WHY DO MEN STOP BEING FASHIONABLE?

      There was a gentleman in the grocery store recently who was wearing a colorful checked sweater and a white golf shirt with the rounded collar showing. This was a popular look for the well dressed man way back in the 1970's or 1980's or at least long ago. 

       My question is when does a man that has always been "well dressed" suddenly losses interest and continues to wear the same outfits that eventually becomes outdated. What happens? Do we just give up somewhere along the way? Or do we assume a certain look will be good for eternity? 

COMFORTABLE WITH MY MASCULINITY!

       A customer the other day at the Burg Grocery, teased me a little because I had just set aside a few bright pink geraniums for my front steps at my home. I indicated that quite to the contrary, I have for years and years worn pink shirts long before it was acceptable to acknowledge pink due to breast cancer.

        I really flipped out the customer when I mentioned that I owned a pair of "bright pink low cut tennis shoes that I wore when going dancing back in the 1980's. I still wear today one of my favorite button down, pin-stripped, long sleeved , and pressed pink shirts! I dare you to give me a bad time!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

        A guy came into the doctor's office and complained that he just swallowed a harmonica! The doctor's reply was: "Good thing you don't play a piano!"

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A REDNECK?

      
     This past Friday someone brought back several bottles to be re-cycled. About a dozen or so of them were Jack Daniels "Texas Fifths" bottles. I mentioned that I would put them all in a cart and take them to the back room area to be picked up at a later date. 

      One clerk told me not to take the Jack Daniel's bottles as someone who works at the Burg Grocery was saving them and going to use them as "Center Pieces" at her wedding reception! I am sure that "how" they will be used will be quite nice, but, it just hit me somewhat humorous like a lot of things do! 

DAVE'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

       After a bad pitch that was called a strike the batter responded by saying to the umpire: "Did you see where that pitch was at?" The umpire shot back: "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to end a sentence with a preposition?"" OK", said the batter, "Did you see where that pitch was at a--hole!"

TRIP/RELENTLESS BEAUTY-CONTINUED

      continued----------

        That afternoon we walked an area above Horse Shoe Canyon on the Colorado River below the dam at Lake Powell. That was a WOW! Also, that afternoon we drove through Zion National Park before staying the night in Hurricane, Utah. Zion is where I came up with the "RELENTLESS BEAUTY" term.

       I have never been in a national park where the colors, layers, design, formations, and height are so close to you. Before you can go "wow" you have to get ready to say "aah." Then you go back to "wow" again. It jut does not end and keeps coming at you!

       Just because of Zion and the impression it made on me, I hope to return and spend more time in and around the area including Cedar Breaks, which was closed this time of year. Also, I want to see the Glen Canyon and other scenic areas of southern Utah and more of Arizona.

       The next morning, Sunday, March 1st, we headed to Bryce Canyon up I-15 across beautiful state 14 (Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest) That night we went back down I-15 and stayed in Mesquite, Nevada. On the way we drove through St. George, Utah which I really liked as it was so clean and newer and so close to a lot of beauty.

      The next morning, March 2nd, we drove to Las Vegas and stayed at the Stratosphere Hotel. That night we drove the Strip and viewed all the lights and huge hotels and casinos and spent time there but, if I never return to Las Vega it would be OK. There is too much natural beauty out there to waste time viewing man made destinations. But, every-one should go see Las Vegas just once. 

       On Tuesday, March 3rd, we drove back through the Hoover Dam area, through Kingman and on to Prescott. I stayed the night at Tony's and flew back the following day on ednesday, the 4th of March. The trip was one in a million. Thank you Tony!  

TRIP/ RELENTLESS BEAUTY W/ TONY PRESTON

      Back in 2009, I joined friend, classmate Tony Preston on one of my favorite trips of all time. I would like to share it once more. It should be on everyone's Bucket List. This was one time my instincts did not let me down. Quite to the contrary. It went way beyond my expectations. For years I had planned this trip in the back of my mind. I had heard of two parks in southern  Utah were very beautiful and they kept calling me. Like so much of this country, pictures, books, movies, and TV did not do them justice. No sir!

     One day I thought it would make sense to fly to Las Vegas and at least stay there long enough to see all the new that had been built during the last 40 years or so and then, drive down through the Grand Canyon over to Lake Powell, up through Zion and Bryce Canyon then back to Vegas and home. 

