I AM BURNING UP GRANDPA!

      Sitting on the east side and looking directly into the sun reminded me of years ago when I took my oldest grandson, Christian Michael, to his first Iowa Hawkeye football game. He was only six or seven possibly and came up on a Friday night and stayed at my place when I lived on Linn Street in Marshalltown.

     Christian had brought with him this really cool all black outfit to wear to the game. We had breakfast at a café on east Main in Marshalltown and then headed out to Iowa City. That morning it was overcast with a light rain.

      Most of the first half of the game it was just cloudy and cool. By halftime the sun came out and it was also quite humid. In no time Christian yelled out that he was burning up. That all black outfit now wasn't as cool. No pun intended. I told him to just take of his shirt and he would be OK. That was a good lesson. Don't wear your favorite black outfit to a Hawkeye game on a sunny warm early fall day. 

OUR SCHOOL HOT LUNCH PROGRAM!

      Recently, I overheard a couple of mothers in the Burg Grocery complaining about the school lunch program and how their kids can't survive the day without "better" food. We all know that the intent was to get kids to eat healthier.

      It got me to thinking about the school lunch program when I was a kid way back in the 1950's and early 1960's. I liked our program. But, there were mothers and kids complaining then and no matter what is served there probably will always be complaints.

     I always looked forward to Mondays. One week hot dogs were served and usually then the next Monday was followed up with loose beef sandwiches. We had things like goulash and I always remember when they had apple crisp. After some of the Catholic kids came over from Haverhill when that school was closed I did get to like fish sticks.

       And, in the afternoons , we went down to the lunch room and enjoyed unsweetened orange juice and/or milk along with an occasional cookie. Life wasn't bad.

       Today like then, the problem really isn't what is served at school as much as what kids are getting at home. With obesity and diabetes skyrocketing overall something needs to be done. I am not sure the lunch program at school should get all the blame.   

      

LONG OVERDUE MEAL W/ CHEF BOYARDEE!

     After an enjoyable afternoon at Kinnick Stadium and watching my Hawkeyes, it was evening back home in Williamsburg and time to also enjoy an evening meal.

      Ilah was with a friend attending a high school state band contest and so it was just up to Dennis to pick the evening meal. Actually, it usually is. I stopped off at the Burg Grocery and picked up something I hadn't had for decades. Chef Boyardee pizza mix in the box.

     A lady in the store had bought it and it got me thinking. Of course. I do love actually making a pizza and rolling out the dough and shaping it and so forth. No, I don't throw it in the  air and spin it. I add a few of my own favorite toppings like peperoni, green pepper and lots of extra mozzarella. Oh shoot! I forgot my mild sweet banana peppers. Next time.

    I was not disappointed. It tasted great and looked great. I was weaned on "The Chef" back in the late 1950's when my mother would make this pizza on a Friday or Saturday night. I will definitely  have the CHEF back at my house soon!  

CYCLONES/ FOOTBALL PLAY NEVER SEEN!

     Sitting at Kinnick Stadium Saturday and looking directly into the sun from my scalped Section K , 33 row seat near the 50 yard line reminded me of a story from years ago. Only this one was from the old Williams stadium at Iowa State in 1973. 

      Somehow I got tickets to  this Iowa State vs Oklahoma State football game. In those days the Hawks weren't doing so well and of course it was closer to drive to Ames from Des Moines.

      The play involved an Iowa State player who took a punt return or kick-off and was on his way down the west sideline and going quite a distance untouched for a touchdown. It was difficult to see very good as my seats were on the east side looking directly into the low fall sun.

     All of a sudden an Oklahoma State player came off the sideline and tackled the Iowa State player. It was strange from my viewpoint as he was running in the shadows and it was like he just disappeared at first. Iowa State was awarded the TD, I believe, and went on to win the game 28-12.

      That was one of those plays you only see once in a lifetime! I don't think it had happened in NCAA history or possibly since.

