"THE FUNNY" LINE OF THE DAY!

       This past week it was announced a person retired in the Burg after 43 years of employment working for the city. A lady that works with me at the Burg Grocery as it urns out is this person's brother-in-law. 

       Just being curious, I asked my fellow employee if her brother-in-law had any plans after his retirement. My thinking was something like would he be traveling more, playing golf, fishing or??
Her response was that he would be "Buying Cattle!" Of all the possible answers to that question, 'Buying Cattle," seemed to come out of left field. I guess he has done buying and selling cattle and feeding them out for a long time anyway. I still found the initial answer to be funny!

THE BEST MEAL SOMETIMES IS KEEP IT SIMPLE--!

       Through the years I believe my cooking skills have improved and broadened simply because I do enjoy cooking and find it challenging to try a new recipe, generally found on the internet and ones now with video. 

         However, as I have reached the "golden years," I tend to focus more on comfort food menus, not only when cooking, but, when dining out on occasion. Last night I prepared my all time favorite simple meal. Once about every three months or so it makes the rotation for lunch or dinner time. 

        It consists of white bread, loose meat hamburger, ketchup or maybe if I make two sandwiches to use Grey Poupon.  This meal goes way back to when my mom would make this meal usually quite frequently. And, I have always found it strange that at home I prefer ketchup over mustard where as while eating at Taylor's Maid-Rite, I always have mustard without exception!  

KEEP TRACK OF FAVORITE STORIES!

       I'm repeating myself on this commercial, but, one worth saying again! Years ago a lady wrote to "Ann Landers" the advice columnist, about her mother who keep telling the same stories over and over again and that she got tired of it. Ann Landers response was that she should be grateful that she had a mother and was still alive.

       My mother told a lot of her stories over and over again and,  yes, some got a little tiresome. Now that I am passing  along probably more stories in writing that anybody will ever want to read, at least I have recorded them in my own way. 

       I wish I would have at least kept a list of all her stories or at least some of her best. Even though I remember many, the mind has a way of forgetting over time. My advice to anyone listening is at least keep a list of your favorite stories and/or other family members for future  generations.  

CAN'T WIN FOR LOSING!

        It is amazing that President Trump is being accused now of going to fast now that he is in office. Some are saying he going like"a chicken with his head chopped off." It seems like in Politics it's one or the other. And, it is getting worse! One thing that really disturbs me is that cable news networks(and calling them just news is a big stretch) have simply become commentary and/or to their own political beliefs. There is no longer objectivity. 

        It is disturbing that we have reached a point when one past President has done some`thing it seems to be OK, but, when the current President does it, it causes mass protests. I am truly worried that we as a country are becoming more divided! 

BIRTHDAY DATE W/ SOMEONE SPECIAL!

       I recently met a special someone that I wanted to share my birthday with. So Friday evening, January 27th, 2017, we drove to Iowa City for dinner. My dilemma was deciding on where to go and yet being only our second date, wanting it to be a special place. And, since living in eastern Iowa for five years, I have never treated a certain restaurant as "special."

      I first googled up the Top 10 eateries in Iowa City and Coralville. Then I studied several of them and a couple eliminated due to budget issues! My favorite colorful, longtime, and historical place is the Hamburg Inn 2 and was in the running as my first choice. 

      Finally, I went with a good and safe pick. The Olive Garden in Coralville was chosen as I wanted Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo and theirs is one of the best. And, to have the best of both worlds, we drove to downtown Iowa City and had dessert and coffee at the Hamburg Inn 2. 

        One thing I learned from this particular evening. Pick one bistro to eat and then go to a new place for dessert and check it out for a next time potential!  Also, all I will say at this time is I hope there are more dinning experiences in the future with my new companion!      
  

CLOSE CALL W/ MURDER-TRUE STORY!

       Most of us go through life and never encounter anything close to being harmed in any type of incident little lone being murdered! Hopefully, most of you have not experienced the"single/divorced life" as an adult. Back in the late 1970's, I did experience that life. The following account is a true story and one that was a little too close for comfort. 

       During that time I had taken out on a couple of occasions a woman by the name of Jan A.
It was known that she had dated a few other guys in the western suburbs of Des Moines. Some time later, on a particular evening, a fairly well known local lawyer took this young woman out on a date. 

