Category Archives: Sara

Andree, Baier, Becky, Derrick, House, Jason, Jay, Jen, Jesse, Monica, Movies, Russell, Sara, Scottie D., Shannon, Steve, Toby, Willy

Moving Day

March 7, 2009 Christopher D. Bennett

There are no pictures from moving day, but I would like to thank the people that gave some effort to make moving day work out.

The Friday before moving day had spectacular weather. The Saturday of moving day was not scheduled to have spectacular weather. I returned to work on that Friday to get caught up on a few projects that I had fallen behind on.

To take advantage of the nice weather, Jason and Carla moved some stuff during the day. Then at night, Jen and Derrick and Sara came over and we moved stuff that I wouldn’t be able to handle the projected rain on Saturday.

So after FNSC, Jay and Willy and Derrick and Jen and Sara and I moved a few things.

But thanks also needs to be given the people that showed up on moving day:

Jason Stensland
Jesse Howard
Steve Roberts
Roger Sebring
Toby Sebring
Jason Baier
Andree Jauhari
Russell Kennerly
Shannon Bardole
Becky Perkovich
Jen Gorshe
Sara Junck
Derrick Gorshe
Dan Dill
DJ Dill
William McAlpine
Jay Janson

Plus a special thanks to Scott Degeneffe who personally delivered my brand new stove.

After a good chunk of work was done, Monica and Jeff showed up. Jen, Derrick, Sara, Shannon, Monica, Jeff and I went to Jimmy’s for supper.

When we returned, Derrick and Jen stuck around. Derrick and I hooked up the new TV and Blu-Ray player. We watched The Warriors. Jen had never seen The Warriors before, but I have no doubt that she now probably considers it to be one of the greatest movies ever made. At least I don’t see another way of thinking about that movie.

Alexis, Baier, Becky, Carla, Derrick, House, James, Jason, Jay, Jeff Daniel, Jen, Jesse, Mom, Monica, Nader, Sara, Shannon, Teresa, Yin

Primary Painting Day

March 3, 2009 Christopher D. Bennett 1 Comment

Although Carla and Alexis did a wonderful job of taking pictures, one of the downsides of not having taken any pictures myself is that I didn’t get pictures of everybody that helped.

So thanks to my incredible painting crew on Primary Painting Day:

Jason Stensland
Carla Stensland
Alexis Stensland
Jason Baier
Jeff Daniel
Amy Yin
Jen Gorshe
Derrick Gorshe
Sara Junck
Teresa Kahler
Monica Henning
Nader Parsaei
Jay Janson
Jesse Howard
Shannon Bardole
Becky Perkovich
James Strachota

I’m sure I’m forgetting somebody. They all did a wonderful job and if it wasn’t for the stupid moisture, I’m sure we would have been completely done on that day. With everything except the kitchen cabinets.

My mom also cooked up a wonderful lunch and supper. I think a good time was had by most.

Some pictures from that day in no particular order:

The Master Bedroom

The Office

Roger taking the tile out to make room for a shower.

Shannon painting the entry way.

Jen working in the kitchen. Notice the swanky green color that kitchen cabinets used to be before the horrible antiquing.

Jesse, possibly high on something, working in the kitchen.

Jesse doing some primer work in the kitchen.

Sara and Alexis toiling in the kitchen. I do not know what I am doing.

Alexis and I painting the living room wall. It might be the accent wall, but I’m not sure if it is still considered an accent wall if you paint two walls that color.

Carla painting in the master bedroom. To the left of her is the family heirloom, our Grandpa Bennett’s painting stool.

Painting the living room. Jesse, Alexis, Me and James.

The guest bedroom.

Jason painting the living room.

Jason and Carla came over on Sunday to do some more painting.

Jen came over and did quite a bit more work in the kitchen as well. I just don’t have any pictures of that.

Family, House, Sara

The Adventure of Home Ownership Begins

February 26, 2009 Christopher D. Bennett

On Wednesday, February 25, 2009, I officially became a homeowner.

