A Dot on the Ocean er Lake

Riding on a boat on a big lake at night one begins to feel small. It's such a large lake, and the dark blue sky above goes on forever. The Big Dipper and the moon shone down, along with all the other sparkling stars. In the scheme of things we're all small. But I wasn't alone on the boat in the lake. I was feeling happy and pondering how fortunate I was to be sharing that time with good friends on a warm summer evening.

Paul's smile says it all

It was a weekend of fun with friends at LOTO (Lake of the Ozarks). Paul and I arrived at Al and Sharon's "Lake Place" Thursday afternoon and Bobbie and Jeff joined us soon after. We spent some time sitting on the deck enjoying the lake on a hot humid afternoon, while catching up with pals. Later, Paul and Lucy came to pick us up in their boat to go to Paradise for drinks and food. Don and Diana joined us later after they arrived in town. It was the first time we'd seen this group for a while.

Friday we woke up to a dreary day and decided the catch of the day was big breakfast at Stewart's - #massivecinnamonroll. Then the guys split off and the gals did the shopping thing - Outlet Mall. When we got back, we got some dock time in - then the rain came off and on.

McKim's place - Diana is juggling 

We went to McKim's place Friday evening for drinks and dinner (Jeff McFee's yummy homegrown beef). Donnie and Diana have continued to work on their "fixer upper" and have added a kitchen since I was here last. Very nice. They had college friends visit, including Jim with his bride Rita. Most of us had met Jim's first wife Patti - lost to devastating breast cancer. $&#* cancer. We miss you Patti.

We're so happy for Jim and enjoyed meeting Rita, who is of Armenian heritage. Her accent is so sexy. #whymespeaksoplain? Their other friend Wally is somewhat of a nut who once dug sunglasses out of a port-o-potty. That night it rained off and on, but talk and laughter poured out too!

Luckily the sun popped out Saturday morning. Bobbie, Jeff, Paul and I took a 3+ mile walk in the hills around Higgin's place. We were rewarded with a big breakfast served on a table designed and built by Al. It is built with repurposed wood from their own porch, a windmill and other odds and ends. The bench is from Alan's family farm. Sharon picked out the cool chairs. Face it they are Creston's own version of HGTV's Chip and Joanna Gaines.

We parked the boat in a cove and floated on noodles in water that was the perfect temperature. When McKims arrived, Don rolled out the "lillypad", a large foam raft. It was good to have for when the fish were biting. They didn't actually bite me...but I heard rumors and Jeff helped my get my large fanny up on top of that thing until the fish got bored. A couple pairs a glasses bit the water (not dust), including Bobbie's prescription sunglasses. Eye doc Donnie just smiled.

That boat photobombed us...

We hit a couple joints on our way back - ordering appetizers and even dancing a bit. Too bad there wasn't any karaoke! I'm sure we would have killed it. It's funny, we didn't stay out late any night. #notcrazypartiers  Yet, we still had a crazy good time.

Bobbie & Jeff "huddle Up"

Al and Sharon

On Sunday we boated to our fave place, Miller's Landing, for breakfast. One last fun ride on a fairly quiet lake before we had to head home. It's fun to see the other boats and look at the beautiful homes on the lake. Many thanks to our friends who host us and let us share their toys. #feelingthelove

The Gsmiths Gathering

The Goldsmiths descended upon West Des Moines for the Annual Reunion/Golf Tourney this past weekend. I say descended - not because we live in HE double toothpicks (that's what we used to call hell when I was a child). But because they all seem to live north of us. Paul's seven siblings and along with spouses are a hardy bunch!

Goldsmith girls watch the Cubs win!

Gmiths on the deck

We used to get together over the weekend after Thanksgiving - kids in tow, to celebrate Christmas. Once our families "grew up" (we all know they're still our babies) and weren't often able to attend, we decided a summer date would be better. So seven or eight years ago we made early August the official fam gathering - including golf for some and shopping for others.

Some arrived Thursday evening and we attending the Iowa Cubs game. It was nice to have big sis Carol there. She missed the rest of the festivities due to a trip to Rome with family members. Yep - she picked Rome over us!

