Going Walkabout - what I did on my vacation

When I decided to retire smack in the middle of Iowa winter, I knew that date wasn't ideal for basking in my home state during my new found idle time. So Paul and I began plotting our escape (mostly Paul). He planned while I finished up my last few weeks of work. As we put together our itinerary, we tried to emulate our daughter-in-law Kara, trip planner supreme to figure out where we'd go, hotels (or friends to visit), what, and even food ideas!

We were going Walkabout (from the dictionary: a journey on foot undertaken by an Australian Aboriginal in order to live in the traditional manner.
Sure we drove, and we are not Australian Aboriginals - but you get the idea. When you drive places, you get a better idea of how people live in the places you visit.

Our trip was planned for places south - from January 16 to around January 29. After travel scares (highway 360, unplanned overnights), in early adulthood, Paul always keeps a close eye on is the weather. We are not those who plunge into icy snowy conditions unprepared. In fact, we don't plunge at all! We are Scout travelers who utilize today's technology to plan ahead. Now retired, we have the luxury of flexibility - yippy!

Our windshield crack - it grew during our trip! 

We left a day early to beat the snow, rain, ice that hit Iowa on Thursday. We noted the stuff never left Des Moines while we were gone. Good move! Just south of Kansas City, some jerk who had the nerve to drive in front of us kicked up a tiny missile that cracked our windshield. Ugh!

The first stop was Wichita. We decided later that we could have made it to Oklahoma City, but now we've seen Wichita. That night we checked out a local place - Bite Me Barbecue, downtown. The place got an A for atmosphere, but the food was not fabulous. But hey, the beer was cold!

Downtown art - OKC

On to Oklahoma City (OKC) on Thursday the 16th - a mere 2.5 hours south. I started booking all our motels on Hotels.com. Once I got everything set up on the mobile app, it was pretty simple. Plus after 10 stays, you get a free stay. We're up to 7 after that trip! We didn't book most until the day we arrived for the night before - most billed the card upon booking. I did notice that we didn't get the primo room assignments - welcome to the room by the elevator/ice maker.

Oklahoma City National Monument

We really enjoyed OKC  - despite some soggy weather, staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Brick Town 2 nights. After we arrived we walked to the Oklahoma City National Monument, which honors all affected by the bombing of the federal building on April 19, 1995. It is so informative and well-done - showing with such pride how well the people of this city stepped up to meet the terrible crisis head-on. Just like 9/11, the country rushed in to help and to hold those who needed holding in their arms. There are videos, interactive displays, information about victims and perpetrators and evidence on how they built the case against them. It was cold and a bit rainy so we didn't get to spend as much time out in the actual site of the former federal building - it was beautiful.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

On day two we visited the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in the morning - just around the corner from our motel. It was free (donation) and we spent over an hour there. We now realize we need to get to the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame soon.

That afternoon we took an Uber to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. It was very cool and is in the process of adding an outdoor interactive area that is sure to draw a younger crowd. If you are a fan of movie westerns, native American art, western art, settlers, Native Americans history, and more - this is for you. We spent several hours there and could have spent more, but our brains were bursting and we were hungry. It was interesting talking with Uber drivers about the economy and their stories of what the area was like. The hotel had a nice bar/restaurant. We sat at the bar one night and had a nice conversation with a woman from Stillwater. It's interesting to hear what life is like in Oklahoma.

That night we took in an OKC Thunder pro basketball game - two ISU basketball players are on that team though one is injured. Deonte Burton didn't score but played. It was fun, though pro hoops will never replace college ball in my viewpoint. The Bricktown area has a riverwalk - filled with cool eateries. Due to the rainy weather, we didn't get to investigate the riverwalk area, but it looks like fun!

Then we were off to Austin, Texas on Saturday. It's amazing how from the Texas border on, it seems to be a continuous city. We had no idea that Waco is on the road to Fort Worth. We drove smack through the Baylor campus and pictured the MacLane Stadium (where Baylor plays) featuring shiplap.

