Friday, November 28, 2014
BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!
do you get when you play a country song backwards? You get your house back! You get your wife back! You get your car back!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
WALKING A QUIET BEACH-MAYBE NOT!
This Thanksgiving may go down as one of the coldest in Iowa ever recorded so they say. At a time like this, I like to take myself somewhere where my thoughts and memories are one of warmth and pleasant times. would like to tell you about one of them.
It was the early 1980's and qualifying for a trip to Hawaii during my years of selling real estate. I never had been to Hawaii, but, if there ever was an incentive to do well and qualify by going to paradise, it did the trick for me.
The plane ride was straight through from Chicago to Honolulu. Part of the price you paid getting to paradise was that non-stop eight hour flight to get there. The second plane of agents that I was part of missed some of the first night festivities due to our late arrival.
The one thing I will never forget and seeing for the first time at night was the ocean waves lapping at the beach from our hotel balcony. That was one of those beautiful sites that I had never witnessed. Our hotel, The Surfrider, was right on the beach and smack dab in the middle of Waikiki Beach. Probably THE most famous stretch of beach in the world. It was just down the elevator from the hotel and bingo you were on the beach and all the action.
Most people would say they prefer some of the more less inhabited Islands and not all that commercialization of Waikiki. But, it was my first time in Hawaii and "happy just to be there!" But, to this day and after walking many very peaceful and sometimes desolate beaches, I still love that Beach and I am going to tell you why.
Waikiki Beach was like a cross between 42nd & Broadway in New York City and a circus. I'll never forget seeing this elderly lady standing on the beach in a two-piece swimsuit with brown leather wrinkled skin and those green palm tree lined sun glasses. Up the beach were young people building huge, elaborate sand castles and other grand designs. Also, native Hawaiian guys standing by their out-riggers ready to take you out beyond the breakers.
Looking south a distance, Diamond Head in all its majesty. Our hotel beach property had a small bar where you sit, enjoy a fruity drink, and take in the view. And, lots and lots of sun worshipers all lotioned down all in a row. To me, of all the beaches at the time, this was where it was happening.
--------to be continued!
It was the early 1980's and qualifying for a trip to Hawaii during my years of selling real estate. I never had been to Hawaii, but, if there ever was an incentive to do well and qualify by going to paradise, it did the trick for me.
The plane ride was straight through from Chicago to Honolulu. Part of the price you paid getting to paradise was that non-stop eight hour flight to get there. The second plane of agents that I was part of missed some of the first night festivities due to our late arrival.
The one thing I will never forget and seeing for the first time at night was the ocean waves lapping at the beach from our hotel balcony. That was one of those beautiful sites that I had never witnessed. Our hotel, The Surfrider, was right on the beach and smack dab in the middle of Waikiki Beach. Probably THE most famous stretch of beach in the world. It was just down the elevator from the hotel and bingo you were on the beach and all the action.
Most people would say they prefer some of the more less inhabited Islands and not all that commercialization of Waikiki. But, it was my first time in Hawaii and "happy just to be there!" But, to this day and after walking many very peaceful and sometimes desolate beaches, I still love that Beach and I am going to tell you why.
Waikiki Beach was like a cross between 42nd & Broadway in New York City and a circus. I'll never forget seeing this elderly lady standing on the beach in a two-piece swimsuit with brown leather wrinkled skin and those green palm tree lined sun glasses. Up the beach were young people building huge, elaborate sand castles and other grand designs. Also, native Hawaiian guys standing by their out-riggers ready to take you out beyond the breakers.
Looking south a distance, Diamond Head in all its majesty. Our hotel beach property had a small bar where you sit, enjoy a fruity drink, and take in the view. And, lots and lots of sun worshipers all lotioned down all in a row. To me, of all the beaches at the time, this was where it was happening.
--------to be continued!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!
How many letters in the alphabet? Answer-26 Wrong! It's 24. L & M were removed for smoking!!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
DORIS & I -DESTINATION LOESS HILLS
In the fall of 2010, my sister Doris and I took a day trip from Marshalltown, Iowa to western Iowa and the Loess Hills area.
We could not have asked for a more perfect fall day. It was the end of October, a Saturday with an early morning temperature in the low 50's. It was a bit chilly and crisp, but, blue sky with bright sunshine. And, just for added flavor a few white puffy clouds dotting above as if you could reach up and touch them. You knew it would be a glorious day.
Doris was on cue arriving at my home around 7:45 a.m. and we were ready to begin our journey to western Iowa and the heart of the Loess Hills that stretched from the state of Missouri border north along the Missouri River on the Iowa side to near Sioux City.
We simply followed highway 30 through Ames, Boone, Ogden, Jefferson, and so on. I could never remember driving this simple route as an adult so it was like a new adventure. The big surprise was driving through Carroll. For a population of 10,000 or so, it felt like a much larger city with the continuous display of businesses along highway 30.
We continued on, angling down to the town of Logan, where it was recommended that we stop to visit the Museum of Religious Arts. It was worth the stop and for further detail, they have a web site. While in Logan we stopped and had lunch at a quant little café called the Bunk House.
From there, we headed west and north along 127 then 183 to Pisgah then to the heart of the Loess Hills forest. North of Pisgah, we went through Preparation Canyon (3900 acres) with an overlook built in 1997, that you could see north and west for miles and miles to the Missouri River. Viewing and taking in this immense river was quite impressive. We went north sometimes along country gravel roads following the ridge of the Hills.
Then, we continued west through Onawa across the Missouri River into Nebraska to Decatur. We went across the toll bridge and back to I-29 at exit 89, to Mondamin and over to highway 44 to simply follow a different route home.
Two observations at this point were 1) traveling down I-29 in Iowa, we could look east and view the "Hills" and appreciate their beauty looming down on us and how they were formed. 2) Also, to witness all the harvesting of corn and soybeans with the huge equipment that was not in existence when I was young-especially the huge semi-trucks in the fields taking in the grain to storage or market.
Around 5 p.m. on the way home, we stopped at Darrell's Place in Hamlin south of Audubon for supper. Their tenderloin was voted best in the state by the Pork Producer's in 2003 and the Best Tenderloin by the Des Moines Register in 2004. And, it was very good!!!
I will always feel I experienced something very special that October day, with my sister, in 2010. Sometimes, our best experiences are close to home. A very special memory in just a one day, twelve hour road trip. To experience not only the Loess Hills, but, just viewing the absolute beauty of the endless waves of landscape in western Iowa with the various shades of golden color between just two crops-corn and soybeans. Truly a beautiful state.
We could not have asked for a more perfect fall day. It was the end of October, a Saturday with an early morning temperature in the low 50's. It was a bit chilly and crisp, but, blue sky with bright sunshine. And, just for added flavor a few white puffy clouds dotting above as if you could reach up and touch them. You knew it would be a glorious day.
Doris was on cue arriving at my home around 7:45 a.m. and we were ready to begin our journey to western Iowa and the heart of the Loess Hills that stretched from the state of Missouri border north along the Missouri River on the Iowa side to near Sioux City.
We simply followed highway 30 through Ames, Boone, Ogden, Jefferson, and so on. I could never remember driving this simple route as an adult so it was like a new adventure. The big surprise was driving through Carroll. For a population of 10,000 or so, it felt like a much larger city with the continuous display of businesses along highway 30.
We continued on, angling down to the town of Logan, where it was recommended that we stop to visit the Museum of Religious Arts. It was worth the stop and for further detail, they have a web site. While in Logan we stopped and had lunch at a quant little café called the Bunk House.
From there, we headed west and north along 127 then 183 to Pisgah then to the heart of the Loess Hills forest. North of Pisgah, we went through Preparation Canyon (3900 acres) with an overlook built in 1997, that you could see north and west for miles and miles to the Missouri River. Viewing and taking in this immense river was quite impressive. We went north sometimes along country gravel roads following the ridge of the Hills.
Then, we continued west through Onawa across the Missouri River into Nebraska to Decatur. We went across the toll bridge and back to I-29 at exit 89, to Mondamin and over to highway 44 to simply follow a different route home.
Two observations at this point were 1) traveling down I-29 in Iowa, we could look east and view the "Hills" and appreciate their beauty looming down on us and how they were formed. 2) Also, to witness all the harvesting of corn and soybeans with the huge equipment that was not in existence when I was young-especially the huge semi-trucks in the fields taking in the grain to storage or market.
Around 5 p.m. on the way home, we stopped at Darrell's Place in Hamlin south of Audubon for supper. Their tenderloin was voted best in the state by the Pork Producer's in 2003 and the Best Tenderloin by the Des Moines Register in 2004. And, it was very good!!!
I will always feel I experienced something very special that October day, with my sister, in 2010. Sometimes, our best experiences are close to home. A very special memory in just a one day, twelve hour road trip. To experience not only the Loess Hills, but, just viewing the absolute beauty of the endless waves of landscape in western Iowa with the various shades of golden color between just two crops-corn and soybeans. Truly a beautiful state.
FATS DOMINO ALMOST!
Fats Domino will always be one of my early 1950's rock and roll favorites. "I'm Walking" was and is still one of my all time favorite R&R songs. Even his first song in 1949, "The Fat Man" gets me charged.
It was in the late 1960's my first wife and I got to see him in person at the old Star Dust in Las Vegas. Because being a big fan, I talked my way, some how, to a stage side table jus off left center so I could see my R&R hero up close.
After they introduced him, he would come out pushing his piano while playing until he was in place center stage. That took some talent to push the piano with his stomach, play, and walk and sing.
During the first set the lady at the table beside us introduced herself as Fats' girlfriend. Her name was Rene Baker and why I remember her name is beyond me. She could tell from my enthusiasm, I was really enjoying him. She asked me after the second set if we would like to meet him. During the intermission, we went out to the lobby and waited and waited some more. No Fats!
The third and last set, he never made it on stage period. It was nerve racking listening to his band go through the warm up music, looking off stage and not seeing him coming out. They finally announced that he had a sore throat. I later learned that Fats Domino was allegedly a drug addict and probably gotten high. Who knows. It was still a night to remember and by just coming close to meeting one of my all time favorite R&R kings.
A footnote---- I read years later that when the Mob controlled Las Vegas, during that period, they would get entertainers like Fats Domino in poker games that were rigged and cheat them out of their entertainment fees.
It was in the late 1960's my first wife and I got to see him in person at the old Star Dust in Las Vegas. Because being a big fan, I talked my way, some how, to a stage side table jus off left center so I could see my R&R hero up close.
After they introduced him, he would come out pushing his piano while playing until he was in place center stage. That took some talent to push the piano with his stomach, play, and walk and sing.
During the first set the lady at the table beside us introduced herself as Fats' girlfriend. Her name was Rene Baker and why I remember her name is beyond me. She could tell from my enthusiasm, I was really enjoying him. She asked me after the second set if we would like to meet him. During the intermission, we went out to the lobby and waited and waited some more. No Fats!
The third and last set, he never made it on stage period. It was nerve racking listening to his band go through the warm up music, looking off stage and not seeing him coming out. They finally announced that he had a sore throat. I later learned that Fats Domino was allegedly a drug addict and probably gotten high. Who knows. It was still a night to remember and by just coming close to meeting one of my all time favorite R&R kings.
A footnote---- I read years later that when the Mob controlled Las Vegas, during that period, they would get entertainers like Fats Domino in poker games that were rigged and cheat them out of their entertainment fees.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH KIDS TODAY!
A few years ago, a friend came back from California and brought a fashion observation while there. I had at the time, a favorite baseball cap that I had worn for with a frayed bill. Then, baseball hats out there in California were being sold new with frayed bills along with jeans with rips, tears, holes, and even for awhile you could buy them with grass stains all for big bucks.I always knew I was ahead of my time.
Along that line, the only clothing trend that annoys me, and has for some time, is the wearing of pants so low that with one slight touch they would be down to their shoes. I saw a kid once in Marshalltown that had to keep his one hand in his front pocket to just keep them up.
We wore them a little on the low side back in the 1950's and 60's, but, not to this extreme. At least we normally wore a belt and they fit tight enough that there was little chance of them coming down. And, if you are short and chunky shaped to start with it makes you appear to be shorter still, especially when they are wearing those baggy shorts down to their ankles.
I used to tell my grandkids, when they were looking at old pictures and laughing at the way they looked, remember, those kids back then thought they were cool and they were "for the time." It's even hard for this old timer to believe that someone like me will be telling their grandkids that some of these looks of today were cool! I suppose so!
Some other time, I will tell you my feelings on baseball hats worn backwards, off to a jaunty angle, or with those big flat bills. Stay tuned for more fashion tips from Dennis!
Along that line, the only clothing trend that annoys me, and has for some time, is the wearing of pants so low that with one slight touch they would be down to their shoes. I saw a kid once in Marshalltown that had to keep his one hand in his front pocket to just keep them up.
We wore them a little on the low side back in the 1950's and 60's, but, not to this extreme. At least we normally wore a belt and they fit tight enough that there was little chance of them coming down. And, if you are short and chunky shaped to start with it makes you appear to be shorter still, especially when they are wearing those baggy shorts down to their ankles.
I used to tell my grandkids, when they were looking at old pictures and laughing at the way they looked, remember, those kids back then thought they were cool and they were "for the time." It's even hard for this old timer to believe that someone like me will be telling their grandkids that some of these looks of today were cool! I suppose so!
