Writer's Block redo - Coffee

This post originally ran in 2013. I have updated it and am now reposting for your reading pleasure. I don't know if it's retirement, isolation, or lack of dedicated effort - but I'm having a hard time coming up with Blog topics that I haven't already covered. Plus we don't really do anything, so a diary blog is out. Here goes on the redo: 

Coffee Jones

Age 12 with Momo, Bubba and Charlie the dog

I think it was my grandma, Zora Clayton Stewart Bullock - aka Momo, who introduced me to coffee. She "babysat" a few times when Mom and Dad were out of town. Momo drank coffee, just like Mom, but at breakfast time she encouraged me to try it. She added lots of milk and sugar. Instead of my usual Cap'n Crunch, I had toasted Wonder Bread, slathered in butter dipped into a marvelous concoction of coffee, milk, and sugar. It was a fun and different treat for when Momo stayed with us! It made me feel so grown up. 

Mom enjoyed coffee too (with her morning cigarettes). Remember those perking coffee pots? We had one -just like everyone did in the 1960s. Those pots made interesting noises, indicating that something important was going on inside! They took forever to brew coffee. If you forgot to put the top on the pot, the coffee perked all the way up to the ceiling! Leslie the kid thought that was really funny. 

In the 1970s Mom when through her "Zen" age. She got a funky coffee press with a filter and a decanter that sat on the stove. It was all very complicated. I don't know if it tasted any better, but she thought she was very sophisticated! Many years later, our daughter Amy got this same system. And she's lefthanded like Mom. So even though I attribute Amy's gentle personality to Laura Goldsmith, Paul's mom, there is some Pat in her. haha. Once drip coffeemakers came out, Mom went to a Mr. Coffee system. You just couldn't beat the convenience - AND that name. A dude was making you something! 

I never became a big coffee drinker in my early years, despite that yummy coffee, milk, sugar concoction. In college, roomie Vicki and I picked up some Folgers instant coffee crystals for late-night studying. It was before the microwave days - so we still had to boil water! I remember when Vic and I took Zoology together. We stayed up so late before a test that we became "slap-happy". I still smile today when I hear the scientific words for the various secretions the body makes as we had to memorize them. We laughed until we cried. Those college years were magical! The coffee wasn't.  

I didn't start drinking coffee again until I got married to a guy who has a real coffee jones. Paul can't help it - it's in his genes. Nature and nurture really. The Goldsmiths are farmers. They drink coffee 24/7. Recently we had a family Zoom and we talked about who drinks coffee. Most still do - some all day. Paul amazes me - he can drink the stuff (black of course) until midnight and still sleep. He'll even drink cold coffee after it's sat in the car all day when we're traveling. We take the thermos everywhere. 

Me? I'd better not sniff caffeine after noon or I'll be buzzed for hours. Sometimes I can get jittery from just one cup! My Creston bestie Deb and I used to get coffee drinks at True Value in Creston. Yes, in that town the coffee place is in a hardware store - they can multi-task, and it's good. We'd go on Sunday afternoon, then I'd lay awake for hours that night. Nancy Drew finally figured it out. It was the caffeine. Duh! I had to go to decaf. 

In 1986 we moved to Creston, the home of Bunn-O-Matic an international coffeemaker company. Since then, we have been spoiled by coffee brewed instantly. I know the real experts look down on this method, but we lived and worked with the Bunn-ites! I toured the factory, which is the largest employer in town. Their employee break area has all of the good beverages - coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Okay, probably not as good as the break area at Coors, but close! We had three Bunn-O-Matic brewers in our 26 years of living in Creston plus a few in West Des Moines. Finally, a couple of years ago, our most recent Bunn gave out and we went with a different brand as we were buying retail. We went with a Cuisinart drip coffeemaker that doesn't require a paper filter. We like it. But I still enjoy checking out restaurant coffeemakers to see if they are Bunn people. 

