CLEAN DESK/NOTHING WRONG W/THAT

          Yesterday in the Des Moines Register and the 2 CENTS column was a remark about the advantage of having a cluttered and dis-organized desk is that each day there are new discoveries and surprises to be made.

        I always was one of those that kept a neat desk. I won't even tell you who was responsible for that habit. While selling real-estate, I always kept files in an orderly manner and when talking to a customer on the phone would only have that file out. 

           Some would come in my office and asked if I was even working that day, since everything was pretty much put away. On the flip side of that, Jan Rowley, a very good friend and associate's desk and entire office looked like a tornado had whipped through. How she found things I will never know. But, she was always a top producer. I will always wonder how well she would have done if she could have found things sooner?  

MY MOTHER USED TO SAY!

          Someone I ran into lately mentioned that her husband,with years of retirement behind him has never really had a hobby, no fishing or hunting, or no toys like a boat or even an ATV of any kind. 

          As he farmed when younger his only interest seems to be still in CORN. Reads about corn, listens to crop reports, and gets together with others to talk about the subject. I guess it also applies to just the love of corn and retirement. My mother used to say "Even if you want to be a ditch digger, be the best ditch digger you can be!"

A PRETTY FIRST NAME!?

         The past two days, I cleaned windows for a lady whose first name is Loy. As I was not sure that I had ever heard that name, I asked her about its origin. Her parents were big fans of an old time actress by the name of Myrna Loy who was a popular actress during the first half of the 20th Century. Simple, easy to spell and pronounce. I liked it!

IN THE NEWS-PAPADOPOULOS!

      In the last couple of days, we have been hearing about a guy with the name of Papadopulous has been in the news relating to the Mueller investigation on the Russian/Election narrative! I really think the only reason all these commentators on all the cable news networks are keeping the story on him alive is they just like saying PA-PA-DOP-OU-LOS! GEORGE PA-PA-DOP-OU-LOS!
        

HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL/COULD'VE SHOT HORSE!

     A few of you may remember the TV western "Have Gun Will Travel." It was about a gunslinger named Paladin and played by Richard Boone. In one re-run I caught on TV this AM also featured a bad guy played by Charles Bronson in his younger career.

       There was a shoot-out at the end between Paladin and Bronson. They were careful to make sure the door was closed and that the family inside knew not to come out and get hit. However, right behind Paladin stood two horses hitched up to a rail. Paladin killed Bronson and Paladin was only grazed in the shoulder. 

        I don't know why I notice stuff like the two horses right behind Paladin, but, in most Westerns horses don't get killed even in the big chase scenes. Maybe later they did , but, it was like some kind of code. Ya don't kill women, children, dogs, and especially horses even if they are in the line of fire!

AFRAID OF FALLING?

      A young man from our local orthopedic and sports specialists--Total Rehab-- came to our Kiwanis noon luncheon for a talk. His subject was mainly about techniques in keeping your balance and other  related subject matter.

        He passed out a pamphlet which dealt with the affects of balance and a list entitled "Fall Risk Test." Some of the test categories were if----Fallen in the Past, Use of a cane or walker, use of furniture to steady oneself--and one I focused on was --"WORRY ABOUT FALLING!"

        Hello! When you get a certain age and after several of your friends and relatives have fallen, a lot, you start to dwell on falling about every moment you take a step. I can't tell you how slowly and how tightly I hang on to whatever will keep be upright while getting out of my shower/tub.

        I hold on much tighter to the handrail going downstairs and when cleaning windows or inside I am constantly focused on not stepping or tripping over something. I have thought that maybe I should design a new type of lightweight helmet to wear around just in case I fall at least I won't break my CROWN!

     One of the items on the Fall Risk Test was if you feel sad or depressed. Let me tell you. If I fall and don't give almost 24/7 attention to it, I will definitely go into depression or most certainly will be very sad! 

TABOO, BUT, LOVELY EVENING!

       With the passing of Fats Domino this past week, it brought some memories of times past involving R&R moments. One that came to mind also had a lesson in life of sorts. 

       When I was a teenager back in the early 1960's, somehow I met a young girl from Marshalltown, Iowa and I asked her to attend a rock concert that was held at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa. 

       My young dark haired date's name was Maria and she attended St. Mary's High School and at the time lived on west Lincoln Way. I don't recall how we came to know one another as I was from Laurel and a Methodist kid and she a Catholic and attending a private high-school.

        It didn't matter. She was a lovely and well mannered young lady and we had a wonderful time driving all the way down to the big city and witnessing the likes of Joey Dee and the Starliter's who was big during the Twist era and recorded and made famous the song "Peppermint Twist.

       I don't believe I ever went out with Maria again, but, it was a magical evening and one that I will cherish always.   

ALMOST DIDN'T RECOGNIZE HER!

      Last night I was watching an old re-run episode of Jerry Seinfeld from 1995 entitled "Hello Kiss." It was about Kramer posting names and faces on a bulletin board in their apartment,  so everyone can get to know each other better. 

        One of the tenants, Mary, had a bit part in the lobby and I knew I recognized her from some TV show, but, just couldn't put my finger on it. I finally checked out the cast for that episode and discovered her stage name was Rondi Reed and did remember her from the Mike and Molly sit-com a while back and she played the very funny Mike's mother. 