      Well, that's almost what I did only much better. And, with an added kicker of sorts.I was able to convince a very dear friend and classmate from Laurel, Tony Preston, to join me on this journey. Tony was the perfect companion. Besides being one of the nicest and easy going individuals I have ever known, he lived in Prescott, Arizona along with his wife Jolene. Also, with Tony's background in geology it was like having my own personal guide to the southwest. This would become one of my most pleasurable, relaxing, and scenic trips of my life-time.

      On Thursday, February 26th, 2009, I flew from Des Moines to Phoenix, Arizona. Another close friend and class-mate, Jerry Roberts, actually drove me to the airport from his home in Urbandale and kept my vehicle at his home. Jerry and I go back to the very first day of kindergarten at Laurel and went all the way through and graduated in 1962. 

      In Phoenix, I rented a new Ford Mustang for us boys and drove to Tony's home in Prescott, Arizona and stayed the first night in their lovely home in the foothills of the area with a breath-taking view. The next morning, Friday, the 27th, we headed north up route 89 to Williams off I-40 and also along the famous Route 66. After a delicious breakfast at mid-morning, it was on to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

      What can you say about the Grand Canyon. It is like comparing Elvis to all the other pop singers. It has to be one of THE most scenic, breath-taking, natural wonders in this country, One could soak this view in all day.

      From there we drove east to Cameron, Arizona along route 64 for a late lunch consisting of a Navajo Taco. That fried bread was the best. From here we journeyed north along the layered  beauty of the Echo Cliffs, a continuous butte that followed us on our right all the way to Page, Arizona and the Lake Powell area. 

      Our first tour the next morning, Saturday the 28th, was the Upper Antelope Slot Canyon just east of Page, Arizona. We also checked out renting house boats for the next Laurel class re-union. Ha! Too expensive. Maybe next life-time.  

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

       

      

        

BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!!

       Do you remember the mentioned song from the 1970's by Thin Lizzy? Once in a while I actually listen to the lyrics of songs and am surprised by what I hear. I loved this part of the lyrics after hearing it recently on my XM radio 70's station. It goes like this. "When I say she was cool she was real hot. I mean she was steamin'!" My question is this. Is this considered an oxymoron?   No matter, maybe it is like saying, "Colder than hell!  

DIDN'T REALIZE ANYONE LIVED THERE!!!

     This past week I helped a lady out with her groceries who moved to Williamsburg during the past year from North Dakota and lived near the Canadian border. It quickly dawned on me the thought I had years ago about North Dakota. It was the fact that for some reason I never thought about anyone living there. I guess because of its small population and maybe the fact I have never gone there.

      Along those same lines, many many years ago while in Las Vegas, I was talking to someone and let it be known that I was from Des Moines, Iowa. The guy thought about it for a second or two then said something like-"I've heard of it but didn't think anybody lived there!" I heard something similar by another individual on that same trip. So strange how we think of areas. It's like people on the coasts that think the mid-west is just this little sliver of land!

REMEMBER DR MAX?

     A customer at the Burg Grocery that I have gotten to know well,brought up the subject of Dr. Max, a host years ago for a kid's show in the Cedar Rapids area. I sort of remembered him as we did get the Cedar Rapids  and Waterloo TV stations along with Des Moines due to our location as a kid growing up in northeast Jasper County. 

     The customer's point about Dr. Max was he was quite different out of range of the TV camera. I guess he was quite the drinker, potty mouth, and generally smoked these huge cigars. And, he evidently didn't like kids all that well. He sounded like someone should have or could have written a horror story about him! I bet there was a lot of truth behind several hows like that around he country. Please tell me that Mr.Rogers wasn't like that!

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES BACK AROUND!

     Years ago when selling real estate in West Des Moines I specialized in condo's and townhomes. It was just my niche! And, on many ocassion I would find myself sitting down with an elderly lady getting ready to sell her "unit" here and moving on to Texas, Arizona, or Florida. Generally,I would mention right up front that I had to be somewhere in about an hour. My purpose was so that I wouldn't get bogged down into endless conversation with the elderly owner.

       Well, what goes around does come back around. It happened when getting together with Mike Donahey at the Marshalltown Times Republican while writing a feature article about my writing and encouraging other Seniors to do likewise. On two meetings with Mike he mentioned that he wouldn't have a lot of time due to other engagements or meetings, etc. I had to chuckle to myself as that was always my technique years ago dealing with those "old" folks!

THAT FIRST GOOD SPRING RAIN!

      Yesterday, Wednesday the 27th, was cool and overcast like today and it had rained the night before. So many people at the Burg Grocery were complaining about how cold it was or the gloominess of the day

       I reminded most that it was always, for me, a delight to see how green everything is after that one rain that usually sets off Spring and like yesterday all seems to be much greener-the grass and l`eaves on the trees and most bushes and plantings of different kinds. And, with the cool air even the sunless day doesn't deter my appreciation of the day! Most did come around to my thinking. Every day has it's own beauty!