Paul used to think Folgers was the "best part of waking" - except for another day with me (haha). After moving to the (not so) Big City, he has learned to grind his own beans (since we bought Starbucks beans by mistake one time and I purchased a grinder). We've tried lots of types of beans, but he's a Starbucks fan. Since he grinds it and drinks it black, he gets to pick.

Some people swear they can't function without their morning joe. There are lots of cartoons, memes, dishtowels, and decorations based on coffee. Beyond Starbucks, in Des Moines and everywhere, fancy coffee has never been more popular. I do enjoy a coffee drink like a latte but have to admit I am somewhat intimidated by some of the hot and cold beverages available today. Today's people have taken "special orders don't upset us" to a high level. It turns out we like that. 

I'm still getting used to this new personalized way of life. In the olden days, families like mine had more kids and less time for personalization. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the number of choices available. At coffee shops, I usually stick with skinny vanilla lattes. I'm sure there are lots of other delicious possibilities - but what if I choose unwisely? The problem is real y'all! Paul always sticks with black coffee at those places. 

During the pandemic, and just over one year of retirement, it's amazing how much enjoyment I've gotten from my morning cuppa with Cinnamon Dolce creamer. I usually just drink the one cup with a warmup partway through. Caffeine jitters you know. A friend of mine lost her sense of taste/smell after getting Covid-19. Coffee is one thing she really misses. We don't know how much we rely on daily rituals until they're gone. I hope you have something to help get you through each day - a beverage, snack, snuggle, TV show, or exercise. It's all good. Be kind - to you and others. I'm working on that every day. 

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Tales of the Farmer and the Salesman

Our granddaughter Nell is coming for Christmas! Along with her parents Jud and Kara and our daughter Amy and spouse Corey. And our four doggo grandpups - Franklin, Eros, Archie, and Henry. I vowed to never be the type of grandparent that forsakes my kids once a grandchild is born, but this is grandparent thing is pretty fun so far.

Just last night I was thinking of all the things we need to tell Nell. We were watching the news and a story about farming was on. I realized that Paul has a big burden. He needs to connect Nell with her farming roots. He grew up on a farm in Eastern Iowa and worked with farmers his whole career. My dad sold ladies lingerie for nearly 40 years to stores across Iowa! Talk about opposites. Still, growing up in smalltown Iowa in the 1960's and 70's, regardless of my dad's career, farming has been a big influence on my life. I did go to Moo U. 

I smile even today - imagining Paul's dad George asking about my family, and Paul explaining that my dad sold women's underthings. I wish I could have seen the look on George's face. Our dads were not much alike, yet they got along quite well. Both were really good at chatting. After Paul and I got married, when Dad was on his sales route through Iowa, he enjoyed stopping by the Goldsmith home in Earlville for a cup of coffee. I doubt they chatting much about lady's undies though - probably more about weather and crops. 

Dad with Goldsmiths, Jeff McFee, and Jean Fox and St. Malachy food fair

I've actually heard more about life on the Gsmith farm from Paul's older siblings - chicken fixin' day sounds like something I'm glad I missed! Paul and shared stories about meals, making sausage, driving a tractor as a really young boy, being around for milking cows, and scooping corn at the bottom of the silo - scary rats were brought up. And George made sure that Paul got to scoop manure whenever he had a hangover. 

Our former hometown, Creston, may be known as a railroad town, but agriculture is a big driving force there. Amy and Jud grew up with classmates from farm families. Hayrack rides were part of the annual St. Malachy Spaghetti Supper. Kids were into 4-H and Future Farmers of America, showing livestock from prize cattle to hogs and sheep. Classmates with surnames like Baker and Miller took time off to help get crops in. 

The next generation of Goldsmiths aren't involved with farming. Paul's brother Larry and wife Regina lived and farmed the "home" place near Earlville for many years, but sold out once their five boys went off to college and moved away. It's hard for Paul to drive by the farm now - most of the outbuildings are gone, though the house is still there. 

