MY YOUNKERS MEMORIES!

                With Younkers closings, it has given most people who have shopped the stores time to reflect on fond memories of their visits. While working for Allied Mutual back in he 1960's and early 70's, I would walk downtown and invariably would make one sweep through Younkers to just, sometimes, check things out. Sometimes I would spot something I was giving thought to purchasing and then think it over and come back the next day or two and actually make the buy. 

         It was always fun to go up to the different floors by using the elevators each having an elevator operator. That person would announce some of the items on a particular floor as passing or approaching--"Kitchenware, Women's Clothing, China, etc!" And, of course, it never got tiring of a steady paced trip up the escalator!

            One of my most memorable times was Christmas shopping with my friend Bob Merritt one evening with the assistance of a "Santa's Helpers!" I will never forget waling around the store, picking out gifts with the Helpers help, then being able to come back the following day and pick up all the presents completely gift wrapped! A special place and special time gone by!

THE REALLY COOL 58 CHEVY!

         As far as really cool cars of the 1950's, the 1958 Chevy Impala wasn't as big of hit or popular, I believe, as the 55',57', or 1959 for that matter. But, there was something about that 58' model that was cool--really cool.

         My cousin,Larry Laverty, owned one and it was all black, 2 DR Hardtop, with a really big V8 engine. It sat lower to the ground than some autos and made it appear to be faster, almost angry and daring you to challenge it.

          Another great experience concerning a Black 58' Chevy Impala had to do with a friend that owned one and lived in northern New Jersey. On a first trip to visit, in the late 1960's and especially to spend time in the Big Apple nearby, a Sunday tour of Manhattan was done in his prized 58'. 

        In this case, his Impala was also all black, but, a convertible! We started out on a Sunday morning at the lower end of Manhattan and drove straight up the entire Island. It was so cool to just sit in the back seat and being able to marvel at all the skyscrapers and scenic views that were at our disposal. What a ride!

LIGHT KAYRO SYRUP ADDICTION!

        In my writing class last week, a lady had written a story about special memories of her grand-parents. One of her favorites revolved around breakfast time. Her grand-parents didn't use butter on their pancakes, but, just light Karo syrup.

          That hit a nerve big time for me. My mother would always use light Karo on pancakes, waffles, and french toast, but with butter. And, that has been my compliment to pancakes for most of my adult life. I have resorted to blueberry on occasion and have had maple on standby for guests and grand-kids. 

          Even through the years traveling, I would request light Karo at breakfast time. Generally, the server would look at me like I was an alien! Don't get me wrong, I can change and have once in awhile. One of my fondest memories of a meal and a breakfast meal at that was at the luxurious hotel near Crater Lake, Oregon. I enjoyed the richest and BEST maple syrup in my lifetime. 

A GOOD BL-C & T SANDWICH!

       A couple of weeks ago, I heard a lady order a BLT, but, she didn't want the lettuce so I guess it became a BT! Of course it reminded me of a spin-off of this episode. Years ago, there was a restaurant in Marshalltown. Iowa on Main Street that I believe






             This past week, I overheard a lady, at lunch time, order a BLT, but, she just wanted a BT and no L! Years ago, there was an eatery on Main Street in Marshalltown, Iowa that was located near the Tremont complex and , I believe, was owned by the same people. 

          This eatery served what I would call food with a little "Flair" or "La-De-Da" and was quite good. They had a BLT, but, added a "C" to it. The C was a cucumber and it gave the sandwich a little added "Crunch & Punch!" I never have made or tried one since that time approx. 20 years ago. Give it a try sometime because it was quite refreshing and delicious! 



















  

SORTA WEIRD @ MAID-RITE!

       While having lunch at Taylor's Maid-Rite, yesterday, I ordered my usual "one with everything" and for some reason, for change of pace, a "Diet Pepsi Float." For years I have made, on occasion, Coke Floats at home rather than the traditional Root Beer float.

       I asked long time employee, Nancy, who was nearby, something a little "weird" that she remembers serving along the lines of my odd request. She mentioned that she served a plain Pepsi with added chocolate syrup! Never heard of such a concoction, but, "Don't knock it until you try it!'

TAYLOR'S/ZENO'S SAME DAY WOW!

        Yesterday, I went to Marshalltown, Iowa to clean a few windows, once again,  for some long time customers. While there, I usually hit Taylor's at noon. Why do you think I hung on to my window cleaning business even after moving to Williamsburg in eastern Iowa. I wanted a reason to have to go back to my favorite home town area eateries!

