MY WAY TO CELEBRATE!

       Yesterday I had one of the most stress-fully anticipated three way phone business encounters in recent memory. It was one of the those situations when it was over you were totally relieved and actually when completed was like this huge ANVIL being lifted of your head or shoulders.

         Since I don't drink, smoke, or do any kind of drugs, I only had one source of celebrating. Later in the afternoon, I drove to Coralville bellied up to the bar at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant and treated myself to a big ol' side of Ribs smothered in sweet sauce, complete with mashed potatoes, a fantastic salad with my favorites twin dressings--French and Blue cheese, and a few piping hot soft "rolls."

       I had no business doing that, because I could hardly walk out of the restaurant I was so full. Would I do it again? You betcha!

          

TOUGH TO GET TO-BUT WORTH IT!

         In today's Des Moines Register, 3/26/2018, there was an article about a "Restaurant (Bluff Lake Catfish Farm) Affected by Road Closure."  It was the very one that I visited last summer and indicated that it was the most unusual setting, great food and  scenic way of getting there I had ever encountered. 

            You may want to wait till Fall to give it a visit as the road that cuts through Maquoketa Caves State Park is closed for resurfacing and /or repairs. There is another way in there but is something like a four mile detour. If you get over to that area, maybe this Fall, keep it in mind as I guarantee that is a dining experience you won't forget.

ARE ALL RUSSIANS SINISTER?

      It seems since I was a kid Russians are all depicted as being very sinister and usually "Thug" like. I suppose it all started with the cold war back in the 1950's and just carried on with them mostly being played as spies or villains in movies. 

        Normally, they are dressed darkly in black leather coats and have dark shaved facial appearances.Even most of the women, are heavy set, not very attractive and usually wearing an old fashion head scarf. Even their speech sounds heavy and  like they have marbles in their mouth. At least that nasally speech/sound of the French has a very romantic flair by comparison. 

        I would be shocked, with today's confrontation with Russia, if someday I would watch a movie or T.V. show that had this thin, tall, dark hair, clean shaven, blue eyed guy play a Russian character and as the hero or "Good Guy!" Stay Tuned!

ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL/COUNT BLESSINGS!

       I wanted to see the Eagles Concert held in Des Moines last night(Monday, 3/26/2018.) It is probably the only big time Rock group still around that I have wanted to see live in my life-time and possibly Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.

        The big deterrent  was the price of a ticket at Wells Fargo. I just didn't feel like paying $130 plus to sit in the"Nose Bleeds!" If it were in my younger years, I would have gone down and "scalped" like I have done many times--ie. Billy Joel in Ames. Plus, living 100 plus miles away didn't help the cause.

       But, like many things at my stage in life, I just tell myself to be grateful for all I have done and seen in my lifetime. From the 1950's through the early 2000's, I have probably seen over 50 major singers and groups plus dozens of major Broadway Musicals. I am fortunate to have counted seeing Elvis Presley twice, The Bee Gee's, Billy Joel, Elton John, Andy Williams, The Big Bopper, Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Chicago, Dobbie Brothers, KC and the Sunshine Band, and many more. All major attractions during their time. 

        At times like this instead of "moping around" I just tell myself I fortunate I have been to have enjoyed so much in my lifetime. Besides, a few years ago I saw a Tribute Band of the Eagles at the Iowa State Fair and to me they WERE the real Eagles and they were free. One of the best bands period, appear locally and it's called Fez-Tribute to Steely Dan. In a couple of weeks I will be seeing a Tribute to Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers all for $20. Life is still good!

       

BOX OFFICE BUST--OR NOT!

       Yesterday, 3/25,2018, I drove to Iowa City for my Sunday AM movie gig. The movie was "7 days in Entebee" and was about true events in 1976 of a Air France hijacking by a Palestine Liberation group of a flight from Tel Aviv to Paris, France. 