Some other time, I will tell you my feelings on baseball hats worn backwards, off to a jaunty angle, or with those big flat bills. Stay tuned for more fashion tips from Dennis!
WHEN THEY BUILD A BRIDGE!
The other day at the Burg Grocery, I mentioned to a lady with the unusually cold weather in our midst, I hoped she had our flight tickets ready for our trip to Hawaii! Ha! Her answer was that when they build a bridge she would go.
My mother always used that phrase when talking about the possibility of flying to Ireland or Germany. "Not until they build that bridge across the pond." She was deathly afraid of water. She even preferred showers over bathing in a cupful of water. She also made sure that we kids took swimming lessons at an early age. She didn't even wait around for the Red Cross group lessons, but in addition to those, we were given private lessons ahead of time. Maybe a little bit of an overkill but, we knew how to swim and were not afraid of water.
My mother always used that phrase when talking about the possibility of flying to Ireland or Germany. "Not until they build that bridge across the pond." She was deathly afraid of water. She even preferred showers over bathing in a cupful of water. She also made sure that we kids took swimming lessons at an early age. She didn't even wait around for the Red Cross group lessons, but in addition to those, we were given private lessons ahead of time. Maybe a little bit of an overkill but, we knew how to swim and were not afraid of water.
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING!!!
As of November 21st, our Blog Site has reached over 4,000 views since the start on July 15th, of this year. Thank you all for your support and interest! It has been fun sharing some fond memories that hopefully has triggered your own cherished personal and family stories.
Dennis Laverty
Dennis Laverty
HARD WORK--REWARDS!
The summer before I graduated from Laurel High School, the opportunity arose to become a partner in a painting company. Three classmates, Tracy Miiller, Ben Wunn, and Mike Stineman, bought out an area painter, the summer before, including all equipment and a 1949 Chevy pickup and continued the business.
Mike Stineman was selected to attend the Air Force Academy and so Ben and Tracy asked me to take Mike's position. The name was Mulsten Painting Company, taking parts from each of their names.
My plans were to attend Marshalltown Junior College the following year, but, the experience and knowledge that I absorbed that summer was worth at least a semester in any college. First of all, the initial lesson was that hard work usually pays off. We generally started at 6:00 a.m. and worked most days until 6:p.m. or so. A few times we rolled into Laurel after the two gas stations had closed. (No. There weren't any 24 hour quick trips handy.) We then had to wait until they opened in the morning to gas up.
We painted everything and generally houses and buildings that no halfway intelligent normal painter wanted to touch. We painted farm buildings, three story houses of college professors in Grinnell and the interior of the Gilman Methodist Church just to name a few. We painted everything by brush-no spray painting.
By the end of that summer, our hard work had paid off. For just a summer, six days a week generally, and 10-12 hour days, we made really good money for the early 1960's and gained some valuable business experience. I do remember bidding one house wrong and making around 25 cents an hour, but, if there was a situation we didn't really want, we would bid it high. If we got it more power to us.
Our reward at the end of the summer was driving up to Clear Lake and Lake Okoboji for the weekend. The real reward or treat was attending the Miss Iowa pageant at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. No better reward than hard work then viewing up close lots of pretty girls!
Mike Stineman was selected to attend the Air Force Academy and so Ben and Tracy asked me to take Mike's position. The name was Mulsten Painting Company, taking parts from each of their names.
My plans were to attend Marshalltown Junior College the following year, but, the experience and knowledge that I absorbed that summer was worth at least a semester in any college. First of all, the initial lesson was that hard work usually pays off. We generally started at 6:00 a.m. and worked most days until 6:p.m. or so. A few times we rolled into Laurel after the two gas stations had closed. (No. There weren't any 24 hour quick trips handy.) We then had to wait until they opened in the morning to gas up.
We painted everything and generally houses and buildings that no halfway intelligent normal painter wanted to touch. We painted farm buildings, three story houses of college professors in Grinnell and the interior of the Gilman Methodist Church just to name a few. We painted everything by brush-no spray painting.
By the end of that summer, our hard work had paid off. For just a summer, six days a week generally, and 10-12 hour days, we made really good money for the early 1960's and gained some valuable business experience. I do remember bidding one house wrong and making around 25 cents an hour, but, if there was a situation we didn't really want, we would bid it high. If we got it more power to us.
Our reward at the end of the summer was driving up to Clear Lake and Lake Okoboji for the weekend. The real reward or treat was attending the Miss Iowa pageant at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. No better reward than hard work then viewing up close lots of pretty girls!
FUNNY LITTLE GUY-MY UNCLE BILL
MY uncle Bill, actually great uncle, was my Grandma Smith's brother. As I remember, he was an interesting little guy. Always seemed happy, walked slightly bent over and had this constant little whistle. His nickname was Pee Wee. I never cared for that nickname or nicknames in general. Another story.
When I was a kid, he was living in Newton above a restaurant and tavern called Washer City Café. It was downtown and across from the Maytag plant that was bought out by Whirlpool in 2006.
He lived in a small single room with only a screen door leading to a hallway. I'm sure there had to have been a regular door to his room, but, only remember that screen door. He had only a single bed or cot with only a hot plate to prepare food. Extremely sad and depressing for a person to live like that, especially with a drinking problem and then living above a tavern. I only remember that room being very dark and extremely warm. The hallway was narrow and dimly lite.
During the summer, on occasion, he would come up and stay with us and I'm sure it was a way for my mom to help him stay sober for a period of time. He would also work for the family around the farm during his stay. Sad.
When I was a kid, he was living in Newton above a restaurant and tavern called Washer City Café. It was downtown and across from the Maytag plant that was bought out by Whirlpool in 2006.
He lived in a small single room with only a screen door leading to a hallway. I'm sure there had to have been a regular door to his room, but, only remember that screen door. He had only a single bed or cot with only a hot plate to prepare food. Extremely sad and depressing for a person to live like that, especially with a drinking problem and then living above a tavern. I only remember that room being very dark and extremely warm. The hallway was narrow and dimly lite.
During the summer, on occasion, he would come up and stay with us and I'm sure it was a way for my mom to help him stay sober for a period of time. He would also work for the family around the farm during his stay. Sad.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
THE "MOB" PROVIDED A GOOD TIME!
It was the late 1970's, just out of college and working my first job. It was with General Mills in their grocery sales division and I was basically calling on Hy-Vee stores and at that time was a chain of just stores in Iowa and mainly in the southern tier of counties including Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
I traveled from one side of the state to the other on a two week cycle. One week, I stayed a night in Burlington, Iowa before heading up the following day to Cedar Rapids. While in Burlington, I would usually check in to the motel, take a short nap, and proceed to a restaurant that served the best "steak: in town!
From there, I proceeded across the Mississippi River to the nearby town of Gulf Port. This little burg mainly consisted, at that time, of two clubs and/or bars called Woody's and Grandinetti's. These places were where the action was most of the time. They brought in top entertainment from Chicago and every night it was "showtime."
The late 1960's was a time when the entertainers wore suits all alike in some sleazy color like lime green or a pale blue-almost leisure suit like if you remember those. They would introduce themselves very formally as they stated to play. Most of the bands would remind you of groups like the Buckinghams! It was great entertainment and great to listen to. I could nurture a couple of beers for hours and just sit and enjoy.
Of course, the word was that these two clubs were owned or connected to the Chicago Mob and even the entertainment was furnished by the boys with the crooked noses! It didn't matter to me. I was in music heaven. About the time I had to leave, lots of people would be coming in because the local munitions plant's one shift was just getting off and the party would really get started. Illinois or that town, at the time, didn't have any kind of curfew. They could rock around the clock!
*** A footnote to this story is that traveling, calling on grocery stores, and being away from family, was not my cup of tea! I lasted less than a year.
I traveled from one side of the state to the other on a two week cycle. One week, I stayed a night in Burlington, Iowa before heading up the following day to Cedar Rapids. While in Burlington, I would usually check in to the motel, take a short nap, and proceed to a restaurant that served the best "steak: in town!
From there, I proceeded across the Mississippi River to the nearby town of Gulf Port. This little burg mainly consisted, at that time, of two clubs and/or bars called Woody's and Grandinetti's. These places were where the action was most of the time. They brought in top entertainment from Chicago and every night it was "showtime."
The late 1960's was a time when the entertainers wore suits all alike in some sleazy color like lime green or a pale blue-almost leisure suit like if you remember those. They would introduce themselves very formally as they stated to play. Most of the bands would remind you of groups like the Buckinghams! It was great entertainment and great to listen to. I could nurture a couple of beers for hours and just sit and enjoy.
Of course, the word was that these two clubs were owned or connected to the Chicago Mob and even the entertainment was furnished by the boys with the crooked noses! It didn't matter to me. I was in music heaven. About the time I had to leave, lots of people would be coming in because the local munitions plant's one shift was just getting off and the party would really get started. Illinois or that town, at the time, didn't have any kind of curfew. They could rock around the clock!
*** A footnote to this story is that traveling, calling on grocery stores, and being away from family, was not my cup of tea! I lasted less than a year.
MY SISTER DORIS-BIRTHDAY NOV. 26th!
If you get the chance, and you know my big sister Doris, you may give some thought to sending her an old fashion birthday card. As you know or mat not now, she is still rehabilitating from her fall at the St. Francis Manor, 2021 4th Avenue, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Also, the phone number is 641-236-7592. I will post this also on Facebook so if you want to at least leave her a message that way, it will get to her. Thank you! Dennis/brother.
1936-ALL RIGHT ALL READY!
For years, no decades, I used to hear from my mom about the Depression of the 1930's and on occasion how bad the year 1936 was. Listening to her go on how bad the weather was you would think there was not another like it.
The winters were colder, the snow deeper, the droughts were worse and on and on. One thing I did catch her on, however, was the telephone and light poles weren't as tall as they are now, so of course, the snow was almost to the top of them.
One year, while attending an estate sale in Marshalltown, I had the opportunity to purchase an old 1936 license plate. I took it down to my mom and stepdad's in Melbourne and gave it to them. Jokingly, I said that they could sit it on their fireplace mantel and then when someone asked about it they could go right in to telling about the "Bad Year of 1936."
As it turned out, somewhere along the way, I acquired a copy or replica of a newspaper from 1936 with headlines and articles about the weather conditions of that year. They were right. It was REALLY BAD!
The winters were colder, the snow deeper, the droughts were worse and on and on. One thing I did catch her on, however, was the telephone and light poles weren't as tall as they are now, so of course, the snow was almost to the top of them.
One year, while attending an estate sale in Marshalltown, I had the opportunity to purchase an old 1936 license plate. I took it down to my mom and stepdad's in Melbourne and gave it to them. Jokingly, I said that they could sit it on their fireplace mantel and then when someone asked about it they could go right in to telling about the "Bad Year of 1936."
As it turned out, somewhere along the way, I acquired a copy or replica of a newspaper from 1936 with headlines and articles about the weather conditions of that year. They were right. It was REALLY BAD!
Friday, November 21, 2014
EARLY BIRD AT TAYLOR'S MAIDRITE!
After an early morning appointment in Marshalltown, I found myself ready to head to Grinnell and visit with my sister, Doris, at the St. Francis Manor. It was a little after 10:am and I just could not resist the temptation.
All of a sudden, I found myself in Taylor's parking lot, the only car. I walked in and it was just me and three employees behind the counter. Oh, If you count the young guy, assume a sales guy, sitting down in the southeast corner with a small computer on the counter in front of him, it made two of us.
I never in my lifetime, that I can recall, been in there that early. But, how could I be in Marshalltown and not enjoy one with everything(no not ketchup.) Also, another first was ordering a butterscotch malt. What was happening!. One decision I made was that I probably would not order that flavor of malt again. Best stick to my usual array of Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry with that extra shot of Malt.
I think I like it better at lunch time when the place is buzzing!
All of a sudden, I found myself in Taylor's parking lot, the only car. I walked in and it was just me and three employees behind the counter. Oh, If you count the young guy, assume a sales guy, sitting down in the southeast corner with a small computer on the counter in front of him, it made two of us.
I never in my lifetime, that I can recall, been in there that early. But, how could I be in Marshalltown and not enjoy one with everything(no not ketchup.) Also, another first was ordering a butterscotch malt. What was happening!. One decision I made was that I probably would not order that flavor of malt again. Best stick to my usual array of Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry with that extra shot of Malt.
I think I like it better at lunch time when the place is buzzing!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
MADE IN NORTH AMERICA!! HA!
Today, while watching my favorite rerun T.V. show, Law & Order-the original one with Lennie and the gang, an interesting commercial was shown. It's on one of these TUB companies that installs this tub layout in normally two easy days and blah blah blh! Then, which I had not caught before, they mentioned material or parts were made in North America.
I'm sure you all know that North America by definition includes Canada, USA and everything down to the Panama Canal. Something tells me that this Company is hoping you only catch the North America part.
Maybe to most, it makes no difference where a product is made-Mexico, China, Viet Nam or the southern Luxemburg, but, to assume we are all too ignorant to pick up on a subtle reference that was used, is an insult to what little intelligence that I possess.
I'm sure you all know that North America by definition includes Canada, USA and everything down to the Panama Canal. Something tells me that this Company is hoping you only catch the North America part.