ME & AUSTIN BLYTHE

     If you are an avid Hawkeye I don't need to tell you who Austin Blythe is. Most football lovers of college sports have at least heard of him. He played as a center for the Hawks, has graduated, and is waiting for the pro draft.

      Yesterday at the Burg Grocery he was in buying a few grocery items and I had the pleasure of taking his groceries to his vehicle. I had never met him personally and was very pleased to how pleasant he was and such a good looking kid. Too bad for most young ladies that he is married. 

     I just acted like it was no big deal and asked him just one "important" question. I mentioned that I had gone to the Iowa football Spring practice game this past Saturday and didn't care for the loud Hip Hop or Rap music that was played constantly through the entire game. Austin said that they only played it during practices to act as crowd noise. Thank God! It was a pleasant experience meeting him!

GARAGE SALE/ BUY HIGH- SELL LOW!

      Every time I have a garage sale like today I say it will be my last. This will be my last. I had one good buyer right at 8 o'clock AM and he bought several items. Since I set it up as a "free will" offering on everything, I let him decide the price.

      For the things he bought he paid me about 3 times what I was actually thinking. Came out pretty well and now I don't really care if I sell anything else. I made more on that one sale than I have in 3 previous sales in this town. Still, the basic principle in having a garage sale is you always have things that you bought "high" and now are selling "low!" I hope you do better on the stock market!

TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE NEVER LETS ME DOWN!

      I never can go back to Marshalltown without stopping in to Taylor's. I just can't. Today at lunch I had decided on my usual one with everything, but, I hesitated and thought what the heck. I ordered my favorite all time malt (not a shake) a vanilla malt with a "double shot of malt!" The young lady that prepared the malt today did an un-usually good job and I made sure she was complimented. This special treat took me way back to the malts of old. Again, he says again and again that it is "the little things in life!"

MY RECIPE AS GOOD AS RESTAURANT!

        It is always a good feeling when you can prepare a particular dish as good as having it at one of your favorite restaurants. That is what , I believe, I did Saturday night. One of my favorite dishes when eating at an Oriental restaurant is sweet and sour pork. I usually just go to our local Oriental place, pick up my order, along with some egg rolls, and polish it off at home. 

      I am not going to get into the recipe I used, but, lets just say that it was quite good and met my expectations in most every way. I did cheat a little by just buying the sweet sauce in a bottle and may have to try another brand or actually try a sauce from scratch. But, it is still a good feeling to know when you can whip up something and you can go MMM MMM GOOD!

MY AGE SHOWING AT SPRING GAME!

      One big plus to living in Williamsburg, I am always saying, is being so close to Iowa City and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Yesterday was a pleasant day and there was no doubt that I was going to head east and check out the Iowa Hawkeye football Spring game at Kinnick.

       I enjoyed the action but, soon realized that they were not going to turn off the blaring, loud, Rap/Hip Hop music. I don't mind load music but, of course, only load blaring music that I like. I think and hope the only reason they continued to play it during play was to simulate crowd noise of an actual game. It always seems funny that they play music that you know most of the fans with deep pockets and a little to the older side probably would agree with me.

       My other negative observation was the lack of hand rails up and down the seating areas. If you are an older fan and have seats way down front you have to walk down 40 rows or so. It is a miracle that not many fans fall or trip while going up or down. Even a heart attack would be a possibility. In the newer enclosed south end-zone they have put in hand rails and there are some in the north end zone. But, none in the entire east or west side. I understand "grand-fathering" things in or out and the fact of cost but, to help protect the fan and especially the well-to-do fan surely should be of the utmost importance. You would think with all the money spent and donated for all sorts of things, especially health, at the University, it wouldn't be too much to ask for some hand-rails. Anyway, yes, the Hawks will have another outstanding season! PS. I sat in the first seat and row down from the tunnel entrance!

THOSE TESTS ON FACEBOOK!

     The other morning before getting ready for work, I got involved with one of those TESTS on Facebook. I do enjoy some of them as they do trust your skills and memory on various topics and subjects. This was one about recognizing Presidents and the fact that only one in 100 people get them all right.

       I have always considered myself pretty good with Presidents and stepped up to the challenge. I was doing pretty good for awhile until missing just one when I didn't identify a couple of our earlier bearded Presidents. The downloading to each new question took forever for some reason and the time was ticking away. 

