DO YOU REMEMBER FATS DOMINO?

       This past Friday evening on PBS they had an hour long special  on Fats Domino. He was probably my number one Rock and Roll hero! I truly enjoyed watching the show and Fats Domino's life. He was truly a R & R pioneer and still have several of his hits on old 45's! He provided a great new sound! He still resides in New Orleans his hometown. 

SMALL TOWN FISH FRY! YUM!

       Last night, 2/27/2015, I drove over to Victor that sits on old old highway 6 about halfway between Williamsburg and Grinnell. I attended a Fish Fry put by the Iowa County Izaak Walton League and held at the local Victor Legion Hall.

      I have always enjoyed my entire life attending functions like this in small communities whether it be a fish fry or ice cream social. The sad reality is like so many things as time marches on they are becoming fewer and far between.

      Their turn out was very good and a fairly large crowd for a small community. The fish was a white fish, Pollock, and it was coated very lightly with a batter as not to drown out the flavor of the fish entirely. The cole slaw was cut a little thicker than usual but very creamy and delicious. The mashed potato, gravy and baked beans were so so and the serving sizes were a little on the skimpy side. Of course, not being shy I did go back through and enjoyed a few more pieces of the fish.  They did put on each table huge servings of home made bread that was extremely soft and tasty.

         I do have to admit that I miss the Fish Fry that is held each year during Lent at Knights of Columbus Hall in Marshalltown.  I always enjoyed attending those fry's each Friday night even  though sometimes I went by myself as there are those who are not fond of fish or seafood. The small and simple things if life sometimes are best!  

WHO REMEMBERS FORREST PARK IN MARSHALLTOWN?

      Last night while attending a Fish Fry in Victor, Iowa, I sat and while eating visited with a local retired gentleman.  I brought it up that I was raised in the Marshalltown area and somehow the conversation came around to talking about some of the old ballrooms around the state like the Surf in Clear Lake and the Val Air in West Des Moines.

       He indicated that when he was a younger man, he remembered going to Marshalltown and dancing at the Forrest Park Ballroom. This gentleman was 77 years old and possibly just old enough to remember Forrest Park.  I am not sure I ever stepped foot in the place, although I remember its existence. I know my folks went there a lot and mom always talked about some of the prominent Big Bands that came through like Glen Miller. 

      I am sure that there were some very special moments there and part of me wishes I would have lived at the time when a lot of famous Big Bands played there. I will always be thankful that I purchased tickets years ago, and took my mom and step dad, Maurice, to the Val Air Ballroom and got to dance to Glen Miller's Band. 

THE WORD IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD!

      For someone who enjoys writing about topics that will bring a fond memory or chuckle to readers, the above saying came out of no where yesterday while  at work. I know lots of you believe in that "a picture is worth a thousand words" or that "silence is golden." 

      For me and probably as long as I can't figure out how to put pictures on my Blog site along with my stories, I'll be adhering to that motto!! I do hope we never get tired of reading even if it's short and silly stuff like I spew out! 

I SHOULD START SENIOR ADVOCACY GROUP!

      As our population ages, including me,  it seems I notice more and more situations that when the service or product was designed or invented there wasn't much thought about how it would effect our Senior citizens. 

      On one ocassion I was having a meal with my folks at the "Machine Shed " restaurant in West Des Moines, Iowa. The server placed at each table a water pitcher so you would not have to bother anyone when and if you needed another glass of water. One problem was that the pitcher was made of thick glass and my poor mother couldn't lift it o at least very easily. The idea or intention was good, but, not for the elderly.

       At the Burg Grocery it seems that the packaging of bottled water or other types of beverages seems to be getting larger and at the same time heavier. I understand that the distributor wants to sell more product at a time, but there are some of us who have a hard time lifting such a bundle. Sometimes, I have a problem negotiating a gallon of milk. 


       Another example is for some to see the wording on a credit card terminal very well. The one at our Burg Grocery has a red tab for credit and a blue for debit. First of all there are always complaints that the wording is too small and the red and blue colors are hard to see. How hard is it to make wording a little bigger.

         As seniors, we all have different "issues" with situations we run into that makes our lives a little more difficult. I understand that most of the decisions that are being made involving the marketing of products and other examples are being made by much younger people. Maybe someone like myself needs to start hitting back a little even if it's through some feedback using the social media. If no one  ever speaks up?? 
     

NO SAD MEMORIES TOTALLY WHEN YOU CAN COOK!

     There always seems to be an upside to lots of things in life even when or during times when we no longer are with that significant person for whatever the reason. In my own personal situation one of those upsides is when it comes to cooking and/or eating. 

     Sometimes you hear about a man whose wife has passed away and he is totally lost because she has done all the cooking and he doesn't even know how to boil water. Or, the wife that has never paid the bills and doesn't know how to balance a check book.