Maybe to most, it makes no difference where a product is made-Mexico, China, Viet Nam or the southern Luxemburg, but, to assume we are all too ignorant to pick up on a subtle reference that was used, is an insult to what little intelligence that I possess.
OLD WESTERNS AND THE TWELVE SHOOTERS!
Like most youngsters, it didn't take me long to catch on that in the early T. V. shows, cowboys were shooting way beyond the capabilities of their SIX shooter! And, with all that lead flying, many times no one got hit and when the guy was hit or died where was the blood?
Along that line, those fight scenes were hokey! I could always tell that those fists never really came close to hitting the other guy. And, why didn't they ever get their hat's knocked off. Come on!
When your favorite Western Hero was chasing Black Bart on horse back, and finally catches up, he, of course, jumps from his horse and jumps on the bad guy. After landing on the ground, isn't it a miracle that not one of them got up rubbing his behind after that nasty fall always down a hill with lots of rolling. And yes, their hats still intact!
My favorite, while watching these old westerns, was as the group of horse ridden cowboys were coming at you down the trail you could see tire tracks appearing ahead of the riders. I could always imagine this pick-up ahead of these riders and a guy in the back of the pick-up while cranking away at the movie camera. I know! I am not quite right!
Oh Ya! During those fight scenes in the saloon, have you ever seen so much furniture broken over people's heads and so easily shattered. Every once in awhile you would notice a microphone peaking out from above that someone forgot to crop out. One last thing, How did your favorite cowboy keep looking so clean shaven, and clothes always immaculate, while wandering around the wild west for weeks on end! I wonder when men's cologne was invented?
Along that line, those fight scenes were hokey! I could always tell that those fists never really came close to hitting the other guy. And, why didn't they ever get their hat's knocked off. Come on!
When your favorite Western Hero was chasing Black Bart on horse back, and finally catches up, he, of course, jumps from his horse and jumps on the bad guy. After landing on the ground, isn't it a miracle that not one of them got up rubbing his behind after that nasty fall always down a hill with lots of rolling. And yes, their hats still intact!
My favorite, while watching these old westerns, was as the group of horse ridden cowboys were coming at you down the trail you could see tire tracks appearing ahead of the riders. I could always imagine this pick-up ahead of these riders and a guy in the back of the pick-up while cranking away at the movie camera. I know! I am not quite right!
Oh Ya! During those fight scenes in the saloon, have you ever seen so much furniture broken over people's heads and so easily shattered. Every once in awhile you would notice a microphone peaking out from above that someone forgot to crop out. One last thing, How did your favorite cowboy keep looking so clean shaven, and clothes always immaculate, while wandering around the wild west for weeks on end! I wonder when men's cologne was invented?
IT'S OYSTER SOUP WEATHER!
At the Burg Grocery, a lot of fresh oysters are being purchased as the Holiday Season approaches, the early cold weather, and traditions. One lady mentioned that each season after the harvest is in, their tradition is to sit down to dinner that includes Oyster Soup! I like that one.
A few people buy the canned oysters as they are a lot cheaper. Unless you are a real connoisseur of oysters, it's probably OK. At least use 1/2 and 1/2 or cream. Also, try a few shots of vanilla extract. You will love it! That's what the Waterfront Restaurant in West Des Moines uses as their little secret ingredient!
A few people buy the canned oysters as they are a lot cheaper. Unless you are a real connoisseur of oysters, it's probably OK. At least use 1/2 and 1/2 or cream. Also, try a few shots of vanilla extract. You will love it! That's what the Waterfront Restaurant in West Des Moines uses as their little secret ingredient!
CORPORATE CHEATING-NOT A BIG DEAL!
When I was first out of college my first job was working for General Mills in retail sales.. In starting out, one of my first training sessions was working in sales in the Omaha, Nebraska area.
At the time, my cousin Linda (Laverty) Latham was teaching in the area and I decided to invite her out one evening for dinner. We just ate at some pizza place, shared a few slices and a pitcher of beer.
At the beginning of the following week, I turned in my expense report to the office manager. He looked it over, chuckled a little and then threw the report into the waste basket. "Now," he said. "Let's figure out what you really had to eat that evening." He proceeded to tell me that I had a steak as did Linda and padded up the expense report to at least triple the original amount. Back in the mid 1960's, a pizza and beer was around $5.00 or so.
The lesson learned, I guess, was according to the office manager: "If Corporate (up in Minneapolis) thinks that one guy down in Des Moines, Iowa can eat that cheap, then maybe everyone should be able to do the same."
At the time, my cousin Linda (Laverty) Latham was teaching in the area and I decided to invite her out one evening for dinner. We just ate at some pizza place, shared a few slices and a pitcher of beer.
At the beginning of the following week, I turned in my expense report to the office manager. He looked it over, chuckled a little and then threw the report into the waste basket. "Now," he said. "Let's figure out what you really had to eat that evening." He proceeded to tell me that I had a steak as did Linda and padded up the expense report to at least triple the original amount. Back in the mid 1960's, a pizza and beer was around $5.00 or so.
The lesson learned, I guess, was according to the office manager: "If Corporate (up in Minneapolis) thinks that one guy down in Des Moines, Iowa can eat that cheap, then maybe everyone should be able to do the same."
Monday, November 17, 2014
HINTS FOR GRADS-OVER THE COFFEE-continued
21. Be orderly, you'll keep the damage down!
22. In the opposite sex, loyalty, diligence, humor, & intelligence surpass good looks or cleverness.
23. On your own face keep a blithe serene mask so people'll think you know the answer.
24. Bring your friends home to your shack; be yourself.
25. Adopt outdoor sports to pursue all your life.
26. Act poised and confident, even if you're uncertain inside (So's everybody else.)
27. Write frequent letters to friends; it's civilized, sharpens the mind.
28. Don't be irked by brothers, sisters, family; you irk them too.
29. Read history & biography to help guide your actions.
30. Cherish your chores & duties; work's a blissful refuge.
31. Be expert on at least on lively topic, if only bearded generals or amiable redheads.
32. Don't slander yourself; God put you here as you are.
33. Linger close to nature; plant; watch things grow.
34. Remember proudly who you are; never humble yourself to 2nd raters.
35. Live within your means; don't envy the rich; a Rolls Royce is only a vehicle.
36. Cultivate humor & enuf indifference.
37. You'll be happier where you grew up than far away.
38. Discuss your problems with the town's biggies; they'll help.
39. Dodge that daily hysteria at each new fake crisis. Cold water never ends.
40. Drop in on people; they like it. (Don't stay too long.
41. Why act tough & cocky? Cheap disguise for boys & girls empty and afraid.
42. Love people and shoe it.
43. No matter how mixed up your private religious views, go to church often.
*** The last seven Hints were lost years ago.
22. In the opposite sex, loyalty, diligence, humor, & intelligence surpass good looks or cleverness.
23. On your own face keep a blithe serene mask so people'll think you know the answer.
24. Bring your friends home to your shack; be yourself.
25. Adopt outdoor sports to pursue all your life.
26. Act poised and confident, even if you're uncertain inside (So's everybody else.)
27. Write frequent letters to friends; it's civilized, sharpens the mind.
28. Don't be irked by brothers, sisters, family; you irk them too.
29. Read history & biography to help guide your actions.
30. Cherish your chores & duties; work's a blissful refuge.
31. Be expert on at least on lively topic, if only bearded generals or amiable redheads.
32. Don't slander yourself; God put you here as you are.
33. Linger close to nature; plant; watch things grow.
34. Remember proudly who you are; never humble yourself to 2nd raters.
35. Live within your means; don't envy the rich; a Rolls Royce is only a vehicle.
36. Cultivate humor & enuf indifference.
37. You'll be happier where you grew up than far away.
38. Discuss your problems with the town's biggies; they'll help.
39. Dodge that daily hysteria at each new fake crisis. Cold water never ends.
40. Drop in on people; they like it. (Don't stay too long.
41. Why act tough & cocky? Cheap disguise for boys & girls empty and afraid.
42. Love people and shoe it.
43. No matter how mixed up your private religious views, go to church often.
*** The last seven Hints were lost years ago.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
MY UNCLES-TOMMY & PAUL LAVERTY-OBSERVATIONS
Paul Mac Laverty was my dad's (William John) youngest brother by about eleven years. He was considered the baby of the family. A lot of old family photographs would show my dad, his older brother, Tommy, and there would be Paul the youngest.
Thomas or Tommy Le Roy Laverty was my dad's oldest brother by a little over a year. He was held back at one point so he and my dad could walk to school together a mile east of their farm.
After my Grandpa Laverty passed away 1n 1950 and my dad's passing in 1953, they became important role models in my young life. I enjoyed being around them both as they possessed a great sense of humor! Their sense of humor and constant good nature, were always present. It had an impression on me and I have always been grateful that a lot of those good qualities were passed along.
The following observations are not meant to be critical, but, ones I remember as a youngster and have warm memories of. When Uncle Paul would finish talking, he would give a little spit after taking the Camel unfiltered cigarette from his mouth and followed with a Ugh! Ugh! sound. Also, he had a little nervous twitch with his one arm or elbow while talking. To just be with him to do those things once more!
Uncle Tommy was a fairly fast talker. If someone was to play him in a movie, I always said it would have to be Broderick Crawford, a film actor from the 1940's-1950's. He was always tough acting and fast talking. Uncle Tommy was not tough talking though. He was a pussy cat.
He loved to tease. One of his favorite "tricks" would be to pass a butter dish with the butter on the edge of the plate and give it a little jerk forward so while passing it to a person, they would get some butter up their thumb. He loved that one! He introduced that trick one year at the Father and Son Banquet at the Laurel Methodist Church. Larry, his son, had gone away to college, and, since my dad had passed away, he took me.
One year for my birthday when I was very young one of them, Paul or Tommy, drove a tractor through the field, a mile away, during a snow storm just to bring me a birthday card and a little cash enclosed. That always meant a lot to me and showed the importance of family.
Thomas or Tommy Le Roy Laverty was my dad's oldest brother by a little over a year. He was held back at one point so he and my dad could walk to school together a mile east of their farm.
After my Grandpa Laverty passed away 1n 1950 and my dad's passing in 1953, they became important role models in my young life. I enjoyed being around them both as they possessed a great sense of humor! Their sense of humor and constant good nature, were always present. It had an impression on me and I have always been grateful that a lot of those good qualities were passed along.
The following observations are not meant to be critical, but, ones I remember as a youngster and have warm memories of. When Uncle Paul would finish talking, he would give a little spit after taking the Camel unfiltered cigarette from his mouth and followed with a Ugh! Ugh! sound. Also, he had a little nervous twitch with his one arm or elbow while talking. To just be with him to do those things once more!
Uncle Tommy was a fairly fast talker. If someone was to play him in a movie, I always said it would have to be Broderick Crawford, a film actor from the 1940's-1950's. He was always tough acting and fast talking. Uncle Tommy was not tough talking though. He was a pussy cat.
He loved to tease. One of his favorite "tricks" would be to pass a butter dish with the butter on the edge of the plate and give it a little jerk forward so while passing it to a person, they would get some butter up their thumb. He loved that one! He introduced that trick one year at the Father and Son Banquet at the Laurel Methodist Church. Larry, his son, had gone away to college, and, since my dad had passed away, he took me.
One year for my birthday when I was very young one of them, Paul or Tommy, drove a tractor through the field, a mile away, during a snow storm just to bring me a birthday card and a little cash enclosed. That always meant a lot to me and showed the importance of family.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING NOVEMBER 22, 1963?
Most everybody that can remember that year to start with will know where and what they were up to on that important date in history (November 22, 1963.) If you don't because you were very very young or not born yet you can stop reading!!
In case you have forgotten, it was when John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. I was sitting in my 1963 Chevy with wipers going during a light rain. I was listening to the news report in disbelief, waiting to go into the Armory on Summit Street for one of my classes while attending Marshalltown Junior College now called MCC.
Also, in 1964, I saw Lyndon Johnson only from a distance in a motorcade while he was campaigning in Des Moines, Iowa. One observation from a distance was his big ears. Another thing I will never forget about Johnson was how much stress the Vietnam War had on him physically. His hair went from dark to silver or grey fairly quickly.
One more presidential observation, Bobby Kennedy was campaigning for the Presidency during the Democratic primary in Des Moines and spoke outside Vet's Auditorium. At the time, I was working at Allied Mutual Insurance Company and could simply walk across the street to watch him. Some things that I remember about him was his New England accent, how short he was, and that on such a warm day he had a long sleeved shirt on. He was later shot and killed in Los Angeles , June of 1968.
In case you have forgotten, it was when John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. I was sitting in my 1963 Chevy with wipers going during a light rain. I was listening to the news report in disbelief, waiting to go into the Armory on Summit Street for one of my classes while attending Marshalltown Junior College now called MCC.
Also, in 1964, I saw Lyndon Johnson only from a distance in a motorcade while he was campaigning in Des Moines, Iowa. One observation from a distance was his big ears. Another thing I will never forget about Johnson was how much stress the Vietnam War had on him physically. His hair went from dark to silver or grey fairly quickly.
One more presidential observation, Bobby Kennedy was campaigning for the Presidency during the Democratic primary in Des Moines and spoke outside Vet's Auditorium. At the time, I was working at Allied Mutual Insurance Company and could simply walk across the street to watch him. Some things that I remember about him was his New England accent, how short he was, and that on such a warm day he had a long sleeved shirt on. He was later shot and killed in Los Angeles , June of 1968.