HISTORY MADE/ 1st FEMALE FOOTBALL REFEREE @ IOWA!

      Besides getting to see the Hawkeyes kick the daylights out of North Texas State at Kinnick this past Saturday afternoon, 9/26/15, I got to witness the first female referee official at an Iowa football game. Her name was Amanda Sauer and was the center judge on an eight "person" crew.

LADY QUIT SMOKING NOW 34 DAYS!

     A lady that I helped out with her groceries the other day brought it up that she had quit smoking and it had been 34 days. I had mentioned to her that when I quit about 12 years ago that I had used the Tootsie Pop method. I just mad sure that I had a Tootsie Pop in my mouth constantly the first 3-4 days and that pretty much did the trick.

      She also mentioned that it was hard for her when she visited her adult kids as they both smoke. I hope that as a courtesy to her that they go outside or maybe she should give it a little longer and not visit them. I wish her all the very best! I know it can be difficult.  

I HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

      This morning I got up a little extra early to head east and attend an Iowa Hawkeye football game. I was in the car listening to WHO when they were talking about post-game stuff at 5:30 or so. I had a bad feeling about then.

      I turned around and headed back home to check out the start time. Sure enough the Register said it was a 2:30 start time instead of usual 11 AM start. Thank goodness I was only 3 blocks from home.

      That is a terrible feeling when you are all psyched up, cleaned up, and boom! Oh,  well ! Got a few things done this AM that I won't have to do tomorrow. I'll be heading out shortly and still have a great afternoon to look forward to-hopefully! GO HAWKS!

GRANT/A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK!!

     Listening to the "oldies" the other day at the Burg Grocery somehow reminded me of a story involving my grandson Grant when he was just a small boy.
    
      We were in my vehicle at the time listening to KIOA in Des Moines which has played oldies since the beginning of time. Grant was probably no more than six or seven when we were listening to a song being played by the Guess Who!

     All of a sudden he said: "Gee, I haven't heard them for a while!" I turned immediately to him and said "What do you mean for awhile?" At his age and after all we were listening to an OLDIE station! That was just the beginning.


     

THE JOURNEY TO A FUNERAL!

       This past Monday, September 22nd, my sister Doris and I attended a funeral in Corning, Iowa for Dean Davis, the husband of our first cousin Dianne Smith Davis. Dianne is the oldest daughter of my mother's youngest brother Arnold Smith.

      I started out from Williamsburg a little after 9am and drove to Gilman to pick up Doris. The one thing nice about just the two of us going together was that it has been a couple of years since we have taken our Fall or Spring Iowa Day Trip together. We had gone to southwest Iowa and visited Dianne and Dean a few years ago , but, had traveled a different way.

     This time we picked up the Interstate at Kellogg and drove I-80 and Des Moines and onto I-35 south to the Winterset exit. Just by stopping there for a break, it was decided to go from Winterset west on highway 92 and on through Greenfield. We drove by the hotel where my sister Doris and her husband, Clyde, stayed years ago on the first leg of their honeymoon.

      From there we drove to highway 148 and on south to Corning. That route I had never been on and I have always said sometimes it's enjoyable just to see different corn fields while in Iowa. And, there were lots of beautiful views and scenery along the way.

      Although, it was the first funeral I have ever attended where I actually only knew less than a handful of people. Actually three- Doris, Dianne, and myself. Like so many families today we are so spread out and due to age of first cousins some are no longer around. But, the service was very nice and I told Dianne that although we were not that close as kids growing up it has been special becoming closer in later years.

       On the way back, we drove through Creston and highway 34 then to 169 north to I 80 by De Soto and straight east and back home via Gilman to drop off Doris. It was enjoyable also on the way back, especially through the Winterset area where there is  rolling terrain with lots of trees It would be especially pretty in 2 or 3 weeks with the fall colors.

      It was a special day to be able to spend it with my sister and be there with a cousin
  in her trying time.  

NO LICENSE TO BE NASTY JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE OLD!

