Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Laughter... is the best medicine.
It's been a blue day.
Started off with a crazy morning....
then, melted into a pool of goo...
this afternoon.
{can't get Michael... off of my mind.}
Wrapped myself up in the softest, coziest... blanket I have, dived deeply into the la-z-boy,
like a caterpillar bundled tightly in her cocoon.
put my phone on 'silent'...
and,
locked the world outside.
Iowa is in the midst of a blizzard,
the wind is howling...
feels good to be safe, and warm...
inside.
Went upstairs, to grab a glass of water, a bit ago, then...
sat down at the lap top...
started scrolling.
Everything... online, seemed pretty....
uninteresting.
until...
I stumbled upon the below.
; )
Hahahahahahahaha!!!!
BURST OUT LAUGHING!!
: ) : ) : )
Anything, that could make me 'Laugh'... today,
well...
It's Worthy of a Post.
: )
Hope it brought a Smile to Your Face, as Well.
: )
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Rambling.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the news, that Peg's Daughter... Sarah, shared with me this afternoon. Was on my way to run some important business, had just filled up Jethro, at Casey's, here... in Fairfax.
When I bailed inside, checked the phone, noticed I had a text, from Sarah.
I'd just... missed her call.
What I read... dropped me to my knees.
Peg's Beloved... Michael, had passed away sometime last night.
Called Sarah... right away.
: (
When I noticed I'd missed Sarah's call, I... wasn't surprised.
I'd just had a LONG conversation with Michael, on Saturday.
<3
Michael, and I... visit, about once a month.
: )
Michael told me to expect a call from Sarah, during what would be our 'last' conversation.
Sarah... so wanted Michael to move to assisted living.
Michael... didn't want to leave his home.
We went over the pro's and con's.
I... ultimately told Michael, if he didn't want to move...
don't.
; )
That being said, should he stay at home.... he needed to get people in place, to help out....
at 'home', so... Sarah wouldn't worry so, about him.
: )
There's 'Much' out there, now... to help people stay in their homes.
: )
Michael asked me... if, he should move... what needs to be done, for us to
'do' a 'Sale'.
"Nothing... You don't have to do anything, except take the things you want to keep, to Your new 'home', then... just walk away, we'll take care of the rest."
<3
Michael said he was going to chew on it.
Whether to stay, or go.
: )
Apparently, Michael... chose to move.
He was supposed to sign the contract, this morning... at his 'New' home.
Michael... didn't make... it, to that appointment.
The Facility, called Sarah... informed her, Michael had missed the appointment.
They discovered Michael had expired, sometime in the night, or... this morning.
: (
Sarah... was blaming herself.
: (
"What If??? What If???"
{'No...No... No... No'.
No!!!!}
Sarah.. talked to Michael, every day.
Michael... said so.
<3
Sarah... is an Amazing Daughter.
{Loved Her Folk's... So Much. <3
Peg... would be So Proud, of her. <3
{and Was.}
Michael... Adored Sarah. <3}
I'm numb, about all of this.
Michael, was Lost... without Peg.
They Loved Each Other...
So.
<3 <3
I... remember, visiting with Michael... shortly after Peg, went away....
he said...
"Barbara, I... couldn't understand, after you lost John... why... you couldn't 'get over it', and... move on."
: (
"I... 'Know' Now."
: (...................
The last, nearly... 10 years... for Michael, have been incredibly difficult, to say the least, without Peg.
He, and I... have shared bucket's of tears.
: (
Lately... we've shared a few 'Laughs', as well.
: )
Probably... shouldn't 'share' this, but... I'm gonna.
; )
One of Michael's favorite stories... concerning
'Our Peg'
Hahahahahaha!!
; )
Peg, and Michael built an Amazing Home, in Missouri, when Michael retired.
The Two of Them... pretty much, Built It... Themselves.
<3
Peg... knew how much Michael Loved to Fish, so they Built their Home, near Mark Twain Lake.
; )
One... Early Morning... Michael was hooking up his boat, to head to The Lake.
Peg, shouted out to Michael... from the deck of their Home.
: )
Michael... looked Up, from his trailer hitch...
to see
Peg...
Flashing Him!!!
Hahahahahahahaha!!!
