RAGBRAI

We made a trip to North Liberty to hook up with Scott for a couple hours during his overnight stay on the RAGBRAI tour.

He rides like a bazillion miles a week. I was starting to feel worn out and breathe heavy just listening to his story, so I grabbed a beer and a smoke and had a seat while he finished telling me about it.

HILARIOUS!

Some of you might understand why I find this so stinkin' funny!!

THE GREAT JONES COUNTY FAIR

Dan and I went to the fair in Monticello on Friday night to hear the band, Boston, play. They were amazing! The median age of the crowd there was about 50, but there were a few younguns who were singing along!!

I bumped into Jeff and Chris (Catlett) Tjaden and Michelle Phillips and her hubby, Mark. I also saw Tony Miell and got to meet his girlfriend, Lori. Doug Wortman stopped to say "hi" and Mark Hamilton stopped me for a hug. It was fun to see them all!!!

We got caught in a torrential downpour Saturday night, so we left the fair and went to Tucker's Bar in Anamosa for a beer. Brian Ketelsen was there, but I doubt he will remember seeing me! :-/

LIFE IN IOWA

Here are a few pictures I have taken in the past couple weeks. It's typically Iowa.

A baby raccoon in our barn, turkeys in the yard, parades, bar-b-ques, bonfires, beer, beautiful sunsets, kids and family.

Life is good.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE HONOR CAMPER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TONY!

May #45 be filled with all the

Mexican hookers you can handle!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE!!

It's #45 for Mike!

The vodka and port wine

vendors are feeling the

profits today!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

MY NEICE, ALEX

My neice, Alexandra, graduated from 9th grade in Denmark. That is the equivalent of graduating from high school in America. She will be coming to Anamosa in less than two weeks to live with Randy and Lisa (Heitland) Williams for a year to attend good old Anamosa high school in the fall.

Here are a couple pics of her graduation reception with my bro, Brad, and her momma, Inge. Notice the flags.... Denmark, USA, and the Hawks. Herky was there supervising the festivities.

A FUNNY FROM MARY JO

OK, not really. It's just a joke. Kind of.

THANK YOU FROM KARLA

Carron:

Thanks so much for coming to the Wake. It means so much to know people care. I didn’t realize you were in Springville, that is very close to me in Waubeek. Don’t know when we could get together, but I’ll keep it in mind. You are right; lots of things to deal with now.

I haven’t read the blog site for a while, but I understand you let people know about my Mom’s passing. Thank you.

Please extend my gratitude to all my classmates. I will get to the site to view the messages; I just haven’t done that yet.

Brett Atwood sent me a personal note, and it just touched my heart to know people care. My Mom will be missed by not only her children but a host of people. It’s a great tribute to the life she lead.

Thanks again for your kind expression of sympathy

Karla

UPDATE ON THINGS

Dan and I went to Mrs. Bonifazi's visitation on Wednesday night. The place was packed!!! A true testiment to the wonderful woman she was! It was so good to see Karla and her sister, Krista, who I got to know through my old job. They were both so upbeat and positive. Amazing.

Also, Darcie and her Divas had their Flood Relief Giveaway today (and it continues tomorrow from noon - 5:00 at 1511 9th St. S.W. in Cedar Rapids. Everything is FREE!) It's unbelievable how much stuff was donated to their cause and the attitudes of the people who came to get stuff were inspiring. These people lost everything and they still had smiles on their faces.

How is everyone's summer going? Any news to share? Photos? How's August 16th looking for everyone? Dan and I would like to have a gathering here at our house in Springville. Would that work for anyone?

We're off to Uptown Friday Night and then to the Barbeque Roundup! These events used to be held downtown Cedar Rapids, but have changed locations. No stinkin' flood is going to stop us eastern Iowans from having a good time!!!

MESSAGE FROM KARLA BONIFAZI

Dear Friends:

I’ve had some very sad news last night. My Mom a.k.a. “Grandma Pockets” was in a terrible car accident and was killed, Thursday night June 19th, 2008.