Our friend Jeff McFee is a farmer. It's a a life you must love to take on! I've never been a risk taker - preferring more "knowns" in my life, such as how much $ I'm going to make for the work I do. Farmers don't have that luxury - there are soooo many variables! I enjoy listening to Paul and Jeff talking about what's happening in the ag world - with cattle, crops, weather, prices, and farmer gossip. Boy can they gossip! A few years ago when Jud reached adulthood, he finally started to "get it" about farming. He asked Jeff if he worked outside all day even in winter. "Yep" was the answer. Hard to imagine for we cushy inside job people. Farming is a more than a job - it's a lifestyle. 

Yes, Nell needs to know her farming (and lingerie) roots! Family stories are important. People need to know where they come from - not because they must always stay the same, because is part of their foundation. Paul and I will be sure to tell Nell (and any future grandkids) the lore. 

Don't think for a minute there won't be Laura Goldsmith and Pat Bullock stories. That's a whole 'nother blog or two! 

As you can see below - our family still trades "the goods" on holidays. 

Artsy

Do you consider yourself to be an "artsy" person? My text string with friends recently devolved in to talk about art. One of my friends plans to take online drawing lessons. How cool is that? I must admit, the texting chatter had initially started with a rundown of our ailments - including hand arthritis! But it evolved to art talk. That's how our strings go. They are such therapy for me, especially in this isolated time.  

These texts are with my friends from childhood. At one point I lamented about how our conversations have evolved through the years! Starting with toys and playing, to boys, school ("Mrs. Harter was mean today!"), and makeup - onto relationships and then kids for some of us. We talk about lots of things nowadays like weather, family, the state of the world, and health.  Don't forget pets! It's nice that they share their furbaby pics with me.  

This week it was fun to be on a message string about hobbies that feed our creative selves. As friends of 40, 50, and for a couple even 60 years, we know each others' family trees. We talked about where in our family trees those art genes may have come from. I've got some serious art genes. Please note: I don't really know if there are "art" genes. Maybe it's nature plus nurture. I do know that some of us enjoy things that others don't. It's it grand that we're not all the same? 

 

My grandfather, Wallace Orville Bullock (we called him Bubba) was the first generation artist that I know about. As an older man, Bubba took up oil painting as a hobby. He and a friend, Louis Reinig, traveled to Omaha for art classes. I am fortunate to have one of the first paintings he did - plus two others. He was a prolific painter as his children and grandchildren all ended up with one or more of his lovely works. He painted landscapes. I remember him using pictures in magazines as models/inspiration. A whole room in their home at 909 Poplar in Atlantic served as his painting spot. It was filled with easels, canvasses and paint.  

One of Bubba's later works

Bubba's daughter, my Aunt Marty is very artsy and creative. She's collected art from around the world as she traveled with my Uncle Bill and served as a docent at the Denver Art Museum for years. Her sis, my Aunt Jeanie is a talented cross-stitcher and I remember her sewing too. 

Aunt Jeanie, Bubba, Momo with Charlie the dog

                                                                                                   Dad with Marty and Jean

I don't remember Dad (Marty and Jean's older brother) displayed any artsy talents. I fondly recall that during my folks' Florida years, he helped collect shells to spray and personalize with sharpies for each of Jud and Amy's classmates. He certainly was a snazzy dresser. And he was funny and had a way with words - crafting them into things still say today. For example, I just saw Pontiac (car) the other day and I caught myself chanting Pontiaciaciac. Why? Because that's what Dad would say. That makes me smile. 

Dad with his girls

Of my siblings, sister Cindy was identified early as the artistic one. You can bet she lorded her artsiness over me, one of little patience (and skill) for coloring and drawing. Later she majored in art education at Drake, and I benefitted from some of the projects she completed - jewelry and clay pots. Cindy still has a great sense of style that I admire - she got the gift. 

