JOKE OF THE WEEK!

"My horse was sick so I had to shoot him. Not only is he still sick, he has a gunshot wound!"

SUMMERS AGO/CHURCH CAMP- final

       There was always a fair share of pranks and the like. One evening a few of us slipped over to the amusement park not too far away, rode the roller coaster and slipped back un-noticed, I think.Also, the time I lit a small fire cracker to throw "near" a a kid delivering newspapers on his bicycle. It was a fast fuse. It went off very near me. Served me right! And, it was a good thing the firecracker was small. I could have been deaf in one ear and they could be now calling me "four fingers" or "lefty."

      One cottage we stayed in had a "tall" wall that was open at the top. That wall separated the boys from the girls. You could stand on the bunk beds and grab the top board and look over to the other side if you tried hard enough. One evening we, boys and girls, started tossing stuff over the wall. I remember getting some kind of powder and tossing it over and then pans or buckets of water. That had to be a mess. I'm sure we paid a price for that riot!

      The afternoon free time was something to look forward to-swimming. Although, time spent actually swimming was minimal. First of all, the water at Clear Lake was always very cold. Plus, the beach was not nice a nice sandy beach. It was more like medium sized rocks. Ouch! 

      So what really went on most days was basically laying out on your towel with the guys in one area, girls in another and just looking at each other and  a little light conversation. You always wanted to make sure you were wearing your "shades" so the girls wouldn't know you were really looking at them!

      That was about it for Church Camp. Not so much about learning about religion, but, more about meeting kids outside your own little world and learning from a page or two of the "Book of Life!"

I SAW ELVIS THIS PM!

    I saw one of the most enjoyable musicals this afternoon at the Old Creamery Theatre in Amana. It was called the "Million Dollar Quartet." It takes place on December 4, 1956 at Sun Recordings recording studio. Four of R & R's greatest recording artists met there at different stages in their recording careers. It was Elvis, Carl Perkins, (Blue Suede Shoes) Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis along with the head of Sun Records, Sam Phillips.

     The performing group was as good as it gets for a small production and in this small but fabulous theater that only seats approx. 350 with great stadium seating.  And, it was packed on its last day of a 30 day run. All the actors were well versed in the various instruments that they played. It took me back to when I was barely in junior high with lots of happy memories as I was really into R & R at a very early age. I still have most of my 45 rpm records. Jerry Lee was one my favorites! 

SUMMERS AGO/CHURCH CAMP continued!

      It always seemed that the kids from larger towns, like Marshalltown, were more sophisticated or worldly, if you know what I mean. Cooler clothes. Their way of talking was a little more hip. This was like going to college. A lot to learn and not all just out of the Bible. 

      I remember a kid from Marshalltown named Rex and he had a pair of buckskin saddle shoes. I had to have them. When we got back after that week, I drug my mother around to a half dozen shoe stores until I found a pair of shoes like Rex's. It was a size to large. Didn't matter. I just stuffed the toes with tissue paper. Now I was cool! 

      There was always a little romance going on at camp. It couldn't be helped. Young teen-age boys and girls thrown together from different towns. It was like teenage dating service in action! Hormones raging. It was a regular meat market! The one "summer romantic cuttie" I met and fel for was Dianne  from Cedar Rapids. She` had the cutest pony tail. I followed her around like a puppy dog and  all she had to do was say "fetch or sit!"

       Oh ya, and, when it came time to go home we always promised to write & all that with our new found friends or romance. We seldom did! Maybe once. I'm sure she didn't have any trouble finding a new boyfriend or picking up with her old boyfriend. For me, it seemed like it took at least a good week to get over her. It was a real bummer. 

    --------------to be continued!

DORIS & DENNIS DO THAT PLACE!

        Saturday, 6/25/16, I mixed a little business with pleasure. I drove up from Williamsburg and cleaned windows for a couple of monthly regulars and then had lunch at Taylor's(of course). Then, I drove down to Laurel and visited my cousin Alan Laverty, whom I always enjoy exchanging stories of years ago.

     From there I drove to my sister's home in Gilman and cleaned her outside windows which I had promised to do since Spring. The ultimate treat was cleaning up and driving to Conrad and dining with Doris at THAT PLACE! It is one place since moving to Williamsburg that I do miss not going to on a regular basis.

       One key was making a reservation first thing at 5PM. You know that everything will be fresh, server's are not getting fatigued yet, and there are no large parties of 10 or more ahead of you that will slow down your order. I had my favorite entree which is their Prime Rib! It is the best. And, since I don't get up there as often, I had them add a side of Walleye-pan fried! Oh, my!
What a great day and home before 8PM.

TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE NOTHING ABNORMAL!

       Saturday I was in Marshalltown and, of course, had to stop and have one with everything. It seems like every time I stopped in something interesting or funny happens. Or, at least I talk to someone interesting from out of town just passing through or back for a visit.

       For one of the first times nothing really happened. Nothing! Just sitting there with my extremely delicious one with everything! One observation or tip I want to pass along is this. When you get your sandwich immediately tell your server that you want to pay right then. My only complaint through the years is the difficulty, sometimes, in getting someones attention to pay. It can be like "Hotel California--But, you can never leave!" 

SUMMERS AGO/ CHURCH CAMP

     I grew up attending the Methodist Church in Laurel, Iowa and also belonged to a youth group affiliated to the church-Methodist Youth Fellowship. It seemed like there was always about a dozen of us that belonged and we met once a week, usually Sunday nights at the Church.

      In turn, every summer some or most all would attend Church Camp held at the Methodist Church Camp on the south shore at Clear Lake, Iowa. The camp had buildings such as an auditorium for rallies and the like`, a mess hall and dining room and several cabins I presume were built by various sponsoring towns and/or churches. Although, Laurel didn't have their own cabin, we always had a cabin just for our group somehow. Usually boys were on one side with girls on the other and each cabin had a kitchen where we could do our own cooking if needed. 

       The trip from Laurel to Clear Lake always`seemed like quite a journey because there  was no interstate at the time that went north through the state. Generally, we would make our way over to Highway 65. We usually left to go up on a Sunday morning. The trip would take 3 to 4 hours but, always seemed longer. Back then going that far from our home seemed like a big deal-it was. Sometimes along the way we would stop and have an early lunch be``fore reaching th`e sign that said "Swaledale" for our shortcut over the straight up to the south shore of Clear Lake. 