          It's one of those fun little trivia things to watch a certain TV or Movie star from one of their earlier parts and then try to match them to another movie or show, especially from some of the lessor known actors or actresses.

MAKING MY BED EVERY MORNING!

      After my sister, Deborah, posted a "List about questions on random facts about yourself--" One of the questions was "Do you make your bed every day?" That hit home. I have almost always throughout my lifetime made my bed each morning and with some neatness. 

       I haven't checked with a Shrink to see if that makes me a threat to mankind, but, I know I think, quite easily, why I perform this daily ritual. I blame it on my mother. Isn't that what we do good or bad.  

       Along with making my bed each morning as a kid, I also had to clean my room, and well, each Saturday morning period. The only time I recall when it didn't get made was while living in Marshalltown  in the late 1990's and I had overslept and was running late for work. One of my employees was hurrying me to get going and for a few seconds I had to make that decision. Make or not to make! I just slammed the bedroom door shut and got going!

MY PERSONAL FATS DOMINO STORY!

       It was in the early 1970's and my wife, Sandi, were in Las Vegas and Fats Domino was performing at the old Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Somehow, I was able to get a table next to the stage just off center. In those days, you just gave the guy seating you a little "extra" grease and you could get a good table. 

       After he was introduced, he would come out pushing his piano while playing. To me that took talent to push the piano with his stomach, play, walk and sing. During the first set, the lady at the table adjoining ours introduced herself as Fats' girlfriend. Her name was Rene Baker.

      She asked me  after the first set if we would like to meet him. During intermission, we went out to the lobby and waited for Fats to come out. No Fats. The third and last show he never showed either. They announced he had a sore throat. I learned later on reading stories about him that he "did" drugs and maybe had gotten high or who knows. 

       It still was a night to remember. I also read years later that when the "mob" controlled a lot of the Casinos in Las Vegas, they would get entertainers, like Fats, in rigged poker games and cheat them out of their earnings! 

I COULD HAVE KISSED HER!

      Yesterday I did some window cleaning for a Senior couple just outside of Williamsburg, Iowa. The lady of the house and I engaged into some conversation involving Medicare? Keeping in mind the lady is nearly three years older than me. 

       All of a sudden she said something like---"You wouldn't know about Medicare yet!" No, she was not a blind lady and I don't think she was hitting on me as she seemed very happily married with her husband who was nearby!  No matter! It was one of the nicest things anyone has said to me in a Blue Moon or Two!

REMEMBER-KOOKIE KOOKIE LEND ME YOUR COMB?

   Today while in line this noon for the local Kawanis luncheon someone grabbed a cookie for dessert and started singing the old song from the early 1960's TV show Route 66. There was a character on it played by Ed Byrnes and the song become a big hit with Connie Stevens. 

       The premise of the show was about two guys traveling along the old famous Route 66 across America. I'm sure a lot of young teenagers during that time gave thought to getting in their car with a buddy and heading out on at least a summer adventure on Route 66. My old classmate Tracy Miiller and I did give it a fleeting thought. No guts! No glory!     

"I'M WALKING --YES INDEED!"

     This morning when I was out for my morning power walk, I thought I was moving along at a pretty good pace for a 73 year old. All of a sudden I could hear these foot steps quickly approaching me from behind.

        Pretty soon a pair of high school guys hoofed briskly around me. My ego was hurt a little as I always thought I was walking at a fairly rapid stride. Ha! Oh well. I'm going to just believe that they were late for class and I wasn't slow,  they were walking faster than normal. Ya, that's it!!

        

"AIN'T THAT A SHAME"-FATS HAS DIED!

      This is just a simple tribute to my all time favorite R&R performer. Fats Domino was my earliest favorite 50's pioneer of the new sensation. I still have most all his hits on old 45's and was privileged to have seen Fats perform at the Flamingo in Las Vegas back in the late 1960's for three consecutive performances in one evening. Rest well "Fat Man!" 

GETTING FORGETFUL? MAYBE/MAYBE NOT!

       This past Saturday evening a good friend and I drove to Grinnell to dine at one of the most popular eateries in the area, Pagliai's. I had just been there the previous week-end with my sister, Doris, but, to be truthful I had to go back and retrieve my coat that I left there.

      On the way over to Grinnell from Williamsburg, she asked me if we could stop at Wallmart's in Grinnell for some item she needed. I mentioned that I too wanted to stop after we ate to purchase some gasoline as it was usually cheaper there in Grinnell.  

         You guessed it! Neither one of us remembered what we wanted to do after leaving the restaurant. Our only excuse was that since we hadn't been out together for some time, we just got talking(and talking) and forgot. I suggested maybe next time we write things down on a note-pad and post it somehow on the car dash! 

BAD SPORTS WEEK-END-HOWEVER!

       I never thought I would get over three sports losses of favorite teams so easily. This past week my Chicago Cubs got knocked out of the World Series race by the Dodgers, my Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Northwestern, and the Williamsburg Raiders were defeated by Mt. Vernon.

       But, what made life worth continuing was a trip to Pagliai's in Grinnell, Iowa for some great Italian food. In this instance it was Cavatelli, one of my favorites. Nothing beats a few sports losses like some really good dining at a favorite eatery.  

MAY BE MY FAVORITE FRUIT!

       It seems in the past, I have gone through the canned fruit isle at the the grocery store and purchased a 30 oz. can of whole purple plums in, yes, heavy syrup. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a can and thoroughly enjoyed.

       Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all kinds of fresh fruit in season like Missouri and Colorado peaches. The plum thing goes way back to when I was a kid and my mother would buy them on occasion.

          I have finally decided that the "Plum" in that heavy syrup is my favorite fruit and in that form is my favorite fruit if I could only have one choice the rest of my life.  No more waiting till a "Blue Moon" next time.  

YUMMY WEEK-END-TRIFECTA!

       Sometimes good things will happen even without really trying.This week-end I stayed at my sister Doris' home for a week-end visit. We started out by a Saturday night pizza at Pagliai's in Grinnell, Iowa and considered one of the best Italian eateries in the region.  

         Sunday morning we attended Church services at the United Methodist Church in our hometown of Laurel. Afterward, we had cake and "home-made" ice-cream. Then later that afternoon, my sister made dinner that was of home-made goodies that should have been spread out on a picnic table at some local park! It's the little things---! 

@ THE MAID-RITE-NO VEGGIES!

     I asked the same lady who remembered my mom, if she had a story about a complaint or disgruntled patron. At first she said that no one ever complained about famous Taylor's Maid-Rites.

       Then she remembered about a guy who came in and ordered one "without veggies." The waitress asked him if he wanted just mustard, pickles, and onion. He repeated that he didn't want vegetables on it. She repeated the question, again, only included onion and mustard. He repeated his reply. 

       At that point I could see Curly of the Three Stooges, slapping his face in frustration. Wrongly, the employee asked---"Do want just mustard or is that considered a vegetable?" Then the customer accused her of being a "Smart A-- and walked out! It's amazing what you learn when you just ask! 

@ THE MAID-RITE FAMILY STORY UNTOLD

        A lady, who has worked at Taylor's Maid-Rite for many years, reminded me this past Monday (10/16/2017) of a story about my own mother going there and was never known or told until my mom passed away in 2003. It was simply about my mom coming in to Taylor's, usually after the noon rush was over and engaged this employee into a game of "Pepper."

          I never heard my mom talk about her friendly game, but, I'm sure she would stop in after her weekly appointment at her hair-dressers. Maybe she would eat a sandwich and a piece of pie, then hang around for the "Game!" How and why she got into the card game will have to wait until the next time I'm in Marshalltown in another week or so!

LAWYER OR SPORTS BROADCASTER?

      My youngest grandson has always been full of surprises. One that I always found interesting was when he was just a little boy. Somehow the conversation got around to-- "What do want to be when you grow up little boy?"

        He thought about it for a few seconds and replied--"I think I would like to be a lawyer or a sports broadcaster!" Today, at least he is in college with intentions of becoming a lawyer. Could be our first-stay tuned!

AMERICANA SCENE IN COLORADO

        A few weeks ago, I experienced a breath-taking trip through Colorado. Of all the scenic views I experienced, one I wish I could have shot if I would had with good camera was seen from highway #50 heading back east from Gunnison to Pueblo, Colorado.

       It was, I assumed a father and son working on a fence in a pasture area. Here sits the pick-up along side and then both men complete with cowboy hats, pearl button shirts, jeans, and, of course, cowboy boots. The dad was observing while the son was applying an old fashion cast iron round post hole driver to a metal fence post. I'll never forget that image. That is America! 

SURPRISED AT THE COUNT!

       This past Thursday, 10/12/2017, I gave a talk at the Kiwanis noon luncheon. It was my usual pitch to encourage my audience to write personal and family related  short stories. At the start I asked the gathering of twenty members to raise their hand if they had written any type of story. 

       I was somewhat surprised. Four members raised their hands and I hope at the next meeting to ask at least a couple of them what type of stories or accounts they have put together. I am glad I am not a betting man. I would have guessed, with the majority being men by 19 to one, that maybe only one or two would have responded. Maybe, there is hope!  

DISCOVERING SCENIC BEAUTY CLOSE TO HOME!

     Late yesterday afternoon, I received a call from a lady who wanted windows cleaned and lived just north of Upper Amana. I f you don't know there are several little villages or towns that make up the Amana Colonies. 

       Through all the years and even living in Williamsburg, I have never driven to or through Upper Amana and to get there I drove first through West Amana. Upper Amana is just east of West Amana and  is very picturesque with several of the old stone homes. 

      From the north edge of town I followed T Avenue and followed the winding road that in a deep forested area on both sides for a few miles. It was quite beautiful and an area I had never viewed or been. I'm not sure who owns all this forest land, but, makes no difference beauty is beauty and I'm glad of the discovery. 

BRING THE MARKET TO YOU!

     This past week, I placed an want ad with our local "advertising paper" attempting to see if anyone is looking for help, at least,  for the Holiday Season. I know I can go around and apply here and there, but, I thought I would give it a shot by bringing the market to me!

         My best success at that concept was during the New Year's of the millennium-2000. I was living in Marshalltown, Iowa at the time and was invited to this Gala event(Governor's Ball) in Des Moines, Iowa and it was Black Tie. 

 Since, I didn't own a tuxedo, I had a problem. I placed an ad in the local Pennysaver wanting to buy a tuxedo, size, etc. I received just one phone call from a fellow out on old highway 30. His was exactly my size(at the time) with two ties, cumber-bun, shirt, cuff-links, and even black Patent Leather shoes that fit perfectly.

