For all the "Days"

Before I left for our annual Florida vacation, Facebook notified me that it was Crayola Day. Man, that brought back some memories. The 24  and 48 packs - new for school each year. Such potential! Worksheets and coloring contests ahead. How about the 64 packs with the sharpener in the back?

I lamented that though I was an eager colorer, I was not the best. Our artistic sister Cindo ruled in that department. Sister Betsy reminded me that, reminiscing about when we road-tripped to Florida a couple summers in the late 1960's - Mom with her four girls. Dad flew in later. The three of us younger girls were in the back seat while Susi and Mom drove. Armed with paper and Crayolas, Cindy made us paper dolls and colored them. #socool. She was ahead of her time - Etsy-worthy.

Gang's all here

Early in April this year, I was back in Florida and it was Sibling Day. And I was with my sib, the famous coloring artist, Cindo. Oh, how I look forward to that annual trek. It nearly didn't happen this year because the condo we've been renting was sold. Fortunately, our connection came up with another unit in Mom and Dad's building. Each year I appreciate it more - the opportunity to hang out with my sister, nephew, and husband on a beautiful beach.

Me and my sibling

Colby took this shot poolside

Florida is my recharge time. We don't do much while we're there. Paul and Colby fished a couple days. We walked on the beach nearly every day - #10,000 steps baby. To mix it up this year we visited the Everglades for an airboat ride and even saw a gator dozing in the sun.

Happy Place

My favorite thing, besides catching up with Colby (who brought us some of his newly developed product, Bold Hot Sauce, label designed by Amy Goldsmith) and Cindy, was sitting on the 17th-floor deck reading, overlooking the beach and pool. That is my happy place.

Paul and friend

A ten-day vacation was perfect as I was ready to go home. Cindy had the exciting ride with a plane with broken flaps - and emergency landing in Houston. All calm for us, except for one excited elderly doggy! It's always good to sleep in my own bed. Work awaited. And the whole politics thing...

Glad it's a weekend already!

Where's the purple?

My view of the Iowa State Capitol one morning this week

I can sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow too! But my voice is less than stellar (okay, bad), so don't get me started. Speaking of rainbows-

Recently Paul and I got together with red friends (you know, the right-leaning kinda red). We actually broke the no-speaky taboo and discussed politics. Paul is actually a registered Republican (just pretend red in my opinion) and of course, my fave color is blue. It was very refreshing to talk politics in "mixed" company!

It made me pine for the days when I didn't identify the people I know by colors. Now I feel I must evaluate the crowd I'm with and muffle thoughts, or at the very least comments. I'm sure people do that around me too! What has happened to us?

Something needs to change. All this separation is bad for our country. We need to talk about issues in mixed groups, like Paul and I did a few nights ago with our friends. To share thoughts and concerns - instead of only hearing anecdotes on our own carefully chosen media outlets.

I think if we talked in mixed company more, we'd find that we're not so much blue and red, but varying shades of purple. Of course, I'd be the better-looking more bluish shade of purple (haha).

I was sad to see my beloved Cyclones lose in the NCAA tourney. I love this time of year - especially when my team is playing. Though it can be nerve-wracking! Pablo and I are hoops hounds and watch lots of games, if I can stay awake... Good luck to my sister's fam favorite, the Zags of Gonzaga (pronounced Gone Zag (like sag) A). My nephew Eric is a grad and niece Sarah is a junior there. If the Cyclones can't win it, I pick the Zags!

Meals on Wheels

The president's new budget cuts out funding for the Community Development Block Grant program that partially funds the Meals on Wheels program. This would require local programs to make up that revenue - or simply cut back programs. Ugh!

I really didn't know much about Meals on Wheels in 1997 at the start of my environmental career. My new job came complete with an office donated by the City of Creston, located in Creston's City Hall - in the beautiful Restored Depot. The office was directly above the Congregate Meal Site. That's where seniors go four times a week to socialize and eat ahot, nutritious meals. That's also where they make the meals for Meals on Wheels, ready for delivery by volunteers.

The Meal Site serves lunch Tuesday - Friday. During the time I worked at City Hall, Fannie Luther was the manager. I loved that lady and I wasn't alone. She was so warm and friendly that I think many of the people came to lunch just to see Fannie.

Have I mentioned the tantalizing the smells coming up through the floorboards of my little windowless office? That made it hard to go home to my measly lunch leftovers... On Thursdays, the Meal Site brought in "entertainment". Sometimes it was just "Bingo". Or high school singing groups. Or local bands (loose term).

So it wasn't just the smells that made their way through the floorboards...I could hear the callers and the music, especially the bass. Every once in a while they'd ask me to come talk to the lunch crowd about recycling. I'd have to remember to speak up - because they were "elderly". That means age 60 and over. Gulp. Starting in November, I qualify! Meal prices are set on a sliding scale based on income.

No matter where I travel across Iowa, I always see signs of the Meal Site locations. These programs are crucial to seniors to help them remain healthy. Good food and visiting with others. If one doesn't show up, people check to find out why.

Also on the chopping block...After School programs. Sad.

From what I understand, conservatives want to reduce taxes to allow people to keep more of our own money. That is why they are in favor of cutting many programs like these. I too like keeping my own money. I am all for evaluating programs to ensure they are well-run and produce results that benefit society as a whole.

In my opinion, we need to consider that if our government stops providing funding for program like this, then some cities will have funding and others won't. Richer cities will have more "trickle down". I hope our country doesn't cut funding for great programs.

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!