There are no toll roads in Iowa. Kansas does - and they make sense to me, you get a ticket when you enter and pay at the end. Hmmm. Not in Texas! We followed Google around/through Austin and ended up on a fancy road where fancy cameras took our car's picture. I suppose we'll get a bill from the Great Republic soon so I'm looking forward to that. Not. It did take us very nicely to our friend Paula Bacon's house.

Did I mention the weather? By then, it was over 60 degrees and sunny. The sun followed us the rest of our trip until just north of Wichita on the day we returned. In the meantime, Iowa was getting hit with white stuff over and over.

Austin is a wonderful place. That blog is up next!

Leslie Goldsmith - Retired

It's my first real day of retirement. What day is it again? Haha, just kidding. It will take me at least a week before I get confused about what day it is.

Yesterday was my last day as a Department Natural Resources employee. I've quit jobs before. It's always hard as I'm bad at transitions. I get tucked into my work, even when it's not the best fit for me. I like the people and the routine. In this case - the job was a great fit. It was a job made for me.

I turned in my state ID - photo taken 11 years ago. I took down all my cubicle decorations. Amy Wilken has decided to move 1 door down into my space. It's a good one - once used by Jim Bodensteiner - such a great guy.

Okay, there may have been a bit too much on the bureaucracy stuff. I preferred the helpful side, meeting with stakeholders - instead of the get fifteen signatures for a document thing. My favorite part of the job was meeting people around the state of Iowa.

My co-workers took me to lunch yesterday at the Continental - one of my long-time favorites. It's been around since before my time working in DSM - 11 years. The blackened chicken sandwich is delish! Back when I still worked in Creston there weren't very many restaurants in the East Village - now there are lots! My co-workers gave me a gift card for one of them. And I got a nice plaque from the State of Iowa - to commemorate my service. That's nice after 11 years in Creston and 11 years here. It was pointed out that the back might be used as a cutting board - haha.

I cut out after lunch - not much on goodbyes. Meanwhile...back at the ranch, Paul was slaving away on food for the retirement partay! Good thing tailgating has prepared us for just such events. He made 36 Hawaiian roll sandwiches - turkey, ham, roast beef with cheese. I had made a spicy snack mix on Sunday. Add chips, a veggie platter, and hummus. Don't forget the delicious Every Thing Bundt Cake - red velvet. We were ready to take over Peace Tree Brewing in the East Village.

We got there about 3:30 PM and started setting up. Every Thursday retired federal employees have "Team Building" at some DSM establishment. They showed up right on time. Then others started trickling in. It was kind of like getting married - my worlds collided. The feds, our Creston homies plus the Roses - transplanted DSM Crestonites, tailgating friends, my college roomie Jane her sis Susan and buddy Barb, our niece Barb, Joan - who I lived with part-time for 4 years when I first started working in DSM, and the DNR co-workers. It was a grand group - all to celebrate the end of something. And the beginning!

It's exciting! The next five months are set with some cool trips. And eventually, I plan to get a part time gig to earn some money somehow. I'll worry about that later. 

Is My Parachute Open?

When I prepared to graduate from Iowa State University, my mother was concerned I wasn't ready for the real world. She got me a copy of the world's most popular job-hunting book, "What Color is Your Parachute" to help me along. Hint, hint kid - JOB - get one! 

I'd enjoyed the heck out of my college years, and had applied for jobs during the spring of my senior year.  Come May, graduation was looming and no offers had come through. My parents and I were starting to panic. Visions of living in the basement at 202 Crombie in Atlantic, Iowa. Gulp!

Fear not, dear readers. In the last month of school, not one but two offers came through. Sighs of relief from all parties. I wasn't able to use that book, grabbing up the offer that made the most sense and $. I was the Office Manager at Gamble Robinson, a grocery wholesaler in Sioux Falls, S.D., making a whopping $12,500.