       I never wore the outfit again, but, the price I paid was still less than renting! My advice. If you are looking for something try bringing the market to you! 

THIS GROCERY STORE--TOO BIG FOR ME!

         This past Sunday, after my movie at the Coralville Mall, I stopped at the nearby Hy-Vee for a couple of things before heading home. It was good for me to stop there as it made me know that I probably won't do it again!

       I used to shop the Hy-Vee store years ago when living in Marshalltown, Iowa. That store doesn't compare in size and the variety of food stuff. It was for me almost overwhelming. If I were to shop there I could walk through the isles and get in more miles than my morning power walk.

       While trying to watch my weight and my budget, this isn't the place for me. Although it would be good to walk through from time to time just to keep abreast of new products and all the "La-De-Da" products out there, but, leaving my wallet in the car!

         I will stick to the smaller grocery store's closer to the Burg. Besides, I have enough eating ideas up in my own "cook book brain," ideas posted on Facebook, and  my menu idea crib sheet posted on the side of my Refrigerator!

HOW DO THEY WORK FROM HOME?

     My nephew, Chris, works much of the time in his home and in computer work which I don't attempt to understand. I have a difficult time enough comprehending making a very good living and do it by just working out of  the house, especially with three young children. I don't think I could stay that focused on my work.

     Of course, it did remind me of a story and someone who couldn't take working at home for very long. The guy I knew several years ago was a fellow realtor-broker. This was back in the 70's-80's when most everyone worked out of an office and not at home. Plus, no one had computers.

           Since he operated as a one man show, he decided to cut his over- head and just office from home. His story goes that soon he was getting up staying in his pajamas and catching a little earl morning TV. Before long he was watching a little more TV and doing things around the house that took his focus away from his work tasks.

         I'm not sure how long it took him, but, eventually he rented one of these shared receptionist offices. His comment, and I remember this distinctly, was to get up, put on his "uniform"--suit and tie, and go somewhere and work at his chosen profession. 

        I've talked to fellow realtors that I worked with years ago and even back in the late 1990's and early 2000's, the whole atmosphere of real estate offices with isolated cubicles, and computers had changed. Many people were working out of the`their homes. I guess I worked at a time when everything was open in the office and agents were a closer involved group in so many ways.

        

THOSE TWILIGHT HOURS & STRANGE THOUGHTS!

      I know I'm not the only one that wakes up in those wee hours with thoughts that are strange, sad, happy, or inspirational. The one last night for me was my usual--food! At about 4AM and in bed, a DINNER ROLL was calling me. 

      You would at least think that a whole meal would pop up, not just a little bread. I don't plan on making any from scratch mind you, but, do plan on stopping off after my Sunday morning movie in Coralville, Iowa and purchasing a bag of those yummy frozen ones that I have had. 

        At this point I don't have a real clue which way I'm headed for the Sunday main meal, but, one thing is for sure--a hot, steamy, and dripping with melted butter dinner roll or two is definitely in the cards!
       

WHY DOES BACON HAVE TO BE NEAT & FLAT?

        Why do we have to have our bacon cooked in a neat and flat way? A few years ago I gave thought to purchasing a Bacon Press so that my bacon would really be nice and flat!

      Somewhere along the way, and maybe it was when I bought some cheap bacon and had difficulty pulling it neatly apart, I gave up. Now, I just pull it apart and normally cut the bacon in half, then just put it in my 12" cast iron frying pan and just keep turning it over and over until fairly crispy.  

     If it is all curled up who cares. Maybe, I'm just lazy. I just take a few curled up pieces and lay it on my BLT or if I'm having it along with my scrambled eggs or pancakes, I just lay a "bunch" of bacon "curls" along side and feast away! It's the taste that's important!
     
     

WHEN WOMEN WORE "TOO MUCH" PERFUME!

      About a ten days ago, I met a group of old cronies from my days of roaming the western suburbs of Des Moines in the 1970's and 80's. One of the fellows that was in attendance had an ex-wife named "Betty" for this story and was very lovely except for one very bad habit. 

         She wore way too much perfume. Back then most women wore perfume and some wore more than others and lots of men also wore cologne including yours truly. No matter where you were,  and that generally was in a crowded  bar back then, you knew "Betty" was somewhere around just from that overwhelming aroma!

       The standard joke` was that if you were to have an affair with "Betty" and after your rendezvous  and heading home to your wife, you would have to throw all your clothes out the window and explain why you were coming home naked or stop at a friend's house and bath and borrow some new clothes!  

            

YES, HE COULD SELL ICE-CUBES TO--!

      My old friend, Bob, Merritt, was one of those guys who could "sell the shirt right off your back." It was a natural salesman. He could sell anything to anybody at any time and right on the spot give you a "pitch" that was very hard to turn down. 

         When I first knew Bob, we got together with another "wild and crazy guy," Doug Tamasi, and decided to throw a really big party at a park in Urbandale. The three of us chipped in a certain amount of money to get it going then sold tickets to anyone we could convince to come.

       It was a big Pig Roast with all the trimmings, all the beer you drink, a musician, and a disc jockey for dancing. One important fact was we ran out of beer by mid-night and the party was then pretty much over. Too many people got in for free somehow. 

       I digress. One night just after we had the tickets printed, we had met at Jesse's Embers on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines for an evening dinner. When through eating Merritt just got from the table and announced it was time to go to work.

