GREAT LINES/OLD MOVIE

   I just heard a great and funny line from one of the old "THIN MAN" movies on the TCM channel earlier today. He was on a train and pointing out a building that he "burned down SLIGHTLY one Halloween!" I've really been getting into some of these old 1930's and 1940's movies lately. Some of the lines and dialogue were priceless! 

STROLLING IN ALPACA!

       A guy walked up to my Demo area at the Westlakes Hy-Vee yesterday sporting a below the knee green Alpaca overcoat. It was very cool! . He indicated that it came from Sweden and I'm sure was quite expensive. The thing we seemed to have in common during our short conversation was our desire to wear clothing just a little different than the other guy. 

        I mentioned to him that my mother had bought me a Alpaca knee length winter coat when I was just a teen from a men's clothing store in Newton, Iowa named Wehrman's. (sp) And, years later in the mid 1990's and living in Marshalltown, Iowa, I advertised for an old wool coat in the local pennysaver and one gentleman who responded had a full length Alpaca/Cashmere coat and I bought it from him for $40.00. Today that coat would big bucks no doubt! Maybe someday again!  

         

NEPHEW CHRIS, BENNY & THE JETS @X-MAS

       Yesterday while doing some last minute Christmas shopping at the Valley West shopping center in West Des Moines, I found myself venturing down to the lower level of Von Maur Department store. Near the escalator was a lady playing Christmas music on a piano. 

            Years ago, while visiting my sister Deborah at Christmas at her home in Indiana, I sat with my very young, early teens,  nephew, Chris, while he played Christmas music and some very lovely classical pieces. He had learned to play at a very young age and was quite gifted. 

            When he had completed a particular number, I asked him very seriously, of course, if he knew "Benny and the Jets by Elton John." He actually stopped a moment, gave it some thought and played the first few bars. The following year he actually had the sheet music to it and played it all the way through. Later on, he did play with a band on keyboards. I only wished that I would have had the opportunity to watch him play!  

          I was tempted to had asked the lady at Von Maur if she knew "Benny and the Jets."

LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL-YES! YES! YES!

       Last week while demonstrating strawberry cheesecake at the West Lakes Hy Vee in WDM, an old high school cheer popped in to my head out of nowhere. "Strawberry shortcake blueberry pie V-I-C-T-O-R-Y. Are we in it well I guess Laurel High School-Yes! Yes! Yes!

           One has to wonder what else is stored in our brains from the past that just sits up there and maybe never comes out. And why, does an old high school cheer remembered and not some well known quote from Shakespeare.v always  It is amazing that we remember names from the past, but, not necessarily someone we just met this past week. 

            I've met two or three people that I knew years ago at the Hy Vee lately and due to 30-40 years passing knew them just by their voice. I guess we all have certain gifts or "talents." For the life of me I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday!

NO! NO! IT'S SWEET & SOUR PORK

     
          One of my favorite Oriental dishes through the years has been Sweet and Sour Pork. It's been around and a staple at Chinese Restaurants as long as I can remember. Somewhere along the way, in the last few years, it has become Sweet and Sour Chicken in a lot of locations. 

           During the early 2000's, there was an Oriental Buffet on Main Street in Marshalltown, Iowa and the chicken version was all they carried. I was even informed by the manager that I was the "only" one who requested S&S Pork. (When somebody tells you that you are the only one you knows it's a lie.)

           I think the real truth is that chicken is cheaper than pork and maybe for health reasons more people have switched. But, I would think that the Pork Producer'as Association would intervene.

TRIBUTE BANDS ARE MY SPEED!

         I just ordered tickets to a Tribute Group that concentrates on Bob Dillon, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. The tickets were only $44.00 for the pair and very very close to the stage. And yes, you guessed it, it is being held the first week of January 2019 in the entertainment center at Mesquaki Casino near Tama, Iowa. 

         In the last few years, I have missed out on some big time R&R groups, but, because my budget just can't handle $300 to $400 for close up seats that I would prefer. Besides, most Tribute groups are very good  singers and musicians, and, besides, most of the enjoyment is just going down memory lane for a couple of hours. 

          One of my best examples in the last few years has been enjoying the Steely Dan Tribute band--The Fez. They are Steely Dan and I would say they are one of THE best bands in all of Iowa and can be enjoyed in and around the Iowa City area. PS. I called in a made my reservation and didn't have to pay a "convenient fee!"

     

I LOVE MY JOB!

        After moving into our nre residence in the Jordan Creek area of West Des Moines, Iowa, I decided I needed a part-time job through the Winter until starting up my window cleaning business this Spring..

         As luck would have it, I snagged a part-time dream job at the near-by Hy-Vee grocery store. I'm one of those demonstrator people that you run into sampling all kinds of yummy things.

        I get to dress up in a stylish black chefs jacket and meet all kinds of interesting people and with my love of  "persuading" and basic gab, this  isn't even like a real job. It is fun to convince folks to sample  the likes of cherry cheese-cake, thin crusted pizza, or pond raised salmon from New Zealand. If you happen to stop by at the Jordan Creek and University location, stop by and say hello!

CONVENIENCE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

        The other day, I priced a certain event that is being held at a local casino. Included with the ticket price was a "Convenience" charge of $10.00. It made me think that the whole idea of ordering on-line was a "saving feature" to the the "service  provider." Why do they need another added fee? I can understand if I call in and an actual person takes the order and etc!

          It reminds me of a restaurant that adds an amount if you get additional condiments. But, if you don't want pickles, lettuce, or whatever they put on that you don't want, is there a reduction! I don't think so!

SEEN TOO MANY SCARY MOVIES!

       From our new residence, you can walk a connecting pathway, it seems, forever. There are signs posted at certain points which can lead you in different directions and "Named Areas" and ultimately can lead one at least 10 miles away to downtown Des Moines and Gray's Lake.

       Close by is the pathway that goes through a tunnel that takes you under E. P. True Parkway. I would not want to walk through this tunnel at night in the dark unless I was carrying a 38 magnum or maybe a sawed off shotgun! And, when you get to the other end, there are places where boogeymen can hide and then jump out and do what they do to you! Other than that, the scenery and  foliage are quite lovely! 

            

 

A BONUS FEATURE IN NEW RESIDENCE!

    As an old realtor, the thing you always remember is "Location, Location. Location!" When I built my new home in Marshalltown, Iowa in 2003, I picked a lot in a new sub-division on the west edge of the city on a street called Lily Lane. 

         My lot and those on that side of the street overlooked a beautiful valley that gently rolled down to a county park about a short mile away and train tracks of the Union Pacific far enough away as not to be bothered by noise. 

         When choosing our new apartment residence, we chose the third floor for privacy w/elevator, plus a view looking west for the sunset and adjoining park and trailway. As luck would have it and while moving in some items early one morning, I discovered that our Master Bedroom sits at enough of a angle that we can view the sunset out of one window and oncoming storms and the sunrise out the other!     

WHY DO WE LINE SHELVES?

        Do you remember watching your mother lining or re-lining kitchen shelves with some kind of adhesive backed paper and cutting them to near perfect dimensions! Do you still do it?

      One thing I was in complete agreement with my companion, Penny, was that there is no need to do it in the first place.especially if your moving in  to a brand new place All liners do over time is curl up and look nasty. If you are concerned about "germs" and the like simply spray with a disinfectant. Not everything our mothers did in the past was gospel!  

MOVIES MADE FUN AGAIN!

       Yesterday afternoon , 10/20/2018, I drove a few blocks away to the Jordan Creek Cinema to catch a movie that looked very intriguing and was---"Bad Times at the El Royale." If you like period movies and lots of twists and turns, this should be on top of your list for years to come!

       I digress. This multi-plex carries 20 individual theaters and the one I attended had the reclining seats. I hope I never fall asleep and embarrass myself by snoring! I watched close to ten previews before the main attraction and all seemed like ones I would enjoy seeing in the future.

      Being an absolute movie buff, plus a real live theater only a few blocks away and a really $6.00 low price on Tuesdays and week-end mornings, I guess you know where you'll be able to find me most times complete with movie tips and amateur reviews. I may get to like this La-Dee-Da Land after-all!

MY LITTLE GREEN(not red) WAGON!

         
       Since moving to Des Moines in mid September and living temporarily in the downtown area, I had been noticing lots of young people pulling these new collapsible canvas wagons to haul stuff in and out of their apartments. 

