Put America First

You know what I would like? I would like to get our country off its dependence on oil. I would like to see all the money we put into this crazy war used to find an cleaner energy source. We would kill two birds with one stone---our dependence on the Middle East for oil and also cleaning up our environment by not burning fossil fuels. Then the people of the middle east can go back to living the way they want, fifth century, with no interference from us or anyone else. Did you ever think that in 2007 we would still be using gas in our cars or oil to heat our homes---I suspect our wealthy oil industry and gas burning car industries are dragging their feet---making huge profits instead of developing cleaner burning products. What other reason could there be?

One other thing, I am tired of spending all this money fighting wars and giving money to countries hoping to keep them on our side, while our own country's infrastructure is falling to pieces. Our quality of life---which use to be the highest in the world is now slowly creeping downward on the list. http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-top-ten/world-top-ten-quality-of-life-map.html We are now number six on that list. We have to turn our thoughts and energy toward our own country and get things back up to par.

I am not a "dove" when it comes to war. If we are attacked---we should retaliate---and it should be fast and hard. I was frustrated in the Viet Nam war and I am frustrated with this war, we are such a military powerhouse, we should be able to get in there and get the job done right (doing whatever it takes) and get out, none of this dilly dallying for years and watching our sons come home in body bags, then insulting their memory by admitting defeat and leaving with our tails between our legs. It was a fast and hard military action that put a stop to Japan in WWII and I'm sure it would do the same now days. (Of course, there is nothing that boosts an economy like a nice long war.)

I also get tired of being the aristocratic Europeans "dirty job" guy. We are like the young puppy who lives for their attention and will do anything to get it. We fight for them while they sit there on the fence, laughing at us behind our backs, and reaping the rewards of our sons deaths. I saw this attitude when I lived in Europe and I know it exists. By the way, Bin Ladan is a member of the Kuwait royal family ---good friends of G. Bush Sr. and W. http://membres.lycos.fr/wotraceafg/carlyle.htm Saddam was an enemy of Kuwait---THAT is why we fought the first gulf war and why we went after Saddam and not Bin Laden after 911.

I am a strong believer of putting America and Americans first. That means making our country the best and safest, and we better do it soon because if you look at who is at our heels, taking business and money and jobs from us, it's the Chinese and Asian Indians. If we don't look after our own interests now we won't be able to compete and will lose everything.

Farmer's Market

My cousin Susie says she could never live in Iowa ever since the day we had to drive one hour to get basil for her pesto recipe. I guess I know what she means. Saturday Phil and I drove all the way to Clive, outside of DesMoines, to drop my Saab off for service. The first real service it's had since we moved here.

Since we were already near Des Moines we headed over to the big Farmer's Market downtown, near the courthouse, something I've been wanting to do for a long time. We took Angie with us, figuring she would enjoy the day out, the people and the possibility of greeting other dogs. It was warm on Saturday, we didn't get to the market until probably close to 11. Phil dropped Angie and me off at the courthouse and went to park the car---we stood watching a juggler while listening to a really good bluegrass group, both of them busking for dollars from the appreciative crowd. The place was packed with all kinds of people, everybody noticed Angie, especially the little kids. I guess a Scotty is an unusual dog in the market, most people opting for the tiny designer dog or the huge rescued one. We saw one dog who looked enough like Pandy to be her twin, Angie smelled her and wagged her tail but I think she knew. . . .

Lots of beautiful vegetables, lots of home made bread, lots of crafts, lots of things to eat, but I was good, I ate my yogurt as I pushed through the crowd. I saw a few things I would have liked to have had, one was a tablecloth, orange, bright, but I don't know where I would use it. Another was an ankle bracelet, beautiful, the sign said $15, but when I tried to buy it she said it was $20!! I don't go for that, so I told her to keep it. Angie enjoyed walking through for about five minutes then she became skittish and stayed close to our feet. Phil bought some great looking tomatoes and some home made bread, I saw lots of cut flowers in almost every other booth. I wanted to buy a bunch, but I don't think they would have made it back to Humboldt. Angie made it almost to the end then she just stopped, would not move, she was hot and tired. Phil had to carry her the rest of the way. While we waited for him to get the car I poured water over her head, she wouldn't drink any but I knew she was thirsty. Finally, when in the car, we got her to drink, she panted for about a half an hour as we drove north.