       Well. the good news, in my own particular situation, is that I enjoy cooking and have done it for years while in a long term relationship. Don't get me wrong. My signifcant was a great cook and did on ocassion, especially the Holidays. Also, I have always done my own laundry, and my own clothes selections. I have always enjoyed going to the Iowa State Fair by myself as it makes it much simpler to decide what to eat or do next.

       Even going to Iowa Hawkeye football games on my own as my ex-significant didn't care for watching the sport,  I can go to on my own as I have no problem talking to others and taking in all the pageantry without necessarily sharing the event with another.

       Don't get me wrong as I prefer the company of someone who is a good conversationalist and someone to share  attending a good concert, movie, dinner out, and also sharing good memories of a day trip or longer scenic trip. All will work out as it is supposed to in due time. At least for now, I can enjoy once a day or more a favorite meal. And, it will be something I prepared and not have to shy away because of sad memories that "someone else" prepared it. Of course, if that was the situation it wouldn't be all bad, as it would be a good way to lose some weight! 

FOUGHT THE LAW & THE LAW LOST AGAIN!

     The only other time in my life that I have been audited by the IRS was a few years after my first encounter in downtown Des Moines and the young agent that was a Iowa U graduate.
This time I was selling real estate and I had always thought my odds of an audit were greater due to the many deductions that we were allowed

     In this case the agent that was to do the audit met me at my office at the time was at 8th & Grand in West Des Moines. He looked like what we usually stereotype as an IRS agent. Short little guy with wire rimed glasses and was all business. I even offered him a glass of water or beverage and he declined. 

      For about three years my tax guy kept telling me to be keeping a travel log in my car as that is one of the things that you have to do to justify how many miles you are traveling for business purposes. I had never got around to it until that year of my audit. But, the audit was for 2 or 3 years before. Well, you guessed it.The IRS agent finally asked me to see my travel log! Oh Oh! I simply pulled out my current log for the current year and simply fanned through it like a deck of cards. I went so fast that I didn't give him a chance to see that the dates on each page were from the current year. He checked that item off his list and was I so ever relieved.

      I left the room where he was working and made sure I took the log with me. The final tally was that I owed $27 for some reason and I couldn't get out my check book fast enough!I know what I did was wrong,but, all is fair in love and war. And always, an audit is always war!  

KEY LARGO & ASKING THE RIGHT PERSON!

      With so many people returning from winter vacations, it reminded me of another story while in Florida many years ago.It was in the 1980's and my Ex and I were returning from Key West and heading back to Miami to get ready for an Incentive Cruise leaving the following day. 

      It was about 4 pm in the afternoon and we were not very far from Key Largo. It dawned on me that it would be cool to have supper or dinner, if you prefer, in Key Largo. I guess mainly because I always liked the movie from the same name. 

        When we arrived in town, I decided to stop and ask someone to recommend a nice restaurant with a good view of the Gulf and where we could see a sunset easily.  We stopped at a nearby hotel and a very nice lady advised that we consider a restaurant called the "Italian Fisherman." It was a fine restaurant with outdoor seating and right on the beach with a great view of the sunset. The key was stopping and asking someone who appeared to know what I was seeking. Other words if you are looking for a nice eatery don't stop at a Quick Trip and ask a young guy. He will probably point you to a nearby Burger King! (Not that there is anything wrong with a Burger King!)  From the line in the Music Man. "But, you got to know the Territory!" 

WHEN IS EASTER? MY STEPDAD KNEW!

      From the time I was a little kid all I heard around Easter was the question when it was being held. All I ever heard was "well I think it is late this year or early this year." It is the only Holiday that  doesn't have a definite date year after year. Many many years ago my stepdad, Maurice Korte, preceeded to explain to me how it is determined. He was a man of few words and for some reason it was something that he explained to me and it has stuck!

       Through the years around this time I love to ask people if they know how it is determined and why it changes the date every year. In years and years of bringing it up I only knew one person that I asked who actually knew the answer. ONE! Even asking some very religious  persons that I have known never really knew. Most responses were usually that it was "something that was set up in the Bible."

      Well here it is Pilgrims! So listen up. It can always be one of those great trivia questions that you will ever bring up. First you start with the March Equinox on the 20th of the month. Then you take the first full moon after or on that date and Easter is the first Sunday after that full moon. Pretty simple! You can look up further detail about what the definition of the Equinox is and so on. It is one of those things that I was happy to have listened to something that has created lots of interest through the years!

MY PEACEFUL KEY WEST STORY-NOT!

     It was the 1980's and I had qualified for an incentive Cruise with the real-estate company that I worked for in West Desmoines-First Realty Better Homes and Gardens. The trip was on a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship which I have long forgotten. 