         I hit the"Daily Double" by also stopping off at Zeno's and picking up a pizza pie to take down and share with my sister, Doris, who lives in nearby Gilman. I was long overdue for some Zeno's and was a great way to end a beautiful, but, windy Friday!  What a great country!       

JUNK MAIL & TREES SAVED BY CYBERSPACE!

        This past week there was an article in a newspaper about how many trees have to be sacrificed in creating junk mail. I don't know about most people, but, it seems to me, at least, that I don't receive as much "junk mail" as I used to many years ago. A lot of advertising, etc., now is being directed on line, especially Facebook, and I can easily eliminate. Let's hear about how many trees have been saved by the world of cyberspace!

A GOOD LAUGH-"HE CHASED HIM WHERE?"

        The other morning John Kennedy, a senator from Louisiana, was heard saying---"He chased him through hell and half way through Georgia!"

ORDERING FAST FOOD --THE PRESSURE!

       I had to laugh the other evening while grabbing a bite to eat at a Taco Bell in Coralville, Iowa. An older couple came in and stood at the counter starring at the the menu board above. The clerk immediately asked them for their order. They obviously didn't know what they wanted and needed a little extra time in deciding on all the various choices and I'm sure feeling a little pressure.

        Years ago, while in a Culver's the same happened to me and with their huge selection of items on the huge board above I asked a big question. Did they have a menu that I could go look at. They did. Some of the menus of these "Fast Food Places" have gotten longer and longer and it takes a little time to make your decision. Plus, the pressure of the clerk waiting and the line building up behind you!

   My folks, years ago, would walk into a Mc Donald's and would stand back by the door where they came in a strain to check out the menu board before walking up to order. Maybe we will all get to sitting down and ordering off our phones and then eliminating he pressure! 

ANIMAL SHAPED PANCAKES!

        When my grand-kids were very young, I got started making them pancakes in the shape of animals when they visited my home. Most, it seemed,  were like Mickey Mouse and several didn't turn out as intended, but, I would try to convince one of them it was something else. Such fond memories!

ANNIE LAVERTY/PIPING HOT TEA!

        The other night at my Writing Class, a lady wrote a story about her grand-parents and how hot they drank their coffee. She was fairly young and her grand-parents were using a micro-wave to heat the coffee to extreme!

          It did remind me of witnessing my grand-mother Annie Laverty, and how hot she would drink her tea. She would pour it into her cup and down the hatch it would go! I don't know how she did it. She would probably be very disappointed to know that her grand-son doesn't care for hot tea just iced tea!

A DOOR CLOSED-- WINDOW OPENED WIDE!

      The other day, I called a window cleaning customer from two years ago, which was a big job on a monetary basis. I was disappointed when he said that he wasn't going to need my services again this year. for whatever reason.

         The following morning, I got an E mail from the Amana Retirement Community to entertain cleaning ALL their windows. Their complex includes a nursing home building, exercise building, assisted living building, and individual living homes. It's a big undertaking,  but, I am looking forward to the challenge.     

REMEMBER --MARSHALLTOWN MASONIC TEMPLE?

        There was a time when it seemed almost any worthwhile destination while in Marshalltown, Iowa was "happening" at the Masonic Temple near the corner of South 1ST Avenue and Church Street.
         For me, back in he 1950's, it was where I got my haircut from the brothers of Ralph / George and their five chair barbershop in the front, first floor,  and the SW corner. And while there, who can forget that Coke machine that spit out the 8oz. bottles for 5 cents!

         Our family doctor was on the third, I believe, and our dentist, Dr. Pegg was up there too! There was a couple of doctor's that were specialists, ears, nose, and throat, named Cobb and French and a Dr. Kaiser. Anyway, that building, for many years was a hub for many of us!  

FAVORITE YOUNKERS/MOM STORY!

       With the announcement of the Younkers Department Store closings, it reminded me of one of my favorite stories about Younkers and my mom. She loved shopping there and had done so as long as I can remember even from the time there was a store on Main Street in Marshalltown, Iowa. 

         One day, back in the mid 1990's, she was so excited about an upcoming sale on Fiesta  Dinnerware at Younkers. Keep in mind that they had a sale on Fiesta, it seemed, about every week. I even mentioned to her that it was just the way they merchandised and it really wasn't a real sale. She would just look at me ---like"what's your point!" 

