Marching along

March is 1/3 over already. So you know what that means....or at least I do. Sunny Florida in 3 weeks baby!

February was rather balmy, but March has been a bit chillier, reminding me that I'd like to head south for a few days while Iowa decides to get its act together. I'm anxious for the Iowa legislative season to be done too. I am every year, but this year especially. I always hoped that Iowa would stay more purple - refusing to take marching orders from outside the state. It's disappointing to find that those outside influences are too strong.

Paul's birthday was March 1 and we celebrated by attending a retirement workshop all day. It was put on by IPERS - Iowa's public employee retirement system. If an employee is within five years from retirement you may attend. It was very informative and somewhat scary! How did I get to be this age?

When I first started working in a public job I had no idea I would be "on the job" twenty years later. So I didn't pay attention to what IPERS was. A pension is a wonderful benefit. As a taxpayer, I understand why there are concerns about the sustainability of such a system. I hope any changes will be fair, but have my doubts, seeing the types of things being ramrodded through the legislature this year.

Last weekend Paul treated himself to a walk in the woods to look for antler sheds. He hasn't had much luck this year. Either the deer are being tight with the horns or someone is scouting ahead of him. He is still one-armed and comes home with stickers embedded in his sling. Physical therapy starts in a week. That could be interesting! #beenthere

Back at home, I attended another IndivisibleIowa meeting. I find them therapeutic, meeting with others who don't want to moan and groan and post online. We are trying to work together locally to support and challenge pieces of legislation. Once the session is over, we'll turn towards working on supporting candidates in local races for school board and city council. Most people in the group are like me and have not been active politically in the past. I've enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories and feeling their energy.

Saturday night we went out to Bubba's Southern BBQ for our "official" Pablo's birthday night out. We got our reservation late, so were in the early 5 PM timeslot (reserved for the elderly...). On our way home, we took the back route, which led us to Bullfrog's, a pedestrian-looking bar on a busy corner that we've been meaning to go to - because my that was my daddy's CB radio "handle".

There were few people there, so we settled in at the bar near a solo young woman. A group at the other end of the bar was playing a "Shut the Box" game. Hmmm Dad had one of those. Yep, Dad was looking down. We were regular barflies, chatting with the gal sitting near us. We learned the place is owned by the same people that own the Legends restaurants. Have I mentioned before that I love divey bars? We stayed for one and then were home and comfy before 8 p.m. Yawn.

Sunday we hiked about three miles at Raccoon River park. It was a lovely day and we saw lots of people and their pooches on the crushed rock trail. Sometimes I wish we had a bigger dog that we could take on hikes - then I remember how much more work that would be than Odie. We stopped for a beverage at 515 Brewery on our way to HyVee. A person needs a reward for all that walking, right?

On Tuesday, we received fabulous news from Amy and Corey. They're moving to Denver! Corey applied for that territory for his job with GE Corporation. Not that we don't like their current location - West Chester, PA. It's a cute little town where Amy can walk everywhere. But we like better them in Denver where other family members are close by. And we can drive there in one day. The move will happen in April, so wedding planning just got easier. It's set for the Botanic Garden in Denver August 5. I need to start shopping for a dress...

Our friends Mary Faber and Hank came to town on Thursday for a Joe Bonamassa concert. We met them at Peace Tree for a beer, then took them to Guru our new fave downtown BBQ joint. Paul and I were especially cheery, celebrating the Cyclones win that afternoon in the Big 12 basketball tourney. (I took vacation for a couple hours to watch the game)

It's always fun to catch up with my longtime pal - one of the first people I met after moving to Creston. Hank is a nice guy and easy to talk to. I am happy that she's living the good life, traveling and going to concerts.

I hope you are living the good life - marching along.  

Spilling my guts

I've said it before - I'm an over-sharer. Others around me are not as...shall we say, forthcoming.
I have loose  (yet very thin) lips. Some people value playing it close to the vest.

I get it. There are many good reasons to keep things to yourself. Like, if they are personal in nature. In fact, I don't like to hear personal stuff from others. TMI baby! Or if others ask you not to tell something. I am good at following directions.

