THAT RED LOBSTER AD REMINDS ME---!

     About 10 years ago Ilah and I flew to Manchester, New Hampshire on our first leg of covering the Maine coastline. The main reason for flying to Manchester was because it was a lot cheaper than flying up to Bangor, Maine.

     The neat thing about doing it that way was after renting the car we were on the Atlantic Coast in less than one hour. Then it only took us very little time while in the Hampton Beach area of New Hampshire to find a eat-in crab shack.

    Before you could say Kennebunkport, we were sitting down with our bibs tied snuggly around our necks and enjoying whole lobsters with a view of  ocean waves and all their glory before us.  And, that was just the first hour or two of an incredible journey up the New England coast.

POLITICAL CLICHE'S! #2

      #2. "If elected I will first secure our borders before I agree to any type of immigration reform!"

WEBER GRILL STORY!

      This past week our Grocery store had an annual customer appreciation event complete with a drawing on certain "prizes." One of them was a small cast iron Weber grill  designed for tailgating. It is really nice and I had bought one like it several years ago. Back when I knew I didn't need one of these big monster grills no longer. Pretty soon all you will need is a grill and no kitchen.

     A few years ago, Ilah and I decided to travel to Colorado and take in all the sites of that beautiful state. One of my better ideas was to pack the  small grill and then at some scenic mountain  spot, we could grill our meal and dine in all the splendor of a majestic view. 

     It never happened. That grill rode all the way out and back in the trunk. Never once did it get out! I guess too many good restaurants got in the way or I was too lazy at the end of the day to bother with it. I know there were enough scenic spots! Next time!

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON!

     I was at the post office this AM and a lady was looking up when the next blue moon would come around! That's all I am going to say about the subject. You will have to find out what it is if you don't know and when its next occurrence!

"LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE!"

     Years ago, there was a column in the Des Moines Register with all kinds of humorous tidbits. In this day and age of terrorism, mass killings, racial, tensions and political nonsense, we need more humor and laughter. We all need to lighten up a little. If you lose your ability to chuckle, smile, or laugh, all may be lost.

A LUG OF PEACHES STORY! YUM!

     A lady purchased a lug of Missouri peaches yesterday at the Burg Grocery that I helped carry out. My lust for food instinct told me she was going to can them. Dah! It came to me that if it was me, I could visualize opening a jar of those  peaches and all that sweet juice and poring it all over some premium Blue Bunny vanilla ice-cream on some cold Iowa wintery night.

     Nuts to waiting for the future. I'll be buying a few in next day or so and slicing them up and spooning them over that Blue Bunny ice-cream as close to NOW as possible on a hot Iowa summer night or day!

40 DAYS TILL 1ST HAWKEYE FOOTBALL GAME!

POLITICAL CLI CHE'S!

     Over the next how ever long it takes to compile, I would like to come up with at least a top 10 list of political cliché's. My favorite one, I believe, to start with will be: "If elected I will fight for the middle class." Stay tuned!

IOWA'S OWN ZACH JOHNSON!

     In "Your 2 Cents' Worth" column in the Des Moines Register. 

      Zach Johnson, one of the shortest hitters on tour, once again proved the old golf adage is true: Drive for show, putt for dough.---Proud of this Iowan.

HEY KIDS YA LKE LIVER & ONIONS?

     Here is something for you lovers of the L & O. It was reported recently that the best "without a doubt" is at The Corn Patch in Grimes, Iowa. The place has been here for years and years and has always had a great reputation for comfort food. But, don't plan on seeing me there or anywhere eating liver and onions!

BIGGER THAN WAL-MART?

    The market value of Amazon jumped to over $240 billion this past week due to increase in second quarter profits. By doing so, it surpassed Wal-Mart in value for the first time. Amazon was started just 20 years ago.

JOHNNY & MAY SMITH LAVERTY PHOTO COLLECTION IS READY!!

     The "Johnny & May Smith Laverty-A Photographic Collection of Their Families & Memories" is now complete and now ready for those who may have an interest in obtaining a copy for ones self and/or other family members and friends.

      It is a bound protective covered collection of over 90 pages and includes over 500 photos from as early as the 1880's up the early 1960's. With the assistance of Sarah Witte of the Iowa County Historical Society, this illustrated collection will not only provide enjoyment for family members, but, also will be of interest to just those that have an appreciation of viewing photos from days gone by with interest in clothing styles, old autos, decorating and rural/farm settings. Most all of the photographs were taken in the Laurel, Marshalltown in Marshall County, and rural northern Jasper County of Iowa.

     The collection also includes a glossary of both families, the Laverty's and the Smith's, including birth and deceased dates, including location of burial of family members. Both sides includes back to both of  my great-grandfathers.

       If you have interest, please send a check or money order in the amount $18.00 which covers just the cost to print the book and shipping.  Send to Dennis Laverty, P.O. Box 717 Williamsburg, Iowa 52361. For any correspondence please go to: dennismlaverty@gmail.com. 

        

A BIG SURPRISE AWAITS YOU IN COLORADO!

      I discovered the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve maybe twenty years ago while watching PBS one night. Sand dunes in Colorado? I had been out there quite a few times in my lifetime and never heard anyone mention sand dunes.

      There are sand dunes on the south shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana and lots of huge dunes in Michigan, but Colorado? I had to check it out. About ten years ago while making a wide sweep of the state and heading back up toward the Royal Gorge, I had the pleasure of a lifetime.

     Coming down the back range from Summit County area I kept heading south from Salida. At some point I could see this massive area of what appeared to be just "white." I can't say how many miles away from these dunes we were, but, it was a long long way.

      When finally arriving there, it was sheer sand and pilled up to over 400 feet and who knows how many square miles. It was unbelievable. I won't bore you with why it was formed and all that, but, it is worth checking out. One of the many wonders in this country. And, it has not been a federal park all that long.

A LIFETIME TRAVEL BUCKET LIST-part 2

New York------ New York City (THE city in the USA), View from the Empire State Building, Broadway Musical's, subway ride, Niagara Falls, Catskill Mountains, New York Yankees baseball game, and much more!

New Jersey----- Palisades Amusement Park (no more)

Oregon----- Entire Oregon Coast. Crater Lake, Mount Hood.

Rhode Island----- Newport area (Mansions)

South Dakota----- Mount Rushmore.

Texas------Dallas Cowboys football game, Galveston

Utah----- Zion National Park, Bryce National Park.

Wyoming-----Devil's Tower, Yellowstone and Grand Teton's.

Washington D.C.------ ALL.