Amy did this award winning watercolor in high school

In our own family, Amy self-identified as an artist at an early age. She cranked out drawings on recycled computer paper from Paul's office from the time she could hold a marker. Amy loved creating books - she'd illustrate and I'd fill in the text. Her creativity throughout childhood was amazing. When others made posters for the science fair, she "created" one with fonts, backgrounds, and colors. It was her destiny to become some type of artist in life. Amy's fluorishing graphic design business keeps growing and changing as she adds skills. Jud has the talent of absorbing information in spongelike fashion - you want him on your trivia team. 

When my homie friends and I were texting about artistic talents, we agreed that even though some of us are not as talented when it comes to drawing or painting - that doesn't mean we shouldn't try! And, we know that everyone has talents - some are just more subtle. The nice thing is when you reach a certain age you finally have time to nurture your creative side - flower arranging, wood-working, photography, cooking, music, sewing, painting, writing, and many more that I haven't even considered. 

Or you can calm your soul by completing jigsaw puzzles while listening to books. Have a great Thanksgiving dear readers. It may not be the one you had hoped and planned for, but there is much to be thankful for. Stay safe and healthy! 

Birthday Girl!

It's my birthday - again! I'm getting to be the age where one realizes each one is a gift - not just those important milestones like the one when you get your driver's license or can legally drink alcohol - or can retire. This is my first retired birthday and I must say to do prefer it to a working birthday - even when work treats/singing were involved. 

Paul and I worked as Election Officials at the poll in West Des Moines yesterday from 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. It was our first time. It was exhausting but very rewarding. We completed training a couple of weeks ago, but that really didn't prepare me for a 7 a.m. stream of eager voters lined up to do their civic duty. The crush lasted for about 4 hours - I didn't have time to use the restroom or even take a pill for a headache. 

The team of eleven officials (split evenly Rs/Ds), led by a veteran official was mostly newbies. Older poll workers had opted out due to Covid. We all wore masks - and some of us started the day with a shield too but they proved to be a bit cumbersome. The computer system is very slick - using scanners for those who have Iowa Driver's licenses. Even without, those in the system can use several methods to satisfy voter requirements. 

It surprised me how many people needed to register to vote on Election Day. Did they not see the "Make a Plan to Vote" outreach or was that their plan all along? I've never been a procrastinator so I just don't get it. Still, the system was pretty efficient once I figured it out and we got them registered and able to vote. Paul was the guy that fed the paper ballots into the counting machine. Our site had 2 precincts - had about 1,500 people vote - 700 in the first 4 hours.

So today is my birthday! I'm exhausted and like everyone, am awaiting election results. In the meantime, it's gorgeous here so I hope to get in a walk. I'm trying to stay off the Internet (this counts as writing, not Internet time). That's my plan going forward - less social media, more real life. Or books - always my retreat since childhood. 

                                                Lee Van Nostrand's bday party

This morning I was thinking of childhood birthday parties - mine and ones I went to. We shopped for presents in downtown Atlantic, put on little dresses, and went to large parties where there were games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Pop the Balloon with your Butt. One year I received three identical Piggy Banks as gifts - two blue and one pink. I don't think I had that much change! Sometimes my mom would make me take a little kid pajama set for the birthday girl as a gift - because Dad was a sales rep for that company. Ugh! How embarrassing! I would have hated to get that as a gift. Give me a GI Joe! 

Speaking of my childhood, last week I drove to St. Louis to spend time with my kids - new parents Jud and Kara and grandchild, Nell. While we had time together Jud asked me questions about my childhood - something we'd never had a chance to talk much about before. He has met a few of my childhood friends, though it's been a while since he's seen them - Sally, Robyn, and Julia. It was fun to tell him about some of our childhood antics! And then to talk about things we're doing in our 60's. 

Speaking of Nell - when I'm feeling stressed, I picture that little face and I smile! Jud and Kara are doing such a great job with her. They were very generous to allow me to hold her whenever I wanted to. She's just starting to smile - so many emotions can cross her face in a short time, but she seems to be a pretty chill baby. The weather wasn't too great but I was content just hanging with her at the house.