: ) : ) : )
{That's Our Peg!!! : ) }
Michael, said... He Laughed, and Laughed!!!
: )
and, so wished...
he would've skipped goin' to The Lake, that day.
; )
{Peg... was Givin' Michael... 'Sh!T'!!!
; )
All In Fun!!!
<3
Priceless.}
<3
Peg, and Michael... met in Junior High, in Cedar Rapids.
{Middle School}
Peg...
had her 'Eye' set on Michael.
; )
{Michael... as the story goes, was 'Oblivious'.}
: )
{most men are. : )}
<3
Peg... Knew, she was going Marry... Michael.}
<3
Shortly after... Michael 'grew up', and 'Saw Peg'...
; )
well, the rest... is history.
<3
My Heart Aches, for Daughter Sarah... Daughter, Mel, The Grandchildren... and Great Grandchildren...
Peg, and Michael...
Adored All of Them.
<3
but, somehow...
I'm not sad.
<3
Peg, and Michael... are Together, again.
<3
Finally.
Sarah, said... today,
"Dad... was Alone. I wasn't There for him."
I... assured Sarah,
'Michael... wasn't 'alone'.'
; )
Michael has never been 'alone'
Ever.
<3
: )
Nor have Peg, and Michael's Daughter's...
Sarah, and Melissa.
<3
Peg, and Michael's Grandchildren, and... Great Grandchildren.
<3 <3 <3
I... knew Peg, pretty well.
; )
She'd Never Leave her Loved Ones...
'alone'.
; )
Ever.
I'm rambling.
: )
Still... in shock.
But By God... I attended the Fairfax, Iowa...
'Special Council Meeting' tonight.
Peg... would expect no less of me.
; )
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
Yup. Grateful.
<3
Yes...
Indeed.
; )
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
{Spoke with Dear... Gayle, today. : )
She Sounds GOOD!!
The Mayo... is Top Notch!!
; )
Grateful She's There!!
Please keep Gayle in Your Thoughts, and Prayers...
Along with All who are suffering, and struggling today.}
<3
Monday, January 19, 2026
Indeed.
<3
<3
Received some worrisome news, today...
concerning our Pal, Gayle.
Uh oh.
Picked up the phone, and reached out to her.
<3
Gayle... along with 'Pals', is sitting on the far left...
on
The Amazing... Old Bath Tub, during a 'Sale' here, at Home...
Long Ago.
; )
Yes...
Gayle... and I, have been 'Pals', for decades.
<3
Gayle... often tells the story, how she and I met... at an Auction, when she first moved here
from
Las Vegas.
: )
Gayle... remembers, how we 'clicked' at that Auction, because... I was friendly to her.
: )
<3
That compliment... was wonderful, but... always makes me a little sad, too.
Above, is Gayle... on the far right.
; )
Pal, Bill, on the far left, and 'Kind' Bob, between Bill, and Gayle.
<3
{long ago}
Gayle... is at The Mayo Clinic, awaiting surgery, this Friday.
Gayle... didn't reach out to anyone, concerning this 'ride'.
: (
She's Tuff.
; )
'Family'.
<3
It's been One Hell of a Ride, for Gayle, over the last several weeks, it seems.
The nearly 4 hour 'Ride'... in an Ambulance, to The Mayo, would Shake Many.
{If you've never ridden in an ambulance, count yourself 'Lucky'. I've 'enjoyed' that 'experience', a few times in my life, very short 'journeys' on a 'Lumber Wagon', compared to Gayle's...}
Jesus.
: (
Gayle... has been a Trusted Friend, for Decades.
; )
<3
Gayle... has Clerked many of our Sales.
<3
Gayle... has Busted Her Butt, helping us...
Pull... Estate Sales, together.
'Last Minute'.
; )
Gayle... 'Ain't No Quitter'.
: )
<3
Please... Keep
Gayle....
in
Your Prayers.
<3
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Oh My.
Took this day...
'off'.
; )
There's so much coming down the pipeline, well...
kinda felt if I could take a 'moment', probably should.
; )
<3
<3
Indeed.
: )
Sure miss The Anamosa Show, it was The Best.
<3
We'd be loading out... about now.
: )
Don't Miss... Loading Out, in the cold.
Don't miss... being frozen, while loading out.
