LAST TIME JOGGING!!

       For years and years I have gotten up in the morning and "power walk" for at least 25-30 minutes. I have no idea how far I walk in terms of miles that I am usually asked. To me it doesn't matter. What is important is that I do it and do it on a regular basis. 

         One thing I may try to do along with my walk is a little jogging. I can't remember the last time I actually ran or jogged at any speed. Yesterday morning I gave it a try and "jogged" for a half block. This morning I just couldn't make myself to do it,but, give me time. I will. My goal is to start with that half block and work up to another 20 yards or so and keep going. Maybe it makes no difference if I can jog/run or not. It's just the fact that it is something that I still want to not just "write-off." As they say "if you don't use it you lose it." 

         As a youngster, I was a pretty good runner. Not real fast, but, pretty fair. I saw something on TV where men that were over 90 were running a competitive 100 meter race. They weren't fast, but, they were moving and giving it their best. Besides, if my old classmate and friend Tony Preston can play tennis and soft-ball, he least I can do is jog a few blocks every day!

BYE BYE DESSERTS!

       My weight lose program started on April, 12, 2017, and I am happy to report that I have lost nearly 14 pounds in that time. There have been days when that scale did not move, but, I knew if I stayed the course and stuck to smaller portions, balanced meals, and no eating after the supper hour, usually around 5:30 to 6PM, I could achieve my goal. 

         My immediate goal is to see the number "1" in front of any other numbers. At least! My biggest and most rewarding accomplishment in this endeavor has been NOT eating or having most anything after that supper/dinner hour. Yes, a couple of week-ends ago, I drove up-town and had a soft-serve vanilla ice-cream at the local Casey's!

         Even on my Estes Getaway,I did not have any dessert item during the day or in the evening. That was a challenge. And, if that sweet tooth throbs, a swig of skim milk seems to due the trick. It has been nice to not have to think in terms, through-out the day, what type of dessert or snack will I need to purchase along with my evening entree. So far so good! 

GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!

THE 101ST RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500!

JONI ERNST'S 3RD ANNUAL ROAST

      I ordered a ticket and plan on attending this affair next Saturday, 6/3/2017, in Boone, Iowa. It may be a disappointment and may be too much for this old guy, but, I thought why not! May be a chance to see a few celebs/politicians and do a little hobnobbing. I am at least hoping the food will be decent. Stay tuned!

SHEER FRIGHT UP & DOWN MY SPINE!

       Some one the other day was talking about scary moments if their life. It didn't take long  for me to relate back to one of my most chilling moments. If this one isn't the scariest, it comes in close.
        It took place in Marshalltown while I was cleaning an office at 3rd Avenue and Church Street. It was a Saturday morning and I was in the process of taking out the trash and placing it in a dumpster adjacent to the building. 

        When I opened the lid to the dumpster and detected some motion going on inside with all the trash, and, at first it didn't compute what I was witnessing. Then, a guy straightened up and proceeded to climb out and walk down the alley without saying a word. 

         I was stunned and the hair on the back of my neck did rise straight up, I'm sure. It could have been worse if he would have said--"Boo or Gotcha!" I'm sure it did take a month or two off my life! Anyway,  I never will forget that moment.
        

WHEN YOU KNOW YOU'RE OUT WEST!

      This past week-end while traveling to Estes Park, Colorado, and the Sand Hills area of western Nebraska, I knew when I had arrived "Out West." The point was Kearney, Nebraska. 

       It's been that way for many years and many trips through Nebraska and usually heading to Colorado. Kearney, Nebraska was the location of Fort Kearny and now you are greeted over I-80 the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. Plus, it is about where you are really aware of the Sand Hills, lots of cattle all around, and those scenic windmills. 

        This trip,5/20/2017, I had stopped at Kearney for a pit stop and a bite to eat. While getting back in my car from eating, I witnessed a young guy get out of his pick-up and attached horse trailer and walk into the same restaurant. He was decked out with a big black Stetson, pearl button shirt, cowboy boots complete with spurs. You could tell he was the real McCoy. Right then I knew for sure that I had arrived in the "Old West!"

