Blog Posts

Coasting into Spring

2/23/2025

I left Iowa Wednesday at 9 degrees and arrived in California at 62. Nice change. Last year when I came out to visit my friend Joanie, I think we had only one day without rain, but so far it's been beautiful and the forecast for the next few days is the same.

We've done some hiking and walking. Yesterday we went to the harbor and explored the fish market and walked around the shops and landing areas. Tour boats were being loaded and we got a picture of ourselves surfing. (!)

Then last night, we had a great supper with Jen and Jeff, Joanie's daughter and son-in-law. They really know how to entertain. After supper, they staged a Spacex rocket launch for us! My photos leave a lot to the imagination but then I'm a writer. That's my job.

Today we plan a hike at nearby Arroyo Verde Park and then will run a few errands. Meanwhile, I'm at work on Trailer in the Dust, the next time travel book. And I should mention that To Cache a Killer is free for Kindle through Tuesday.

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Parable of the Lights--Part 2

11/24/2024

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Six years ago, in December 2018, I wrote a blog about how the lights on our Christmas tree mirrored the uncertainty in our lives at that time. Once again, I am struck by the similarities between this traditional decoration and my life. First of all, it is a new tree, smaller and simpler than the trees in all of the years of my life, like my new home. It is not the 9 1/2 foot tree we put up for 20 years in our home in West Liberty, or one of the 12-13 foot fresh trees we had for decades before that. It is the tallest, skinniest tree I could find that would fit in my new space. And it is pre-lit with all white lights--not my choice as I prefer multi-colored lights. But just one of the many adjustments this move has required.

For me, the important part of a Christmas tree has always been the ornaments, not the lights. Every ornament on my tree embodies a memory. Many were Christmas gifts from Butch. Others are souvenirs we picked up on travels--a green ceramic angel from Ireland (2010), a bear from the Smokey Mountains (2015), a street car from Boston (1978), among others. And a large number are handmade gifts from friends and family. There are cross stitched ones, painted ornaments, and felt creations. I was able to get about half of the collection on the tree--and it is loaded!

This is the first year ever that I have put up the decorations before Thanksgiving. I will be traveling to Kentucky over Thanksgiving to spend several days with my kids, their spouses, and possibly a couple of the grandchildren. Since the time between the holidays is shorter this year, I decided to tackle the decorations early. After all, everything had to go in a new spot so there were decisions to make!

Again, this is a repeat of my move. Going from a four floor house to a five room apartment required a lot of pitching, repurposing, and overloading. There is a lot of new to get used to, but it keeps my brain alive and working. New lifestyle, new opportunities, new friends, and white lights on the tree. I have joined the Y and the senior center and a new church. I will be helping at the church food pantry and teaching a writing class at the senior center after the first of the year. And still some old to anchor me. Family, old friends, and old ornaments.

It has been a hectic year, but a good move. No maintenance (like the lights on the tree), many conveniences, events, and places to take advantage of. Bring on 2025!

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Of Leaves and Laughter

10/21/2024

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The final (maybe) outing of the Midwest Glampers is in the books. I say maybe because a few members have been known to take advantage of an unusually warm November weekend. But for most of us, it's time to unload and winterize. It was a good ending. The weather was wonderful and the trees filled with color. The only fly in the ointment was not a fly, but an Asian lady beetle and about a million of his closest friends. My site had no shade and in midafternoon they congregated on the sunny side of my camper and found a number of places to weasel their way in. But we hiked, explored, painted leaves, and had great campfires every night.

Seven Glampers and one 'Manper' gathered for this event from eastern Iowa and Illinois. I had not been able to attend an even this summer since Palisades in April, so it was great to catch up. Several had had losses and challenges. I met a new member--another Karen--who is my age so I am not the oldest anymore! Jackie and Harry filled us in one evening on their participation in Koi competitions and we shared the other changes in our lives. There were also lots of reminiscing and laughs about previous jaunts.