      To their demise, it would be their last evening on this earth. A demented/jealous ex-boyfriend, with a long gun strapped to his back, climbed up to her second story apartment in Clive, Iowa, entered through a sliding glass door, and shot the couple while sleeping in bed and then turned the gun on himself. All three died.

       At the time, a few guys that I knew were giving a sigh of relief! You think nothing like that could ever happen in a "decent area of town, but, you just never know!

      

THAT PLACE W/ BIG SISTER DORIS!

      My final night of celebrating my birthday, Saturday January 28, 2017, included having dinner at "That Place" near Conrad, Iowa, with my sister Doris. Due to the distance from there to my home in Williamsburg, we got an early start. More importantly, On the drive back, like most anyone my age, I wanted to be back home at a "reasonable" time. 

        Therefore, I made our reservation, of course, for 5 PM. To my surprise people were pouring in at that early time. Maybe due to the time of year with people just wanting to get out and very little outdoor activity, it was a hopping place! 

       Breaking with tradition, I decided earlier in the week to not order Prime Rib as usual nor Walleye, both to die for! For some reason a pork chop was calling to me. Well, I wish it hadn't called. I was somewhat disappointed. The chops were smaller in size than I remembered long ago when ordering them, and they were a little on the tough side. 

       The moral to my story is stick to what you like and is a specialty at a given restaurant. Through the years, someone has always tried to  get me to"try something different" or "broaden your tastes!" Phooey! That's the last time I listen to that  little guy that comes out from within me on ocassion and says---"Try something different Dennis!" When it comes to eating, I have to stop listening to him! Up side to the evening. I really enjoyed the time  spent with my big sister, Doris. Priceless! 

MEMOIR THIS!

      I was asked some time ago if I had ever wrote my memoir. Knowing that I was sure I hadn't, I still looked up the true definition of "memoir." Besides, I have already something over a 1,000 short stories about personal and family related stuff, I wasn't sure where to even begin. 

      After reading perhaps the funniest "memoir" of someone's early childhood, "Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" by Bill Bryson, I decided in my own way I had already accomplished it. My first book of "A Collection of Personal and Family Related Short Stories" which was put together in 2006 still accomplishes best in its somewhat innocent way what I want to convey about at least the first forty or fifty years of my life. 

      I finally concluded why take  the original of something and try to improve on it if it tells the story quite well in the first place. I plan on just putting a new cover my original book and re-title it---"MEMOIR THIS!"  A Collection of Personal etc.   

OVERNIGHT W/ GOODFRIENDS & EXCELL. FLICK!

     As part of my "Birthday Week Celebration, " I went to Urbandale and stayed Wednesday night with friend and old classmate, Jerry Roberts and his wife Judy. On Thursday we went to Norwalk and visited another classmate back to kindergarten days shared at Laurel, Bob Baker.

      After enjoying two original tacos from "Tasty Tacos," Jerry and I went to the nearby Windsong Theater and took in the latest release of the movie "The Founder." It's about the beginnings of McDonald's and how it evolved. If you are old enough to remember the early beginnings of McDonald's, it is a must see. No matter, it is really an excellent movie!  

WHO STILL WEARS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RING?

       A guy came through the check-out line the other day and the clerk asked him about his ring he was wearing. He replied that it was his high school ring and he was in the class of 1968!
Not to step on any ones toes, but, it seemed a little odd that someone hat age was still wearing his high school graduation ring!

REMEMBERING HEEL CLIPS!

    A fella came into the Burg Grocery this past week and I heard this "clicking" sound coming from his shoes as he walked. I asked him if he had "heel clips" attached to the heels of his shoes. Yes he did and the reason was because it kept his shoes from wearing in and forced him to walk straighter due to a childhood accident that affected his leg.

      It reminded me of a time in the 1950's and early 60's when some boys, and at one time yours truly, wore these clips on their shoes just to be "cool!" I think it was something that was popularized by the "bad boy crowd" but, was still one of those little crazes back then that came and quickly vanished. 
       

HOW DO TEACHERS DO IT-NOW & AGO!