       My ex-wife and I flew down a couple of days early to Miami before the cruise was to depart for the west Caribbean( Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel.  I had always wanted to go to the Keys and Key West just because I had heard so much about it and also it also only 90 miles to Cuba from there. It is a pretty good drive around 90 miles from Miami to Key West.

       It was all I had expected except you can get a little claustrophobic driving through the Keys and seeing water very close on both sides. The evening we stayed in Key West one of the biggest deals was at a certain time everyone would start walking to the certain pier or area to watch the sunset. It was almost like watching zombies walking to a certain destination.  

       We found a place to sit by this pier and were waiting for this unforgettable peaceful sunset. There was just one problem. There also was a couple besides us who preceeded to play fairly load music. They were your basic panhandlers that you see in touristy areas. I leaned over to the lady and said I would put $5 in the guitar case if they would stop playing during the sunset. After all, we had come over 1,000 miles to see this peaceful and beautiful event. I didn't want it spoiled by a couple of old "hippies" trying to make a buck.

     The woman was really insulted by my gesture and preceeded to tell me all about this being a free country and a few other choice words. A few other people around us also complained and they finally left. If only they could have picked a tune liked "Killing me softly!" 

FOLLOW UP TO CUBA RELATIONS!

      After I read the article about Obama's visit to Cuba next month from the Republicans and the criticism from them, it made me think about an old saying that's been around for ages. And, keep in mind I believe we have proven to Cuba and the rest of the world that their system did not work and ours did and does.

      There are some people who I have known believe that when you get the other guy down don't stop there. Make sure you keep on kicking and kicking until he begs for you to stop. I think in 60 years or so, we have proven the point,  whether Cuba is still run as a Dictatorship or  a model Democracy. I will never be totally convinced that by isolating the world's bullies, it is always the best idea! 

FRIENDS CLOSE ENEMIES CLOSER! Editorial

      In today's Cedar Rapids newspaper, The Gazette,  there was an article about President Obama and the first lady making their first trip to Cuba next month. I will state right now that I have always thought we should have normalized relations with Cuba years ago. Being so close to our country and the vast amount of Cubans and descendants living in this country, we should have reached out some time ago.

      I have always liked our own Senator Chuck Grassley, but, now I have to part ways with his "in line" Republican response to the President's trip. He along with the Republicans don't think we should be dealing with a country that deprives people of certain human rights and a country controlled by an "authoritarian" regime. Blah! Blah! 

      What, we don't or haven't had relations with dictator's through the years and even now. Most third graders could name you a half dozen countries run by dictators. I suppose there are some nice ones but not many. I say let's get over there and get McDonald's established everywhere along with Starbucks. And, let's face it they could use some new cars besides 1955 Buick's. It's a big island and there is a lot to gain from establishing new relations. If Ronald Reagan would have come up with the idea oh boy! Most of these bullies, if the truth be known, are just looking for attention. And, most today would rather be our friend than not!

I FOUGHT THE LAW & THE LAW LOST!

      A fellow came into the Burg Grocery today and was talking about doing his taxes.  It, of course, reminded me of a story involving an IRS audit that I was involved in back in the 1980's.

     I had received in the mail a letter that I was being audited in just general terms and nothing really specific. I knew at that time I didn't really have anything to worry about in any major way. It was all laid out in pretty simple fashion. A this category, B, C, D, and so on. So that was how I prepared it. I put it all in a nice binder and the first page one was A, the second page with information and B, and then C, and you get the picture. Very neat and just like I was preparing for a high school assignment.

       My tax attorney always told me to meet with them at their office and not at home as you would always have a better excuse to retrieve addl. information at a later date. This was what I did and met with this young Agent or CPA at the IRS office in downtown Des Moines.

      He was a very nice young guy who had just gotten his degree from The University of Iowa. Otherwards A Hawkeye! He didn't stand a chance! My daughter, La Risa, was at that time attending Iowa University and majoring in accounting. Plus, Haydan Fry was the new successful football coach there and me being the big season ticket holder in football. 

     I got this young man started with page A and all the while talking non stop about my daughter and the Hawkeyes and then to page B. All the while he kept looking up at me and nodding and then looking down while I would be helping by turning to the next page. Finally, as if he just gave up he shut the binder and said we were done. My guardian angel was surely with me that day plus the "old gift of gab!"  And, not a penny did I owe!

MORE FROM THE OLD PHILOSOPHER!

      Hey there friend. Ya say your radiators(in home) never worked all winter and now that it's summer they started up again and ya can't shut them off. Ya say your wife sent your light weight suits to the cleaners and that mean you'll have to wear your itchy tweeds this morning when they say it will hit 106 and ya gotta meet an important business man in an hour and your (teeth) bridge just broke and  ya pasted it together with bubble gum and ya hope it don't fall apart while you're doing some fast talking to this man? And and your shoelaces just busted and ya opened a big cut on your cheek trying to even out your sideburns and your daughters going out with a convict and your wife just confessed she gave your last sixty dollars as a deposit on an airplane plane hanger? Is that whats troubling ya friend?-------------

NOBODY PUTS KETCHUP ON A HOT DOG!