        It was Ok. She loved shopping--shopping at Younkers--and shopping and getting a good deal on that colorful Fiesta, old/new, that we all learned to love so well!

I SHOULDN'T TALK POLITICS!

       Many years ago, professional boxers, supposedly, registered their hands as lethal weapons and if they ever got into a fight with someone outside the ring, they could be in big trouble.

         I thought about that the other day and thought that's something I should do except I should register my mouth. I do not deny that I am very outspoken when it comes to Politics of today. And, I'm sure you probably know what side of the fence I'm on. 

       I should have learned even before the 2016 election started. My own sister "de-friended" me on Facebook as I became a little to "impassioned" about my side! The upside is this. Can you name any "soap opera" more exciting that today's political scene/circus ring!

LEARNING BY TALK W/ STRANGERS!

       Last night, 4/17/2018, when getting back from my  writing class at Kirkwood Community College in Coralville where I teach, I stopped at the Landmark Restaurant out at the junction here in Williamsburg, Iowa for a piece of pie and a cup of coffee.

           I struck up a conversation with a couple at a near-by booth about a current events matter.
It turned out  that they were from Ankeny, Iowa and headed to visit family in Indiana. The lady used to work at various insurance companies in Des Moines. After I mentioned that I used to work for Allied Mutual there, they then mentioned that one of their very good friends who also lives in Ankeny used to work at Allied and whom I knew real well during the late 1960's and early 1970's. 

          They bragged on their son who works for a company that manages and/or builds nuclear power plants and his high intellect. I in turn bragged on my nephew who graduated from Purdue University and majored in Computer Engineering and holds a very prestigious position with an International Company in England. 

              I have always found that it is much more interesting to strike up a conversation with a stranger on occasion and who knows what you might learn in the process!    

WRONG RESTROOM STORY!

        For whatever reason, have you ever walked into a public restroom by mistake? One evening I was waiting on my date, Sandi Ferguson, to finish play practice at the Fisher Community Center on South Center Street in Marshalltown, Iowa. 

           At the time, Spring of 1962,  I was a senior at Laurel Consolidated School and Sandi was a senior at Marshalltown High School. While waiting for her play practice to conclude, I needed to use the bathroom. I remember looking over my shoulder and seeing a bathroom sign that read MEN!

          When I walked in the bathroom door I immediately heard a woman's voice, didn't spot a urinal, and saw a sanitary napkin machine on a wall! I knew I was in the wrong place and got out of there fast. When I went back out, I realized that a wall blocked part of the sign with the WO. All I caught was the MEN!  Luckily never again!  

WHAT'S W/ THAT BATHROOM SIGN?

         Yesterday morning while at the movie theater in Iowa City, Iowa, I had to use the restroom before leaving. I can always tell which is which by the little signs that show one with a straight figure that resembles a man. The other sign across from it, women's, shows a stick figure, but, with you assume is a dress or skirt. 

        It struck me funny that this day and age many women don't even wear dresses or skirts. Will that type of sign be misunderstood a few years from now? Why can't public places just show MEN or WOMEN. Don't be cute by showing Grandma or Grandpa, Hombre/Mujer or some other silly reference. For most of us we don't need to waste time by trying to decipher the difference between  Or, at least make the sign bigger so I can make out that dress! 

REMEMBER "77 SUNSET STRIP?"

         The last few nights I have been attempting to watch on "DECADES" channel old re-runs  of the "77 Sunset Strip" series from the late 1950's to early 60's. Efrem Zimbalist, Jr, Roger Smith and Edd, "Kookie Kookie Lend Me Your Comb" Byrnes were the stars.

         The show was in B&W and about Private Eyes operating on the famous Sunset Strip in Hollywood. By today's standards, the premise and dialogue were a little innocent, but, the greasy slicked neatly combed hair styles of the men were cool along with the heavy metal autos of the day, especially the convertibles!    

1ST TIME-HOMEMADE EGGS BENEDICT

      With all this bad early April weather, I've found myself struggling to keep busy at least inside. One thing I did this week-end was make from scratch--Eggs Benedict. I'm not sure where, when, or who introduced me to what is now my favorite all time breakfast and has been for most of my lifetime.

