Tom David Retires from Drake University - Iowa

Tom Davis age 68, announced his retirement after 32 years and 597 wins as a Division I head basketball coach. "Dr. Tom" as he is affectionately called, has called it a career and Drake introduced the new head coach, Tom Davis' son, 35 year old Drake assistant, Keno Davis. Tom skipped Wednesday's press conference in an attempt to keep attention focused on is son. He says he couldn't imagine spending four more enjoyable years than the last four. He led the once hapless program to its first winning record since l987. That is quite an accomplishment.

R S V P Volunteers

RSVP of North Central Iowa is a great volunteer organization. Many years, I saw them pass out knitted mittens and caps to children in Head Start who didn't have much. They are rolling out the red carpet in Forest City on March 31 at The Atrium at Waldorf College to recognize their volunteers. The theme is a Hollywood style celebration. They will be thanking more than 200 volunteers, age 55 and up, representing 4 surrounding counties who serve in RSVP's programs. This production called "night in Hollywood" will have as it's focal point, a "Hollywood Premiere Video" which was produced by two Waldorf students. Volunteers will also enjoy a wide selection of desserts including a chocolate fountain.

Wed 50 Years, Club Members Have Fun

Did you know there is a North Iowa Golden Wedding Jubilee Club? It is for all North Iowans and southern Minnesotans married at least 50 years. It's a great group of people who get together and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new members, the oldest member, longest-married, etc. The club began in l938 and at that time there were usually somewhere under 200 members according to the club president. Members meet on the fourth Tuesday in April, July and October for lunch and entertainment. One couple 89 and 88 are members and really enjoy it. They say to fight and make up. Live every day as if it is your last. They attended the last dance at the Old Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake before it burned down in l947. They returned for the opening of the Surf again in l948.Lunch is served at noon and a program follows. The church members prepare the lunch where the meeting is held. It is $7 each. Annual dues are $1.50 for individuals and $3 per couple. If you are interested in joining, just email to hey@omnitel-com.com . Meetings are held in Mason City and Nora Springs, Iowa.

New Lamp

I discovered since I moved my laptop into the office that I needed a little extra indirect lighting. So I found the cutest little lamp that is just right. It has a little 3 story house on it with an attic window, steps coming out the two doors with railings and it has a lawn around it with flowers and various other decorations. There are little trees up against two sides of the house and the lamp shade is white with country blue hearts and ribbon bows all the way around it. It is quite a novelty and one of a kind. It even has a little balcony on the second floor. It is quite enjoyable to look at.

Flying in From Texas

My daughter, her husband, and youngest son are flying home today from Texas. They said it was 86 degrees there and they had the air conditioning on. Seems a far cry from Iowa where the furnace is running alot and the snow isn't quite all gone yet and there could be another snowstorm yet before winter lets go of its hold on us. They went to visit their son and his wife who are expecting one of our newest great grandchildren. It was Spring break for their youngest son in college, so he got a great trip and alot to see while on break. He will graduate in May and beginning to look for that first job now.

Earl Wood is a Special Man

Earl went to school when country roads were basically nothing more than a path with grass on both sides. He walked 2 miles a day each way to a small one room country school. Money was scarce in those days and they didn't have much but they were a happy family just the same. He went into the military in l942 and loves to tell stories about it. It is just like sitting down and listening to a history story but one that is definitely true. He is now 85 and has had asthma and hay fever since he was a kid. He has every kind of problem including heart bypass and appendicitis and now aching knees. But to top it off, he has received the diagnosis of pacreatic cancer. That means radiation and maybe even chemotheraphy. But does it stop Earl? No he laughs and smiles his shy smile every day. He has a secret weapon he says. It is his disposition. You know I think he will make it because of his sunny attitude. I sure hope so.

Robins are back

Spring is almost here!!! The Robins are back in Iowa.That's our first sign of Spring. I haven't seen one yet but I have heard alot of reports of others who have seen them. They showed Cardinals on TV the other night in the next town. I could hardly believe it. We have had an unusual number of bald headed eagles in the vicinity this year. I saw one flying over the grocery store so low I could see it's white head and eyes. That is quite unusual. The wild Canadian Geese went farther south this year as we had a tough winter. For the last couple of years, they have stayed in Iowa because we have had such mild winters, but this one was bad. I saw several flocks of them flying overhead though yesterday so they are on their way back North. We were to have a bit of snow today again but it didn't happen. We just had lots of sun, which we really enjoyed. The tulips should be peeking thru the snow any time now. I have to put some little flags out to keep the rabbits from eating them.