       For that week that  we were there, it was like time stood still. When you were a kid from a small town like Laurel and a farm kid to boot, it was a big deal.The lake was big,well maybe not as big as Lake Superior but, light years ahead of our farm ponds. 

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

        

AN EATERY DESTINATION!

       This past week I had the good fortune to be in Swisher, Iowa and had lunch at the "Kava House and Cafe." What a pleasant surprise. I do believe that this may be the finest "LA-DEE-DA" eatery I may have ever been in to eat.

       Not, only was it extremely clean, the menu was extensive with a wide range of sandwiches, wraps, coffees, and teas. In addition, the decorating was filled with antiques, including oak tables of different styles with wood  un-matching chairs. The decor was very stylish, but, not too filled with worn out old antiques. The place was really cool and with it! 

        If you are planning on being in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area in the near future, check this place out. I will guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

MORE OF HENNY YOUNGMAN!

      "My wife and I went back to the hotel where we spent our first night. Only this time I locked myself in the bathroom and cried!"

NO STEELY DAN! REALLY?

     This past Saturday evening, I went once again to Iowa City and the Ped Mall for another remarkable evening of free musical entertainment! This time it was an ensemble of Iowa home grown talent called the FEZ- A Tribute to Steely Dan. This 12 plus piece group was made up 3 female vocals, 4 piece brass section, two key-boards, three guitarists and the lead vocal.

         This group was fantastic and you felt like you were actually at a Steely Dan concert! The thing that I learned after listening to Steely Dan's music back in the 1970's, was that their isn't a "Steely Dan!" That name was picked for the group from some novel and the actual lead singer that sings the likes of Deacon Blues, Hey Nineteen, and Rikki Don't  Lose That number, is Donald Fagen!

      No matter, on Friday night at the Ped Mall in Iowa City ire the action is. There needs to be more Tribute Bands for sure if they are quality like Fez! Tonite is another local group that does a tribute to Grateful Dead! Rock On!

FROM HENNY YOUNGMAN!

      "Some ask what is a secret to a long marriage. We go out twice a week to a restaurant for a candle light dinner, wine, and dancing. She goes on Tuesday and I go on Friday!"

FROM HENNY YOUNGMAN!

When looking for a lawyer a friend recommended the firm of Goldburg, Goldburg, Goldburg, and Goldburg. The guy called and asked for Mr Goldburg-he was out for the day Is Mr. Goldburg in then?-No he is on vacation. Is Mr. Goldburg in ?-No he is out sick. Then is Mr. Goldburg in? SPEAKING!

SUMMERS AGO/FALLING OFF THE BARN-ALMOST

    
       Never, ever would I trade or wish that I had lived somewhere else but on the farm where I grew up and was raised. Although, there was a certain isolation aspect, it also could be referred to more as a peaceful experience overall. No busy streets or freeways. No airplane or railroad traffic and noise around and overhead. No big time odor or pollution. Yes, there were those nasty gravel trucks for a time!

       There were places where you could think your thoughts in peace. Walking the soft dirt lane west of the corn crib. Especially, the soft mud running between your toes after a summer rain. Climbing up the elevator on the corn crib and sitting up there and looking west at the beautiful sky. 

      The same could be said for climbing the up to the peak of the barn. Access was gained by climbing up on the wooden cattle loader parked by the barn. One could then scoot yourself up to the peak. Usually, you would sit there with your legs spread over the peak, like sitting in a saddle atop a horse. You could day dream and to me it was beauty as far as I could see!

       The shingles on the barn were wooden with an occasional nail sticking out. One not only had to be careful going up but, especially coming down. Those nails and a little moss here and there could spell disaster. Yes! You guessed it. One time a nail got me and down I went head first! At the same time, a nail saved me and caught my pant leg just before I was headed headfirst over the 8 to 10 foot drop to the ground. Living on the farm could be peaceful, but, danger lurked once in a while!

originally written March 2008

FROM HENNY YOUNGMAN

      "I just bought my wife a MINK outfit- a rifle and a trap!"

SUMMERS AGO/ CAMPING W/ KIDS ONE NITE!

      The one and only time I camped out with my children, La Risa and Darrin was in the late 1970's for one night at the Ashton Wildwood county park west of Baxter, Iowa in Jasper County and just east off Highway 330.

         That wasn't being a bad dad in not taking them camping more because we did go skiing in Colorado numerous times and other over night trips. Camping just wasn't my thing I guess. I have always said that my idea of roughing it would be a Motel 6!

       I'm not sure how this particular park was chosen, but, probably by some family member. It was just the three of us and I do remember that Darrin obtained the tent from a friend of his in West Des Moines. It also amazes me that I don't remember what we had to eat or cook out.

       It was just the one night and I'm sure we went up the following morning to my mom and step-dad, Maurice's farm to visit just south of Van Cleve. The setting at the park reminded me of a TV commercial. The family, the tent, the camp fire, and a newer car that I had just purchased. What a great picture.

      Best of all, that night a storm came up complete with lots of thunder and lightning. And, the night was made perfect with a few of Dad's scary stories. Maybe we only did it once, but, it ws a night of camping I'll never forget!
     

SUMMERS AGO/VACATIONS BY AUTO part 2

       Third, stops throughout the day weren't easy. Unlike today where you can easily stop for potty breaks, gas stops, restaurants and knowing the food is pretty much the same with chains. Not true 60 plus years ago. Not knowing for sure what type of restaurant was up ahead and gas was all like an adventure. Usually the food was all American and basic comfort type food. Not too many pizza,taco, or subway places. The nearest thing to a subway was to stop at a grocery store and buy the makings and eat somewhere along the way. 

      Generally our budget would be $10 to $20 a day. That was everything food, gas, and lodging. Souvenirs not included. Next, we would normally start looking for a motel around 4 o'clock or so. Just in case there was a lot of traffic, you didn't want to go very far and then see nothing but "vacancy" signs. No cell phones to call ahead for a reservations-etc. There weren't big chain motels then or at least many like a Holiday Inn

      Most motels were independently owned. Maybe 10-20 units lined up in a row. If you were lucky maybe window air-conditioner, maybe TV, but, you were really in heaven if it had an outdoor pool right out front with a metal fence around it. One thing for sure,  Mom would always go in and check out the room first unlike today.