          Before making the final move to our the residence in West Des Moines, I purchased one, only green, not red like most, at Menard's. It made moving in a total breeze. A lot of our belongings were initially placed in a separate garage on premises and from there I can put four or more boxes in the wagon with the added safety of bungee cords and leisurely pull it up to our third floor residence via elevator.  I never enjoyed  moving so much  and got up in the morning looking forward to it. I was like this young boy and his Radio Flyer.

         Even now in my window cleaning en-devour, I simply put all my supplies in my new "green" companion and go merrily down the street or around the home or building. When it's time to park on arriving home, I put anything and everything including business folder and trash and the way I go without a grunt or groan! "Try it you'll like it!" 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

TELL THEM YOU'LL FIND IT!

       I'm sure if any of you have shopped at a local Hy-Vee food store that this has happened to you. If you can't locate an item and ask an employee where to find it they trained to say that they will lead you to that item no matter how far away. 

       One day while shopping at the Hy Vee in From now on if I need assistance, I insist on the "friendly smile in every isle" to just point to the isle and  and tell me which side and so forth. I don't need to be led to the spot like some helpless old customer as I am capable of following directions. For what it's worth, I know they mean well!

HOW POOR WERE YOU?

       This past week I was talking to one of the young guys working on finishing up detail work around our new apartment complex here in West Des Moines. Somehow the subject matter got around to "the old days" and how poor some of his relatives were.

         He mentioned that his Grandpa always talked about being so poor that they lived in a one BR house and that their second bedroom was a "chicken house" where the two brothers slept. I laughed fairly hard because I never heard that situation before. 

       

MY AUNT MARY-REMEMBERED IN ODD WAY!

          Everyone that knows me knows of my fondness and love  for my Aunt Mary Laverty. Well, today while shopping at the new Hy-Vee in downtown Des Moines, I had the same check-out lady as I did early this morning while there. I mentioned we had to stop meeting like this, but, at least I could do was buy her some flowers.

         She just blurted out that she only liked those arrangements that looked like they were picked from a "ditch" or a "meadow!" I immediately got goose-bumps. That was one of my fondest memories of my aunts ability with floral arranging. 

         Throughout  my lifetime when buying flowers, I would tell the clerk that I wanted an arrangement just like my Aunt Mary would have preferred- just like those beauties picked from a country road ditch or nearby meadow.   

AC/DC-Its a long way to the top (if you want to rock n roll)

AC/DC - Back In Black (Official Video)

AC/DC - Back In Black (Official Video)

Billy Idol - Mony Mony (Live)

Billy Idol - Mony Mony (Live)

KC and the Sunshine Band - Get Down Tonight (1975)

KC & The Sunshine Band - Shake, shake, shake

Captain and Tennille - Love Will Keep Us Together

Captain and Tennille - Love Will Keep Us Together

Captain and Tennille - Love Will Keep Us Together

AT CHECK OUT/ TOO MUCH INFO!

    This morning I went to a Wallgreens on Fleur Drive in Des Moines for an item or two in need, While checking out something wasn't working right with the computwer screen at checkout and another lady had to be called up to assist and problem solve. 

        Then the next customer ahead of me was asked if he had a "rewards Card and also the clerk wanted to know his Zip Code." When I was up the screen asked me if the amount was correct and of course if I wanted to receive any cash back. All these debit/credit card "machines seem to be asking more and more questions. 

          I shouldn't complain too much as the transaction still is much faster than standing behind someone just beginning to write out a check like in days gone by at least in larger markets! 

THERE IS A HEAVEN part 3

          That same day, Wednesday (8/29/20180)at around  lunch time , we were headed west on route 1804 and were entering the town of Garrison. I mentioned to Doris that I wanted to go into its downtown and scout a local "Eatery!" 

       Bingo! I spotted a little place called "The Old Malt Shop." It looked and was decorated like something out of the 1950's. Did I mention that the town bills itself as the "Walleye Capital of the World." It's part due to its proximity to Millie Lacs in Minnesota a popular Walleye lake.

           Well,  guess what? Walleye is my favorite fish and the Old Malt Shop just happened to have it on its menu for lunch.  We both had it pan fried and it was out of this world. The lady that owned the place also had several home-made dessert items like brownies that we both passed on. Too much of a good thing!  More to come about this hidden jewel and state of no respect!

THERE IS A HEAVEN part 2

        On day two, Wednesday,  (8/29/2018), of our North Dakota tour started out in the early morning traveling west on I-94 then on just a ways west of Bismarck. Somewhere heading north off I-94 and wanting to stay close to the Missouri River we were all of sudden was on this lightly gravel road. I knew as long as my compass said we were headed north and Big Mo was to my right we were OK.

               My ultimate goal was to go north and make it around the northeast corner of one of the biggest made made lakes in America--Lake Sakakawea in the Fort Berthold Reservation. We would then head west to the Teddy Roosevelt National Park.

           Somewhere along the way we stopped and asked a Park Ranger where we could go to get right next to the Missouri River. This important stop and questioning, led us to one of the most beautiful scenic spots I have witnessed on my many many years of travel.

       The Ranger informed us to head back about 3 miles to a boat ramp and the River would be just a few hundred yards from there. It was majestic and on such a glorious sun shiny and brisk day! I have never witnessed that wide of any river in this country with absolutely no visible sign of any anything man made- just shear natural beauty. I could actually visualize Lewis and Clark in their keel-boat and entire entourage floating before me in all their glory. I will never forget that moment. -------- stay tuned for more.   

         

        

THERE IS A HEAVEN! part 1

         On Tuesday, August 28th, 2018, my sister, Doris, and I headed north up I-35 through Minnesota for the great state of North Dakota. It's been a standard joke for many many years about going there as, I guess, you never hear of anyone going there for a vacation. For me, it was the last of two states that I have never been to along with Alaska. 

          Doris has always enjoyed traveling to the states like North and South Dakota along with Wyoming because of their wide open spaces. I always thought it was kind of silly putting emphasis on or traveling to somewhere that I considered just a lot of rolling "nothingness."  

   Boy, was I wrong again. It seems like every time she suggests something that I don't think is worthwhile it turns out to be one of the most enjoyable things I end up doing. Case in point were a couple of "Country Western" concerts that I attended with her many years ago. When all  was said and done, I think I had more fun than she did.

        This trip to North Dakota and eastern Wyoming turned  out to really bite me you know where and I'll try to convince you why. All I can say is that in some ways, maybe, I saved the best till last.  Stay tuned!
  

          

        

Real 1950s Rock & Roll, Rockabilly dance from lindy hop !

The Original Stroll - February 1958

The Original Stroll - February 1958

Paul Lynde & Hollywood Squares: BEST-1-LINERS Part 1

JOHNNY CARSON INTERVIEW PAUL LYNDE Apr 30 1976

"Rock Island" The Music Man (opening scene)

Bob Fosse - Rich Man's Frug (Sweet Charity)

Big Spender - Fosse - Sweet Charity

Night Train (Buddy Morrow Version)

NIGHT TRAIN (original 1952 blues Hit)

Hair - The Cowsills

Hair - The Cowsills

Henry Mancini - Peter Gunn

Eagles - Hotel California

Eagles - Hotel California

ZZ Top - Legs

Fats Domino The Fat Man

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot (HD w/ Lyrics)

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot (HD w/ Lyrics)

Robert Palmer - Addicted To Love

THEY MUST HATE WOMEN!

 

           Earlier this AM, I was assisting my lady on with a necklace while getting ready to attend the Iowa State Fair. Of course, it had one of those" itsy bitsy" clasps. I defy any man to pull back the catch and put the little circle thingy through in one easy simple motion. When done, I was  ready to have a cigarette or a shot of bourbon and don't indulge in neither.

POLITICAL NOTE--A WIN IS A WIN!

        This AM I was listening to CNN while driving down SW 9th Street in Des Moines  when I heard one of their biased commentators talking about a special election in Pennsylvania, I believe. 

      He was getting all worked about the fact that the race or according to polls to be dead even and that Trump had carried whatever by a 10 point advantage in the last election? To use a sports analogy a win is a win. It doesn't matter if it's by 1 point or 50 points, you mark it up in the win column. 

         And, as long as you keep winning, even though they may all be very close, you are still winning. In political matters that means to keep control and stay in power. It always buys you time to figure out what to do for the next BIG election. And, if you win that one only by the smallest of margins, then the same principal applies. It's a W! 

LOVE THOSE CATCH PHRASES!

        The latest catch phrases that I love are---"Moving the goal posts back and the lights are flashing red!"