Don't miss...
a lot, about the ins, and outs... of The Anamosa Show,
but...
Sure Miss The People!!
<3 <3 <3
The Incredible Vendors, and... Those Who Attended, no matter what.
: )
<3
Cecilia, and Jon Hatcher... created Such an Amazing Event, in Anamosa.
<3
It's Missed by Many.
<3
Grateful, to have been a small part of it.
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Simply... Soulful.
Snowy Day... in Iowa.
Chilly... too.
11 degrees.
; )
Had to run to Casey's... was out of Stogies.
Bailed in Jethro.
He's a Mustang.
<3
Rear Wheel Drive.
: )
Light... Powerful...
He can get a little 'Loosey-Goosey' if you're not careful, on the above kind of roads.
; )
Thankfully... I grew up with Rear Wheel Drive, vehicles.
Trucks, and Mustangs.
'Taker slow, and easy.... You'll get there.'
; )
Could've taken The Ford, I suppose. He's 4WD... but, there's No Fun In That!
Hahahahahaha!!
: )
Whatever I'm driving, in this kind of weather, I drive like it's RWD.
'Slow... and Easy'.
It kinda cracks me up... when I get passed by a 4WD, on these kind of roads.
{as long as nobody gets hurt.}
How Many Times, have I been passed by a 4WD, only to see that 4WD in the ditch, ahead.
'They can 'GO'... like Hell, but, uh... they can't stop any quicker.'
; )
{Thanks, Dad...for Teaching me 'How' to 'Drive'. <3}
; )
Love the above 1800's Advertisement.
<3
Was going to write a post, last night... but received a call from a former Fairfax, Iowa...
'City' person.
; )
We visited for a long, long... time.
By the time we were done 'visiting', well... I was too tired to write.
It was a very nice conversation.
; )
'Everyone'... has a 'story'.
Was Grateful... to hear his.
Hopefully, Fairfax will find 'change'.
When I saw the 'Weather' this morning, and today...
oh my.
: )
This Weekend, would've been the 'Weekend', for The Anamosa Show, that is no more.
; )
IT NEVER FAILS!!!
Thank God... We Aren't Setting Up at Anamosa!!!
<3
GRATEFUL!!
We've All Risked Our Lives, So Many Times...
for
'Anamosa'.
<3
No Regrets!!
<3
just,
glad we're not doing THAT... Today, and Tomorrow.
; )
Yes...
Love Those Victorian
Advertisements.
<3
These all are from Old, Old... Scrapbooks, that are down The Rabbit Hole.
True...
Art.
<3
There's something, on The Ford, that I brought Home... from a 'Downsize', a while back...
that I was going to throw in the dumpster for the 'Clean Out'.
For some reason, I... just can't pitch it.
It Haunts me... every time I look at it.
There's So Much 'Soulfulness' in it, well...
I... can't quite explain it.
Reached out, to Pal... Steph, this morning, concerning that piece.
She's an Artist.
<3
{Frond Fabric Home & Garden, Mt. Vernon, Iowa... and Fern Hill, South Amana, Iowa.}
Explained to Steph, how 'Primitive', 'Country'... People...
find the Good in Things, that are Worn... Loved On... and 'Soulful'.
; )
Sent Steph, the above... example of late 1800's Serving Spoons.
: )
I've collected the ones with the spoon bowls worn down to a sharp edge, from stirring.
Stirring Jellies.
'Preserves'.
Can you Imagine how many MILES those old Spoon's had to travel inside an Old Kettle, to be worn down That Far??
<3
They weren't replaced by a 'Pampered Chef'... new, something, or other.
; )
Nope.
<3
'Priceless'...
in my mind.
<3
Simply...
Soulful.
<3
I was taken back... by readers of this blog, today...
to the above post
from 2012.
<3
Seems, there's always been a 'Journey', here.
<3
Grateful.
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
It's taken every beat of my heart, to survive this mess.
Fairfax, Iowa, Much of this Mess is All on You.
my humble opinion.
Long Story... ahead, to be told.
: (
A
Book...
perhaps.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Self-Explanatory.
Love the above image... of Scout's Smile.
; )
Was going to write about Fairfax's Tuesday night...
Council Meeting.
I... don't think so.