The gang began to arrive on Friday afternoon. Our little deck was overflowing with Gsmiths! We ordered pizza and ate snacks that everyone brought along.

This year golf was pretty casual - there was no passing on of the Goldsmith Green Jacket, nor trophy - as there were only six players. They had fun with playing a two team best shot at Walnut Creek, a public course south of here.

The rest of us headed down to - you guessed it, the DSM Farmer's Market. It was a gorgeous day so the place (a several block area) was packed. There were eight of us and we split into a couple groups. I took Dorie and John for a staple breakfast burrito.

smiling even before they get their burrito

I trotted them over the walking bridge on the way back to the car

You know me and selfies. Challenge accepted!

After an hour at the FM, we drove a few blocks west to the West End Architectural Salvage - a business made famous by HGTV, now on the DIY network. There are 4 floors of light fixtures, furniture, odds and ends. Kelli, Regina and I made it to the top! I must say it had been a couple years since I'd been to the store and it will much better organized now.

We met the golfers for lunch at Draught House 50 and were seated in a great party room. Perfect! Saturday evening we grilled burgers and brats at our place and Larry and Regina's son Karl with wife Lee attended. They live in Grimes and Lee is a fellow DNR employee while Karl teaches at Valley High School. Our home was filled both nights with talk and laughter. That's what family is about!

Getting along

When my family got together recently in Oregaon, we were a diverse group politically speaking.

It's interesting that four people (me and my sisters) can grow up in the same household - and because (despite) of nature and nurture, end up on different parts of the political scale. My parents were pretty staunch Republicans. I tell myself that was a different day and different party. I'm not sure just what Pat Bullock would think of what we have going on today - on both sides of the ticket. I wish I could have that discussion with her.

So - you're probably wondering, how did the Bullock family get along a whole week, living in close quarters without knockdown drag out shouting matches? I must admit - a presidential election year made it that much more challenging. During our vacation week we roomed with my brother-in-law who enjoys watching Fox News. A lot. I don't. Yet we survived!

Jim graciously agreed to not watch Fox 24/7. Instead we mostly watched sports (golf for him), Olympic trials and HGTV (for Cindo and me) during our time together. Jim thinks Joanna Gaines from Fixer Uppers is HOT. So that helped. Cindy, Paul and I like the Today Show, which Jim liked making fun of because they don't tackle much in the way of hard news. He did get in some Fox viewing - not to worry.

I enjoy talking about issues with my family. That is what helps me understand why they might support a candidate or party. For me, social and environmental issues are dear, but having worked in the environmental field, the realities can be difficult when it comes to costs/benefits. On vacation when I talked to family members about their jobs and views, it helps me work out where they are coming from. Susi works in the energy industry, Betsy's husband Wayne is a doc and Bets is an independent contractor. Cindy has worked in the HR field, dealing in employee issues and regulations. Jim had his own legal practice, and now, though retired, he continues to practice-  assisting other attorneys in their hometown. They are all parents and taxpayers and geography - where they live - also makes a difference. One thing our whole family can agree on - we are lucky to live in this country.

In chilly fresh Oregon, when the whole family got together at the Kohan rental house, we watched sports on television and politics didn't really come up much. We played trivia, talked about kids' careers, sports teams, decorating and laughed instead.

Back in DSM - Odie, me and plants. No politics

If our somewhat diverse (politically speaking) fam can continue to come together - and work out vacation dates, decide on meals, golf trips, how to budget and split up paying for things - then there is hope. Of course we are starting from a basis of love and mutal understanding so that helps. Get it together America - learn to work together again politicians.

Oregon Cool

It was so cool in Oregon - literally, and the state just oozes groovy. It's cool. Especially when the Bullock girls hang out there. We arrived for a week's vacation earlier this month - our bi-annual family reunion. When we get together we don't plan a lot of activities, we just hang out in the cute little village in a house close to the beach.

My typical vacations aren't kick ass - scheduled with one activity after another. They are mostly relaxing once we do the travel thing. Flying was once an enjoyable endeavor. Not so much anymore. I do like the TSA Precheck authorization though! It's like having a magic ticket to get you through security. We snagged sister Cindo at the Denver stop.