        It was about the most daring successful rescue of passengers ever attempted. It took place in Uganda, Africa and the rescue was carried out by the Israels in a very daring attempt. The movie flowed extremely well with very little of the gore of most movies today.

          I always love period movies taken place in my lifetime and of historical significance. I was told that the movie was only running a week due to poor showing. If you get a chance to rent it at home in the future, I believe you will not be disappointed. And, a happy ending!  

          

WHEN STORMS WERE STORMS!

      This past Friday, 3/23,2018, I made a run to he grocery store because it sounded like we were going to get a "Big Storm" in my area, Williamsburg, Iowa, and of course I didn't want to starve to death!

          Well, we got a nice snow along with some wind. Mostly rain preceded the snow and probably kept the snow total down to 4-5 inches or so. By mid afternoon, Saturday, the snow plow had been by and my landlord cleaned my drive way. Life is good and back to normal. I did forget to mention our electricity was off for about an hour. 

        Living in town is a lot different than the country I know. When I was a kid back during the 1950's and living in the country on a farm it was a different ballgame. I truly believe the storms and total snow fall was greater, snow plows didn't get around as quick, and our homes were  not insulated as well. 

           Even last Saturday the 17th, St. Patrick's Day, with a big snow in the area, the interstate was absolutely cleared by noon of that day and traffic was flowing normally. I'm sure those that live in the country would somewhat disagree with my analysis but, with their big pick-ups and SUV's and special traction, they, too, have life a little easier!

NO SHORTAGE OF METAL!

        Lately with all the talk about the President putting in place tariffs on steel and aluminum, made be think of a story about an observation made many years ago. It had do while traveling through the state of New Mexico back in 1980.

          My ex-wife and I were on our way to the L.A. area to meet up with a friend who lived there and were going to attend all the Rose Bowl festivities. It seemed like everywhere we looked while traveling through New Mexico, we witnessed abandoned automobiles at every turn. 

          It really was disappointing, as it spoiled all the beauty that was there to enjoy. We were told that many of the vehicles were just left as is by the Native Americans and that hey would simply purchase another without bothering to trade! I never did understand it all.

          But, I did mention at the time if there was a way to collect them all by baling them, there would be enough metal just in New Mexico to build lots of new autos in the USA. Even today, while driving around, wherever, it seems there still are plenty of scrap metal right here in this country without having to import more from other countries and have to deal with this tariff issue! 

GETTING MUCH DONE BEFORE PM NAP!

       Even for me all that I got done by 1PM was at warp speed. Now in my semi-retired mode, I do like to get as much done as I can by noon and then nap and just take it a little easy in the PM. 

         But, today was somewhat an exception. I did all my usual plus cleaning a couple of shelving units in my refrigerator. I took off for Marengo, Iowa about 10 miles away from here at he Burg. I met two different reps about advertising for my window cleaning business. 

     Then I continued on west to nearby Belle Plaine and met with the owner of a local print shop about making up some yard signs pertaining to "Collectibles" and my other past-time of dabbling in buying/selling antiques etc.

    Then it was back to Marengo and a very fast spin through the grocery store. From there I headed east on highway #6 to South Amana to visit with a promoter about a Flea Market/Collectible Swap Meet coming up in May. 

     Then, back to Williamsburg for a noon Kawanis meeting and finally connecting with a  another rep at The "Advertiser" about digital advertising and focusing on commercial business in Coralville. Lastly, I called over to Meskwaki Casino and made reservations for a Roy Orbison imitator coming first of April. All was done by 1:30 PM! Nap time! 

  

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

       It's been a few years since I actually have made lasagna and during the last week or two it's all I have been thinking about. My sister, Deborah, makes it frequently and is one of her favorite meals and probably mentioned it lately and helped light the fire for me.

         So, this morning while in Marengo, Iowa, I stopped at the local grocery store and purchased the ingredients needed. All was going to be grand at the DML household Friday night!