      Back then, even though it was more of an adventure, many great memories were created, no different than traveling today. One footnote is about one summer I collected ash trays from the motels and restaurants. With mostly universal non-smoking today, those ashtrays would be collector's items today.

FROM HENNY YOUNGMAN!!

      "The other day I bought my wife some new furniture-- coasters and an electric chair!"

SUMMERS AGO/VACATIONS BY AUTO!

      It's summer. The 1950's. Usual summer-a little warm and steamy. We're getting ready to head across Nebraska or Kansas. What's the difference, it's a long drive. It'll be worth it. Destination Colorado!

     If we were heading out today it would be a lot different. First, today the roads we have are smooth four-lane Interstate systems where you drive continuously until you want to get off for a reason with signs letting you know what to expect in gas, food, and lodging. Even your smart phone will tell you all. Plus, on occasion you have rest areas with indoor restrooms, picnic areas and vending machines for food and drink.

      In the late 1940's 50's and early 60's,it was a lot different. In most cases traveling across the country, there were two-lane Federal or State highways. That's as good as it usually got. Although, there was the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the 1950's and some of the Freeways were started around larger cities. Speed limits were a reasonable 50 to 70 miles per hour or as in Iowa for a time-"Fair and Reasonable." 

     With two lanes it seemed like we were constantly coming up behind another car or truck. Then my mother would have to pull out a bit to see if anything was coming the other way. She did have a heavy foot. This went on through the entire day and trip. With all this slowing down and speeding up, I'm sure it cut the average driving down to 30-40 miles an hour.

      Second, while going through this nauseous stress that the driver was experiencing, thank God we had an automatic transmission! But, no air-conditioning. The driver had her window down with her arm draped out the window. There was always that sunburned arm. Just the left one! By the time you reached your destination that afternoon with all the speeding up/slowing down, and hot air blowing, it would wear everyone out by the day's end!

---------------to be continued! 

SUMMERS FROM AGO/GREATEST PICNIC ON EARTH!

      My mother belonged to an organization called the Federated Women's Club. I was never sure all that they did or was involved with, but, just remember th`e social end of the group. 

       I remember one social event was with husbands and going to each others homes periodically and playing cards. The game was "500!" Most importantly for the kids was the annual picnic at the Maytag Park in Newton, Iowa. As a footnote, the park is still a very beautiful park. The picnic was a big deal. 

     Many picnic tables were pulled together and all that delicious homemade potluck food was laid out for all to see and preview. It was a treat just to walk around and drool a little before it was time to eat. And, somehow it all sat there for a time and no one` worried about anything spoiling. Fried chicken, potato salad, jello salads, pies, and more pies and cake. All homemade. Nothing from no stinkin' deli. No sir!

      Looking back, I know the kids didn't appreciate all the great food. But, we didn't complain either. No Big Macs or pizza to compare. Then the big wait for at least an hour before we could go swimming in the park pool. It seemed forever! The wait seemed longer than the actual swim time. Anyway, the day was the greatest!

FROM HENNY YOUNGMAN!

     "I just gave my wife  plastic surgery. I cut up all her credit cards!"

SUMMERS OF AGO/SWIMMING LESSONS!

      Learning to swim as a kid all revolved around the fact that my mother did not know how to swim and was deathly afraid of water. She always said that she we would go to Europe if they built a bridge. She didn't make it!

       She arranged for my sister Doris and I to take, initially, private lessons. The place was the Riverview swimming pool in Marshalltown. It was placed in the northeast part of the park at the time and is no longer there. It was huge and had like most public pools of the time, a shallow end and then slowly moved to a deep end with two small diving boards with a high board in the middle.

      The first time of our private lesson, I remember the instructor guy taking me right down to the deep end and saying"Get In!" I did take to swimming very well and learned most all the swimming strokes before we were enrolled for the Red Cross lessons that I believe were free later on. The biggest thing I remember about those first Red Cross lessons was just how cold the water was. Keep in mind, we started very early in the morning and at the start of the summer season. The water didn't have a chance to warm up yet and besides pools didn't warm the water like today. Plus there was no hot tub to go to warm up. If you were sleepy eyed going in you weren't going out! Swimming well is something one never forgets. Thank You Mom!

SUMMERS OF AGO/ PLAYING ON FARM-LOTS TO DO!

      While driving through the small town of Collins while returning my grand-kids to their home in Ankeny from Marshalltown, my youngest grandson said he couldn't imagine living in a really small town or out in the country as it would be so boring with nothing to do!

      I reminded him that I grew up on a farm and there was lots to do with work and play and lots of times the two were intertwined. First of all, our farm was 160 acres and that was a good start! Each farm building was there to be explored. Especially the barn. The hay mow was always exciting to jump down from and climbing up on the barn peak and just enjoying the view atop my world. 

      We had a cave on the west side of our house. A home had been there at one time, the house was moved and the basement was capped with concrete. An angled cellar door led down into the "cave" and it was great for hours and hours of playtime. The headquarters. The hide-out!

      Our two groves north of our house were great for playing cowboys or maybe a little Tarzan in the trees. We also had a deep creek in the northwest corner of our farm with a very deep ravine. Great for exploring! We always had a dog or a pony. Plus, all the livestock we had and chickens. I even had three ducks as pets for a while-Huey, Dewey and Louie! It was also my job when we wanted chicken on the menu to put the chicken's head between two wood stakes and take an ax.....Well, you get the picture. That wasn't playing,but I thought it might liven up the story!

       My Laverty cousins only lived a mile away plus, two or three friends lived within that range. We also had their farms and barns to play in and around. Our family farms had ponds to swim in and the family had a old Army surplus jeep that we drove around in just like having a ATV of today.

     In our machine shed, where the dirt was soft from driving the machinery in and out, I would build roads in that dirt with my Tonka trucks and earth-movers. I had an electric train set up in the basement and we had this huge attic and with spare bedrooms upstairs to spread out in especially on a rainy day or winter. 

     We could play croquet on our front lawn and also explore Indian Burial Grounds about a half-mile east of us on the Paul farm. I could explore culverts that ran under roads around us as hide-outs. Fishing  Rock Creek which started just north of our farm.