Wisconsin----- crossing Lake Michigan on S.S. Badger to Michigan.

 Mexico------Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta.

Jamaica-----Negril coastal area

Western Caribbean------ Cruise.

 Cayman Islands------beaches on Grand Cayman.

FOND MEMORIES OF LONG JOHN SILVER'S!

      It is official! Long John Silver's, the "fish joint" that my mother used to call it, is no more on South Center Street in Marshalltown, Iowa. It will be replaced by another dollar store. Marshalltown already has four or five. What's one more!

       Say what you will about the greasy food that was served there and maybe it's time had past, but, I did like especially the chicken. Never was a big hush puppy fan, but, a lot of folks were. One lady that worked for so many years was always so friendly and it was fun to ring that stupid bell as you would walk out!

      There was a time when you went in at the lunch hour you could barely make it the front door to wait in line. The batter recipe was on Facebook recently, I shared it and will possibly make it sometime for old time sake. Another one of those fuzzy warm memories gone by! 

COULD TAYLOR'S GET BETTER?

     The other day while in Marshalltown, of course I hit my favorite sandwich shop. It was noon time, almost straight up, and a Thursday. The place was packed like from days of old.

     Maybe it is just me, but, despite the latest price increase, it did seem that I got more beef in my sandwich, although the buns they are using seemed to be thicker which is neither a bad or good thing I guess ! Lately, they seem to be exceptionally good! Maybe I am really hungry or they taste better now that I have moved away and don't have them as often!

      It will be interesting  to see how they do when the hospital moves out by the junction. I remember years ago, they gave it some thought and never did. Stay tuned!

THE BEST SWEET CORN I KNOW!

      Sweet corn is like a Chevrolet or Ford. Everybody has a favorite. Right? Yesterday while in Marshalltown I stopped at my favorite Sweet Corn stand, Long's, in front of K Mart on South Center Street. All I have to do is feel the ears to know that they are filled out and that I will not be disappointed.  Ilah went to visit a friend out of town and I had  to struggle through the evening meal without her. I made it somehow with two delicious ears of Long's best with melted Prize of Iowa butter, a toss salad with crumbed blue cheese and Olive Garden Italian dressing, topped off with a baked pork chop! My oh my!

THE POLITICAL SCENE-FUN AGAIN!

      Say what you will, Donald Trump has definitely put a whole new twist to the start of the political race.  At least for a while it is refreshing  to listen to a totally different approach to our campaigning madness. We don't have to listen to the usual political and non-political subjects.  And, at least for a while, we don't have to hear about how they are all going to "fight" for the middle class and bla bla bla. The Donald for a while has them stunned. If you are a Democrat don't sit there to smug, Hillary isn't exactly knocking them over. A long way to go, but, maybe this will be a little more entertaining for a while and shorten the year some. Go Trump!  

VIEWING THE ROCKIES 1ST TIME!

      I have been working on printing my "completed bucket list" and one I put on was Ogallala in Nebraska. Not that this far western town in Nebraska is that cool, but, it is to me the destination beginning  where you wait in anticipation of viewing the Rocky Mountains on your way to Colorado.

     Through the years, when with family the lay over has either been Ogallala or I also just like saying it. One of my favorite all time memories has been leaving there and then just waiting until that moment you finally think or you do see the first glimpse of  Purple Majesties.

     As you get closer to them there are times initially that you are not sure if you are seeing them or just cloud formations. You discuss and argue maybe with family members in the car. There is nothing like it. Ogallala is just the beginning to all that beauty!

    

A LIFETIME TRAVEL BUCKET LIST COMPLETED- part 1.

      I have decided to list by state and country, travel destinations that I would consider "Lifetime Bucket List Completed." There are places that I would still like to see, but, I want to be reminded that I have been fortunate in my lifetime of places seen versus those not seen. 

      The states that I have not traveled to are Montana, Alaska, North Dakota, South and North Carolina. The only countries that I have visited are Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, and a few western Caribbean island countries like the Cayman Islands when on a Cruise in the 1980's.
 
     Several states I have traveled to or through, but, have not listed as there was not a destination memory that I felt was a "Bucket List" mention. Obviously, you will have your own.

Arizona.----  Grand Canyon National Park.

California.----  San Francisco & vicinity, Death Valley, Disneyland, Del Coronado Hotel, Redwoods, Rose Bowl Parade, and Rose Bowl game in 1980.


Colorado---- Great Sand Dunes National Park, White water rafting on Arkansas River below the Royal Gorge, snow skiing in Summit County, view from Pikes Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Durango area, Garden of the Gods, and just all of the sheer beauty of the state.

Florida----Disneyworld, The Keys, and Miami with Caribbean cruise start.

Hawaii---- Waikiki, and most all of Maui.

Illinois-----Chicago, and Chicago Cubs first night game at Wrigley Field in 1988.

Indiana----Indianapolis 500 and Indiana Sand Dunes National Park.

Iowa---- Kinnick Stadium and Iowa Hawkeye football on any fall Saturday, Pikes Peak view in northeast Iowa on the Mississippi River, and the Iowa State Fair

Louisiana---- The New Orleans Jazz Festival, The French Quarter

Maine----- The whole Coast, and view from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.

Massachusetts---- Boston.

Michigan----- Upper Peninsula, Traverse City vicinity, and S.S. Badger voyage across Lake Michigan from Wisconsin.

Minnesota-----North Shore Drive on Lake Superior(Duluth to Grand Marais)

Missouri----The Plaza at Christmas in Kansas City, and Lake of the Ozarks.

Nebraska---- Ogallala*inside joke

Nevada---- Las Vegas

New Hampshire-----Hampton Beach

---------------to be continued




      

  

A BUCKET LIST/ JUST DIDN'T KNOW!

    I have been very fortunate in my life in regard to doing a lot of things especially with travel. Until the movie THE BUCKET LIST with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman,I really didn't think much about the things I have already done or places traveled.

      I do have a short list in regard to places and destinations that given the chance would like to see before leaving the planet. The big ones would be the likes of visiting Ireland I suppose because of my heritage. It does seem strange that he desire is not there for Germany even though half my ancestry goes back to Germany and some to England, also. The two cruises would be along the Mediterranean and Alaska.

     I guess to be honest time is  the only thing slowing me down on the above, but, most of what I want to see is still in this country and Canada. Instead of ever having any kind of regrets of what I haven't seen, I do plan on listing the destinations that I have been and seen in my lifetime to serve as a reminder how fortunate I have been up until now!

-----stay tuned!

     

I'M A MEMBER OF WHAT GROUP?