HOLY MOLY!

      This past Friday someone was overheard at the Burg Grocery blurting out "Holy Moly!" I hadn't heard that expression for a number of years. Holy Cow or Holy Moses maybe, but, not the Moly!

ESTES GETAWAY/SEEING THOSE MOUNTAINS 1ST TIME!

        One thing through the years of traveling to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains is when you first see or think you see the Mountains. It used to be`a game with my kids when we would go out skiing years ago. At first, one of us would think we saw them, but, maybe it was just a cloud range. Then they would be spotted for real and it was total excitement.

         This trip was no different. Only my first spotting came from the`north and up near Cheyenne, Wyoming. That siting still caused a rush! Conversely, when leaving and looking back through my rear view mirror, I was saddened by watching those beautiful snow capped majesties fade from my view. I will return--soon!   

ESTES GETAWAY/FATE OR COINCIDENCE

       Last Saturday, 5/20/2017, on my way up to Estes Park from Loveland, Colorado, I was confronted with a big detour sign just as was ready to begin the climb up through Big Thompson Canyon via Federal highway 34. I had to go back and then south and up Federal highway 36 coming up to Estes from the south and through the scenic town of Lyons.

        Part of this story involves a tip from Scott Lothe, a long time window cleaning customer of mine in Marshalltown, Iowa and the Pastor of the Laurel United Methodist Church, which I am also still a member. Scott had mentioned before I went out about this old legendary Inn called the Baldplate Inn in Estes which also had this huge "key" collection and dynamite desserts. I didn't think too much more about it for some reason.

       When getting ready to leave Estes on Monday,5/22/2017,  something told me to go back via state highway #7 which was touted as a very scenic route. The route, again, heading to Lyons, was magnificent and in some` ways better than parts of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

        I stopped once along the way to take in the view and what do you think was just behind me. It was a sign directing  to the "Baldplate Inn!" Wow! I didn't check it out then, but, know that the next time I am out to Estes, I will be visiting the Baldplate. What are the odds?


       

ELKS @ ESTES- AFTER DINNER TREAT

       After checking in to the Inn on Fall River, I relaxed for awhile before heading for Nicky's Steakhouse just down the road. I asked the guy on duty at my Lodge about a good place to eat and especially a hamburger. He was right on. 

       This place was basically a pretty pricey steakhouse, but,  my hamburger was one of the best I have ever had in recent memory. The meat was "done" just like I like it and the bun was a very soft and lightly seeded. No big burger with too many extras. Just a plain quarter pound burger with a little onion and ketchup--the way I like it. And, the fries were curly and very good. 

      As I left the restaurant and heading back to my lodging, I was delayed for a minute or two by a couple of male Elks that  were taking their time sauntering through the restaurant's parking lot. It was a pleasant after dinner treat! 

ESTES GETAWAY/THE BIGGEST SURPRISE!

       Little did I know at the time that a detour would in the end be a blessing in disguise! I had driven through Loveland,Colorado and on my way up through Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park. There was the sign. Road Closed. After stopping and checking with a lady at a souvenir shop, I would have to back track through Loveland, go south and come in through highway 36 from Lyons.

       It was a scenic drive and a way that I had never traveled. Besides, I was not in a hurry to get anywhere at a certain time. This route, I'm sure, is how people from Boulder and Denver travel.

        When I left Monday morning, 5/22/2017, I sat and studied my handy dandy map while eating a little breakfast, Eggs Benedict, at the local Egg & I. Something told me to check out a local route #7 that was marked as a scenic drive. Yes, I was advised, it was open and very scenic. 

         It was just an older winding two lane that, I'm sure, was an original route to Estes from Denver etc. many, many years ago. My instincts were correct. This route came back through Lyons and skirted on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest. In some ways and areas it was more scenic and stunning than in the"Park" itself. It was like icing on the cake. I may take it next time going up instead of Big Thompson or visa-versa. Talk about a "sows ear into a silk purse!"

        

ESTES GETAWAY/ OFF SEASON HA!