Jack Benny - Mel Blanc Classic Routine

Tom Petty- Lost Without You (Live)

Tom Petty- I'm In Love (Live)

Skunk Baxter Rikki Don't Lose That Number

TOTO - Rosanna (Live In Amsterdam)

OLD HOME TOWN

                                                 by Penelope Iris

Came back to my old home town

sat beneath the once majestic town square clock
in the high tower still ticking off
its proper time
like the lady in her clean gloves
in church on Sunday
who glares beneath her hat
there's the civil war soldier
standing stoically 
always seeing
things he cannot tell
only the fountain above his head
still sprays the local gossip
fresh green smell of grass
smooth and whispery
beneath the stark red bougainvillea
flowing over solid brick walls
that's the preacher and his family
strolling heavenly footprints in the river mud.

Look at Mrs. Quimbly's gorgeous garden
the roses nod their heads as I pass by
like they knew me once upon a time
their scent and beauty draw me closer
where I hear their voices mocking
I jump back before they prick me
race quickly like an alley cat that no one sees
up through the main street where the buildings 
have all shrunk to half their size
where all the people become small
before my eyes.

Up the hill into the graveyard
where all those I loved lay still
tall evergreens wave and the wind whistles
my grandfather's favorite tune
the flowers kiss the ground while the sun
wraps warm arms around me.

DON'T BULLSH--! a BULL------ER!

      This past week I went in to our local US Cellar store to replace a charger cord for my cell phone that I had left in Des Moines while visiting a friend. The clerk there indicated that all he had was the cord to plug into the wall and not the next cord that then plugged into the phone. 

         I responded by saying that all I had was one cord from the wall to my phone. And, he said that it was no more and now it took two cords. What? The one that they had there was about $24.00 and I didn't wait around to find out how much the "next phase cord" that he was insisting I needed was!

          I knew all he was trying to do was sell me something and hoping I was biting. I ended up going to our local drug store and picking up a single piece charger for $8.00. Like I have said ---"It takes one to know one!"

WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN'T--?

 

      This past week I was dealing with a young lady and employee of the Des Moines Register who was assisting me concerning a disputed advertising bill with the paper. She was calling me from her office somewhere in Ohio. I indicated that I had prepaid my bill and had written proof  that I didn't owe.

           Then, I simply said that I would send her copies of my proof. She then advised me to E Mail it all to her, but, then I said I would be unable to as I did not have a printer or scanner and would send papers the old fashion way via envelope, stamp and the US Postal service. 

         She then told me that there was no way she could take an actual piece of mail at her location despite the fact the statement was sent to me via an old fashion piece paper and the postal service. Late, that day she called me back and advised that I could send my "stuff" via mail to someone in Springfeild. Missouri. Times are a-changing like it or not!

NEW YEAR'S EVE & THE EVENING DRESS CAPER!

---by PENELOPE IRIS HOLTZ

          On Saturday, December 30, 1995, I went to the cleaners  to pick up my dress that I was planning to wear for New Year's Eve. I wanted to be there before 5:00 p.m., before they closed. When I reached the door, which was locked, I saw a sign stating; NEW HOURS CLOSING TIME ON SATURDAYS-4 p.m. Argh! I was devastated as my boyfriend had tickets to    
the Val Air New Year's Eve Gala-the last one. The dress is a long, black velvet beauty that I had them alter and clean.

       After fuming and being on the verge of tears, I called my boyfriend, Tom, whom, I soon realized didn't exactly see this for the "serious disaster" that it was. He said things like, "Maybe that should have been your first priority of the day" and "Well, we'll bring a glass of champagne out to the car where you'll be sitting in your sweat pants (chuckle, chuckle)". When he got the picture on my mood, he did say, "I'll buy you another one tomorrow, don't worry." That's not what I wanted--after already picturing myself in my long, black, velvet number.

       I thought, well, I can sit here and cry or I can try to work it out in some way. So,..I called the police. I figured that the police just might have a record of business owners, in case of a fire or a break-in(yeah, that thought crossed my mind). I called the Urbandale Police Dept. Officer Karen Robinson answered the phone. I explained my dilemma, following with "I realize this is not exactly an emergency but it is a mini-disaster to me." Officer Robinson listened and asked me the name of the business. I told her it was the Madison Avenue Cleaners off Merle Hay Road and she informed me that was in the Des Moines Police jurisdiction. She took my name and number, in case she came up with any ideas for me, she said. I called the Des Moines Police Dept., who took my name and number and said they would call me if they had any information for me. By the time, I'm starting to feel a bit silly, but, not enough to give up.

       About 20 minutes later the phone rang and it was Officer Robinson asking me if I had any luck with the DSM Police Dept. She offered to call them again for me. She did and called back to say that they had no name listed in their computer for that business owner. I thought, well I've tried, to no avail, and thanked Officer Robinson for taking her time to try and help me in my seemingly frivolous pursuit of the black, velvet dress. She said, "Wait a minute, I have one more idea." She suggested a call to the Power and Light Company and offered to call them for me.

       Less than 10 minutes later the phone rang and a male voice said, "This is Mark from Madison Avenue Cleaners. The police just called me. I understand we have your New Year's Eve dress." The bottom line results of that conversation  was that Mark insisted on delivering the dress to my home the next morning-and, he did. 

       I called Officer Karen back immediately and thanked her, profusely, and the dress looked just as I pictured  it would and made me feel so glamorous. When I walked out the door that night on  my boyfriend, Tom's arm, he had a long white limousine waiting with roses and champagne. I had the perfect dress for it. It was a glorious, fun evening at the Val Air Ballroom, watching all the elegantly dressed dancers promenading around the floor. We danced right through "Auld Lang Syne."

       Thank you, Officer Karen Robinson at the Urbandale Police Dept. I'm sure you had alot more important things to do and you went the extra mile for a total stranger. I'll never forget that! Thank you, Mark Lathrop from the Madison Avenue Cleaners, who could have been relaxing with a cup of coffee and newspaper, on a Sunday morning, but, instead took care of a customer with "kid gloves." That was the first time I'd ever been to your cleaners, but, you now have a steady customer. 

       I moved here from California, where there are so many people that you're just a number, in most cases, and, I cannot imagine such a thing happening there. I'm not crazy about the weather in Iowa, but, I love the people here. And, I met Tom. 

Penelope     

REMEMBER ROLL ME AWAY--BOB SEGER-GREAT!

BUTTERFLIES--THEY'RE BACK!

        Years ago, while selling real estate, I would get butterflies before meeting a new customer or just prior to presenting an offer. With time, experience, and confidence, those butterflies never really came back. Even with my new business, years later in Marshalltown, did I ever get nervous about situations where I would get those churnings in my stomach.

        Now at the age of 74, I find that those flutters have once again returned only this time for a very different reason.  I never knew that at this stage of my life could someone come along now and whom was very special over 40 years ago and immediately stir feelings with such intensity. "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!"   I'm so glad they pulled me back in!  

WHILE @ TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE A FUNNY THING!

        Last Friday, 7/13/2018, while at my favorite eatery, I overheard the following. A lady was standing at the southwest corner and was getting an order to go. She started by saying something like--"Can I get such and such---!"

             My son, when he was younger would always order in a restaurant by saying "Can I get or have whatever---!" I used to tell him that someday a server is going to say -- No, you can't have that!" Just simply say, when ordering, "I would like such and such --Please!"

      The other comment I heard from the lady sitting next to me was----"This(Maid-Rite) is really good TODAY!" When I hear that phrase with today thrown in---like a check out person at the grocery when they say that will be $30.22 TODAY. I want to reply "What was it yesterday or will be tomorrow?"

OLDER NOW BUT STILL BLOWIN' AGAINST THE WIND!

         Last week-end I caught this big hit from one of my favorite Rocker's Bob Seger. This particular song for the first reminded me of myself in that I am older now and still blowing in the wind instead of blowing with the wind and just taking it easy, 

         Maybe it's a good thing that I didn't end up independently wealthy, but, instead involved in a growing business and many other interests that I look forward to almost daily and the challenges they all present. I always remember what my doctor told me years ago--"Keep moving Dennis!"

NO NO! YOU DON'T DO THAT!

         The other day I spotted someone with a shirt that had just "Colorado" on the front. Years ago, an old friend, Don Brittin,  was responsible for introducing me to down hill skiing and Indy 500 auto racing. 

          He was an expert skier and always dressed the part with cool skiing attire. I remember him telling me once that when skiing in Colorado, for example, one never ever just wore a garment that simply said "Ski Colorado." Oh, No! And, you were to never wear something that said "Ski Vail."  No, No! 