       This noon, I attended my weekly Kiwanis Club noon luncheon meeting and guess what greeted me? Lasagna, garlic bread, and salad was the feature lunch. What would be the odds! The noon meal was admittedly good, but! Maybe it will be my Sunday night special.

DAY WITH GOOD FRIEND JERRY!

         Yesterday, and the first day of Spring, March 20, 2018, I drove to Urbandale, Iowa and  spent the afternoon with my old Laurel class-mate and good friend, Jerry Roberts. Of course, we started off the visit with a trip up the street from his home to Tasty Taco's. It's been a few months since I had been there and I was getting a little shaky.

          From there we headed back east and made our first "City Tour" swipe through the Drake University area. Since I am a graduate of Drake and Jerry and his wife Judy are big Drake women's basketball fans, we needed to check up on the latest construction and any other up-dates.

         From there, we drove to the down-town area and headed east on MLK just south of down-town. It is unbelievable the amount of new construction, mostly condos and apartments that dot the scene. We viewed a 75 acre area that has been cleared on the western edge of an area just south of downtown. It is a planned residential area over the next 20 years. A city within a city.

           We then drove out Grand Avenue and all the way out to "Ritzy" Napa Valley area wedged between Boneville to the south, Waukee to the north, and Van Meter to the south and all along the beautiful Racoon River Valley of rolling timbered hills. Even a few of the nearby residential lots sell for $225,000. 

         It was a great first day of Spring with a good friend, my favorite comfort food meal, and a Million Dollar tour of the Greater Des Moines area. Of the 30 plus years of living in the area, I must say I have never witnessed the change and growth of this magnificent Capital city.    

ST. PATRICK'S W/ SISTER DORIS!

        This past Saturday afternoon I drove up to Gilman, Iowa to spend St. Patrick's Day with my sister Doris. At her suggestion, we drove to nearby Laurel to enjoy a Fish Fry put on by the Lion's Club in town. It was held. like lots of local events, at the Legion Hall just off Main Street or Highway 14.

            The fish and all the trimmings were excellent along with the variety of dessert items and all on a free will basis. The most important thing about attending a "back home event" is visiting with a few old friends from the community. Some, and a few that were serving, I had no idea who they were. 

          That was OK. It made me feel good to know that my sister had a chance to go around and chat with many there that she knew. I have never been a patient person, but, times like that if Doris would have gone on until they closed--I would have been there without a peep!  

HOMEMADE--NOT!

         This morning, Monday, March 19.2018, I was driving back to Williamsburg, Iowa from Tanger Outlet Mall just off I-80 and glanced over to the Landmark Restaurant across the road. They had a sign out front that was promoting "Homemade Meatloaf" for the day, I presume.

         Now everyone knows that the Cook at the restaurant doesn't make this item at HIS home and then brings it to work. I am not going to argue that there is the possibility that this eateries meatloaf may be better than what could be made in a home or by my own mother. 

        But, would it kill them to add ---" Good as Homemade--" or "Meatloaf-Good as Mom's!"
Maybe it really doesn't matter. Everyone knows they are lying anyway! Besides, how bad can meatloaf be wherever it's made! If you've been driving all day and really hungry--Yum!













        
                                                                                                                         

GO UNDERDOG RETRIEVERS!

      I missed both first round NCAA men's big upsets. The first was Buffalo defeating Arizona and then the big #16 seed UMBS Retrievers defeat of #1 seed Virginia. That may be the biggest upset almost ever in NCAA tournament play.

          I know there are many Arizona fans out there, but, it seems that many times through the years, Arizona, when top rated, chokes in the first round or so. I loved it because I am always rooting for the underdog-most times!

         I never forgave Lute Olson for leaving Iowa and was always glad to see his defeat. On to the Virginia game, I have a special fondness for Buffalo, upstate New York and  Niagara Falls. Don't get me wrong, I would never want to live in a city that has the MOST overcast days in the USA! In conclusion, it has to be embarrassing for Virginia to be beaten by a team with the nickname---"Retrievers!"