She evidently pulled out in front of a semi turning onto Hwy 151 just outside of Anamosa. In traditional “Grandma Pockets” fashion, she was dressed in her clown outfit and on her way to a gig.

Although the accident was awful, her body was spared and we were able to view it. She just looked like she was sleeping. My brothers and sister’s and I all know she lived a wonderful life and touched many people; that is why I am sharing this with you. She will be greatly missed by many, but we will always have those treasured memories that made my MOM who she was.

Thank you all for being a part of my life.

Karla and Randy

VERY, VERY SAD NEWS

I have some very sad news to share. Karla Bonifazi's mother, Regina, was killed in a car accident yesterday, Thursday, June 19th. This Gazette article is not very complete since they didn't have a name yet, but is has been confirmed that it was Karla's mom.

You can send Karla and her family your condolences at simmen@iowatelecom.net. You can also leave a message on Goettsch's website.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bonifazi family at this time.

MORE FLOOD PHOTOS

Doug Wortman sent this link of some more flood pictures. The aerial shots give you an idea of the widespread devastation.

I just got off the phone with Darcie. Her Chrome Divas are doing a relief project for the flood victims - many, many of whom lost everything. I would like to encourage the Class of 1981 to join in this effort. If you have anything you would like to donate, whether it be food, clothing, bedding, dishes, or toiletries, let me know. I can pick it up and deliver it to the Divas for the flood victims to pick up for free. Money, of course, is also appreciated, so if you would like to make a monetary donation, that would be great, too!

E-mail me at csbungum@yahoo.com with any questions or if you need a phone number or my address to send a check for me to give to the flood victims' fund.

MORE FLOOD PICTURES

Michelle Phillips sent me this link for more flood pictures. Unbelievable.

THE TOWN OF PALO IS UNDER WATER

A friend who works at the Duane Arnold Energy Plant in Palo sent me these pictures. The entire town was evacuated.

Photos of CR flood

Dan and I did exactly what the media and cops are telling people NOT to do. We went on a gawking tour of Cedar Rapids and took these pictures. The TV shots and the newspaper photos do not begin to do it justice. It is absolutely horrific and beyond comprehension.

For amazing photos of the Anamosa devastation, visit the Class of 1980 blogsite for pics taken by Lisa Heitland.

Video of CR flood

SORRY

Sorry I have been so lax about posting on the blogsite. I have been moving this past week and I finally just got hooked up to the internet and am slowly locating everything in the mass of boxes I have in the basement! Bear with me. And, send some good, fun summer pics for me to post!

I think we need a class gathering soon. What are you all doing the weekend of August 16th?

MORE MONTICELLO FLOOD PICS

Click on this link for some more photos of the floods in Monticello. It's getting bad in Cedar Rapids, too. Parts of Edgewood Road are closed and they are ordering an evacuation of the town of Palo. It's 1993 all over again!

BRENDA'S DAUGHTER AT A BAND CONCERT

Click here for some photos of Brenda's daughter, Kristin, at a band concert in the park in Monticello. Bren, she looks just like you!!!

A NOTE FROM MIKE

Mike sent me a beautiful scarf and two patches from Operation Iraqi Freedom to give to Darcie. How kind!

Mike, I love the scarf! It is absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you so much!!!!!!

(Brett and Di, did you receive your stuff from Mike?)

TOYS FOR TOTS RIDE

Carron:

The Divas will be leaving from Metro Harley Davidson in Cedar Rapids and Hawkeye Harley Davidson in Coralville. Ride will end in Anamosa at Scooters between 3:00-5:00.

Thanks,

Darcie :-)

LIFE AT DEB'S HOUSE

This is what's happening at my house on this fine, dreary, drizzly morning....

No wonder "our kids" like Lance more than me..........

(Deb, this picture is priceless. You should enter it in a photo contest.)