           What you were to do, according to Don, was wear something that said or had on it---"Dead Man Run" or Black Diamond Killer!" That way when someone would point at your shirt and inquire, you would, in a flippant manner, respond----"Well, Yail, of course!" After that, I never could buy just a plain shirt or hat that JUST had the state name on it. What a snob! 

                

I'LL SHOW YOU MINE IF YOU---------!

       I'm not sure if the average out-of-towner has ever heard of a long time Italian Eatery called Orlando's at 4337 Park Avenue  on the south-side of Des Moines, Iowa. While visiting my close friend, Penny Holtz, for the week-end, she introduced me to this long time Italain restaurant. 

       Even though I had lived in Des Moines for nearly 30 years, I never had the pleasure of giving this long time favorite Plain Jane a try. It was well worth the wait. I had a a thin pepperoni pizza which was unbelievable and maybe the best Greek Salad I have ever had.

        Saturday noon, after attending an auction in Belle Plaine, we drove to Prairie City and one my favorite all time "Comfort Food" spots called Goldie's. Their tenderloin are one the best in Central Iowa along with all their homemade sides and ice-cream. This little joint a few years ago was voted the FOURTH  Best restaurant in a contest by public voting in the Des Moines Register. It received fourth best among the likes of 801 Chop House and Sam and Gabes. 

                
    

EVERY DAY IT'S A GETTIN' CLOSER

   

 Every day, it's a gettin' closer
Goin' faster than a roller coaster
Love like yours will surely come my way
A hey, a hey hey

Everyday, it's a gettin' faster
Everyone says go ahead and ask her
Love like yours will surely come my way
A hey, a hey hey

Everyday seems a little longer 
Every way, love's a little stronger
Come what may, do you ever long for
True love from me

Buddy Holly

YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING OLD WHEN---!

          It'd when you have a scented candle or two in your bedside stand and it's in case the lights go out!

THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED FOR DENNIS!

        When Elvis  Presley died, that was a really big deal to lots of people and fans.  Bit, to me, when Buddy Holly died in the plane crash on that cold winter night near Clear Lake, Iowa, that was, for me, devastating. 

         It was 1959 and I was only 15 years old and had collected most all of Holly's 45's along with those of The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. It took quite some time to get over that. Bye bye Miss American Pie! 

JUST TELL IT TO ME STRAIGHT!

        It seems like people are always trying to give me directions to their house with way to much detail.  They start out something like---"Well, you turn on 240th st. and when you see the old church on the left--keep going. Then you go another two miles and turn left and go over the bridge until you see the house and the green barn. 

        After scribbling all that down or I have learned to just ignore it all, I simply say Give me your actual address and I'll find you! I think this is a rural small town thing, but, being a realtor for years, I'll find ya just like a cabby would!

SEVEN FOOT CORN BEFORE THE 4TH!

          The old saying about knee high corn by the 4th of July hasn't applied since I was a younger man. Yesterday, after I had parked my car at the Old Creamery Theatre for the performance of a Tribute to Buddy Holly, I stepped over by an adjacent corn field because it did look awfully tall.

Sure enough! It was well beyond me depleting 5' 8" stature. As a matter of fact without even touching the tallest outstretched leaves, I would say we're talking around 7 foot for sure! We may have to change that old saying to "Knee High by Memorial Day" except that doesn't rhyme. Are we going to be picking corn by Labor Day one day soon?         

BUDDY HOLLY GREAT TRIVIA!

           One thing that I really enjoyed about the performance at the Old Creamery Theatre was the group bringing up Trivia through Buddy Holly's career. One that I had forgotten, as did much of the audience, was that Dion and the Belmonts, a popular group then and later, also performed with Holly at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. 

          Also, the fact that Waylon Jennings was supposed to have flown on that plane but gave up his seat for one of the other performers who was ill with a bad cold and wanted to get to the next city faster. The Day the Music Died! 

THAT'LL BE THE DAY/ ONLY ONE!

       Yesterday, Saturday June 30th 2018, I attended "That'll be the day-A tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets" at the Old Creamery Theater in Amana, Iowa. At one point, after singing That'll be the Day--the lead man asked the audience, by raising their hand,  if anyone had or still had the old 45 record of the same.

 There might have been 2-3 people, including yours truly that raised their hand. Made me feel good but kinda old!  For what it's worth, I still have most all of my original 45 record collection including 45 records of the Big Bopper and Richie Valens who was on that plane from Mason City on that winter night in January 1959.

          

THE MUSIC BOX by PENELOPE IRIS

They left the baby for their youthful adventures
when she was six months old
in the capable hands of her Grandparents
who already had six children.

The Grandmother working along side her husband
on the farm chopping off heads of chickens
steaming plucking cleaning frying
baking bread hanging clothes on the line
stooping in the garden tending animals
always having time for children
carry and hug fill them with love
watch their plays kiss their wounds
understanding accepting stearn and forgiving
the warmth of sunshine in her smile

The Grandfather stoic steady 
an educated man in farm country
graduated from high school
love buried in his heart with a shell
thick as a cow pie dried in the sun for days
you knew he was happy when
you heard him whistling
animal control administrator birth the pigs and calves
drown the extra kittens and puppies in the pump house
smack your backside as you ran in the door
let you know who's boss at the dinner table
his sense of humor "Pass the potato, spud"
children should speak when spoken to 
let the women handle the loving care
then his age-mellowed heart finally giving a hug.

The parents became visitors
in the big country house
like Fitzgerald and Zelda they would roll up the drive
in new shiny  cars and stylish clothes from someplace
far away
someone special the child guessed
the way everyone fluttered around 
Mommy Iris and Daddy Fred they said.

Daddy Fred always bearing gifts doing a song
a dance magic tricks and jokes for the kids
hunting and chores with the men
cooking with the women
Clark Gable in an apron.

Mommy Iris always beautiful in silk blouses 
smelling like expensive perfume and cigarettes
best woman of the year 
serene and gentle with a soft lilting voice
not allowed to touch the baby much
"let your Mother do that," he said.

The grandmother said the baby couldn't go to sleep
without a music box
the soft lilting tunes like laughter in the rain
The grandmother said she got letters from Florida tear-stained
pleading "Don't touch her to walk don't teach her
to talk or cut her hair I want to do that 
when I come back."
he promised her they would soon 
as soon as he got famous soon as he got his next job
soon as they got ahead
soon.

Even the grandmother couldn't stop the baby from growing up
in love with the high climbing trees pastures with muddy ponds
orchards of apples plums and pears the stonehouse
full of bushel baskets and pungent damp aromas
digging in the earth for fresh vegetables
rain barrels tree houses and tire swings a menagerie of animals
dear aunts and uncles playmates storytellers
running always running
loving the feel of the wind through her hair 

Daddy Fred's dreams still unrealized 
business schemes bulged his pockets
he had to make his promise good
Mommy Iris finally got her baby back
a six-year-old-free-spirited-country-child
in a city apartment homesick
bordering on all out rebellion
little sympathy for unrequited Mother love.

Her new adventures shopping lots of dresses shiny shoes
big department stores dancing lessons city parks
unpronouncable foods in fancy restaurants 
pretty colored lights and bands that people danced to 
pretty people all in Sunday clothes
new public manners to learn
lady ways and lady words
kicking leaves on the way home from school dawdling
looking for a high climbing tree a place to run
so many city rules
come right home don't dawdle don't stray don't don't

Daddy Fred appearing in daylight occasionally
like an actor auditioning for his performance
singing Frank Sinatra songs
teaching her to dance the soft shoe
and sing Cowboy Joe
a disappearing act as well
Mommy Iris gazing out the window waiting watching
still and silent as a stone.

Mommy Iris always beautiful  in silk blouses
smelling like expensive perfume and cigarettes
best dressed woman of the year
serene and gentle with a soft lilting voice
woke her for school with laughter and a song
worked nights dressed up in business suits
keeping all the diners happy in the softly lit
dining room.

On Mommy Iris's day off work
they had lady lunches and movies
letting her daughter choose her funny ones
swinging in the park miniature golf
swimming in a blue city pool
she watched Mommy Iris loving her laughter
Mommy Iris watched her loving her
wondering at her growth trying to catch up 
on all that she'd missed 

The sickness came 
too soon
in their short time together
hospital rooms sterile gowns
sterile smells 
long hours filled with books puzzles
and short visits with Mommy Iris
her lilting voice
her laughter in the rain
serene and gentle
and then she was gone
she didn't go to Florida this time
and she wasn't coming back.

Back in her high climbing trees
green pastures and orchards
running with the wind in her hair
as it whispered her name in a soft lilting voice
like a music box with a ballerina on top
going round and round.