     The other day, I completed a health related survey conducted by the University of Northern Iowa. It was quite extensive and when it was completed and all the questions about my health, did I realize that for my age I am in really good shape. Toward the end the  survey the young  lady conducting the survey asked if I was the following: single, widowed, married, divorced or and this is the best-"member of an unmarried couple or group?" You gotta love it!

WHAT'S THE DATE?

    Here's another thing about getting older that can be irritating! The other day while working, I forget what the date was. Not the day of the week, but, the date of the month.

     When I was younger, you would always hear from a "senior" about not knowing the day of the week because with retirement they are all pretty much the same. Maybe I am not totally out of it yet as only the date was forgotten.

     One excuse that I have is when I was younger and generally writing a check every day or making a bank deposit with my business daily, I always had the date in front of me it seemed. I hope this isn't totally down hill yet!

OXYMORON ON WHEELS!

      It doesn't take much to make me laugh! By now most everyone has figured that out.
The other day, I helped out a gentleman with his groceries and on approaching his vehicle, I noticed it was a hybrid Prius and on the back he had a decal that simply said "Harley Davidson." It struck me funny. When I mentioned my observation, he simply said and very straight faced that both were very expensive! Maybe I am getting too old!

MAKING ANY FROZEN PIZZA GREAT!

      Through the years and on occasion I have purchased a frozen pizza of some kind when I feel a little lazy on a week-end night. One ingredient I have always kept in the old refrigerator for just such an occasion is a jar of sliced sweet mild banana peppers.

     Actually, I use them on my own homemade pizza. They really jazz up a pizza and the hot ones I may have to give a try some day. Yes sir! I have always said that even if your pizza tastes just this side of cardboard, try a few banana peppers to liven things up a little!  

MY 1st SHOT AT HOMEMADE FROSTING!

      Here is your chance to laugh at me again, but, oh well! The other day I was looking for some chocolate frosting in the grocery store to put on a yellow cake I wanted to make. One reason I love to make a yellow cake is it has the "best" smell of all the cakes. I digress.

     There weren't any frostings of any brand on sale which was unusual. I have to keep up with these frugal Germans down here, you know! The lady who works that isle suggested I make it from scratch and told me how! That simple, hey! I had never done that as my friend Betty Crocker  usually did it for me.

      I had all the ingredients and away we would go. One problem though. I think I added too much milk and too quickly or who knows with the powdered sugar. I kept adding powdered sugar until I ran out of it. Oh, Oh! I decided to pour it all over the cake anyway.

      Ilah commented that she really did like the flavor of the frosting even though it was on the thin side and all over and under the cake. Really! She told me that it was the best upside down yellow cake with chocolate frosting ever. Next time!

A "TAILGATING" DREAM!

      You probably think I am talking about tailgating at a football game. No, the other kind. Being followed too closely! And, not by a car, but, by a person.

      The other night, I had a dream about someone following me too closely and I could feel them right behind me. So, I stopped immediately and they ran right into me. End of dream!

      The next morning while working at the Burg Grocery, I had two or three instances where someone going out or coming in was following me way too closely. Maybe I just have a thing about people getting too close to me physically or otherwise! What do you think Dr. Freud?

       A long those lines, if I am in a line at a convenience store and someone is too close right behind me, I do the following. When reaching for my wallet, I extend my elbow out behind me as to slightly hit that person too close behind me and in my space. Oops! Sorry!

A COUNTY FAIR THAT WAS REALLY BIG!

      It's County Fair time, I guess. The one here in Iowa County is under way for the rest of the week. I should attend a county fair sometime as it has been many many years since I have attended one locally. I guess living in the Des Moines area for s and o many years, I got used to attending the Iowa State Fair. That fair will spoil you, but, still growing up in the Marshall County area, I did have some fond memories at the county fair showing calves through 4-H.

      One county fair I will never forget, though, was not here in Iowa. It was of all places the county fair near Buffalo, New York during the late 1960's. I will never know for sure the exact county, but, the town was Tonawanda, New York, where friends of ours from college days at Drake lived.  One day while visiting them, we attended their local county fair.

       Two things I remember about that county fair was that it had two mid-ways. Yes, two! The population density in the area justified it was my only conclusion. Their average daily attendance was over 100,000. Our state fair averages 100,000 maybe on the week-ends.

     The other thing that we experienced for the first time was attending a horse pull. There were a pair of huge draft horses that had to pull these huge weights on a flat sled. The horses were attached to the sled with a metal ring and when this person dropped the, rather large metal pin in the ring the horses would start pulling when hearing that pin drop.

       The problem on this occasion was that the guy dropping the pin missed the ring and the horses took off at a fast pace and got tangled up in a near-by fence. It took them awhile to get those poor horses untangled. I don't believe they were injured too badly!

RENE BAKER, CELEBRITY, & NO CIGAR!

 
      My wife, Sandi, and I were sitting at a table right next to the stage. The lady sitting at the next table center stage knew I was enjoying the show tremendously and struck up a conversation. Her name was Rene Baker and was the very attractive girl friend of the celebrity performing.

     It was the late 1960's and the hotel was the Star Dust in Las Vegas. Miss Baker asked if I would like to meet the "celeb"when the current performance ended. Are you kidding me!

      During the intermission we went out in the lobby and waited to meet one of my all time favorite celebrities.  We waited and waited and waited. He never showed. He had a sore throat so they said. He didn't show up for the third and last show either.

     It still was OK as I did get to see two outstanding performances by the one and only Fats Domino. The Fat Man came out to perform by pushing his piano with his stomach. That's what you can do when you are the Fat Man.**"Fat Man" was one of his first recordings in 1948.

      I later learned that not only was Fats a drug addict and probably had gotten high, there was a time when the Mob controlled Vegas and would get celebrities like him into rigged poker games and cheat them out of their fees. So sad!

SO YOU THINK THIS IS HOT?

     Everyone this past week has been talking about the extreme heat and high humidity. It has been very uncomfortable to say the least. But, when you get older, it seems you can always remember one year or time when it was much worse!

      One such time was in the summer of 1989, when I lived in West Des Moines and it was a week-end of the Ruan Greater Des Moines Grand Prix race through the streets of downtown Des Moines. It was in July and the actual temperature was near 100 degrees and with high humidity. You had difficulty breathing. The air was smothering.

     The race was not completed, but, we, my ex-wife May and I, had had enough of the stifling heat and decided to head back home in West Des Moines. The condo we owned was 4921 Wes Park Drive and the complex had an outdoor swimming pool. Couldn't wait to take a dip in that cool water.  I swear half the people  from the complex were in the pool that day due to the heat, despite the fact that everyone had air-conditioning. Now that was hot! The good news was we lived in a time when you could escape it!  