       One reason I pick May to go to Colorado is the skiers have pretty much left and the summer crowd has not arrived yet. And, normally the rate of lodging is less. I knew from traveling through there a year ago that I wanted to stay at a lodge along the Fall River Road where the Fall River flows by, with the mountains as a back drop and the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance less than half mile away. 

      I was wrong in assuming that these lodging facilities along this area would be fairly "cheap" during May. The first two places I scoped out were in the $100 plus-- plus range. The third place, The Inn on Fall River, quoted me right $100 with king bed and deck looking right at and adjacent to Fall River. 

       Even though I thought these places along Fall River Road would be cheaper than the $100-$150 range, I soon realized that my thinking is like a lot of "older" people. It's like remembering when a candy bar was a nickel. I did settle on the third place, The Inn, as I also settled on the theory of-- "you only live once." 

       My room was absolutely clean, updated in every way, fireplace and yet the decor was a throwback to the fifties with a western flair and just plain warm and  comfy! To be able to sit on that deck and watch and listen to that mountain stream was priceless. Plus, I left my sliding glass door open slightly and enjoyed that "sound" during the night. Just the  experience of staying there in that setting will  never be forgotten! 

ESTES GETAWAY/NEVER GETS OLD!

        On Monday, 5/22/2017, I got an early start and headed back up to the Rocky Mountain National Park on Falls River Road just on the edge of Estes. Even before I could put my car into third gear on Fall River Road and heading for the Park entrance, a female Elk nonchalantly walked across the road in front of me. It was kind of a cool way to get a bright sunny day going.

        From there, I entered the Park so early that the Rangers were not at their posts yet. To witness and experience those majestic heavily snow covered  mountains on a crisp, sunny, early morning with clear blue skies was something to behold. It never gets old. And, to just stand there with binoculars viewing the shear magnitude of Long's Peak at over 14,000 feet still gives me shivers. I will be back and may just make an annual pilgrimage at least!   

ESTES PARK GETAWAY day 1

      I arrived here in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska last night and am getting ready to head out to Scotts Bluff National Monument just southwest of town. Also, drove near the Chimney Rock late yesterday afternoon. Went through the whole gamete of weather coming out yesterday from Williamsburg, Iowa.

        I went through rain, rain, rain, and more rain. Then heavy fog followed up with snow showers. Through Nebraska the temp dropped to 34 degrees from low 50's and back up to 60 degrees by the time I arrived in Scotts Bluff. 

        This morning, Sunday May 21, 2017, it is sunny, cool and hopefully the weather will co-operate today while driving to Estes. No matter the weather I just love this part of the country. Not only the Sand Hills and am so excited about viewing those Rockies. It never gets tiring!

I KNOW HOW WOMEN FEEL!

       It was a great feeling Friday that I would not be cooking again until I get make from my short week getaway to Estes Park and area. It was a good feeling knowing that I would NOT be cooking or washing a dish for the next few days. 

          I know now why women get so excited about going on a vacation. It's not the destination so much as it is knowing that a meal will not have to be planned or prepared (assuming you eat out during your vacation.) I have always said during my life-time that planning and preparing meals is one of the toughest jobs going for usually women and/or mothers! For me, though, it can be difficult, after studying a menu, making that final decision of entree choice!

          

ONION & CHOCOLATE CAKE!

       This past Friday a customer's last two items that were being checked out were a chocolate cake and a big ol' white onion. I always find that situation funny and sometimes the thought of having a piece of that chocolate cake followed up by a bite of onion makes me also "cringe!"  

DO YA' LIKE 50'S B & W SCI-FI?

        One of my favorite all time 50's, B&W, sci-fi movies, "Them," was on the Turner movie channel last night. I could watch this oldie over and over. With famous actors like James Whitmore, James Arness, Leonard Nimoy, and Fes Parker, a few big future stars that got their start on famous B movies like "Them!" 

BRING YOUR BEST DISH TO LAUREL REUNION

        This year will be the first time in many a Blue Moon that the Laurel Alumni Reunion will be hosted with a Pot Luck and not professionally catered. I am encouraging anyone attending or if you know of anyone going to bring their best. This could be the best food fest that the Reunion has had for a long time and no disrespect intended to those who have catered.