Penelope Iris Nigh
1996   








  

IS THIS PERSONAL OR JUST BUSINESS?

        While finishing up a window job this AM, 6/29/18, I learned while visiting with the owner that they were moving to]Johnston, Iowa to be closer to a son and four year old grand-son. She also mentioned that she will be selling several antique pieces along with several "quilts" that she has acquired through the years mostly from family. My ears picked up!

       Before I knew it, she was bringing down to me in her living room about six lovely quilts of which two I was interested in. I had mentioned that by Fall I want to get more involved in  "collectibles" including quilts which I have extreme fondness for. It started  years ago acquiring family quilts from both my grandmothers and mother. 

           One in particular that I liked and thought extremely cool in age, deign and color combinations was really calling me load and clear. She mentioned the price she would be asking after consulting a lady at our local Fabric Shop who is somewhat of an expert on quilts. 

         The "retail" price seemed quite reasonable and I was tempted to blurt out "SOLD!" I kept my mouth shut and asked her to at least give me until the 9th of  July to give her my answer. My big decision is letting this be my first big test in buying a quilt I personally like, but, am purchasing with he intent of making a profit when selling. 

          At least I have time to think it through and hopefully I won't cave if I do end up offering her less and then sticking to my guns. I may just try and will on most all transactions the old CASH offer approach. Stay tuned on my new adventure!   
        

MAKING AN OLD MAN'S DAY!

       This morning, Wednesday 27, 2018, I was out for my morning power walk near the Williamsburg High School. A big group of high school girls were headed out for their daily run as part of track and/or cross country.

         One young lady, somewhere in the middle of the pack, yelled, "Hi Dennis!" I wasn't sure who it was, but, she made my day by recognizing and acknowledging me out load! Thank you! Again, you made my day much brighter!

WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR HE OPENS--!

        During the past month, I lost a very good retail window customer due to concern of on-line competition and just being cautious for a time. I never like to lose business anytime, but, knew my only option was to do whatever it took to replace that lost business.

         Today, I had a call from a businessman in nearby Marengo, who saw my card ??? and wants me to cleans window fronts on two buildings that he owns and involves 6 individual store fronts plus windows in the rear of the buildings.  It will be 3X what I just recently lost there! The window opens wider than that door closing-- sometimes!

A LAUGHABLE FASHION STATEMENT!

       Recently, Fuller Brush has been running a series of TV commercials on a window cleaning product called "Full Crystal."  You put these crystals in a container, attach it to a hose and clean away. Right! 

         What I really noticed was the guy doing the demonstrating. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans, a white long sleeve shirt with a necktie, and a leather vest. My question is who wears that kind of outfit washing windows or doing anything for that matter!

CAN'T HANDLE THESE NEW MOVIES!

        This afternoon I was bored and decided that, even though, there were no movies on the big screen that interested me, I would give the latest Jurasic World movie a go! After all, it has already grossed over 700 million world wide. 

         So a way I went to Coralville, Iowa, and caught the 3:45 non 3-D version and paid the non-AM price of $8.00 even for a Senior. About an hour or less into the flick I knew I had made a big mistake. Maybe I have just outgrown dinosaurs, I don't know. Or maybe too much noise and too much predictable action with the heroes always getting away from trouble just in the nick of time and in a ridiculous situation.  

          I couldn't take any more and walked out with probably 45 minutes to an hour left. Last week, I did stay for all of the movie "Heredity" as it was billed as the scariest movie EVER! Ha! I don't think my heart ever skipped a beat or my blood pressure moved upward one notch. I think I've seen so many really scary movies that I've become numb. After all, how can you beat Psycho or the Birds. Those were scary! 
  
          Then, the type of movie I want to see like "Gotti" the Mob movie, has been held up over some type of dispute concerning the distributors. Just when one movie out of 20 comes around to my liking, there's a glitch! I hate to think that all that's left is Netflix, a really big screen TV and a
 leather padded Laz-E-Boy at home! PHOOEY! 

BOYHOOD SNAPSHOT MEMORIES-part 4

--------continued

**       Spotting a lonely red fox running west of our farm buildings and thinking that it probably would be extinct soon as it was the only one I had ever seen.

**     Spending secluded time down in the "Ditch" in the northwest corner of our farm which was a small creek with a fairly tall -7 foot ravine. It was a cool retreat!

**       Sitting in our attic atop our big farm home and viewing Christmas lights on the Jasper County Courthouse 20 miles away in Newton, Iowa.

**      The look of sadness of my mom's face when she arrived home from the hospital after the passing of my Dad.

**        Paddling around on a hot summer day in my "undies" with cousin Alan at  family pond.

**       A game of many Chinese Checkers in the dining room with mom on a cold "snowed in" winter day.

**      After spending time atop our barn, almost falling off  head first after tripping on a raised nail, bot, also being saved by another nail! 

BOYHOOD SNAPSHOT MEMORIES-part 3

--------continued

**       Feeling the hair on my back rise every time I opened that "Door" to the coal room in our basement and not knowing what I scary thing I would be facing!

**      Just sitting and observing the feeder calves I helped raise in the feed lot and thinking that their faces were all different just like us!

**        The sad feeling that came over me when my 4-H calves were taken away after the County Fair Contest.

**       Just crawling through my "Secret Hide-Out" (a concrete 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 culvert that ran under the road a quarter mile south of our farm home and that couldn't be seen from road.) Even the Russians wouldn't have found me!

**       Playing with my closest neighbor kid Karen and having her get in a huff and threatening to never come back after playing who knows what . She always came back!

**       Crashing an old Schwinn 5 speed bike with no workable brakes into an old pile of concrete pieces down a ditch at a neighbor's home after careening off an old Combine and missing a barb wire fence. Luckily, only suffering a deep cut on my upper left arm.

**       Building a portable homemade pen after obtaining, I know not how, three small ducks that I appropriately called Huey, Dewey, and Louie. No we did not eat them!     

BOYHOOD SNAPSHOT MEMORIES-part 2

-----continues

    
**        Straddling the peak of the barn near sunset and just gazing for miles in all directions and just thinking thoughts!

**       Lying in bed at night after my dad's passing and not comprehending he will never be again.

**       Building roads in the soft dirt of the floor in our machine shed with my Tonka line-up. 

**        Roasting a hot-dog on a bonfire after helping with the clean-up of the grove to the north of our farm home.

**       While in bed at night, enjoying that fresh clean smell of my sheets after blowing dry that day on our outdoor clothes-line.

**        At the same time, while snuggling in those fresh sheets, enjoying a fresh southern breeze through my open window and  small half portable screen.

**       Bringing up the old heavy storms from the basement on a sunny and crisp Fall day, and cleaning them while listening to  Iowa Hawkeyes football on my blue leatherette portable radio.

----------------to be continued with much more.

REMEMBER BEE GEES-TRAGEDY?

A DAY OF SCENIC IOWA BEAUTY!

         Yesterday, Saturday, June 23, 2018, I was able to accomplish three things on a pleasant early Summer day. First, I drove to Urbandale, Iowa from Williamsburg, Iowa, to meet up with long time friend and Laurel classmate,  for a long overdue lunch at my favorite fast food eatery--Tasty Taco's, the one located at 86th and Hickman. Y-u-um!

        Then, I was off and up I-35 to Sheffield, Iowa, to attend a political rally for Shannon Latham who is running for State Senate. Shannon is the daughter-in-law of Linda Laverty Latham, my first cousin, a Laurel native and now residing in Urbandale, Iowa.  One reason I wanted to attend this event, besides showing support for a family en-devour, I had never driven to or around this area---Sheffield, Alexander.

          Most importantly, I just love driving and taking in any scenic beauty and especially this time of year in Iowa. This northern Iowa area is relatively flat, to say the least, but, to see all that green as far as the eye could see was magnificent. 

          On the return home, I am always impressed with the beauty of the bluffs/cliffs along the Iowa River going through Iowa Falls. And, a little south and east along highway 20 there is a bridge crossing of the Iowa River that is breathtaking if only able to glance at the treed bluffs to the left and right  for only a few seconds. 

            I was so happy to be able to get off my duff, get in my auto, and take a spin around this State with all the beauty and color it has to offer this time of year. Try it sometime--you'll like it!

              

     

BOYHOOD SNAPSHOT MEMORIES-part 1

**        My first memory of anything is riding my old tricycle on the sidewalk in front of our farm home. I believe, the tricycle had been my older sisters. The sidewalk wrapped around three sides of the house plus extending west some distance. 

