You are easily amused. I think being so is the secret of finding joy in every day events where others just find annoyance. One does not need to be seen as important to have a very satisfactory life. A good reporter can find out oodles more than others only imagine from looking at a person's outward appearance.
I was always distracted by the signs on the lower left corners of trailers of semi-trucks advising "Knee inspection 70 feet ahead!" which I thought was pretty risqué. I usually tried to control Cherie's innate exhibitionism by calling attention to the non-existent deer herd to the left or even throwing something into her lap--OK, I am a jealous lover!
But, Boobies!? The flagman must have been a pretty hot guy to get this recurrent treat on a random road--had this been in the midst of RAGBRAI it would be routine, but within 90 minutes of Albia in May?
But I am mainly (sure I am!) commenting to echo the need for sun protection. Iowa farmers once provided our Iowa dermatologists with an easy annuity but with the introduction of tractor cabs a generation ago the Iowa derm guys now need to make an honest living. Our residual sun-worshippers need to appreciate that solar dermatitis is irreversible, deadly and can only be prevented from an early age.
I am having a hard time finding the words to tell you how much I enjoyed reading this story. I felt like I was in the back seat nodding and laughing along with Alayna, the Flagman, and you. Thanks, Bob.
Now I know the "why" if I see Dr. Bob working as a flagman and using his cellphone camera. For the "birds." Does the Merlin app really have the id for a Boobie? And will Bob's wife believe his story, or tell him "sure, and I'll sell you some land with the Brooklyn Bridge on it."
I was stuck in that same roadwork. Those are some very personable people. I spoke with one lady a while back and she says “people get mad at me, all I do is laugh and wave while they sit there and stew.”
Well if it's anything like what I saw from an office window one morning, not letting them cut in traffic and making them stop when they have to. Someone thought they could ignore her flagging them down and just speed to catch up to the cars already through. Nope!
I've found that most people want to talk. I know within 10 seconds or so if they do or don't, based on what they say and their body language. If they want to talk, I'm all in. If they don't, I respect their privacy. Fortunately, most people like to talk, especially if they can see you care about how they are doing.
I finally had a chance to read this--it was worth the wait. I love how you get people to talk (something you are great at) and create the best stories from the conversations (another thing you are great at). It hadn't occurred to me that a flagman would hear a lot of birds or get gifts of alcoholic beverages or see a lot of boobies. LMAO that so many old boobies would be a surprise to him. From now on, I'm keeping a sweater in the car within hands reach.
It has been very interesting to me that SO many women loved this story. I had a friend who is quiet and shy come up to me the other day laughing so hard to tell me how much she loved it. Coincidentally, at location on another highway recently, there was traffic construction, and when I pulled up to the flagman, it was the same guy! So I got out and showed him the story on my phone. He couldn't believe that I wrote a story about the interaction, but he was pleased about it. He said, "wow, you really captured our conversation!"
Oh, I love how you were able to show him the story. I'm sure the next time he's asked about the memorable parts of his job, your story will be on his list.
Thanks for finding joy in other random humans. The only place I've seen women flash their breasts is New Orleans. Just think, it happens in Iowa.
Here's something I learned yesterday: Iowa has more libraries per capita than any other state in the US. I am doing a library tour of Humboldt County libraries on the 22nd. Let me know if you'd like to tag along.
You are easily amused. I think being so is the secret of finding joy in every day events where others just find annoyance. One does not need to be seen as important to have a very satisfactory life. A good reporter can find out oodles more than others only imagine from looking at a person's outward appearance.
Far better than easily annoyed, which can lead to high blood pressure and at its worst, road rage.
What a nice thing to say! thanks Helen!
Robert, This is Jack Kerouac quality issue.
I was always distracted by the signs on the lower left corners of trailers of semi-trucks advising "Knee inspection 70 feet ahead!" which I thought was pretty risqué. I usually tried to control Cherie's innate exhibitionism by calling attention to the non-existent deer herd to the left or even throwing something into her lap--OK, I am a jealous lover!
But, Boobies!? The flagman must have been a pretty hot guy to get this recurrent treat on a random road--had this been in the midst of RAGBRAI it would be routine, but within 90 minutes of Albia in May?
But I am mainly (sure I am!) commenting to echo the need for sun protection. Iowa farmers once provided our Iowa dermatologists with an easy annuity but with the introduction of tractor cabs a generation ago the Iowa derm guys now need to make an honest living. Our residual sun-worshippers need to appreciate that solar dermatitis is irreversible, deadly and can only be prevented from an early age.
Thanks Bob! He was handsome indeed! Thanks for the story...
I am having a hard time finding the words to tell you how much I enjoyed reading this story. I felt like I was in the back seat nodding and laughing along with Alayna, the Flagman, and you. Thanks, Bob.
Thanks Kathi! You made my day.
What a thoughtful and entertaining story. By the way, huge thanks for the shoutout!
Love the ending! 🤣
Now I know the "why" if I see Dr. Bob working as a flagman and using his cellphone camera. For the "birds." Does the Merlin app really have the id for a Boobie? And will Bob's wife believe his story, or tell him "sure, and I'll sell you some land with the Brooklyn Bridge on it."
I was stuck in that same roadwork. Those are some very personable people. I spoke with one lady a while back and she says “people get mad at me, all I do is laugh and wave while they sit there and stew.”
I agree. Everyone I speak with is very nice. Not sure what the woman you reference is doing to make them angry...
Well if it's anything like what I saw from an office window one morning, not letting them cut in traffic and making them stop when they have to. Someone thought they could ignore her flagging them down and just speed to catch up to the cars already through. Nope!
This says “look up from your phone and talk to somebody” without saying “look up from your phone and talk to somebody.”
I've found that most people want to talk. I know within 10 seconds or so if they do or don't, based on what they say and their body language. If they want to talk, I'm all in. If they don't, I respect their privacy. Fortunately, most people like to talk, especially if they can see you care about how they are doing.
I finally had a chance to read this--it was worth the wait. I love how you get people to talk (something you are great at) and create the best stories from the conversations (another thing you are great at). It hadn't occurred to me that a flagman would hear a lot of birds or get gifts of alcoholic beverages or see a lot of boobies. LMAO that so many old boobies would be a surprise to him. From now on, I'm keeping a sweater in the car within hands reach.
It has been very interesting to me that SO many women loved this story. I had a friend who is quiet and shy come up to me the other day laughing so hard to tell me how much she loved it. Coincidentally, at location on another highway recently, there was traffic construction, and when I pulled up to the flagman, it was the same guy! So I got out and showed him the story on my phone. He couldn't believe that I wrote a story about the interaction, but he was pleased about it. He said, "wow, you really captured our conversation!"
Oh, I love how you were able to show him the story. I'm sure the next time he's asked about the memorable parts of his job, your story will be on his list.
Thanks for finding joy in other random humans. The only place I've seen women flash their breasts is New Orleans. Just think, it happens in Iowa.
Here's something I learned yesterday: Iowa has more libraries per capita than any other state in the US. I am doing a library tour of Humboldt County libraries on the 22nd. Let me know if you'd like to tag along.
Thanks Cynthia. I would love to tag along but have other commitments that day.