     The other day an older lady like me was checking out at the Burg Grocery. Both the check out clerk and myself forgot to ask her if she wanted paper or plastic for her groceries. I started putting them in plastic as 90% of customers request it.

      When the customer barked out that she wanted paper, it dawned on me who we were dealing with. I knew I was going to be scolded when I got out to her car, so I was prepared. Where I usually come back like a cornered mountain lion is when a customer can't even be nice about it.

     Right on cue, I was told to use paper next time and I reminded her to speak up right from the start as we forget sometimes and most customers do request plastic. That seemed to shock her. Then she mentioned that paper HAD to be used with bread so as not to smash it. I was ready for that one. No, I replied, you can gently lay bread in a plastic sack and it won't smash.

     I know the customer is supposed to be always right, but, again just because you are elderly does not give you the right to be nasty! If you read about me and a new job you will know what happened to me!
     

PLAYING BACHELOR FOR WEEK-END!

     This week-end Ilah went to Ida Grove to celebrate her friend Kathy's birthday. When she goes to visit, it always gives me the chance to do some things I wouldn't normally do if she was home. Well, that is not necessarily true.

      It only means I get to turn the TV up louder than normal while watching my favorite sports teams. I am not messier while she is gone or get up later than usual. It pretty much boils down to eating. I am sure you pretty much guessed that. Ilah is not a big fan of our local Oriental eatery so I stopped there Friday night and took home my favorite Sweet and Sour Pork.

       For Saturday morning breakfast I had my little sizzler's with country style  gravy over homemade biscuits.Then it was near time to sit back and enjoy watching my Cubs squeak out a win over the Cardinals.

      Then at halftime of the Iowa Hawkeyes-Pitt football game Saturday evening, I pan fried a huge Porterhouse steak with baked potato. The disappointing thing about that big steak is I can't eat it all anymore like I used to. Oh well! A steak sandwich in line during the coming week. But, what was great , Iowa won the game with a 50 yard plus field goal and no time remaining.

      Now today is Sunday and my Cubs are on again this PM and I'll probably have a breakfast type brunch before game time. Even if Cubs do lose today it has been a pleasant week-end. Maybe I'll consider sitting outside, listen to the game, and bask in this glorious sunshine filled day. 

     


      

FAMILY PHOTOS-WHERE DID THEY GO?

     
      Recently I heard two young ladies at the Burg Grocery talking about pictures of children that they need to do something with that they have stored on their smart phones. It really got my old thoughts reeling about the different age we are in concerning "taking pictures" today.

       In my time we took pictures with our instant camera or fancier 35 mm and when we shot a roll of 24 or 36 film , we took it to a location such as drug or photo shop to be developed. We made the decision as to how many of each we wanted, etc.

     We could from there give special ones to family. We also would have a package of photos done at school by some professional and distributed to family. I just recently took old family photos from as far back as the early 1900's and put a family album together. I went through hundreds of family photos that I have saved for years.

      Today, it seems that people are taking more photos, but, are sharing them with others through the likes of Facebook. That's fine, but, just not the same. Hopefully the person taking the pictures will or has downloaded them occasionally and put them into a book of some kind.

      I suppose there is no difference between today and years ago. Some people will be very good at keeping up with utilizing all the technology techniques in putting photos in albums and passing them along to family members to put into frames and on  the old refrigerator. And, just like yesterday when we left pictures lying in boxes, there will be those today leaving them lying in pieces of technology! 

OLD FASHION NAMES YOU NO LONGER SEE!

     This past week there was a list written in to the Des Moines Register-Two Cents Worth by someone relative to names you no longer see, at least much. It really made be think back when my grand-daughter, Cora, was born. In talking to my son by telephone that important day, I asked what they named her. CORA was the reply. At first, I know I cringed a bit when I heard that name. I remembered a couple of older ladies in the community with that name, and at first I know my thinking was negative to say the least.