PLEASE-DON'T OFFEND ME!

      Yesterday, at the post office, I pulled my mail out of my box and had received one of these mailers from some Cremation outfit! I went in and after discussing why my Des Moines Register hadn't come brought up the mailer issue. 

     I know as I get older, there are some things that get under my skin a little. Just to tease her, I asked if she could not put stuff like cremation, funeral home, or cemetery plot "junk mail" flyers in my P.O. Box. I didn't think she could, but, you never know! I should get started on my Obituary soon.  

YOU WENT FISHING WHERE?

     A lady at the Burg Grocery this past week mentioned to a check out clerk that her husband was going fishing this next week. He and some friends were going to North Dakota.

      Of course I had to chime in. I started to chuckle a little and mentioned that in my 71 years, I had never heard of or know anyone who has gone to North Dakota to fish, not even Nebraska for that matter.

     Minnesota, Canada, and Wisconsin, yes. The Baja of Mexico, off the Florida Gulf, and down in the Ozarks. I even knew a guy, Shorty Lyle, that fished on Lake Michigan around Milwaukee somewhere. 

    It just goes to show you! Just when you think you have heard it all ! North Dakota!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

     What do you get when you cross an octopus and a turkey?  Enough drumsticks for everybody!!!

SUMMER OF '63 FAMILY TRIP-part 4

     Disneyland opened in the summer of 1955. Of  course, we hadn't seen anything like it before. I do remember some of the rides and really enjoyed it. The one mistake mom made was going to Knottsberry Farm the following day. What a disappointment that was after experiencing Disneyland.

     On the way back, we went through Las Vegas and saw the Grand Canyon and what a thrill that was. Our final destination coming home was Colorado Springs and the likes of Garden of the Gods. I think mom really loved this particular area and Colorado in general as we went there a few times growing up.

     Heading home, I drove all the way back to central Iowa from Colorado Springs. Straight through. The one thing I recall was once we were off the interstate and at the Newton exit I turned the wrong way and was headed toward Knoxville. Over two thousand plus miles of driving across this country without a hitch and then to get turned around so close to home!

MEETING MERLE & DOROTHY MCMAHON-TRIP '63 part 3

     Before we went to Disneyland upon arriving in Anaheim, California, mom arranged to meet old friends from Laurel, Iowa, Merle and Dorothy McMahon. So, the night before going to Disneyland we spent some time with the Merle and Dorothy.

       They were suited for Southern California. Their apartment was pretty much all white with a single color of accent in the bathroom, for example, with nothing but all red towels. Dorothy, as I remembered, was a taller lady with black hair and quite attractive and personable.

       Merle was the one that always interested me. He appeared to be a character right out of a period movie set. He was a fairly short and somewhat heavy man. He was always neatly and well dressed. He was extremely polite and always seemed to treat Dorothy like a queen. He wore light colored suits with a bow tie and could have passed for someone's somewhat eccentric uncle in a movie set in the south.

     He had driven for years a late 1940's black four-door Buick that was always extremely clean and polished. He was in sales and drove his Buick to call on customers. I really liked him  as he was a real maverick in my estimation. I was glad that I had the chance to meet them then and on occasion when they came back to visit. 

---------to be continued.

YOU CAN CALL ME DENNIS!

     Most of us have learned or know about repeating someone's name to better remember it as a sales technique or to just improve the memory. I have always been turned off by that when someone is repeatedly using my name over and over.

      Here is an exception. This past week-end, my grand-daughter, Jenna, stayed over night and the following morning we went outside and made a bucket of "bubbles." She calls me Dennis and I won't get into the long explanation why at this time. But, while doing bubbles, she was constantly saying things like; "Dennis isn't that a big one or Dennis isn't that a pretty one or Dennis this or Dennis that!" 

     She probably said my name 50 times that morning. I never got tired of it and only brought a smile to me. What grandkids do to us or for us!!

GIOVANNI'S PIZZERIA!

     This past week some family members and I drove to Newton for a little pizza pie at Giovanni"s  located on old east highway 6. I hadn't been there in a few years since being introduced to the place by Bob and Sandi Baker, friends and classmate from Laurel.

      All I can say is that I was not disappointed. I ordered an Italian sausage pizza and an order of onion rings. The onion rings I have had a little better, but, these cut small home made rings were very good. The pizza, made with a combination of provolone and mozzarella cheese was as delicious as a I remember.

     As a matter of fact, based on the sausage pizza, I would rank it ahead of Zeno's  in Marshalltown and our home town Pizza Haus in Williamsburg. Newton should feel fortunate in having such a great icon eatery like Giovanni's.  If you back for a visit in central Iowa and want some Italian, consider a stop in Newton.  

WHAT NO CATALOG?

     If you ever read Pickles in the comic strips, you will know what I am getting at. Earl doesn't get that there is no catalog in ordering things only on Amazon for example, and, that you go online to their website and order. He says he gets it , but, then wonders where you send the check after you order!

       Yours truly is almost as bad. Last week while in Marshalltown, I stopped into Penney's and tried to pick up one of their catalogs like they used to have years ago for $5.00. The key here is years ago! The clerk very politely told me that they haven't had catalogs for years, but, only carried or had a home furnishings catalog.

     Just call me Earl!

FAMILY VACATION 1963 part 2

     The trip in 1963 by any standards was a goodly jaunt. From Marshalltown, Iowa, we went down through Oklahoma, across the Texas panhandle, to Arizona and then down to the Mexican border, and then up to Los Angles. From there, heading to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Colorado Springs, thru Nebraska and home. 

     I do remember when we got to the San Diego area to visit an aunt of my mother's, uncle Bill Schultz's wife, we also went across the border into Tijuana. I can't say that I remember anything outstanding about going over the border, but, that we did it.

     When we left that area and were heading north on what was highway 1. and basically like an interstate highway, four lanes and all, that experience I do remember well. I was driving and doing about 70 mph and all of a sudden a semi, without a trailer, passed me like I was standing still. I thought wow! Everything you have heard about the way these California people drive is true!

     Before arriving in the Anaheim area and Disneyland, we stopped in the Newport, Long Beach, or Huntington Beach area for a swim in the Pacific Ocean. I remember thinking how gross seeing a big piece of seaweed was with all the little creature's crawling out! Then it was on to Disneyland!

----------to be continued.

    
    
      

THE FAST LANE IN ONE WEEK-END!

      The other evening while watching the opening scenes from CSI, the original that takes place in Las Vegas, It took me back to a Vegas related story.