I arrived at the office of my Mortgage Broker and signed papers with a lawyer for about 30 minutes. I fully intended to count how many times I signed my name and put my initials on the bottom of other papers, but after about 5 minutes I truly lost count.

After all the papers were signed, the lawyer and Tracy (the mortgage broker) congratulated me.

I remembered perhaps the strangest congratulation that I received during this process. It came from Sara and for some reason I said what she had told me.

“When I told my friend Sara that I was buying a house she told me, ‘Congratulations! You’ve never been closer to foreclosure in your life!'”

Although Sara is frequently witty and often funny and almost always amusing, this joke didn’t go over so well in a room with a mortgage broker, a real estate lawyer and a real estate agent.

Lori gave me the keys to the house and she took a picture with my phone.

I went to pack up some of my purchases of the previous month and took them over to what was now my house with the cute backyard.

Jay, Jen, Jesse, Lowell, Sara

The Great Snow Ordinance

January 12, 2009 Christopher D. Bennett

In addition to being Lowell’s birthday, Saturday, January 10, 2009 was Symposium. It was also the Ames Jaycees Year End Banquet, where I apparently got an award that involved batteries, but I was not there. I had to make a choice. I chose Symposium.

Well the truth is that I was hoping to make a late night appearance at the Year End Banquet, but fate would have other ideas for me on this night.

For those who don’t know about Symposium, it is Jay’s annual bash. He put out a spread that would feast kings and invites several of his closest chums over to feast and enjoy the company of one another. It is always on the second Saturday of January.

This Symposium was going along brilliantly, when we heard coming from the street below the sound of a truck backing up.

Jay lives in a second story apartment in downtown Boone. He rushed to the window and said, “Does anybody drive a SUV? It is getting towed.”

I went to the window. Sure enough, Jen’s Cherokee was getting towed.

Jay next reported the absence of all cars on the street.

Sara asked if her car was there.

I reiterated, all the cars were gone, except for Jen’s jeep that was in the process of being towed.

Jen ran down the stairs, to try and stop her car from being towed.

Sara went down to find out about her car.

The short version of the story is that the Great Town of Boone had put their Snow Ordinance into effect. This meant that every car in town that was parked on any street in town was getting towed.

Jesse went down to harass the tow truck driver.

Then he harassed the shift commander for a bit.

Then he harassed the guy writing the tickets a little bit.

He used a string of profanity that would have made Jay’s stalker more than a bit proud.

I was following Jesse around to make sure he didn’t do anything too over the edge and end up in jail.

The ticket writer eventually had enough of Jesse and said into his little CB, “118”.

Next thing you know, Jesse and I are surrounded by the Shift Commander, two sheriff deputies and two more police cars.

On the bright side, we didn’t go to jail. By we, I mean Jesse in jail and me visiting him. On the negative side, it cost Sara 150 bucks to get her car back. It cost Jen over 100 bucks to have her Jeep lowered 3 inches.

But let met tell you something else, the white chocolate hot chocolate that Jay made more than compensated for me the anguish I went through when I was surrounded by cops and watching two other friends get extorted. That was some tasty hot chocolate.

House, Jen, Sara, Shannon

The Ballad of House Buying: Part 2: Initial Look

January 11, 2009 Christopher D. Bennett

Saturday was the day of the big Ottumwa Blitz. I made plans to see the houses on Saturday morning before Jay and I headed to Ottumwa.

I had drove past the house on Union a couple of times and determined that the backyard might be a little bit too cutesy.

I snapped this picture with my camera phone and sent it to Shannon, Sara and Jen with the caption: “The too cute backyard.”

Sara sent me back a message indicating a desire to have tea parties there.

After some time at the house on Union, we went over to the house on Aldrich. It had a few things I really liked.