I went for a hike the first morning on a mile long trail near the campground. You know the old saying "What goes up, must come down"? Since the campground sits high, the opposite is true of the trails. What goes down, must come back up. As the trail wound down into a ravine, I knew it would be a challenge coming back up, but I made it and the scenery was worth it.

Later that day, we made a trip to Bellevue, visited a brewery overlooking the Mississippi, a chocolate shop, and a grocery store. We also stopped at a lookout in the northern unit of the park. There are great views of the town of Bellevue and the lock and dam on the Mississippi.

So it was a great wrap up to the season. Unfortunately, after the return home, that also means unloading the camper and preparing it for winterizing. I emptied the fridge and perishables at my apartment, as well as bring in bedding, towels, and paper products before I returned the camper to Andy's driveway. There is still much to be done but there is time for that.

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Final Fling

10/18/2024

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For the year, at least. Yesterday, after a rocky start, I made my way north to Bellevue State Park for the final outing of the year with the Midwest Glampers. I am keeping Agatha in son Andy's driveway in Kewanee, so a trip requires driving an hour east, dropping my car and bringing back the camper for loading. However, I neglected to remove my apartment key from the car key ring that I left with Andy so found myself locked out and had to contact maintenance before I could start loading. The spare key was locked in the apartment of course.

But it wasn't a huge delay and soon I was enjoying the beautiful drive through northeast Iowa. Having grown up in southern Minnesota and North Central Iowa where hills are anomalies, the landscape of northeast Iowa always amazes me. The geometric shapes of corn bins, bales in the fields, and box-like house and barns appear like punctuation marks that man has imposed on the unruly landscape to try and bring order. GPS always likes to jerk my chain by either insisting on an all-interstate route, no matter how much distance and stressful driving it adds, or else cross-country on narrow roads with three different numbers from the feds, state, and county road departments so you can't verify your location on a map. This was my first visit to Delmar, Preston, and Springville.

But I arrived in a timely fashion, and was relieved to find that the water had not been turned off yet in the campground--always a possibility in the state parks after October 15. Two of the Glampers were already here and after a simple supper we had a nice fire until bed called. The full moon was spectacular. Today there are no specific plans except for a soup supper tonight. There are some great trails to hike, a winery to visit, and some shops in Bellevue to explore. I'm sure we'll find something to do.

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Hawg Days and Cool Nights

9/2/2024

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It's Labor Day weekend and in Kewanee, Illinois that means it's Hog Days. I'm camped at Johnson Sauk Trail about seven miles north of Kewanee, a favorite campground that we've visited many times in the past. The only downside this time is that the campground water has been turned off due to well problems but Agatha has a 42 gallon fresh water tank and that's plenty for 3 days. The trip has a twofold purpose: taking advantage of beautiful weather in this lovely place and giving Andy lessons in camper set up and tear down. Since my move, Agatha is residing in his driveway and I would like him to be able to use it.

As I said, the weather has been perfect for camping and especially sleeping. My site doesn't have a view of the western skyline but Friday night I was treated to a big glimpse of color over the towering pines.

Andy is in the middle of finishing his porch roof and the weather that is so great for celebrating and relaxing is also good for working on outdoor projects. But we managed to sandwich in a bit of the local festivities. Saturday afternoon we went to Craft Fair--a full city block of, among other things, handmade jewelry, metal yard ornaments, honey, crocheted items, and even a book seller. Andy and Stacy picked up a couple of the yard ornaments, but I had to continually remind myself how many items I had to get rid of in the last 4 or 5 months. Yesterday, we journeyed downtown and wandered around a little after a great lunch/supper at Cerno's. This morning, we will have breakfast at the restaurant in the park, which has reopened this year, before the tear down lesson.

Happy Labor Day, everyone!