HINTS FOR 1962 or ANY GRADS!
When I graduated in 1962, I cut out and saved a list published by the Des Moines Register in the OVER THE COFFEE column put out by Harlan Miller.
50 HINTS
FOR THE 1962's GRAD"S
Wrapped in a $100 bill, these "secrets of Success" make a graduation gift at which few of 1962's high school or college grads will turn up a nose. I offer them mercifully in lieu of a lot of grad speeches I've dodged.
***********************for success hidden from you.
- Keep a diary to watch yourself mature.
- Remember: Good posture excels fancy clothes.
- Treat Dad & Mom as friends only a little older; listen to them! Pay attention. They're on your side.
- Save a little; $1,000 makes you freer.
- Read papers & magazines; editorials, articles, fiction.
- Adopt 4 indoor and outdoor hobbies.
- Be polite to all; to the rude, even if it hurts.
- Act as the equal of any man or woman alive.
- Play a musical instrument, if only a phonograph.
- To make the world listen, speak softly, enunciate clearly.
- Nobody else owns mystic secrets.
- Be extra polite driving a car, when your Ugly Monster inside tries to roar.
- Why drink liquor unless a doctor prescribes it.
- Cigarette money can pay your premiums on a $9,000 insurance policy.
- Don't shun an hour alone; a chance to think.
- Write down your own plans and rules.
- A good book intelligence surpass good looks or cl& weekly invigorates your brain.
- Begin to buy land young, or a suburban lot.
- Study dictionary & encyclopedia; full of gems.
- There 's no organized opposition. -------------to be continued
Saturday, November 15, 2014
HE FORGOT HIS PURSE-POW!
In the late 1970's, Disco music was king with likes of the Bee Gee's and the Disco queen, Donna Summer, who at one time held the title for the most records sold by a woman-ever. It was a cool time to go out for the evening to your favorite "disco." One reason it was neat was because you really dressed up in your best to go out. Lots of bell bottoms and silky open long collared shirts for the guys. The ladies in cocktail dresses or outfits resembling prom dresses in some cases. For a short while a few leisure suits for guys were spotted here and there. Thank goodness that craze didn't last.
One of the hottest disco clubs in the Des Moines area, actually out close to Interstate I 35-80 on Hickman in Clive, was called Smugglers-a restaurant, bar, disco, a chain and tied in with Holiday Inns. Some of my single friends and I started going there before it actually caught on and really started swinging. It was nice to have a place to hang out for an evening and dance without the big crowds. That didn't last too long!
We got to know the disc jockey real well and he would have nightly activities like dance contests and crazy stuff like beer jugging contests. One evening I had a date and we double dated with her best friend and decided to go to Smugglers. One problem with my date was that she didn't like to dance and/or didn't dance real well. So we pretty much sat at the bar and watched everybody else dance and just visited.
The other guy in our group, Marty, who I knew somewhat and was an aspiring young attorney in one of Des Moines' most prestigious firms . He had one big problem. He was out every night drinking hard very late every night and then getting up early. The story went that he also took something to get him going in the morning. Day in and day out. Never knew what!
During this particular evening and after way too much to drink, Marty was walking around and went over to these two guys and whispered in one's ear about something. The one yelled out, "What did you say?" Marty leaned over and repeated it. The one guy hauled off and slugged Marty and he went down! I jumped off my seat and tried to step in and do whatever and so did another bar patron. The pair of guys that were the part of this action took off for the front door.
The guy who Marty had whispered to was Paul Drostell, who owned for years the Greenbriar restaurant in Johnston, Iowa. He was also a local rugby player and had a little bit of a tough guy reputation. Marty was no match, especially when he could hardly stand up from drinking too much.
The next morning, I called Marty to see how he was feeling. He had taken a fist right to the side of the head and it could have been serious. He said he was O. K. I then asked him what he had whispered in Drostell's ear. He replied, "I told him when he was getting up to leave that he had forgot his purse!" Good grief! No wonder! I didn't feel as sorry for him after hearing that comment.
One of the hottest disco clubs in the Des Moines area, actually out close to Interstate I 35-80 on Hickman in Clive, was called Smugglers-a restaurant, bar, disco, a chain and tied in with Holiday Inns. Some of my single friends and I started going there before it actually caught on and really started swinging. It was nice to have a place to hang out for an evening and dance without the big crowds. That didn't last too long!
We got to know the disc jockey real well and he would have nightly activities like dance contests and crazy stuff like beer jugging contests. One evening I had a date and we double dated with her best friend and decided to go to Smugglers. One problem with my date was that she didn't like to dance and/or didn't dance real well. So we pretty much sat at the bar and watched everybody else dance and just visited.
The other guy in our group, Marty, who I knew somewhat and was an aspiring young attorney in one of Des Moines' most prestigious firms . He had one big problem. He was out every night drinking hard very late every night and then getting up early. The story went that he also took something to get him going in the morning. Day in and day out. Never knew what!
During this particular evening and after way too much to drink, Marty was walking around and went over to these two guys and whispered in one's ear about something. The one yelled out, "What did you say?" Marty leaned over and repeated it. The one guy hauled off and slugged Marty and he went down! I jumped off my seat and tried to step in and do whatever and so did another bar patron. The pair of guys that were the part of this action took off for the front door.
The guy who Marty had whispered to was Paul Drostell, who owned for years the Greenbriar restaurant in Johnston, Iowa. He was also a local rugby player and had a little bit of a tough guy reputation. Marty was no match, especially when he could hardly stand up from drinking too much.
The next morning, I called Marty to see how he was feeling. He had taken a fist right to the side of the head and it could have been serious. He said he was O. K. I then asked him what he had whispered in Drostell's ear. He replied, "I told him when he was getting up to leave that he had forgot his purse!" Good grief! No wonder! I didn't feel as sorry for him after hearing that comment.
LADY VOLS-SO WHAT!
In this weeks Des Moines Register, there was an article about the women's basketball team at the University of Tennessee. The female sports columnist was very critical about the fact that the women's basketball team still goes by the Lady Vols.(Volunteers)
Christine Brennan of USA TODAY Sports really ran Tennessee through the coals about the whole issue. A lot of the University's decision to keep the Lady Vols had to do with tradition and the legendary coach, Pat Summitt.
After the reporter kept going on and on about sexism and being stuck in the twentieth century, it seems to this 70 year old having lived through an age of changes in women's issues, it seems refreshing to hear that we are arguing over calling something "A Lady!"
Christine Brennan of USA TODAY Sports really ran Tennessee through the coals about the whole issue. A lot of the University's decision to keep the Lady Vols had to do with tradition and the legendary coach, Pat Summitt.
After the reporter kept going on and on about sexism and being stuck in the twentieth century, it seems to this 70 year old having lived through an age of changes in women's issues, it seems refreshing to hear that we are arguing over calling something "A Lady!"
OVERHEARD AT THE BURG GROCERY!
This morning while doing a little shopping, An employee was tasting a sample basket of some new type of chips. They looked awful and on the package showed a picture of what looked like green beans and peas. Who wants chips to remind you of a vegetable!
The lady employee tried a few and then commented that" they weren't bad." That made me think about when you hear the expression-"It's an acquired taste." What you really want to hear is "Boy! Those are really good." And, generally speaking if you hear that you have to acquire a taste for something run like the wind! I had to acquire a taste for scotch in my younger years and it didn't do me any good!
The lady employee tried a few and then commented that" they weren't bad." That made me think about when you hear the expression-"It's an acquired taste." What you really want to hear is "Boy! Those are really good." And, generally speaking if you hear that you have to acquire a taste for something run like the wind! I had to acquire a taste for scotch in my younger years and it didn't do me any good!
Friday, November 14, 2014
DON'T LAUGH AT MY TRAPPER HAT
Do you remember Elmer Fudd in Warner Bros. cartoons? Everybody does. But, do you remember some of the characters from the 1997 Academy Award winning movie Fargo? The common denominator is the hat.
I bought, while in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this fall a trapper or hunter's hat. Black & red check with the flaps-the whole nine yards. I pretty much bought it as a joke or souvenir, but, with this cold weather hitting early, I wore it for the first time this week while out on my morning power walk.
At least kids are wearing them now with animal faces on them and bright colors. They are considered now cool! When I was a kid, if you had worn anything like that you would have been considered a real Dork! Maybe now I am being a Senior Dork, but, I am a warm headed Senior Dork!
I bought, while in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this fall a trapper or hunter's hat. Black & red check with the flaps-the whole nine yards. I pretty much bought it as a joke or souvenir, but, with this cold weather hitting early, I wore it for the first time this week while out on my morning power walk.
At least kids are wearing them now with animal faces on them and bright colors. They are considered now cool! When I was a kid, if you had worn anything like that you would have been considered a real Dork! Maybe now I am being a Senior Dork, but, I am a warm headed Senior Dork!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
MY MOM & THE FIESTA LEGACY
Colored dishes. An odd legacy. Well, not just any colored dishes-Fiesta, those depression era patterns from Homer Laughlin Company.
If were to ask cousins, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren one thing they remembered about Aunt May or Grandma Korte, it would be Fiesta. Don't get me wrong, she will always be remembered for the loving and caring person she was, but, when it came to that something-Fiesta.
She bought her first set when she and my dad were first married in the early 1930's and used it daily from then on. She did have her good china for the Holidays, but, it didn't create the interesting conversations like Fiesta.
Even after my mother passed away in 2003, yours truly, both my sisters, and other family members continue that tradition by using the New Fiesta(post 1980's collection) on a continuing basis.
Even when grand-daughters stay with me and sometimes argue about what ( No, I want the red plate)combinations to use for a particular meal, it made that time just a little more special!
The legacy continues and lives on. Thank you, Mom!
If were to ask cousins, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren one thing they remembered about Aunt May or Grandma Korte, it would be Fiesta. Don't get me wrong, she will always be remembered for the loving and caring person she was, but, when it came to that something-Fiesta.
She bought her first set when she and my dad were first married in the early 1930's and used it daily from then on. She did have her good china for the Holidays, but, it didn't create the interesting conversations like Fiesta.
Even after my mother passed away in 2003, yours truly, both my sisters, and other family members continue that tradition by using the New Fiesta(post 1980's collection) on a continuing basis.
Even when grand-daughters stay with me and sometimes argue about what ( No, I want the red plate)combinations to use for a particular meal, it made that time just a little more special!
The legacy continues and lives on. Thank you, Mom!
HOW ABOUT GABBY HAYS?
Everybody remembers Gabby from maybe some old Roy Rogers' westerns, but, do you remember him having his own T. V. show sponsored by Quaker Oats.He would stand on stage and point the "cannon" at the camera and say something like-"OK boys and girls stand back from your television sets." Then he would pull a cord and the cannon would shoot out oats or rice!
During that time, you could order a ring with a little cannon mounted on top. You could pull a little lever in the back of the cannon and being spring loaded, it was great for shooting spit wads at your friends. I was a sucker for that stuff!
During that time, you could order a ring with a little cannon mounted on top. You could pull a little lever in the back of the cannon and being spring loaded, it was great for shooting spit wads at your friends. I was a sucker for that stuff!
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER WINKY DINK? DOUBT IT!
This was an animated series that ran on Saturday mornings in the early 1950's. Anybody out there remember that long ago? All I recall, it was about a kid that was always getting into trouble of some kind.
They had you, the viewer, send for a kit that was to be used during the show. Of course, I sent for it. Winky Dink would be running from some villain and they would stop the action so you could then help save him from disaster!
You would get out a clear plastic sheet that fit the T.V. screen and clung to it. Then a voice would tell you to get out a certain color of the set of marking crayons or pencils. Before Winky Dink could cross this canyon, you were told to draw a line across so he could get across safely from the villain pursuing him. Yeah! You saved Winky Dink! Wow.
Can you imagine kids getting sucked in on something that hokey today? I have another dandy to tell you next time. Stay tuned.
They had you, the viewer, send for a kit that was to be used during the show. Of course, I sent for it. Winky Dink would be running from some villain and they would stop the action so you could then help save him from disaster!
You would get out a clear plastic sheet that fit the T.V. screen and clung to it. Then a voice would tell you to get out a certain color of the set of marking crayons or pencils. Before Winky Dink could cross this canyon, you were told to draw a line across so he could get across safely from the villain pursuing him. Yeah! You saved Winky Dink! Wow.
Can you imagine kids getting sucked in on something that hokey today? I have another dandy to tell you next time. Stay tuned.
LARRY T. LAVERTY-HIS CARS
Larry was my oldest cousin and was someone that I always admired and looked up to . He was smart, a good looking guy, and above all a good person. He was cool!
One thing Larry was in to in his teens were cars. Three cars I remember Larry having was a 1956 black and gold or yellow 2 dr. hard-top Chevy Bel Aire, a 1958 all black 2 dr. hard-top Chevy Super Sport. These two cars had big V-8 engines and for their day were something!
Looking back, the 1955 and 1957 Chevy's were more popular and thought to be cooler. But, Larry always seemed and usually did just the opposite of what everyone else was doing. He marched to his own beat.
What was really out of step was when he got a new Volkswagon Bug in and around 1959. This vehicle was totally 180 degrees from the V-8 machines that he had owned. With the engine in back, just being a foreign car, terrible heating and worst of all no get up and go.