GUEST TOWELS/I HAVE BETTER IDEA!

      In the "Dear Abby" column of yesterday,3/14/2018, it had to do with a poem about using the guest towels and using them. It reminded me of several years ago and a Holiday party that a dear friend held in her home.

         I thought it was very clever of her to actually use special paper towels in a nice wicker basket. To me, it always seemed idiotic to put out these fancy hand towels when some would use and leave them crumbled up. Most importantly, it seems like you are just passing along germs with these fancy hand towels. 

          When I saw this it was during the early 2000's and I'm sure most people put out "disinfectant" handy wipes, etc. On an ongoing basis, I don't put out "fancy" guest towels. If and when I have a guest I let them know which towel or towels to use. But, just to be a thoughtful host I think I'll keep a package of handy-wipes handy!  

ADD ANOTHER LIE TO YOUR LIST!

          I always love it when I see a local Auto Dealership advertise that they "Don't want to be the largest, but, only the Best!" If you believe that, I still have a couple of bridges left!

HEAD TO GOLDIE'S -PRAIRIE CITY,IOWA

      This past week, the Des Moines Register, featured another article about 99 top restaurants in 99 Counties. As to be expected, one that made the list and has been around since at least 2009 when it was awarded the top tenderloin by the Pork Producers of Iowa. 

        If you at least live in the Central Iowa area, you should give this cozy, great comfort food, clean, and great service destination. The extensive list of state wide bistro's has given me  enthusiasm to try some new food adventures out there! Yum!   

       

GETTING FIRED/DON'T BE CRUEL!

      
          This past week the Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, got fired via Twitter or at least a telephone call and not directly from the President. It made me think of a couple of ways that do seem like a cruel way of getting the old AX!

          The first one is in baseball when a pitcher is being relieved during the game for not performing like the manager wishes. While the new pitcher walks in from the bullpen the current pitcher stands at the mound with his head hung low. , the manager comes out, takes the ball out of the starting pitcher's grasp, pats him on the rear-end, and the fired pitcher walks with shoulders slumped`and totally dejected to the showers.

         A new way and very cruel method of firing has to do with the breaking up of a "Relationship!" I'm sure we would be flabbergasted by how many guys break up with their girlfriend by simply texting or whatever current social media method that's in vogue and impersonal!      

SLOW MOVING IN THE AM!

       It seems like every morning I get up, go through all my early AM rituals, then think that maybe today I will just coast as my energy level seems below normal for some reason. But, before my morning walk, I make out my "To Do" list and then head out.

        When I start out on my walk, I even think about cutting it short as I just don't feel "up to par!" Then, as the walk progresses, I think about additional things I need to accomplish and like a train moving out from the station, I start picking up steam.

            The next thing I know, I have made my bed, mopped my kitchen floor, written a story or two on my Blog, and getting ready to head out the door to wash a few up-town windows. I have known people that can just jump out of bed with much enthusiasm and hit the floor running. 

       I do know that two factors enter in for me. First, I can't function very well until I have that first cup of coffee, and second, being a little closer to going out--- well you get the picture!   

SECURITY DRILL/ I COULD SCREAM!

       Lately, I've been going to our local Library to do some printing as the printer I had in my home kept giving me fits so I just did away with it a few years ago. Many times I want to print off one of my stories from my Blog and the other day for some reason it wouldn't let me in to my Blog site.

         Thus, my dilemma! I do try to keep pretty much the same security stuff as I don't want too many choices. With passwords, user names, E mail addresses, 3 digit codes on credit and debit cards, social security number, and my best friend's name in grade school, I think I'm starting to OD on all of it as more need arises. 

         And, to think that I'm not even in to the smart phone era. I do feel pretty good that I have been able to keep up as well as I have to his point. In some ways, I have kept one foot in he past. I don't use GPS when traveling as I still enjoy just using an old fashion ATLAS.