         One of my fondest memories is remembering the "Spread" at the Federated Women's Club Picnic held at the Newton Park as a kid. This picnic was an annual event put on by the above Club in Laurel that my mother belonged to. Going around the many picnic tables and looking at all the great food was a highlight. It was almost as exciting  as actually swimming in the Maytag pool after lunch!

       

TWELVE DAYS OF SNACKS-NOT!

       I have mentioned that I am on a diet and am slowly losing weight--eleven pounds so far. One important element is just eating smaller portions and that part is working out well. The key for me is to think or plan each meal out and actually look forward to having what is planned. 

        The biggest objective in this overall plan has been not to have eaten "anything" past the supper hour. I never thought I could have achieved this piece of the puzzle. I have lost count somewhat, but, do know that it has been a couple of weeks abstaining my evening ritual of snacking. Stay tuned.

IT ONLY SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY!

       Yes, it only seems like yesterday when I was going to Rock Concerts with the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, and KC and the Sunshine Band. Older people around me seemed to never had heard of these groups. Their favorites were the likes of Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk. 

         Now all of a sudden, I'm with an audience of mainly 60's and 70's, Seniors, being entertained by a group imitating "Steely Dan." And, if I was to ask around, lots of younger people never heard of Steely Dan. It did feel odd, but, yet cool that I was with all these "old" people rocking and rolling on a Saturday night!

MY MOM/MILITARY TRAINING @ HOME

        During the past week or two, I did windows for a couple of local young family's homes. One thing that I noticed was what a "mess" most all of the kids rooms were. Clothes all over the floors and especially beds that were not only not made, but, probably had not been for some time.

       I know I grew up during a different era and all that guff, but, it was hard for me to understand what I witnessed. To this day and I don't consider myself totally OCD, but, I still make my bed each morning and tidy up around the house before I get going. I have done the routine for years.

       I know it all started with my mother. First, I had to pick up my clothes and hang things up in the closet and etc. I "had" to make my bed each morning and every Saturday my room was cleaned by me. On occasion my mom, the Sergeant, would come up and inspect. If I missed a "dust bunny" under my bed, it would be pointed out. I'm not sure it all helped me in the long run, but my weird little world is neater! 
        

CAN YOU SAY BOZ SCAGGS?

       While attending the Fez- A Tribute to Steely Dan concert and while visiting with another attendee, he mentioned that during the past year he had attended a Boz Scaggs concert in the Chicago area. Boz Scaggs was one` of my favorites back in the late 1970's and actually had seen him one summer at Vet's Auditorium during that period. 

        Some of his big hits were Lowdown, Lido Shuffle, Georgia, and Harbor Lights. In some ways I wish more singers or old groups had Tribute groups around so that you could still enjoy the music at a reasonable ticket price and watch people performing that are not"older!" That is one thing that did turn me off somewhat going to the "Oldies" shows at the Iowa State Fair. It is a reminder, watching them, that I am also getting older!

DIDN'T HAVE THE SAME FEEL!

         Yesterday, Sunday May 14, 2017, I drove to Iowa City and attended an Iowa Hawkeye baseball game. I have been wanting to do it since moving to Williamsburg five years ago or so and being close-by.

        It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. On arriving and purchasing my ticket for only $7.00 general admission, I found a seat a few rows straight back from home plate. I was late getting there as I thought the game start was 2PM, but, it had started at 1 PM and was in the 3rd inning and the Hawkeyes were behind 6-2 against the Ohio Buckeyes. 

         Despite the fact that there was a good crowd of 1,000 plus, just guessing, and the fact that the whole complex was absolutely beautiful, something just didn't get me all excited. Adjacent sets the Kinnick stadium and my thoughts drifted to the football season not too far off and how I can't wait to be sitting in that stadium and all its glory.

       Maybe I'm too much in to the Chicago Cubs and the I-Cubs of Des Moines, that I can't get all gooey about the Hawkeyes baseball. At least I gave it a shot and I'm glad I did. After the 5th inning, I got up from my seat and headed to my car. Turning on the radio, I learned my Chicago Cubs were losing to the Cards 4-0! Did I mention that at least it was a beautiful sunny day! 

