One of those days...

On the same day, we found out about two deaths of people we were close to in our past.

Butch worked with Marty Mills for nearly 19 years. They kept the lights on in a big part of southwest Iowa during that time and they enjoyed playing golf. Marty had a very distinctive, big, and booming laugh. When something tickled his funny bone it was not a secret. A friend I worked with for many years, Connie Jones, told us about Marty's passing. 

And then shortly thereafter she told us about another friend who passed, Bev Gunderson. Bill and Bev Gunderson were a big part of our social life in the years we lived in Cumberland IA. I met Bev on ladies' day at the golf course and we played together regularly including in tournaments on other courses. They joined us for square dance lessons and then regular dances. On top of that, we played in a bridge group with them. 

Both of these people were such a part of our life that the memories came flooding back two-fold.

We will be attending services for both, Marty's is tomorrow and Bev's is on Saturday.

Spring Pics

 Grosbeek.

Cardinals are ground feeders so this is typical.

Iowa Drought Conditions?

I came across this map of Iowa drought conditions. They are greatly improved by the way! But when I looked at the map I saw something different. It looks to me like Lady Iowa has extreme pain in her chest and abdomen. Is it just me again? Pareidolia? 

A look backward and forward.

 Before Trophy, we were in another park for 18 years. I kept up with numerous blogs in those years. It wasn't easy and I have only the original that I have been consistent with.

A friend, Deon Spangler, has kept up with the one we had in the former park, Magnolia Park. ( https://magnolianews.blogspot.com/) The only thing that has remained the same in that park is the location and the blog. I checked in with it this morning and then added a post to the blog.

The story of Magnolia is a sad one for all concerned. It has become a family "village" and doesn't even remotely resemble what it used to be. The people who loved it have moved on to other parks and made a new spot for themselves.

And our life is different now. We sold the motorhome in 2022 and yes, we miss it at times; like the trips down to SouthTexas and back. Time marches on and it is impossible to ignore it. It seems the right time to make the necessary changes happen in such a way that you were guided to it and know the time and place were meant to be.

 Now we are mostly settled into our summer home. We removed last Fall's leaf drop yesterday, filled the bird feeders, paid all of the April bills and even played some pool. Butch was a bit distracted allowing me to beat him one game. I think the times I have legitimately won games from him are now at 2!!

Waiting for it to warm up a bit and get these tornado-laden storm events to slow up so Keri and I can get back to walking the trail!

Happy hour in 2023! Butch and Paul Kelleher had just returned from the Senior Valley Olympics with their first-place medals for the doubles Pool.

Safely in Iowa

 We arrived home last Thursday and have been peddling hard ever since. This morning as I write this I feel we are about three-quarters settled. Since this is the weekend the last quarter will have to wait till Monday as they involve the courthouse, insurance payment, tax info etc.

It feels good to be back even though I wish for slightly warmer temps so a morning walk is not a decision. The leaves on the trees seem to be a bit ahead compared to other Iowa Springs.

Geez!!! I just noticed I did not get this finished and published in a timely manner!

Sorry about that! Will publish this one and start a new one.

Tomorrow

 We will be leaving tomorrow morning sometime heading to our humble abode in Jefferson Iowa. Keri has done whatever is needed to get the water hooked up and the refrigerator plugged in. It is so nice to have those things done so we can get on with the task of getting settled in.

We have had a nice visit with our Missouri family. Last night we all ate at the local Mexican restaurant. The food was great and the prices were typically low. After all, it was Taco Tuesday!

Leo played cribbage with both Gary and Butch. He recently turned 11 and he learned how to play cribbage last summer sometime. It had been a long time since he had played but those who know him will not be surprised that he picked it up quickly. His name has gone from Little Leo to Lucky Leo as he counted out some high-quality hands.

Elise works as director behind the scenes in theater productions. Being a stand-in is but one of her many talents. She remembers all of the dialog from all of the parts. This too might seem quite remarkable to some who don't know her but to those who do know she has been doing this most of her life. Even as a toddler she would lip sync with the kid movies she watched. Elise will be turning 14 next month.

It is always fun to watch them grow.

1000+ Behind us

 We left the RGV early on Sunday morning and 500-plus miles later we stayed overnight in Mineral Falls TX. Up again bright and early we had another 500-plus miles to Peculiar MO. Both days were smooth sailing and without incident. We are at the Gary and Susan residence and we will be until Thursday morning. We will then be on our last leg to Jefferson.

If you have the opportunity to enjoy one-on-one time with your grown children and their spouses you will know how much we are enjoying our couple of days here. As I write this I am listening to Butch and Gary playing cribbage and grousing with each other. It is a tradition.

It is also remarkable how different topics of conversation seem to come from nowhere; some about the good old days and some current happenings you do not think to share while on the phone.

So we will soon be back in our summer home doing what we enjoy in the summertime. Till next time...

Desert Rose!

 On my morning walk.

A  photo of a Spectacular Desert Rose.

This bird did not make it.