      About a week ago I watched for the umpteenth time the movie "Sudden Impact." It's the old Clint Eastwood who plays Dirty Harry Callahan. Most of his movies were set in beautiful San Francisco. This is the movie with one of the most famous lines "Make My Day" comes from.

       Another one that I absolutely love is the scene where another plain clothes cop is with Harry while investigating a murder scene. The other cop is eating a hot dog and Harry goes on and on about how it doesn't bother him to witness all the terrible things he witnesses as a cop, but, then states what he really can't stand. "I mean nobody puts ketchup on a hot dog!"

       Since I am a hot dog lover I always love watching that scene as much as the "Make My Day" scene. My only problem is I love with my hot dog and chopped onion--Ketchup! 

NEVER GIVE UP THAT SHIP!!

      Years ago there was a guy that went by "The Old Philosopher" and he did a routine and made a record back in the mid 1950's that sometimes reminds me of myself and how some days play out. I am going to put on one verse and you will get the point and then you can get the rest from U Tube. It is HILARIOUS! 

      Hi ya folks. Ya say ya lost your job today? Ya say it's 4 AM and your kids ain't  home from school yet? Ya say your wife went out for a corned beef sandwich last week-end -the corn beef sandwich came back but she didn't? Ya say your furniture is out all over the sidewalk cause ya can't pay the rent and ya got chapped lips and paper cuts and your feets all swollen up and blistered from pounding the pavement looking for work? Is that what's troubling you fellow. Well lift your head up high and take a walk in the sun with dignity and stick-to-it-ness and ya show the world, ya show the world where to get off.  NEVER GIVE UP NEVER GIVE THAT SHIP! 

IT'S WHY YOU WERE GIVEN A MIND-USE IT!

       During the mid 1990's I attended a local men's religious group early in the morning once a week.One individual when asked a question or a topic of discussion would always respond by saying "Well it says in the Bible----" and so forth. 

       After hearing that repeatedly and after I had asked a question of this person his response was the same as it always had been. In my response I asked him to give me his feelings on the subject not just answering with a stated verse from the Bible. 

       No matter what the subject matter is and especially in politics, I don't believe that most people buy an entire agenda or platform of a particular Political Party "hook, line, and sinker." Anybody can buy into that rationale. I like people that think for themselves and have opinions and solutions that are reasonable. But, if your mind is closed and you like to "fly of the handle" about it, I will have some fun with you! 

SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR!

       Through the years there has been all kinds of slang expressions including "After while Crocodile, Get on the bus Gus, Hit the Road Jack, etc. I may have come up with a brand new one tonite when addressing a young guy who was clerking at the Burg Grocery! "See you around Clown!" I didn't say it was that funny, but, maybe just new! I also think I may be losing it!

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN DATE SITES & OBITUARIES!

       Last week there was a huge obituary in the Des Moines Register about a very prominent man who had passed away. It was one of those half page obituaries so you know that he had to be very important and/or someone was willing and had the funds to pay for a lot of information on this person. 

       It got me to thinking about the similarities between that announcement and ads you see in these dating sites. The reason it got me to thinking about all this is the man who's obituary was in the newspaper had years ago, after his first wife passed away, simply put an ad in the DM Register "looking for someone to meet." At he time the on-line dating sites weren't really in vogue like today. A close friend I knew at the time responded to the ad and they were married within a year. (Another interesting story for another time.) It always did seem strange that a man of his stature would attempt to meet someone through a newspaper ad! 

       As I am also now in the category, once again, of being single,  it got me to thinking that when I am ready to let the world know that I am single and would be receptive to meeting someone with similar interests, I can somewhat "kill two birds with one stone" in a way.

       Most of what is put in obituaries's simply tells about one's interests, hobbies and enjoyments. The only difference is that in the dating site you leave out all the people you were connected to. Basically on the dating site, you are just including the "tooting your horn" part! And, the good part is that my obituary someday will be partially completed for the poor soul who has the job of completing it! 

        

WHY I WANT TO STICK AROUND FOR A LONG TIME!

      Over my lunch hour this past Monday, I grabbed a copy of the Iowa City Press- Citizen just to have something to read while eating. On the front page was an article entitled "THE MAGIC OF 3-D METAL PRINTING."

     The article was about a large 3-D printer in the basement of an  Iowa State Engineering building. This "gargantuan" printer  was striking a thin layer of metal dust on a metal plate at preciously the right spots. It was slowly making a pair of scissors. 