FUNNY BUT OH SO TRUE!

       I ran into a guy at the Fez-Tribute to Steely Dan Concert in Mount Vernon Saturday night and the subject went back to the 1970's, when this music was popular. We got talking about how smoking was allowed in bars and night clubs and just about everywhere else!

          When comment this fellow made was his remembering where he worked allowed smoking at a person's desk, but, didn't allow eating! Funny, strange by today's standards but true. Today a person is almost encouraged to eat in! Times do change.

A COOL BAND IN A COOL CITY!

    
      Last night, Saturday, May 13, 2017, I drove to Mount Vernon, Iowa, to experience and enjoy one of the best Iowa based bands in the state bar none! And, if you have not been to Mount Vernon lately or ever you need to think about it for a day destination trip. Mount Vernon is home to Cornell College and with its rolling beautiful campus setting. It has to be one of the most spectacular for a small college in the Country.

      I had the good fortune to enjoy The Fez-A Tribute To Steely Dan band, a 15 piece ensemble of great musicians from eastern Iowans. It was held at the intimate under 200 capacity theater in the 1st Street Community Center just east of he downtown area. My theater cushioned seat was in the front row for the ultimate experience. 

       This fantastic Tribute Band did the big hits like Reelin in the Years, Deacon Blues, Rikki Don't, Lose That Number, and Hey Ninteen. This 15 piece group with three female vocals gave it their all for over 2 hours with only one short break. Even if you are not a Steely Dan fan, you couldn't help but get into it with all these great talented local musicians. All this for $10!

        They will be appearing again at the Ped Mall in Iowa City July 7th, 2017. If you have never seen them, check them out in a great downtown setting. And, they are free. I haven't had this much live musical enjoyment since seeing K.C. and The Sunshine Band years ago at Terrible's in Osceola, Iowa.

SHEBOYGAN IS FUNNY!

       The other day a fellow came into the Burg Grocery with a baseball hat that read--"Sheboygan Sausage Company." It hit me kind of funny as I could hear one of the old time comedians saying it with a slight Yiddish dialect.

      Other cities around the country that have a funny twist, to me, are the following. My all time favorite is Ogallal, Nebraska followed by Paducah, Kentucky, and then Hoboken, New Jersey. What's your favorite? 

       

TWELVE DAYS UNDER MY BELT!

       I have overcome a few bad habits and addictions in my lifetime, but, the following is something I never really gave much thought as a bad habit or detrimental to my health. In twelve days or should I say nights, I have not had anything to eat after supper to snack on till going to bed. And, that includes not sneaking out to the old Frig in the middle of the night. 

          My weight is holding steady with a 10 pound loss, but, my "not eating after six" has been a big accomplishment for me. I will say that a little half hour mid-evening nap helps to shorten the evening. If I can break this habit, plus smoking and alcohol, then I will get that next ten pounds off. My goal is by the end of June. Stay tuned!

JUST LOVE YOUR MOTHER--NO MATTER!

      For some of us Mother's Day has a different meaning as our mom is no longer with us. For me, I have no bad or sad feelings as my mother lived a long, prosperous, and basically a healthy life, physically and mentally, to the end. I have nothing but warm memories this Mother's Day.

       For those of you who still have your mother, never take her for granted or get upset if all she does isn't to your liking. Years ago there was a Ann Lander's column about a lady who wrote in and was complaining about her mother repeating stories over and over. 

       Miss Lander's response was this----"Just be happy that you still have your mother around to tell her stories!"  I know my mom repeated several of her stories just like I do. I would love  to hear her tell one or two of them again  just one more time! 

BOB,-JERRY & DENNIS MEET AGAIN

       This past Tuesday, 5/16/2017, I drove to Urbandale, Iowa, and connected with longtime friend and Laurel Consolidated School classmate. We then drove down to Norwalk with a very pleasant visit with another Laurel classmate Bob Baker. Since my last visit, Bob claimed to have lost over 40 pounds and really looked great. 