All in all it was a wonderful day, I know when Celia comes to visit later this summer we will head down there again, maybe check out the market and some of the great looking restaurants in the area too.

Humboldt Fourth of July

We had a good Fourth of July here in Humboldt. As soon as we got up Phil headed outside to wash the cars, he has them both clean and shiny and beautiful. I goofed around doing some watercolors on the deck. It wasn't until later in the day we realized we missed the pancake breakfast and antique car show at the fairgrounds!!

I made a covered dish for both parties we were heading to, and then got dressed and RESTED, still tired from the surgery. We headed to Candis's house, she always has a nice party under the big trees in her yard. It was hot yesterday, but a cool breeze in the shade of those trees made it quite pleasant. Brenda and her mom were there when we showed up and other people came over the next hour. Candis had games for the kids, her Dad was there with a big tall hat, they are nice people. Marilyn came, then Judy and Bill with their daughter and grandchildren. Got some great photos of everyone. I drank my water while everyone chowed down on Made Rites, all kinds of salads and great looking deserts. Everyone felt sorry for me, but I told them I had to just make up my mind it wouldn't bother me---what else can I do---I have chosen the "impossible to cheat" diet and I'm all the better for it!

We stayed at Candis's until about 5:50 then headed over to the Neilson's who live behind us. They were finished eating and we had a nice visit with the group there. Before we knew it time came to get into our chairs and watch the parade. Marilyn came over to watch it with us. We always enjoy the parade, but the Republican Woman's elephant that blows bubbles was NOT in the parade!!! How disappointed I was! There were fire trucks with blaring horns and sirens, horses, tractors, old cars, floats and marching bands, so really, what else can you ask for??

When the parade was over I felt tired. We had two hours until the fireworks, but I didn't make it, had to lie down, fell asleep right away and heard the booms in my dreams.

Another good Fourth of July---wish my girls could have been here to see it with us.

We Are Stayin!!!

Well, no need to move back east, we are stayin in Iowa!! And we are happy about that! A week before Phil left for PA he got a job offer from a company right here in Humboldt. I got the phone call while riding around visiting with cousin Susie, he said "I got the job, now what do we do?" The bottom line was--we had nothing in writing from Born Free as to what they would actually do for us when they "invested" in the new factory lot in PA. I told Phil, lets get something in writing and go from there. Well, you know what I'm going to say, don't you? All of a sudden all the "investing to make it a success" fell away and we were left with a dried up bone of an offer. They would buy our house for the middle estimate of it's worth, any money we put into the house when we moved here and will lose because we are leaving so soon is "not Born Free's problem". They would move us, but not in the Allied Van Lines way they did when they brought us out here, but in the U-Haul It way of college kids heading out into their life after graduation. Of course, they wanted Phil in PA asap, so the UHauling would be left to fresh out of surgery Connie. Phil said "we have a grand piano, for goodness sake!" But Doug said that is what they would pay for.

Well, he pretty much made up our mind with that. Phil gave his resignation and you could have knocked Doug over with a feather----never dreamed Phil would quit. Here is what I have to say, they lost a hard working, company man in Phil Overby.

So, the neighbors gave us a good bye party, ha ha, it's so sweet and funny. Tonight the whole neighborhood is getting together for what was once a goodbye party but is now a neighborhood party. I'm looking forward to it.

This morning I sat on the porch, its cool, the clouds were blown into a feather like pattern above, a runner trotted by. Birds chirped. I am happy here.

Imstilliniowa No More

I am sad to say that I will not be living in Iowa much longer. Phil has been transferred by his company and as soon as our house sells I will be heading with him to Pennsylvania to set up a new Born Free Factory Lot to serve the North East--from Ohio to Virginia to Maine.

I am sad to have to leave. Humboldt Iowa has been very good to and for me. I have blossomed here, become a better person.

Ringling Brothers Circus Poster Uncovered in Iowa

A WONDERFUL thing was uncovered here in central Iowa last week.