      My first wife and I had a couple who were friends that for a time lived across the street from us in Urbandale and then they moved to Omaha where, he, Chuck, went to  work for Mutual of Omaha as an underwriter and we would drive over on occasion to visit.

      Mutual of Omaha had a convention of some sort going on in Las Vegas back in the late 60's. They also had a private Lear Jet and it was flown back to pick up our friend Chuck and his wife and they in turn included us with them on the flight to Las Vegas for the last week-end. 

      We all stayed at the old Sands hotel which was one of the original famous hotels. Chuck and his wife, Royce, stayed in what had been Frank Sinatra's personal suite when he was in Vegas performing in prior years. But, when Howard Hughes bought out some of the old hotels during those years his intent was to rid the town of Mob influence. One person that he banned, as it goes, was Frank Sinatra as he supposedly had ties to organized crime.

       I always remember one evening, before going out for dinner, my wife and I went to our friends room suite and rang the door bell to let them know we were there. The suite was so big that at first they did not hear us. The other thing that I thought was cool was that their suite also had a small private swimming pool just outside. 

     That's my fast lane experience. A ride in a Lear Jet and being in a swanky suite in Las Vegas once occupied by Old Blue Eyes himself!   

THANK YOU FOR READING DENNIS NOW & AGO!

      On July 15th, 2014, my blog site began with the intent of  bringing readers personal and family related stories from the past and now! Hopefully most have been of interest and have brought a smile or a chuckle or two!

      To date, we have received nearly 10,0000 views of our site and into at least a dozen different countries. Again, Thank You all for your interest and it is hoped we will at least continue for another fun year!

SPECIAL K BARS!

      A lady came into the grocery store the other day and purchased what looked like the makings for Rice Krispy Treats. No. She was making Special K Bars. All through the years, I never had heard of them!  It is funny that I just had made Scotcharoos just a few days ago. I will have to give them a try sometime.

I DID NOT WANT TO BE CALLED GRANDPA!

      Talking about different names used for or by grandparents with someone
recently, reminded me of my first time about what to be called before my first grandchild. I was too young, I thought, to be called Grandpa! I'll just have he or she call me Dennis!

      Prior to my grandson, Christian, being born, I was talking to a friend that I had taken to the Iowa State Fair. She was a grandmother for the first time and being only in my early 50's then, first of all, I couldn't believe I was with someone my own age who was a grandparent. I wasn't ready for this chapter in my life. Was I?

      I am not sure how or when it happened. But, when it did that was it. That little being one day just blurted out "Grandpa!" That's all she wrote.  Grandpa it was! Isn't it amazing how it all works out!

      

PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH GRANDCHILD!

     These kids grow up too fast. I learned that long time ago. Our Jenna is 10 years old and already is spending summer week-ends with friends and their grandparents.

      This past week-end Jenna stayed the night at our home, and, although, we did not do anything real exciting, I think a good time was had by all. We watched some good movies, old Looney Tunes Cartoons from my private stash, made pizza boats, enjoyed scotcheroo's,  and played a few games of Old Maids. In addition, we made a bucket of liquid for making bubbles. You know, a little Dawn, corn syrup, and water. We made some beautiful ones.

      I really enjoy these times as I know they won't last forever, although there will be other types of special moments to share. This one took me by surprise. Jenna wants to go up with me some morning and open our post office box and get the mail! Kids are amazing!

    
     

ONLY 30 DAYS OR SO TO IOWA STATE FAIR!!!

      I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!

1963 FAMILY TRIP TO CALIFORNIA-part 1

      In the summer of 1963, my mother, my younger sister Deborah, Sandi Ferguson my finance, and myself headed to California in the family's 1959 four door hardtop Chevrolet. I really do not remember every leg of the journey in detail, but, would like to point out a few memories that for some reason stood out with me.

       The interstate system, to some extent was completed by then, but, really do not remember to much about it. One area that I first recall had to do with the leg of the trip from Flagstaff to Phoenix, Arizona.

      Our Chevy did not have air-conditioning like a lot of cars at the time. Once we descended from Flagstaff, it became extremely hot as it was Arizona, in the desert, and it was summer. I remember trying to open the front window and it didn't help and neither did opening the air vent as it just let in more hot air that felt like pins hitting you. But, somehow we survived.

       We stayed in Phoenix at this motel with an outdoor motel and then got up during the evening to cross desert and heading then on to the San Diego area to visit an Aunt of my mother's. It was a much cooler trip, obviously, driving during the night .

      We had heard that we needed to be careful in low lying areas driving, due to  possible flash flooding from time to time. I remember driving and hearing this buzzing sound and I thought it was a flash flood coming to wipe us out. No! It was some type of regional power station and the generator's were just making the sound.

      One other thing that impressed me was in the early morning on our way to Chula Vista from Phoenix was seeing these huge sand dunes for the first time in the desert area east of that part of California. Quite impressive indeed!

------------------to be continued.

I SHOULD HAVE PICKED MY BIRTHDAY RESTAURANT!

     Recently, I got sideways with someone on Facebook about a picture of a menu item from their favorite restaurant. For me, I was reminded of a La De Da place that I had a birthday dinner years go.

      Don't get me wrong, I love to eat out at a fancy restaurant as much as the next person. As long as there is some value along with quality and a fair amount of quantity. No, I don't like going to places where you walk through this line of bland food where you can get all you can eat!

      It was around the year, 2000, and I was dating someone, from Des Moines, whom I let choose the restaurant for my birthday. The place was in Windsor Heights and it was an upscale "bistro."

      You know the type of place with white table cloths and the waiters with white aprons. Pretty fancy. The menu also had prices, but, just stated the price with "12" or "25." That's kind? of classy don't you think? No $ sign. Who needs them!
 
     All I remember was a salad that I had ordered. It was on that all white square plate and it looked like a little sea weed inter-twined with some carrot strips and who knows what else. The edges had little drops of ?? drizzled around the edge for "presentation." I have always said that nothing tastes better than a little presentation!!

     I know I inhaled that small morsel in two small bites with a spin of my fork. Only 12. Dollars that is! The good news was I didn't have to pay for any of it! 

     

TRUE DETECTIVE!

     I found a 2014 HBO series and ordered it through Netflix. It is called True Detective and is a murder mystery series starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew Mc Conaughey. It takes place in Louisiana in some very depressing areas. But, it has caught both our attention, Ilah and I, and when we both stay glued for a couple of hours to something- well! Can't wait for the next disc!

JERRY ROBERTS & THE PICKLE STORY!