        But, back to all the this security stuff. I'm going to just keep chugging away and doing the best I can. I just may have to hire an assistant to help me through all this. Does anyone out there know of a sharp 12 year old that needs a good part time job? Give me a call! 
   

            

ONE MORE NOTE ON THE OLDIE STUFF!

     Do you still own the old fashion pressure cooker or that classic and vintage metal meat grinder. You know, the one you mount on the edge of the counter or table and grind out left over roast beef for those delicious beef sandwiches that your mom used to make. 

         Well, yesterday at the Belle Plaine auction I saw both those items in never used condition go for $1.00 EACH. I have both and still use from time to time the pressure cooker for stove top popcorn. It turns out so moist and delicious. Just don't tighten down the lid!   

OLDIE NOT ALWAYS GOODIE!

          The one thing I always hate to see at an auction sell at a very low price is a complete set of very nice china. You know the type. You may still have some or some your mother left you.  It's a 30-40 piece set of like new bone china with that etched gold band!

          Yesterday, at the household auction in Belle Plaine, I even made a friendly, no money, bet with a lady next to me as to would this particular spread would sell for. I said $20 and she said it would be $40. It did all go at $35. Such a deal.

           And, to think my mother used to only use it on very special occasions and actually had velvet bags to store them in when not in use! I'm proud to say that at least I use the newer colorful Fiesta ware for every day and special occasions--no paper plates or McDonald cups for me! 

JUST WHEN YA' SEEN IT ALL!

       This A.M. I drove to Belle Plaine for a household auction. There wasn't much value in the average item, but, most product was in good condition. One thing that a lady near me bid on was just a couple of rolling pins. I talked to her earlier and she said she collected rolling pins and would probably be seeing some action. I had teased her about needing a new one against her hubby.

        This same lady was the winning bidder on these pins and after studying one of them, I couldn't figure out why it looked so funny. I walked over o her and asked what type it was as it was "ribbed" all the way up and down. She didn't know nor did another lady nearby.

       When I got back to my seat I even asked another lady who I believe was a dealer. She immediately replied that it was for rolling out noodles! First, I was surprised that the lady that bought it didn't know and secondly, I was surprised that a lifetime of auctions I had not run in to one. It was cool and I wish I had gotten it! 

BACK TO NATURE/GOOD THING

       This past Thursday, 3/8/2018, a Naturalist from Iowa County Conservation Service spoke at the Kiwanis noon luncheon here in Williamsburg, Iowa. He was very knowledgeable about all facets of county parks, preserves events, and wildlife in the area.

           It made me realize that there are really amazing places very close to home to explore with nature. It seems like I'm always trying to travel even short day trips within the state of Iowa to discover new things to see and experience in nature. This speaker made me realize that on occasion new and exciting adventures can be found very close to home--just in our back-yard.

         In the 1980's and living in the West Des Moines area, I used to walk my dog almost every Sunday morning at Browns Woods, just on the SW edge of Des Moines. It is the states largest urban forest preserve of close to 500 acres and 4 miles of natural trails. It was always so relaxing to walk all that pure nature and yet be so close to urban living.

        The speaker also made me realize growing up on a farm as a youth and how many times I found peace in some of my getaways right there on that 160 acres. I plan on finding some of those peaceful moments again and close to home in Iowa County. Who knows maybe I spot an Eagle or two and even a bear oh, my! 

      

       

MUSIC IN AUTO TOO LOAD

      Just before lunch time I stopped at the Hardware store on the square here in Williamsburg, Iowa for an item or two. While getting out of my car, I could hear loud music coming from a vehicle across the street. It was so loud that the vehicle seemed to be vibrating back and forth. 

           It did remind me of a time years ago, late 1990's, while living in Marshalltown, Iowa, when I get even in a way with different elements playing loud music from their autos. I had pulled up to a stop light, with window down, and my radio at full volume with an old "Classic Rock" song blaring away!