But I have a different mindset than some about sharing information. Sometimes I just put stuff out there for all to see or hear. That way they can share the good/bad with me. stoicism isn't all it's cracked up to be. Holding things in can cause stress. You don't have to carry the load alone.

We had a great weekend celebrating our friend Kari's birthday in Ames, and a big Cyclone victory over Baylor. We took Odie along and stayed all night at Kevin and Kari's house. Our pals Donnie and Diana were in town too. For extra fun, we took the birthday girl to the Tip Top Lounge after the game. High-class joint right there - I hadn't been there since...the 80's.

On Sunday, before we returned to WDM, we got to tour the Sukup Biorenewables Complex where Kevin works. It's a very cool place, where future Ag Engineers learn their stuff.

Sign cut with a water laser

On Sunday night, we got together with all of the McFees who aren't calving. Technically Kristina is now a Carroll, but you get it. Plus we had bonus people, Joanie McFee Bentley and baby Eleanor "Lenny". I didn't get a picture - damn! Lenny was adorable and all of the other people were cute too. We met a Smokey D's BBQ. It was delish.

We were all tired last night. What a good weekend!

Catching up

It's been a while. I must admit - I haven't been up to blogging lately. At least blogs fit for public consumption. I have written a few political rants that I decided to keep just for myself. 😑

Nevertheless, life goes on, and eventually, I must write~

Last weekend we finally had a chance to head south to visit Jud and Kara, dogs Henry and Archie and their new adorable home in the STL area. They had a short list of "to-do's" for Paul. My job was entertaining the dogs. Yes, I'm the dog whisperer. Odie hates the "boys" and growled at them quite often. It didn't seem to phase them, especially Archie - his whole body wiggles in a wag when he walks.

Supper at the Shaved Duck

I love St. Louis! There are so many cool neighborhoods around the city. Jud and Kara are fun to hang out with and we always go to interesting places to eat and drink. We spent the morning Saturday running errands. Paul and Jud bonded in a manly way by putting together a new Weber grill. That afternoon, we went to a game-watch for the Iowa State University men's basketball team. It was in a suburb about 10 minutes from J&K's new place. Later we went to a restaurant that had beer tappers at several of the tables. Talk about serve yourself! I had a sloppy joe that was a bun that had a brand sizzled into it, surrounded by a tasty meaty concoction.

By the time we got home to DSM, most of the prior week's snow had melted. The Iowa weather has taken a warm turn! It's weird - and we'll probably suffer later, like through a plague of bugs or something. But for now, a respite from winter has been lovely!

On Wednesday, Paul had a little tune up. His shoulder had been bothering him for a while, and a visit with a surgeon and an MRI determined he needed surgery on his rotator cuff. Dr. (very cute) Sullivan told me it was 90% torn, so he fixed that and trimmed the rough bone. The first evening was a little rough - because my husband was still goofy from the anesthetic. Paul is in a restrictive sling and slept in his chair that first night.

On Thursday, he did pretty well. I was a super great nurse, of course. For me, anyway. Did you know you can use Press N Seal on a shoulder to keep it dry during a shower? I haven't dressed another person since Jud was a youngster - and certainly never anyone this big. He really only needs assistance with his shirt - but it's a good thing he's sharp because I almost put it on him backward the first time. Awkward.

We stayed pretty close to home until Saturday. Lucky our friends Jane and Ken sent us a week of Blue Apron - delivered grocery meal kits. We made burgers with garlic paste and onions Friday night with a nice salad.

We ventured out to the ISU basketball game Saturday afternoon. It was in the balmy 60's. The Cyclones won and we had a nice meal with our pals, Kevin and Kari. On Sunday, Paul actually marched around in the timber. I'm glad he didn't tip over. I went to a meeting of like-minded people from my Senate district. We are just getting organized.

That afternoon we had a visit from Paul's sister Carol. We stopped by Fox Brewery in Valley Junction for a beer while we caught up on winter (?) activities. She's been to Arizona, and then she brought the weather back!

Killer Look, Glasses, Visit from Jane & Ken

The fashion world fascinates me. I know, you couldn't tell it by looking at me. It's like cooking, gardening and now fashion. I like them to read and watch - more from afar. But in practice..it is not in my gene makeup to pull them off. It doesn't stop me from trying at times, though.