      In the winter when we were snowed in for a time, we would play games especially Chinese Checkers by the hour. And, yes we had radio and TV. The winter provided lots of snow with huge drifts for building "igloos" and great sledding.

     Then, when visiting cousins in Marshalltown, that opened up many more opportunities of new kids and urban territory to explore.

      Living on a farm in the 1950's was not boring-not by a long shot. Playing and working went hand in hand as I stated earlier.There was always something going on. All that and no computers, smart phones or whatever! In our own way we were pretty hip to what life was all about.

       

      

SUMMERTIME MEMORIES AGO/LAUREL WEDNESDAY NITE!

       Up until the early 1950's, Laurel was like a lot of small towns complete with lots of stores and shopping action. Monday night had movies and Wednesday night was the night to shop and a band played in the Band Stage in the summer.

      Most of the retailing was lined in typical fashion up and down the east and west side of Main Street. Later in the 1950's most of the wood buildings that were butted together were destroyed by a fire. One of the earliest stores hat I remember was a general store that was run by a Mrs. Wessell's. It was dark and had the typical glass cases and lots of merchandise lining the shelves behind counters. The only thing I remember of importance to me was getting black licorice out of a glass jar. A great treat!

      It is hard to believe that you would see hundreds of people walking around, shopping, and socializing on a mid week night in such a small town like Laurel. A picture that I still possess of my Granpa Smith running a foot race at the turn of the century (1900) shows just how many people did attend events in small towns.

SUMMERTIME MEMORIES OF AGO/ OUR FRONT YARD!

      A wide poured concrete sidewalk divided the huge,  mostly flat, all bluegrass front yard that lay between the gravel road and our large farm home where I grew up. That sidewalk continued to wrap around the south side of my house all the way to the west side and a rear door entrance. 

       The north half of the front yard was perfect for croquet, a game that my mother loved to play and was extremely good at and never would "just" let you win! That yard provided hours of enjoyment by cousins, classmates, and playmates alike. 

      My earliest memories are ones of riding my tricycle down to the end of the sidewalk at the ditch that divided the yard and the road going by. Then I would turn around and go all the way back to the west side where a narrow sidewalk went by the entrance to a "cave" as we called it or which was actually a basement from a home that used to sit there and then was capped with concrete. 

       I would ride on past and to my sand pile where I played and sometimes included my imaginary friend. Then back again! I was just like a teenager scooping the loop. It was my turf!  Also,in the summer and as I got older, it was my job to mow my "turf" with a self-propelled lawn mower. It usually took a few hours to mow around our entire yard, but, it was well worth it!  

SPOTTING A CELEBRITY REALLY UP CLOSE!

       Someone this past week mentioned getting an autograph from some major band member at a local Mickey D's. My memory of meeting or at least being very close to a celebrity immediately came to mind.

     It was around the recent millennium, 2000, and I was returning with a companion  from the New Orleans Jazz Festival. My companion, who was in charge of our flight and she had misread our ticket and we missed our flight from New Orleans to Chicago.  It really messed us up because we also had to get to Kansas City where our car was parked and back to Des Moines. 

       While standing at our  flight counter mid morning at the New Orleans airport, a lady ahead of us was discussing her flight with the clerk. I did a double take, but, was almost 98% sure it was none other than Halle Berry the movie actress. I said not one word and did my best to not stare. She was simply dressed in a white T-shirt, jeans and if she was wearing make-up it was very little. And, she was knock down gorgeous! Did I say she was just wearing a white T-shirt! When the flight employee said something to the effect of "Miss Berry!" I knew who I was standing beside. Also, she had no other person or any type of entourage with her. Just UNO! I will never forget that encounter. And no, I didn't get no stinkin' autograph! 

WALK THE WALK OR THOUSAND WORDS ARE BETTER!

      There was an article in this week's Des Moines Register about recommendations to dads on this Father's Day about writing stories from the past. For example, telling about first job, school events, Holiday memories, family events and on and on with suggestions to get dad to tell a little about himself. 

       That's what I have been advocating for years and will never feel guilty because I didn't do it. Maybe I have actually over done it with over 1200 stories and/or posts to my Blog site as of this just two years ago. And, several hundred that I have written prior to my Blog and am trying over time to include those on my site.

     If you are thinking of encouraging your dad or mother to write make an outline of precise stories or topics you would like them to write about. Don't just hand them a pen or tape-recorder and say "Well start talking or writing!" That will be dead in the water.

MY GRANDMA SMITH & HER WHITE SKIN!

       My Grandma Smith lived to well into her mid nineties. Her skin was ivory white and even at her late years she had very few wrinkles. It was a gene that got passed along to not only my mother, but, to both my sisters. 

      When I look around and see especially women that are what I would call "sun worshipers," I just wonder what their skin will be like at later years. I am not sure a whole lot of sun ever hit any part of my grandmothers body. She always wore a hat or bonnet while outside along with a long sleeved shirt. 

       Even my dad and uncles while working on the farm always wore long sleeved shirts and hats. Personally, I like seeing a young or an elderly lady with ivory skin. Maybe all the scares with skin cancer today has changed some of the thinking that a "great" tan is the ultimate thing to being beautiful!

SUMMERTIME LONG AGO!

      This is just a heads up that during the next few weeks, I am going to share stories that bring back memories for me of summer times from AGO! Hope you will enjoy them and more importantly will bring back special memories of your own!

UMPIRE KELLED OVER!

     The hot weather that we experience last week, reminded me why it is so important to drink plenty of liquids while out in severe heat. It also. of course, reminded me of a story with that lesson in mind. 

      A few years ago I was in Des Moines watching my grand-daughter, Ciera, playing in a soft-ball game. The game was played in a ball park in a  low lying area down my a river. This particular day it was extremely hot and with very little breeze if any!

      The umpire for this particular game had been out on the field for quite some time and had not stopped to drink any kind of liquids nor did anyone offer anything to him. Then it happened. Late in the game he just fell over! And, he was a fairly young guy. The ambulance came and took him away. I never knew if he was OK, but, assumed he was. After that, anytime attending a grand-kids game and between an inning, I always went up and asked the umpire if he needed anything!  

