A FASHION SHOCK!

            Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed living in Williamsburg, Iowa and all that a small rural community has to offer. On the other hand, I really have enjoyed moving back to West Des Moines with all its diversity of people and a "different" kind of affluence. 

           One observation I had was concerning my own apparel. I was still wearing cargo pants before the move, but, quickly realized that most me who are fairly well dressed were wearing nothing but "Levis" jeans. The only thing I still find ridiculous, even while still in Williamsburg, are those brown pointy shoes that men are now wearing. 

           In my day, you never wore brown shoes with a suit or shoes that appeared to be a size or two too big. I think it's one of the things that when men look back they won't believe they went out in public with them on. One other note. What about men's suits that look like they were washed by mistake and shrunk down a couple of sizes. 

I DID IT MY WAY!

       In my lifetime, I have attended my share of Super Bowl Parties. The problem with parties there is always a lot of drinking and way too much talking. When the game is over, you don't remember much of the commentary as you could never hear it.

         Later today, my companion is heading to Ankeny and "Party" with family for the big game. After I get off work, I'm coming back home, prepare I nice New York Strip and watch the big battle alone. I'm totally OK with this situation! Go Pats!

I WAS LOSS OF WORDS!

        It doesn't happen very often, but, yesterday I was actually at a loss of words. A family came up to my "Demo" stand and sampled some various dips and spreads that we were promoting for the Super Bowl.

         By appearance they were either from India or possibly Pakistan. The older gentleman, before leaving asked me if I could recommend a good restaurant for them "downtown" Des Moines. I went blank and in addition, I couldn't think of a place that might suit them. 

            Moving back here as of late and now living in West Des Moines, I just couldn't come up with any place and really didn't want to take the time to ask them what type of food they were interested in. I simply said I couldn't think of anything, the elder gentleman thanked me and they moved on. 

BEST T-SHIRT SAYING OF THE DAY!

         I caught this T-shirt sighting at the Westlake Hy-Vee yesterday. I loved it. "If you can't say something nice say something sarcastic!"

AN OPTIMISTIC MEMORY!

       When I was young boy and just coming out from a Junior High basketball game at near-by Van Cleve, Iowa, I came to a quick realization. As I was boarding the school bus to return the seven mile journey back to Laurel I gazed upon one beautiful sunset.

        The time of year was late January and near the date of my birthday--the 27th. The realization that I very quickly realized or learned was that the days were becoming much lighter this time of year and the winter darkness was shorting.

            From that time on and when the subject of "winter darkness" was discussed, I would bring up the fact that by this time of year it was getting lighter and Spring was just around the corner.  Sometimes it's just how you look at things!

WHY RUIN A BEAUTIFUL DAY?

     Late last fall on a simply gorgeous October day and while just starting out on a walk around Gray's Lake, I noticed something all too common today. There was a group of 5 or 6 people coming toward us and each was looking down and into their smart phones concentrating on something or other--all of them! I couldn't help wonder if they will ever remember what a glorious Sunday they missed out on?

AFRAID OF WIFE?

           There was this guy that stopped to sample some cheesecake that I was demonstrating at the Westlakes Hy-Vee and his comment gave me my laugh of the week! He took a spoonful of cherry cheesecake and while doing so was looking around. He commented that he hoped his wife wouldn't  catch him eating something maybe he or she thought to be decantant?

             I simply asked him, with my twisted sense of humor, if he was afraid of his wife. He looked right at me and replied:  "You bet I am!" I couldn't help stop laughing for a bit! Whether he was serious or just responding like some great comedy duo, I'll never know!