      After reading probably the funniest book ever, "Life & Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" by Bill Bryson, I was reminded of those winter days at Laurel Consolidated School and preparing to go out to recess as a young kid. From the prospective of now, it seems nearly impossible how we were able to do it.

        Thinking all we went through with mittens, snow pants, overshoes, caps, and any other clothing gear for a twenty minute jaunt  around the playground, seems ludicrous! It was a pure miracle that more "stuff" was misplaced and/or lost in that exercise of that childhood insanity. How did the teachers keep their cool then or even now. 

       If I were considering a career in teaching the really younger kids, I would be packing my bags and heading to Arizona or anywhere where in the winter all that is needed for outdoor play is a maybe a light weight jacket! On just the above recess ritual , teachers are way underpaid.  

UNTOUCHABLES AGAIN?

    I couldn't resist bringing up an old favorite TV show from the past-- The Untouchables! Maybe if President Trump were to send in ??? to help solve the gang violence in Chicago maybe down the line we would have a new TV series--"Untouchables ll!" That's not too far fetched for a series no matter!

OLD PRESURE COOKER-BEST POPCORN EVER!

      I have mentioned this observation a couple of different times through the years, but, it came to light again this past week-end at the auction in Tama, Iowa. A vintage metal pressure cooker was purchased by someone, and I could not help but remember how moist "real" popcorn can be prepared, stove top, in one of these classic kitchen aids. 

      Years ago, I had one and would prepare my popcorn in that devise with the lid just slightly ajar so as not to build up too much pressure. It is what real popcorn should taste like.   

KRAFT MAC & CHEESE-THE BEST

       This past week, I purchased a couple boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese--the original in the tiny elbow design. I have enjoyed this simple food item for my entire life going back to enjoying a helping with my kids back in the 1960's.

       From time to time, someone has said to me that they would make me some "homemade" macaroni that would be much much better. Not for me! Still to this day, it has to be my all time favorite, simple, and only box meal, that I really look forward to with just a few shots of ketchup and a couple of all beef hot dogs. Ymmm! 
      

THUNDERBOLT KID! FUNNIEST EVER!

     About a week ago, a friend gave me the book "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" by Bill Bryson. My friend knew that I had lived in Des Moines for years and that I have written many stories about my childhood and with a base of humor. 

       She could not have given me a better book to read. I have never read a funnier book in my life with extraordinary detail and exaggeration. This book, in case you have not read it, is a memoir of Bill Bryson's boyhood years growing up in Des Moines, Iowa. 

       It was not only extremely enjoyable reading about a boy's experiences with such humor, it also brought back fond memories for me about a city that I have always called my second home`next to Laurel, Iowa.

       I encourage everyone, especially you seniors, to read this book. You will not stop laughing or chuckling during any paragraph or page of this amazing early years memoir of this Iowa native.  

YOU KNOW YOU'RE OLD WHEN!

       This past Sunday I attended an auction in Tama, Iowa. One of the items being bid on was an original print of Alf Landon as the Govenor of Kansas. There were six or seven other types of prints that were of interest. 

      Most of the other prints were bid on and bought before this one of Landon. I knew that he had run for President at some time, but, just could not remember when. A lady looked him up on her smart phone and sure enough he ran against Franklin D. Roosevelt back in the 1940's. 

        Maybe if more of the younger crowd at the auction would have known that and its historical significance, it may have got better attention? Sometimes it feels good to know something that others don't, but, on the other hand it reminds one of your age! 

SHARING FAVORITE STORIES @ BIRTHDAY TIME!

       This coming week up until my birthday on January 27th, I will be sharing some of my favorite  early stories that were written about fond memories of long ago as a young boy  growing up on a farm in rural Jasper county and south of Laurel, Iowa.

MY BIRTHDAY--ARM PIT OF YEAR!

      With my birthday approaching this coming Friday, I am reminded how many times in my lifetime I have experienced blizzards and  birthday parties that were in extreme  weather conditions or nearly cancelled.