THE WAY I REMEMBER THIS NURSERY RHYME!

      There is a lady who works with me at the Burg Grocery by the name of Mary. For some reason every time I see her I think of the old nursery rhyme that goes like--"Mary Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle shells and one lousy onion!"

       Somewhere a long the way when I was in junior high a lot of nursery rhymes  were going around with "different should we say" endings. I'll share others with you as time goes on!

VELCRO PANTS! LOVE/HATE!

      Over the last few years I have purchased  Cargo shorts for work, play and, of course, to somewhat keep up on what is cool! In the last six months I have purchased Cargo long pants again for work, play and to be somewhat "cool!"

       I do like them for the most part as you have a couple of extra pockets to put "stuff" although that just means more pockets to go through before washing. They are lighter weight than jeans and one pair doesn't really need a belt because of the draw string. One pair even as elastic around the leg bottom so your pants don't drag nor do you need them to be fitted. 

       Also, being wash & wear no need for dry cleaning or ironing either. My big complaint as I tend to be a little OCD is that the pockets with Velcro always seem to be bent over on one edge of a pocket or other. I like my pocket flaps to be flat and neat! Old school I know! Sometimes I just sit something heavy on the pockets for a while. That's the ticket!

DO YOU REMEMBER HOLLYWOOD SQUARES?

     Somehow I got talking to a friend about Hollywood Squares the other day. One of my favorite comedians, Paul Lynn, was always in the center square. And, you knew what ever his response was it would be hilarious!!! He always had that little snarl and somewhat effeminate speech and gestures! He originally, I believe, he got his start on the Perry Como TV show. 
       

LIE! GIVE ME A CALL!

       I overheard a lady last week say to another lady, who obviously hadn't seen each other for a time, "Give me a call next week!" "Will do!" replied the other lady! Ya! The check is in the mail too!

THIS IS NO MAID-RITE! NOT BY LONG SHOT!

      Yesterday I had a business appointment on U Avenue south and just off I-80 at the Little Amana Exit. Just because I couldn't resist, I had to stop into the MAID-RITE restaurant that sits at that exit. The first thing I must say is that it never seemed right to have a franchise maid-rite place at that exit right in Amana territory where family style dining is the norm. But, sadly this exit is not what it once was many years ago.

      Going into this maid-rite I somehow how felt a dis-loyalty to Taylor's in Marshalltown and without argument, to me, the best maid rite in the state. I didn't want very much so I ordered one with my usual mustard and a little onion, water and a bag of chips.

     When I unwrapped the sandwich, it was like if I had ordered a super "wet" one at Taylor's. And, they mix in some kind of seasoning which didn't seem to do a whole lot to the flavor or taste.
It was about the same price , but, not near the amount of meat. Oh, well.

       One more observation worth noting. It was right at noon and there weren't that many patrons in there. By looking around most seemed like just locals. It seems to me that if you were a family traveling the interstate and from another state, you might not even stop as you probably wouldn't even know what the sign with Maid Rite on it is! There are a lot of people out there who barely know what a loose meat sandwich is let alone a MAID- RITE!

DO AS I SAY & DO--SMELL THE ROSES!

       It seems like I keep running into people that haven't traveled or traveled very much in their lifetime and not because they financially can't. A lady the other day at the Burg Grocery asked me how my trip out west was that my sister, Doris, and I took a month ago. 

      She mentioned that her husband, a farmer, has never liked to travel or couldn't because of commitments on the farm. They do drive to Texas to visit a son or daughter on ocassion and her husband has promised to possibly go to New Mexico the next time. They are 75 years old! I looked her right in the eye and said "You better get going!"

       I guess I have been very fortunate that I have been able to travel, had the parents that enjoyed traveling, we were farmers, and that took us places. Sometimes, I think what you don't know won't hurt you, but, if you are thinking of traveling get going. It IS later than you think. PS I am working on my next trip this fall. Can't wait! 

THE WEEK-END/ DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

       You have heard of the "Perfect Storm," well I had the perfect week-end! I did absolutely nothing. Well, not just nothing. I just mean that I had nowhere to go, no work appointments, no reason to leave the house except to the grocery store for a few "usual's." 

      My laundry was caught up and I had done all the dusting and cleaning the week-end before. Just a little writing on the old Blog, preparing and eating some of my favorite simple comfort foods, and of course enjoying the Chicago Cubs. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to do this every week-end, but, it was a really nice change of pace. 

      Maybe I needed to rest up this past week-end as this coming one involves a wedding anniversary function, school re-union, a musical concert in Iowa City, and maybe a movie on Sunday plus a few window jobs thrown in somewhere! I love it! 

ANOTHER CANOEING FIASCO!

       The year I've long forgotten, but, I know it was the early 1970's. It was one of those perfect fall days--cool and yet the sun was warm on your back. There was not much wind and the leaves were starting to turn.

      Good friends of my wife, Sandi, and I, Bob and Marsha Lippold, decided sometime along the way to canoe the Des Moines River. It sounded like a fun thing to do and a little adventuresome. Besides, how could we go wrong since Marsha had taken a course in "canoeing" while attending the University of Iowa many years ago.

      We started somewhere down from Polk City as construction had started on Saylorville Lake at the time. Only one small problem emerged from get-go and that was the fact that the river was extremely low due to early stages of damning and the fact it was fall and the water was naturally low. It seemed we walked the river more than we canoed it. Also, about halfway down we realized we were sitting in the canoe backwards. Yes! There is a front and a back! Oh,  well. It was a beautiful day, we were near nature, and laughter never hurt anyone!

WE WERE A REGULAR LEWIS & CLARK/ ALMOST DROWNED!

written originally April 2010

       It was the Spring of 1977 and I had just built and purchased a home at 1806 Rio Valley Drive, Clive, Iowa with a close friend, Bob Merritt. The home backed up to Walnut Creek with all its natural treed refuge. It was so nice to have all this privacy backing up to our home. 

      Somewhere along the way it sounded like a good idea to go canoeing on this mighty "Creek!" And, it was Spring, the water was high and moving rapidly. This would be exciting. We rented a canoe and started our journey out near Waukee off highway #6 and would end it back at our home.