      The more I thought about it the better it got. First, I envisioned this beautiful dark haired beauty. That she was and still is. Second, the name Cora started to sound better and better. It is simple, short and a name no should have to ask again for her to repeat or spell it.

      Back to the list in the Des Moines Register. Some of the female names were Edna, Ruth, Verna, Norma, Opal, Helen, Gladys, Doris, Eunice, Phyllis, Beatrice, Bonnie, Velma, Wilma, Ethel, Erma/Irma, Fern, Mildred, Myrtle, Mabel, Mavis, Martha, Betty, Joyce, and Beverly. I am sure out of this list there are lots of young ladies with these names. No dis-respect, but, Gertrude would be hard for me to handle! Even the name May, my mother, or Mae could have been included.

TRUTH IN LABELING/ NOT BUYING IT!

      "Atlantic Cod Loins Wild Caught China!" This is what I found on a label of frozen od that I was considering purchasing recently at the old Burg Grocery. First of all, it doesn't take a world geography wiz to know that China and Atlantic don't belong in the same sentence. I know, it probably means that China now is fishing in the Atlantic just like we fish all over the world, I guess!

      Then to call it Loins! That seems like a bit of over kill. We already knows that it is fish by the word Cod. Why not fillet? Then, I am not real comfortable buying something from China- especially food. Do you trust the Chinese? Or Russia? I know, I go back to the Cold War era of "Commies" and all that kind of thinking.

      I'll check out the fresh fish at the meat market in Hy-Vee while I am in Marshalltown next week. Hopefully, it won't be labeled as frozen is and at least I can pretend it was caught by an American just off the coast of Alaska!

WHY A MEATBALL SANDWICH?

     This past week, I was reading a food critique  in the Des Moines Register.  It was on the Olive Garden in West Des Moines and the writer was complaining about the "meatball sandwich."

     The meatballs had fallen out of the sandwich and was very messy. I have never understood the love of meatballs especially in a sandwich. If you want an Italian sandwich just get a hoagie bun with Italian sausage ground up, green pepper, onion, and topped with your favorite cheese like mozzarella or provolone. Wrap it up in tin foil and bake it. Just like the "Gizmo" you get at the State Fair. And, not much mess.

      When making home-made spaghetti, I use a little Prego along with a mixture of mushrooms, green pepper, Italian sweet sausage, onion, and maybe on occasion sweet banana peppers. A fork will stand straight up into it and there is no fooling around with meat balls! Yum!

IT WAS A FAT ONE!

      Since it was so nice this past week-end, we decided to go out Sunday afternoon packed with a  picnic lunch  to Iowa County Lake Park just west of Williamsburg. We drove around until we found this cozy inlet with a private picnic table.

       We could see a couple of children with what we assumed was their Grandpa fishing. Almost immediately when we arrived at our spot, it appeared that one girl had a fish on her line. Something I had never heard before was when she got it almost reeled in was-- "It's a fat one!"
A precious moment for that Grandpa!

WHEN YOU CAN'T SLEEP TRY--!

      A lady the other day at the Burg Grocery was mentioning that she was having trouble sleeping at night. I couldn't resist in giving her my sure way of dozing right off.

     There is a program on a cable station HLN which is entitled "Forensic Files." It is a half hour show which solves murders through forensic techniques. The narrator has a pleasant voice and you really don't have to watch it, but, simply turn over and treat it like you are listening to the radio. I am usually asleep within 5 or 10 minutes.

      Two other voices I always thought would be good to have on tape to go to sleep by would be Mr. Rogers , of course, and the Friendly Painter-Bob Ross. Remember him? He had such a low soothing voice as he told you just where he was going to place that little pine tree by the lake.

      Even sitting in a chair in the afternoon, I would be out like a light in no time! You don't need no stinking sleeping pills! Good night!

JUST THE WAY IT IS AT FIVE YRS. OLD!

     A fellow employee at work was telling me about an encounter with her five year old grandson this past week-end. She was visiting her family and her grandson asked if she had received the text from his mom about gift ideas for his upcoming birthday.