As the owner of a little building in Vincent Iowa was renovating the building she readied it for new siding. They tore off the old siding and old tar paper and a gem of a historic poster was uncovered. The local historians have pinpointed it's date to be around 1910/1911 when the Ringling Brothers Circus visited the Ft. Dodge area. After the circus left, the poster was covered up and hasn't seen the light of day until last week. Now that it has been found again the colors are as bright as they were the day it was made! The black tar paper did it's job!! The poster isn't in the best of shape, but parts of it could be saved. I have included only a few of many photos I have of it in this blog. I tried to contact the Ringling Brothers Circus but my email was deleted without being read. I have contacted the Smithsonian, but havn't hear back from them.

What a wonderful bit of Americana!!

Comments

Does anybody notice
these blogs I write each week?
I try to make them interesting,
even going back and giving a tweak.
I write my little story
and send it into space.
Then wait and wait for a comment
that never comes---frownie face

Am I the Only One Tired of This?

Am I the only one tired of turning on the TV and hearing about these people entering schools and killing mass numbers of our children?

Am I the only one who fought back anxious tears as I listened to the shots on the video played over and over again on CNN. Shot after shot, with only a second or two between. A semi-automatic gun being used to slaughter our children as they sit at their desks.

Am I the only one who sees the connection between America allowing semi automatic guns to be sold to anyone with a license and these killings?

It's ironic that when you send your child off to the war in the middle east he/she is, at least, issued a flak vest. These children were mowed down as they sat in what they thought was the safety of their college classroom.

It's a funny time of the year. I have such an urge to work outside, but, really, the time to work is later in April and Early in May. I suppose I could go to the corner and cover the ground with paper and mulch to make it a no hassle garden. I guess I could, and I probably will this week, go around the yard with a bag and pick up all the stems left from last fall. Phil cut the grass on Sunday and it looks green and wonderful. I have plans for things we need to do, starting with pulling out old railroad ties, left from some sixties garden, and lay walking stones through the garden. I want to knock down the two brick and cement walls that edge our cement steps. They are falling apart and ugly. I want to wash the outside of the house and the windows, I want to change the entry lamp on the porch, I want to re shingle the roof of both the house and garage, I want a new driveway. I want new windows in my office, den and throughout the upstairs. I want---want---want---want

I think I'll lay with Angie and read my new Amy Tan. Phil has left for two weeks in California and I am living the Bohemian. The things that need done can wait patiently on a list that may take ten years to complete. There is no deadline. All I really need is to feel happy when I come home. Feel happiness when I turn the corner and see our house. As long as it looks clean and nice that's all that matters. So, the washing windows and sides will happen, possibly the knocking down of the wall on each sides of the steps, or maybe even the new lamp, but that's enough for this year.

We have to make time, time to take rides for ice cream. Time to take Angie to the park for a run. Time to just sit and read on the porch, glass of wine in one hand, book in another. Time to wave to a neighbor. Time to watch a baseball game, listen to the sound of the bat, the yells of the fans. Time to smell the green grass, the flowers blooming. Time to feel the breeze on your skin, a velvety caress in the evening light.

Easter

All the hub bub and now it's over!! Starting with cleaning the house and stocking up on groceries, Celia finally came Thursday evening. We picked her up at Ft. Dodge airport, she was already there (1/2 hour early!!!) but her luggage was no where to be seen!! How could they lose a neon green suitcase!!!

After the initial hugs and kisses we headed home where we caught up on news, had a few drinks and rested. Later we headed down to Rustix, the new restaurant in town, where we had a really nice meal. Celia loved her salmon on a plank, Phil had fish, I had chicken, we were all happy with our dinners. Rustix is an unusual place for Humboldt, Iowa. It is modern, hip, sophisticated. The only restaurant like it in probably 50 mile radius!! We are lucky to have it. Sitting next to us was a huge table (about 20 people) who were extremely quiet-----we realized they were all signing. I think they may have come to see Barack Obama, who visited Humboldt earlier in the day.