I'm listening to a fiction book right now by Linda Fairstein called "Killer Look". I've read or listened to all her books about a New York Assistant District Attorney character Alex Cooper. By now the character and her co-characters are like old friends of mine. One thing I enjoy about this series is that the author takes the opportunity to educate the reader about various topics. This book is about the fashion world. I learned that Russian Jews have had a huge impact in that arena.

In the midst of a murder investigation, the book gave background on Fashion designer Ralph Lauren was born in the Bronx to Jewish immigrant parents. His name was Ralph Lifshitz. The author went on to explain how cut-throat fashion is - especially now that the workforce is dressing more casually.

Ah...Leslie drifts back to fashions of yesteryear. When I first entered the workforce, straight from college, I went to stores like Younkers to pick up ready-to-wear "separates". Clothing wasn't always so easy to purchase. The clothing industry in New York City had a huge impact on sizing clothes so that "everywoman" could buy them off the rack.

Another fashion name mentioned in the book with an immigrant Jewish background is Anne Klein, born Hanna Golofski. That name brings to mind my mother and her friends dressed up for their daytime bridge club.

Dressing up for fam events

Today we are into "casual". Though I embrace that look - I do believe we have lost something by surrendering to loosened clothing standards. That said, I don't want to be told to, "Dress like a woman."  I do not like flip flops and tee shirts at work. I must admit that I have mostly given up on dressing up at my office. I salute Chad who sports work casual daily. No jeans for him. And Callie who wears cute fashions daily. Most of us just try to stay warm and comfortable.

What is my point? Just like with many things, I'm nostalgic for days past, when women like my mother dressed up and accessorized. It was great for her and her friends. But not enough to do it myself. We can be fond of the past and still move forward. Learning from history, understanding where we came from can help us do that.

Our friends Jane and Ken were in town this weekend (they winter in sunny Florida). Ken, a media guy, MC'd an event at the West Des Moines Sheraton. The couple scored the Presidential Suite at the Sheraton during the event and visited the "dignitaries" for drinks and sushi Friday night. The most impressive part of the suite was the giant shower, so I snapped this photo of all of us but Geri's husband Frankie - who must have been afraid someone would turn on the water.

Mom and me - big early 90's glasses. Now they're back in! 

On Saturday, I buzzed to Creston to pick up my new glasses. Always great service by our good friend Dr. Don McKim and the staff at Creston Vision Clinic. Bill Sorden always helps me pick frames that fit with my especially biffed up eyeballs. Talk about fashion. Check out my glasses fashion through the years. 80's ugh! Later I met my bestie Deb for coffee. I could have stayed all day spilling my guts. We had lots to catch up on. I miss seeing her more frequently.

Back at our home in WDM, Jane and Ken came to our house (life in the Presidential Suite was over) the couple watched ISU beat the Kansas Jayhawks in basketball with us. Beating KU isn't all that rare, but at Allen Fieldhouse is. They were our good luck charms!

Dance wit cho blonde Date (reference Animal House)

It's dark and misty in Iowa AGAIN. I miss Palm Springs! I ventured there over MLK weekend with my High School buddies. It was a great respite from Iowa's gray winter. Day one in paradise was a bit rainy. After that - sunshine baby! That and my girls made all the difference. They shine like the sun too.

It was a small group this year - just four of us were able to make it to CA. But we were mighty! Paula and I arrived first - flying in the last leg together from Dallas. Julia followed from Denver shortly after. We got the rental car and headed to the resort in Indio - a suburb of Palm Springs. On the way we picked up groceries and, you guessed it, liquor! In the small world department, the wine sommelier at the liquor store, Steve, was an old friend of our classmate, Jack Bunce. He also knew our pals Roger, Kirk, and Greg. We stopped up the wine line with a walk down memory lane.

for one thin dime, Steve filled us with wine sips and memories

Then we were on to the resort, through the rain - even a bit of floodwater. Good job Paula for piloting the ship! We reached the resort and got checked in. Our nicely appointed room overlooked the Lazy River.  There were palm trees! In the morning we woke up to a sunny day yall! There was a slight chill in the air but the sun felt good as we roamed the property and got the lay of the land. The amenities included a large pool, a couple hot tubs, game room, movie room and a small store/coffee/beer place. The clubhouse for the golf course reminded me of the Atlantic Golf and Country Club - except for the palm trees and view of the low desert mountains with a dusting of snow.