     Then in addition, he wanted his grandma to take his picture with her camera and then send it to his dad, who was sitting just in the next room watching the Iowa/Iowa State football game. He knew that was one way of getting his dad's attention without actually interrupting his watching the game.

      I think when I am ready to go commercial with my Blog or other related "tech" stuff I will simply put an ad in the paper for a 5 to 10 year old to assist me. Oh, that's right. No one reads the newspaper anymore!

I USED TO BE COOL! SO WERE YOU!

      Yesterday I saw a bumper sticker that said: "I used to be cool." It hit home because of the times that my grandchildren have laughed at old pictures when I was younger and had long hair or was wearing  platform shoes from the 1970's along with bell bottom pants.

      I could go on and on about different styles and looks from every decade as far back as you want to go. The one thing I have always told my kids or grand-kids is that at the time we WERE cool or at least thought we were cool! Their day will come and their kids will get to laugh!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK-AGAIN!

     What do Zebra's have that no other animal can? Little Zebra's!!

THE PERFECT WEEK-END- ALMOST!

     Unless you are from another state or planet, you are aware that the Big Rivalry Game was played yesterday between the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones! Fortunately, for me the right team won. Although, I was prepared for a loss after a lot of  years finally getting the point that someone is going to win and somebody will lose to quote my mother. Yes, Sunday morning will come no matter what happens on the grid-iron the day before.

       My Chicago Cubs won both games in a double hitter against the Phillies on Friday night. Even though they lost to them on Saturday night, it was an exciting game and the good news is they are only 5 or 6 games behind St. Louis in the Central Division of the National League.

     Also, Saturday night while flipping channels and catching some college football here and there, one of my favorite all time movies was being shown on a local channel-FARGO! The 1997 Academy Award winner is one of the funniest and brutal movies ever made. Ya! You Betcha!

      With a little luck, the Cubs will pull out a win against the last game of the series with the Phillies. If not, it doesn't matter as we are going to beautiful Kent Park for a picnic later this afternoon on this absolutely beautiful fall day! 

GOOD MORNING SOUNDS RIGHT!

     It dawned on me recently that when someone comes into the Burg Grocery, I usually greet them with a "Good Morning!" However, once it becomes afternoon, I usually greet someone with simply a "Hi, Hello, Hey", but, not a Good Afternoon." 

     For some reason saying "good afternoon" seems awkward to me. If they are leaving, I might say have a good afternoon or if it around 4 o'clock or so I may or usually will say "Have a good evening." One thing I don't like to hear is "have a good one." I know I can be old school, but, that sounds like you are being just lazy. Thus, the lesson in greeting techniques is ended! Either way "have a nice day!"

DID I HEAR YOUR NAME RIGHT?

         The other day as I was helping a lady carry out her groceries at the the Burg Grocery and the clerk at check-out said good-bye to the lady and said her name. I wasn't sure if I hear her name right so I asked her what her what it was.

      She replied that her name was "Pepsi." For once I had heard it right.Then she preceeded to tell me how she got the name.  The nurse evidently put Pepsi on her wrist band when she was born and it stuck. Her last name is actually Coke! No I am not pulling your leg.

      I have to admit that  I have never known anyone in my life with either the name Coke or Pepsi. I  forgot to ask her if that actually was her given first name or just nick name! Stay tuned.

BRANON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

     What do insects drink on Halloween? Apple Spider!!

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO!

     There are people who want things to happen. There are people who wish things would happen. Then, there are people who make things happen!

CUBS 9 REDBIRDS 0! LOVE IT!

    
      The Cubs started a series with the Cardinals in St. Louis yesterday and won the opener with no doubt whatsoever! As Jim Zabel once said who was Iowa Hawkeyes best known sportscaster, "I love it, I love it, I love it!"

THE PACE CHANGES AFTER RETIREMENT!

      A lady came into the Burg Grocery today and was feeling good about her recent retirement after 43 years working for Iowa County. Her big relief was not having to constantly look at her watch and be concerned about getting something done in time. 