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Back at the Station

8/13/2024

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A number of years ago, we started a tradition of camping the week of the State Fair at Howell Station, a great Corps of Engineers campground below the dam at Lake Red Rock. Some of the group would go up to the fair to watch grandkids show cattle, etc. This year there are only eight of us total but other than light rain Sunday night, the weather has been very comfortable. This is one of our favorite sunset places too.

We always have to visit the shops in Pella--especially the bakery and the quilt shop. So yesterday, the ladies made that trek and also hit the meat market and a few other interesting shops. I'm sure Pella's bottom line benefited from our visit.

Another highlight is always the food, of course. Sunday night, Syd stuffed us with pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, beans, and chocolate pie. We have enjoyed two huge breakfasts, courtesy of Letha and Carly (and their spouses of course.) Yesterday afternoon about 4:00, I innocently asked who was cooking last night. They informed me it was me. I had in my head that I was cooking tonight. So needless to say, I had to get moving but I had planned to do a couple of variations of foil packet meals and let every one put their own together so it wasn't too difficult. By 6:00, the fire was going and campers had a choice of chicken breasts or smoked turkey kielbasa, potatoes, green beans, corn, bacon pieces, ranch or Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese. There were guidelines but they could use any combination. I'm very flexible that way. The results were pleasing, even more so after Letha provided fresh cherry pie and Patty happened to have ice cream for embellishment. I slept well after that.

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A Fair Trip

7/15/2024

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I haven't had many camping posts this year because I haven't had many trips. My downsizing and move has swallowed up most of the last three months. Plus Agatha, in RV years, must be about the same age as me because she has certainly had several aches and pains. And she doesn't have Medicare. But last week, we managed to overcome our impairments and headed north for the annual Franklin County Fair/impromptu Class of 60 reunion.

Last year the stars aligned fortuitously and we managed to get fourteen class members out of the original 72 together for a last minute lunch. This year we managed four, but it was till a great time. We are long past much reminiscing--our memories aren't that great any more, but the old friendships never die.

As usual, I camped at Beed's Lake, a beautiful state park near Hampton. Like many of our parks, the big old trees have been decimated in the center loops of the campground, and the weather wasn't conducive to appreciating full sun. So this time I had a great spot in some of the remaining trees near the lake. The shade plus a nice breeze off the lake made the area very pleasant on Thursday and Friday.

I did a walk one morning over to the beautiful old bath house and continued a ways out on the Old Dam Trail. In our youth, the trail was quite overgrown with shrubs and trees. It was very conducive to jumping out and scaring our friends. But unfortunately it's been cleaned up and wouldn't hide a three-year-old. I also enjoyed the sunsets--always a treat there.

We did take in the Fair for a few hours on Thursday and then a short stint on Saturday due to the heat and humidity. Of course we had homemade ice cream in the Pioneer Village and fresh rhubarb pie at the Lutheran stand. All in all, a great trip!

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A Moving Experience

6/17/2024

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I spent much of my early life moving--sometimes to a different house, sometimes to a new town. By the time I graduated from high school, I had spent Christmas in a different house every year. In the 56 years of my marriage, the moving slowed down. Two apartments and four houses. The last house we spent twenty years in. People said "But you have wonderful memories there." Yes, but the person I share those memories with isn't there. My family is spread across the country and I needed a change.

Over the last couple of years, I realized that I badly needed to downsize. I began picking away at that and this spring decided to put the house on the market. I had begun checking out apartments in the Quad Cities and narrowed my choices to a couple. I started with the plan for a two bedroom, but wondered where I would put my office, sewing machine, and craft activities. I decided to go for a three bedroom, but the complex I was most interested in didn't often have those available. The house went up for sale and sold immediately, scheduled to close on June 14. Luckily, the same week, a 3-bedroom was posted but not available until July 3. During the three week gap I would need to store my stuff and basically have to move twice. Yikes! But a few days later, I got a message that the present tenant was going to be moving earlier and I could have the apartment in early June!