A Pink Bath Tub

Yellow Kitchen Counters

Poured Concrete Foundation

However, it had some things that were problematic. There were only two bedrooms, but three bathrooms. There was no dining room. The yard was dreadfully small and I would like to get a dog at some point in the future. By dog, I mean a real dog that is going to require some space to roam around.

Dreadfully small.

We looked at several other houses, but what I was beginning to call the house on Union Street AKA The House with the Cute Backyard was clearly the leader. It was only the second house that I had seen that I could really see myself living in.

Candid Portrait, Formal Portrait, Jay, Running, Sara, Willy

The Turkey Trot

November 23, 2008 Christopher D. Bennett

I have to admit that I’m kind of phoning this one in. I’m going to copy and paste and email I wrote about the Living History Farms Run on Saturday.

You just need to know that there was some confusion about whether or not we would be able to watch Willy and his friend Kristy participate in this race.

Turkey Trot

The LHF Run ended up being a piece of cake from a spectator perspective. Jay and I left Boone about 7:45. We got down to Des Moines at about 8:30. A line of traffic began to form on Hickman (correct me if I’m wrong) underneath the interstate bridge. This gave me some cause for concern, but it was wasted energy. We pulled into the LHF parking lot and they had people directing traffic. We got a choice parking spot right next to the road.

In the morning it wasn’t that cold. In fact, Des Moines didn’t get nearly as much snow as Ames or Boone. We hung around the starting point for awhile, but could not find Willy in the middle of the mass of humanity of 7500 runners and maybe another 500 or so spectators.

We walked maybe a quarter of a mile down the course and set up. The hope was that when the crowd started to move we could pick out Willy and Kristy. When the racers did reach our point it was fairly impressive to see 7500 people running next to you. It took in the neighborhood of 6-8 minutes for all of them to run by us.

We were unable to pick them out. It was like looking for a needle in a stack of needles, plus we didn’t know what they were wearing.

After the runners passed we cut up through the town to watch the runners go by again. By the time we got there, the group had spread out, but I still didn’t think that we would see Willy. As luck would have it Kristy and Willy saw us and waved to us. I’m not sure how they saw us, because we were standing behind another group of people and Willy just isn’t that observant of a person.

After they passed we followed a group of spectators to a part of the stream where the racers would have to cross it and then climb up a hill using ropes. We set up near there. I was at a spot in between the ropes and the creek. Down in the little valley it was actually pretty warm because there was no wind.

What I did not count on was that the ground I was standing next to was going to turn into mud after a few hundred runners came out of the stream.

While I was standing there. Annie Buchmiller came running by. She stopped briefly and said, “Hi.” Then she ascended the hill.

As runners ran by me I got covered in mud. At least my jeans and winter jacket did. Some groups of people started picking up mud and throwing it at each other. One girl threw some at the guy she was running with and he ducked and it hit me.

She looked horrified and she came over and apologized.

I said, “Don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal. It’s my fault for standing this close to the action.” I do believe that.

Eventually Willy and Kristy came through the stream, but they didn’t cut the way the course was supposed to cut. They didn’t go up the ropes. They went over the side, so I didn’t really get a very good picture of either of them. Actually I didn’t get a picture of Kristy at all.

After they passed we walked out of the stream valley and made our way towards the finish line.

Here is an example of focus.

The runners began to get backed up pretty far from the stream. We had to work our way up the pack to find a place to cross the course and head back to the town. While we were walking alongside the race course a bunch of girls that were kind of stopped because runners were backed up at the stream that we were walking by asked, “Aren’t we cute enough?”

At first I didn’t realize they were talking to me, because I was 100% focused on getting to the finish line before Willy.

So, I kind of responded off hand, “You’re cute enough.” And kept walking.

Jay said, “You get that a lot don’t you?”

It was then that it dawned on me that they thought I should take their picture because they were “so cute”.

“I guess it has happened twice this year.”

While we were walking back to the town it started to snow and the wind picked up. The temperature must have dropped about 10 degrees.

We watched them cross the finish line and I got a picture of Willy and Kristy.

