She planned it within an inch of its' life, including some down time. And that's exactly how I like it.
After a leisurely drive from the airport to their home in the woods, we had a wonderful dinner. Then we jumped in the car to drive to Dubuque, about an hour north, where we saw a hilarious musical called CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES. The professional, Equity, Minnesota touring company, Troupe America have been running this original production in Minneapolis for years. The full house soaked up all the Norwegian, Lutheran references as well as all the 1950s "do good" religious jokes. Such a great way to kick off our time together.
Friday was jammed packed as it was devoted to experiencing Cornell College up close.
It started with us sitting in on Allie's two hour Abnormal Psych class. The prof was brilliant. She engaged her students at every turn. The time flew and by the end I was ready to write my own paper for her.
Then we went to the Commons where Allie swiped her food card three times, treating us to the best cafeteria food I've ever had. A group of her friends joined us. I loved getting to know her pals, especially putting faces to the stories she's shared in the past.
Her best friend Paul took us on a detailed and informative tour of the campus. It included a museum in the geology building, the science building where Allie takes most of her classes, the book store, Art Center, church and chapel where, Paul, on a voice scholarship, entertained us at the piano. What a talent.
Allie showed us the Sports Center where she works as a mini medic to the sports teams during practice and games. While she went to work we walked through the town of Mt. Vernon.
Charming, antique filled main street kept us entertained for two hours after which we returned to campus to visit the dorms, seeing Allie's and her roommate, Allie (yes, it can be confusing) then to Paul's and finally to Allie's boyfriend's, Yuri's.
Remember Tom and I hosted Allie (Jr.) and Yuri here in LA last summer while Allie was doing her internship. I loved seeing them all in their element. I've put up a few pix under the Personal Photos link.
Then it was off to the Eyes of the World Culture show put on by Cornell's foreign students. We just loved it...lots of musical and dance acts, a fashion show in native attire and several vocalists. They ended with a bamboo stick dance from Vietnam.
We closed the long day in their gorgeous theater watching the Gumbo Theater Project which consisted of a number of one acts and improv pieces.
Was back at Cornell on Saturday for a mini course "Why Things Work the Way They Do" given by the College President. Loved it. Again, completely engaging. He had all the relatives their for Family Weekend break into small groups and work on solving the questions posed. IE Why is milk sold in rectangular containers, while soft drinks are sold in round cans? Why do baseball manager's wear uniforms? Why did the fall of the former Soviet Union spell gloom for the Caspian Sea caviar? Etc. Good, huh?
With Allie doing a sorority service project the whole day we returned to camp for lunch before taking a two and a half hour hike through the woods.
Jeanne pointed out all the new Camp improvements, a small train, a bird blind, new year-round counselor cabin. I hiked through land I hadn't seen in 15 years, seeing the cave I crawled through and the cliffs I repelled. It was absolutely wonderful talking and laughing and recalling our youth.
At 5 PM we toured her boss's home as it is chock a block with marvelous collections. Three and a half hours later we left having devoured presidential memorabilia, tv, film, music iconography, several sports collections, family history and so much more. It was a delightful visit with a fascinating couple.
That night Allie and Yuri joined us for dinner. Jeanne whipped up delicious ginger, curry meatballs which was a new culinary experience for me. Don't you know I got that recipe before I left the table.
Sunday we went to Mass followed by waffles dished up by Wayne, Jeanne's hubby. He managed to give each of us specialized waffles while Jeanne whipped out a rash of bacon.
After Yuri left to do a fraternity service project Allie and I got down to planning our summer trip to Europe. All in the tentative stage but a step closer to reality too.
Once he returned we all headed to the swimming pool for a bit of exercise.
Did I mentioned it was cold in Iowa? We had rain, sleet, snow and sunshine in varying doses. For the most part I wore a double pair of socks everyday. BTW, I LOVE cold weather.
The kids left for campus by 9 PM and we settled into watching DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and BROTHERS & SISTERS. A perfect end to a jammed week.
My last day in Iowa kicked off with a leisurely drive through the farmland, ending in Cedar Rapids to view the flood devastation. Heartbreaking. Very little rebuilding going on.
Then it was off to the Amana Colonies. We took a self guided tour of a Woolen Mill and Forge Shop. Walked through a numbers of stores dedicated to fudge, furniture, quilts and antiques. Through a serendipitous moment I ended up talking with a man who ran the local professional theater company,. He showed us the costume and set shops, rehearsal space and prop room. In talking about the theater's history he told me the name, The Old Creamery Theater, which rang a bell for me.
Turns out he is very good friends with a friend of mine, Jayne, who used to work at that theater about 20 years ago. Once again I am reminded of just how small our business really is.
On our way out of town we stopped at the theater to see the space. The House Manager gave us a tour while she explained their year round program. It was one of the highlights of my vacation.
Before returning home we stopped at Wayne's folks place. I loved seeing where he grew up, his high school, neighborhood and family home. I also learned he and his brother helped build that home in the 60s, literally. Amazing.
Of course I know his family as Jeanne and Wayne have been married 27 years but it was terrific to see them in their own place, surrounded by the things they love. His Mom, Betty is a collector so I had lots of fun seeing her treasures.
Our last meal together we enjoyed grilled Amana brats, sauerkraut and gorgeous pan fried potatoes. Can't you just taste it?
Before I knew it Jeanne was back at work and I was on a plane to Minneapolis.
I had arranged for my dear friend Mary to meet me at the airport for my 2 hour lay over. MEW and I go way back, almost 50 years, as we grew up together on the same St. Louis block.
Never enough time to get everything said.
Home a few hours later to Tom's loving arms and about 160 emails. Bed by midnight and out the door at 5 AM to shoot BOSTON LEGAL in Long Beach.
The last day in Iowa I picked up a sinus infection, my third for the year. It sure didn't stop me from enjoying my time with Bill Shatner and James Spader. Wonderful actors and very likeable guys. Sadly, I won't be able to post my photos until after December 8, the air date for our episode.
That night my VO class was canceled which was a lucky break. It would have been a wash for me with the infection. Apparently others were sick too so it will be rescheduled.
The closet is going in nicely. There have been a few errors, wrong hardware, tweaking the measurements but it looks fabulous.
I'll kick of the this week with continuing to load everything into it. THAT will be the most fun. Finding the perfect place for all our stuff. I know it will also mean rethinking all the space that is now available throughout the house. I see projects in my future.
Besides arranging the closets I have a very busy Sunday. Lectoring at the 10:30 then bringing Communion to three homebound parishioners before heading over to a committee meeting for the Pastoral Council.
No time to take in the afternoon screening but I'll meet Lorilynn for NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS in the evening.
I have two auditions next week although I don't have the date and time nailed down. I wasn't available to do them while I was gone so now they are trying to fit me in other sessions.
Monday evening the girls are meeting to see BEVERLY WINWOOD PRESENTS at LA's famed Groundlings Theater.
The week is basically wide open. I'll get back to the gym once this sinus infection clears. Had to reschedule my facial for Friday and will go to Mass Saturday evening.
Winnie, Dale and Mary Pat are coming over in the evening to prep for my birthday party the next day.
While I was away, Mocha lost a few pounds and Tom maintained his weight, thank God.
He's fighting a sinus infection as well, so he's putting off lowing his meds until he feels strong enough to deal with it.
Your continued prayers are appreciated.