Homesickness can make you puke

I'm listening to a book on CD where a character lays on a mattress "like one finds at summer camp." It made me think about the summer camps I attended. First, Bar-L Ranch in Guthrie Center. Cindy and I talked about Bar-L last week. I have so many great memories from that place.

The summer after I graduated from fifth grade - I graduated to a camp my mother and my aunt had attended. Camp Cheley in Estes Park, Colorado.

Like they say in the song - It Was the Summer of '69. I was 11 going on 12. A month is a long time to be gone when you're that age. I arrived at camp with my friend Sally Rodgers  - fresh off the plane from Omaha with my trunk of camp clothes. We took a bus from the airport up to Estes Park. After about a day - it hit. I'd never really been the homesick before. I could stay all night with friends - or go to camp for a week, without much thought of my family. But I got it bad.

When we arrived at camp, Sal and I were assigned different cabins - what up with that? In retrospect, probably a good idea. To an 11 year old, why isn't my friend in my cabin? For young person development - split them up and let them grow as people. Issues for me: The showers/restrooms were down the road - my bladder burst one morning before I could get to the latrine. How embarrassing for someone my age. We had to help with meals, but I was afraid I'd drop the plates. Psych!

A prized possession - I made this owl at Cheley. They fired it before I could paint the eyeballs...Pottery Class

All of the sudden I didn't feel well - vomit. I guess needed a little TLC in the sick bay. I think they'd been through this before...the camp has been around since the dark ages! Reassuring words were said, hands were held. Sick Bay was boring. After a while I decided to suck it up and get over myself. And just like the Camp Grenada song - after the emotional rain, I had a blast!

We rode horses, hiked, did shot 22 rifles, did archery, did crafts and went tent camping. We learned awful camp songs that I can still sing today. Campers could earn awards by learning names of the mountains in the range near Estes. Or the parts of a saddle and the horse. We were constantly challenged physically and mentally, but gently. I became attached to my cabin counselors Colleen and Nancy. I especially liked the overnight trek we went on somewhere in those mountains near a place called the Baldpate Inn. I remember seeing the keys hanging all over.

At camp Sally and I would walk up to the canteen at break time for a nice cold Coca Cola and a Snickers bar. We also liked the paddle tether ball game for excitement and hanging out with a few choice campers from each of our cabins. They were from all over the country - including Hawaii.

By the end of four weeks I couldn't believe how time had flown by. But I was ready for my fam to come get me so we could head back to the flatland. Where I didn't vomit.

Meanwhile back in Iowa, in present day...

Brazilian Twins in the background

We a great day Saturday! Deb visited from Creston and we hit the Farmer's Market. A fave musical group from last year - Brazilian Twins were there - electric violin. We enjoyed a nice bloody M outside at a corner bar. Then we headed to Mullets where the Flack girls were breakfasting with Susan's fiancé Denny. Always fun catching up with the Flacks. And we learned Deb's Fonda classmate was Susan's Colo High School bball coach. #allofIowaisonetown.

Finally Deb, Paul and I rode bikes out to West Glen - stopping at Bike World to drool over bikes/equipment. We saw Crestonites Mike and Traci Tamerius outside testing couple bikes.

On to Wellman's Pub for a bit of lunch. And a Mojito. Of course Deb and I are talking a mile a minute the whole time - we had a lot of catching up to do! When we left to ride back to our house, it started sprinkling. By the time we turned south - it was a downpour. We stopped at an underpass but we were already soaked. Onward! I'm glad I didn't wipe out. Riding in the rain was kinda fun. #squishyshoes

That's Deb and Paul leaving me in their mist...

Farewell teacher - you did a fine job

Shawn and fiance

As one goes through life...priorities change. Until I had school-age children I didn't really consider how important it is to have quality schools. When that time rolled around for us - we were blessed to be in Creston - where there is a good public school system, and there is a Catholic school. St. Malachy.

I wasn't sure I wanted to send my children to parochial school. I grew up in Atlantic where that wasn't an option - we attended Catechism on Saturdays and Wednesdays instead. Catholic school required tuition. The children would attend church each week on Thursday. There would be tradeoffs compared to attending public school.