Susi and Jim arrived at our cute little home away from home in Cannon Beach before we did. They'd driven up the coast from their daughter Leslie's - enjoying their visit with her little family, it was their grandson James' third birthday. Betsy and fam arrive about the same time we did. I love welcome hug time! That night we ordered pizzas and caught up with each other. It was a bit misty that night, but Paul and Cindo couldn't resist a short walk on the beach.

Sunday we took our first of many excellent beach walks. It was a bit chilly, but so gorgeous. I love the raw energy of Oregon coast. I heard the starfish are making a comeback, but didn't see any. We took a lot of steps throughout the week - and walked about 7 miles one day. Cindy was a relentless slave driver, but it's so good when you're walking and talking with your sisters.

Paul golfed one day with my brothers-in-law. I hung out with the girls including Betso's daughter Sarah and did lunch "downtown". On Wednesday, Susi, Jim and I trekked to a little town north called Astoria where my cousin Leslie has a condo with her husband Bob. I could sit and watch that view all day. We had a nice lunch and went to the top of the hill where I walked up seven flights of stairs.

cousin picture

Astoria tower

Every night we had great meals over at Betsy and Wayne's house, which was across the tennis court from ours - so convenient! Many nights we took over six champagne glasses so I could whip up lemondrop martinis for the group. Nephew Paul Kohan's girlfriend Christine has a Filipino background. She cooked up (deep fried) a delicacy called Lumpia. It was kind of like egg roll, very hot and yummy. We bonded over watching sports television and trivia. The Kohan kids were out and about more than usual - Pokémon Go will do that.

Spaghetti, burgers and chicken were all delish. One night we did the Smores on the beach thing. Betsy bought giant marshmallows this year - they were harder to get to medium well on the inside, but were gooey great. #stickyfingers . One night we stopped at Bolder's favorite bar in CB - Warren House. We didn't get to sit at the bar like he did, but we thought of him as we sipped our drinks.

Road warriors Susi and Jim took off on Friday to head back home to Colorado a two-day trip through Twin Falls, Idaho. Betsy, Cindy, Paul and I headed south to Jetty Marina at Rockaway Beach to rustle up some Dungeness Crab. Shirley fixed us right up.

They promised to steam 8 crabs for us and put them on ice for our return. From wine country. Yep, Oregon has vino! My trusty iPhone lead us to a winery about an inland hour from the coast. I'd made this trip with my girlfriends last August - they showed me the way. I do believe my sisters and Paul had begun to doubt me and my phone as we turned this way and that in rural hilly Oregon. I felt vindicated when we popped out at the top of a hill and there was a vineyard! Unfortunately a sign on the building said CLOSED. Oops.

iPhone went back to work and ten minutes later we were at the Shafer Winery talking to a nice young man who took over as head grape guy (but the scientific name) Wine Master? Anyway, he studied at U.C. Davis and his dad has just purchased the winery. We did a tasting and checked out the Christmas store - quite complete. Cindy bought a deviled egg ornament and Betso purchased a white wine. It was fun. There were many more wineries we could have visited, but Shirley and our crab awaited.

Cousin Leslie and Bob came down and we made that crab disappear along with the leftovers from previous nights. We nearly got rid of the Citron Vodka that Betsy bought 2 years prior. Something to shoot for in two years! I dislike saying goodbye to people, but I do like hugs - so there's that. And Amy is getting married next summer (August 5) so we should see everyone then if not before.

Cindy, Paul and I spent a night in another cool place Saturday - Portland at the classic Benson Hotel. We checked in and Paul and I dropped the rental car off, riding the rapid transit back. It's a pretty slick system. That night we ate at a Fish House overlooking a plaza with a fountain. I enjoyed watching kids play in the water while the people of Portland hung out. The lobster mashed potatoes I ate that night were to die for.

So long Oregon until next time!

crab

Off to CB

And that ain't Council Bluffs. Though Paul and I have a fond place in our hearts for Council Bluffs - the first place we lived as husband and wife. We lived in Sherwood Apartments on Littlejohn Circle right on Highway 6. There was a Friar Tuck Lane too. Shag carpet baby! Betsy even lived with us for a while.