But, Larry was different. I remember one time in particular, riding with Larry in the Bug down to the, what we called, the four mile corner. This was south of where he lived on highway 14 which went on to Newton. The corner was a straight right angle turn and intended to be taken at a very slow speed. SLOW SPEED. I never knew why they simply did not have a stop sign there.
On this one occasion, Larry wanted to see how fast the Bug could take the corner. There were no seat belts at that time, unless you had them installed yourself. He didn't. I always remember just sitting there in the passenger side hoping and praying that as we went into the slide that we would not roll over. As I recall, he got it up to 35 or 40 mph. Hey! You only live once.
One thing Larry was in to in his teens were cars. Three cars I remember Larry having was a 1956 black and gold or yellow 2 dr. hard-top Chevy Bel Aire, a 1958 all black 2 dr. hard-top Chevy Super Sport. These two cars had big V-8 engines and for their day were something!
Looking back, the 1955 and 1957 Chevy's were more popular and thought to be cooler. But, Larry always seemed and usually did just the opposite of what everyone else was doing. He marched to his own beat.
What was really out of step was when he got a new Volkswagon Bug in and around 1959. This vehicle was totally 180 degrees from the V-8 machines that he had owned. With the engine in back, just being a foreign car, terrible heating and worst of all no get up and go.
But, Larry was different. I remember one time in particular, riding with Larry in the Bug down to the, what we called, the four mile corner. This was south of where he lived on highway 14 which went on to Newton. The corner was a straight right angle turn and intended to be taken at a very slow speed. SLOW SPEED. I never knew why they simply did not have a stop sign there.
On this one occasion, Larry wanted to see how fast the Bug could take the corner. There were no seat belts at that time, unless you had them installed yourself. He didn't. I always remember just sitting there in the passenger side hoping and praying that as we went into the slide that we would not roll over. As I recall, he got it up to 35 or 40 mph. Hey! You only live once.
HEINIE
One of the most colorful people, I recall as a youngster on the farm. was a hired man named Carl Fehrmann or as most everyone called him-Heinie. He worked off and on for the family in various farm related jobs.
He was a rather large man with also a large "beer belly" with pants usually falling below them and usually with a cigar stuck in one side of his mouth. But, always gentle, polite, and shy like.member
On one occasion, I remember him coming up to the house for a drink of water. My mother came out with my youngest sister, Deborah, when she was just a baby. He mentioned to my mother that he thought Deborah was such a beautiful baby, but, apologetically said "of course, of course," he didn't mean anything by it. He was so shy that even saying something complimentary he felt was maybe out of line. I always remember him saying "of course, of course." Funny the things we remember.
After going through old cancelled checks that my mother had saved, there were several made out to him for $17.50. I am assuming these were probably for a weeks wages at the time.
He was a rather large man with also a large "beer belly" with pants usually falling below them and usually with a cigar stuck in one side of his mouth. But, always gentle, polite, and shy like.member
On one occasion, I remember him coming up to the house for a drink of water. My mother came out with my youngest sister, Deborah, when she was just a baby. He mentioned to my mother that he thought Deborah was such a beautiful baby, but, apologetically said "of course, of course," he didn't mean anything by it. He was so shy that even saying something complimentary he felt was maybe out of line. I always remember him saying "of course, of course." Funny the things we remember.
After going through old cancelled checks that my mother had saved, there were several made out to him for $17.50. I am assuming these were probably for a weeks wages at the time.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
A SATURDAY AFTERNOON SHOOTING POOL
It was a Saturday afternoon in the early 1960's and we were headed for Haverhill. This was a small, mostly all Catholic town northwest of Laurel about ten miles away. Our destination was a pool room/ general store owned by two sisters named Sylvia and Clemie. The car load would include a few of my high-school classmates- usually Tracy, LaVerne, and Rick.
There was also another store and/or tavern across the street called Blum's. We never went in there as, I guess, we thought that it was more of an adult hang-out because it served beer. We never wanted to get real pushy in Haverhill as we considered ourselves as outsiders because we weren't Catholic.
But, we arrived usually after lunch-time and were ready to chalk up those cues. The building had two sides. One side was like something out of a-turn-of-the-century scene. It had shelving that went all the way to the ceiling filled with merchandise only who knew what. Even at the time, 1960's, some of the merchandise had to be considered antiques. I always regretted not attending the estate auction held in the mid 1990's after the last sister passed away. That had to be like going into a time warp.
It was the other side this day we were headed. It was just us Laurel boys playing a little Eight Ball or Rotation, smoking a few cigarettes, drinking pepsi, and eating some potato chips. That was living! Yes, we did tease those poor ladies unmercifully, but, they looked forward to seeing us as we provided entertainment for them on occasion. A great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
There was also another store and/or tavern across the street called Blum's. We never went in there as, I guess, we thought that it was more of an adult hang-out because it served beer. We never wanted to get real pushy in Haverhill as we considered ourselves as outsiders because we weren't Catholic.
But, we arrived usually after lunch-time and were ready to chalk up those cues. The building had two sides. One side was like something out of a-turn-of-the-century scene. It had shelving that went all the way to the ceiling filled with merchandise only who knew what. Even at the time, 1960's, some of the merchandise had to be considered antiques. I always regretted not attending the estate auction held in the mid 1990's after the last sister passed away. That had to be like going into a time warp.
It was the other side this day we were headed. It was just us Laurel boys playing a little Eight Ball or Rotation, smoking a few cigarettes, drinking pepsi, and eating some potato chips. That was living! Yes, we did tease those poor ladies unmercifully, but, they looked forward to seeing us as we provided entertainment for them on occasion. A great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
BACK WHEN HAIRCUTS WERE HAIRCUTS!
In the 1950's and up till the Beatles came to town in the 1960's was quite a creative time for men's hair. We saw more of men's heads due to President Kennedy. He was the first president to really make a fashion statement not wearing a hat. From then on hats were not cool. At least not for dress-up.
Oily or creamy hair tonic were the norm along with butch wax for those flat tops or butches. You needed those products to slick it back or keep it up. During my teens, I had my hair slicked back long on the sides with a ducktail in back, a flattop with long on the sides, just flat-top, or some combination with the top combed forward with a "waterfall" down the forehead. Oh My!
When the Beatles came over the barbers started going broke. Up until then, with flat-tops especially, you got your haircut every week or so. The barber I went to in Marshalltown, had a track device that he mounted on the back of the barber chair. He could set the clippers on this track and cut the "perfect" flat-top. He had a patent pending on his invention, but, obviously the long hair trend just beginning after the Beatles and Viet Nam War, put an end to that idea!
During my college years at Drake and majoring in business during the mid 1960's, I wore my hair fairly short and trimmed. No ponytails or "shoulder length or longer or where it stopped by itself."(Remember the musical Hair?) During the late 1960's, I took a risk, even while working for an insurance company, and grew a mustache and sported long sideburns for a "short" time. Besides, my mustache grew out RED and I had to touch it up to match my dark hair. That got old in a hurry!
Oily or creamy hair tonic were the norm along with butch wax for those flat tops or butches. You needed those products to slick it back or keep it up. During my teens, I had my hair slicked back long on the sides with a ducktail in back, a flattop with long on the sides, just flat-top, or some combination with the top combed forward with a "waterfall" down the forehead. Oh My!
When the Beatles came over the barbers started going broke. Up until then, with flat-tops especially, you got your haircut every week or so. The barber I went to in Marshalltown, had a track device that he mounted on the back of the barber chair. He could set the clippers on this track and cut the "perfect" flat-top. He had a patent pending on his invention, but, obviously the long hair trend just beginning after the Beatles and Viet Nam War, put an end to that idea!
During my college years at Drake and majoring in business during the mid 1960's, I wore my hair fairly short and trimmed. No ponytails or "shoulder length or longer or where it stopped by itself."(Remember the musical Hair?) During the late 1960's, I took a risk, even while working for an insurance company, and grew a mustache and sported long sideburns for a "short" time. Besides, my mustache grew out RED and I had to touch it up to match my dark hair. That got old in a hurry!
THOMAS M. LAVERTY- OBITUARY(1916)
Times Republican, Marshalltown, Iowa July 22, 1916
THOMAS LAVERTY DEAD (July 20, 1916)
Retired farmer of the Laurel Neighborhood Dies after long illness.
Thomas M. Laverty, age 80 years and old resident of the Laurel Neighborhood, died at his home two miles south of that town Thursday afternoon after an illness of three years due to Chronic Ailments induced by age.
Mr. Laverty was born in Ireland April 22, 1836. He came to America when he was 30 years of age and settled in Pennsylvania where he lived only a year. He moved west and came to Marengo (Iowa) where he resided until 1877, when he moved to the farm where he died. March 21, 1857, he was married to Margaret Paul, who died eighteen years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Laverty were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living. They are Patrick and Thomas (A) and Misses Margaret and Matilda Laverty and Mrs. Thomas (Agnes) Whelan all of Laurel.
Mr. Laverty was one of the wealthiest men of Northern Jasper Co., being a large land owner, particular in Jasper County. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Gilman and of the Chapter and Community in this city. (Marshalltown) He was also a member of the Shrine belonging to Za-Ga-Zig Temple at Des Moines.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm at the home and at 2 o'clock pm from the Methodist Church at Laurel. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. (west of Laurel)
Several members of the Chapter and Commondery of this city (Marshalltown) are planning to motor to Laurel Sunday afternoon to attend the Funeral.
THOMAS LAVERTY DEAD (July 20, 1916)
Retired farmer of the Laurel Neighborhood Dies after long illness.
Thomas M. Laverty, age 80 years and old resident of the Laurel Neighborhood, died at his home two miles south of that town Thursday afternoon after an illness of three years due to Chronic Ailments induced by age.
Mr. Laverty was born in Ireland April 22, 1836. He came to America when he was 30 years of age and settled in Pennsylvania where he lived only a year. He moved west and came to Marengo (Iowa) where he resided until 1877, when he moved to the farm where he died. March 21, 1857, he was married to Margaret Paul, who died eighteen years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Laverty were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living. They are Patrick and Thomas (A) and Misses Margaret and Matilda Laverty and Mrs. Thomas (Agnes) Whelan all of Laurel.
Mr. Laverty was one of the wealthiest men of Northern Jasper Co., being a large land owner, particular in Jasper County. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Gilman and of the Chapter and Community in this city. (Marshalltown) He was also a member of the Shrine belonging to Za-Ga-Zig Temple at Des Moines.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm at the home and at 2 o'clock pm from the Methodist Church at Laurel. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. (west of Laurel)
Several members of the Chapter and Commondery of this city (Marshalltown) are planning to motor to Laurel Sunday afternoon to attend the Funeral.
Monday, November 10, 2014
THE LAST CONNECTION-MY STEPDAD'S FARM
I've written about peaceful moments I have experienced in my lifetime. But, I must say that one of my fondest memories as an adult was times enjoyed at my stepdad's farm. It was situated south of the small town of Van Cleve and on a one mile stretch of gravel that really was not a direct route to anywhere. That's what made it so special- peace and quite. If two cars met going by the house it was an event.
Living in the Des Moines area at the time you got used to the noise of the city-airplanes constantly going over and the never ending traffic noise. Even if you lived in a "quiet" neighborhood, it wasn't really quiet like on the farm. Without any of that city noise, including even a train close by, it was really- really peaceful.
Two of my fondest memories was going up and staying the night around the 4th of July and staying the night. Then, getting up extremely early and in our and watching the Wimbledon Tennis Championships from England. The other special and peaceful time was when we house sat while the folks were away. Just to relax and do absolutely nothing in utter solitude-wow! It didn't get any better in an otherwise hurry scurry existence.
Then, in the early 1980's, while living in West Des Moines, I distinctly remember when Mom and Maurice called to tell us that they had bought a home on College Drive in nearby Melbourne and were so excited about the move.
I knew they were happy, but, I couldn't help feel just a little sad because I knew not only that last farm connection was being lost, but, a quiet and peaceful retreat was forever gone.
.
Living in the Des Moines area at the time you got used to the noise of the city-airplanes constantly going over and the never ending traffic noise. Even if you lived in a "quiet" neighborhood, it wasn't really quiet like on the farm. Without any of that city noise, including even a train close by, it was really- really peaceful.
Two of my fondest memories was going up and staying the night around the 4th of July and staying the night. Then, getting up extremely early and in our and watching the Wimbledon Tennis Championships from England. The other special and peaceful time was when we house sat while the folks were away. Just to relax and do absolutely nothing in utter solitude-wow! It didn't get any better in an otherwise hurry scurry existence.
Then, in the early 1980's, while living in West Des Moines, I distinctly remember when Mom and Maurice called to tell us that they had bought a home on College Drive in nearby Melbourne and were so excited about the move.
I knew they were happy, but, I couldn't help feel just a little sad because I knew not only that last farm connection was being lost, but, a quiet and peaceful retreat was forever gone.
.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
WHAT'S A PANNEKOEKEN YOU ASK?
Everyone has or probably has known a friend of some means that has driven to Chicago or other large city to simply shop for the day or week-end. LA-DE-DA! But, you have to go a long way to know someone who simply drives from Marshalltown, Iowa, on an over-cast Saturday in November, to simply eat at a restaurant in down-town Rochester, Minnesota to eat a Pannekoken. The stage is set!