       So, when I hear people now in and around the Burg complain about the dreary, rainy, and foggy weather I just laugh at them. I know that it is hard to be sympathetic  with those having to navigate muddy, slick, and sloppy country roads while I cruise around on paved streets. But, give me this time of year with balmy 40-50 degree weather. If this is global warming, I welcome it! There probably is no law against me celebrating my big day in JUNE!
      

DON'T TELL YOUR MOTHER----!

     A while back I found a lady here in town that has a reputation as an excellent pie maker. My first pie I had her make for me was raisin creme and she lived up to her standing in the Burg.

      It did remind me that when I was just a small boy I had told my mother that she was not as good a pie maker as my Aunt Glatha Laverty. That was a big mistake! That was one of those things that you wish you could take back even though you were a stupid little kid. 

       Until the day my mother died, I would hear about that story. Usually it was from one of my sisters anxious to rub it in at a family gathering while sitting around eating pie!  Yes, most times it is OK to tell the truth, but, that was not one of them!

VERY IMPORTANT LESSON IN LIFE!

       Years ago, I went to some type of "Meditation" class with the coaxing of my spouse. This was in the 1960's-- Viet Nam War, Hippies, Flower Children, along with "Make Love Not War" slogans.

       Not too much at this gathering sunk in to this young guy who majored in business at a very conservative college at the time-Drake University in Des Moines. One thing that did stick  through-out my life was the following. 

        The speaker emphasized that if you meet someone along the way in life that you think is worth getting to know then-- do it! One of his points was that in life many people come and go from our lives very quickly, so don't waste the opportunity to be enriched in some way.

DID YOU FIND EVERYTHING OK?

     Most grocery store clerks always ask as the customer is checking out--"Did you find everything OK?" I mentioned to a lady that I was helping out with her groceries, here is something I would like to hear just once.

      I would love to see when asked that question just one customer respond by saying; "No!" "I need to go back and get a quart of milk."  Then, after waiting about 5 minutes and watching the line at the check-out getting longer and longer the customer finally appears with that item that was not found OK. That question would never be asked again!

KRNT THEATER DAD WAS USHER

        Last week, I talked to a lady at the Burg Grocery and found out that her father had been an usher at the old KRNT Theater in Des Moines, Iowa. It was the place that I fell in love with Broadway musicals and to be specific it was the "Music Man" that got me started. She indicated that when everyone was seated her dad, on occasion, would seat her just before the show started. I only wish I would have taken her name as her dad is still living in the area in a nursing home. 

DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT'S MY LINE?

ICE STORMS--WHY BACK IN LAUREL YEARS AGO!

        All the TA-Do this past week about the ice-storm that struck many parts of the country, only reminded me of a weather situation when I was a teenager living south of Laurel, Iowa. I was headed from our farm going up the gravel road north and across the county road. The gravel road was icy, but, not enough to deter me from wherever I was headed and don't really re-call. It was probably a hot date. 

        Then all of a sudden just south of the Stineman farm, I encountered fog along with the ice. Somehow I got myself turned around a crawled back home. Yes, dealing with ice on gravel is one thing, but, not the combo of both! 

WHY DO YOU PLAY SCRATCH TICKETS!

      One sin that I never got into or got hooked on during my lifetime was gambling in any form. Oh, on a handful of occasions, I have played a little "black jack" here and there. Never lost more than $25 or $50 at one time. The last time I played it at a floating casino on the Mississippi River, years ago, I actually made $85 and got from the table and cashed in my chips. Had a great meal with it later at the "The Lark" in Tiffin, Iowa. I digress!

       What I don't understand is people that play these scratch tickets on a regular basis and those that really, by outward appearances, don't understand any rhyme or reason to it all. People come into the Burg Grocery and buy them and many times when asked which one just hesitate and point at one. 

       Are most people that astute to know the difference among---Cool Beans, Quick $50, Crossroad, Criss Cross Cash, Black Out Bingo, or 7.11.21. What really gets me is after a winning ticket is run through the little machine it shouts out "Yor're a Winner," even if it just $2 or $3. It should yell out "Sucker--you barely broke even!"

A GREAT JOKE FROM JOHNNY CARSON!

       Each evening I attempt t watch re-runs of old Johnny Carson shows that I dearly loved, years ago, to end my evening before going to sleep. I always said it was good to end ones day with humor and I actually began my day by reading the comic strip in the Des Moines Regiter before beginning my day.