        Up until this past Sunday, 4/15/2018, Eggs Benedict was always something that I ordered as a real treat while eating out on special occasions or while traveling. What actually made me the most nervous about the recipe was poaching an egg. I'm not sure I have ever done it. It turned out OK, but, just wasn't as pretty as I wanted.

          Toasting the English Muffin and warming the Canadian Bacon was the easy part. I used a very simple recipe for the Hollandaise Sauce. The key, I believe, was just an extra shot of lemon juice! At least now when I want my favorite all time breakfast, I can enjoy it right here at home.  
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MY MOM DIDN'T GET IT EITHER!

          I got a chuckle out of a question asked of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, while being questioned by one Senator. He was asked how Facebook makes money if it is free to its users. His response was that they made their money by advertising. Coming from a Senator, I thought it was a stupid question!

        But, I do remember on a couple of occasions, my mother asking me how much it cost the audiences to attend a particular TV show like Johnny Carson. When I would tell her that they got in for free and that the Show made their money from advertising, she never really seemed to understand! If mom would have only known how much money is really made with advertising!   

          

COMING SOON-ONE I LET GET AWAY!

COUNTDOWN-- #1 2018 BUCKET LIST

MAYBE BEST T-BONE STEAK EVER!

         Last night for dinner, I decided to give the recipe for cooking a T-Bone steak in a cast iron pan a try. The T-Bone cut is still my favorite steak even topping a Rib-Eye, but, not by much.

          The cut that I purchased was only of medium thickness and just little over a pound and a quarter. I simply rubbed it on both sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper only. I used my old 10" caste iron skillet, and melted some butter and a little additional olive oil before turning the stove top heat to high. 

         One thing I did immediately was to turn the stove fan on high and open the door to the garage wide open to getting ready for some smoke. When the pan was hot, I placed the steak in and cooked the first side for a minute and a half and then flipping the steak over for about the same time. 

         When completed, I placed a tablespoon of butter on top. Most of the steak was done to a tender medium rare and was extremely delicious. I know throughout my lifetime I have had delicious T-Bones and other cuts of steaks. But, it is funny that it took me almost my entire lifetime to cook a premium steak to my own perfection and a little beyond! I guess it's never too late! 

DO YOU LIKE BILLY JOEL?

       Last week-end,  I thoroughly enjoyed the "Re-Imagined of Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers at Meskwaki Casino in Tama, Iowa. I have seen a great Tribute band to the Eagles a few years ago at the Iowa State Fair. My favorite here locally, in the Iowa City area, is the Fez-Tribute to Steely Dan--outstanding!

         On July 12, 2018 a tribute band to Billy Joel, The Piano Man,  will be performing at the Opera House in Pella, Iowa. The tickets are only $18.00 which is a bargain to see very good LIVE entertainment and a trip down memory lane with one of my favorite all time entertainers.

       If any of my Blog or Facebook friends would be interested in seeing this ensemble and would like to get a  group together for a fun evening please contact me soon. Email me at dennismlaverty@gmail.com or 319-330-8818. 

BLACK INTERIOR SUCKS TOO!

       Yesterday morning I decided to not only engage in my weekly car wash, but, to also do the best I could at a little interior detailing. Along with my complaint about owning a silver auto in a previous story, a black interior is now on my "never again" list! 

        It seems like with black, I can detect every piece of lint and dust in every "Nook & Cranny" through-out my vehicle. But, I did the best I could with the likes of my crevice tool on my small vac, my can of ArmorAll foam, baby bottle brush, old tooth brush, cotton swabs, and couple of "blue rags." 

        The toughest part is getting "debris"  cleaned/vacuumed out from between and under the seats and console. The plus with black you see all and by knowing where it all is you can get it looking spiffy and looking nearly brand new.  I think on my next vehicle I'm opting for tan or grey interior and then knowing what I don't see won't hurt me!  

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!

        This past week an employee at Kirkwood Community College in Coralville, Iowa had this box of "World's Finest Chocolate" candy bars on his desk. They were for sale at $2.00 a bar for his child's Little League team in Marion, Iowa.

            He didn't have to sell me as I love those candy bars and have for years and years. I have always believed that it is the simplest way for youth and/or their family to raise money for a given project. All that is required is saying--"How many of these great candy bars would you like to buy?" "Two or Four?" That's it. Collect the money and you are done!