       I knew the rate it was going and not realizing just how many questions there would be, being late for work was a reality. Then it got into which President was single, which one was first with a dog, and shortest in office. Nothing to do with identifying the Presidents. I finally just quit in frustration and was also late for work which I very rarely am!

         Next time, I will only start one of those tests if it's later in the evening or just keep on scrolling. They will probably sucker me again with that only "One in a hundred gets it!"

WHEN DO YOU BECOME A MA'AM?

       A customer this past week said to one of the check out ladies something like "Thank you ma'am and have a good week-end!" After the customer left, I couldn't help mention something to the effect "When does one become a ma'am?"

      The lady,in her mid-thirties,  that I directed my question to responded by saying, "Do you think I am ma'am?" I somewhat hesitated and then said I thought she qualified. She quickly shot back with a "Sh-t!"  It's kind of like I felt when younger people started holding the door open for me! 

GREAT LINE FROM BIG BANG THEORY

       "THE CLOSEST I EVER CAME TO DATING TWO WOMEN AT ONCE WAS WHEN I WAS DATING ONE!"

I'M OLD & OLD FASHION BUT!

        I seem to always be observing something that trips my trigger somehow. Today it was while I was having lunch at the local Mickey D.s. This lady near me was having lunch with her approx. 3 year old grand-daughter. The grand-mother was pretty much involved with her smart phone with an occasional glance up at the grand-daughter. 

        During the 10-15 minutes of observing, about 90% of that time was given to the smart phone even though the grand-daughter was chattering away. I know this is very common with lots of people today. But, knowing how precious time is what can be more important on this phone than giving FULL attention to a loved one?

JUST NOT RIGHT!!

    

        I went to Mickey D's this noon for a quick bite after doing a few windows at Tanger Outlet. A Quarter Ponder was calling me and I decided to get that and a water. Then at the last minute I changed my mind and also got a small fry. The difference between getting what I did and a full menu with large fry and actual beverage was only 22 cents. That's not right! I know no-one put a gun to my head, but!

OLD JAMES BOND ON THIS CABLE

        THIS TV is carrying a Marathon of old James Bond April 29th and 30th. Check it out!

THESE BLUEGRASS LYRICS/CAN'T BEAT EM'

      I have been having a ball listening to the various music and comedy channels on my new Sirius XM radio. Today coming back from Marshalltown, I was listening to a Bluegrass channel. I have always enjoyed bluegrass because it is so lively and just makes you want to tap your toe, stomp your foot, or clap your hands. 

       The particular song I first heard was by the Stanley Brothers entitled "He went to sleep under the apple tree and the hogs ate him now pa's gone forever!" It is a sad song but very funny and you can't help somehow feeling good while stomping that foot!! I love it!

IT WAS TOO HEAVY FOR HER!

      Today at the Burg Grocery an elderly slight lady was checking out with just one bag. She wanted all in one cloth bag that she brought in. She had two gal jugs of milk, one 2 liter bottle of pop and a few other items. I asked if I could assist and she waved me off. She couldn't lift it off the counter.  

          I then insisted that I carry it out. And, it was hard even for me to lift it. I told her to make sure to make at least two trips when she got home. Customers can be funny. Most times and mostly ladies usually are very emphatic about making sure that the bags are packed VERY lightly. I love this job!!

OLD TIME TRAVEL-WE RINSED EM'!

       Mid MayI will be taking a traveling trip and was giving some thought this week-end about a couple of clothing purchases for it. My first thought was to simply buy something like a seersucker shirt or two which are real easy to wash out and let drip dry and be ready to wear again the next morning. 

        Keep in mind when traveling I usually take more clothes along than any two women would.  Just make sure you have a big bag for the dirties and keep going. My theory for a lot of extra clothing is "well you never know!" Besides, you say, how much do you need if you are in a car for four or five days.

        It did bring back the memory of my mother years ago when we traveled she would always wash clothing out. I guess we just didn't have much or she was smart and just didn't take much. Don't bet  on me holding back though. Old habits are tough to break!

BOND JAMES BOND!!

      I didn't catch the Cable station, but the weekend of April 29th and 30th there will be a marathon of the old James Bond movies. I have always said if there is a series of movies I could sit down and watch hours of it would be ones like Goldfinger and Thunderball! Can't wait! If I catch the exact station I will pass it along.

JUST DON'T LIKE THEM TOGETHER!

       I stopped this morning at the Burg Grocery and picked up a can of Van Camp's Pork & Beans to go with my all beef wieners for later tonite. The clerk asked me if I was having Beanie Weenie's. No I am not having B-W. I will fix then separately.