To help decide between the two school systems, I decided to volunteer to work in the St. Malachy Library - situated right across the hall from the Kindergarten class. During that time period the school was floundering a bit at the helm. There were a couple principals who didn't work out so well. Especially the one they let go during the year. She had the bright idea of purchasing a traffic light for the lunch room - when the noise level got to high...red light! Bomb.

But, as I sat at my pretend librarian's desk I could hear what was going on across the hall - in the Kindergarten room. Ms. Shawn Milligan lovingly interacted with the young students while teaching them. She was firm when she needed to be. I liked her approach. I was sold. Paul and I attended the St. M Open House and our decision was made. Amy would attend the Catholic School followed by Jud who also had Ms. Milligan. He was in the "Big" class - 24 students, so they had a teacher's aid.

This was Shawn Milligan's last week at St. Malachy after 24 years. She is moving to Omaha and is soon to be married. Congrats to her! The town of Creston and the school will miss certainly her! I'm glad Amy and Jud had Shawn as their teacher and that I was able to known her. What a great person. Here's what she said on Facebook:

Today I closed the door on my classroom at St. Malachy for the final time. I am incredibly grateful for the past 24 years. I was blessed to have a job I loved and to work with people I enjoyed and came to love like family. Thank you for the many wonderful and sometimes stressful memories. You have left and indelible mark upon my heart and soul.

Summa time

Memorial Day kicks off summer. Finally! It's been a long time coming in Iowa. If you read this blog or are my "friend" on Facebook then you've seen a litany of complaints by me. Someone who of her own free will lives in Iowa - land of four seasons.

Winter was quite brutal this year. I've grown soft. And old. Why...back in the day, winters didn't bother me as much as this one. As a kid I enjoyed torturing my mother by going outside to play in the snow and coming in all snowy and wet. Several times a day. How fun for her - dealing with the soggy woolen gear. No dri-Fit back then!

I learned this year (weather people are such Encyclopedias) that my time at college in Ames, Iowa were terrible weather years. But..to quote one of my least fave sayings, to us, "it was what it was." We didn't let Mother Nature stop us. (except from going to class a couple times). We stood outside That Place in sub-zero temps to get into the popular bar featuring free peanuts in the shell and warmish beer. My roomies and I carried a grocery cart through the HyVee lot when the snow was too deep. We'd gathered the makings for Vic's Pasta in Pot recipe. And beer. We then hunkered down at 230 Campus Avenue for a Royal Rummy card game festival.

This year winter wore me out. There was no sledding, nor Rummy. There might have been some rum. Pablo and I have been eagerly awaiting summer. It's been staggering towards us like it's been drinking rum. Now it's hot! I love it - except for the overly air-conditioned establishments.  Deck time. Farmer's Market - for real with tomatoes, corn - all the good stuff!

There are the outdoor activities - walking, biking and my favorite - reading on the deck. Paul manages to find yard work to do - even in our town home situation. Potted plants and some landscaping he received permission from the yard gods to do. Our neighbor Vicki (not my former college roommate) planted coneflowers of all colors in the newly landscaped area. Oops - Paul forgot to get the god's approval. Mea Culpa.

no mowing..kinda nice

I can't wait for my sisters to visit DSM and to go to Oregon for the fam reunion. I just signed up to work at the State Fair - corndog anyone? Is the Lake in our future? Lazy summer weekends? Goldsmith Golf. A trip to Tahoe? A visit from Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce will finish up our summer. It will be perfect.

I decided to get my summer do. Hair, that is. This time of year the humidity takes its toll on my person - in some good ways and bad. Plus it was time for a full color. Sarah wanted to go all Miley Cyrus on me - shaving the sides. I don't think it would look quite as nice on a 56-year old...I went a little darker, but still have the blond highlights. What can I say? We all need a little spice in our lives.
teeth - check
skin - check
hair - check
hmmm my toenails are looking a bit ragged again.
It's hell being a girl!