      The other day, someone was discussing something about making homemade pickles and, of course, it reminded me of a pickle story. It involved my attempt of making bread and butter pickles like my mother used to make and my long time friend and classmate, Jerry Roberts.
     
     A few years ago, I attempted to duplicate the bread and butter recipe that my mother used to use in making one of my favorite delights that accompanied a lot of family meals. Those pickles were close to perfection. I thought I would give it a whirl.

     After making a few pints, I stored them and on one occasion when visiting gave a pint to my friend Jerry and his wife Judy. Sometime later, when talking with Jerry he brought up the pickles that I had given them.

     He simply said: " If you have any more that you would like to give us just to let him know!" If you know Jerry, that was the best compliment one could receive!

JUST SAY IT IS GOING TO BE NICE!

     Sometimes I hear so much about the weather I could scream. But, again, in a small farming community that seems to be the main topic of discussion.

     Then to top it all off, I get a kick out of the weather guys and their take. The other day, a local weatherman talked about how unseasonably cool it was going to be on a particular day. The temperature was going to be around 70  or 72 degrees and sunny with very little wind.

      Wouldn't it be refreshing to just have them say for once that it was going to simply be a "lovely day" and end it. Too simple I guess. Wonder what the weather people do in Hawaii?

LESS THAN 60 DAYS TILL IA HAWKEYE FOOTBALL!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

     What did the pencil say to the pencil sharpener? You keep going around and around. Let's get to the point!

SO SPECIAL WITH GRANDCHILD SURPRISE!

      The other day, my daughter Nicole, asked me what recipe I used to make the banana bread that I had made for them a while back. Kyler, youngest grandson, said that he wanted it made by Nicole just like I had made it.

      I told her that I just used one of the box mixes and made sure I had used plenty of bananas. Nothing real special. It's the little things you do appreciate. I never have been a great hunter or fisherman, but, if I can leave them a taste treat now and again I am OK with that!

MY MOM HAD IT SO EASY!

      I knew I would at least get your attention. No, my mom didn't have it all that easy in her lifetime so don't get ready to scold me.

       Just looking back from one respect and that had to do with the selection of food menu's on a daily or weekly basis. First of all, it was pretty much a "meat and potatoes" thing day in and day out. Oh, a chicken was thrown in the mix if you don't want to call chicken meat.

      Normally it was some type of beef  out of the freezer on the back porch. My dad was not a liver lover so that ruled out segment. Some ham was thrown in on occasion and was served up for the Holiday's as my mother was, I believe, a little intimidated about preparing a turkey.

     Of course, we always had lots of veggies from the garden and fruit was always seasonally available. Frozen strawberries was, to me, a big treat-oh that sweet juice! 

     What makes it a lot tougher today, is all the choices of food categories that weren't really available or maybe thought about back then. Italian, Mexican,  & Oriental come to mind just for starters. Then to be able to just google up 100's of any simple recipe and variations. I don't know how many times I have enjoyed a new idea from online, somewhere, and thought to myself that may be the only time I have it.

     I guess from my mother's standpoint-"What you don't know won't hurt you!" I am getting hungry just thinking about her cooking and all that great "comfort food."

DON'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR OR DO YOU?

      Through the years, I have always maintained that I enjoy eating the original Kraft macaroni and cheese more than any home made mac & cheese! It goes way back to the 1960's when we got them mainly for the kids and the were so easy to prepare.

      This past year, I have made another new food discovery. Please don't laugh at me, again! I know that Maruchan Ramen noodle soup has been around for a long time. But, I didn't really pay attention to it until I started working at the grocery store.

      For some reason, I decided to give them a try and really loved the taste. And, on sale you can get 4 for a dollar. Is that cheap or what! You said you wouldn't laugh at me!

     Well, the other day, I made a double creamy chicken and jazzed it up with a little celery, carrot slivers, sliced red pepper, green onion, one cut up cooked chicken breast, and a can of sliced water chestnuts for a little crunch. Wow! I think this will make at least a monthly or so menu rotation at this household.

WEIGHT LOSS /HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY!

    I should be happy that I was able to drop nearly 25 pounds since the first of the year(2015) and to this date have kept it off and not gained any of it back. I weigh each morning, watch how much I eat, and exercise each day.

     But, part of me is still not happy and wants to get another 5 to 10 pounds off. It does feel good that I have been able to maintain a regiment or "life style" that simply says I follow a daily eating style that is in moderation! I will get myself mentally ready to drop a few more pounds soon, and in the meantime I will stay the course. I won't plan on writing a book about simple moderation as no one would buy it! 

BURNSVILLE, MINN./ ALMOST MET MY WATERLOO!

      A young lady started this past week at the Burg Grocery and came from Burnsville, Minnesota along with a little bit of an accent. Ya, you betcha! Just the mentioning of Burnsville reminded me of a story, of course!

     In the mid 1980's a close friend of mine had moved to Burnsville to manage a large wholesale drug company where he and his wife resided. Upon visiting one New Year's week-end, we all went out to celebrate New Year's Eve.

      We spent the evening at a local club with live music and had a great time. At the end of the evening, my friend knew a bartender there and he agreed to drive us all home as our designated driver.

     My friend Dave and his wife lived in an area of new construction and our driver thought  that it would be "cool" to drive up and over this huge pile of fill dirt in his newer SUV. The problem was the pile had been cut into and once we reached the top it was straight down for quite a ways.

     The vehicle flipped over and there we all were inside with the vehicle on its side. A couple of us had been smoking  and at about the same time we could hear and smell gasoline leaking out of the gas tank. For some reason no one really panicked and someone finally kicked open a door and we all got out safely.

     I suppose there were all kinds of lessons there to be made, but, it just wasn't our time!! Thank Goodness.
    

MAID RITES-YOU ATE HOW MANY?

     While in Marshalltown yesterday, I had to stop in to my favorite sandwich shop and pick up a Maid Rite or three to take home for the evening meal. As usual, something gets brought up  there of interest to me. Today was no exception.

     A patron asked one of the employees the old question of "How many maid-rites have been eaten here." The one young lady replied that some time ago someone had been in and had eaten thirteen! I had the question a couple of years ago and the answer was twelve!

      Just like a fish story the answer has gotten a little bigger, but, not by too  I still think in terms of a package of a dozen buns. That alone makes me want to lose my lunch! Years ago there were places that if you could eat a 60 ounce steak and all the trimmings, it would be free. If you tried that with a maid-rite today I suppose there would be all kinds of legal ramifications! Also, would not want to be around if the person couldn't handle it! 