We did get out on Wednesday on a trip to the free St. Louis Zoo. Nell snoozed her way around the bears, big cats, seals, and apes. She's adorable sleeping in her stroller! It was nice to get out of the house. Jud and Kara went on a date that night and the kiddo and I did just fine. Even mellow babies demand a great deal of attention - parents need their own oxygen as a couple - away from the baby. 

I can't believe how strong Nell is getting already! She's getting to that stage where on her tummy she seems angry that she can't do more. She's got a play area mat on the floor and it's fun to see her new awareness of her surroundings. Pups Archie and Henry like to check her out when she's on the floor. Just wait until she's mobile guys! 

I drove home on Friday. It was hard to leave - knowing how much she'll change by the time I see her again. I was happy to see my honey who had spent the week hunting and working. While I was gone we got a new furnace - the homeowner moneypit is alive and well. Next up - a window. Happy Birthday! 

  

Carry On Camping II

Oops, I did it again! Paul suggested that we go to Lanesboro, MN to a Bed & Breakfast last weekend for another outing in 2020. It's been a year of hunkering down for all of us. Like many of you, we missed out on some planned trips - Marco Island and France to name two. In my first year of retirement, the United States were calling! That was before the dreaded Covid made travel higher risk.

I couldn't get in the spirit of a Lanesboro trip. Maybe next year during warmer kayaking season. Instead, I suggested tent camping (oops!) at Backbone State Park in Delaware County. TENT. Crazy, right? So many people are shocked and amazed that I would consider such a thing. The old girl still has some surprises in her! 

Neither Paul nor I had ever been to Backbone before. Kinda surprising since it's in Paul's home county, camping isn't high on most farmer's to-do lists. Backbone (originally the Devil's Backbone) is Iowa's oldest state park, dedicated in 1919. It's in the the Maquoketa River valley and boasts several hiking trails, a trout stream, and limestone bluffs. We booked the last spot available in the "rustic" - no electric hookup Six Pines campground. Yes, I was leery of sleeping on the ground in a tent. We had planned on camping Labor Day weekend, and that didn't work out as the campground didn't have toilet facilities. We needed to get it done!

Paul and I took off Friday morning - first stop, Independence, Iowa where long ago relatives on my mom, Patricia Nelle Bullock (her mother was Nellie), lived. In 1996, the year before she died, Mom and I spent time in the town during a wonderful trip around NE Iowa. She told me how she'd spent summer weeks in Independence with her maternal grandparents John and Millie Weber and lots of cousins. I looked up their burial sites on FindaGrave, but we were unable to locate them as there was no map available. There are many Webers in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. More relatives are in another Buchanan County cemetery. My family boasts many generations of Iowans on both sides - I think I'm going to be the last one. 

After a stop at Casey's, we pulled into the cool restored train depot in town. I'm glad communities take care of these treasures. 

In this photo, Paul is filling me full of flora and fauna knowledge

We arrived at Backbone mid-afternoon and located our little home away from home campsite - not far from the pit type potty and water source (not drinkable). Thumbs up! I didn't want to totter far if I needed a late night potty visit. There is another campground at the park that boasts showers, sinks, and real flush toilets. It didn't take long to set up camp. Then we drove around to see the park sites and check out where we wanted to hike the next day. We'd brought along firewood, but no lighter fluid. Paul used leaves to help get the campfire going. Paul grilled a couple yummy filets on our small grill for supper. There's nothing like sitting around a campfire. And, for dessert - toasted marshmallows. 

We had poor cell reception - helpful towards my goal of checking out. My best friend and I just talked. We decided politics were out - we get enough of that at home. My favorite topic was "places we'd like to go". There are so many. It's fun to dream. It was also a great time to be thankful for all things great and small.   

We went to bed early as it gets dark early when you're away from artificial light. Our neighbors were quiet early too. They did get up early - before 6:30 am and talk in normal voices. Grrr. Even though I was awake, I would have liked quiet time a bit longer. Their dogs barked at night - answering coyotes! 