       From there, Jerry and I drove back to Des Moines and attended a I-Cubs baseball game. It was a beautiful day and the I-Cubs were victorious. The only negative and I hope to never see again, was that the Memphis pitcher got hit directly in the face with a hit ball. 

SHE EVEN IRONED DORIS' DIAPERS

      You heard me right. Back in my mother's generation and prior lots of things got ironed. Do most of you even remember what an iron is or was? It was one thing to spend an entire Monday washing the clothes, bedding, and much more, but, it was another to spend the better part of a day and/or night ironing it all.

        Everything you could imagine got ironed. Shirts, pants, underwear, dresses, handkerchiefs, sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, and even diapers in our case. I am sure I have left out several items. There was a time when my mother, evidently, couldn't keep up and had a lady from Laurel, Edith Botts, iron shirts for Mom at $1.00 a shirt.

       My mom even purchased sometime in the 1950's an "Ironrite" machine that a person would sit in front of and feed in sheets, pants, and especially most flat items creating great flat creases by two big padded rollers. It saved her a lot of time, but, by today's standards, still consumed a lot of time since who irons sheets?

       It was a different time and from an appearance stand-point it was neat to see old photos and old movies where people dressed neatly and more in a formal manner. Maybe today we dress more leisurely and comfortably, but looking back I am thankful to my mom for all the work she put forward to make us look good. Still today, I take a few shirts to the Cleaners so that when going out in public, I am wearing a "pressed" shirt so as not to look like I just got out of bed with it on!

DISCOVERED NEW "OLDIE" MOVIE CHANNEL!

       The other evening while trying to switch to Fox Business Channel, I only hit two numbers instead of the normal three and landed on the Turner Movie Channel. I didn't even know I had it. 

       The old movie I landed on was from 1954---"The Creature from the Black Lagoon!" It is one of my all time favorite old, black and white, creature movies and right up there with THEM! Most all the movies are B&W and from 1930's through 1950's and 60's. More movies for Dennis--Oh Boy!

WHEN THE LIGHT BULBS COMES ON LATE!

      Have you ever had an idea and you wonder why you had not thought of it much sooner? The other day while in Marshalltown I drove past Nagle Sign Company where I had them make signs for my vehicles when I had a business there.

       Even though I don't do the volume of window cleaning in Williamsburg as I once did in Marshalltown, I always enjoy advertising, marketing challenges and ideas. So, I am having them make some magnetic signs for my vehicle for advertising. I live just off a high vehicle traffic street along with the grocery store parking area which is adjacent to a very busy street---thus portable  billboards.

      Along with other means of advertising and marketing, I hope that the results of this strategy will be positive. It will be fun just experimenting! Stay tuned. Why didn't I think of this a year or two ago?

TO A STRANGER/ SMILE & SAY HELLO!

      Just a reminder. This worked for me years ago walking through the parking lot at Hy Vee in Marshalltown, Iowa. A Black lady was coming toward me and I simply smiled and said hello to her. She turned, stopped me and thanked me for making her day as it wasn't going too well for her. Again, it falls into the category of "Better To Give Than Receive."

SERIOUSLY I SHOULD SUE!

      And you wonder why we are all getting fatter? well here is one example. It happened at the new Casey's in Marshalltown, Iowa on old highway 30, just on the south edge of town. I stopped in for a cold diet soda as I was extremely thirsty after completing my last window cleaning job and before returning home to Williamsburg. 

        Going back to the fountain soda area I looked for the smallest or medium size cup.  At the smallest size was a 32 oz. cup and three more larger sizes from there. Are you kidding me! As I have done in the past, I walked over to the coffee area and picked up a 24 oz. size cup. and then took it over and filled it with my favorite diet soda, 

      Keep in mind that even 24 oz.is larger than I need or should have, but, it's what we have become accustomed to--- Bigger and Bigger! I was even surprised that the clerk didn't what to charge. I am not sure he really did. He charged me $1.25. Seemed fair. But, for Casey's to gear you for a small "POP" to be 32 oz. seems insane to me. When will this end?

I HAVEN'T HEARD IT ALL!

       Just when you thought you heard it all or wouldn't hear a particular thing, you are dead wrong!