**         Be awaken by my mother while sleeping in the back seat of our car after coming back home from a trip to Marshalltown. Only wanting to be left alone and continue sleeping in the car.

**         At a very young age, mowing our huge yard with a self-propelled "Reel" type lawn mower. It took, it seemed, most of the day to mow it all.

**         On the first day of school in kindergarten, sitting with classmates Jerry Roberts and Bob Baker and crying like babies.

**         Sitting inside the "igloo" I dug out from a huge snow drift and enjoying the sheer silence within.

**         Putting away neatly my toy trucks and cars in a lower southeast cabinet in our kitchen.

**         Braced and sitting up in a Mulberry tree located just north of our corn crib and enjoying those sweet purple morsels. 

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

THIS STAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!

         It was reported in USA Today that The new IBM Summit supercomputer is the world's smartest and most powerful, capable of 200,000 trillion calculations per second. WOW!

BOYHOOD SNAPSHOT MEMORIES!

          I will be devoting a few days or until I run out of memories from my younger "boyhood" days that I have of times when I was alone--generally playing or roaming my farm home south of Laurel, Iowa during the 1950's. 

           It is primarily for my own benefit and just documenting those "snapshots" of memories/ times that have stayed with me throughout my lifetime. If you do follow some of these special moments with me, I hope that it triggers your own personal treasure of times gone by!

-----------------stay tuned. 

CORN KNEE HIGH--MY FOOT!!

       This year, it has seemed to me, that corn is growing much faster than years past. I do get out into the country quite a bit and especially driving between Williamsburg, Iowa and Marshalltown, Iowa. 
       We know that each year the hybrids get better, each year is different with adequate rainfall, sun, and humidity. But, despite all that, the corn crop is way ahead of schedule going into the 4th of July in another week plus. 

          This AM I was driving back from Blairstown via Marengo and found a drive into a corn field just south of Marengo and pulled in to check it out. Keep in mind I'm only 5'8" and diminishing, but, I was looking up at a stock. And, taking a leaf and stretching it out, it had to be near 7' tall. Will see the day when they will be picking this stuff by Labor Day?

TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE& GO LAUREL HORNETS!

       Yesterday, 6/18/2018,  while having at lunch at Taylor's Maid Rite, I sat next to a couple from Baxter, Iowa. I then, had to mention that I was from Laurel and we had been old high school  football rivals. 

       He preceded to tell me that he graduated from Baxter in 1959 and mentioned lots of Laurel Alumni, including Paul Mann, Johnny  Smith, & Larry Laverty. He continued by saying that a couple of years after he graduated, Baxter was not only undefeated, but, "UNSCORED" upon until Laurel played them that year. He continued by saying that Laurel scored just "ONE" touchdown to ruin their whole season and perfect record. 

          I just gave him my best grin and asked him who scored that ONLY touchdown? He shook his head as if he didn't know. I simply pointed at myself--with pride! You're looking at him! 

I always felt bad for many years that we lost that game and that I was the only person to score that night. But, when I found out that only TD actually ruined their season, I was elated for good Ol' Laurel High!Go Hornets! 

NEVER STEAL FROM KIDS PIGGY BANK!

       I overheard two employees at our local Casey's about somebody stealing or taking money from a child's piggy bank. The discussion was quite spirited to say the least.

       Of course, it reminded me of a time involving my son, his kids and their piggy bank. I used to give my grand-kids $2.00 bills for birthdays and other special occasions. It was just "my thing!"

      One time, as the story goes, my son was going to Mickey D's for some burgers and didn't have cash or I guess a credit card. **Years before Debit cards.  He took some of the $2.00 bills and handed them to the clerk and at least initially had a problem in the employee believing that the $2.00 bills were real. It served him right. Don't steal from your kids piggy bank!

SEEMED BIGGER THAN WRIGLEY!

      This past week while attending a Cubs vs. Brewers game in Milwaukee, I was amazed at how big Millers Park seemed to be. The roof on this enclosed style park was wide open as it was a sunny day. However, even with the partial enclosure it seemed huge. 

          Despite the fact that Wrigley Field in Chicago is an old fashion open stadium and the capacity is the same at approx. 41,000, the enclosed Miller Park seemed mammoth in comparison.

        The same holds true for new home construction. The few times I have built a home it always seemed that the basement when the hole was dug didn't seem that big. Once the home was framed and enclosed, that basement seemed much bigger! 

DRY CLEANING NO MORE!

        There was an article in the Des Moines Register this past week about the dry cleaner's, "French Way," closing and all it's locations after 100 years plus in business thruout the Des Moines area. That does seem to be the trend around the country as the cleaner's in Marengo closed a little over a year ago.

          We are all just dressing too casual anymore and have no need for all that starching and pressing. When I lived and worked in the West Des Moines area back in the 1960- early 1990's , my whole attire was suits and ties. I was a weekly customer of the one French Way that was located near my office at 801 Grand Avenue, Wes Des Moines, Iowa. 

       Sometimes, I would have 10 long sleeved shirts to be cleaned and pressed along with a suit or two. My old friend, Bob Merritt, would take all those shirts in along with all his suits that he wore for the week. He would even have his jeans starched heavy. The crease in his pants could cut you!

          Well, things are always changing and because I still like a professionally  pressed shirt on ocassion, I have found a dry cleaner in North Liberty, over 20 miles away. And, yes I can, do, and know how to iron and have once in awhile. The "Well Dressed look" did last for quite a long time!    

GRAND-KIDS & SWIMMING POOL GAMES!

        While sitting in the hot tub this past week at the Americinn this past week and watching young kids playing in the swimming pool. I was reminded time spent with my own grand-kids in a pool.

           This same Americinn motel that I stayed in at Elkhorn, Wisconsin had a motel with pool in Marshalltown, Iowa. What was great was that for a $3.00 fee I could take my grand-kids to this pool, especially in winter, when they came to visit Grandpa.

               It was the best deal going for entertaining family in 10 states. What was amazing was that it had no bells and whistles like the huge theme park pools and yet we always found ways to have fun for 2 or 3 hours and not asking for any refreshments.

            I had several pool games that I came up with, but, one favorite was the "Bucking Bronco" game and it was requested over and over. I would simply put a grand-kid on my back and then he or she would pretend to insert a quarter in the back of my neck. 

          Then, I would start to twist and turn and attempt to buck them off and into the water. And, just in case I(the Bronco) couldn't get them off my back, the old Bronco had the ability to "Tickle!" Usually that did the trick. Off they went!

      Another fun game and mainly with my grand-daughters, was playing "Jaws!" I would be the shark and I would start humming the sound of the shark coming--Da-Dum, Da-Dum, Da-Dum! Of course, the girls would scream and giggle until getting out of the pool with the shark almost, but, not quite "getting" their foot! Fun!  

        

NO BRATS FOR 20 YEARS!

      This past week while attending the Cubs/Brewers baseball game in Milwaukee, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to have a Brat while at Miller Park. That wasn't always the case!

       There was a time in the late 1970's while attending an Iowa Hawkeye/ Wisconsin Badger football game in Madison, looking forward to a Brat quickly changed.  It seemed that there were Brat stands every block near the stadium. And, with the help of a little alcohol, those Brats even looked and tasted better. Well, I had too many of a good thing and I'll let you guess the rest. 

            It was many many years until I could look a Brat in the eye. Even at tailgating at the Hawkeye football games, I would bring along a package of hot dogs--just for me. I'm still not a big fan of a Brat or Polish, but, would rather have a all beef hot dog with all the trimmings including sauerkraut and especially the "Chicago" style! Yum!  

AMAZING-A BEER CAN VACUUM!

       As I was sitting at the Cubs-Brewers baseball game this past Wednesday, 6/13/2018, and making a mess with my peanut shells all around, I was reminded of an impression that I witnessed years ago. The incident happened back in the late 1970's while attending an Indy 500 race.

        At one time you were able to take a certain size of container/cooler with your favorite brew into the race track. Some fans even would put their coolers on a little red wagon and then leave  it behind once at their area or section. 

          There would would piles of empty beer cans underneath the bleachers after the race was over. On time while leaving, I remember watching an employee operating this huge "Vacuum Tube" and I assume connected to a big container nearby and it was sucking up those beer cans at lightning speed. 

         It's one thing to witness small racing machines doing 200 mph, but, to see a giant beer can vacuum was truly impressive! It's the little things ! 

IN THE UMPIRE'S FACE!

        This is just a worthwhile footnote to the the Cubs-Brewers game this past Wednesday at Miller Park. Despite the fact that my favorite team lost, there was one incident that helped make the day complete.