       I'm sure this was initially puzzling to these young "punks!" I'm sure they never had witnessed  and/or heard some mid 50 year year old guy rockin' out to this strange and ancient music. Who dare play anything that loud while cruising that wasn't Rap, Hip Hop, or a Mexican Mariachi band! I can still see their look over at me!

ALWAYS & NEVER!

       Lately, one thing we keep hearing over and over again is about the President's decision to place tariffs on steel and aluminum coming into this country. Many of the congressmen being interviewed have said that it is "never good" to instill tariffs. 


          I still love hearing when someone uses the phrase "never or always" as we all know that most issues are not of an absolute basis. I remember when in school and coming across a multiple choice question where one of the choices is "always" or "never, " it is normally the wrong answer. 

       There is an exception to this principle---It is "never" good that Dennis remains overweight and it will remain bad for his health "always" if he does!

LITTLE GIRL PLAYING WAR!

     
       Yesterday, as I was walking into the shop to get my haircut, I witnessed a scene that I don't think I have ever seen before. I'm not trying to make anything political about it, but, just wasn't computing in my simple little mind. 

        Here was this very young little girl, maybe 4 or 5, and she was down on the floor with all these little plastic soldiers and had them lined up against one another and complete with "sound effects"
was picking up different ones and shooting away. 

           There was nothing to really be said about what I was witnessing. On the other hand, I'm not sure what I would have thought if it were a little boy down there playing with a doll house and accessories! 

            

            

"EVERYBODY BOINKS SOMEBODY SOMETIME!" --Dean Martin

TONITE BEST BB PLAYER PLAYER IN STATE!

      Tonite at 6:30 P M..you can watch on Comcast,  the Iowa Boys Basketball Tournament and possibly the best player in the state. And, he is  a signee next year to the Iowa Hawkeyes. His name is Joe Wieskamp, a senior from Muscatine, Iowa. The #8 Muscatine Muskies will be playing Iowa City West, ranked #1 in the state.

      Wieskamp has been averaging 33.7 points and 13.5 rebounds. "This guy is going to draw a crowd." Also, on Iowa City's team is Patrick McCaffrey, junior . He is also an Iowa recruit as he is son of Iowa Hawks coach. "He's a consensus five star top 20 2020 recruit" with offers from 5 other colleges including Iowa State. Could be fun! 

CHICK FLICKS-NO-SIREE-BOB!

        I love movies! I have been going to movies most of my adult life. My love for movies did start when I was about 10 years old when attending the 1954 Sci-Fi thriller, The Day The Earth Stood Still, with my older cousin, Bob Bueghly, in Marshalltown, Iowa, at the Strand Theater on Main Street.

       That movie scared me into dropping to the floor in the theater and holding my baseball cap over my face. But, from then on I was hooked. I have probably averaged one or two a week, including those on TV, and DVD's. 

          One advantage of now being single, I also do not have to compromise with anyone and only have to disagree with myself on choice. It was nice to know that out of nine nominated 2017 Best Pictures, I have seen four of them. I will probably never see the other five, as their content is too "Chick Flick for me or too LaDeDa, whatever that means.

      For my taste I like just plain ol' simple mysteries, some war movies,  movies with a MOB theme, Sci-Fi, but, not like most stuff today), action movies, but, more in line with old James Bond--haven't seen one of these since old James Bond.

       This past year, 2017, I did enjoy Dunkirk, The Darkest Day, The Post, and Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri--all Academy Award Nominees. Surprisingly, the one movie this past year I saw three times in one month was "The Greatest Showman." The musical movie about P.T.Barnum/Circus. I loved that movie and especially the musical number "THIS IS ME!" It is possibly the most inspirational song I have ever witnessed in a movie or at a live musical. It is a must see!   

     
     

HIGH INTEREST RATES-YA' KIDDING ME!