The downsizing had to switch into high gear. I planned to move boxes and totes beginning June 3 and movers to bring the furniture June 6. That would give me a week to "finish up." Surely that would be plenty of time to decide what else I wanted to move and get rid of the rest.

How wrong I was! I never would have made it without the help of my tribe. In the ten days from possession of the apartment to closing on the house, we brought about 17 or 18 carloads of stuff. Andy especially stepped up and made numerous trips before going to work in the afternoons. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ken and Harriet, made several trips. My 'baby' sister-in law Mary, neighbor Joy, and old friend Joanie also hauled stuff. Grandson Steven came out from Iowa City and put his Marine training to use cleaning the garage. The last day, Mary and Joy cleaned while I continued to tackle the chaos in my craft room and other areas.

What to do with all of the stuff? Joy again came to the rescue with the offer of her second garage to store anything we couldn't get moved or hadn't decided what to do with. The closing came off on Friday and I then headed to Des Moines for my great-granddaughter's dance recital.

I think my new place is going to be delightful. Chateau Knoll was built in the 70s before developers felt the need to fill every square inch of real estate. Grassy areas and established trees surround every building in the complex. There are two pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center. The photo at the top of this blog is the view from my little deck. People have been very friendly and a couple of maintenance calls has received quick response.

Am I settled? I have a ways to go. One glitch in the move was that my desk is too big to go around the corner into the office. Andy and I may try to cut it down; otherwise I will find something smaller. Meanwhile it's pretty hard to empty the boxes in the the office. And I have numerous other boxes I'm working on, but there's no deadline. I took time last night to go to a poetry reading in a branch of the Davenport Library by Salvatore Marici. Sal took part in several of the writing workshops we had at the West Liberty Library. I look forward to more of these events, no home maintenance, and more time to enjoy.

One of the most useful things we have learned from technology: sometimes the best fix is to unplug and start over.

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Why I Camp...or the Saga of Agatha

4/20/2024

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It's that time of the year again. Several weeks ago I took Agatha through the dewinterizing process, guided by very detailed instructions. I knew the propane was low so in preparation for this weekend's opening Glampers' camp out with possible frost forecast, I planned to take it in Thursday to get the propane filled. When I opened the camper that morning, I found the dash (which is very large) covered with water puddles. Evidently I have a leak along the top of the large windshield.

I mopped it up and headed to Iowa City to the propane dealer. Refilling the tank was a quick process, but when I went back inside, there was a strong smell of gas. The service guy and the boss both could smell it. The boss said they didn't deal with internal workings of RVs and I should take it to the nearest RV dealer, about six miles away, in case there was a leak. By the time I arrived, I felt nauseous from the strong smell, in spite of having windows open on that rainy day. I went in, explained the problem, and waited about 20 minutes for a technician to look at it. We stepped inside the camper to fresh air and no gas smell at all. The technician said it was probably fumes that got in through the slide seams and should be fine now.

On the way home, I reevaluated my plans for the weekend. The propane was filled and the gas smell gone, but I still had a leaking window. However the forecast was no rain and I decided to chance it. On Friday, I finished loading and headed north to Palisades-Kepler State Park between Cedar Rapids and Mt. Vernon. Despite the best efforts of Mother Nature to blow me off the road, I made it in one piece.

I filled the fresh water tank and proceeded to my campsite. With the bitter northwest wind, I got set up and pulled a couple of lawn chairs out of the storage compartments, but that was it. Once inside, I turned on the water pump and checked the faucets--all working. I turned on the furnace--also working. I plopped in my recliner with a blanket and book and recuperated for an hour or so. I still needed to reconfigure the water heater valves and turn the water heater on. This process requires unscrewing a grill down near the floor and fishing through heating ducts to close the bypass and open the intake and outflow valves. I think when they design RVs, it's a little like packing for a long trip when you pack the major items and end up stuffing small items or forgotten necessities in every corner you can find.