       It's like chili dogs. I like chili and like hot dogs, but, don't care for chili dogs. Love pizza and love tacos. Really don't care for a taco pizza. And, I can say the same thing for bacon and a burger. Love them both just not together. What's more, I really don't care if they are touching on the plate. I know what you are thinking!

SATELLITE RADIO/KID IN CANDY STORE!

      Part of the deal with my recent car trade was to receive at least a two or three month free trial period of satellite radio. I was told after that just keep putting Sirius XM off until they come down in price significantly.

       So far I have listened to more of my favorite tunes than I have on FM radio in a long long time. 50's, 60's, 70's, and even a station called Vinyl Classics. They even have an All Elvis Presley station. My sister, Doris, would love this station being a huge Elvis fan! 

      

REMEMBER LARRY, DARRYL &----?

       Most of us remember Larry, Darryl, and Darryl on the Bob Newhart Show years ago. At our local Burg Grocery we have two co-managers with the same first name-Julie! I have worked there for over four years and witnessed many times the confusion it has caused. "I need to speak with Julie! Which Julie??"

        You would have thought that maybe one Julie would have used her middle name or a "stage name" of some kind! For some reason it took me until today to see the humor of it all and the connection with Larry, Darryl, and Darryl!!!

IT PAYS TO ASK!

      The other day when I called my insurance carrier about sending me a "paper" policy, I couldn't resist asking the young fellow I was taking to where he was located. His reply was Corralville, Iowa. Small world with me being just a few miles away in Williamsburg.

      Just about every time I make a service call of some type, I try to ask where the individual is located. Sometimes you can learn something interesting. My insurance carrier is actually home based in DC and with large office in San Diego. Yet, the service person was right here in Iowa. Plus, he was born and raised in San Diego. I know most people could care less, but, I enjoy knowing where these people are located. Especially, since I have been in San Diego and had stayed at the famous Del Coronado Hotel. Another story for another time!

I WANT IT ON PAPER!

       Recently, I changed auto insurance carriers and did it all on line. However, I actually was naive enough to think they would never send me an actual "paper policy!" I called the service telephone number and hopefully they will be sending me an actual insurance policy. Let's hope. 

      It's just like the newspaper. I have my Des Moines Register sent to me each morning and I hope I can read it in this manner until the day I "check out!" I could read the news and do all sorts of things on line and do, but, given the choice and up until they charge me and arm and a leg paper it is. That reminds me. I need to pick up a real book with paper pages to start reading tonite from the library. 

WHY I STAY TIDY!

      Most guys I have known in my life time have either been very neat or total disasters when it comes to cleaning there residence. My old friend Bob Merritt dressed like a model out of GQ but his habits around the house were another matter. Another old friend was in the military and he was really OCD. Everything just so. When he cooked and was ready to serve the kitchen was cleaned before serving.

       I have always been pretty clean and neat around the house as that was the way my mother was. Let's always blame our mothers!  My closet, years ago, was arranged by color of shirts, sweaters by cotton or wool and suits by solid or stripped etc. You get the picture. I am not that bad today but I also don't need or have as many clothes.

      Being single and now living by myself it is important to me more than ever to stay up on cleaning my home on a regular basis and keeping "stuff" to a minimum. First, just in case someone pops in, I don't want to think that this old guy is slovenly. Second, if something happened and I bit the dust some night, again, I want somebody to say "well at least he was pretty TIDY!" And, I guess, third if something were to happen I don't want family to have to spend needless hours or days just going through my stuff. That's why by the end of this month a lot of needless things are going to go via a garage sale. What's left over will go to charity. 

       Maybe, one reason I have stayed somewhat neat and a minimalist to some degree is because like a lot of our generation we used to hear the reason for keeping stuff was because "you just never know when you might need it. If I need  it now there is a hardware store a few blocks away!
  

WITHOUT BOOZE WILL BOOGIE!

       I have written about my cousin, Bob, Bueghly, that taught me how to dance to R&R when I was very young in the mid 1950's. It not only helped my self confidence, but I was also able to walk right up to a young lady at a sock hop and asked her to dance. 

        Later in life, it also came in handy at a dance or club because I didn't have to have a few 
drinks like some guys did to build up a little confidence. Just get right out there and get to it! 

       Then, there was a time when I used to go to a place called "Denny Arthur's" in Urbandale, Iowa. It catered to the older crowd early in the evening and played 50's, 60's, 70's, and some 80's. Sometimes I would get there early, get a table close to the dance floor just to on occasion just enjoy the oldies and watch the dancing. 