        I do have to chuckle a bit when I see or read anything about the fear of interest rates going higher and the effect it has on the stock market and so on. First of all, however you slice it, the interest rates have been way below 5 % for some time. 

        I don't intend to get into all the advantages or dis-advantages to all this, but, just a comparison during my lifetime. When I was a young man just out of college and buying my first home the interest rates for a home mortgage were around 7%. When I took out my mortgage  in 1968, I knew that the rates would probably go down. Wrong!

           By the time I had bought my second home in 1976 the mortgage rate had increased to 9%.
Then during the early 1980's with a huge recession and farm crisis going on, the mortgage rate had increased to 11% range. During that time when I was still selling real estate in the West Des Moines area, I had a sale on a Townhome that the rate ended up being 15% by the time the buyer finalized the sale. 

          Needless to say there weren't many sales at that time. And, I think there have been times in our Country's history when interest rates were even higher. I also know that "what you don't know won't hurt you!" People today buying homes, at least, should "Thank there lucky stars!" Maybe not so much on your savings.   

SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T GO BACK!

      Early yesterday evening and prior to the Oscars, I drove out to the Landmark restaurant off I-80 for a Hot Fudge Sundae. It had been calling me for some time as I can't recall the last time I enjoyed that treat.

        Needless to say the young lady making it was her first time and it turned out mostly ice-cream and very little Hot Fudge jammed into one of those tall soda glasses without the HOT part. She at least tried and all was cool.

       It did remind me of a time of long ago, when I remember ordering a Hot Fudge Sundae at the Dairy Queen on North 3rd Avenue in Marshalltown, Iowa.  They used to put the ice-cream in a round  light card board cup with ample ice-cream and a BIG blob of Hot Fudge(and it was HOT) draped over the ice-cream. You had to be careful in eating it all with balance so you didn't end up with too much ice-cream or fudge. Hopefully, just right! 

        Back in the mid-1990's, I went there for a Hot Fudge and went back up for a little more Fudge as I had run out and had too much ice-cream left. The lady was going to charge me another 65 cents or so! What! At the time they measured everything out  exactly. I never went back there. Ah, for the good old days when there was quality with quantity and everyone was happy. By the way--that Hot Fudge Sundae last night was $5.65! Times have changed.

MY NEW LEG!

       Will we be able to really understand our own bodies? I reported last Wednesday or Thursday,  that after my fall over the previous week-end, it was actually doing worse. Then, yesterday, Sunday, 3/4/2018, it was like a "Miracle!" 

       Not only did I wake up with no soreness or pain of any kind, it was as if I had received a new leg somehow. I swung into my car with absolute ease, got out my chair to walk into the kitchen--with an added skip, and my (half the time) morning walk was ah so smooth. I felt like I could have jogged it. 

        But, I'm still not going to push it for a few days, but, am grateful whatever the reason. In the meantime let's give a big "HALLELUJAH!"  

BEER PRICE INCREASE? OH SHUT UP!

         All this talk about putting tariffs on steel and aluminum made me laugh when they used beer cans as an example of price hikes. It was pointed out that the price of a beer could could go up a whopping 2-3 cents!

        I can just see a group of guys shopping for beer and goodies for the next Super Bowl party. One guy says that he refuses to pay the price hike due to the tariff. He encourages the group to switch to something sold in a glass or plastic container. Oh, shut up!

      I remember all the times that cigarette prices went up during the years I smoked. Did that deter me from quitting. After 40 years and multiple increases, I finally gave them up, but, it had nothing to do with the price! 

WINDOW CUSTOMERS

WALLEYE @ LINCOLN CAFE-YUM!

        Late yesterday afternoon, Friday, 03/02/2018, I drove over to Belle Plaine, Iowa, and went to the Lincoln Cafe for their popular "Walleye-All You Can Eat-Special!" A year ago, someone told me about their Special and I thought it was just around Easter/Lent. No! They offer this year round.