It was like any other day and moving along  very nicely until all of a sudden. A young lady was checking out at the Burg Grocery this past week when all of a sudden------. 

       When about half way through checking out her groceries, the young lady announced; "please put the lettuce (bagged lettuce) in a sack separately or least put it on top so it will not get smashed!" I have never heard anyone in 5 years of working as a carry-out worry about getting their lettuce CRUSHED! But, I have always said there is nothing worse than eating smashed lettuce! 

          

GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA/ BEST SMALL TOWN

       There was an article this past week put out by the Smithsonian.com of the best 20 small towns in America. On the list was one town from Iowa-Spencer and all the reasons why.

      One of mine on the list that I have visited was Grand Maraiis, Minnesota. On a trip a few years ago up the beautiful northern shore of Lake Superior. Grand Maraiis sets on the Lake and unaffected like over commercialized towns such as Galena, Illinois. It has a feel of a small town in Maine with a beautiful clear blue water bay adjacent. 

ALWAYS A MAID-RITE TO THE LAST WINDOW CUSTOMER

       While in Marshalltown yesterday, Saturday, May 6, 2017, I could obviously be found at Taylor's Maid Rite for my usual one with everything, but, this time with extra pickle. After eating I did windows for a long time customer Janet Albee. 

        Sadly, that would be the last time I would be cleaning windows for this dear lady as she was in the` process of selling her beautiful townhome and moving to an assisted living facility. Slowly it seems that my customer base is dwindling as I have not attempted to generate any new business in Marshalltown since moving to Williamsburg, Iowa.

        But, hopefully, as time moves on and even down to the last handful of customers, I will be able to come back home to Marshalltown and at least be able to stop by and enjoy my favorite lifetime sandwich. No matter how this all plays out I hope I'm the guy who is the one-----"Will The Last Person Leaving Turn Out The Lights!"

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK

      "Who is your favorite cartoon character with fleas?"   "Bugs Bunny, of course!"

SWEET CORN/NOT FROM IOWA?

       Someone at the Burg Grocery asked where the sweet corn this time of year comes from? The reply was they thought it was Georgia or Florida and the fact that it was quite good, but, not as good as our home grown to come later.

       It reminded that years ago, while attending the Corn Festival in Gladbrook, Iowa, of stopping by a stand for some tasty sweetcorn. But, being an old farm kid I knew that the time of the year that this festival was held, local corn would not have been ready. I inquired where they got their corn and the reply was Georgia. 

       I always found it somewhat amusing that in the state of Iowa a town would have a CORN Festival and have to ship it from out of state. The answer was, as I remember, that they had to import it due to starting the festival earlier in the summer as not to compete with the Iowa State Fair. The Georgia corn was pretty darn good, especially, dunked in melted butter and lots of salt and pepper! 
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HEY KIDS-YA' LIKE A GREEK SALAD?

      My biggest "claim to fame" at least in influencing a menu with a well known restaurant was the following.  Back in the 1970's and 80's there was a popular restaurant called  The Wall Street and was located near 35th Street (WDM) and University in Clive.

       Due to my love of a Greek salad from the days of Johnny's Vet's Club in West Des Moines and my art of persuasion, I was able to convince the manager of the eatery to include the Greek salad to their menu. It always made me feel good that it was a big hit. 

       If you have never had a Greek salad--lettuce of your choice, chopped onion, chopped tomato, Kalamara olives(Greek olives) Feta cheese, and vinegar and oil--then you are in for a treat. I have seen or had Greek salads in different ways, but, my favorite modification is changing the cheese to blue cheese.(Maytag if available) Give it a try!

DENNIS' DIET PLAN

      I have shifted my diet plan from a total low carb plan to a "Dennis" plan. The low carb diet, after the second week, was, should we say, getting to me since I couldn't eat some things that I really loved. 

     Don't get me wrong I have lost over 9 pounds in under three weeks and I feel good about that. For the last five evenings I have not had one thing as a snack after supper. I have never done that in my whole life. Just a couple cups of coffee. And, I have simply been planning balanced meals, but, reducing the total size of the portions.