       The joke that really got to me was one about a Mexican restaurant across the street from where Carson's show was broadcast. He first mentioned it after the subject was brought up by an audience member. He continued by saying it wasn't a bad place to eat, but, it was the only eatery he knew that had "speed bumps" going back to the rest-rooms! I'm sorry. That was funny! 

FAREWELL GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

       I was saddened my learning of the closing of the Ringling Bros. circus this past week after 140 plus years in existence. But, at the same time happy and fortunate to have seen at different times in my life at least four or five performances. 

      The one, and I have told the story here on my Blog, was the first time back in the 1950's when my uncle, Paul Laverty took several of us cousins to the"Big Top" in Des Moines, Iowa. That was when they actually performed inside a huge tent. The last one I witnessed was with my long time companion, Ilah Morey, my daughter La Risa, and three grand-daughters, Ciera, Cora, and Paige. The warm memories of those performances will always be etched in my memory. I was so lucky to have been a part of these historical "Greatest Shows on Earth!" 

THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE!

      Yesterday I went to my first household auction in over two years. It has been something that I have always enjoyed and just love the` excitement of the whole auctioning process. "SOLD!" I headed over to Belle Plaine around 10 AM for the action at Weeda Auction.

       Most of their auctions are not earth shattering in terms of quality, but, it is nearby and my philosophy has always been that one can  find a "diamond in the rough." Yesterday was no exception. 

      There were two matching table lamps with the 1950's pink floral design on the shades both in  perfect shape. It caught my eye, but, evidently no one else. Before they came up for sale.I sat there and told myself to not bid beyond a certain price no matter what. After all, I would attempt to re-sale them down the line at some point?

       It was time and here we go. "Who will give me $1.00!" I raised my hand! That was it. No one else shared my excitement. What did they all know?  Their loss, my gain. Besides, even if I keep them, which I may, or sell them, I like knowing that even if I sell them someday for $2.00, I made 100% profit. As you can tell, it doesn't take much to make me happy.

ONLY WOULD HAPPEN ON A SENIOR'S DATE NIGHT!

       I went on my first date last night for the first time in over fifteen years or so. It went extremely well and we had more in common to the point it was a little scary. But, the point of this story is about the conclusion of the evening. 

       After an early 5PM dinner, we decided to stop at the nearby Burg Grocery and shop for the upcoming "ice storm" on Sunday or Monday. In my younger days, we would have just kept going and probably would have searched out a fun and crazy "club" to dance the night away and let a stinkin' storm be damned! I kind of like the way I think now! 

MEMORIES-GOOD SMELLS & FEELINGS ON FARM!

       The other day someone brought up the memory of eating mulberries as a kid on their farm. Along with my own memory of sitting up in our two mulberry trees just north of our corn crib, other great memories fell in line. 

        While I am right there, It was such a great feeling, if not one of the best, to be walking barefoot down a dirt lane nearby after a Spring rain. And, with that sensation going on, smelling that fresh cut alfalfa or clover nearby. Those memories never go away do they?  

MORE HUMOR & WORDS OF WISDOM!

       Another lady this AM at the Burg Grocery, came up with this gem after being asked  how her day was going. Her reply-----"I'm OK as long as I don't think about it!"

HUMOR FROM INSIDE THE BURG GROCERY!

       A lady today came through the check-out lane with the following saying that came from her dad many years ago!  "I'm standing here with teeth in my mouth and hair on my head!"

GOOD OL' BOY SAYING!

      I heard this last night on late night TV somewhere. "Nuttier than a chipmunk's mouth in October!"

FROM--YOUR TWO CENTS WORTH!

       If President Obama really wants to improve his legacy after he leaves office, he should go help his friend, Rahm Emanuel, clean up inner-city Chicago.----Kathy in Ankeny

A GIRL NAMED NOVA!

      A mother came into the Burg Grocery the other day with her young cutie daughter named Nova. For me,  it is not a name you see every day, but, one I liked because it was simple and one you didn't have to have the mother repeat because you weren't sure if you heard it right like some of the names today.