        If you love fish, and especially Walleye, you might consider a drive to this top rated family/ comfort food eatery. The lightly battered generous pieces are the best I have had since enjoying cod at the Knights of Columbus  Fish Fries during Lent in Marshalltown, Iowa many years ago. 

          I arrived downtown Belle Plaine around 5:15 PM and came very close to having to wait in line on arriving. The place was packed. Besides being able to have all you want with the Walleye, any side dish you choose is always very good and fresh. They have plenty of experienced help so the service is always prompt and the owners are right there chipping in and helping with serving the meals and cleaning tables.

           For the best of "Comfort Food" this is a place to give strong consideration. I love most types of eating from Mexican, Oriental, and Italian, but, it's nice to know you can still find an eatery that just serves it up  like times gone by!

WHEN A FACT IS NOT A FACT!

        A fact is not necessarily always just a single answer. Now we know that two plus two is four. That is a fact. But, when it comes to politics that is just not the case. One person might say that something is a "fact." The opposing person will respond by saying that whatever is a fact is just not true. Or, otherwords must not be a fact. 

          All this reminds me when I took Statistics in college. One thing you learned was how to "lie with statistics!" If you made up a graph for a short period of time, the graph line would go up sharply. Of course, if you drew it out over a longer period of time, the increase was not as dramatic by sight.  

TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET!

        Recently, I heard this expression or somehow it popped in my mind and like most unusual things we me, I had to check it out. The origin is somewhat unknown, but, one source said that there was always a "hand Basket" close by when someone found themselves at the wrong end of the guillotine! This explanation seems logical if not very graphic to me and that's the one I think I'll stick to!  

BAG PIPES LOVE EM' BUT SO SAD!

         Today, Friday, 03/02/2018, while watching the Billy Graham funeral from Charlotte, North Carolina, I was so mesmerized by the playing of the bag pipe and its haunting effect. It seems like every time I hear it played I love and enjoy that sound and at the same time can't help but shed a few tears of sadness. 

HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

        After my fall last Saturday while starting out on my morning walk, I thought I was well on my way to complete recovery. And, yesterday, Thursday, 03/01/2018, I went on my morning walk and cut it back by two thirds. 

         Well, I don't know what happened during the night, but, this morning my left knee area decided to go back to day one. I may have turned in the night and re-twisted something. This morning I felt like going uptown and purchasing a cane. And, it dawned on me how many "cool" canes I have passed on at recent auctions. 

       I will be putting back on my brace for my knee and really slowing down more and see how it goes for the next couple of days. Hopefully, this is just a temporary set-back and no big deal. I do hate it that I just can't bounce back as I did when younger!

            

GROCERY STORE--NOT IN RIGHT PLACE!

       This past Monday, 02/26/2018, I drove to Newton, Iowa and met Jerry and Judy Roberts for a visit with a mutual Laurel School classmate Bob Baker and his wife Sandi. Bob recently moved from Norwalk to an apartment in Newton, Iowa.   .


         After our visit and before heading home, I stopped at a Fareway Grocery Store just a block away. One main thing that was a must buy was a container of raisins to top off my daily oatmeal breakfast. 

         I started out with the normal in order "weave" of each isle. No raisins in the isle with, fruit, around breakfast foods, baking supplies, and on. Then I even cut through each isle and re-checked and double checked areas. No, I couldn't find in any isle one employee which one usually runs into and that can assist.

          Since Monday was a very warm late February day, I was starting to over heat as being a little over dressed and was also getting frustrated. I decided to just check out and go back to Williamsburg and get the raisins there. I asked the check out lady where they were located at that point just out of curiosity.

      She pointed up to the front of the entry way and an area where they primarily displayed featured items like potato chips, beverages, etc, not raisins. That would have been the last place I would have looked besides the manager's office or employees lounge. I did slowly walk up and picked up a box and slowly returned to the check out. Yes, I did do a little complaining, but was too tired and hot to track down the head honcho!