In the early part of the week,( 11/19/11), my significant, Ilah, mentioned that the trip was something she wanted to do. Why not! In case you don't know what a Pannekoeken is-it's a Dutch Pancake. Pannekoeken is plural and they usually are larger and thinner than a normal pancake. They can be incorporated with apple, cheese, raisins, or ice-cream. It can be eaten as a main course, dessert, or just for the fun of it.
The Pannekoeken restaurant that Ilah was accustomed to going to was on Highway 63 in Rochester, just south of the downtown area. After the three hour drive straight up and arriving around noon, we were both hungry and looking forward to the "Dutch" treat. Although, I was not sure what I was getting myself into as I had only been there on one other occasion and couldn't remember what I had the time before.
As we got closer, Ilah spotted the sign. Yeh! We pulled in and the restaurant was now just a vacant spot. A smaller sign indicated the real estate was part of an adjoining bank's property. What a disappointment! Now for plan B. I suggested maybe just driving downtown and looking for a little cafe that had some comfort food. That type of restaurant had to exist, with all the old people flooding into this town daily.
After circling the block downtown just once near the clinics, there it was-A Pannekoeken Restaurant. Ilah's prayer was answered after all and life was good once again. She was not aware of the downtown location. We were told by our waitress that it had been there for at least six years. I won't bore you with the details, but, superb and giddy were intertwined.
After eating and because the weather was so poopy and with a little drizzle of rain and the temperature dropping, we decided to head south. Driving back we did stop at a couple of antique stores along the way. Heading south, it did warm once again into the 40's and we weren't too worried about freezing highways. Now we could head for my little surprise of the day. Ilah had no clue!
We were headed for Masonville, Iowa in Delaware County. The home of the "R" Place, a little cozy cafe listed in the "Iowa's Best Ma & Pa Restaurants." What caught my attention about this place was 1st) the town is only 100 plus and located east of Independence, just off Highway 20, and 2nd) the comment was that their fish and onion rings "were to die for."
We slowly zigged and zagged on black top county roads down and ever closer to Masonville and arrived in this big "burg" a little after 5 p.m. There were a few patrons but not packed. It was cozy and the food was excellent. Posted, high overhead on one wall, was just a few select comfort food items. The lady who owned it visited with us for a while and yes, it was very clean and yes, the onion rings were to die for. What a perfect ending to such a delightful day
In the early part of the week,( 11/19/11), my significant, Ilah, mentioned that the trip was something she wanted to do. Why not! In case you don't know what a Pannekoeken is-it's a Dutch Pancake. Pannekoeken is plural and they usually are larger and thinner than a normal pancake. They can be incorporated with apple, cheese, raisins, or ice-cream. It can be eaten as a main course, dessert, or just for the fun of it.
The Pannekoeken restaurant that Ilah was accustomed to going to was on Highway 63 in Rochester, just south of the downtown area. After the three hour drive straight up and arriving around noon, we were both hungry and looking forward to the "Dutch" treat. Although, I was not sure what I was getting myself into as I had only been there on one other occasion and couldn't remember what I had the time before.
As we got closer, Ilah spotted the sign. Yeh! We pulled in and the restaurant was now just a vacant spot. A smaller sign indicated the real estate was part of an adjoining bank's property. What a disappointment! Now for plan B. I suggested maybe just driving downtown and looking for a little cafe that had some comfort food. That type of restaurant had to exist, with all the old people flooding into this town daily.
After circling the block downtown just once near the clinics, there it was-A Pannekoeken Restaurant. Ilah's prayer was answered after all and life was good once again. She was not aware of the downtown location. We were told by our waitress that it had been there for at least six years. I won't bore you with the details, but, superb and giddy were intertwined.
After eating and because the weather was so poopy and with a little drizzle of rain and the temperature dropping, we decided to head south. Driving back we did stop at a couple of antique stores along the way. Heading south, it did warm once again into the 40's and we weren't too worried about freezing highways. Now we could head for my little surprise of the day. Ilah had no clue!
We were headed for Masonville, Iowa in Delaware County. The home of the "R" Place, a little cozy cafe listed in the "Iowa's Best Ma & Pa Restaurants." What caught my attention about this place was 1st) the town is only 100 plus and located east of Independence, just off Highway 20, and 2nd) the comment was that their fish and onion rings "were to die for."
We slowly zigged and zagged on black top county roads down and ever closer to Masonville and arrived in this big "burg" a little after 5 p.m. There were a few patrons but not packed. It was cozy and the food was excellent. Posted, high overhead on one wall, was just a few select comfort food items. The lady who owned it visited with us for a while and yes, it was very clean and yes, the onion rings were to die for. What a perfect ending to such a delightful day
JIM- A VERY SPECIAL MISFIT!
Most people, that have been special in my life, were many times mavericks, misfits or at least the underdog in some way. Jim Haher fits that description to a "T."
I met Jim when I worked at Stanbrough Realty that later became 1st Realty Better Homes & Gardens. It was on one of our incentive trips to Hawaii that we really got to know one another. He had gone on the trip alone and it seemed like he always ended up near-by. Jim was a loner, but, very successful in real-estate. Every year he made the Million Dollar Club, primarily selling or listing less-expensive homes and most in outlying, small towns around Des Moines. He had found his niche in dealing with buyers and sellers that other realtors didn't want to contend with.
Jim could be very abrasive and was, to say the least, extremely slovenly. He lived on one side of a one-bedroom-each duplex that he owned in the Beaverdale area on the northwest part of Des Moines. He had a cleaning lady that came in once or twice a month. I was never sure what she actually did.
But, there was that something that I liked about Jim. First of all, he was in touch with himself and could be very philosophical in a spiritual kind of way. Some of that came out when he was helping me through my second divorce.
Our biggest common denominator was food. We enjoyed meeting quite often for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Some of our favorite times we shared was dining at the Waterfront Seafood Restaurant in West Des Moines.We were known to order several dishes of various seafood items to sample and share. We did feast!
We also enjoyed many memories of sporting events.He loved Nortre Dame and we attended a couple of football games at South Bend, Indiana. Also, we attended a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field along with several trips to Iowa City to watch our beloved Hawkeyes. Although, the last few times it was very difficult for him to get around with his extreme weight and diabetic condition.
His big passion was baseball. Jim's mind was a baseball encyclopedia. He knew big league teams frontwards and backwards, the cities where they originated from and so on. His dad coached little league when he lived in New York growing up and hid dad would take him to several major league games.
Jim's mother lived in Binghamton, New York (upstate) and would come to Iowa to visit from time to time. She always reminded me of my Grandma Smith. A neat lady.
While visiting his mother and family back in New York around Christmas in 2005, Jim had a heart attack and passed away just after enjoying Christmas dinner. He died too early, but, at least peacefully and right after one of his life's pleasures. I miss your friendship, Jim! My only regret was never accompanying him out to upstate New York and taking in all the beauty that he loved so much!
WHEN CHICKEN IS NOT CHICKEN!
One week-end, many years ago, my grand-son, Grant, was up staying with me in Marshalltown . I mentioned that we were going to have lunch at Haley's Grocery on North Third Avenue where they had the best broasted chicken anywhere around.
When I picked out a couple pieces of chicken from their deli and put it on his plate he asked: "What's that?" I replied. "Chicken!" No, it's not. Yes, it is. And on and on. To him chicken was McNuggets from Mickey D's. I threatened that there would be no swimming later on. I quickly realized that things had changed-even in food form. He did think Zeno's pizza was the best. Total agreement there.
On another occasion, I volunteered to bring the food for a grand-daughter's picnic birthday at a park in Ankeny, Iowa. Again, my wheels were turning about Haley's chicken and all the yummy salads and the like from their deli. Don't I ever learn. Boy, was I wrong again. Half of what I brought was left over.
My grand children's generation has been weaned on fast-food "stuff" with the aid of their parents. But, again, as a grandparent, you have to be wise enough to recognize change, and sometimes just roll with it. I haven't totally given up as there are homemade items that I have made that they have learned to love!
When I picked out a couple pieces of chicken from their deli and put it on his plate he asked: "What's that?" I replied. "Chicken!" No, it's not. Yes, it is. And on and on. To him chicken was McNuggets from Mickey D's. I threatened that there would be no swimming later on. I quickly realized that things had changed-even in food form. He did think Zeno's pizza was the best. Total agreement there.
On another occasion, I volunteered to bring the food for a grand-daughter's picnic birthday at a park in Ankeny, Iowa. Again, my wheels were turning about Haley's chicken and all the yummy salads and the like from their deli. Don't I ever learn. Boy, was I wrong again. Half of what I brought was left over.
My grand children's generation has been weaned on fast-food "stuff" with the aid of their parents. But, again, as a grandparent, you have to be wise enough to recognize change, and sometimes just roll with it. I haven't totally given up as there are homemade items that I have made that they have learned to love!
YOU CAN FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE!
Thinking about my friend Tony and his playing soft ball and tennis at age seventy reminded of a story, of course. It was in the early 80's and I was in my early 40's. It was a time in my life when I was in the best shape that I was to experience.
I was married the second time around, had quit smoking, no drinking, down to about ten pounds over my high school weight "or so." I was eating well and was following one of those fad diets. Each day in the afternoon, after work, I would jog from the house around the West Des Moines area for three or four miles.
One day during that time, as I was getting some additional life insurance, I went to this medical clinic or doctor's for an exam. The young nurse took my pulse and blood pressure. After reading the results, she immediately wanted to take them again, as she indicated the readings were way too low for someone "my age." Keep in mind I was in my early 40's at the time. What an insult!
I let her know at that time that I jogged every day for at least three or four miles. I should have kept my mouth shut and let them think I was defying the odds somehow. At least I had her going for a while! It's been down hill ever since.At least, I am still power walking every morning for 25 minutes.
I was married the second time around, had quit smoking, no drinking, down to about ten pounds over my high school weight "or so." I was eating well and was following one of those fad diets. Each day in the afternoon, after work, I would jog from the house around the West Des Moines area for three or four miles.
One day during that time, as I was getting some additional life insurance, I went to this medical clinic or doctor's for an exam. The young nurse took my pulse and blood pressure. After reading the results, she immediately wanted to take them again, as she indicated the readings were way too low for someone "my age." Keep in mind I was in my early 40's at the time. What an insult!
I let her know at that time that I jogged every day for at least three or four miles. I should have kept my mouth shut and let them think I was defying the odds somehow. At least I had her going for a while! It's been down hill ever since.At least, I am still power walking every morning for 25 minutes.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
ANNIE LAVERTY-OBITUARY REPORT
ANNIE LAVERTY
WIFE OF THOMAS A LAVERTY
(1883-1958)
(1883-1958)
OBITUARY REPORT
MRS. LAVERTY DIES MONDAY AT AGE 74
Mrs. Annie Laverty 74, well know resident of the Laurel Community, died at the Evangelical Hospital at 6:05 p.m. Monday. She suffered a stroke on Sept. 15 and had been hospitalized since that time. Mrs. Laverty had been in failing health for the last six months.
Born Annie McMullen on Dec. 31, 1883, in County Antrim, Ireland she was the daughter of William J. and Jane McMullen. She received her education and grew to womanhood in Ireland coming to the United States with her mother and family in 1907 and settled in Gilman(Iowa)
On Feb. 10, 1910, she was united in marriage to Thomas A. Laverty and to this union four sons were born. The couple established their home on a farm south of Laurel where they lived for 44 years. Following Mr. Laverty's death in 1950, she continued to live on the farm until moving to her present home in Laurel four years ago.
Mrs. Laverty was an active member of the Laurel Methodist Church, the WSCS Dorcas Class, Onyx Chapter No. 350 of the Order of Eastern Star of Gilman, a chapter member of the Fairview Grange and the Laurel Ladies Club.
Also preceding her death were a son in infancy, a son John in 1953, two sisters and two brothers.
Surviving are two sons, Thomas L. and Paul M. Laverty, both of Laurel, and six grandchildren, Doris, Dennis, Deborah, Linda, and Alan, all of Laurel, and Larry of Mt. Vernon. Also surviving is a sister, Mrs. Rachel Thompson, Prairie City.
Services will be held from Laurel Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Thursday in charge of the services will be D. M. Pierce, pastor, and the Rev. E. E. Clements, former pastor. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Friends may call at the Estel-Perrin Funeral Home until 9:30 a. m. Thursday.
Friday, November 7, 2014
TOP TEN VIEWED STORIES TO DATE
The following is the most viewed stories since the blog was established July 15, 2014
- My Aunt Vivian July 16, 2014
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- She Was No Socialite August 14, 2014
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- Realizing There Are Consequences August 2, 2014
- Tidbits-What's In A Name July 29, 2014
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- More Grade School Memories October 2, 2014
- Doris Said-You're No Clyde Eddy October 15, 2014
FORGIVE ME FOR I HAVE SINNED-NOT!
Yesterday, after returning from Grinnell and visiting my sister, Doris, at the St. Francis Manor, I headed east out of town on highway 6. The light bulb came on very clearly when not far out of the city limits. It was about 12:30 and I knew I could reach the Amana's by 1pm or so. Besides being retired, the day off, and still a couple of hours away from my nap time, there was nothing stopping me. I didn't even need to feel guilty because my significant other has always made the point that she is not a fan of the Amish style food. Ya, her elevator sometimes doesn't go all the way to the top floor.