This CB is a great deal farther west - Cannon Beach, Oregon. If you read my blog you know that I've been there before. The first time was in 2000. Dad was there with Pat2 and all of my cousins and Aunt and Uncles on both sides of my family were there. Even Mom's sister, Aunt Dorothy - who I hadn't seen in many years was there. I felt like she was the pope and I needed to "kiss the ring" or something. It was nice to see her - she looked so much like Mom. How I wished Mom was there!

2000 CB picture

Our children were 14 and 11. It was a memory-making time bonding with their cousins. First of all, we drove all the way there - stopping at Cindy's and Susi's to carpool. That was a long drive, even mixing and matching kids in two cars. I tortured my kids by listening to a 28 hour Clive Cussler book. They won't ever let me forget it!

My sister Betsy and husband Wayne get credit for

2000 CB pic - Bets and Jeanie look alike! Miss Dad and Uncle Bill

finding the quaint ocean town. They go their every year. We've made it a bi-annual sister event - to honor our parents. Plus we like each other! Betsy and family book the same house each year and Cindy, Susi and Jim and Pablo and I book a place. In past years our kids have made it out here - the last time was in 2012 for Amy and Jud and Kara. Jordan Alvillar was here that year too. That was also the last time that Bolder was with us.

Love this picture from 2012

Bolder never went to Marco with us - it wasn't his thing. But he loved Cannon Beach. He liked the local bars and searching for the best clam chowder. New England boy ya know. In 2012 Betso was turning 50, so Bolder was sure to bring his Pope hat so he could give her a special ceremony with flower petals and booze. It was funny. I like memories of Bolder in CB. We'll miss him.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Kohan fam - they're growing up! David was tiny in 2000, our first trip to CB. Now he's a high school grad who will be off to UW (Washington) this fall. Betsy says she knows how Mom felt when she (the last of 4 girls) went off to school. (Makes raise the roof sign). Bullocks are not ones to get weepy as their children go off to school. (well - maybe that first day, but then - woot, woot!) The rest of them have jobs and college so they will come and go during the week.

We'll also get to see my cousin Leslie and her husband Bob who have a place up the coast a bit in Astoria. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. If you like rain and 60 degrees! I'm packing layers! As long as I have my sissens, I'll be fine.

Holiday lives up to the hype

Friday wasn't the 4th of July - still it was a 10 for weather and holiday celebrations. Des Moines had set that day for Yankee Doodle Pops. It was mid 70's and partly sunny. Paul finished up work early and we got afternoon errands and cleaning done.

Walking across the bridge

Woohoo! We were off. First stop - Buzzard Billy's, since we parked there and needed a bit more change for the meter. Then - chair placement at Governor's Plaza for the Pops was in order. Paul was carrying chairs and I had the backpack with jackets.

We decided to go to Locust Tap for a brew - and met a delightful older couple visiting from the Pueblo, Colorado area for a wedding. He was a font of knowledge regarding lower league baseball as he'd followed Pueblo's team when they played Des Moines's teams. They were truly enjoying their time in DSM.

I got a text from my former roomie Joan McFee Bentley who was just leaving work - she'd join us for the evening. Yay! Unbelievable that Joan had never been to Locust Tap, where nobody really needs to worry about who is using what bathroom because the doors don't really close on either one...Next we went to Lime. The crowd doesn't show up there until late, so we were pretty much alone with the bartender as we caught up on roomie stuff. Then we were off to the real entertainment.

Cute family having fun

I love people watching. There was an adorable family in front of us where cute boys entertained themselves - making memories. I love the military band music. It reminds me of my father. I love "God Bless America" because we are blessed to live here. When the fireworks started, we realized that we were in a bad spot to see them - right behind a tree! Next year - top of the parking ramp is looking good. We started heading back to our car. Fireworks with live music. It was a fabulous night.

Saturday morning our friends Bobbie and Jeff arrived early to go to the Farmer's Market. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate as well. Still, we headed downtown and snagged green beans, a burrito and a pie! We headed home to warm up - then eventually east to the Fairgrounds (with more clothes on) to the Good Guys Car Show where Al and Sharon were showing off their 1958 Chevy truck that Al had worked on. The car show was like walking through my childhood.