Vail and Jiggety Jig

We spent Sunday evening and Monday in the Vail suburb of Edwards, where Cindo lives. She invited our pals Bonnie and Eric over for marinated skirt steak on the grill. I'm proud of my sis - after Bolder died, these are skills she had to learn - lighting the grill and cooking. She nailed it! It was fun to catch up with B&E - they're heading to Spain soon on vacation. #jealous.

Monday morning we headed to Minturn to the Turntable for breakfast. Kitschy place - we snapped a photo outside. Aren't I a hottie? I didn't know Paul could play the guitar...

After a huge fattening breakfast we headed east to Vail (Minturn is off I-70 in between Edwards and Vail) to do a bit of shopping. Looking really as most of the wares in Vail are out of our price range. #01%. We stopped in a store where a lightweight jacket was $1,068. Gulp. I tried not to get my grimy paws on it.

It was a gorgeous morning and there was an event going on in town - a run was just finishing up and runners were wearing cool medals. I was jealous. The sun was shining and bands were setting up to play. I saw bloody marys being served.

We hung out with this guy - Albert he said his name was...

Love the climbing girl - and the other people too

After shopping in Vail we swung through Edwards and I bought a book - something in my budget. Then we spent time on Cindy's deck reading. It was nice sitting in the sun. Later we went to Bonnie and Eric's for supper. Shaloy and Jim came over too! They were just back from picking up a conversion van in Texas #carryoncamping! Good eats!

We said goodbye to Cindo that night when we went to bed. We got up at 4 a.m. and took off early for home. It's beautiful seeing the sun coming up in the mountains. And getting through Denver before the traffic starts up! We listened to "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" all the way, arriving about 4:30 p.m. Nice to be home again in Ioway. Jiggety Jig.

The Junction

On Saturday Amy, Paul and I headed west to Grand Junction - where my sister Susi lives with her husband Jim. We stopped in Vail and picked up Cindo on our way - stopping in Eagle at Moe's for a bit 'o lunch. Great ribs! Our nephew Colby is a manager at Moe's - this one last year and during the winter, one in Lion's Head.

nom, nom, nom

The drive from Vail to GJ is beautiful - through the Glenwood Canyon. There are hot springs in Glenwood Springs - you can smell the sulfur. Once one gets past there, things flatten out and become more arid - there are fruit trees and farms, all watered of course.

Garmin told us the way to Susi's new home. Susi and Jim moved there a couple years ago. It's a gorgeous place - with the master bedroom and the laundry on the main floor. There are four bedrooms upstairs for when the family comes home. There are two grandsons now!

My grandmother purchased this mirror - and would never spill how much is cost. Now Susi displays it proudly

The gang on the patio

 

Our niece Jordan and her girlfriend Jill arrived shortly after we did. S&J cooked a feast and we even drank lemondrop martinis. The weather tried not to cooperate - it was a bit chilly, but they even have a heater on the patio. Jim grilled a big rack of pork - yummy! We had corn and melon on the grill too. Dessert was a couple fab tarts.

There is a walking/biking trail behind the house and a hayfield beyond that - it belongs to an estate. Susi has made it her personal mission to learn the names of all the dogs walking by on the trail with their people. She even has treats for them. The highlight Saturday night was when the doctor from next door walked by with her cats - Persians I believe. They supposedly have "pelts" instead of fur. Interesting.

Sunday morning we had a big breakfast. It's a good thing I don't live with Susi and Jim. I'd be huge! Cindy, Susi, Paul and I did take a walk later even though it was misting lightly. Good thing I don't melt like the Wicked Witch! The vistas are so striking in Grand Junction.

Then it was time to say goodbye - to Amy as well as the Alvillars. It's always hard to leave our girl. We will see Susi and Jim in Oregon in about a month. Yay. Jordie? It could be Christmas...hugs all around. Plus I took this great pic of our hosts.

our hosts

Love hanging with A in Big D

We love spending time with Amy in Denver. Mother Nature actually dared to rain on us this year! She showed her colors on our way into town Thursday night as we drove in - in beautiful fashion with sun shining through clouds and mountains as the backdrop - beautiful! I always think of God when I see sights like that...must be those dramatic Italian paintings.