        Toward the end of the game, Anthony Rizzo, the first base star of the Cubs was up to bat with two strikes and three balls. With the last pitch, Rizzo, took off for first base, thinking it was a pitch outside the strike zone. The umpire called him OUT! Anthony turned and really got into the Umps face and a heated exchange was on! 

       Rizzo very seldom gets angry and it was somewhat a shock all as to what they were witnessing. Most of that heated arguing is no longer allowed and usually the umpire will toss the player out. Not today. I will admit it was more entertaining many years ago when players or managers would really get into steamy confrontations complete with shuffling of dirt at the Umps feet!

A BRAT & BIG BAG OF PEANUTS!

       One thing I knew, when I attended the Cubs vs. Brewers baseball game on June 13th, 2018, was what I would have to eat while there. First of all how could you not have a Brat while in Milwaukee or Wisconsin for that matter--"Ya, You Betcha, Ya!" And, with a topping of sauerkraut, onion, and mustard all the  while standing behind my section 215 before the start of the game.

        Then, it hit me next! Just before the game started, I walked back up to the concession area and bought a big bag of Fisher's dry roasted, salted in-shell peanuts. For me, no baseball game is complete without eating them, sucking the salt off the shells before breaking them open with your teeth and then making that mess all around your feet with peanut shells. I'm still feeling sorry for the poor soul who has to clean up after me!  

PLAYERS YOUNGER THAN STUFF IN REFRIG!

      The mammoth "Jumbotron" at Miller's Park had more information and stats on each player than I cared about or had time to read and digest. I was amazed on the year(s) that most players were born. Most in the early 1990's! I was on my second marriage by then and third career change. The guy sitting next to me repeated the old line---"Ya, I have underwear older than these players!" 
        

CUB TO THE LEFT BREWER TO THE RIGHT!

        Yesterday, Wednesday the 13th of June 2018, was a day I will remember despite the fact that my Cubs lost this afternoon game at Miller's Park. It was my first experience attending a sporting event with a retractable roof. It was impressive to say the least with the shear size of the place. 

        My seats were better than I had requested when ordering. I always try to sit around first base where a lot of the action is. My seat was on the Loge level and was close to the right side of home plate. I could easily look up and see the broadcast booth and could look into the Cubs dugout on the third base side. 

         A couple from Chicago sat on my left and were very interesting as was the couple on my right who drove in from the Green Bay area. We all got along and probably it was a good thing for me that the Cubs did not provide much action. 

             And, to show what a small world we live in, a couple that I talked to while waiting for the doors to open were from Cedar Rapids. Another guy who was sitting next to me while waiting was from Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the town that I stayed in the night before.  

25 YEARS W/ NO BOOZE!

         Someone posted on Facebook the other day  with reference to the speedy passing of time. For some reason it reminded me that has been over 24 1/2 years since I last had a drink of alcohol--January 1994. 

            It was something that I didn't necessarily think I would abstain for the rest of my life, but, I just did. There were many reasons or excuses along the way that I could have started again, even if just "mildly sociably!" When those times came along, good or bad, I always said to myself that it was not worth the possibility of ruining my life either health wise or socially!

            Through those years,I have also given up tobacco and thank goodness never have gotten in to drugs or gambling. Now, if I could just get used to eating lettuce 24/7 maybe my life would be complete!

A BIG PLUS GOING TO NURSING HOME!

        This past Saturday, my sister, Doris, Laurel class-mate, Jerry Roberts, and I paid a visit to Bob Baker in Newton, Iowa in his new assisted living residence just north of the downtown area.

           One thing that Jerry and I noticed and commented on was all the attention Bob was getting from female employees and female residents. It was Hi, Bob here and Hi, Bob there! You would think he was some kind of real celebrity. Although, Bob does look like he could be a member of the Old Rock group--ZZ Top--with his long white beard and all. 

           I mentioned to Jerry that maybe I have been looking at the possibility of having to go to a nursing home some day in the wrong way! It is a fact that women outlast men and that the ratio of women to men is slanted in their favor. If Bob is any indication or barometer, then maybe I have been looking at the possibility of the "Home" from the wrong viewpoint. Maybe, I could handle Hi, Dennis here and Hi, Dennis there!  

WATERFRONT--HOW DID I MISS IT!

     One restaurant I forgot to include on my Favorite Restaurant's in Des Moines list was the Waterfront in West Des Moines, Iowa. I don't know what I was thinking when I left it off. I've always said it is the best seafood place between Chicago and Denver. 

        I never will forget the time when I met my good friend Jim Heher there for dinner one evening and had their Oyster Soup for the first time. Jim was talking about something or other as I was taking my first bite. I had to stop him as I could see his lips moving, but, I was in "7th heaven" with my pleasure of that soup! 

LAUREL'S RE-UNION THEME 2019!

       It came to me while visiting with old classmate Bob Baker and Jerry Roberts in Newton, Iowa after the Laurel School Re-Union held earlier that afternoon. Keep in mind my mind works differently than most and slanted with a little humor in mind, sometimes very little.

         Jerry asked me what I thought the theme should be for next year's re-union and the old Bee Gee's tune Stayin' Alive  immediately came to mind. Remember that old Disco hit from the 1970's. I loved that song and for some reason it just popped into my head.

          Jerry thought it would be a good idea to be playing the song during the time before we sat down to eat. 

"And we're stayin' alive stayin' alive ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive, stayin' alive!"

        Well, I'm 74 and the second to last class of 1973 to have graduated from Laurel Consolidated School. No doubt about it. We are all up there in age, and, if you can't laugh a little at yourself well then----!

WHY I LET THEM DO IT!!

       This AM, I stopped at our local NAPA auto parts store for a pair of new windshield wiper blades. I informed the guy that part of the deal was that he would have to put them on which they will do as they will install new batteries free of charge.

           I have them do it just because I am simply not handy and even something that simple I would probably mess it up somehow.  Sure as I'm sitting here that's what happened. The guy came back in as the one blade wouldn't hook up right so he got another. 

        If I would have taken them home and tried to install myself, I would have thought the above problem would have been my fault and I would have gone "Nuts!" I was still in and out of there in under 15 minutes with blood pressure in check! Thank you Napa! 

THE YOUNG LADY LIKED MY HAT!

          The other day I was checking out at our local Casey's and the lady clerk complimented me on my new, canary yellow baseball hat that I was wearing. Fortunately she didn't notice my faded pair of sweat pants or faded grey T-shirt that I was sporting. 

          About 20 years ago, when I started wearing a faded yellow, plain, baseball hat and was told by a "young" lady passing by that I really looked good wearing "yellow." Well, you guessed it.  That was all I ever wore after that for a long long time. 

            One thing I still spend money on that I probably shouldn't is buying baseball hats, mainly for work, and the same type that I wore those many years ago and after the compliment! Today, I still buy my hats from a company called "Adams" and originally from the store in Marshalltown, Iowa called In Stitches. Today, I mostly go on-line to buy them.

           I generally just wear clothes for work that are older, pretty worn, but, comfortable. And now, I have ventured out in my color of hats and wear faded black, orange, pink, yes pink, and my latest color is plum. Usually if one my hats shows a little wear or shrinks a tad from washing, it gets the ax!

          Yes, wearing a new hat makes me feel better and if a young lady here and there thinks I look good in a new hat, well who's to argue with a lady--and, besides it's just the cost of doing business!

LAUREL SCHOOL RE-UNION-REALLY FUN TIME!

      Yesterday, Saturday, June 9th 2018, I attended another Laurel Consolidated School Re-Union. There were close to fifty in attendance including at least half being graduates  at the`Fellowship Hall at the Laurel United Methodist Church.

        Even though the numbers were down from the previous year, those attending were in great spirits and, I believe, were very happy to be there. I believe one decision that was made two years ago was to hold the event at noon instead of evening and to have made it "Pot Luck!"

           It was worth the price of admission and then some to take in all the "Scrumptious " food that was laid out on those long serving tables. The biggest problem for most of us in attendance  was that we couldn't even come close to eating all that we wanted. Not many got up for second like they would have done years ago!

         It was good to see Alice Lyle from the class of 1947 and John Bloom from the class of 1948. Hopefully, next year's event will be as successful as this years with all those smiling faces of some of Laurel's finest!  See you all next year!

GO 'ROUND THE WORLD BUT, COME BACK AGAIN...