The "Parachute" book description states it is "a self-inventory that helps the reader design a career, and life around key passions, transferable skills, traits and more." Due to necessity - following Paul's career, and parenthood, I didn't take time to do that self-inventory until I was in my late 30's. I kept my eyes peeled for opportunities - while not quite sure what my passion was. I'm ever thankful for that Creston News Advertiser Employment section ad - looking for a Recycling Education Coordinator. Bing! It was 1997. My parachute was finally open! I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in the waste reduction and recycling career field in Iowa for the past 22 years.

Metro Waste Authority's new 7 Acre wetland at their landfill - I love this stuff! 

As retirement from the Department of Natural Resources looms (last day Jan. 2 but mostly vacation after December 20), I must admit I'm anxious. I've been a worker/employee for 40 years. Who will I be once I retire? Is my parachute open?

When our son Jud was a little guy, he didn't do transitions well. He'd go play at a friend's and when it was time to go home - yikes, a tantrum! I would drag him kicking and screaming out the door, yelling "thanks" to the host.

I'm not big on goodbyes and transitions either. No worries about a tantrum though.  If I had my way, I'd prefer to slink out like normal on that last day...tears in my eyes, no doubt. Then Paul and I will see what's next. Together.   

Coping with Grief

The title of the blog seems like an oxymoron in the beginning. It was the title of a CBS Sunday Morning Show article today. I think that show segment was for me. I'm self-centered like that. I try to see little bits of karma as signs in my life.

Grief has been on my mind this week as we learned of the brief illness and death of our Creston neighbor Bill Taylor. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in mid-October and passed away Friday at age 55. Joni and Bill with children Colby and Jenna lived across the street from us on the west side of Creston. Bill grew up in the area - a Diagonal kid. Look it up. It's got to be one of the smallest high schools in Iowa now.

Bill has been a fixture at the excellent community college in town - coaching and more recently as an administrator. I'm certain his coaching chops also extended to Colby and Jenna's traveling basketball teams. Both of them had/have awesome college basketball careers at Iowa colleges. I've seen young people's comments on Facebook and other sites - "Bill took extra time to work with me."  And "Bill sent me a note of encouragement after the game and I still have it today"

And now...Bill is gone too soon. The Creston community, the Southwestern Community College community and beyond to his extended community of athletes and students he has impacted will surround this family with love. They will help bear the mantle of grief, as much as they are able to. But then comes the really tough stuff. My heart goes out to them and to their extended families. Your prayers are appreciated.

This time of year is always one of grief and fond memories for our family. It's the anniversary of when we lost our special Bolder - my sister Cindy's husband, in 2012. He had a larger than life personality. Cindy is doing great - newly retired and planning a few trips. Their son Colby manages El Sabor, a restaurant in Vail. It's amazing how much he can be like Bolder at times! We love hanging out with both of them. They miss Boldie every day. Here's to you oldie moldie Boldie!

Do you have anything that happens, that you see, that you feel is a sign from a loved one that has passed on? For our son Patrick, who died at ages 6 days of a heart problem, it's usually something in nature. But for my dad, it's dropped ice cubes. He couldn't get ice at home without dropping at least one cube (icemaker days - not the dreadful ice trays). Our present icemaker helps me to remember Dad often.

Into Each Life

Finally, a home game day without rain...unless you count the OSU Cowboys raining long-distance scoring plays on our beloved Cyclones. It was brisk though. I'm not ready to bundle up this soon in the season. Guess what day it was? Octoberfest, y'all! 

Our "block" in tailgate land is similar to a neighborhood. Several of those who are here every home game "group up" to party together. Some knew each other before, but some just met through the grace of being Cyclone fans who tailgate. It's a beautiful thing! Sometimes we borrow a "cuppa sugar" from each other. Watch each others' TVs or just hang out. 

Bill lines up a tap to "schlag"

The Brockmann group goes big on Octoberfest, organizing teams and games. Some of the clan has young kids - enjoy seeing them grow up - "the Cyclone way". We got in on some of the fun - a competition with rules, a judge and everything. Hammerschlagen is a German game reportedly dating from 1940,] in which several contestants try to hammer a nail into a stump using the wrong end of the hammerhead. Our friend Kari ended up 2nd in the competition! I ditched my nail after many rounds of overshooting and undershooting. I blamed my eye doc - who was hammering just to my right. 