 He just walked over to an adjoining table and told a guy what he was selling(the party) and how many tickets he would like "SIX or EIGHT!" I think the guy ended up buying just two, but, that was Bob-fearless and forward! That party was remembered in west side of Des Moines for a long time!  

INTERESTING FOLLOW UP TO PROFESSOR STORY

       I never ran into Professor Nelson again after college until one night in the late 1990's in Des Moines. I was with a friend and attending a meeting and had a chance to visit with Professor Nelson after the meeting and tell him how much I always enjoyed his classes at Drake.

        He shared with us that he had become  an advocate in attempting to rid ATM machines inside gambling casino's around the state. He personally had lost a lot of money in his life gambling and blamed some of it on being able to retrieve  additional money while gambling via ATM machines located inside of casino's. I don't believe he was successful, but, I'm sure he gave it a good shot!

A GREAT BUMPER STICKER

       Yesterday afternoon I drove over to Belle Plaine to attend a "All you could eat" fish and shrimp dinner at the American Legion. I enjoy attending these small town dinner fund raisers. In this case I was hoping the fish to maybe be yummy and special.

         Not this time. The baked potato and coleslaw were good and it was a good value as I did request an additional piece of fish.  As I have gotten older, I seem to appreciate more what our military and Vets have done for our country.

       When leaving the parking lot in front of the Belle Plaine Legion Post, I observed the following bumper sticker. "Freedom is a gift from our military!"

       

I'LL BE POWER LOAFING TODAY!

         I always make a point of telling people that each morning I go for my power walk! I do try to walk a little faster than normal and move right along for 20-25 minutes. At least it gets things moving through-out the old system. 

         Along with the above the`theme, I read my favorite comic strip, Pickles,  in the Des Moines Register this morning. The grandson asked his Grandpa what he was doing just sitting on the couch. The response was "What does it look like I'm doing?" "Sitting on the couch watching T.V. "Wrong-I'm Power Loafing!"  On this rainy day that is what I'll be doing. Power loafing! Go Hawks! Go Cubs!

CHURCH CAMP CRUSH--OH DIANNE

       It took me over a good week to get over this church camp romance! It was the late 1950's and the scene was the Methodist Church Camp on the south shore of Clear Lake, Iowa. Looking way back at the time and experience it very special. 

         Kids came to this camp in the summer from all over a wide circle of Iowa. In this particular summer, I met a thin, pretty, brown hair cutie pie from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I know somewhere in my archives of old photos, she is still with me. Her name was Dianne.

         You would have thought that week would never end with the magic of being a part of the camp and lake-side experience. But, like all good things and before I knew it I was back home south of Laurel, Iowa. At the time it seemed devastating and when we parted promised to always stay in touch. Maybe one letter! No phone calls that I recall. Just a long week of a broken heart! Somehow life went on!

AH PUPPY LOVE!

       One fond memory of those Junior High days at Laurel Consolidated School was my first cute Pixie hairstye/with bangs girlfriend Billie Moxley. I don't believe it lasted long, however, the most important thing was that I gave her one of those Genuine gold plated His and Hers Love Couple Necklaces with each person carrying half a jagged edged heart. I guess that made us going steady or really committed! Those were the days my friend----!

POLITICALLY CORRECT!

       This morning I saw a cartoon, Cornered, in the Des Moines Register that was very timely for reasons that will stay unknown.

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"It's also politically incorrect to point out how politically incorrect someone else is." 

FASCINATING COLLEGE PROFESSOR/COURSE

     One of my favorite and informative course that I took while attending Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, back in the mid 1960's was an American History course. Keep in mind my major was business and most courses, I have to admit, were somewhat dry and a little boring.

        In my Senior year a good friend and I decided to throw in a history course to help pad our grade point a little. The idea back fired somewhat. First, the course` was for those in post graduate work in history. But, it turned out to be a fascinating class about the migration of the pioneers across our country.

        Professor Nelson made the course very interesting and despite it's course level, each class was one to look forward to. I'm happy to say I received a B + in the course and, a good lesson in life. On occasion, try something outside your comfort zone. You might like it! 

        

SWIMMING POOL GAME A BIG HIT!

        One game that I actually invented and involved just my grand-kids was a swimming pool game. Quite frequently, when my crew would visit my home in Marshalltown, when they were little, we would all pack up and drive out to the Amercinn Motel on old highway 30 on the south edge of town.

         For about $3.00 each person, they would allow to come in and use their swimming pool. It wa a great value and entertainment source with kids. You could spend 2 or 3 hours and not have to ever buy them anything like popcorn or a beverage. It was just play, play, and play some more.

         One game that I came up with was v called the "Buckin' Bronco!" One of the kids could get on my back and pretend to put a quarter in the back of my neck. Then I would slowly twist and turn and try to get them off me. No one ever got hurt and sometimes it was difficult to get them off unless the Bronco decided it could do a little "tickling!"

       Obviously, as the kids got older the game became less popular as the old Bronco could not twist quite as easily. It was a great game for awhile along with the "Shark" game when I would start making the sound from the movie "Jaws" and try to catch the fleeing and giggling kid! Fun times!

SHE DID WHAT?

      This noon when arriving at the weekly Kiwanis luncheon/meeting, I engaged into a conversation with a fellow member about setting up  for the meeting.  Somehow that evolved to cleaning and our mothers cleaned and worked very hard on the family farm. 