        It is so simple that it really can't be shorten like Margaret to Maggie or Deborah to Deb/Debbie. She will spend very little time writing it out or having to explain that the spelling is different than the "norm." Being short it will fit with possibly her married name whether it is short or long. It's like Amy, it just is short and sweet! End of story!

KICK OFF TO FINAL DIET!

      This past week I went to my doctor for my quarterly check-up. My numbers were fairly decent, but, I could tell in talking to him at the conclusion of my visit that one major objective on my part was to get my weight down. My weight would be great if I was 6 foot seven. 

        I am not here to tell you that I will get you posted on my "hopefully" last roller coaster ride of a life-time of fighting weight. And, I do know and have always known that being over weight leads to so many other health problems. 

       I asked my doctor if I could come in for my next check-up in 3 months as an incentive to do some`thing serious about losing weight. So, after April 11, 2017, I will report back on my journey of better health, and knowing that with a continued regimen of exercise, I will make it. Hopefully, I will visit with you then on a positive note! 

REMEMBER "HAIR" SHOULDER LENGTH OR LONGER!

       If you remember the movie, the Broadway Musical, and the song "Hair" by the Cowsills in the late 1960's then like me, you are up there in age! I was so fortunate to see the musical on Broadway back in the late 1960's.

        To actually sit there and watch some very mild nudity and bad language which was so shocking to a few theater goers, that they actually got up and walked out in utter dismay! By today's standards, this play wouldn't even be rated PG-14.

        And, around that time, the hit single came out by the Cowsills. I bought just the small 45 plastic record and remember playing it over and over-"There ain't no words for the beauty, the splendor, the wonder of my hair." 

SPEAKING OF BUYING SCHOOL CLOTHES!

       Speaking of my alpaca winter coat, that was purchased from Wormhoudt's Clothing Store in Newton, Iowa back in the late 1950's-early 1960's, here is another fond memory. I do recall going with my mom prior to the start of school to purchase new school clothes. 

         When all the clothes, for me, were "piled"  on the front counter. There were pants, shirts, socks, underwear, and who knows what else. But, it was a lot of clothing for one kid. When the clerk added it all up the grand total was real close to $100.00 give or take! Wow! I remember thinking about how much money that was for all these clothes. I would hate to think how much those items would be today. And, this was no Walmart!!

SUCKER FOR A PRETTY QUILT!

       I have always had a good eye for the unusual. Plus, I must include to this story that both my grandmothers were into quilt making and I was fortunate to have inherited several beautiful ones. Some of them have their own stories for another time.

        The other day, I spotted a quilt that caught my eye in a local antique store front window while cleaning their windows. It was a Yo Yo rag quilt. The design is of  darker colors with an excellent pattern. Even if I don't know all the details of how and when it was made, I know one thing,it is cool! 

MY ALPACA COAT

        This past week, while assisting a lady out with her groceries at the Burg Grocery, the talk, of course, ended with the "weather!" I also commented about her sleek down coat she was wearing. She thanked me for the compliment and replied that it was good to have really warm winter wear that was not around many years ago. 

        Quite to the contrary I quickly responded. Most of our winter wear was, I admit, much heavier and bulky. We were usually exposed, generally, to longer spells of cold and we just bundled up with more "stuff---mittens, over-shoes, snow pants, etc. 


        One thing came to mind right away and that was the "alpaca" winter coat that I had while in high school at Laurel. My mother had bought it for me at a men's clothing store in Newton. Iowa called Wormhoudt's Clothing Store. This coat was extremely warm and was came down to knee high. Even when it started to wear around the wrists and around the front buttons, my mother simply had it re-lined in those areas. I would hate to think what a coat like that would cost today!

   

WHY "THAT PLACE" CAN'T BE 5 STAR EATERY!

       I am not being serious here! I love That Place and I have always said it has maybe THE best Prime Rib in Central Iowa. With a little tongue-in-cheek, I used to tell the waitresses that I could never consider That Place a 5 Star Eatery due to one thing--their little tin foil packages of frozen or extremely cold butter.