I was upset I had to miss him, but Celia comes first. His scheduled appearance was at 3 and Celia's was at 4---with a half hour drive to the airport. I didn't want to get into a jam, so I missed him. Judy went and said she shook his hand. She had two pins and a poster!! She said he answered questions and was very personable. The waitress at Rustix's said she didn't think he would ever get elected because his name was too strange!! Hahah

Celia, Phil and I played board games later that evening, I believe I won every game. Friday we took it easy, went to Ft. Dodge to pick up her luggage and to pick up some Easter candy at Target. Celia bought some clothes, I saw a neat tent perfect for Phil's Born Free Reunion---we went to pick up later that same night using Phil's truck since my Saab was a bit too small for the 6 foot long box. More games were played and eggs were painted.

Saturday we celebrated Easter (one day early) since Celia had to leave at 9 the next morning. I cooked most of the day, Celia and Phil set the table and helped with some things I needed done. The dinner turned out great, our smoked ham from the Rutland Locker was really good, my scalloped corn (recipe from the column)turned out suprisingly well, horseradish carrots, a double batch of watergate salad (recipe from column)mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, deviled eggs, and Death By Chocolate (recipe from column)for dessert!! It was, as usual, too much food!! For all the time I spent cooking, we ate it in about 15 minutes!!

More games later and Phil and Celia played some XBox Tony Hawk. I went to bed, dead tired from cooking all day!!

Sunday came, Celia packed and we said our good byes, Phil had to go to church and count money, so I took Celia to the airport. She waved goodbye while I drove away. And that was that, the house was quiet when I got home.

Later on EAster my friend Lois Ann came for dinner, and Judy and Bill too. We had a really nice time talking and eating. We watched Susie,Allison and Joey on the Coplay Cam. Phil and Bill watched the Masters, which was won by a fellow Iowan!!! Later that evening we watched HGTV where Born Free was featured AGAIN!! That twice in one month!!!

Today I took Angie to Algona to get her hair cut. Earlier I had to submit my Cook of the Week Column, I didn't have anyone interviewed from last week, so I wrote it on the dog food scare and gave lots of recipes to make your own. I used Angie's pencil drawing photo as the photo. Hope people like the column!!

So, that was our Easter--How was yours??

Painted Eggs

There is a group here in Humboldt---the China Painters. When I first heard about them I thought "how quaint". I know that china painting was a craft that victorian woman took up---some were better than others, but I thought the craft had fallen out of favor and was not done anymore. Well, here in Humboldt, the craft has not only hung around but flourished. The China Painters group is made up of a certain type of woman. I can't really put my finger on it, but they all seem the same. Quiet, sophisticated, self assured. They don't strike me as artists per se, no quirky clothing, hair or glasses. They paint their china, beautiful beautiful things, for their daughters, sisters, friends or to sell at this group sale.

The china painters had a sale today at the Methodist church here in Humboldt. I heard through the grapevine you had to arrive early in order to get a painted china egg. I went with my friend Marilyn and we were the first in line. When we were allowed to enter we rushed toward the egg display and grabbed any that caught our eye. Well, I didn't really know what I was looking for but I did end up with one that had a chickadee on it, another with a rose and a smaller one with violets. I am happy with them. Once I paid for my eggs I had time to look at the displays. Each artist had a display of their work. Pretty things, not all victorian, some more modern, some just beautiful. I especially loved a tea set with violets painted on each piece. It was so pretty, but the price was $80. A bargain really, but too much for me. They served us tea or coffee using real silver pots, there were cookies and bars for us to eat, and punch being served out of a painted china punch bowl. We sat at round tables, each with a small maypole in the center and painted china mugs surrounding it. I loved it!!

It surprises me that I actually like these eggs. I am not a Victorian person, my house is decorated in a more colonial or traditional style. But these eggs are a little bit of Humboldt and I like the idea of that.

TV Star

Dad was on tv again last night. HGTV RV 2007. It was a crazy, rushed day again this year. We were called late on Saturday night, the wife of the couple who were being paid to bring two RV's back to Humboldt had lost her father in an accident. They had to leave early, so it was up to Phil, Tracy and me to get down to DesMoines and bring two RV's back. The RV show wasn't over until five, and the HGTV show was on at eight, it's a little over two hours from DesMoines to Humboldt, that meant Phil had to be one of the first RV's out of the HyVee center once the show was over. He did it and was on Rt.35 by 5:30. He got home at 7:30 and had a half hour to wait until the show came on. Once it was on he got quiet, they started with the Class A's (of course), and then the Class C's and there it was, Born Free and Phil standing and talking about their product. He looked great, sounded great, but in a few seconds it was over and the show was on to other RV companies.