            I hate it when these kids bring home huge catalogs of all kinds of stuff to buy Then you have to sit there and mull through it all and then fill out this page of lengthy information.  I haven't had any youth approach me lately, but, I hope it is with one of these Chocolate bars. I receive the yummy product immediately, pay and bye bye!  

4 CUPS COFFEE-HURRAH!

         Early this morning, I watched a health segment with a report concerning, again, coffee consumption. The jest of it was that drinking 4 cups of coffee, regular or de-caf, was basically good for you. Some of the pluses were aiding memory, skin cancer , liver, memory, and of course living longer in general.

      I always enjoy receiving news like that about my health. It also makes me feel good hat I ditched the Diet Coke habit about 3 years ago and am down to just water, coffee, and some 1% milk. Don't get me wrong. I do on occasion have some lemonade,  ice-tea, cool-aid, and on a special occasion revert to a Diet Coke! Now I need somebody to tell me that my evening nap will help me live to 98! 
     

NO MORE SILVER CARS!

        For most of my lifetime I have bought/or owned a silver vehicle because I have always thought it was a rich looking color and easier to keep clean than a dark colored auto. 

         The last vehicle I purchased was a late model Chevy Cruze which meets my needs very well, is silver, and gets great gas mileage. However, in the last month or so, I swear I have mistakenly started to get in a similar sized vehicle parked near me that is also silver. I know I have done this at least 3-4 times in the past month. 

         I'm sure I can chalk up  some of this "Oppps" to old age, but, I think there just too many silver cars around. And, I'm sure several of you that own white vehicles run into the same dilemma. Maybe on my next trade,  I need to consider a bright orange ride with some type of stripe down the middle!  

    

EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE?

          The other day I was watching a news broadcast and the Anchor asked a very young commentator/ reporter "If she had ever seen like the dramatic event in her lifetime?" First of all you don' ask a 20-30 year old a question like that especially if it is some type of once or twice in a lifetime observation. 

         I always am amazed when they asked a Sheriff in a small town if he had ever seen anything like a scene with multiple murders. Or the reply--"You don't expect that in a small town, but, maybe just in New York City!"   

REMEMBER MAYER'S NORTH STREET GROCERY?

         One of the last old time neighborhood grocery stores was Mayer's North Street Grocery just west of Center Street and a few blocks north of State Street. Mrs. Mayer was still operating the store till she was 100 years old. 

          My Aunt Vivian and family lived nearby on North 2nd Street. And, when I was a young boy   when staying at their home, I recall going with my cousin, on occasion,  to this store to buy groceries. There was one other small neighborhood grocery on North Second in the area called Nutter's. Far cry of the Mega Grocery Stores of today!

EVENING W/ ROY ORBISON!

       The reason these "imitator" acts are generally enjoyable is at least they provide very good entertainment at a very reasonable price. This past Saturday night, 4/7/2018, was no exception at the Meskwaki Casino in Tama, Iowa. Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers--Re-Imagined were well worth the $20.00 and seats only 100 feet from the raised stage. 

         The entire ensemble were all very talented.  Even though the fellow that was Roy Orbison didn't look or had the voice range of the original, he was still outstanding and provided an enjoyable trip down memory lane as did the Everly Brothers imitators.

           I am so glad that these acts keep coming out,like The Fez--Steely Dan Tribute, so that I can continue to enjoy music reminiscent of when I was a younger man still! And, at a very reasonable price. That reminds me. I need to order a ticket to see Billy Joel,-a Tribute, at the Opera House in Pella, Iowa in July 2018.   

ONE LATEST CATCH PHRASE!

        One latest catch phrase used by the Pundits/Commentators on various News Shows has become "DRIP-DRIP!" It's when they are referring to ongoing stories about a Political Figure-ie: Trump and how the story hasn't concluded but just keeps---drip-drip- drip!

ESTEL PERRIN AVEY FUNERAL HOME GONE!

        Driving around Saturday, I was shocked to see the Estel Perrin building on the corner of East State and North 3rd Ave totally gone. That funeral home did more business with several of my relatives in the 1950's-1960's. As a kid so many of my family passed away in a very short period of time, I got to know most of the employees at the funeral home on a first name basis.

REMEMBER THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS-80'S?

RENDEZVOUS W/ FRIENDS @ MAID-RITE!

       Yesterday afternoon, Saturday, 4/7/2018, I met up with long time friends, Judy and Jerry Roberts, at Taylor's Maid Rite in Marshalltown, Iowa, for a bite to eat. Our final destination was the Auditorium at the Meskwaki Casino to see The Roy Orbison/ Everly Brothers-"Reimagined."