Before I knew it, I was in the parking lot of the Ronneburg Restaurant in main Amana. It was a little past 1pm and I asked for a table for "one." It was just me and several other tables of ladies preparing to leave. They were on some type of bus tour from Webster City, Iowa.
The Ox Yoke Inn next door is always excellent, but, they appeared to be very busy with several buses parked in their lot. In the Amana Colonies there is only four restaurants left. Zuber's in Homestead is now a bed & breakfast.
I have always loved the old world décor of the Amana restaurants. It always makes you feel warm and cozy. Also, extremely clean. The service has always been polite, efficient and attentive. The smaller lunch menu was my choice with the walleye dinner calling to me. The walleye was large and beyond my expectations. The fried cheese potatoes, Cole slaw to die for and a small portion of sauerkraut completed the meal. I almost forgot to mention the white and dark bread slices made right there fresh and soft as usual.
If you haven't been to the Amana's lately, you will not be disappointed. Check it out and tell em' Dennis sent me. Just kidding. And, I never get tired of saying "Is this a great country or what."
Before I knew it, I was in the parking lot of the Ronneburg Restaurant in main Amana. It was a little past 1pm and I asked for a table for "one." It was just me and several other tables of ladies preparing to leave. They were on some type of bus tour from Webster City, Iowa.
The Ox Yoke Inn next door is always excellent, but, they appeared to be very busy with several buses parked in their lot. In the Amana Colonies there is only four restaurants left. Zuber's in Homestead is now a bed & breakfast.
I have always loved the old world décor of the Amana restaurants. It always makes you feel warm and cozy. Also, extremely clean. The service has always been polite, efficient and attentive. The smaller lunch menu was my choice with the walleye dinner calling to me. The walleye was large and beyond my expectations. The fried cheese potatoes, Cole slaw to die for and a small portion of sauerkraut completed the meal. I almost forgot to mention the white and dark bread slices made right there fresh and soft as usual.
If you haven't been to the Amana's lately, you will not be disappointed. Check it out and tell em' Dennis sent me. Just kidding. And, I never get tired of saying "Is this a great country or what."
ANOTHER OLD SAYING!!
I have possibly given out this old saying out before, but, is worth repeating. There are three kinds of people in this world, Those who make things happen. Those who watch things happen. And, those who don't know what is happening! Amen.
MARTHA STEWART& CORN STARCH!
This past week at the Burg Grocery, a lady stopped me in one of the isles and asked if we had any liquid corn starch! Huh! I knew our little grocery store didn't have that item, and besides how tough can it be to mix a little water with regular corn starch to thicken something.
Earlier in the day, I had to pick up our grandson from the rec center after his therapy workout. While waiting for him, I picked up the Martha Stewart magazine to read. I am a sucker for new things to try in the old kitchen.
I never learn. When you have to buy shallots from a certain provence in northwestern Italy in the Corleone Valley region in the shadow of the Alps, then you are WAY over your head in cooking skills. ( I just made up the stuff about Italy so don't contact me about any errors in geography.) I will be sticking to using plain old green onions, though!
Earlier in the day, I had to pick up our grandson from the rec center after his therapy workout. While waiting for him, I picked up the Martha Stewart magazine to read. I am a sucker for new things to try in the old kitchen.
I never learn. When you have to buy shallots from a certain provence in northwestern Italy in the Corleone Valley region in the shadow of the Alps, then you are WAY over your head in cooking skills. ( I just made up the stuff about Italy so don't contact me about any errors in geography.) I will be sticking to using plain old green onions, though!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
CHANGE-BEST GET OUT OF ITS WAY!
Overheard at the Burg Grocery this past week was the following account. This really nice "little elderly lady" was complaining about the cost of two stamps while sending out a couple of bills, why computers were messing up everything and a few other issues.
While putting her groceries into her car, I reminded her of the saying that I have to remind myself over and over as I get older. Change. You don't have to like it, but, you either go with it. Get out of it's way. Or, get run over by it! Most times I try to just stay out of its way and at least educate myself enough about it to not appear totally inept!
While putting her groceries into her car, I reminded her of the saying that I have to remind myself over and over as I get older. Change. You don't have to like it, but, you either go with it. Get out of it's way. Or, get run over by it! Most times I try to just stay out of its way and at least educate myself enough about it to not appear totally inept!
FUNNY FOLLOW UP TO CLASSMATE STORY!
Since I thought that the story about my old classmate, Tony Preston, was worth passing along on my blog, I called him back to let him know that I wrote about his incident and to check it out on my site. His wife, Jolene, answered the phone and I told her the reason for my call. Tony, still with his sore hip, was out playing tennis. I always thought Tony as a fairly intelligent guy. I am starting to wonder!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
70 YR. OLD CLASSMATE INJURED IN DOUBLE PLAY!
Life-time friend and Laurel School classmate, Tony Preston called this past week to inquire about the progress of my sister, Doris Eddy. Tony lives in Prescott, Arizona and it is always a pleasure to visit with Tony from time to time about not only the past, but, all the many happenings in our lives.
Tony, through-out his life has been very active especially in various sporting activities. The other day while visiting, he mentioned matter-of-factly that he injured his hip while attempting to throw out a base runner going to first base in a softball tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tony was playing second base and the opposing player running to second base ran into him as Tony was throwing the ball to first. He wasn't sure how long he might not be able to play with his injury.
After I was done chuckling, I inquired what the average age of most of the players he was playing with. He mentioned that his league is mostly 64-69 age range, but, five or so are actually 70 years old and should be playing in the 70-75 year old group. He mentioned that in California, especially, he knows of a league with 80-85 year olds.
Keep going Tony. You are an inspiration to us all!!
Tony, through-out his life has been very active especially in various sporting activities. The other day while visiting, he mentioned matter-of-factly that he injured his hip while attempting to throw out a base runner going to first base in a softball tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tony was playing second base and the opposing player running to second base ran into him as Tony was throwing the ball to first. He wasn't sure how long he might not be able to play with his injury.
After I was done chuckling, I inquired what the average age of most of the players he was playing with. He mentioned that his league is mostly 64-69 age range, but, five or so are actually 70 years old and should be playing in the 70-75 year old group. He mentioned that in California, especially, he knows of a league with 80-85 year olds.
Keep going Tony. You are an inspiration to us all!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
ANOTHER THOUGHT ABOUT AL BELL!
It dawned on me the other day for some reason, it's the way my mind works, a minor thought about Al Bell. So many of you by your views must have remembered him. Without any pictures to compare, does anyone else out there think he has a resemblance to Ernie Kovacs. He was an old comedian from the 1950's-60's that had a T. V. show with all kinds of off-beat comedy. For the time he was a little bizarre. More importantly he was married to the bomb-shell Eddie Adams. She was the looker on the Dutch Masters cigar commercials. O.K. now you remember him. He had that thick black mustache. Maybe it's just me, but, I think they resembled one another! I know. I need to get a life!
YES WE CLEANED OUR ATTIC & BASEMENT ANNUALLY!
You would think we were Dutch and getting our house ready for the Tulip Festival Tour just like in Pella, Iowa. The Germans must have been just as bad. My mother, with her German heritage, it seemed like she never could relax. If there was nothing else to do then maybe it was time to CLEAN something.
In the Fall and generally in the Spring, it was the attic and the basement's turn to sparkle along with the windows and grove.
We would go up to Laurel and buy this red sweeping compound from the Lumber Yard. We bought a lot of it. I bet no one in three counties bought as much of that oily based stuff than my mother. Remember most basements back then were just dirt floors. Not ours. Concrete all the way. And, the attic was as big because our house was big. You could see Newton from up there, easily at night twenty miles away. I could almost spy on my relatives who lived just one mile away to the west. Plus, there was a small attic on top of the main attic. What was someone thinking. It was almost like the "widow's peaks" you see on homes along the eastern seaboard. I don't know why, but, I never really remember getting up there. It would have taken a large step ladder. I don't think that little attic ever did get cleaned!
-------stay tuned for more interesting stories about "The Adventures of Dennis' House, Its Parts & More!"
In the Fall and generally in the Spring, it was the attic and the basement's turn to sparkle along with the windows and grove.
We would go up to Laurel and buy this red sweeping compound from the Lumber Yard. We bought a lot of it. I bet no one in three counties bought as much of that oily based stuff than my mother. Remember most basements back then were just dirt floors. Not ours. Concrete all the way. And, the attic was as big because our house was big. You could see Newton from up there, easily at night twenty miles away. I could almost spy on my relatives who lived just one mile away to the west. Plus, there was a small attic on top of the main attic. What was someone thinking. It was almost like the "widow's peaks" you see on homes along the eastern seaboard. I don't know why, but, I never really remember getting up there. It would have taken a large step ladder. I don't think that little attic ever did get cleaned!
-------stay tuned for more interesting stories about "The Adventures of Dennis' House, Its Parts & More!"
JOHNNY & MAY LAVERTY-continues (part 4)
Doctors, Dentists, Dry Cleaning and Hair. Again, from cancelled checks, it is known that they went to B. E. Brown, a dentist; Dr. Wilkenson, the local doctor in Laurel. Dr. B. L. Trey in Marshalltown. He delivered, Doris my sister in 1935 and his fee was $180 for the delivery. The Evangelical Deaconess Hospital where she was delivered, charged $79.25. What a bargain. Dr. Trey delivered Dennis and Deborah.
Starting in the late 1930's the services of Richie Dry Cleaners was used by my folks in Marshalltown. My dad also was getting his hair cut by Ernie Lawrence in Laurel and I was too until my mother didn't like the way he cut my hair and they then took me to barbers in the Masonic Temple in Marshalltown. Mom went to a place called Skinner' Beauty Shop also in Marshalltown. What a name!! **A personal footnote to Skinner's and going there as a child. It still goes down as one of the worst smell experiences of my lifetime. What did they use on women's hair that smelled so bad?
Grocery Stores. (Laurel and Marshalltown) During the 1930's, Laurel had at least three grocery stores. Jake's, Billie's and Wessel's. Wessel's was more of a general store where dry goods and shoes, etc were sold in addition to groceries. A lot of what was sold there was behind the counter and someone would get it for you. I do remember going to Wessel's as a little kid and getting a long piece of black licorice out of a big glass candy jar. My folk's didn't shop there often as they generally shopped at Jake's in the early years of their marriage.
Piggley Wiggley was the first big grocery store or chain they shopped in Marshalltown.
In later years it became Fareway.
Several observations about food purchasing at this time 1930's-1950's. Most vegetables were raised in a garden on the farm, cattle was also raised and then taken to a meat processor and locker and then the various cuts of beef were packaged and put in rented freezer compartments to pick up as needed. Most small towns, including Laurel, had lockers.
In later years, we purchased a freezer that was kept on the back porch and packaged meat from lockers could be pulled out for a meal. As my family in later years did not raise hogs, I don't remember eating much pork. My sister, Doris, does however.
After church on Sunday, we would stop at a house just east of the Methodist Church in Laurel to buy milk. The lady that lived there was a Mrs. Irons and she was what you would call a distributor of milk and related products. Unlike today, most all stores, including grocery stores were closed on Sundays. But, at least we could buy milk.
Another exception was McMahon's service station which was open on Sunday's and my dad would stop there after church and get gas, but, the main purpose was to get the best ice-cream cone around. What a treat!
One small neighborhood grocery store in Marshalltown was called Meyer's North Street Market close to where my Aunt Vivian and family lived. Up until the 1960's and 70's most towns had small neighborhood grocery stores. They died off when they could no longer compete with the larger grocery chains. As a kid I remember going there to the North Street Market with my cousins to buy luncheon meat, bread, milk, etc. It did survive until the 1990's. What evolved from these small mom & pop stores were today's chain convenience stores.
--------To be continued at a later time.
Starting in the late 1930's the services of Richie Dry Cleaners was used by my folks in Marshalltown. My dad also was getting his hair cut by Ernie Lawrence in Laurel and I was too until my mother didn't like the way he cut my hair and they then took me to barbers in the Masonic Temple in Marshalltown. Mom went to a place called Skinner' Beauty Shop also in Marshalltown. What a name!! **A personal footnote to Skinner's and going there as a child. It still goes down as one of the worst smell experiences of my lifetime. What did they use on women's hair that smelled so bad?
Grocery Stores. (Laurel and Marshalltown) During the 1930's, Laurel had at least three grocery stores. Jake's, Billie's and Wessel's. Wessel's was more of a general store where dry goods and shoes, etc were sold in addition to groceries. A lot of what was sold there was behind the counter and someone would get it for you. I do remember going to Wessel's as a little kid and getting a long piece of black licorice out of a big glass candy jar. My folk's didn't shop there often as they generally shopped at Jake's in the early years of their marriage.
Piggley Wiggley was the first big grocery store or chain they shopped in Marshalltown.
In later years it became Fareway.
Several observations about food purchasing at this time 1930's-1950's. Most vegetables were raised in a garden on the farm, cattle was also raised and then taken to a meat processor and locker and then the various cuts of beef were packaged and put in rented freezer compartments to pick up as needed. Most small towns, including Laurel, had lockers.
In later years, we purchased a freezer that was kept on the back porch and packaged meat from lockers could be pulled out for a meal. As my family in later years did not raise hogs, I don't remember eating much pork. My sister, Doris, does however.