Bobbi holds her stein

Conovers stopped over. I finally got to meet baby Hank - son Phil's little guy. I talked Marilyn into posing with me in this photo. Sheryl & Bob Young stopped by with son Jubal - so great to see them. I hadn't seen Sheryl since she retired from being my ARNP caregiver (and friend) for many years. Gee, I miss her! Donnie's college pal Wally was in town - fun guy to chat with. And Kevin's bro Ralph. Our little group always enjoys our time together - we find things to laugh about no matter what.   

Me with Marilyn

Diana and Kari digging the tunes - Juicy Wiggle? 

Paul grilled thin ribeyes for sandwiches - they were delish! We had our traditional shots before the game. Too bad they didn't bring good luck this time. We got to the game with plenty of time for the flyover. So cool! The Cyclones never played up to their potential the whole game. Disappointing. A damper on a day that was an A+ otherwise. 

It was dark by the time the traffic cleared out and we decided to head home. Paul has a date with deer today. We were both exhausted. There is something about spending the whole day outside that makes you tired - in a good way. My cheeks were chapped. I'm glad I have Sunday to recuperate. 

The weeks are sailing by - my time working at DNR is ticking away. Of course, retirement is a topic of conversation wherever I go. Word has spread! It's amazing how many people, no matter what age they are, say they are pining for retirement. Paul retired last January - so it has been on my mind as he thought about it and planned it. But prior to that, we didn't think about it much. I started working at DNR at age 51, so I had that new job feeling for a long time, and I still enjoy my job. I hope everyone does! Of course, there are parts that are a drag - every job has those. 

Land Quality Bureau Retreat this week - packed Meals from the Heartland for 2 hours with workmates. 

Books and Tailgating

My book club assignment this month is "The Library Book", by Susan Orlean. It's not my fave book ever, but I did find some parts I enjoyed and learned from. So - a win.  I like it when I'm forced to read outside my genre. I don't make myself do it otherwise. I'm a suspense reader - mindless relaxation.

"The Library Book" is by a New Yorker reporter. She investigates the devastating 1986 fire that burned the  Los Angeles Public Library fire - all while weaving in the story of her love affair with books and libraries. The style is hard for me to get into, but I pulled out some gems that I loved.

Like this. All through time bad people have been trying to squelch information and books by burning them. Think of the Nazis. They hurt the Jewish people to the core by burning their beloved sacred books in public bonfires. Also - several months ago a religious activist burned LGBTQ books at the Orange City, Iowa library. He paid a fine.

As you can tell, written words are important to me. That's why I have such a love/hate relationship with social media where anyone can write anything. Anonymously or not. Like this blog. For now, I'll continue. Tomorrow I'll attend book club - so I'd better finish that book! I enjoy meeting with this group.

Football pageantry fan

It's not all about the game. My first tailgating memory is from Iowa City. That's irony for ya! Okay, I was raised a little Hawk fan - all those 60-3 drubbings we attended with the Pellets and other Atlantic fans in the 1960s and early 1970s. We cheered on our hometown hero Ed Podolak.

When I chose Iowa State for college, we didn't tailgate. We simply lugged our booze right into the stadium. Our cars - parked all week in the football field parking lot, overflow for our RCA (Maple Hall) dormitory and later our apartment parking. Come game day, we had to remove cars from stadium parking by Friday night. My roomie Jane found out the hard way (twice) what happens when you forget. Lucky the towed car lot was near our apartment.

So my first tailgating experience was in Iowa City at an ISU vs. Iowa game. We partied with my roomie Vicki's folks and their Hawkeye fan friends. They had an RV and lots of food and liquor! This is the life I thought to myself!