        My plan is just a common sense approach to dieting and eating. This plan would never sell a book, but, if we all ate like I am attempting, we would put drug companies out of business. And, with the weight lose fewer bad joints, diabetes, etc.

       I won't bore you with a daily or necessarily a weekly update. Maybe a 15 or 20 reduction update. I am looking at this as a last chance attempt to get my weight down and feeling much better. At least by writing about it, I feel a little more motivated. Stay tuned! 

BREAKFAST WORTH THE PRICE!

       One of my life long passions while traveling is finding that special place to start the day. This story all started with a first morning breakfast while staying at the Surf Rider Hotel on Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.  I was staying there during an incentive trip that I had qualified for when selling real estate back in the late 1970's and 1980's. 

          That first morning I was excited and got up early and went down to the cafe in the hotel. As I recall the breakfast was quite good and comparable to our own Village Inn in West Des Moines. However, when I got the check I just about flipped out with  the amount! After glancing at the tab, I immediately looked up and glanced out the window. 

       In my view were these beautiful waves rolling toward me from the adjacent beach with clear blue skies over-head. I realized in an instant that despite` the fact that my check was a little high, that view could not be enjoyed in a booth looking out at University Avenue`and 22nd Street in good ol' WDM. No Sir!

THIS OL' WORLD IS GETTING BETTER!

       There was an article yesterday in the Des Moines Register which gives reason to be optimistic about energy usage. It has to do with the fact that the University of Iowa has been burning a a grass called Miscanthus and being grown in and around Iowa City, Iowa. 

      The University has been burning it in it's power plant to reduce its reliance on coal. The grass resembles sugar cane and burning one acre of the grass can offset four tons of coal. It can grow for over a decade without replanting. In addition to using other biomass fuels, the University hopes to cut its dependence on coal by 2025.

       So far, the venture--The Biomass Fuel Project-- has recruited about 15 growers and more than 800 acres of Miscanthus across eastern Iowa. I have always been optimistic about man's ability to change for the better.

DRAGGIN' THE LINE?

       Another old song that I have listened to for many many years has been "Draggin' The Line" by the singer Tommy James. I never knew what that line meant so I looked it up thanks to Google. When asked by Tommy James his reply was it just meant going to work and nothing more mysterious. 

          I actually thought the line was "Chugging The Line." Through the years, I wonder how many songs I thought said one thing, but, said another. Thanks to being able to google up a lot of this trivia it's like a whole new world coming into view! Maybe some of it would be best left alone though!

MY FAUX PAS OF THE DAY!

        During our life-time we have done or said something that we wish we could take back. One common one done by a lot of us is when we comment to a lady about her upcoming pregnancy! Mine today at the Burg Grocery was not quite that bad, but, right up there.

         After helping a lady out with her groceries and opening the trunk, I had to open my big mouth. It involved the round pine wreath laying on the trunk floor. I made a comment to the fact that she` must be early or a little late in her Christmas chores. 

        She responded that she was just getting around to taking it off from her late husband's grave-site.  Way to go Dennis!

REMEMBER CAT STEVENS?

        Another favorite at a changing time in my life, mid 1970's, was Cat Stevens who recorded the likes of Wild World, Peace Train, and Moon Shadow. His music was mellow and always made me feel at ease and peace. He was later remembered for converting to Islam, leaving the USA and not being able to return for a time. His music did assist me in getting through a difficult time in my life!

MUSIC TRIGGERS THOSE MEMORIES!

       One reason I love listening to oldies' music that is piped in overhead at the Burg Grocery is the good memories it triggers. One great example the other day was when a song by Chi Coltrane--"Thunder & Lightning" early 1970's was played. 

       It immediately took me to Las Vegas, Nevada at a time in those early 1970's with my wife, Sandi. That song was being played while having a "drink" at the cocktail lounge in Caesar's Palace.

       The bar area there was a replica of an old wooden ship complete with masts. It also moved side to side and depicted rolling in the ocean or water. I will never forget that feeling standing there listening to that song. Despite the fact that we were divorced later, it still triggers a very good and warm memory!