After church on Sunday, we would stop at a house just east of the Methodist Church in Laurel to buy milk. The lady that lived there was a Mrs. Irons and she was what you would call a distributor of milk and related products. Unlike today, most all stores, including grocery stores were closed on Sundays. But, at least we could buy milk.
Another exception was McMahon's service station which was open on Sunday's and my dad would stop there after church and get gas, but, the main purpose was to get the best ice-cream cone around. What a treat!
One small neighborhood grocery store in Marshalltown was called Meyer's North Street Market close to where my Aunt Vivian and family lived. Up until the 1960's and 70's most towns had small neighborhood grocery stores. They died off when they could no longer compete with the larger grocery chains. As a kid I remember going there to the North Street Market with my cousins to buy luncheon meat, bread, milk, etc. It did survive until the 1990's. What evolved from these small mom & pop stores were today's chain convenience stores.
--------To be continued at a later time.
WHO NEEDS A BODYGUARD WHEN YOU HAVE FAMILY!!
In one of my stories, I have written about how my big sister, Doris, watched my back when I was younger in grade school and especially if some kid was giving me trouble on the bus route. Now I want to tell you about a couple of my cousins who also played a role in keeping me from getting in trouble when I was a kid.
First there was Bob. Bob Bueghly. He was my Aunt Vivian's son and she was my mother's sister. Bob was a few years older than me, but, until he started to get real active in high school, we did a lot together. They lived in Marshalltown and it was cool staying all night in the big city with my older cousin and getting to know a lot of his friends.
As Bob got older, solid and wiry, standing at least 6'2", he was somewhat like the "Fonz" from the T. V. show-Happy Days! He was a little on the rough side, but, he could also fit in with the country club set. He was also known as a "street fighter." Lean and mean and nobody to mess with!
Where this reputation paid off was in the following situation. One night my friend, Rick, and I double-dated in his dad's car. The Rambler. Rick evidently cut a carload of guys off on Anson street in Marshalltown where Hy-Vee is today and just off Center street. They then cut us off and a couple of them preceded to approach us on the passenger side. I was I the back seat with my date and just knew we were in big trouble and the very least a black eye was coming.
One of these young hoodlums looked in the window and recognized me. He indicated to the others that I was Bueghly's cousin. They all got back in the car and took off. Thank you cousin Bob!!
Another older cousin, Larry T. Laverty, only son to my uncle Tommy L. Laverty, was another savior on one occasion. Again, like Bob, Larry was four or five years older than me. Growing up we did a lot together on the family farms and was a positive role model. He was his own person, smart, a little spoiled being an only child, but, a good person and a real maverick!
This story is similar to the one about my other cousin, Bob. When in grade school, an older kid, Paul Mann, used to pick on me and younger kids in my class quite a bit. One day I told Larry about our dilemma and wished he could do something about it. Larry and another distant cousin, Johnny Smith, met with Paul and he never picked on us again. I never knew what was said or done, not to this day.
Just for the record, Paul went on to become the nicest guy after that and was also a really outstanding baseball pitcher in high school and beyond.
First there was Bob. Bob Bueghly. He was my Aunt Vivian's son and she was my mother's sister. Bob was a few years older than me, but, until he started to get real active in high school, we did a lot together. They lived in Marshalltown and it was cool staying all night in the big city with my older cousin and getting to know a lot of his friends.
As Bob got older, solid and wiry, standing at least 6'2", he was somewhat like the "Fonz" from the T. V. show-Happy Days! He was a little on the rough side, but, he could also fit in with the country club set. He was also known as a "street fighter." Lean and mean and nobody to mess with!
Where this reputation paid off was in the following situation. One night my friend, Rick, and I double-dated in his dad's car. The Rambler. Rick evidently cut a carload of guys off on Anson street in Marshalltown where Hy-Vee is today and just off Center street. They then cut us off and a couple of them preceded to approach us on the passenger side. I was I the back seat with my date and just knew we were in big trouble and the very least a black eye was coming.
One of these young hoodlums looked in the window and recognized me. He indicated to the others that I was Bueghly's cousin. They all got back in the car and took off. Thank you cousin Bob!!
Another older cousin, Larry T. Laverty, only son to my uncle Tommy L. Laverty, was another savior on one occasion. Again, like Bob, Larry was four or five years older than me. Growing up we did a lot together on the family farms and was a positive role model. He was his own person, smart, a little spoiled being an only child, but, a good person and a real maverick!
This story is similar to the one about my other cousin, Bob. When in grade school, an older kid, Paul Mann, used to pick on me and younger kids in my class quite a bit. One day I told Larry about our dilemma and wished he could do something about it. Larry and another distant cousin, Johnny Smith, met with Paul and he never picked on us again. I never knew what was said or done, not to this day.
Just for the record, Paul went on to become the nicest guy after that and was also a really outstanding baseball pitcher in high school and beyond.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Mary E. Laverty-daughter of T. M. Laverty(obituary)
Mary E. Laverty daughter of Thomas M. Laverty
Obituary Report
LAVERTY- Very rarely has our whole community been stirred as it was this week by the death of Miss Mary E. Laverty, youngest daughter of T. M. Laverty and wife. The family has lived here for more than twenty years, and is one of the best known and highly respected in the community. Three years ago Mary contracted a cold which developed into consumption and finally ended her life December 27, 1897. She was born at Marengo, Iowa, September 6, 1873, and came wither parents to their farm two miles south of Laurel where she lived till death claimed her.
During her illness she had often expressed a desire to have Rev. D. Brown, now of Perry, who supplied the Presbyterian church here when she first became ill, to conduct the funeral. So Mr. Brown was sent for and conducted the services in the church last Tuesday, assisted by Revs. Colyn, of the Presbyterian church, and Locke of the M. E. church, while a choir consisting of Mrs. Keobles, Mrs. McBroon, Revs. Colyn and Locke and T. H. Maytag led the music.
The church was filled to over-flowing and many were unable to get standing room inside. The vast audience gave the closest attention throughout the whole service, and then the fair form was laid to rest in our city of the dead. Early in her illness Mary had made full surrender of herself to God so when death came last Monday night she was ready and willing to go. She leaves a father, mother, three brothers and three sisters relatives and acquaintances to mourn her her demise.
Through all pain at times she's smile
A smile of heavenly birth,
And when the angels called her home,
She smiled farewell to earth.
Heaven retaineth now our treasure,
Earth the lonely casket keeps,
And the sunbeams love to linger,
Where our sainted sister sleeps.
Rev. D. Brown
During her illness she had often expressed a desire to have Rev. D. Brown, now of Perry, who supplied the Presbyterian church here when she first became ill, to conduct the funeral. So Mr. Brown was sent for and conducted the services in the church last Tuesday, assisted by Revs. Colyn, of the Presbyterian church, and Locke of the M. E. church, while a choir consisting of Mrs. Keobles, Mrs. McBroon, Revs. Colyn and Locke and T. H. Maytag led the music.
The church was filled to over-flowing and many were unable to get standing room inside. The vast audience gave the closest attention throughout the whole service, and then the fair form was laid to rest in our city of the dead. Early in her illness Mary had made full surrender of herself to God so when death came last Monday night she was ready and willing to go. She leaves a father, mother, three brothers and three sisters relatives and acquaintances to mourn her her demise.
Through all pain at times she's smile
A smile of heavenly birth,
And when the angels called her home,
She smiled farewell to earth.
Heaven retaineth now our treasure,
Earth the lonely casket keeps,
And the sunbeams love to linger,
Where our sainted sister sleeps.
Rev. D. Brown
Sunday, November 2, 2014
CLAYTON, DENNIS, & THE HAWKS DO NO WRONG!
It seems like every evening before game day and before heading to Iowa City, I always start my doubting routine and the what if's. On November 1, 2014, Clayton Thurm and I would be heading to Kinnick to hopefully watch the Hawkeyes defeat the Wildcats of Northwestern.
It's just in my nature I guess to worry about the weather, where our seats might be and above all would the Hawks win? This day it didn't pay me to do all that worrying. No Sir!
The night before, the weather took a nose-dive and the temperature hit in the 20's with gusty winds. But, the morning of the big game, the sun was out in full glory, with blue skies, and very little wind. Other words, a perfect football Saturday in the 40's.
I picked up Clayton at his home around 8:15 a.m. and had to roust him awake due to a late night sleep over friend-Drew Cook. After picking up some of our favorite pastries at the grocery store, we headed east down I-80. The traffic was moving along smoothly and we arrived in our parking area west of I-Hop and where we would board the "Hawkeye Express" for the ten minute ride to the southwest edge of Kinnick.
Upon arrival and up the stairs from the train, we headed north along the west side of Kinnick, to watch the Hawkeye Marching Band warm up inside the practice facility just northwest of the stadium. Listening to this 200 plus energetic bunch could only get you pumped for what was ahead.
It was close to 10 a.m. and time for Dennis to go to work and do what he enjoys most-finding those tickets. As, we headed back south towards Melrose and just about half-way down the west side of Kinnick, a gentleman approached us after seeing my small card-board sign that read "need 2." He was a small slight little man with small tortoise shell glasses and looked like a book publisher or at least on the studious side. He indicated he had two tickets on the east side, 20 rows up and right on the "FIFTY YARD LINE." I couldn't get the money out of my wallet fast enough.
From there, we headed to the food vendors along Melrose Avenue and oh did we enjoy our pre-game lunch, knowing where we would be sitting. We couldn't get to our seats fast enough. Before the game started and after team came out, we witnessed one of the coolest things that I have ever see, in my many years at Kinnick. All the fans participated in a patriotic tribute , complete with a huge waving flag on the field along with a card display held individually by the fans. It was in red, white, and blue-"Tribute to America" while playing and the singing of God Bless America and the National Anthem.
Needless to say, the Hawks won 48- to 7!! This day they had it all together. The whole team. The score at the end of the first quarter was 24-7. This , for me was like the old days under Hayden Fry, when many games were high scoring and the outcome was never in doubt. Even with an unexpected "flea flicker" early in the game.
Clayton watched the game with intensity and especially focused and cheered when the defensive line would sack the Wildcat quarterback. I asked him an unfair question before the game. " Where do you want to go to college?" No hesitation! IOWA, he replied. And, to be a starting defensive lineman. I think he will. And, I'll be there cheering him on. Hopefully right there on that fifty yard line.
**** It should be noted that his younger brother, Kyler, and younger sister, Jenna have accompanied me to Iowa Hawkeye games previously. On those occasions, we were able to "scalp" tickets on the fifty yard line. What are the odds. We must have a guardian angel there at Kinnick!
It's just in my nature I guess to worry about the weather, where our seats might be and above all would the Hawks win? This day it didn't pay me to do all that worrying. No Sir!
The night before, the weather took a nose-dive and the temperature hit in the 20's with gusty winds. But, the morning of the big game, the sun was out in full glory, with blue skies, and very little wind. Other words, a perfect football Saturday in the 40's.
I picked up Clayton at his home around 8:15 a.m. and had to roust him awake due to a late night sleep over friend-Drew Cook. After picking up some of our favorite pastries at the grocery store, we headed east down I-80. The traffic was moving along smoothly and we arrived in our parking area west of I-Hop and where we would board the "Hawkeye Express" for the ten minute ride to the southwest edge of Kinnick.
Upon arrival and up the stairs from the train, we headed north along the west side of Kinnick, to watch the Hawkeye Marching Band warm up inside the practice facility just northwest of the stadium. Listening to this 200 plus energetic bunch could only get you pumped for what was ahead.
It was close to 10 a.m. and time for Dennis to go to work and do what he enjoys most-finding those tickets. As, we headed back south towards Melrose and just about half-way down the west side of Kinnick, a gentleman approached us after seeing my small card-board sign that read "need 2." He was a small slight little man with small tortoise shell glasses and looked like a book publisher or at least on the studious side. He indicated he had two tickets on the east side, 20 rows up and right on the "FIFTY YARD LINE." I couldn't get the money out of my wallet fast enough.
From there, we headed to the food vendors along Melrose Avenue and oh did we enjoy our pre-game lunch, knowing where we would be sitting. We couldn't get to our seats fast enough. Before the game started and after team came out, we witnessed one of the coolest things that I have ever see, in my many years at Kinnick. All the fans participated in a patriotic tribute , complete with a huge waving flag on the field along with a card display held individually by the fans. It was in red, white, and blue-"Tribute to America" while playing and the singing of God Bless America and the National Anthem.
Needless to say, the Hawks won 48- to 7!! This day they had it all together. The whole team. The score at the end of the first quarter was 24-7. This , for me was like the old days under Hayden Fry, when many games were high scoring and the outcome was never in doubt. Even with an unexpected "flea flicker" early in the game.
Clayton watched the game with intensity and especially focused and cheered when the defensive line would sack the Wildcat quarterback. I asked him an unfair question before the game. " Where do you want to go to college?" No hesitation! IOWA, he replied. And, to be a starting defensive lineman. I think he will. And, I'll be there cheering him on. Hopefully right there on that fifty yard line.
**** It should be noted that his younger brother, Kyler, and younger sister, Jenna have accompanied me to Iowa Hawkeye games previously. On those occasions, we were able to "scalp" tickets on the fifty yard line. What are the odds. We must have a guardian angel there at Kinnick!
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