Hope Folk's will look at that YouTube video, along with many, many... others.
The earlier... ones.
: )
There's so much to this 'Story' that... I'm confident will come out.
I've sat at so many meetings, well...
when everything comes out, it'll all make sense.
I have some things... I've never shared with anyone.
Didn't want to hurt people.
Not my style.
I, believe... the time is coming to 'share'.
: (
Sadly, it seems, at Fairfax, Iowa... City Hall...
there are those... who don't share my convictions for community.
'Love Thy Neighbor'.
'The Golden Rule'.
Treat Others, as You would want to be Treated.
: (
Just... my opinions.
Their conduct, and words... over the years... sadly, I believe...
will be self explanatory.
but...
what do I know.
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
{The City Administrator, Chris Phillip, included me in his Tuesday Night's report, publicly.
{bless his heart}
I shared that... with Lawyer Meardon... today.}
Bless His Heart!!
<3
; )
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
oh my.
Survived the Fairfax, Iowa... City Council meeting, last night.
; )
I'll write about that... tomorrow.
; )
So Grateful... for Mayor Beer,
Councilwomen
Cindy Anderson, and Deb Mallie,
and
Councilman Wozniak.
'Warriors'.
<3
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Curiouser, and Curiouser.
Grandson, Justin...
came in, yesterday,
with a package in hand.
<3
It was from Dear Farmer Friends, Lynn... and Lea.
<3
What in The World?!!
: )
It was a 1949 Collier's magazine... with a Beautiful Alice in Wonderland Centerfold!!
<3 <3
So COOL!!!
Love Those Two!!
<3 <3
Made My Day!!
<3
Preparing for a Fairfax, Iowa... City Council Meeting, tonight.
It's so incredibly sad, here.
Unbelievable.
; (
Some of the Staff, a couple Council people, and a few former Council people...
are stirring up our little Town.
: (
I'm sure Fairfax will be on the news, again.
There's been death threats, to some on the New Council.
All sorts of Garbage, I've heard... on social media.
Those people are sure showing their True Colors.
: (
I've heard there are going to be three, or four Deputy Sheriff's at City Hall, this evening.
{No... Fairfax doesn't need to 'change'.}
Hahahahahahahaha!!!
Believe there may have been some shenanigans at City Hall... over the weekend.
Took in a Public Records request, yesterday... to City Hall.
I'd like to see the recordings of Friday Morning's Staff Meeting, along with Security Camera Footage, from Sunday.
Seems three City Employees were at City Hall, on Sunday.
???
Why would they all need inside City Hall, on a Sunday??
I'd be happy if they'd simply share those recordings on The City of Fairfax, Iowa YouTube channel,
for All to see.
'Transparency'.
; )
Fairfax... will survive, just fine.
'Home, Sweet... Home'
; )
Yeah... Boy.
Better get Crackin'.
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
What do I... know.
; )
<3
The Fairfax... 'saga'... continues.
: )
People...
a councilman... and the 'city administrator'...
are trying to make things very difficult, for Fairfax's Mayor, and... our Newly Elected Council.
{bless their hearts}
My advice to the New Council, and Mayor....
'Saddle Up'...
'Lawyer Up'.
; )
'Hold On Tight'
; )
It's gonna be a Wild Ride.
; )
Fairfax, Iowa... Voted for 'Change'... the last election.
Let's watch 'Change' unfold.
The councilman.... and 'city hall', who, in my opinion, have never looked out for Fairfax Citizens...
only...
'City Hall'
: (
well, in my humble opinion..
That's a problem.
Big... Problem.
My... humble opinion.
'advice'.
Please...
watch every 'City of Fairfax, Iowa... YouTube' posts.
I believe... if ya watch those videos ....
You'll get 'The Picture'.
; )
again...
'what do I know'???
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Oh.... Fairfax.
Indeed.
; )
I'm posting the 1/8/26
Fairfax, Iowa
'special'
City Council Meeting, above.
Interesting meeting.
Fairfax, even made the news.
; )
Heard a former council member called them, but... who knows. I actually thought about calling them, myself, yesterday morning. I was very concerned for the Mayor's safety. Thought about calling in the Sheriff, too. I... sat outside City Hall, for 4 1/2 hours, watching.