      3-D printers have been around for a while making mostly plastic stuff. I love reading about inventions or innovations that you know are going to bring about major changes in the world. Just like drones on the horizon commercially. It seems tight now we are witnessing so many advances in technology that something new is coming about every time you turn around. 

       I am lucky and fortunate to have lived through all the advances that we have witnessed in the last few decades, especially with the beginning of the computer. which by the way had its beginnings at ISU.  There are people who say they don't want to live to be 90 or older, but, as long as I have fairly good health and can comprehend whats going on around me, I can't wait to see whats coming next! As Paul Harvey used to say: "Stay Tuned!" 

THE OLD PIE PAN-IT WASN'T!

       This past week while assisting a lady to her car with groceries I spotted on the floor what appeared to be an extremely old metal pie pan. She indicated that it was an old pie pan that her mother had years ago and proceeded to give me some additional history on it. 

       I mentioned that my mother had one that I inherited and still have stored away. But, I told her that mine was an old motion picture reel that was as a pie pan by my mother as long as I could remember.

      Sure enough, I reached down and turned it over and engraved on the back was Kodak and some additional wording. I have never researched why or how ladies got their hands on these movie "cans" and then used them as dessert tins. I told her the only reason I knew that it probably was a movie tin rather than just a plain pie carrier was seeing several at antique auctions that I attended through the years.

       She asked me what I thought it might be worth and I told her I would not want to speculate and besides it was not in very good condition. Besides, I told her that sometimes family items are just "priceless" because of sentimental value. She agreed!

BUDDY HOLLY STORY- HAPPY & SAD!

      This Friday evening, 2/12,2015, with friends, Jerry and Judy Roberts, we attended the "BUDDY-The Buddy Holly Story" at the beautiful landmark theater- Hoyt Sherman Place just northwest of downtown Des Moines. If you have never attended any type of performance there, you owe it to yourself to experience the beauty of this majestic theater built in 1928.

       I had seen a production of this musical/play about the story of the legendary Buddy Holly from his start in Lubbock, Texas until the tragic ending with plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. I never tire of this performance/story as I was just 15 years old when he along with The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens died in the crash on 2/3/1959.

       It is the only musical. play, or movie that I have ever watched that makes me happy with the memories of his music like Peggy Sue, That'll Be The Day and Rave On! He had 5 or 6 big hits in just 18 months of his short lived career. I always cry toward the end of the play because obviously I know how it will end. 

       It is strange to experience two extreme feelings at once, but, I loved it so. The actors and musicians in this production did an outstanding job.  When this all happened I had collected several of all three performers 45 records. They were my hero's. It was cool for just a short time being with them this past Friday evening  with the musical ending scene at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. I am happy that I was part of that era even with such a tragic ending!

I JINXED WARM DESTINATIONS!

      Some of the snow birds are arriving back home now and, of course, we have to hear all about how warm it was there and to really rub it in they let you know that one evening when they went out for dinner they had to wear a sweater because the temperature had dropped down in the evening to the high 60's! Too bad!

      I have been and gone to warm destinations during the winter months and have too enjoyed very comfortable weather. But, the first time I went to Florida in 1980 they had a huge cold spell with lots of ice. I remember walking the beaches with a ski vest that I owned. The first time I had been to Las Vegas in the late 1960's and getting off the airplane I remember that it was snowing. Also, while in Dallas for a football play-off game with the Chicago Bears in the late 1970's, the area had one of the worst ice-storms in recent memory. To insure good weather always go somewhere with guaranteed weather like Hawaii or Acapulco!

       When you are at this end and you hear stories about people going to a "paradise" destination and hear that they experienced bad weather somehow we get a bit of a sadistic kick out of their mis-fortune Especially, if we are back here in the north country suffering away with sub-zero temperatures and blizzard conditions!

WHEN COORS WAS A BIG DEAL & NOW!

       When I was young kid back in the 1950's and 1960's with everything there weren't as many choices like today!It seemed around central Iowa, at least, the only beer that was a "big deal" was Coors because it wasn't marketed at that time this far east. And, when something is scarce or difficult to obtain, you want it even more. If you went to Colorado, you were expected to bring back a case or two. To be honest I am not sure it was all that great.

      Also, back then the main beers were Budweiser, Hamm's, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Schlitz! I am sure there were others and a few other regional beers. I remember going to a Yankee baseball game back in the late 1960's and their big local beer was Schaefer's!

      And now there is no end. The other day I saw a cases of beer stacked in the back room at our Burg Grocery with names like Redd's Coney Island, Henry's Hard Soda, Blue Moon, Mike's Hard Mango Punch, and John's White Ale. And that's  just a small sample. I don't want to even get started on wines! I am thankful that I don't partake of alcohol in any form. It seems like to much work trying to figure out what to buy that will go best with certain foods and occasions! These days if I want to live it up I order a Diet Coke with a twist of lime!  Woopee!