Amy's roommate Megan is back from Europe. She traveled there for a month with her dad. Then, when she traveled back from Mason City to Denver after returning, she drove through tornadoes just past Omaha. When Megan saw semi trucks on their sides, and the sky turned green, she figured something was wrong! She ended up taking cover with octogenarians in Seward, Nebraska. It was quite a story!

I love walking from Amy's place to the restaurants. We didn't go to Jelly for breakfast - instead heading to a place near the art gallery - where we passed by these two cool things on a beautiful morning.

Unsinkable Molly Brown's statue
 

This sculpture is so fitting for me - the trash lady

After shopping that day, I hung out in the veranda area outside Amy's place - which is the coach house of a mansion. It later welled up and rained again - but I enjoyed my time reading in the shade.

that's a bubbling fountain over my shoulder

So pretty out there

We slept in Amy's bed - the light in there in the a.m. is very nice. And as a graphic designer, she's a good decorator too!

Note her Iowa license plate is on the wall - she didn't forget her roots...

She took a photo of us - after a stop at a brew pub for food and brewskis, we walked to another bar in the rain for a giant hot cookie. Amy snapped this pic. We were representing the colors! Tomorrow - onto to Grand Junction!

If I were Twenty-two

I don't usually read LinkedIn - the website. But I did yesterday and discovered they do articles...who knew? They're running a series where influencers share lessons of their youth. The most recent in the series is this one "If I Were Twenty-two".

I read several pieces by these "influencers". My favorite was by Guy Kawasaki - who is described as  chief evangelist of Canva, an online graphic design tool. He's worked at Google and Apple too - so pretty decent credentials...maybe not ranking up there with First National Bank in Creston, Gits, a landfill and Iowa DNR...but, he probably makes a living.

Here are a few highlights from Guy - many have to do with the job world:
Challenge the known and embrace the unknown - in my words - don't be a Zombie
Be brief. Contrary to school, in the work place there are few minimums.  Here are guidelines: email—five sentences; presentations—tens slides and twenty minutes; report—one page.
Tell stories, do demos, and use pictures. The most enchanting people tell stories, do demos, and use pictures to influence and persuade others. They do not belittle or berate.
Make your boss look good. That is your job.
Continue to learn. Learning is a process not an event, so you should never stop learning.
He says: Don't get married too soon. He got married at 32. He said people change so much and if they rush into marriage it might be too early. I'm torn on this - yes it's true, we do change, but in good marriages - at whatever age, we change and grow together.
Enjoy your family and friends before they are gone. Nothing--not money, power, or fame--can replace your family and friends or bring them back once they are gone.

I didn't reprint the whole essay Mr. Kawasaki wrote. If you're interested - and can get to it without logging in, here is the link: Blog.

I thought I'd take a stab at my own essay. I'm an influencer. Yah.

If I were 22 - I'd trim that afro...

If I Were Twenty-Two

 

If I were twenty-two - and already knew what I know now, I would live my life differently. Of course it's easy to say now...looking in the rearview mirror.

• Set goals - personal, job, financial. I let life just take me in its currents. I wish I'd been more purposeful.
• Appreciating your family. I was caught up in the post-college frenzy of activities - visiting friends, weddings, getting accustomed to my job. My grandparents died when I was 23. I wish I would have spent more time with them.  
• Friends are so important - old, new - they're all good. Make the effort to stay in touch - to get together with buddies who live nearby as well as other places. It's worth it!
• Job-hunting sucks. It's a tough-gig. Treat job hunting as your job - be persistent and follow up on any leads. Don't be afraid of starting in an entry level position - the experience will benefit your career down the road. Every job I've had has helped me in some way later.  
• Be a good employee - someone others can count on. Show up when you're supposed to - prepared for the job. If you're sick - don't show up and cough all over everyone and talk about how sick you are.
• If you hate your job - do us all a favor and find another one.
• Are you a glass half empty person? Try to figure out why...fill that cup up. There are lots of ways to do it. Exercise, therapy, fun - there are lots of ways. You might see your physician to start the conversation. Remember - no other person can make you happy - it's on you!