At this point, Sara called and asked if we were still on for lunch. I told her that I was covered in mud, but we were still on for lunch.

Jay and I stopped by Christian Photo to pick up folders for December 1 and the Roland Christmas thing.

When we got to Sara’s she loaned me a pair of pants that didn’t really fit, but as long as I held them up while I walked it was okay. At least better than being covered in mud.

We ate at Los Laureles. It was excellent. They serve their meals with 3 different types of salsa. I’d say their only drawback was that they serve their soda out of cans, therefore there are no refills. Maybe the best refried beans I’ve ever had.

Then we hit the Juice Company. I had the Orange-Carrot-Banana. It was very good. I think in the future I might go with the smoothie so it is cold. I can’t remember what Sara had, but the name might have had Aloha in the title. Jay didn’t have anything and he seemed confused as to why anybody would pay 5 bucks for 24 ounces of juice. Sara liked it and is going to go back to try their wheat grass at some point. She also like the atmosphere because it was a lot less “snooty” than Fresh.

7500 Runners

Kristy and Willy

Jay

Mud

Annie Buchmiller

One of my favorite runners.

Climbing the Rope

The Brides

Willy

Kristy and Willy

After the Finish Line

The squirrels in Sara’s neighborhood have been eating her pumpkin.

Sara with her drink from The Juice Company

Styling in my loaner paints.

All in all, it was not a half bad day.

Art, Christianity, Derrick, Jen, Road Trip, Sara, Travel

The Future of Boone

November 10, 2008 Christopher D. Bennett

When Sara and I went to Ottumwa I think we might of had a glimpse into Boone’s future if it becomes the proud home of a Juice Bar.

I should start out by pointing out that on our way to Ottumwa Sara got pulled over and issued a speeding ticket by the nicest State Patrolman. He even started out with a joke:

“What are you doing today, besides fast?”

Sara and I ended up in downtown Ottumwa. I snapped a couple of pictures of Boone’s Future. We actually went downtown so I could get a picture of the Adult Theater because Derrick did not believe me that it existed, but I found a couple other sweet things. For some reason Sara would not get out of the car and join me.

Right across the street from the Adult Theater – Strip Club!

The Salty Frog is located right next to the strip club. A couple of women came wandering out of The Salty Frog while I was nearby. They looked like the type of women that would come out of a bar called The Salty Frog.

So it goes… Adult Theater, Chinese Restaurant, Abandoned Store Front, Christian Community Outreach Center. Well played Ottumwa. Well played.

Jen described this picture as “The Buddy Jesus”.

Cinema X. They lose points for the name. They might as well call it Cinema Generic.

Sara’s View

Apparently such a landmark that they built a parking ramp around it.

A better look at the parking ramp.

I might as well end with an Arty Picture.

I’m sure I will be returning to Ottumwa again in the next few weeks. Hopefully, I will get to take in even more of its majesty.

Incidentally, I will be asking some of you to come to Ottumwa with me to help Jen work on her Uncle’s house. You have been forewarned. Unless I already asked you. Then you already know about this project.

If you need more than just an altruistic motivation to get you to help out, Ottumwa has a Breadeaux Pizza. Mmmm… Breadeaux Pizza.

Animals, Black & White, Candid Portrait, Derrick, Jen, Road Trip, Sara

Ottumwa

October 29, 2008 Christopher D. Bennett

I spent most of Monday with Sara.

We started the day by lunching at Fresh Cafe and Market. It is an interesting little restaurant in West Des Moines that is only open about 20 hours a week. They specialize in serving an organic menu.

We started the meal with a double shot of wheat grass. I’m not big into wheat grass, but Sara has made me curious about it. This was the fourth different type of wheat grass that I have tried with her. This was also the best. It was a healthy boost that was most likely negated by our supper.

Sara ordered the Hummus & Veggie Wrap.