That afternoon we had a date with dates! On our way to the resort, we had scoped ouShields Date Garden Store, advertising delicious "date shakes". Must have! We stopped on our way to pick up Sally from the airport. I tried several types of dates in the showroom/store. Shields invented blonde and brunette. I purchased the blonde ones. Paula, Julia and I split a delish shake and then we watch the "Must See" video - the words sex and date were involved. It was quite fascinating. The dates were yummy.

 We were thrilled when our pal Sal arrived from snowy Portland, where the two snowplows the city owns didn't bother to run by her house. Luckily her husband Bob got her to the airport. Our girl needed some R&R. We sat in the hot tub that afternoon and were entertained by 86 year old Elsie, who was originally from the Cedar Rapids area. She relocated to Alaska where she raised a family for many years, now living in Seattle. The four of us couldn't really get a word in edgewise about our exciting exotic lives. Interesting (self-centered) lady.

downtown PS

The rest of the weekend was filled with laughter, shopping and serious talk about family, cooking, health and the state of the world. Not in that order. I'm lucky to roll with some good cooks! One night we had grilled swordfish steak tacos and fresh mango salsa. Thanks, Jules! I stuck to clean up duty.

One highlight of the weekend was lunch with our dear friend Robyn's sister Karla, who has lived in PS many years. It was loads of fun to catch up with Karla who reminds me greatly of her momma, Jody Henningsen. We sure missed Robbie Dob, though. She was stuck in Orlando due to work obligations.

Left - Sal, Julia, Paula   Right - me, Karla

Some of my favorite time in Palm Springs was spent walking each morning with Paula. The sun shined and the scenery was beautiful! I could get used to that.

walk view

What a fun vacation! I wasn't ready to go home. The weather, the food, the bevies. No work. My magnificent pals. I brought some blonde dates home. $7.99!

Just Like Family

My sister Betsy is saying goodbye to "Grandma Helen" this week. She is the woman who helped the Kohans raise their family of five children - providing loving grandma-like childcare for a family who doesn't have relatives living nearby. When Betsy and Wayne needed time away, Helen, a friend's mother, would come to stay with the Kohan family.

Kohans - 2000? 

Grandma Helen always sounded to me like Lulubelle, a wonderful woman who helped raise many families Atlantic where I grew up. Her real name was Lulu Herbert, a woman who lost her husband (a Phillips 66 longtime employee if I remember right) at a fairly young age. She started a gig house-sitting, complete with kids and dogs/cats etc. Parents all across town were overjoyed.

One young charge started calling her Lulubelle, and the name stuck! She stayed with the Bullocks many times and she was a Belle of a gal and we loved her like a grandmother. Our grandparents lived in town but retired to sunny Florida each winter - which was often when Mom and Dad wished to travel.

Lulubelle drove a groovy AMC Javelin car. She was an awesome, if messy cook. My sisters and I still reminisce about her fried chicken, homemade noodles and sugar and chocolate chip cookies! She gave me her sugar cookie recipe when I got married. I cherish it!

Sometimes Lulubelle would be "double-dipping" and we'd go with her to another family's house and hang out with those kids, like the Cook family Terri, Sarah and Barb. Now that's a lot of girls! Or the Swishers, which I loved because they had boy toys. Unfortunately, their dog bit Betsy's face when she touched his bad leg. That led to stitches at Dr. Wilcox's office downtown. Betsy bit the nurse who also had to have a tetanus shot. That was an exciting day!

Born in 1900, Lulubelle lived a long life, passing away in 1997 in California where her daughter lived. I don't remember the last time I saw her. I wish I would have paid more attention to her and others who were so important in my young life. I should have visited them when I went back to Atlantic. But like many in their young adulthood - I was all about me. At some point, Lulu moved to California to be near family members, and the chance to see her was lost.