Love the plate!

Sharon, Paul and Bobbie talk motors or something

Fred Behr had a Dodge Dart - not this color...or same year, but reminded me

Deardorff's Monte Carlo was beloved by many - so cool

Wayne Rodgers had a Chevy truck similar to this one

Joanie Troll has an Impala that was green and shaped somewhat like this

Robyn's dad Bobbert had a Riviera like this one - hardtop I believe - stylish!

How many families had wagons like this one in Atlantic, Iowa?

We had a fun night at our place with Higgins and McFees. Paul grilled chops, Bobbie made sangria and we cooked the green beans on the grill too. Later we sat on the deck laughing and talking. It was a great day despite weather chillier than usual for the 4th of July weekend.

On Sunday we celebrated the 50th Anniversary with Jean and Dave Fox and their families in Webster City. It was a celebration to remember - especially for their grandchildren! Congratulations to wonderful partners and parents. The slideshow made me a bit weepy.

I remember my grandparent's 50th. Most of the Morehead cousins were there (1 missing Legarra?) - one of the only times I remember us all getting together. The Fox fam is spread throughout the country - New York, California, Texas and Minnesota. I hope the cousins keep track of each other - cousin relationships are cool! (along with friends like the ones we celebrated with this weekend.) Today - I'm resting.

Dave & Jean - formal pics to come

Pops and Grandma Morehead 50th in Cedar Rapids

My other favorite holiday!

I complain about my workplace often. The Wallace Building is a boondoggle that the state is allowing to slowly circle the drain. Nobody knows whether it will be demolished, updated or just used into oblivion. Rodents, the non-working elevators, grimy carpet, lack of privacy and meeting space and the sick building rumors that won't go away. There is plenty of fodder.

I've worked in worse buildings in my varied career, including a dumpy underground office on the edge of the Old Market in Omaha and a tiny windowless office above the meal-site in Creston City Hall (insert food smells and Bingo calls). My biggest frustration in the Wallace building is the lack of a plan and little control regarding the future. The workers are in limbo, marching up and down the stairs (if they are able), crossing fingers and using the creaky elevators if they must. Last week a toilet overflowed and janitorial staff used a buffer to polish the runoff into the carpet. Then they turned on fans. What? Evidently DAS doesn't have a ShopVac...

This week I'm flipping the mindset - thinking and writing about what I love about working in the Wallace Building.

It's the diversity! I've never enjoyed a group of people more. Though I dislike putting labels on people - in order to give the reader an idea of what I'm talking about:

• All different religions are represented - and likely some atheists. Plus people like me who aren't quite sure what they are. I haven't been frightened by one Muslim.
• Young and old - though the latter seem to be retiring and are not really being replaced.
• Many nationalities, cultures and races walk the aisles in between cubicles. I enjoy hearing the accents and seeing the diverse beautiful skin tones.
• People with disabilities are employed at DNR. I applaud the folks who must have to make such an effort to just reach their desk each day due to the unfriendly access the building presents.
• Openly gay people (and maybe some who don't care to discuss their sexuality) represented. I'm glad to count some as my friends. There are also single people, young families, empty nesters - people in all stages of life. I still have a hard time realizing that I'm in the "oldster" era of employment.
• People who dress up and others who wear shorts and flip flops. (Me - I kinda split the difference). One guy walks around in his socks or barefoot. Dude - see the note about the toilet water buffing above!
• Serious nerdlike dudes and dudettes that are all business and people like me who like to spice things up by being a bit sarcastic at times and funny at times. We all do the business of the State of Iowa.

There is more but you get the idea. It's like a very small (run down) city.

I love it! And it reminds me of America and why I love it. Tonight starts the beginning of the 4th of July celebrations for the greatest country in the world.

Paul and I are attending Yankee Doodle Pops - music and fireworks! It's a beautiful summer day. We'll be there in the shadow of the Wallace Building, among a diverse group of thousands. Yippy!

Crews begin setting up for Yankee Doodle Pops Wednesday