So as I did this, the water pump came on to fill the 6 gallon water heater but seemed to be running an inordinately long time. When I finally went out side, I noticed water under my camper and the gauge for the fresh water tank showed EMPTY! I rechecked all of other valves (which are under one of the beds) and everything that was supposed to be closed was. Time to call on my tribe. After consultation with several Glampers, Carla's husband Jason came up to take a look. He agreed that I had every valve positioned correctly...until he checked the outside water heater compartment. The pressure release valve was still open. In my defense, it wasn't on my list of instructions.

So that problem was solved, but now I had an empty water tank. I could unhook everything, pull the slide in, and drive over to the dump station to refill the fresh water. Or, there is a water hydrant across the road and a few sites down, so we decided on a team effort here. I have two hoses, Betty and Ann have two, and Carla and Jackie each contributed one. We were still short. Another camper across the road came out with another and said he needed to refill his tank also because he had been here several days. Soon we both were up and running. Ironically, one of the other women in our group had exactly the same experience a couple of years ago in the same campsite. She had just had her camper dewinterized before she camped here and someone had forgotten to close the pressure release valve. Lost all of her fresh water. We have decided it was the campsite's fault.

So the day ended well with a beautiful sunset and I was reminded once again of the wonderful supportiveness of campers. All of these women (and one manper, as we call them) did what they could to get me up and running. Even a complete stranger pitched in. It enabled me to enjoy the rest of the evening and weekend, even thought the weather was not ideal. Still a wonderful getaway!

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New Life for Old Stuff

3/16/2024

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In 1975, we built a large addition onto the kitchen in the Calhoun Street house. I ordered an unfinished pine trestle table from Penney’s catalog. I think it was about $100. I stained it dark to match the woodwork in the kitchen. That table hosted thousands of family meals, hundreds of homework assignments and craft projects, papers to grade, birthday cakes, coffee with Butch and neighbors, and planning discussions.

The photo shows a makeup party Katy had for her birthday when she was about in third grade. Many of the discussions at our family meals dissolved into what the boys named and numbered Pointless Arguments. For example, one that stands out, and was maybe designated Pointless Argument #37: Would you rather freeze to death or boil to death?

In 1997, we built a new house in the country with an eating bar as part of the kitchen so we relegated the trestle table to the screen porch. I painted the base green and refinished the top natural. The porch had lovely views of the pond, creek, and woods beyond and was a delightful place for morning coffee and evening meals.

Then twenty years ago, we moved to this house and the enclosed front porch was a natural place for that table. We enjoyed eating supper out there so Butch could keep tabs on the occasional traffic on Highway 6. It became the Kid's Table for holiday gatherings--it easily holds all eight of the grandchildren.

Last year about this time, I sold the dining room set we had bought for the house in the country, because it was so large with heavy chairs. I brought the old trestle table in to the dining room. It needed refinishing but I procrastinated until now. This last week, I stripped and sanded the top and painted the base and chairs a rusty red. We will christen it this evening when my sister Gretchen and her husband arrive from Georgia. Andy will join us and there could very well be some pointless arguments.

I was finally motivated to rehab the table because of plans for new life for some other old stuff--namely me. I plan to put the house on the market this spring and move to an apartment in the Quad Cities. There are several reasons; I should have done this a couple of years ago. The care and maintenance of this house is more than I want to deal with at 81. And I certainly don't need the room. It will be closer to Andy; he actually works in the Quad Cities and lives forty minutes away. It will be close enough to easily come back here for visits. I'm also eager to more actively participate in the Midwest Writing Center in Rock island. I have been a member for several years but not taken advantage of their many programs, including regular critique groups. It will be a new life.

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Forward>>

Coasting into Spring

Parable of the Lights--Part 2

Of Leaves and Laughter

Final Fling

Hawg Days and Cool Nights

Back at the Station

A Fair Trip

A Moving Experience

Why I Camp...or the Saga of Agatha

New Life for Old Stuff

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