THIS CANDIDATE COULD GET MY VOTE-YUM!

       South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham this past week made his way to Le Mars, Iowa for a little campaigning where he appeared at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor. 

     Unfortunately, only TWO people attended the event so he spoke to several families that were already there. Where he got my attention was when it mentioned that he had a scoop of "butter pecan" ice-cream.  To me that shows real intelligence! I might have to keep an eye on him. The guy can't be all bad!

-------- taken from article in Des Moines Register.

A SWEET CORN MEMORY!

      It won't be long. Our local sweet corn is almost ready if not already in some areas. I can't wait. we all have our favorite sweet corn sources. Some our home grown, while some of us have our favorite local vendor. Mine still is "Long's" in Marshalltown and has been for years. I can't wait.

      One of my favorite memories of the method of eating sweet corn goes back to the 1970's. A few friends from West Des Moines drove up to Grimes to a corn feed at a local men's fund raising event. As you went through the food line, you picked up your ear of corn which had a wood skewer stuck in one end. From there you dipped it in this crock of  hot melted butter.

     I have never forgotten that experience. One of the things on my  "small" bucket list is to fill a slow cooker with melted butter and re-enact that memory! Again, it's those little things!

CAR SHOWS-BEEN THERE DONE THAT!

      Last week, just before the 4th of July, our local brew house sponsored a huge "oldie" car show. Several people asked me If I went and my reply was that honestly I forgot about it. you would have thought I missed "the" event of the year!

     There are people , I know, that follow these car shows around like groupies who follow old rock stars. Don't get me wrong I love vintage cars and it is always cool to see one parked somewhere or one  going down the highway. This is especially true for my era of the 1950's and most of the 1960's.

      But, just to look at row after row of restored autos I don't get "all shook up." I think it is because I had some of those cool cars as a kid. There was my 57' Chevy hardtop, my sister's 1959 sea mist green with white top convertible 59' Chevy. My brother-in-laws 54' sedan Chevy that was uncool and yet cool with the 55 Corvette engine under the hood. My cousin Larry's 56' and 58' Chevy's. They were the coolest of cool! There was also, Lorne, a guy a couple of years ahead of me that had a 49' Hudson that was he kept primed in a dull grey. Looked like an upside down bathtub!

     You could witness a lot of these cars scooping the loop down Main Street in Marshalltown, Iowa on a Saturday night. The drag races with cool cars east of Laurel on any night! All those cool cars are for ever stored in this guys memory. I don't need "no stinkin'" car show!

IS THERE AN EGG SHORTAGE?

     Is there really an egg shortage? It seems every time I walk by the egg cooler in our local grocery store, there plenty of egg cartoons stacked neatly by the dozen, 18 pack, six pack, and brown eggs. Lots and lots of eggs. Of course, they are still close to $3.00 a dozen. Why is that? I know the reason why as it has been reported, but!

      Some of our local farmers, who have small flocks, are selling eggs at 1 to 2 dollars a dozen. I can't speak for other grocery stores, but, it seems odd that when you don't physically see a shortage, it is hard to rationalize a price hike or jab! I know! It is still a bargain and we do need eggs. Anybody check out the price of ostrich eggs lately? 

YOU KNOW YOU ARE GETTING OLDER WHEN-----!

     The other day someone mentioned that one of their kids, who lived in the Des Moines area, didn't have much wind damage after a recent storm. Their trees were not damaged because they were so small due to the fact they lived in a newer development.

      It reminded me that not long ago, I was out on 22nd street in West Des Moines heading south and getting ready to turn left on to the freeway. Looking south and into the residential area that lines that part of 22nd street, it was like looking at a very unfamiliar area. An area that I had never seen. Strange!

      Not having lived in West  Des Moines area for quite a few years, there was one thing that had changed and was why it looked strange. The trees had all matured. When I was in my early 20's and first lived in the area, that part of West Des Moines was just being developed. I am talking about the 1960's for crying out load. Where did all that time go!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

     Why is longer from 2nd base to 3rd base than it is from 1st base to 2nd base? Because there is a SHORT STOP in between!

SMALL TOWN GROCERY-CATCH 22!

     The North English grocery store recently closed and no one knows exactly the reason why. Since it is just 7 or 8 miles from Williamsburg, the closing has sure added a lot of business to the Burg Grocery, especially just before the holiday.

      It is always a catch 22 in that everyone wants a grocery store in their small town, but, then will turn around and complain that the prices are higher than at the big city stores. I have done comparisons even at our store in Williamsburg compared to others in Marshalltown and Iowa City. There really aren't big savings unless you are buying in big bulk.

      Since I work there, I have the advantage of watching for sales and specials. Plus, I have always been a daily shopper going back to my single days in Marshalltown. For a lot of Seniors, it is not that convenient to drive to Iowa City and other distant grocery stores. For me it also has to do with the distance and gas consumed, and just the time factor that I can do something else more pleasurable like NOTHING! Sometimes you just can't have it both ways. Based on the activity just prior to the Holiday, The Burg Grocery has nothing to worry about.

A SUCKER FOR A BAKE SALE!

      I have always said that just because someone like your Grandma made it, that does not necessarily  mean than it will always be good. I have purchase items at various ice-cream socials that were just not that good. That is one stereotype that you cannot always count on.

      I carried out for a lady Thursday that was going to take this certain cake to the VFW Women's Auxiliary Bake Sale uptown Williamsburg on the 4th of July. She had it in a covered box in the back of her vehicle and rolled it back to show me like a petty hood would in trying to sell me illegal cigarettes.

     She described the cake as an Amish, am already sucked in, recipe for a heavier angel food cake with homemade butter frosting and sprinklings of coconut. Oh, my! The next question out of my mouth was when and where! Uptown at 9am. I will be there at 8:45am!

     Ilah's crew wanted to attend a pancake breakfast at the fire station. How about 8am for that! Would there be time. For a long story short, I made it uptown and to the VFW by 9:10!
MY cake was there along with so many more fabulous looking cakes, cookies, and assorted treats. If only I could win the lottery! My problems would be solved and I could also kiss my weight loss program good-bye.

      My cake was still available at such a late hour as 9:15 am. With much stressful pondering, the angel food cake it was. This time my hunch was correct! It was MARVELOUS!

WHAT A GREAT COUNTRY/MAYBE A LITTLE TOO GREAT!

      We all know that diabetes and obesity is rising at an alarming rate in this country. We all can point our finger at all kinds of causes and reasons for this epidemic rise.