       When dining at a somewhat pricey bistro, one should not have to struggle with applying butter to ie: a baked potato. I will say that I have "a thing" about small packets of anything. That especially goes for those with ketchup or mustard. No one should have to struggle with applying condiments to your sandwich while eating out no matter what type of place-even a "greasy spoon!"

      

IF YOU LOVE MUSICALS THEN YOU WILL LOVE--!!!!

     I ran into something on social media the other day that brought back fond memories. It was a U Tube clip of the dance number from the Broadway musical hit from the late 1960's "Sweet Charity starring Gwen Verdon. 

       I was fortunate to have seen that musical in New York City during that time and remember it well. Two of the all time best numbers were called "Hey Big Spender" and "The Rich Man's Frug." These numbers are just remarkable and were choreographed by the famous Bob Fosse. 

       If you want to watch some amazing dance routines check these two out on U Tube. You will thoroughly enjoy them. 

ANCHOVY ON PIZZA? NO THANKS!

       Many many years ago, there was a time when pizza joints offered anchovies as a topping choice. Just to be "ornery," I would mention to someone with me that we should order a pizza with anchovies just to see the reaction I would get.

        Well, the other day I decided to make my favorite "pizza boats" for the evening meal. The "light bulb" came on to get a small can of anchovies and put them on at least a couple of slices of my favorite french bread along with the majority of pepperoni. Did I mention that I like sardines and most of those "funny" little fish in cans.

         This didn't end as planned. I was really really disappointed.  First, I think I will stick to sardines when I am looking for a snack with cheese and crackers. Second, as far as I am concerned, anchovies don't have to be concerned of becoming extinct!

DEBBIE REYNOLDS FAMOUS DANCE ROUTINE!

    If you want to watch something very amazing go to U Tube and enjoy the dance routine from "Singin in the Rain"   -----"Good Morning!"   It is unbelievable! 

WALLET W/ COIN PURSE!

       The other day a fellow pulled out his wallet at the Burg Grocery and you could tell by its worn nature it was quite old. Then he pulled out some coins or change to complete his transaction. I have to say I can't remember the last time I have ever seen a wallet with a coin purse! This type of wallet may be more rare than those little plastic coin purses with the slit?

FROM 2 CENTS WORTH!

        For all you wondering about the billionaires, President elect Trump putting in his cabinet, remember poor people don't create jobs.----Informed in 50472

WHEN BOOZE FLOWED AT KINNICK!

       I was talking to a lady prior to the Iowa Hawkeye football game in the Outback Bowl. She, like myself, had season tickets prior and during the Hayden Fry era. 

        During the time prior to Fry's era, the only reason one really went to a game was to party with lots of drinking before and during the game. It was quite easy to carry in liquor in all forms. Pints of everything stuffed in purses and pockets along with beer in small coolers and never checked by the ticket checkers. 

       And, the worst thing by today's standards, you could sit there and smoke away and no one really complained. This is one of those times when I am glad things changed. If I was caught back then with some of the stuff I smuggled in to the football games, I would still be serving time!

TIMES-THEY ARE CHANGING!~

      On New Year's Eve while dining at the Ox Yoke Inn-Amana, Iowa, I was reminded once again of a time gone by in dining style, comforting surroundings, and type of food items. The first reminder came when I was asked by the waitress if I wanted sauerkraut with my family style meal.

       The servers are instructed to ask if it is wanted as so much of it goes un-eaten. Just the "family style" is something not seen any longer at most eateries. And, my main entree was the wiener schnitzel-baby beef not the chicken. Let's face it, if we were to take a survey today, how many of us would really know what "wiener schnitzel" is? It's OK, times do change and I am glad that was a part of this great dining tradition. 

BRAGGING OR COMPLAINING!!

      Last week, prior to New Year's, a fellow came in to the Burg Grocery to purchase an array of food and drink items for a New Year's Eve Party that he was hosting for some friends. His total purchase came to a little over $400.00 including a huge slab of prime rib. 

      On the way out, he kept complaining  about the huge amount it was costing him for this party. I couldn't resist! I had to jab him a little by saying that he should be very grateful that he is able to afford such a grand party for his friends. I truly think that we sometimes complain, but, what we are really doing is bragging! I wish I had the money to complain about how much it was costing me to fly to Maui for two weeks!