bad ass" can help.

When we grow up that line gets much finer - we no longer get the "just a kid" benefit of the doubt. Some people say the PC police are overboard. For the most part I like the changes - in our behavior and the way we talk. I admit I'm embarrassed about some of the jokes I told in the past - they were quite racist and sexist. I'll probably continue to tell some sexist ones...

Sometimes I still like being a little bit bad.