       A Lay's  potato chip display at the Burg Grocery this week has a sign posted that reads: "With purchase of one Family Size bag of chips, get one bag FREE"! Just what we need! Right! But, it defense of ourselves, I would rather live in a country with this problem than anywhere else in the world!

REALLY GOOD SWEET CORN FROM WHERE?

      One thing you can always count on is change. It has amazed me this past week, before the 4th of July, how much sweet corn we have been selling and the great local stuff isn't even out there yet!

      For some time, the Burg Grocery has been packaging and selling sweet corn from Georgia. It has been reasonably priced and packaged in clear plastic and the ears look fabulous. What's more it really tastes good and the customers love it and we have been having a tough time keeping it on the shelves.. That hasn't always been the case.

      I thought it would be really funny to start hearing, once the local corn is ready, that the real McCoy didn't stack up! That's one change I hope I am not around to see. Don't worry, "Long's" in Marshalltown, if your corn is no longer the best, the world is near its end!

PLEASE DON'T CALL ME A SHUT-IN!

      The other day a  lady, that  I assisted at the Burg Grocery, mentioned she was taking a meal from the deli to a "shut-in."  I hadn't heard that term for a long time and for some reason it struck me wrong.

      I mentioned to her that I really didn't care for that term and it was one of those old fashioned phrases that, thankfully, you don't hear much any more. I know she didn't mean anything by it, but, it just sounded so cold and uncaring to me.

       I hope someday, if I am unable to get out on my own, that somebody  will say instead that they are going to visit a friend, Dennis, and they are taking him his favorite lunch!!

THIS 4TH OF JULY BE THANKFUL!

     It dawned on me yesterday while working at the Burg Grocery, how fortunate we are as American's in at least one way. It's something we all take for granite today.

      We were extremely busy and you would think that the rate of groceries flying out the door, that it wouldn't take long for the store to be running short or simply out of by the end of the day. This was Friday the day before the 4tth.

      Quite to the contrary. There was so many bread and bun items in the back area of the store, it was hard to get about.  We had enough beer stacked to last until the following week-end. Same for cheese products and milk-to the ceiling. Chips all over the store. Both managers of the store were packaging sweet corn, from Georgia no doubt, that was literally flying out the door.

      My point is that our distribution system in this country today, the planning ahead by all involved and the hard work of the store employees, we purchase our holiday food needs without much of a hitch. It wasn't always this way. Why, when I was knee high to a ----! Never mind. Happy Birthday, America. You are great!

CUBA-KEEP FRIENDS CLOSE-KEEP-----!

     For one I am glad to see us resume ties with Cuba. Even if it initially is a slow process and for starters just tourism and opening Embassies in both countries. I have thought at different times that we should have done it a long time ago. My contention was to get in there and win them over. A Starbucks and Mickey D's on every corner in Havana. Ya!

      I know I watch too many Mob movies, but, there is a line from one that goes something like-Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer!" Time moves on!

WHAT'S THE FUSS-IT'S A GIFT!

     In this day and age, we all seem to get hung up on political correctness about almost everything. Sports commentators are always referring to an African American's abilities as "he has great athleticism."  

     My contention is , no matter the subject or situation, what if we use the phrase "gift." The athlete has a gift. My late brother-in-law, Clyde Eddy, had a gift. He was an extremely good auto mechanic. One of the best in Central Iowa. My gift is the gift of "gab." It's not a big gift, but, it has helped me in many ways throughout my lifetime. It has also gotten me in hot water on occasion.

      Instead of trying to always sidestep the issue just say they, whomever they are, had a "gift" an move on. I finally convinced some family members to quit always saying that they "hate' certain things. Instead, say that you are not a "fan" of whatever! Try it you will like it!  

WHAT WAS HE THINKING-IT WAS STOLEN!

    
A lady was fishing for her car keys the other day at the Burg Grocery and commented how silly it was  to always lock her car in a small town. I am not the one to criticize as I very seldom lock my car even when it is left out at night  in front of the house. Ilah, on the other hand, always locks her car no matter what the circumstances are.

      Years ago, a very good friend, Bob Merritt, had gone to the Dahl's Grocery at 86th and Hickman in Clive to get a couple of items. He had just bought a brand new Corvette and left it parked out front of the store in a no parking zone with the engine running.

      When he came back out his precious Vet was gone. He waited outside for awhile thinking some friend had played a joke on him. A few weeks later, it was found down around Winterset. Some young girl had stolen it. I am not sure if he learned anything from that experience, but, it always made for a good story. When in doubt, it is probably a good idea to always lock your vehicle.

1ST TIME MAKING POTATO SALAD!

     Go ahead and laugh all you long time cooks. But, just this past week for the first time I actually made potato salad. It is fun to google up a lot of recipes and then just go for it. And, believe me I consulted my significant and retired "cooker," Ilah, before I tried anything to bold and different.

      Even though I do most all of the cooking these days and truly love it, for some reason never thought about tackling potato salad. In my defense, pretty much through my whole life, there has always been someone around to make it and make it well. My mother, my first wife,  second wife, and of course, Ilah. When I was single, there was always a place like Haley's in Marshalltown, who made outstanding potato salad. Who needed to make it?

     The only terrible P.S. that I remember having was when a good friend made it for tail-gating during football season many years ago. It was from an old family recipe of his grand-mothers. It was dry and tasteless. But, who could say anything. It was his Grandma's.

      Mine turned out pretty well for the first time I will say. Ilah praised it and that's the most important thing. Needed a little more onion was the only criticism. For me, it was close to what I really like about potato salad-potatoes not to hard, the right amount of mustard and creamy! Next time- a little more onion! I can live with that. I made enough that it is a good thing I like it. It will probably be around till the 4th! 

EXPRESSION: TOOK LONG TIME TO GET HERE/TAKE TIME TO-----!

/
     Keeping an eye on the Greek financial crisis, one has to wonder if this country is not far behind, along with a lot of other countries. Greece, like a lot of other countries, became to generous with their money. Too much of social welfare over the years and it finally caught up.

      It is just like a person who keeps piling up debt on a credit card. As long as someone will give you credit and increasing your limit, you will keep on going as long as you have the ability to pay it off. But, if that monthly payment exceeds your ability to pay other necessities, you have a big problem.

       We are a wealthy country, but, there are limits to how much we can do for those that are less fortunate than most. Politicians will probably never get it because it is NOT their money. And, everybody has their own agenda. Cut, defense spending. No! Cut welfare spending! On and on we go.

     There is an old A.A. saying that goes-It takes someone a long time to get into trouble. It will take a lot of time to recover. Why can't we just start by cutting a small percentage from all areas and maybe over time we will get there.