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY DISAPPOINTED!

    Picture yourself many many years ago and you just paid "big bucks" for front row seats at a heavy weight boxing match for the title. You just get seated with your beverage and are prepared for an exciting evening. The bell rings, the fight begins, and "POW" with one punch the fight is over. Less than 30 seconds!

       That's I felt Tuesday night with the Primary coverage in New Hampshire. Being somewhat of a political "junkie,"I was prepared to have dinner then settle in for the evening to watch the results come in and switching around to the various cable stations, FOX MSNBC, and CNN for their slant on it all.

     Well, as you probably know or don't  know, they declared the winners of both Political Parties before the polls even closed. I guess I should have known from all the polls that indicated Sanders and Trump were over-whelming favorites. But, still I was hoping that they would keep me guessing  for at least an hour or so and keep me in suspense. I guess there was some suspense on the Republican side with second, third, and even last place. 

      With exit polls, entrance polls, and all other types of polls, it's taken some of the fun and suspense out of it. Oh well! If it had gone on for too long I probably would have dozed off and by the time I would have woke up it would have been all over with anyway!

LAUREL & THE STRIP BAR!

      While helping a gentleman out to his car with his groceries Monday, he mentioned his hometown in northeast Iowa which I had never heard of. I then mentioned that I too was from a really small town in Central Iowa called Laurel.

      Well "Low & Behold" he had heard of Laurel. Yes, you guessed it. He remembered going through there and stopping into our infamous or notorious bar with topless dancers years ago. Even when I lived in Des Moines and assuming no one would have never heard of my old home town, generally they had because of our legendary night spot! The funny thing is I never stopped in at any time to check it out. 

      Now I live in a town that lots of people don't have a clue where Williamsburg is, but, as soon as you say "Tanger Outlets" they know where you are located immediately. This is probably a little better than a strip bar, but, no matter, I still have no problem telling people where I grew up! 

 

I NOW REALIZE ONE OF MY FAVORITE MEALS!

     I rarely give a new recipe a try anymore because it seems that I can't get to all my favorite's fast enough. As I have said before working at a grocery store 3 days a week and just being OCD sometimes doesn't leave enough room for new adventures in eating. 

     The other night, though, I made one of my favorites-Beef Stroganoff. I have always really liked it, but, never seem to make it that often. Monday night I gave it a whirl. The key is to purchase a good cut of meat like top sirloin or a lessor cut and marinade it overnight. The other key with the meat is to cut it against the grain and very thin.

       I always use fresh mushrooms and a little onion after browning the meat. A few extra shots of Worcestershire Sauce didn't hurt either along with your favorite beef broth and some minced garlic to your liking. The final icing on the cake is the sour cream mixed in before layering on prepared egg noodles. Wow!  Maybe you will want to add a few shots of your favorite wine, but, without is OK for me! I must take this out of the once in a  "Blue Moon" category! 
  

NOTHING REMAINS THE SAME!

    Years ago it was one of my grand-daughters birthday and it was decided by both sides of the family to hold a party for her at a park in Ankeny where most everyone lived except for Grandpa Dennis.

     I did volunteer to furnish the food and I decided to get it from Haley's in Marshalltown as they could furnish, what I believed to be the best broasted chicken and all the salads that you could possibly want. Even today I think Haley's on North 3rd Avenue has excellent food.
Besides, this was a picnic and what could be better than chicken and all the trimmings.

       The adults in attendance, I believe, enjoyed the meal, but, that was where it ended. Most of the kids didn't touch much and held out for cake and ice-cream. I remember hearing a lot of rumblings about pizza and so forth. I was so disappointed. Most kids there I don't even think really thought it was chicken. Most were accustomed to chicken nuggets and the like! Change can be hard sometimes, but, what are you to do!

SUNDAY MORNING MOVIE JINX!

       Last Sunday morning I drove to Corralville and saw the movie "13 Hours." They charge only $5 for first run movies shown before noon.. That's a good deal and they also do the same thing on Tuesday's! It was raining and I turned my lights on in my car to see and be seen better driving down. I forgot to shut my lights off and of course my battery ran down. The good news was a young man at the theater had cables.

     This morning I drove down and saw the new Cohen Bros. movie "Hail-Caesar." First of all this will not go down as one of their better movies. My cell phone and car keys fell out of my sweat shirt side pocket which is very shallow once seated, and I had to go get the same kid to help me find the articles once the movie concluded with a flashlight. If one more thing ever happens to me there, I won't be able to face that kid.
      
     A lesson for guys. Always put keys and/or cell phone in your front pants pocket. There was some loose change under my seat by the way. Makes me wonder how much money would be under all the seats and in all the theaters just at that location and who knows what else.

IS BERNIE SANDERS AN OXYMORON?