      Again, a little miscalculation. The turns on this monster Creek were fast, sharp, and often. We had trouble keeping the canoe down the middle. There wasn't much middle! The obvious happened and with a quick surprise. The fast current caught us at a turn and before we knew it we were in the water and under the canoe!

      To our amazement, after turning the canoe over, our beer cooler was still in the canoe as was the key's to Bob's vehicle. It was a miracle! We looked like drowned rats, but, somehow we made it to our destination-home! 

A MENU-NOT A BAD IDEA!

written 6/14/2014

       Besides weather, once in a while conversations drift toward topics of a different nature while assisting customers from the Burg Grocery! On this particular day, this gentleman or more like good ol' boy type started it off.

        He began by telling me a story about having lunch years ago at one of the restaurants in the Amana Colonies. The story goes that at lunch time working guys would sit down at this particular round table and they would give their drink order to the waitress. Then others at the table would pass bowls of food around to the new person and as food ran out more would be brought out. When done eating, one would get their check, pay the tab, and out you would go.

      Sometime later, as the story continues, did this particular guy come to a stark realization while dining out for the first time with family. He was given a menu and did not realize that you had to order your ENTIRE meal from it! Not just your drink order. That story made my week!

WHEN DINING EXPERIENCE GOES SOUTH!!

       Dining out has always been one of my life's little and sometimes major pleasures. Dining out or at home is something to enjoy as a pleasurable experience, not just something to do because you are hungry.

       But, like all of life's experiences things can go wrong on occasion. Some of the following observations while dining out can leave me- let's say a little edgy!

       First, when you are seated by the hostess and ten no one acknowledges your presence for a certain period of time-maybe 5 minutes or so. You get that feeling about then that the experience may not be good especially if you can't also spot who your waitress is. 

      Second, too many choices or decisions relative to the sides are being offered-types of dressings, "pepper" on your selection, all the wines, beers and in some cases just too many menus! Let's not forget the size of the portions-too much, but, more profit! If you comment about that "big" salad, the waitress will simply say "Oh! You can share it or take it home with you and have it tomorrow"! No, All I want is a smaller salad, cheaper and to eat it here and now! Besides, I don't care for taking home left-overs. Tomorrow is a new day and I want to move on with new eating experiences. 

      Next, at the end of the meal and waiting patiently for the bill, the waitress drops off the tab by saying "I'll get this when you are ready." She does this as she is walking by and I want to just grab her because I am ready now! I have learned to stop her in her tracks and glance at the bill and then send her on her way.

        Lastly, I've never understood why waitresses or waiters feel compelled to clear the dishes from the table, then leaving you sitting there for an unreasonable period of time. Once I am done eating and sitting there with dirty dishes or not, just give me the check and let's move on!

       

NEPHEW NIXED THE BEEF!

      According to my sister, Deborah, her son and my nephew has cut beef from his diet and he has indicated that he feels much better even though he still hasn't given up fish and/or seafood. Even though through my lifetime I have lost probably 1,000 pounds or more and still power walk each morning for 25-30 minutes, take my baby aspirin each morning, don't smoke, no alcohol, some fruit and vegetables a few times a week. I would say beef is the least of my worries and would have a very difficult time giving it up.

       All this does is reminds me of something I read many many years ago about eating beef. In a nutshell, it pretty much indicated that the best way to eat beef is to do it in the form of loose meat form or "Maid Rite form for those of us who loves Taylor's in Marshalltown. It is logical in that it is already broken down unlike eating another of my favorite beef forms-T-Bones, Rib-Eye, or  Prime Rib(my all time favorite)

       So just know that if you do eat beef and don't plan on giving it up any time soon, one of the best ways you can indulge is to stop into Taylor's and to take it one step further by eating slowly and chewing well!! Thanks Chris! You made me want to go out and find  some pan-fried walleye or head up to "That Place"near Conrad and have both-Walleye and the best Prime Rib in the state!

WHEN I FELL IN LOVE WITH CHICAGO CUBS!

       I haven't always been a big Chicago Cubs fan. As a matter of fact most of my earlier years I wasn't even a baseball fan- mostly college football and the Iowa Hawkeyes. It all happened on August 8, 1988. That was to be the first night and game when the Cubs played a "night" game under lights at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It was a big deal. All their games were played in the afternoon up to that point. The die-hards didn't want it. What about tradition? What about the quaint residential neighborhood that surrounds the Park. Television and big money won out. Times had changed.

      John McCartan, my sales manager at 1st Realty, 801 Grand, West Des Moines, at the time invited me to go with him, and his two sons and brother-in-law to the game. However, he got tickets to the second night game as he explained, the first night game was sold out with dignitaries and such. It was OK with me. I was just honored that he had invited me along with his family to such a big sporting event. 

      We went in and stayed at a Holiday Inn right off Michigan Avenue and the "Magnificent Mile." What a treat. And, here came the "kicker!" The first night's game got rained out! Therefore, we were able to witness the first night game on August 9th, 1988. 

       For you sports enthusiasts, the Cubs defeated the New York Mets 6-4! The following day on a Sunday we sat during a three hour rain delay. One important thing besides becoming a Cubs fan from there on I also fell in love with Wrigley Field. It is what a major league baseball park is supposed to look and feel like. A week-end I'll never forget!  

BALING HAY-WHEN HOT WAS HOT!

       I grew up at a time when just about every farmer that I knew baled hay because most raised cattle and produced clover or alfalfa to feed their cattle during the winter months. Let me explain the best I can the baling procedure. 

      A farmer would cut the clover after it boomed with a cutting sickle pulled behind the tractor. Once the hay dried in a day or two, it was then raked up into rows (resembling long curls) to let the sun dry it. Then a "baler" was pulled behind a tractor along with a hay rack to hold these rectangular shaped bales produced by the baler that were held together with twine and then pushed back to the rack which also had men that stacked the bales. The bales were usually 40-70 pounds depending on how much moisture was left in them.

     When the hay rack was stacked high or full enough it was taken to the barn to be stored. Most barns like ours had a big door up high and in the front. The rack was pulled in front of the barn and from there huge forks were used to hold at least eight bales together and were lifted by another tractor and operator with ropes and pulleys. Once the hay reached the top, it then followed a metal track and once it reached a certain point in the barn or "hay mow" and the person inside who stacked the hay would yell out and the person outside would "trip" the forks with the pull of a rope and the hay would drop and be ready to stack.