        I could relate to that when I had my own business.  I was constantly checking my watch and always having the feeling of just not having enough time.  My only job in my lifetime where the time never seemed to move was when I was an underwriter for an insurance company and a desk job. That was not enjoyable.

      Time overall seems to be actually going by much too fast now, but, the nice thing for me is on most days I still get up early get lots of things done in the AM hours and then coast in the PM. Yes, I mean some days that includes a nap! So shoot me.

      One nice thing now is since I do the cooking and do enjoy it, I have plenty of time to plan the meals, google up recipes and on most days prepare the meal without any undo stress. Unless of course, I am notified at the last minute about a grand-child's sporting event. That throws me off a little!

NOT THERE FOR THE "BIG ONE!"

      Years ago during the Hayden Fry era  and while attending many many football games in Kinnick Stadium, I used to joke that this was where I hoped to enjoy my last day on this planet. Yes Sir! While watching my favorite team from my season ticket seat, one could only hope that if the "big one" came it would be right here in Iowa City while cheering the Hawks on!

      At 71 years old, I am thinking a little different. This past Saturday and the Hawks first game against Illinois State, this fan watched it at home in the comfort of air-conditioning, big screen TV, and a comfortable sofa. That 90 plus degree heat with 120 degree temp on the playing field changed my mind a little. For some reason heat affects me a little different now? 

      Besides, even if I did check out while cheering them on in sheer comfort, and they were worth cheering about, it would be a little easier for the boys to pick me up in that big white truck right here in Williamsburg. Why spoil someone's good time at the stadium. And, let's face it, I want to stick around to watch them beat the Clones and lots of other teams. There will be cooler days and lots more cheering at Kinnick ahead.

DINING ON THE WAPSIPINICON w/ GRANT WOOD!

      We're headed to The General Store this week-end just west of Anamosa in Stone City. The building was built in 1897 and immortalized by Grant Wood's painting "Stone City, Iowa." 

      We went there last fall and totally enjoyed a lovely afternoon out on a deck looking out over the river while watching several kayak enthusiasts going down stream. If you have never ventured over, down, or up to this little known fall destination give it a try. You will not be disappointed.

MY MOM-WHAT DID I HAVE??

      I used to get a kick out of my mother on occasion when we would go out to eat at a nicer restaurant. Once in a blue moon my mother would decide that the occasion called for her to order a cocktail. However being the semi- annual drinker that she was, she would always turn to my step-dad and ask him what it was that she had ordered last time. He always indicated that it was something like a whiskey sour or a 7 & 7.

      Now I am doing the same thing, but, only when going into one of these specialty coffee shops like Starbucks or ? Generally I will turn to Ilah after looking at the menu board with its Lattes, Espresso's, Mocha's, Cappuccino's and the like and say--'What did I order last time?"

YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE!

     This past week at the Burg Grocery, we had a big time, sort-of, theft of some liquor. A big guy, who no one had ever seen came in and was purchasing a 2 liter bottle of 7-UP. He indicated that he had forgotten his wallet and was going out to his car to get it.

       One of the staff  noticed the liquor bottles sticking out of his front pockets and followed him out and got his license number as he drove off. The police came,  got his description and license number, but, the number did not match the color of the car. Crime not solved yet.

     For some reason it reminded me for years in Marshalltown I would go into this particular Kum & Go and buy a beverage in a yellow plastic cup that I always carried with me. On one occasion, I did not have my cup and just bought a can of Diet Coke.

      The same guy that usually waited on me said-"Mister. I have noticed you coming in for years and buying a soft drink or coffee in that yellow cup, but, this is the first time I have ever seen you actually buy something in a can." Never think that someone is not noticing!

THAT PLACE/HAVEN'T BEEN-GO NOW!