        This member mentioned that he knew of someone, who had passed away, who would actually "scrub by hand" the attic of their home. Now that is cleaning. My own mother only purchased this red oily cleaning compound that we simply spread around the attic floor and basement and then swept it up. No scrubbing. Now that is cleaning!

DENISE/ SATURDAY NITE DANCE

     During my junior high time at Laurel and for a period of time, I got to know, through a  mutual church youth group, a girl named Denise. Since I was too young to drive my older sister, Doris, would drive me to nearby Gilman where Denise lived.

        One thing to do on a Saturday night in Gilman was attend an outdoor dance uptown in an enclosed fenced area with a stage at one end and a dance floor that was just the concrete floor of the area.

       Generally, the band played "old fashion big band type music" that wasn't really a youth's style in the early R&R period of the late 1950's. But, it was music and you made the best of it and danced the best you could along with all the adults. Once in a while the small band would play something to your liking, but, that was a rarity. 

         It seemed like their breaks between playing lasted forever despite that "they would be right back shortly!"  For a small town, it was entertainment and better than just wondering around aimlessly!  

MY GRANDMA SMITH-COULD SHE HEAR?

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        I loved visiting my Grandma Smith when she was in the nursing home, Southridge in Marshalltown, Iowa, except for one thing, she refused to wear hearing aides. So while visiting her it seemed that one was constantly shouting or at least talking loudly and up close to her. 

          What always seemed funny, on occasion, was as you were leaving and walking out her room's door was the following. You might be speaking to someone and very softly and then Grandma would respond to your comment from across the room.  Was she faking? I'll never know, but, it was kind of funny!

COMEDIAN THOUGHT I WAS FUNNY!

     My main hang-out when I was single back in the late 1970's was the Cabaret Lounge tucked away at the rear of a small strip mall off University Blvd. in Clive, Iowa. One individual I got to know fairly well was a fellow from Boone, Iowa, a salesman of sorts and a week-end semi-professional comedian who did stand-up and places like Holiday Inns.

       He was a funny guy and he could make you laugh by almost just looking at his then face. He was of Irish descent and we made a week night cock-tail sessions of laughter at one of the front tables.

        One thing that always made me feel good was that I could make him laugh and laugh a lot. It just made me feel good to know that I could make a comedian laugh and he thought I was funny! For the life of me I cannot remember his name, but, I can still see his face of laughter!

THOSE PAUL NEWMAN EYES!

      When my son, Darrin Michael, was born and was just a little boy he was in his father's eyes a very handsome/cute son. One story I have told many many times through the years was of his eyes and hair color. 

        Besides being just a cute kid, he had those steel blue eyes or as they called them at the time--"Paul Newman" eyes. Newman was an actor at the time who had those blue eyes that you could almost see through into his soul. Darrin also had the thickest auburn color hair. What a combination! 

        When he was little, I always thought if that combination held to at least he became a young man, he would absolutely be a "Lady Killer!" Needless to say his eyes turned to a hazel and his hair turned into a somewhat light brown. Don't get me wrong he was and still is a very handsome guy, but, just for awhile I thought I was going to be carrying around a baseball bat to "beat them away!" It could have been exciting!

UP CLOSE TO MOVIE STAR!

      It was the year around 2000, and I,  along with a companion,were returning from the New Orleans Jazz Festival. We were attempting to make alternative flight plans at the New Orleans Airport as we had missed a flight back to Kansas City where our flight had originated.

         At mid-morning the traffic of people was light at the terminal and we were waiting to talk to the next personnel at a flight counter. A young and very attractive lady was the only person ahead of us in line. I was almost positive that it was none other than the movie star,Halle Berry that stood just a few short two or three feet  from me. She stood there dressed in just a simple white T-shirt and straight jeans. She had no entourage or companion.

      When the airline employee referred to her as Miss Halle I knew. I said nothing nor did my companion. I assume she was there for the Jazz Festival-I will never know. That was and will be the closest I will ever come to a big time movie star and a very pretty one at that!

"THEY GAVE HER OLD LADIES NAME!"

       My sister Deborah just became a grand-mother for the fourth time and the beautiful baby girl's name is Elena Christine Arges. I am not sure if Elena is an old name but the more you say it the more you have to like it. And, Christine I also like because my daughter LaRisa's middle name is Christine after her grandma Fisher. 

         And, speaking of these "older" names, I really cringed when my son, years ago, called me to let me know they had a baby girl and they named her Cora! All I could think of was a couple of "old" ladies when growing up with that name.

      But, very quickly I pictured this little precious black haired beauty. Then when I started thinking and repeating the name and associating it with this little cuttie, it quickly grew on me. In addition, it would be easy for her to spell and pronounce. She couldn't be anything but CORA! I am glad they didn't call her Gertrude or Mabel!

A COLLEGE PROFESSOR YOU WON'T BELIEVE!

       He was a Drake University, College of Business professor, and to say the least one weird guy. He was there when I attended Drake in the mid 1960's. The one course I took from him was just a general business course and like most business courses somewhat boring.

     His name was Miller and every day he would tell some outlandish story. According to him he had almost done everything in life including the Merchant Marines! Before classes, we(other fellow students) would discuss that by all the jobs he had done in his lifetime he would have to be well over 100 years of age.