       On this particular day I was the guy inside doing the stacking the hay. The entire process of the baling was quite an operation usually involving as many as six men. This was in the late 1950's, I was in my teens, a very hot day, hard work for 75 cents to one dollar an hour, and no air movement in that barn!

       At some point I  looked down at my arms and there was no sweat. One minute I was sweating like a pig? then the next minute I was dry and yet clammy. I knew I was in trouble and it was time to get out of there. The rest of the afternoon it was lemonade for this guy!

       Another thought on hay baling has to do with eating. I used to work for Art DeWitt a nearby neighbor and I remember the lunches his wife, Beverly would prepare. She would have fried chicken, mashed potatoes-gravy, vegetables, and topped off with pie. Later in the afternoon it would be time around 4PM for lemonade and a sandwich, and then supper later at home! PS I told Beverly that I thought, and still do, that she was one of the best cooks in 5 counties! No kidding! 

WRITE ABOUT YOUR FIRST MEMORY!

       Here's one to at least make you stop and give some thought to! Do you remember your very first memory as a kid. Whether you were two or three think about it. If you can go back further than that, then you are really special. 

      A lot of what I think I remember I am never sure because through the years I have heard the stories or have seen pictures of certain events over and over. It all gets blended together. But, if you do have first time memories, write them down and the next time with a loved one share it with them. 

DON'T UNDERSTAND THE GAME? STUDY UP!

     Last night I attended an outdoor barbecue benefit which I thought, despite the heat, would be better than cooking. At the table next to me,I could hear some Seniors talking about attending one of their grand-kids soccer games, but, didn't really understand the game. You hear that a lot these days especially with more and more young kids getting involved with soccer. 

       I have to admit that I have never taken the time to "read up" on the rules and player positions, penalties and so on. If our kids or grand-kids are involved in sports we don't understand, I think we owe it to them to at least understand the basics. There is no good excuse today as we can simply "google" it up and do a little reading. Besides, I don't think soccer is as complex as football or as near as hard to keep track of the ball. I have a good excuse! None of my "crew" ever played soccer!

      

YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR GETTING REALLY REALLY OLD!

       When talking to just about anybody that is maybe half my age , I never pretend, when talking about music, to assume they have heard of any singers or groups from the 1950's or 60's for that matter. But, when mentioning someone like "Steely Dan" from the 1970's I think that person might have at least heard of the musician. 

       That wasn't the case the other day at the Burg Grocery. The lady I was talking to I would have bet "not quite the farm" that she had heard of this group-"Hey Nineteen!" The problem is even though I have done a pretty good job of keeping up with 5 decades of music, when I get into the 90's or the last few years, I start shaking my head when someone mentions a recent group! Oh well!

BOOZE IS THE ONLY ANSWER!!

      If you can remember the comedian that came up with this term then you are probably really old like me. His name was Woody Woodbury and he goes back to the 1950's. It is one of those things that has stuck with me through the years. I always like to bring it up when another "Oldie" like myself is talking about all their ailments. It's fun, sometimes, to just say "Well, you know Booze is the Only Answer!" 

YIN YANG?!?!

    Somebody, and I won't say, used the above term in making reference to something in a derogatory manner. I have heard that term or words through-out my life, but, never knew what it meant! I think I will leave it at that. If you are reading this then you have the ability to look up the meaning for yourself.

REMEMBER MURPHY BROWN??

       This past week the Burg Grocery has been doing a little face lift on the interior with some painting here and there. Of course, it reminded me, for some unknown reason, of the old sit-com TV show-Murphy Brown starring Candice Bergen. In the show she was having her residence re-decorated and had this painter there "forever" and his name was Eldon played by the late Robert Pastorelli who was a stitch! It was a good show.

AN OILY SEWING MACHINE?

       I was talking to a friend this past week about how our memories maybe are not what they used to be. It reminded me of something maybe I should entertain now to improve my memory somewhat. That is a "Word Association" course.

        Years ago, during my single days in the late 1970's, I was attending a birthday party for a mutual friend. At some point in the evening I saw him talking to this particular young lady and I thought that I would, at a later date, ask him her name and maybe see if she would like to go out for a date. 

        The next day I called the birthday boy to see if I could get the scoop on this attractive "cutie." He had to think a minute to remember her name, but, finally he spit it out! He said: Oily Sewing Machine! What! Her last name was Pennsinger. Get it! Oily Sewing Machine. He had taken a word association course to improve his memory as a lawyer. The really funny thing is I have never forgotten that name! I guess it worked even after close to 40 years.

MAKE YOUR FIRST STORY BE ABOUT FIRST----!

      If you are thinking about writing some of your favorite memories or are struggling somewhat for ideas here is a suggestion. Think in terms of FIRSTS! First memory as a child, first vacation with family, first day at school, first birthday party, first musical concert attended,  and well you get the picture. Give it a try! 

WRITING YOUR MEMORIES-1ST STEP!

       If you are giving thought to writing short stories about your favorite memories, here is one tip you should adhere to-preparation and organization. The very first thing is to get a pad of paper or go to your word processor. With your very first memory for a story write the title or basic idea of that story down right away.

       Do not concern yourself with the order of events. If you remember something from 1986 first and then 1967 next that is OK. Eventually, you can place all your stories in a chronological  order. The important thing is to be able to immediately write down an idea for a story you might have and then put it with a permanent list that you are maintaining. 

        When I am even working at the Burg Grocery and have an idea for a story I immediately get a piece of scratch paper and write the idea down. And, like a little kid I take the note home to place the idea on my "SAVE" section of my Blog site. Once your idea is documented in some way, it will always be ready for you to complete the story! 

DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' TAPE RECORDER!

      Sometimes I don't know whether to get angry or laugh when I hear someone say they are going to get a tape recorder and stick under their mother or grand-mother's nose and tell her to start talking. Ya! That will get the job done-not!

        Just like a good journalist, one should be prepared with a topic and a set of questions to ask a loved one if wanting to get them to talk about the past and then write about those memories. Remember, it is like eating the Elephant-One bite at a time! Don't think that you can somehow by magic get a loved one to start talking and get them to tell you "Everything you ever wanted to know" in one sweep. It takes planning, organization and patience!