      This Labor Day week-end, we were making plans to try a new restaurant that was referred to me in Lockridge, Iowa called the Four Corner's. It was supposed to have been a really good steak house out in the middle of somewhere. I always am looking for that gem eatery around the state in a small town with just plain good food and atmosphere.

      This one was not it. While looking up the phone number on line to make a Saturday night reservation, it indicated that it was closed and that an auction was held last month? There has to be a good story there anyway. Second choice was our old favorite standby--That Place at the Conrad corner.

       We were immediately seated for our 6 o'clock reservation and our waitress got our order in ahead of a huge group next to us, but, who was not quite ready to order. Timing is everything as they say. Our usual salads were brought out in a blink of the eye.

     The reason you go here is to enjoy their prime rib. None is better for miles around. I will put it up against the best 5 star joints in Des Moines. We both ordered prime rib with baked potato. The potato is as done to perfection as you can asked for. I always remember years ago when the baked potato skin would be like shoe leather in most places.

        On this particular Saturday night on the menu was pan fried Walleye-also my favorite! You got it. I ordered a piece of that delicious fish on the side. Why drive that distance from Williamsburg to not get and eat what you want.

       If I could only go to one restaurant on special occasions to eat, it would be That Place hands down.  May it live on!

I HAVE NEVER BEEN THIRSTIER!

      After being so terribly hot this past week and the start of the football season, it reminded me of a time when I don't think I have ever been thirstier except for maybe during hay baling times.

      At the beginning of my freshman year at Laurel Consolidated School in the late 1950's, football practice came usually during the last week in August. It seemed that that last week was always the hottest week of the summer. Or, so it seemed.

      With all that padding and then having to scrimmage against upper class-men, it was really tough. In those days or at least at our small school,(total attendance of 80 plus in all four high school grades), there was no freshman team or Junior Varsity or whatever. 

     As a wimpy 135 pound freshman, you were expected to go up against the likes of Gene Dieterman, who seemed like he was just under seven foot and weighed a whole bunch. Even though a guy named Johnny Smith was short he was, well let's just say he was heavy for his height, but,he could run like the wind and he was like hitting a bowling ball.

       Somehow I lived to tell about it. All I know is when the water boy brought out those old glass milk quart jugs filled with just plain tap water, it was sheer delight! We didn't need no stinking Gatorade!

CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S TOO HOT TO HANDLE!

      I never thought I would be saying that it is too hot to attend the first Iowa Hawkeye football game. After being out in the heat a little bit this past Thursday and how I felt when finally coming in, I decided that maybe the smart money was to stay inside where it is nice and cool and watch it on the Big Ten Network. Besides, looking at the upside, my Chicago Cubs will be playing at 1pm so it might not be all bad! Go Hawks! Go Cubs!

MY MOM- IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!

      This past week was my mom's birthday-September 3rd.I have all kinds of fond memories of her and have listed them on my Blog some time ago. Yes, I would give anything to still have her one last time tap me on the forehead to wake me in the morning, even though it was the most irritating thing done to me in my lifetime!

      When I lived in Marshalltown and had my residential cleaning service, I would call her after work on many occasion. She would always ask me how my day went and just to attempt a little sympathy, I would say something like-"We had cleaned 47 properties that day!" Her reply was always about the same by saying- "It's good for you." I still miss her so!

BRANDON"S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

      What do you get with a cow on a hot day?  EVAPORATED MILK-of course!!

TOO HEAVY FOR SENIORS!

       The other day I picked up a 32 pack of bottled water. The water in Williamsburg is not the best so we generally buy the bottled stuff.  The one problem I have is just lifting it and getting in the house.

     I understand that these companies want to sell more product at one shot and they keep packaging in larger numbers. But, if once somebody even helps me in getting it in the car then what? Same applies for bags of water softener, other types of beverages, and things like cat or dog food. If they sell this water in a 32 pack a "36" is not far behind! 

       I may have to put one of my grand-kids on retainer so on occasion they can come over and help unload or purchase a small front end loader! Hopefully, they never package milk in anything bigger than a gallon jug!