         As usual, around the Supper hour, Taylor's was packed and as usual the "loose meat treat" was outstanding as was my vanilla malt with my normal "double shot" of malt to make it more like a malt from a time long ago. 

            The only thing that kept me from ordering two Maid-Rites was the fact that I will be in Marshalltown in a couple of weeks when my window cleaning season begins. One of the main reasons I kept my Window Cleaning business in Marshalltown, after moving to Williamsburg years ago, was to return on occasion and visit Taylor's! I may not be the brightest bulb on the tree but----!

REMEMBER MARSHALL'S ICE-CREAM?

         For years, when a young kid back in the 1950's, I remember Marshall's Ice-Cream on the east side of North 1st Street between Main and State Street. It was run and served hard ice-cream, , I believe, by a family named Ferguson, and it was the best! Anyone else?

HOE TO GET MEXICANS & MORE TO PAY FOR WALL!

        Here's Dennis Laverty's solution to our Southern Border immigration problem! Amend our current immigration  policy with the following--- Have special border Entrances that welcomes all who cross and the only stipulations are that the fee to enter the USA is a $2,000 fee per person and with very extensive vetting.

          The fee is non-refundable if leaving for any reason and prison plus heavy fines if convicted of felonies! At least some type of reasonable TOLL coming and going would help pay for wall. Doing something on a friendlier basis is better than what is being done now! 

MOST EMBARRASSING-JUST ME!

       Years ago, during my real estate selling years, I had one of those embarrassing moments but, fortunately I was the only one who knew of the moment. It started when I was scouting a few homes in a certain area and development in he Wes Des Moines.

           All the homes were new and supposedly never occupied. My list of homes came right out of the Multiple Listing Book. When I pulled up in front of this particular home it still had the real estate sign in the front yard, but, with no "SOLD" sticker on it. 

         The year I don't recall, but, "Lock Boxes" were being used at the time. The LB was simply installed over the front door knob and realtors then had access with their own "key!" I opened the door to his particular home and walked right in. I didn't yell my usual "Realtor" as I didn't think it was occupied being brand new and in a new area.

            Straight down the hall, I could look straight to the MBR bath and standing in the shower were a man and a woman showering. I immediately turned and headed out the door, to my car, and moved on. For some reason the sale was not documented and why there was no furniture around, etc I never knew. It never dawned on me that it could have been some realtor doing no good!

BEST LEFTOVER EVER!

     I've never been big on leftovers with a few exceptions. And, even then I alternate with something new the following night and then the leftover. I just like looking forward to something new--my treat or reward if you will. I'm always thinking about that next new taste sensation.

          But, this past week I made a big dish of lasagna that I had not made for a Coons Age. I made enough that I stretched it out over four meals. Even down to the last meal of it last night, it was still as enjoyable as the first time. Throwing in a tasty side salad and a slice or two of garlic bread didn't hurt either!

30 DAYS IN THE HOOSEGOW!

          Yesterday there was a News-break about this guy being sentenced to 30 days in prison for some part in the Mueller/Russia investigation. I know it's not that important of an observation, but, I still took note`. Usually, if someone is given a prison sentence it's one year or more. If it's 30 days to one year, they talk in terms of a "Jail" sentence-short term. Yes, I know! I need a new hobby!

YOUR FAVORITE THIS & THAT!

       One of my Hand Outs at my Writing Class last night was "My Favorite This &That." I came up with this self made list a few years ago for who knows why! I started using it in my classes some time ago as a supplement to the writing of favorite memories.

          My thinking was even if you never got around to writing a few cherished tales, at least some loved one would know about some of your favorite "Things" in your life. A small example are --Favorite song, hobby, female singer, Holiday, poem, President living or dead, actor, teacher, flower and on and on. My complete list is about 60 categories long and can be easily skewed to either male or female. 

            You can take this same list and make it into a "Least Favorite This & That." You should give it a try and come up with your own list with very little imagination. One year at Christmas time, I played it as a game with family members.It was fun, made you think a little, and learned a little about family!

THOSE LITTLE *#%?$# PACKETS!

           Yesterday, 4/3/2018, I stopped at a Taco Bell for a late afternoon meal before heading to my Teaching/Writing Class at Kirkwood College in Coralville, Iowa. What sounded good was a Taco Salad as I love eating the shell when about done when it is all soaked with juices.