     Have we become so politically correct about everything that it seems no one brings up the fact that Bernie  Sanders is Jewish. He could become the first person of that faith to become President. And, please don't  take me wrong as I would not have a problem whatsoever with it. 

      It does seem strange that no one has brought it up on most all the news channels such as MSNBC,FOX or CNN. Is it just assumed that everyone knows that he is or are we too afraid to bring it up in any way as to appear to be prejudicial.Even most of the political trash that appears on Facebook doesn't touch it. When John Kennedy was running for President back in the 1960's, it was a big issue! A Catholic as President?

      Maybe I always see the humorous side of things. We normally associate Jews with having a knack or "gift" for making money. At least who ever becomes President they should consider a top Jewish businessman to be appointed Treasurer to assist in getting our deficit back in control!  I haven't even heard a comedian bring up the oddity that  Bernie is or has Socialist ideas. I really like Bernie and what he has accomplished. I just wish he was more of a Capitalist!
  

DO I NEED TO START WORRYING?

      Not just because I have gotten older, but, throughout most of my life I have made lists of various kinds to remind me to do certain things or just reminders of all kinds. Most people do. 

      It started for me when I started to sell real-estate years ago. Each morning I would always make up a To Do List for the day. I would always try to knock off the most difficult thing early and go from there. Getting the tough things out of the way early in the day made the rest of the day easier in most cases. And, what didn't get accomplished that day could be tackled the next.

      Even today my memory still serves me pretty well,  I still make up a daily TO DO LIST & even a TO GET LIST usually pertaining to the grocery store. Most days I don't have that many things to do, but, it is a good feeling of accomplishment to check them off.

      But, earlier this afternoon, I had made a snack and was watching a college basketball game and got up o get a glass of water to go with it. Somewhere in the 10 steps to the kitchen for a few seconds I forgot why I went in there. Is this response something I need to start worrying about. I forgot that I was just getting a glass of water. Good Grief! I am not sure this happens more than it did ten years ago, but, I suppose I better start keeping a 3 x 5 card and  a pen handy in the LR so when I get up to go the kitchen I write it down why I am going there. 

       I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end. Please tell me that this has happened to some of you once in a while!!

LITTLE GIRLS LEARN EARLY!

      Earlier today I was out cleaning  windows for the Dress Barn at the Tanger Outlet. While cleaning windows on the inside and facing out, I couldn't help overhear a mother and daughter checking out some women's clothing items.

      I assumed the way the daughter was talking to the mother the young lady had to be someone at least in her late teens or older. She was telling her mother how "cute" a certain article would be and if she had the money she would buy it for her. (the mother)

     When I turned around to check out this shopping duo, to my surprise the daughter couldn't have been more than 10 or old tops. It was so funny just listening to the daughter. She sounded like some older seasoned shopper and at the same time maybe "sucking up" to her mother for something to her liking later.

        Some learn the techniques of shopping at an earlier age and maybe some of it is in the "genes plus." No matter. From this old guys perspective, even though I guess I was eve-dropping, it was just plain cute! Their is a difference in the sexes. No one's son I know at any age would be having that dialogue! 

"1936" BAD YEAR ACCORDING TO MOM!

       Hearing about our "big storms" coming from folks in a small community like  Williamsburg sometimes makes me just want to either start screaming or bust out laughing. I know it is just what we tend to talk about is the weather.

       It always reminds me of my mother and hearing especially about the 1930's, the Great Depression and one year in particular-1936. Boy, I used to get tired of hearing about those times until years ago I found a copy of a newspaper from 1936 and  came to realize that it was a doozy! There were huge droughts and snow storms and amounts of snow that were unprecedented. Even though they didn't have the type of equipment and chemicals to deal with roads, it was a bad time and then addition to the economic conditions.

         One Sunday, in the late 1990's I attended a local antique auction and they had several old license plates for sale. I asked the auctioneer if I could bid on just the 1936 plate and he agreed. I gave it to my mom and step-dad to set on their fireplace mantel. That way when someone was visiting, it would be a great lead-in to talking about "1936" or that period of time!

DATING SITES BEWARE!

       This past week, let's just say, someone I know was driving for the week-end to meet someone she had met on the internet through a dating sight. Supposedly, they had exchanged visits and "photo's."  As near as anyone can tell all did not go well! No-one seems to know why- yet!

        I am old school I know, but, it used to be that the guy always came calling to the ladies home with some exceptions I'm sure. Maybe today it has more to do with divorces and the fact that the guy doesn't have the kids on a particular week-end. That's just a guess.

        Again, being old school  why not meet the first time in a neutral location for a cup of coffee and then go from there. Is everyone that desperate and lonely and not caring for their own safety!,

       Back in the mid 1990's with a push from a friend, I put myself on a dating sight when they first started in newspapers. I did have several calls and met a few possible's for a cup of coffee. One lady that responded wanted me to drive up to northern Iowa for the week-end! Sight unseen? Are you kidding. I could have been Jack the Ripper or she could have been a Black Widow! No Thank You! I know. Times have changed!