The phone started ringing as soon as the shot was over, Celia, Allison and Krista calling to tell Phil how good he looked and how exciting it was to see him on TV.

I love my Angie!

Coffee with the girls

We meet at Ampride, a local corner gas station/quick shop, every Tuesday. Originally we would stop there after weighing in at Weight Watchers, but, a year has passed and two of us are now WW dropouts, the others seem to be "maintaining" but not losing. We don't care, the vanilla flavored coffee, rice krispie treats and doughnuts are quite tasty when you throw in some good conversation, spicy gossip and plans for lunch later that same day. My girls, especially Celia, are intrigued by this Tuesday ritual. In fact, during her last visit to Humboldt Celia had to include Ampride in her "places to visit". She sat and politely answered questions tossed her way, and listened intently when conversation turned elsewhere. Later that same day we "did lunch" at Lomita's and included frozen margurita's in the fare. I don't remember where we went after that. . . .

Celia is coming again for Easter, but she comes Wednesday and leaves Sunday, so Tuesday's coffee will have to wait until her next visit.

Snow Snow Snow

Here is a news flash: We have snow in Humboldt. Not just a layer, but many layers. The last storm dropped over 15 inches of snow. Poor Angie had to swim around in the snow in order to make a place for her to do her business. I got out of town on Wednesday, in the nick of time, but the storms followed me to Kansas City where we were bombarded with wind and hail and even a tornado or two. Phil and his golfing buddies were not as lucky. The trip to Myrtle Beach had been planned for months, the day they were to leave--Friday--was almost there when the weather took a nasty turn for the worst and the snow started falling early on Thursday morning. The men looked at the sky and discussed what to do, the first plan was for Phil to take the Born Free and drive out of the storm, stopping at Terribles on 35 and wait for the rest of the guys to head out of Humboldt on Friday, in Bills four wheel drive truck. An odd plan, as I see it, but the men liked it, for about 20 minutes. Enough time for Phil to drive the Born Free down a dangerous route 169 to Ft. Dodge, only to be called back by the rest of the men, who had decided to drop everything and head out with Phil on Thursday instead of Friday. After two or three false starts (forgotten medicine, forgotten wallet, forgotten coffee pot left on) they were finally heading south. By this time dangerous 169 had turned down right treacherous, Phil white-knuckled it until they made it to Rt. 380 near Waterloo, where the weather miraculously cleared and travel became routine. Highway 20 had closed behind them, highway 35 had closed too, but they made it through and Myrtle Beach, here they came!!!

By the time I headed back to Humboldt from Kansas City rt. 35 was clear, but tell tale signs of what had passed were everywhere. Cars on their roofs, trucks jacknifed. I passed over 15 cars left on the side of the road as I headed north of Des Moines. Once I got onto rt. 20 the road kept getting worse as I headed west, by the time I was half way to the Humboldt exit the road had become two lanes instead of four, and travel speed fell to 45. Once on 169 it was clear again, but high drifts were visible on each side of the road. These wind blown drifts were beautiful as the late afternoon sun hit them. The wind had carved soft swirls into their snow, I wished I had my camera, it would have made a beautiful black and white photo.

As I took the corner at 4th Ave. and Taft I saw our house dripping with icecycles. There was one expecially large one right in front of the living room window. The house looked like it was frosted---well, I guess it actually was!! Our neighbor, Harley, had blown our sidewalks and driveway clear, a big thanks to him! The walk to the front door was treacherous, with a covering of ice about three to four inches thick. I walked carefully to the front door and entered the warmth of our home.

I have to say, I'm kind of sad I missed this big storm, I love sitting and watching the flurries blow. I feel cozy and warm and safe in the house, it's still and quiet outside (unless the snowmobiliers buzz by)and all those guilty feelings, because you are just sitting and not doing one thing, leave and you are able to enjoy just one thing--the snow--for all it's worth.