       He always gave essay type tests and therefore could be very subjective in grading on his part. By the end of the first quarter I only received a C plus. I felt I was doing much better and was grasping the subject matter than the test results indicated. So, one day I went in to his office to discuss my concern with the professor.

          After pleading my case with him he simply sat there, puffing on his pipe, and simply asked me to take some books for him back to the Library which I did. My final grade was a "B!" True story! Thank goodness all he asked of me was to take those books back!  

BOB,JERRY, & DENNIS/BIG CRYBABIES!

       It is a amazing that three guys that started out in kindergarten are still pretty close. Jerry Roberts, Bob Baker and myself started out at Laurel Consolidated School and went all the way through and graduated together in 1962.

       One memory I have of at least Bob and myself for sure was crying our eyes out that first day in kindergarten. I know for myself that I did not get on that bus the first day. My mother had to haul my body to Laurel that historic day. What a start!

NO BIG DEAL-5 MARRIAGES!

       It was the late 1970's and a good friend, Doug Hobbs, was getting married on this particular day. Most of the guys in the wedding party were preparing to drive/take an old 1930's auto from my home on 1806 Rio Valley Drive in Clive over to the church in nearby West Des Moines.

      Pretty soon a nearby neighbor walked over to us and asked what was going on. We told him that a friend was getting married and that it was his third. This guy very nonchalantly mentioned that three was no big deal as he was on his FIFTH! End of story.  

MY STEP-DAD/MAN OF FEW WORDS!

       My step-dad, Maurice Korte, was absolutely a man of few words. Just one who spoke little, but, when he did it seemed like you should listen! One of the few things that I really remembered and  that he talked about and passed along to me was the following.

      At one time he asked the question. How is the date of Easter determined? Keeping in mind that most all major Holidays have a set date with the exception of Easter. As a kid, I always remember someone just saying that Easter would be early or late that year. 

         The answer from my step-dad went something like---" Easter is held on the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon occurring on or after the Equinox-March 21st."Up until the time he brought that up I never knew and it always stuck with me and I never forgot it.

        Around the Easter Holiday I would ask anyone who would listen and I think through a two or three decades of asking the question only two or possibly three people knew the answer. Generally, the response or answer had to be found in the Bible and some` knew that it had something to do with a full moon. I just wish that somehow I could make it into some kind of wager! I would be a rich man. But, I'm glad I listened! 

       

GRAND-DAUGHTER CIERA & THAT GIGGLE!

       I used to play a game when swinging my grand-kids when I was a lot younger. I would get behind them on a swing at a park for instance, and would push them for a while. Then, I would mention that I was getting tired and walk in front of them just far enough that I would let them push me from behind on my back or rear-end. 

     I would stumble and act like they hurt me and say something like "Hey" and then act like I was scolding them--and then do it all over again. I have to admit that Ciera Madison, my grand-daughter would scream out the cutest squeal and giggle. It just made you want to do that routine over and over. Nothing beats a small child's laughter especially when  it is one of your own!

TOM PETTY SALUTE

       Words from Tom Petty that I always have tried to live by: "I WON'T BACK DOWN!" Thank you for all your great music.

FRIEND DON SHAPED MY SOCIAL INTERESTS

       A good friendship that developed after my divorce in the mid 1970's was with Don Brittin a practicing attorney in Des Moines, Iowa. I got to know Don through  tax attorney who worked at the same law firm and  were introduced at a local social gathering. About the same time Don was also divorced and we just started doing things together socially.

         The following were social and recreational functions that Don was very instrumental in creating. One was getting a group together and attending Iowa Hawkeye football games via his motor home, tailgating, season tickets at Kinnick for years and the whole nine yards. Second, attending the Indy 500 for 15 years plus at his encouragement.

       Third,  spurring my interest for down hill skiing and traveling to Colorado on several occasions during the late 1970's and 1980's. And fourth, encouraging and on many occasions organizing group attendance to big musical events. Don passed away many years ago, late 1990's,  after a long battle with cancer, but, he will never be forgotten for all the joy he brought in to my life!
      

"IT'S JUST YOU & I GRANDPA!" grand-daughter Paige

       When my grand-kids were younger and would stay over for a week-end at Grandpa's house at 3308 Lilly Lane, Marshalltown, Iowa, one evening ritual was watching  movies and all of us spread out on my sectional and a Crazy Quilt laid out in front of the couch. 

         Many times Grandpa would doze off before the movie ended. On one occasion, I remember waking up and my youngest grand-daughter, Paige Addison Laverty,  was staring at me almost nose to nose. She immediately responded when I awoke--" It's just you and I Grandpa!" (meaning we were the only ones awake) I always thought it was so cute and will never know how long she waited and closely keeping an eye on me until awakening!     

CLYDE EDDY-"THERE HE GOES!"

            One summer while in high school in the early 1960's and working at the same location, a Ford Tractor Dealership south of Newton, as my brother-in-law Clyde Eddy. While riding to work with him one early morning from the Laurel area, we witnessed the following auto mishap.

           On the last 10 mile stretch on highway #14 going south a car tried to pass us. He was unable to do so and pulled in behind us. However, he over-corrected and slid over into the shoulder and then into the ditch. Then, he hit a drive-way into a farmstead and flipped completely over. 