ATTENDING A WINTER DANCE PARTY @ THE SURF!

       It was back in the 1980's, I was in my 40's and at the time it sounded like a good idea to attend the the big "Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Of course it was to celebrate the terrible plane crash and deaths of R & R legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper.

       My ex-wife, May, and I went with Rose and Dick Babcock. Rose was a close friend who was a fellow realtor and her husband owned a local gas station and a limo rental service. The afternoon of the event we all laoded up in one of the limo's and headed from West Des Moines to Clear Lake.

        On the way up we watched an Iowa Hawkeye basketball game and a DVD we snagged from another friend which included performances of all three on old Ed Sullivan shows.  All was going great until we arrived at the Surf and went in. 

        It was great to be back in this icon ballroom and I still had fond memories of going there once or twice when I was younger. But, something wasn't right. First, all the guys there were much older than I had remembered from years ago with receding hair lines or worse just plain bald.  Most were fat or over weight. The women were somewhat better but no long skirts or pony tails for the most part. Most all were walking around with plastic cups filled with beer and alot of these cups were just laying around on the floor. 

      The atmosphere was not what I had expected. Somehow the magic of days gone by was missing. Maybe you can't go back sometimes. All I wanted to do was leave. At least, later,  we found a really good restaurant and enjoyed the rest of the evening!  

THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED!

       It was February 3, 1959. I was fifteen years old and when I heard about the plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. I was devastated. I couldn't believe that three of my favorite all time musical singers were gone. I had 45 records in my collection from all three of them. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper! I had seen The Big Bopper at the Val Air in West Des Moines. 

       Rock and Roll music and collecting records of my favorite groups and singers of the time was as important to me as collecting bseball cards of  sports hero's to other youth of my time. To this day, when I hear  Oh Boy! by Holly, La Bamba by Ritchie, or  a "Hello Baby" from the Big Bopper I still get chills.

       Back in the 1970's I saw the movie about the life of Ritchie Valens, "La Bamba," it was of the only movies that I actually cried just like a baby! This coming 12th of February I am attending a live show at the Hoyt Sherman Theater in Des Moines featuring a a group of imitator's of the three legends. I am so happy that they were a part of my life's experience even if was only such a short time!

       

ATTENDING MY FIRST CAUCUS!

       At age 72 and the year 2016,  I thought it was time to attend my first Caucus. After it was over, I didn't leave with a feeling of euphoria nor was it disappointing by any stretch. As a registered Republican I decided to attend that one just simply to see how the process worked. 

       Since living in Williamsburg, Iowa, my designated meeting place was the City Recreation Center. The Democrats met elsewhere. I decided to sit in the front row and be closer to the "action." It was like going to church where most people went toward the back.  When the caucus began promptly at 7pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Getting there early I had the opportunity to sit next to a gentleman that was the Treasurer for the local Republican party a past Controller for Westinghouse and originally from Chicago. He indicated this was the largest crowd if could ever remember. When it was time for individuals to get up and give a pitch for their favorite candidate his was for Donald Trump.

        Then it was on to passing out pieces of paper for everyone to write on it their candidate choice. As one gentleman sat at the front table counting the votes cast,  I felt a bit of anxiety until the outcome was announced. Ted Cruze received the most votes, next was Rubio, followed by Donald Trump, and Ben Carson in a close fourth. The rset of the pack was down in the single digits. 

       Although my man, "The Donald" didn't do as well as I expected, I was pleased and I had a very good feeling of being part of a grass roots process that is what makes this country great. How fortunate we are to be able to take part in this democratic process which so many people in this old world will never experience! 

       

ACKNOWLEDGING PAST LAVERTY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS!

John Laverty ( 2/13/1858-5/2/1899)*son of T.M. Laverty

Patrick Laverty (2/13/1861-2/24/1955) *son of T.M. Laverty

Thomas A. Laverty (2/19/1866-3/17/1950)* son of T. M. Laverty died on St. Patrick day.

William John Laverty (2/9/1912-5/4/1953)*son of T.M. Laverty & father of Doris Yvonne Laverty Eddy, Dennis Laverty and Deborah Jon Laverty Arges

Paul Mac Laverty (2/15/1923-12/27/2000)* son of T.M.Laverty & father of Alan Patrick Laverty & Linda Kay Laverty Latham.

Mary Elizabeth Spence Laverty(2/28/1923-1/15/1987) * wife of Paul Mac Laverty & mother of Alan Patrick Laverty & Linda Kay Laverty Latham

(All of the above are buried at Graceland Cemetery, Laurel, Iowa)