I GOT TO MEET THE KIDS

Dan's beautiful daughter, Amy, is home from college in California and his son, Rob, is home from South Korea for a month's leave from the Air Force. We took them out for supper and embarrassed the crap out of them by dancing all night.

Speaking of the Air Force, Dean and I signed away Wesley's life last Tuesday night. He is officially signed up for the Air Force. He's thinking he wants to be an air traffic controller.

FIASCO IS GETTING BETTER

Deb wrote to tell me that her poochie, Fiasco, is getting better.

Check out the video to see him running around!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Thanks to all who have sacrificed for us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOTT!!

HAPPY #45, SCOTT!

Stay away from the margaritas and the toilet!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE!!

Mikey is promoted to the rank of 45 today!!

Can't wait to see you!!!!

2008 IOWA SCHOOL NURSE OF THE YEAR

Nancy (Seeger) Alderdyce (Class of 1980) always wanted to be a nurse when she grew up, and now the rural Anamosa woman has been named the 2008 Iowa School Nurse of the Year.

Click here to read the whole article in the Anamosa Journal-Eureka.

GRADUATION

Michelle Cass' daughter, Samantha Oberheu, made the front page of the Milestones section of the Sunday Gazette today! She graduated from Kennedy High School!!

She's beautiful just like her momma!

WONDERFUL POEMS

WOMAN'S LOVE POEM

Before I lay me down to sleep, I pray for a man, who's not a creep,
One who's handsome, smart and strong, One who loves to listen long,
One who thinks before he speaks, One who'll call, not wait for weeks.
I pray he's gainfully employed, When I spend his cash, won't be annoyed.
Pulls out my chair and opens my door, Massages my back and begs to do more.
Oh! Send me a man who'll make love to my mind, Knows what to answer to 'how big is my behind?'
I pray that this man will love me to no end, And always be my very best friend.

MAN'S LOVE POEM

I pray for a deaf-mute nymphomaniac with huge boobs who owns a bar on a golf course, and loves to send me fishing and hunting. This doesn't rhyme and I don't give a shit.

BRENDA'S HANDSOME SON, NICK

Here are a couple pictures of Brenda's son, Nick, at the two proms he attended.

Quite the handsome boy, Brenda!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRETT!!!

05/17/1963

You're now halfway to

90 like the rest of us.

Happy Birthday, bud!!

(I figured it was appropriate to type this in red since Brett obviously loves red shirts.)

MIKE WILL BE HOME!

Hi, Diane and Carron,

The reason that I'm really writing is to let you know that my R&R dates are pretty locked in.

Rhonda & I will fly into Milwaukee on 12 June and depart on the evening of 16 June (Liz has her Freshman Orientation the morning of 16 June at Marquette).

Liz's H.S. graduation is on the 14th and most of the relatives are only coming in for the day or until the morning of the 15th. Not sure what you have going on the afternoon of 15 June; however, it would be great to see either of you, have you meet Rhonda, and catch up!

Take care, and hope to hear from you soon.

BTW, I'm attaching Liz's Senior Pictures!

Ciao,

Mike

SURPRISE!!!

What Darcie thought was going to be a cozy dinner with just the two of us turned into a surprise party with about 20 friends!! I think she had a great birthday (and probably an even better night at home with all her "gifts"!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARCIE!!

HAPPY #45, DARCIE!!

DARCIE'S RIDE

The rain stayed away for Darcie's ride yesterday. There was a good turn-out and, hopefully, lots of money was raised. Darc was going to crunch the numbers and let me know the total outcome!

(Update: Darc tallied the figures and the total raised was $1,964.00. Not bad for five hours of fun!!)

SATURDAY MORNING SUNRISE

Talk about a beautiful sunrise coming up this morning in Springville. These pictures were taken from Dan's patio overlooking the woods behind his neighbor's house.

I'm off to work and then to meet up with Darcie for a cold beverage to support her Chrome Divas ride this afternoon. (Scroll down for details and then come join us!!) I'll post pictures of that later!