           At that point Clyde was looking in his rear-view mirror and yelled out "There he goes!" I turned around in my seat and watched this car flip completely over going forward. Fortunately, for the driver he only received a cut over his eye from his "lunch bucket" that flew up off his seat. 

         

NIECE ALEX--THE HOME BUILDER

       When my niece, Alex Marie, was a little girl, I asked her the typical question. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Her response was quite simple. "I want to be a home builder and build one big enough so that my mother can come and live with me!"

       It was not the typical response you would expect from a very young girl and the response about just her mother living with her was not expected. I know there was nothing wrong by not including her dad, but, it does show you how unpredictable kids can be. She did OK. Today she is a Doctor and I'm sure someday she will have a home big enough for her mom---and dad if need be!

PENNY LOUKS/MY DANCIN' QUEEN!

       One of my fondest memories of high-school at Laurel was the era of  early R & R. From the sock hops, to collecting those small plastic 45's, it was a magical time. One person that was a part of my dancing fever was a class-mate Penny Louks.

        Penny was really really good at the Bop and all its moves. At one local sock hop at the "new" gym in the early 1960's, she and I had won a dance contest and was invited to attend a week-end and local dance show on WHO TV, in Des Moines, Iowa and held every Saturday.

        It was a show modeled after Dick Clark's American Bandstand.  I believe it was called the Lee Harris Record Hop. The one thing I remember so well was how small the dance floor that we danced on in the TV studio. It couldn't have been more than 10' x 10' so it seemed. Maybe it wasn't  like being in in the big time at Philadelphia, but, it was sweet nevertheless! 

COUSIN ALAN A BITING FOOL!

      One of my favorite stories from my mom was about my cousin Alan Laverty. The story was pretty short. It was about Alan and when he was very small , he would go around and bite people. 

      On one occasion and at a family get -together, Alan evidently bit me and in return I bit him back and hard enough that he never bit anyone again. I am not advocating that as a solution, but, did make for a good family story! 

CLASSMATE JERRY GOT ME KILLED!

        It was 1960 and the high-school Friday night football game was being held at Union-Whitten, Iowa. My team, the Laurel Hornets,  was doing its best against a bigger school. To show how our night was going the following play is one I'll never forget.

         My dear friend and class-mate on this particular play was Jerry Roberts and his position was the Center. It was fourth down and Jerry hiked the ball to me as I was the punter. Jerry hiked that ball right over my head and in to the end-zone. 

       Of course, the only thing I could do was run back and try to either run with the ball or attempt to kick it. It didn't matter. Those Union-Whitten boys were on me like Flies on s--t! Through the years I have, of course,  reminded Jerry of the Flub! Don't get me wrong. Jerry was awarded as First Team All Conference Center our Senior year. 

YOU SHOULDN'T REMEMBER, YOU'RE ONLY SEVEN!

       When my youngest grandson, Grant, was up to my home in Marshalltown for a week-end visit on or around 2003 the following happened. Grant was about seven and we were on our way on a Saturday morning to who knows where. 

         I had my radio on and the Oldies station in Des Moines, KIOA, was playing mainly tunes from the 1950's and 60's. The song that was playing was by the group Guess Who a rock group popular in the late 1960's and early 70's. Grant glanced down out the radio and said---"I haven't heard them for awhile!" My response was "Would do you mean for awhile, you shouldn't even have heard of them!" 

        I couldn't believe it at the time and still don't. He was only seven. OK, maybe eight! He has turned out to be a bright kid and that incident was telling me something. 

BEVERLY DEWITT/"BEST IN 5 COUNTIES!"

       One of my fondest memories as a youth and growing up on the family farm south of Laurel, Iowa was the summers and especially hay baling time. And, of course, the best part of that summer event was the noon lunch.

       Also, to take this story right to the heart of it, was a time or two working for a nearby farmer Art DeWitt and his wife Beverly. To call that noon-time meal "lunch" was a misconception. It was a 5 Star Comfort Food Extravaganza---fried chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy, home-made rolls, and who remembers the veggies, but, pie oh, my! After you ate, there was time to groan a little with delight before getting back up on that hay rack. 
  
         Of course, then by 4 o'clock you would take time out for a little lemonade and a sandwich or two. Through the` years when I would run into Beverly, I would tell her what a great cook I thought she was and she WAS! Each time I would stretch the counties until I think I was up to 5 counties. I'm not too sure that would be a stretch! Thank you Beverly for such a great memory!

MY DAD "THE GENTLEST MAN!"

       It was in the late 1990's and I ran into Bill and Alice Lyle,  long time residents of the Laurel community, at the Hy-Vee food store in Marshalltown, Iowa. His comment to me was that he had purchased an old print at a flee market in Waterloo, Iowa and that I might have an interest in viewing it.

      A little later, after finished with shopping, I stopped over to their home. He showed me a print from an old Wallace Farmer magazine from the 1930's. It was a full page ad by International Harvester Company featuring their McCormick-Deering (Farmall) tractor line. 

       In the ad was a picture of my Dad, my Uncle Tommy, and my Grandpa--Tom (T.A.) Laverty gathered around the gravity gas pump at Grandpa's home and farm south of Laurel, Iowa. Since I had never seen that photo, I was quite touched to say the least.

      But,  even more importantly, Bill looked right at me and said that he, even though some what younger, knew my Dad quite well and that--"He was the gentlest man he had ever known!" I will never forget that moment.