On Saturday morning we had a great scrambled egg/potato/steak breakfast. Why does food taste better outdoors? Oh, and the tent/sleeping bag - could have been better if I'd remembered my pillow! Argh. I stuffed towels into a canvass shopping bag. Not recommended. The pad under my bag was also not adequate. If we do this again, I need a better sleeping package!  

We drove up to Backbone Trail on a gorgeous sunny morning. The trail was marked "medium" difficulty. The trail is aptly named as it's set right on a ridge between the riverbed and another gulley. At times I had to use my hands to scramble up the path. The vistas and light were fabulous! It's nice to have my very own tree guy with me to identify them. Huge pines not usually seen in our state. We didn't see many people until near the end of the trail that loops back to the parking area - there we came across a large group of teen students. 

We did some more sightseeing after that. And shopping! We needed pillows. Strawberry Point, the nearby town, only had a Dollar Store. So we visited WalMart in Manchester, driving the scenic route. We also picked up more firewood, lighter fluid, and beer, as we'd gone through our small inventory in night 1. There is something about a campfire and beer! 

After a cold lunch of charcutarie. In my day was called "cheese and meat tray". That was followed by rest and reading. Then we hiked an easy grass trail - followed by pulling over in a high spot to listen to the end of the ISU/TCU football game. The good guys won! We stopped at the fancy campground for showers. 

The Cyclone fans in the campsite next to us (ISU lawn chairs were the clue) were happy too. That night was quiet - dogs and kraut, chips, salad, and oh yes, marshmallows. That night I had one more pad under my sleeping bag and a real pillow. I can't claim fabulous sleep, but better! 

We took off fairly early Sunday for home. I was ready for flush toilets and McDonald's oatmeal. Still, our first camping experience as a couple in forty years was really good! I made a list of things we should remember next time. Pillows are on there! And air mattresses. Carry on! 

 

You Were Right!

Nell, nestled in my arms!

I've been hearing for years how wonderful being a grandparent is. You were right! 

What is Nell thinking about? 

Paul and I spent five days in Saint Louis last week with Jud, Kara, and our new grandchild, Nell Marie, born September 5th. I loved holding that little person - just gazing at her. She's a beautiful drama queen who makes lots of faces as a newborn. Did my babies do that? Smiles, frowns, surprise, and the deep sleep "like a baby". 

Paul's look says it all, Patrick our angel

I must admit that the first time I held Nell I felt a huge range of emotions. It was bittersweet because the last baby I held from our family was Patrick George, our son who passed away at six days from a congenital heart defect. He was that same size and looked similar to Nell. After Patrick was diagnosed, life support was removed and we held him for over two solid days until he passed in Paul's arms. 

Poppa has me! 

Hey baby girl! 

Jud and Kara knew of Patrick's history and Nell's heart has been checked out - even while she was in the womb. Technology today is amazing! On the day we met and held Nell, I told Jud and Kara that I had those feelings. I didn't know that those feelings would creep up. Paul admitted he had them too. Kindly, they made sure we had plenty of chances to hold that precious baby girl. Soon, those memories were put away - somewhere Patrick is looking on! 

It's very rewarding seeing your child as a parent. Jud is a very hands-on papa! I loved seeing him hold that baby girl in his huge hands. He and Kara are doing a great job working as a parenting team. Nell is cooperating by being a pretty good sleeper so far! 

Paul and I tried to stay out of the way during our visit - concentrating on food (I was wishing Paul and I were better cooks, but we did the best we could), cleaning up, dog duties, and Paul did yard chores. There are many new baby equipment inventions - very helpful. We got plenty of Nell time too - giving Jud and Kara to rest from night feedings. It was hard to leave on Friday. We know Nell will grow and change so much before we see her again! I'm already plotting my next visit.