It was when we were about this age that Lulabelle used to stay with us, and after Susi went to college

Family relationships are important, but so too are those who weave their way into our lives, filling important roles such as childcare (with love). Maybe they need us too. They need to be needed. Sometimes those relationships are temporary. Other times they last a lifetime.

Here's to Grandma Helen, loving keeper of the Kohan children and to Lulubelle Herbert, who corraled the Bullock girls and fed them well. Perhaps you have a pretend Aunt or Uncle in your family in your life. Don't lose track and visit them when you can. No regrets!

Apps, First Day Hike

The future is now!

Paul has had a sore lower back lately. I talked him into having his very first massage. He came home raving about the experience and thanked me profusely! No, not really. He seemed underwhelmed. Great! More massage $ for me.

One thing he did say was that the masseuse pushed him to drink more water. It's true. Both of us are bad at hydrating. He said Joan Collins (the masseuse, not the actress) asked him about his "daily intake". He listed off what he drinks - such as coffee, and she said "dehydrater" and wine, "dehydrater". Uh oh. He does have his trusty water glass but apparently doesn't utilize it enough.

I don't do much better. I'm not as much of a coffee hound as Paul Goldsmith. He apparently inherited the gene from his parents who could drink that beverage 24- hours a day without any effects to their ability to sleep. I can wave caffeine under my nose after noon and stare at the clock well past midnight. I take my trusty water bottle to work (I try to avoid drinking Wallace Building water which has been known to be brownish in the morning) and caffeine-free tea at home. But I kinda nurse it - definitely not a chugger. I'm just not that thirsty.

I read recently that there is a personal wearable device that along with everything else it measures, tells the wearer if they are hydrated enough. DRINK! I relayed this story to Paul and we began riffing about what is coming. A wearable that tells us when we are full! "Stop Eating Dammit!" One that sets off an alarm when we have reached .08 alcohol content. I imagine that happens faster that we'd care to admit! I'd like one that fills in the words and name I can't come up with. I always think of them later...#myharddriveskips

Paul and I started out 2017 right! We were asleep. We did go to the Cyclone Men's basketball game the night before. The team came from behind for a victory and we won the postgame celebration with our friends the Ehreckes, Kevin, and Kari, with their daughter Kasee and her honey Tanner. We enjoyed supper at the local Irish joint with them after - a fun night.  New Year's Eve was low-key - just watching football. Shoutout to our future son-in-law, Corey. His Clemson Tigers were dominating in their win over the Big 10 darling Ohio State.

On the first day of 2017, we did something new - Iowa DNR's First Day Hike at Walnut Woods in the flood plain of the Raccoon River on the southwest side of Des Moines. DNR and parks across the country held similar events. The weather was chilly good. I bundled up yet even with the Hot Hands (courtesy of a booth REI had at the event) my fingers got chilly. We hiked with over 100 fellow enthusiasts at the event put on by DNR and Friends of Walnut Woods, a volunteer group that supports park activities. The ranger, Terry Manning, kicked off the event with a few words about the park and the First Day history. He's a bird man who especially loves purple martins. That morning he'd rescued a goose with a broken wing. It was waiting in his truck to go to a rehab center.

Ranger Terry fills us in. Note the free walking sticks! We each got one. 

After a group photo, we were off on a 2.5-mile hike. Paul and I chatted excitedly the whole time about what we are looking forward to. There is one big event coming up of course - Amy and Corey's wedding in Denver in August. We can't wait to see Jud and Kara's new home. We also talked about other vacations to come and hiking, biking and kayaking in Iowa in 2017. We haven't been to the NE part of the state to kayak the Upper Iowa for a few years...and it's gorgeous! (Iowa's little secret) Of course I made my honey stop for a few pics. I didn't make any resolutions to stop doing selfies, sorry, not sorry.

Iowa - a good place to be. Just dress warmly. 

Back at the Walnut Woods Lodge, cocoa, coffee, and breakfast awaited! It was a super way to ring in the New Year.

I'm nervous and excited about the coming year. Stay tuned.