       By this time in the late 1990's I no longer drank alcohol. I would have the server bring me a coffee or diet coke and would tip her very well in advance so as to give her incentive to provide good service. Denny Arthur, besides, encouraged free coffee to "designated driver's." I still love my oldies and  doing so without any added "encouragement!"

HAVING SHINGLES W/ LUCK OF IRISH!

     I am not big on sharing bad news or health issues with the whole world, but, with this one I'll make an exception. I just found out today that I have the Shingles. The good news is that it is just contained in a small area on the left side of the back of my big head. 

       About two weeks ago, I was feeling this mild pain on my scalp and just thought I had some type of dry scalp "fungus of the mungus!" My normal Doctor's appointment was not until next week and didn't want to wait that long to know. We have a new Medical Clinic in Williamsburg which is affiliated with theMarengo Hospital. 

       So, I just popped in today and they got me right in. Now I know. Most times not knowing will kill you! Hopefully within a week or so the pain will let up by taking Valtrex  3 times daily and I will be off to the races once again! Stay tuned! 

STAYING MUSICALLY HIP DOWN THE HIGHWAY!

       One of the deals they put in my new vehicle, 2012 Chevy Cruze, is the Sirius XM radio station set-up. They let you have it for 90 days then hoping you will be hooked and purchase it. It is neat for someone like me who loves music from most all the decades and types of music except maybe the 1990's till now and most Country!

      So at least for awhile, whether I purchase it or not it should be fun listening to all my favorite music for many decades. I hope I can find some Reggae and Blue Grass also. So along with my own personal collection of CD's.it should provide for some added enjoyment rolling done the highway! Who knows maybe I will even find "The Overture of 1812 by Tchaikovsky!"

INSTEAD OF LITTLE OLD LADY FROM PASADENA!

      With my new or 2012 pre-owned Chevy Cruze six speed, everybody better take notice. Now it's going to be "The not so little old guy from Williamsburg!" If you happen to see this silver streak passing you sometime on the interstate, it just might be me.

       A lot of people don't like to drive the interstates or the freeway even in Des Moines. I would love to go down there sometime and start at the east mix-master at the start off rush hour and drive to the west mix- master and go back and do it again! You can see why I had a few speeding tickets when I was a kid and beyond. 

       Years ago while living in Marshalltown, Iowa and headed down highway 330 (diagonal) to Ankeny to visit family, I was driving a SUV Ford Explorer. All of a sudden these two sports cars with two young guys went around me just flying. The race was on. I couldn't let these two young punks from Black Hawk County embarrass me. 

       Along one of the long flats I built up my speed and flew around them before they knew what hit them. And, they in turn weren't going to let some old guy in a green Ford SUV take them out. They never did pass me because about the time they tried I hogged the whole road even up hill so they wouldn't foolishly try to pass. I looked up once in awhile hoping there wasn't a Smokey lurking in the sky.

     When I finally reached the Ankeny turn-off I just reached out with my hand and waved good-bye to these young amateurs! Old age, deceit, and crotchetyness will beat youth and in- experience every time! 

ALL SHE DID WAS PLANT THE SEED!!

      

     A co-worker at the Burg Grocery just returned with her husband on a get-a-way to Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. I had to ask what kind of neat places they dined and , of, course, what they had to eat that was nifty being right on the ocean. The only thing I got out of this lady was that she some type of Shrimp" meal. Keep in mind that shrimp is her idea of sea-food! Oh Well!

      But, just by mentioning the word shrimp my wheels were spinning. The next night I prepared for myself "Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo." Now I am working on a Shrimp Po Boy sandwich and then I will have still enough shrimp left over for another yummy shrimp meal like a shrimp salad of some type! Sometimes one simple idea can get those wheels rolling! 

SPEAKING OF PAUL NEWMAN EYES!

     
      In the early 1980's, my sales manager at First Realty Better Homes & Gardens, took me and his son to the "Road America" autos races in Wisconsin. It had all kinds of cars that raced including Indy and European  type cars like Ferrari's! The track ran two miles or so and ran around a irregular shaped course up and down hills and among trees. It was cool!

        One of the drivers there was Paul Newman, who at one time was a BIG movie star but also was involved in auto racing. We knew where his motor home was and my managers son and I decided to go over the morning before the race and see if we could spot him.

        We we got there I had my camera with a big Zoom lens in case he was toward the back. With my Zoom I could, of course, bring him up closer. Pretty soon I was nudged and informed he was right up front by the us spectators.  had my camera up to my ace ready to see him afar. Before I had time to adjust the camera for a close up shot, it was too late. 