I ordered the Mediteranian Wrap. I assume that there is a reason why they spell it that way. I chose the spinach tortilla. The wrap consisted of organic greens, fresh veggies, black and green seasoned olives, tomatoes, feta, lemon and olive oil. It was quite excellent.

At the conclusion of the meal we hopped in her car to travel to Ottumwa to visit Jen.

Sara likes driving to Ottumwa because there are no turns.

We stopped at a gas station in Oskaloosa to get candy. Sara was very high on Big League Chew.

Sara was very high on this sucker that reminded her of the Ogden swimming pool.

Bailey

Bailey and a neighborhood dog

Derrick,Sara and Jen

Jackson and a neighborhood dog

Derrick’s Chainsaw Sculpture

This mullet wig would be part of a Halloween costume, if I were to dress up.

This was my first time ever in Ottumwa. It is a town that seems to be fading out of existence, but there are a few nice touches.

In downtown Ottumwa there is an “Adult” Theater. Two storefronts down is a Christian outreach ministry.

We had supper at the Sirloin Stockade. The Sirloin Stockade is kind of a low rent Golden Corral or Bonanza, but it is also considered the best restaurant in Ottumwa.

Before we got out of the car Derrick made a dramatic announcement.

“At some point during the meal they are going ask you if you want a baked potato. The answer to this question is ‘yes’.”

“Why is that? Is the baked potato the best part of the meal?”

“No. But they won’t stop harassing you about the potato until you take it.”

I took the advice to heart.

Our waitress asked us if we wanted a potato.

“Yes, I want that potato.”

Then Derrick, Jen and Sara all turned down the potato.

“What the heck? You told me to take the potato and then you turn it down.”

Derrick answered, “I didn’t want the potato.”

It was the closest to a Willy moment that I’ve ever had with Derrick.

For the record, they never asked the rest of my party if they wanted a potato again AND the potato was the best part of the meal.

Brandon, Candid Portrait, Football, Formal Portrait, Night, Russ, Sara, Teresa

Last Home Game

October 25, 2008 Christopher D. Bennett

Last Friday was Brandon’s final home game. It was the first time that I’ve been to a Boone High football game since I graduated high school.

It was an interesting experience. Some things have changed. Some surprising things happened. I took some pictures.

Dan

Behind the bleachers fenced off.

Brandon is #78.

I was very surprised to see that the underside of the bleachers are now fenced off. That is where all the good stuff at a high school football game is supposed to happen.

I ran into Dan and had a nice conversation with him. Dan has shaved his head since the last time I’ve seen him. Not a bad look for him.

I ran into Dan’s wife Kim. She thanked me for forwarding on news of her work on attempting to block the strip club/juice bar from coming into town. She was very happy that the news had made it all the way to Illinois. She also revealed the real reason why she wants to stop the strip club/juice bar from coming to town. I’m not sure it is a legitimate reason.

It was also exciting that Sara made it all the way from Des Moines to the game. This was also the first high school football game that Sara has been to since she graduated from Ogden. I honestly can’t believe that she came.

Birthdays, Black & White, Candid Portrait, Derrick, Jay, Jen, Olympic Sports, Sara

Happy Birthday Sara!

October 2, 2008 Christopher D. Bennett

Today is Sara’s birthday.

Rather than post a bunch of pictures of Sara for Sara’s birthday, I’m going to take a slightly different tact.

Yesterday I wrote about Sara auditioning to become a Photography 139 Photo Assistant. She got high marks for having a big purse. One of her few problems was that she doesn’t know the difference between a film camera and a digital camera.

I left her with 1 digital camera and 1 film camera while I moved up the river looking for a better spot to photograph Jen’s team. I told her that she could take pictures with the digital camera if she wanted.

About 10 minutes elapsed and I returned to her position and asked for the film camera.

She looked at Derrick awkwardly. He looked back equally awkwardly.

The she said, “There is a little problem with that camera. I didn’t know it was film, so I used up all the film.”

So as a tribute to Sara, I’m going to post all the pictures from that roll of film. The first few are from before I handed her the camera.