THIS IS JUST FUNNY PERIOD!

     From the 2 cents worth column in the Des Moines Register yesterday!

       Not that it matters, but, Hollywood says that if Trump is president they will go to Canada. Just wondering why not Mexico---it's a lot closer to Hollywood...less travel time and moving expense. 

---Their blowing hot air

WHILE CLEANING MY RING!

       The other day I took off my ring and did my occasional cleaning of it by soaking it in a solution for a while then taking a tooth brush to it. It finally dawned on me just how old this ring that has been with me for over 56 years!

       My mother gave me this Garnet ring for my sixteenth birthday and I have not taken it off to my recollection in all that time except to switch hands when married. As of right now that is the only piece of jewelry on me as my watch, of many years, battery pooped out. I haven't decided to replace the battery, get a new one or forget it. 

       I wish I could have  $5.00 for every time someone told me what a neat ring it was or "Is that a Ruby?" No, it's a Garnet, the birthstone for January. I have had the the setting re-worked years ago, but, I still wear it with pride. It has been a friend for a long time!  

SWISHER SWEET THAT IS!!

        About every week a guy comes into the Burg Grocery wearing stripped overalls and in one of the top pockets is a package of Swisher Sweets Cigarillo's. It immediately reminded me when I was a teenager and working for a neighbor doing field work. 

        On this particular occasion, it was Spring and I was doing plowing for Art DeWitt, a nearby neighbor. One thing I had on me was a package of these Swisher Sweets. To me there was nothing better than the combination of that rum soaked cigarillo and a little of that black soil mixing it up while driving along in the field in the open cab of an Oliver tractor! No sir!

CAJUN GROUP ELECTROFIZES IOWA CITY ART FESTIVAL

    This past Saturday night, 6/4/2016, I drove to Iowa City to attend the Arts Fest. Well, not really to view art, but, to see the musical entertainment that evening. The one group that I was anxious to see was Buckwheat Zydeco. I had seen this group at the New Orleans Jazz Festival years ago and they were very lively energizing. They didn't make it. Evidently Buckwheat couldn't make it and was replaced by a Cajun band called Beau Solei. These guys were straight from Louisiana and were the real deal.

      This group came right out of the blocks with an electric fiddle and Concertina. From the very first number to the last, they gave out foot stomping, hand clapping and making you want to dance even by yourself kind of music.This was one of the best groups of any kind kind I have seen in a long time that just never let up. I could become a Groupie real easy! 

THE FEZ-A TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN!

This coming Friday evening, 6'10/2016, at the Ped Mall in Iowa City, Iowa for the Summer Concert Series will be performing The Fez- A Tribute to Steely Dan. If you like 70's music and especially Steely Dan, "Hey Nineteen," you won't want to miss this one! See you there. Bring your lawn chair!

IF IT'S MY IDEA THEY LAUGH BUT IF--!

      This past week I ran into the lady that services the Red Box movie kiosk outside the Burg Grocery. Since early Spring, I mentioned, that it seemed like there hadn't been very many good movies coming out at least quality movies that I would like. Plenty of "kids" movies and action stuff, etc. 

     Along those lines, I mentioned that I thought it would be a good idea if Red Box would have a "Classic Movie" category and offer quality or maybe past Academy Award winning movies. I just got a chuckle from this lady! I have always said that when the average ordinary guy has an idea it usually is followed with a laugh. If one of the Big Whigs comes up with the idea, he will not only get a bonus, but, a Big Fat Raise! 

BALLROOM @ SWISHER, IOWA?

       As a result of getting a window cleaning job in Swisher, Iowa, with an offer I couldn't refuse, resulted in learning something else in the process. After I mentioned the above to someone in Williamsburg, this person mentioned that Swisher has or had a famous ballroom called the Dance-Mor! I had never heard of it, but, after some research it sounds as if it might be closing after decades of operation. When I go up there next week I plan on checking it out further.

    I have many many fond memories of attending dances and functions at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa and the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa. These old ballrooms were very special, magical and represents a time that probably will never be repeated!

REMEMBER HOT CASHEWS @ S.S. KRESGE'S?

       This past Friday a lady that I helped out at the Burg Grocery had purchased a big tin of whole cashews. It simply reminded me of fond memories when I was a kid and time spent in the Kresge store that sat on the northeast corner of Main and Center in Marshalltown, Iowa. 

      One my favorite memories about there, out of many, was when my mother would give me a quarter and I would buy a sack of hot "cashews" and, of course, that 25 cents bought a decent amount of those delicious and hot treats. No matter. I don't think they ever lasted long enough to reach home! 

DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' NAPKINS!

       Yesterday I picked up an eight pack of paper towels that were part of a weekly sale promotion and extremely "cheap." Even though they are the "store brand" they are very absorbent. Being a bachelor and usually sitting at my coffee table at dinner time watching TV, I just set a roll in front of me and rip off a section as needed!

       Years ago there was a gas station in Marshalltown that sat on the northeast corner of highway 14 and 30 before the Purple Cherry. There was a restaurant that sat in the back and each table had a roll of paper towels instead of napkins. I always thought that was a great idea and much more practical. When I open a cafe or restaurant in my next life-time you will see a roll of paper towels at each table or booth!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

      What do you call a cow who can't give milk?  A MILK DUD!!!!

FOR A GUY SHOPPING IT WAS PARADISE!

       In today's Obituary section of the Des Moines Register, I read where "Pete" Feldman passed away. I remembered Feldmann"s women's clothing store in the Merle Hay Mall in Urbandale, Iowa and in the 1970's he opened two upscale women's clothing stores on Grand Avenue in historic sites. 

       As a single man during the late 1970's, it was truly an "experience" to shop at Feldmann's Phase II on Grand Ave. around Christmas time. He not only had a "gentleman's night" during the Holidays and you were treated with wines and cheese along with first class assistance from his staff including young ladies modeling his clothing lines. 

      Many of his outfits that he carried were displayed high on the walls so you could simply look up and if there was something you wanted to purchase, someone would get it for you in the correct size. Everything was gift wrapped if desired. It was every shopping man's dream at Holiday time. He was truly an innovator! He was 88 years old and lived in Naples, Florida.