Cacklin' with the Hens

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." And I am so fortunate to have some old friends that I treasure dearly...the Hens. I can remember Sue, Heidi and LeAnn being in my life as far back as I can remember people in my life! And probably the coolest thing about our friendship today is that we take a long weekend every year to have our HenFest. Our girls only weekend is a great time to just catch up and spend time together....and we usually find a way to spend a little money shopping too. For more on HenFest years past (and a progression of photos) check out Sue's website.

Probably one of the neatest things about old friends is it doesn't matter how long it's been, you simply pick up wherever you left off. And they basically know everything about you and love you anyway. I remember the first time we did our HenFest; the four of us hadn't really all been together is several years. But from the moment we got together we started talking; and didn't stop until we drove out of Sue's driveway. Each of us was facing a big change in life, whether it was a first baby, a divorce, a new job or a new location....and who better to share your heart, thoughts and fears than old friends. I love these girls and count the days every year until I pack my bag to head for HenFest.

Oh-la-la...Rhubarb Pie

The other day when I went in to see my grandma at the nursing home, she mentioned that she hadn't eaten lunch yet and asked if I would eat with her. Of course I would, who doesn't look forward to hospital food! Needless to say, it left plenty to be desired. So we started talking about the good ole days and all the good food she used to cook. I always loved it when we were working in the fields by her house, because that meant great food...especially rolls and dessert. As we talked, we got stuck on one of my absolute favorites...rhubarb. I know it doesn't taste good until you combine it will all that sugar...but still it is one of my favorites! Grandma used to make rhubarb pie, rhubarb bars, rhubarb sauce, rhubarb cake, rhubarb jam...the list goes on. And lots of times it was coupled with strawberries from the garden...oh man how I love strawberry-rhubarb jam!! Lucky for me when I got home from the nursing home...Mom was making a rhubarb pie. How ironic. But oh how good that was with some vanilla bean ice cream.

Just One of the Reasons

As I think about moving back to Iowa, there are so many things that run through my head when people ask me "Why?". I guess to those people that didn't grow up in the Midwest, this seems like a valid question. But for those of us that were fortunate enough to grow up there...we know there's something magical about it that just gets in our blood. There's something about the smell of fresh dirt and baby calves in the spring, the sight of corn and beans popping up through the ground, the sound of corn dryers in the fall, the chill of August nights....the list goes on. Every time I'm in Iowa, the sights, sounds, and smells just stir my inner soul. And I'm reminded that I want to get back just as soon as I can.

But one of the main reasons I'm ready to move back to Iowa, is my family. It kills me to live 16 hours from home. And now that this little girl (my niece) is walking, talking and getting into everything....she just adds one more reason that it's time to get back. I feel like I missed out a lot on my two nephews growing up because once they hit elementary school I was living out of state. I just love being an aunt and I hope this time around I'll be able to be a part of the daily things. And it should be fun because this little girl just loves the farm....and we already have a little saddle so one day we can get her on horseback!

The Four People that Just Made My Day

....because they were the first people in the world to officially call me "Dr. Anderson"!! I graduated high school in 1990....so I guess that means I've been dabbling in post-secondary degrees for 18 years, but this is it- I'm finished!