        I now have a photo of Paul Newman up close and I mean really close. All face and complete with those Paul Newman Blue Eyes! I should put it on E-Bay as I am sure a lady or two would love to possess it!!!
   
     

A FARMER'S WAVE!

       One thing you can say for a small town is that people are more friendly no doubt. At least when it comes to waving while approaching someone in an auto. One thing that hasn't changed much since I was a kid is the way at least a rural or "farm guys wave. Generally, whe they approach you, and even if they don't know who you are, they wave. 

      It is not any ordinary big hand wave, No! It is this without leaving the hand from the steering wheel, by just raising that index finger if only briefly. I always liked that. It was a symbol of some kind. A brief bond! A guys thing. And, you won't get that acknowledgment  in the big city!

I USED TO LAUGH AT THESE PEOPLE-& NOW!

       Have you seen someone lately at the grocery store or at the shopping mall that parks their brand new auto way out behind where most park so as not to get that first "DING." That usually lasts until the sides get a few scratches here and there and then the honeymoon is over. Truth be known we should really continue to park way out there to force us a little added exercise.

        Well, this past Thursday I traded for an updated silver 2012 Chevy Cruze and just a one owner with very low miles. Couldn't really find a blemish hardly anywhere. So what did I do the next morning when I got to the Burg Grocery parking lot? I parked in my usual area which is out and away from everyone, but, I parked in a corner and angled the car so no one could park right next to me. Plus, because I am a carry-out, I can check on my new little baby quite frequently. Yes I know. We'll see how long this lasts!

EXPERIENCE OF BUYING CAR--PHASE II

       By the time I finally got everybody to understand what color and type of car I really wanted it was getting close to 5PM and I was stressed and hungry. I knew the finance phase would take a while and I just wanted to go home at that point and come back another day. A car dealer doesn't want to hear that. Jordan,was acting like he was getting upset and tried the Old "I have spent so much time on up till now you can't leave. 

     So I did the next best thing. I asked permission to leave the Dealership grounds and just go by myself and get a bite to eat. At least the stress was off for awhile until about 6PM or so. Now the fun part is about to begin. But, at least we have the right color, make, monthly payment amount, interest rate and all the rest!

       Next, though, I had to sit and wait a while before getting together with the "finance" guy.
The main thing I want to stress with this phase is the amount of paper work that there was. I used to sell real estate and I know that most times there was less paper in buying a home. I must of signed, printed, and initialed my name 200 times.

       Of course, I forgot about the pitch to include "the extended warranty deal. Only another $50 or so to cover everything on the vehicle even if a Martian comes down and steals it. No!  How about if we throw it in at only $16 a month! No! "You would not buy this at that price?" NO!  He threw it in for nothing! I am glad I stuck to my guns.

       By 8:45 and a picture taken with my new car and all the sales staff that was there that time of night, I was on the road back to Williamsburg. Just me and a little Guns & Roses, Pink Floyd and my 6 speed Cruze!

VISTING MT. RUSHMORE/DON'T FORGET DEVIL'S TOWER

       It was the early 1980's, mid-September, perfect fall weather, a good time to take a short trip to one of America's favorite vacation destinations. South Dakota-Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, the Badlands, and of course, on the way Wall Drug.

      Not till later did I realize how pleasurable and to this day probably the most enjoyable short trip I've ever taken for all kinds of reasons. Who would ever guess it would have been South Dakota and a little beyond. The very first thing that got this trip off to a good start was the weather-ideal-sunny, temperatures in the 6's and 70's. There is nothing better than in the fall to feel that crisp, slight coolness in the air, but, with the warmth of the sun on your back.

     Traveling in the off season with kids still in school can be pure delight. Not that I don't like kids but just walking into a restaurant and sitting down to eat is a pleasure.. Driving across South Dakota can be boring at times, but, the Corn Palace, Wall Drug, and watching a huge thunderstorm forming in the distance can shorten the ride.


      All the attractions live up to the hype except for one. Stayed one night in Deadwood and thought that it wouldwould be a place to enjoy a great steak! After all we are in Cowboy land! Not so. Terrible steak! I guess only in Iowa can you get  good corn fed beef. I am a little biased!

       Now, on to the most unforgettable pleasant surprise of the rip. Almost a spiritual experience if you will. Not to far from Rapid City and west into Wyoming is Devil's Tower. Very difficult to describe is this huge rock, flat on the top. I am sure you remember it from the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It is just something to behold and be seen!