Heard it got pretty Ugly, between the Staff, a Councilwoman, and The Mayor, to the point the Councilwoman reached out to her Husband, to please come to City Hall, she was very frightened.
That meeting was recorded, I'm in hopes the Public can hear that recording.
Not going to say much.
Going to let the video speak for itself.
To those who are asking for 'transparency'
during the above meeting,
I suggest they watch
Every
Fairfax, Iowa...
City Council Meeting, on YouTube.
I... believe that'll help them understand quite a lot.
For the record, the City Clerk is an Appointed position.
Only The Council can decide every two years, if they'd like the Clerk to be
re-appointed.
Not... The Mayor.
The Mayor has No Say...
about appointing, The Clerk, or not.
None.
Fairfax, in my opinion... along with many others, in the community...
felt Fairfax needed changes.
That's one of the reasons The Mayor... was re-elected, by a Landslide, and two New Councilwomen were voted in.
There are some things, The Council, and Mayor... cannot speak about in a Public Setting.
Frustrating, I know... all too well.
There are possible Legal ramifications involved.
However, The Mayor, and Council... can share private information with the Proper Officials, which... I'm certain they are doing, and will do, at the proper time.
I encourage Folks to watch those YouTube Council Meeting videos.
Thank God... We FINALLY Have a Camera!!
That was one of The First Things, Mayor Beer worked on when she was first elected.
If it wasn't for her... I'd bet Fairfax still wouldn't have a camera.
'Transparency'.
Grateful.
<3
I know it's been incredibly difficult for the New Council, and Mayor Beer, over the last few days.
Very Sad.
I believe we'll all get a better picture, as things unfold.
; )
Stay Tuned.
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
{I questioned, long ago... why only 'The Clerk'... handled so many tasks, and... not the Deputy Clerk, or under Clerk?? Like taking the minutes, at every Council Meeting. Asked... if only 'The Clerk' could do certain City work, that surely other Clerk's could do, what would happen should she be ill??
That 'One Clerk'... shouldn't have to be present for Fairfax, to operate. }
but, what do I... know?
Friday, January 9, 2026
Stay Tuned.
Started this post... early this morning.
It's been a Long Day, and it's only 1:00 p.m.
The Fairfax, Iowa... City Council Meeting, last night...
well.
; )
I'll have to chew on that story... a bit, before I write about it.
Oh my.
; )
Stay...
Tuned.
There's Much...
Coming.
; )
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
{Grateful to Fairfax, Iowa...
Councilwoman Cindy Anderson, Councilwoman Deb Mallie,
Councilman Dan Wozniak... and Mayor, Jo Ann Beer.}
Warriors...
for our little
Town.
<3
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Lists.
; )
oh...
dear.
: )
Sometimes... all ya can do is laugh.
{'real' world... aside.}
Yesterday... was interesting.
: )
Got the gray... washed outta my hair, then...
took care of a little
'business'.
Sometimes, I'd much rather be herding cats, than people.
Believe... it would be easier.
; )
Gratefully... had success at 'herding'.
Crossed some things off of 'the list'.
This morning, another 'list' presented itself.
; )
It's been on 'The List' for a while, just got bumped up...
to the
Top.
{those 'lists'... can make ya crazy.}
Was reminded, yesterday... of yet another Fairfax, Iowa...
'special'
City Council Meeting,
that will be this evening.
Gonna have to attend this one, too.
It's really sad, how a handful of people... at City Hall, have it in for our Mayor.
: (
My...oh my.
Disappointing, 'embarrassing', to say the least.
Hopefully... after this 'special' meeting, a few things will change.
It appears to me, the 'handful'... have done everything in their power
to try to hurt our Mayor.
: (
We have a couple new Councilwomen.
Tonight is their first meeting.
It'll be interesting to see how they handle this 'mess'.
I'm hopeful... they'll get things pointed in the right direction.
When I read the agenda, and what's in the packet...
early... this morning.
; )
oh...
my.
; )
Sad, very... sad.
My thoughts... while reading the packet...
'sounds a little 'desperate' '.
wow...
just...
wow.
Waiting on calls, this morning.
Gotta Take Care of the 'List'.
Livin' The Dream!!
; )
Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.
Barb C.
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