         What I didn't like was that they don't give you a bottle or container of taco sauce. I was instructed that all they had was those "little packets" that you can get on the condiment area. I have always despised using those on occasion for anything especially mustard. 

        I just want to squirt on as much of the sauce as I want from a bottle even though I may overdo and waste a little. It always seems, especially with mustard, that after ripping open 5 or 6 of those little devils, I go home and find mustard under my finger-nails. Life can be very unfair!!!

OH WHERE, OH WHERE HAS MY STORMY GONE?

EASTER WITH SISTER DORIS!

       Easter Sunday, 4/1/2018, I drove up to Laurel, Iowa and attended Easter services a the Laurel United Methodist Church with my sister Doris Eddy of nearby Gilman. My old hometown church remains one of the truly American Iconic churches around. With its cozy earth tones and stained glass windows worth just attending church to view. 

         The minister, Scott Lothe, is worth driving a distance just to hear his captivating words and soft demeanor. Of course, most every pew was filled with regulars and many guests back visiting friends and family. The early breakfast was also a special treat and all delicious. 

         After the service and communion, we drove west of Laurel and circled through the Graceland Cemetery where many of our family members are at rest including our mother and father--  William John and  Doris May Smith Laverty Korte.  After returning to my Big Sis' home, we shared a simple and comforting lunch of prepared "comforts" by the two of us! It was a special day! 

THEY FOUGHT CASINOS & CASINOS WON!

        Going through the Meskwaki Casino this past Sunday,4/1/2018, of course, reminded me of a worth while story and lesson in life. It involved one very close friend and an old college professor from  my college days.

        Many years ago, during the late 1990's, I attended a Gamblers Anonymous meeting as a guest with my very close friend Jim. For years he had a very big problem with gambling and as a matter of fact even living in Des Moines, he would drive up to Tama and gamble at Meskwaki.

         During much of this time, I lived in Marshalltown, Iowa and he would call me very early in the AM for breakfast if he had won supposedly very big. If he didn't I would never hear from him. The man made an extremely good living selling real estate, but, lost much including stocks and a duplex that he owned, all attributed to gambling.

         That night while attending the GA meeting, Jim introduced me to someone who turned out to be an old college professor at Drake. He taught a course that was outside my major but, was probably was THE most interesting class while at Drake. 

         This man's story was losing well over $80,000 to gambling through out his life.One of his pet projects was attempting, unsuccessfully, to get ATM machines removed from gambling casinos. His logic was that it truly harmed the "gambling addict" after losing inside and then being able to simply go to an ATM for additional playing cash! Sad! 
  

ALL THESE YEARS--SHE REMEMBERED!

       Don't ask me how, but, the other day a lady came "Messaging" and asked if I was the same DENNIS LAVERTY that was an adviser for Junior Achievement in Des Moines, Iowa back in 1970-71 three years after graduating from Drake University. 

          She wanted to thank me as taking the series she felt it helped her later in life and business. At that time I was employed by Allied Mutual Insurance Company as a Commercial Underwriter and volunteering to work in Junior Achievement.

         It was nice that she remembered the time and absolutely amazing that she remembered  my name. The lesson is we never know what positive influence we may have played in a young person's life!   

SMOKING SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED!

       Easter Sunday afternoon, April 1, 2018, I was headed back home from my sister's in Gilman, Iowa and  stopped through Tama, Iowa to check on seating arrangements for a concert that I would be attending with friends Jerry and Judy Roberts. It is to be held at the Meskwaki Casino April 7, 2018, featuring "Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers--Re-imagined."

        I thought I could get into the Auditorium to get a view of the seats relative to the stage, but,  the area was locked and couldn't get in. So I did the next best thing and checked out the diagram at the ticket sales booth. 

          The second I stepped into the Casino I was hit with the overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke. I had forgotten that it is one of the very few public places that still allows smoking in the State of Iowa. Even though they don't allow smoking in the area where concerts are held, you MUST go through the Casino to get there and/or pick up your tickets. 

            As a non-smoker and non-gambler, I was saddened to see so many "older" people sitting at slot machines puffing away on their cigarettes and most poorly dressed and appearing to be "in need" and having no business there. I am so grateful that my biggest on going habit is attending a $6.00 movie without pop-corn on a week-end.