Becoming a newly minted grandparent has led me on a nostalgic trip down parenting memory lane. That and sorting through a box of old photos from back when a camera was just a camera. In those days one  actually had to plan ahead when I wanted to record an event for posterity - the days of film. Sometimes several events would be on one roll of film, birthday, Christmas, birthday. 

The photographs helped me remember many good times - from early interactions with Paul while we were at ISU to our children's' early childhood events including birthdays, holidays, and just messing around. Seeing those pictures was good for me. Sadly, in my mind's jaded eye, I had started to think that I was not the mom of younger children I wished I had been. My most vivid memories are of the times I "cracked" and didn't handle the pressures of momhood as well as I would have liked. Toddler logic (lack of) was hard for me. 

Amy and I help Jud blow out his candle. Krissy observes seriously. 

Looking at the joy on my face in the pictures reminded me of all of the times I didn't snap - which was much more often than crabby Mommy. Why does our mind insist on hanging on to negatives? The photos reminded me of so many great kid activities - visiting Creston City Parks with our faithful canine companion Moki (he liked going down slides), playing in the yard, hide & seek, bathtime with lots of tub toys, and baking together.  

  

Looking back, I wish I had been the mom that let the kids make more messes - I was always thinking ahead to cleanup. I hope to be a grandma that is less worried about messes. 

One place we did get messy was the kitchen. We baked together, which resulted in a few eggs cracked on the countertop - even the floor! And they loved licking the beaters. Amy enjoyed art projects (some messy) and who could forget backyard pool days. Pool preparation took much more time than Amy and Jud spent in the pool, but the anticipation was part of the fun. Alas, the temperature of the water coming from the hose would be frigid! Buckets of hot water were required to heat the water.  Pool toys and soggy towels - ah summer!  

Those parenting years roll by so quickly. I couldn't wait until they were out of diapers, then they were in school, sports, and all those milestones. I didn't know how special it was - the last time I read to them or held their hand walking into church. Seemingly overnight Amy and Jud grew up. 

Parenting is a busy life, one that doesn't slow down much until they graduate from high school. Some moms mourn their children's steps toward independence - school, driving, dances, and moving away. I celebrated those - with a small sense of loss, much overshadowed with joy for their journey to be successful adults. Paul and I do love this stage - adult children are wonderful! 

I enjoy seeing photos of you, your grandkids, young and older, babies, prom, and sports. That is why I stay on Facebook. Plus it gives me a place to share my own photos. Facebook friends often tell me - you do so many fun things! It's true. We try to think of fun things to do. Sometimes the little things are the best - a hike, followed by a beer at a brewery. Paul pushes me as he's less of a homebody than I am. We have worked to stay connected with friends from throughout our lives. Connectivity is our superpower. And now along with being parents (and in-laws) we're grandparents! More fun to come.  

It's My Sappy Grandma Post

I haven't even seen her in person yet, and already she has a huge place in my heart. I'm talking about our brand new granddaughter Nell Marie. She was born to our son Judson and wife Kara on Saturday, September 5th - weighing in at 7 pounds 14 ounces, 20 inches long. She surprised us, arriving one week early! We talked to Jud on Friday and discussed that the doc would allow Kara to go as much as a week past the September 12 due date. Yeah, right. Nell had her own ideas! 

On Saturday Paul and I planned a camping trip at a remote site, Stephens State Forest near Chariton. That's the town where my grandmother Zora Clayton Stewart was born and raised. Yep, in a weak moment the weekend before, I'd let the offer slip out. "How about tent camping I said?". What was I thinking? Yet it made me smile to see how happy it made Paul. He was planning and puttering, scouring maps, and gathering the gear. 

Friday was a busy day as we had new carpet installed at home. The crew of four was efficient and they finished up quickly. Paul and I had some fun and laughs the night before moving some of the furniture not covered in the carpet deal. Have you ever noticed how similar king-sized mattresses and Jello are? We got the giggles trying to move it into the dining area. Friday was a lovely day and I was able to open up the house to air out that new carpet smell (and hopefully installation crew germs). We were able to sit on the deck most of the time they were here. We even talked to Jud who told us he and Kara took the day off and were going on a picnic. It turned out to be their last outing before parenthood!  