          Anyone who has been to Taylor's Maid-Rite through the years are familiar with the huge maps on the north wall of the countries of the world.  After looking at the USA map and how far it looks from Iowa to California, I'm not sure I would have traveled that distance recently by myself. 4,000 miles in just under 7 days was maybe a bit much, especially after looking at that big map at Taylor's. I sure saw a lot of beautiful country though! 

TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE-"NEVER HEARD THAT BEFORE!"

      Today, 6/8/2018, I stopped in to my favorite eatery of all time for ONE w/ everything and a Vanilla Malt w/ a double shot of malt! Wow!

        Anyway, a guy walked in for a "To Go" order and made sure he told the clerk that he wanted his malt a little thinner and the last one he got there was too "Thick!" Yes I did start laughing after he left. I'm 74 years old and I have never heard anyone, ever, ask to thin down a ,malt! Never!  

ONE GOOD "EATERY" DESERVES ANOTHER!

          The other day I mentioned a restaurant in Dubuque that an acquaintance gave me what he thought was the best "eatery" in Iowa. Then, an old Laurel class-mate, Larry Schollenburger, gave me a tip about a restaurant in Waterloo, Gallerio de Paco's,  that he thought was, at least, the best there.

         I would encourage anyone on Facebook and reads this to pass along their pick for "best restaurant" in their area or anywhere, for that matter, in the state of Iowa. Let's hear from you!

DOESN'T ANYONE NOTICE-- AGAIN!

           While getting a refreshment last week at Casey's in Amana, I was maybe the 10th or 12th in line for a purchase. They had one cash register open and there was one young clerk doing who knows what behind the counter. Neither she or the other active clerk looked up to see how many patrons were in line and waiting. 

           Of course ol' Dennis was the one who brought the long line to their attention and was able to get the other clerk working a check out! Why can't employees be more attentive as the name of the game is "customer satisfaction!"  So I thought! 

"THE BEST REASAURANT IN IOWA!"

       Today, while making a visit to our library here in Williamsburg, Iowa, I asked the manager and good acquaintance if he had a hot "TIP" on a restaurant worth checking out in Eastern Iowa. 

        His answer surprised me a little and also excited me. **Doesn't take much anymore. He said that he was going to give the name of the "Best Restaurant in Iowa!" Wow! Not just his home town of Dubuque, Iowa, but, the whole darn state.

        And, the original owner has a story to tell about moving or "getting out" of Chicago due to "Mob" stuff! I can't wait to get the full story one day after I stop drooling! The place is called Mario's Italian Restaurant and it sounds like the place isn't very "Fancy!" 

         After living in Des Moines for over 30 years and eating at most all the very fine Italian Restaurants there, I won't be disappointed if it doesn't measure up to many of those in Des Moines. I can't wait to shoot up to Dubuque some day soon! I love a good eatery tip! 
       

GOOD OLD DAYS? MAYBE!

           The other day while cleaning windows at the Amana Retirement Community, I realized how easy I had it compared to cleaning windows when I was a teen on the family farm. The difference is pretty stark, but, had its trade-offs!

        The other day while cleaning windows at the Amana Retirement Community, I realized I couldn't have it easier. All the windows I was doing could be easily reached by just standing at ground level, easy casement style windows, and using an easy wide applicator and an 18" inch squeegee. Each housing unit in/out took a little over a half-hour. 

        Even though the screens and storms on the farm were wood, heavy, and very large, and the rags were not very absorbent, there were still the pluses! It was generally a very sunny Fall day while working and above all I had my trusty blue imitation leather encased portable radio and listening to my Iowa Hawkeyes football team and Jim Zabel-announcer! Never can replace those fond memories!   

DOESN'T ANYBODY NOTICE?

        I know I look at things differently now that I am older, but, one I couldn't help thinking about happened while having lunch at the Ox Yoke Inn in Amana, Iowa. The hostess took a group of people or family as far back in a corner of this huge spread restaurant. 

        The one elderly lady, possibly Grandma, was having difficulty walking and was doing so with a cane. You would have thought that either the  hostess or the younger members of the family would have been aware of the situation and asked for a closer table to the entrance! Me, I would have stood there until they all came back and joined me at a table close to the entrance!  

THAT OL' FROSTY SCHOONER OF BEER!

         While at a household auction yesterday at Belle Plaine, Iowa, up for bid was an old Schlitz glass beer schooner. It brought back immediately a fond memory from my youth and no it was not about me drinking beer!

         I do remember accompanying one of my uncles up to the local tavern in Laurel, Iowa, during hay making season to get refreshments for the crew. I will never forget that image of the owner, Hank Miiller, pulling out this frosted schooner from a  low refrigerator from behind the bar and then filling it with a "cool" one. 

          I would watch those bubbles float to the top and to its "head." Then, once in awhile the patron would take a salt shaker and tap in a little salt which I presume was for added flavor. Again, more rising bubbles! It didn't take much to entertain me! 

FUNNIEST FORTUNE COOKIE SAYING EVER!

        Sometime back in the 1980's, I was having lunch at a Oriental eatery in Clive , Iowa. The fortune was --"Your car will run for another 40,000 miles!" Honest! Somebody making those sayings up really had a weird sense of humor!

COULD BE FORTUNATE FORTUNE COOKIE!

       Thursday night, I ordered out my favorite local Chinese take out and after eating opened the fortune cookie. The little slip read the following---"Romance will come your way soon!"  Stay tuned!

HEY KIDS-- DO YA LIKE BUDDY HOLLY?

     On June 30th, 2PM,at the Old Creamery in Amana, Iowa will be a performance of "That'll Be The Day"--A Tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets.  I've attended several performances at the Old Creamery and they are always excellent. See you there!

GREAT ADVICE FROM WISE WOMAN!

        Back in the late 1990's, I was giving thought to traveling to the Bahamas and staying at the famous Atlantis resort for a few days. It just seemed reasonable as something different to do as a bachelor. 

         I had met, at about that time, the daughter of a good customer of mine and we  became friends. When she learned that I was giving thought to my Bahama plans, she posed the following question or thought.

       Her logic was  why go somewhere on vacation and as a destination that is "Man Made."  Her thinking was when there are so many places to travel to and see that are natural why waste your time on places like I was considering or the likes of Las Vegas. 

           I always remembered what she said and since then most of my destinations and traveling involves around that natural beauty--don't make me list them all! Don't get me wrong, I go the "Big" city on occasion and take in an event of some kind. I guess I'm glad I did the "Big City" scene when I was younger and have no regrets. Good Bye Las Vegas--probably never again! 

MY LAST MEAL!

          On the way back from my western states trip, it dawned on me that the last day and at lunch should be a big ol' steak. I'm not exactly sure where it was, but, somewhere east of Denver I found the perfect place for my "Last Meal" before coming home. 

         The place was a rustic looking cowboy bar and grill , but very clean and with the local patron traffic at noon time, it seemed like a good choice. My order was a very thick sirloin steak, medium rare to perfection, a crispy salad from a salad bar with fresh choices, and homemade mashed potatoes with a huge cube of butter.

         When they bring with your steak one of those huge steak knives, you know they are serious. In talking to my server, she informed me that she and her husband owned the` restaurant and he does his own butchering! Micky D--eat your heart out! 

WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF IT EARLIER?

        It seems like no matter how old we get there is always  a situation where we say--"Why didn't I think of that before?" Well, one of those just happened just recently, but, I guess you can always say--"Better Late Than Never!"

         I started including on my advertising and business cards---Yes, We Clean Windows and Siding!" Since I stared doing that, I have been getting more siding cleaning than window cleaning. 

        People with metal siding recognize that siding gets dusty, dirty, mildew, moss--so on. It's easy work, for me, and actually makes better money for time spent than windows.  Again, never late than never!

YOU'DE THINK SOMEDAY I'DE LEARN?

       This morning I decided I was long overdue for my week-end movie at the Coralville Complex. There was nothing really on that I wanted to see, but, I had to see a movie on the big screen. So, I chose Dead Pool ll. 

         Didn't have a clue what the premise was, except it had something to do with Super Hero's and whatever. I will say that I lasted about 30 minutes before I walked out. I've always been one to give slap stick, spoof, weird humor, satire, but, I guess that last movie I enjoyed that was a new type of humor was "Airplane!"

         I did try. Somehow I was in doubt before I even entered the theater, but---!I hate to say it, but that window or door is really starting to shut more even when it comes to one of my favorite past-times! Maybe overall, it's time to purchase a much bigger TV, get back to my Netflix subscription, and also, on occasion, pull out some of my favorite "classics" from my "flick vault" and watch away. I'm still not giving up on the Big Screen just yet, though!