Post-college we met our friends for football games in Ames annually until our own children's' activities tied up weekends. Back then we could pay $15 and get a spot where we park now. Now those same spots require a hefty donation and season ticket purchase. Times change!

We have so many great memories of tailgating during Amy and Jud's college years. Creston friends, Don and Diana McKim upped the game by becoming the owners of a '92 Pace Arrow RV - a fab tailgating unit.

When Amy and Jud were at ISU, our friends' kids were there too. In 2008, Amy (and Kristina McFee and Ryan McKim's) senior year, Don parked the RV in the student section. Jud was a frosh. So many Creston kids and adults stopped by that day and some watched the game on the RV TV. It was "off the hook" (Guy Fieri quote there)

2012

2019

Last weekend our college friends were back - being empty nesters has benefits. They came to our place Friday night - Moose and Kay even brought blow up beds for overflow sleeping! So fun to see everyone. Walking tacos were on the menu - thanks to McKims and Ehreckes for their hospitality (and walking tacos). The weather cleared up and ISU clobbered TCU. What a day! College gave me so much more than an education.

Catching up

This guy and I plan to travel

Okay - it's been a while since I blogged. Blame writer's block. I had no words, no story. Just reporting on our activities seemed shallow. Paul and I had some health issues - the reality of "our 60's" bites. Don't worry - we're not on death's doorstep. Still - the new reality of the passing of our youth sucks. The good news is - it beats the alternative! Dirt nap.

So what's happening now? Retired Paul has been busy working fulltime in a contract job with the City of West Des Moines. He's a forester - trimming trees, spraying weeds, mulching and using software to track the city's trees. It's just what he needed - a job with very little stress. He's paid hourly and can take off whenever he needs to and will take a few month break over hunting season/winter.

Photo from Dubuque - work meeting there this week

I'm in my "senior" year of work. Last semester even! I plan to retire from my present job at the end of the year. I told my supervisor a couple weeks ago. Like Paul, I'll do something part-time in the future because we want to be able to travel and we'd like our funds to last.

We've been talking about our life change (both retirements) a lot! It reminds me of graduating from college - exciting and scary. What will we do? Where will we go? The world is our oyster - how will we crack it open?

Everyone tells me how great retirement will be. Still, it is a bit scary to me. I need structure in my life. I love reading, walking, biking. I plan to go to workouts at my gym - especially aqua. But I need more than that. So pursuing some type of flexible part-time employment will be good for me for the next few years. Flexible so we can travel more!

Wish me luck as I wind down my DNR career. The good news is that my supervisor at DNR (and the program I work with) has encouraged (and required) that I compile procedures for the major things I do. That will help the transition as the state can't hire anyone new until I'm gone. Stay tuned for more on this as I travel this road. It's my dream to do a Dive Bar blog as we travel.

Cleaning

Raise your mouse (or laptop touchpad) if you enjoy cleaning. Some people find great satisfaction in it. Not me! Sure I can do a little bit - the straightening, picking up part. I need a tidy area to help me relax. But deeper cleaning usually makes me mad. Why? It leads me to see things like - the floorboard needs to be painted or argh! There are dead flies behind the shutters and I didn't plan to clean there today. One thing leads to another...black hole.

I was with three friends last weekend when I had a Seinfeld moment. We were at an ISU game watch when the subject turned to cleaning. Paul was out of town that weekend - on a trip to New Orleans with Jud. They do an annual guy-trip to a pro football game for their teams. This year it was Cowboys vs. Saints. When Paul is gone I tend to do deep cleaning projects. I was bragging about how I'd cleaned out the frig that day. (I didn't even get mad). 

My friends started talking about cleaning. It turns out they all have the same magical cleaning lady. We'll call her Jean.  One friend said Jean even wipes out the microwave when she's at her house. The next person said, "Jean wipes down my shutters." "She watches my dogs when I'm gone," said Person 3. Egads! Who is this Jean and how can I be her friend? Alas, she's booked...of course, she is. Jean may hire an associate - but that person will never be "Jean".