Paul and I tidied up that afternoon - replacing furniture etc. That night I got sidetracked by looking through a box of photos from a closet we'd carpeted. I was feeling nostalgic - some were of the kids. I sent an adorable Jud baby pic to Jud and Kara. So I take full credit for Kara's water breaking early the next morning. haha

Paul and I actually slept in on Saturday. Imagine my surprise when I saw Jud's text just after 7 a.m. - Kara's water had broken, and they were at the hospital. Kara was being induced. Holy Schnikes! We had talked it over with Jud and Kara earlier and knew that due to Covid, there was no use rushing to St. Louis. Kara's folks get "first baby dibs" for a few days and we get to visit next. We could sit around and wait or continue our adventure together and Carry On Camping. So off we went.  

Nell Marie makes her entrance! 

We got a couple other updates along the way - then just after noon, while driving south, we got the text with a photo - Baby Girl G is here! Paul and I high five. He was driving - so no chance for a hug and kiss. My eyes drank her in! She looked a bit like Amy, Jud and Patrick had as newborns. But not quite. Jud said her hair had a ginger look (but now says it's blonder). 

Meanwhile, Paul and I arrived at the campsite. First problem. No restroom. Now that's a problem! We could see where one had once been - now a concrete pad. I could tell Paul was still willing, but not this old girl. It was disappointing as even I had prepared myself to snuggle in a tent. 

So we were on to Plan B - at least to go kayaking at Lake Rathbun. At Lake Rathbun we found an armada of big boats, music blaring. No thanks! We drove east trying to find lake access in shallow water where big boats can't go. Iowa's dry weather seems to have dried up those areas. Googled showed water, real-life showed weeds. We even ventured down a closed road. I was starting to hear Deliverance banjos. We laughed! We're grandparents. 

Plan C. We headed north. Did I mention that during our travels south we cruised dusty gravel roads? Our kayaks and much of our gear was in the back of the truck. When we arrived at a county park just outside of Knoxville, Iowa we found that all of the camping sites were full. So we secured a lovely picnic area instead. By then we had more pictures of the baby with Jud and Kara - so nothing was going to get us down. Even all the gravel dust coating the grill, potato chip bags, sleeping bags - everything! Ugh. 

Our picnic included a toast to being grandparents with a shot of Apple Pie/Cinnamon liquor. It was fabulous. The menu was grilled hotdogs, chips, and a couple marshmallows. I'd had my heart set on one of those delicious white pillowy bites toasted to perfection! 

Then we packed up and drove home. Our campout was a washout. We had a lot of cleanup to do when we got home. It didn't matter. That baby! 

On Sunday night we were overjoyed to learn Baby Girl G's name: Nell Marie Goldsmith. It's perfect! When Kara and Jud told us they were expecting, Jud asked for the genealogy information I've gathered from many generations on both sides of my family tree. Kara did the same from her side too. Jud and Kara also perused name lists online. They did their homework on name selection! 

I would have like any name bestowed upon our beautiful granddaughter but I was especially pleased that they selected the name Nell. It's a version of a name that shows up many times in my family tree and it's in Kara's tree too. My grandmother on my mother's side was Nelle or Nellie. Nelle is my Mom and sister's Elizabeth (Betsy's) middle name. Kara's great grandmother was a Nellie. 

Yes, I'm a softee for family names. I have a cousin Amy and we have lots of Leslies, Pauls, and Davids. Judson's name comes originally from my great grandfathers George Judson Stewart and Adnah David Bullock. He is Judson David. My dad name - David Judson. And in Dad's tradition, she'll likely have several nicknames! Just like I am Looseleaf. Betsy was Lizzie Borden. Cindy = Forsythia. Susi had several - Suso-bean. Chuckle. 

In a week or so, I'll get to hold Nellbell in my arms. She'll feel just right. I can't wait!