      I hope to return this Spring, hopefully with my sister Doris. She has never seen Devil's Tower. I hope she enjoy's the experience only half as much as I will again!

WHOA HORSE @ ESTES PARK!!!

      A couple of ladies were talking about riding horses and experiences that they remembered sometime ago. Of course, I had a story of my own in mine!

      When I was very young and on one of our family vacations to Colorado, a horse riding memory came to mind. We were in Estes Park and there was a place that you could saddle up and go horse back riding. As a matter of fact this same place was still in business around ten years ago while there.

     While out west you have to go horse back riding. Most all of the horses were super gentle and most riders just followed them along in a line! On this one ocassion, Dennis with his cowboy hat and boots said Getty Up! At some point, my horse decided to take some action on his own and started to head for a lake that was close by.

       All I could do was pull back on the reins and keep saying Whoa! It was determined to keep on going straight into the lake. I didn't know if he was going for a swim and maybe we would end up on the other side of the lake. He finally just stopped and staring drinking. The poor horse was just thirsty, I guess. I will never forget that experience. He had me going for a time!!

EXPERIENCE OF BUYING A CAR/WHAT A TRIP!

       Thursday I drove to Cedar Rapids and after nearly nine hours started on my way back to Williamsburg with my new car. A 2012 pre-owned silver Chevy Cruze.  It all started by wanting to trade my old Buick for something a little newer and more reliable. Besides, it's getting closer to nice weather and time to do a little traveling.

        I started on-line at the McGrath web site and began talking to a "Courtney" and going over some of MY choices in cars. I went back to them because of their huge selection and had been treated pretty good on another ocassion.  Of course, when it came time to make an appointment to actually go to the Dealership, she told me to ask for a guy named "Dennis." He was the sales manager and then in turn would connect me with a salesperson. Courtney was simply the "voice" to lure you in. As an old real estate peddler, I was impressed with this marketing technique and was prepared for the PROCESS once arriving at the Dealership.

       The first thing was being introduced to Jordan my sales person. His job was to hang on to me until I signed on the doted line. The first thing I wanted to establish  was my credit worthiness, my price range, payment range and above all THE COLOR and then either a Chevy Malibu or Cruze.

       The color silver was at the top of the list. What color did they bring out first for me to look at was WHITE! A great deal though-for them I'm sure! The next one was also a deal of a life-time but was dark grey. Once my credit check and etc. was established, the payment was shown to me which was about a hundred dollars higher than my budget would allow on this grey Nissan. We were headed in the wrong direction!

      I finally grabbed a piece of paper and started with #1  COLOR-Silver!  #2  CRUZE OR MALIBU, #3 MY payment range, Pretty Simple! If we didn't get into MY simple wants, it would be time for me to go home! From there, I think they were getting the picture. I don't bluff!

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

      

WOMEN WATCHING ANOTHER WOMAN!!

       Yesterday at the Burg Grocery a young attractive young lady came into the store with a very cute shape and well dressed. I'm old but not blind. I checked her out quickly  and then got prepared to help another customer out with their groceries. 

       What was really fun was catching a glance of the clerk in the next check-out. She glanced at the young lady and then very seriously looked her up to down with this very critical eye. I have always said it is one thing to watch another man check out a woman, but, it is REALLY interesting to watch a woman check out another woman!!

OFF BUCKET LIST OR MAYBE NOT!

      One thing I have said most of my life is that if I ever won the Lottery or my oil wells started doing better, was to travel around the country and ride every huge roller coaster I could find. I may get my chance to ride a "BIG" one without winning the Lottery, but, it may be too late!

       At age 72, I don't know if it would be wise to try the new MONSTER roller coaster that will be opening this June at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa. This ride is replacing the very popular Log Ride that was there for years.

     "There's nothing like it in the US, I can tell you right now." says Tim Baldwin, communications  director of the non-profit group, American Coaster Enthusiasts. It will stretch 2,500 long and reach a top speed of 65 mph. It will include a 133 foot vertical lift hill followed by a 101 degree drop. It will also include 10 "air-time" moments giving riders a feeling of  weightlessness. Even the Rollar Club of Great Britain plans on visiting here this summer.


      I do have time to think about and if I do will make sure all my "affairs are in order." All family members will be notified. Some I am sure will say "Go Dennis Go." and most will say, " I knew he was not mentally stable."  At least I have time to think about it. May wait till fall when the newness wears off. Stay tuned!!

     

BRANDON'S JOKE OF WEEK!

      Why didn't the skunk go to the movie?    He didn't have any scents!!!!!!