July is Winding Down

Judi Cook Britt

Monday July 16th Sherri, Ingrid and I got together at 7 Villages Restaurant at the Little Amanas. There was a touch of sadness – regular ‘gang’ member, Judi wasn’t there. We lost her to breast cancer this past winter. It was good to visit with Ingrid and Sherri – of course we had the class reunion to relive and discuss. My truck was still in the shop – waiting for parts – so my sister did the driving. I sure do appreciate her doing that – and love to have her go – but I know it has to be REALLY boring for her to listen to the 3 of us discuss our problems, joys and lives! We arrived early enough that I had time to run into the General Store and pick up a knife. Love the knives they sell and really needed something for slicing tomatoes – something I could leave in the trailer and not have to try to remember to pack it and unpack it!

Again with my sister driving – we went to Pella on the 18th so I could get my Dutch Letter pastries and some good bologna at the Dutch Market, then on to Grinnell to see the Sullivan “Jewel Box” Bank architecture, then off to Newton to see the wall murals painted by Carl Homstad. We stopped at Montana Mikes for a late lunch, early supper and headed home. Once back in Marshalltown, we drove downtown to see the murals he painted in Marshalltown.

Had an appointment with Dr Thomas on the 20th – just keeping an eye on things since the stent placement; will see him again in September unless I’m on the road back to Texas. I so appreciate the fact that he agreed to take me on as a patient so I have someone to depend on while I’m in Iowa!

Wednesday the 25th RAGBRAI arrived in Marshalltown as an over-night stop. Amazing what an influx of about 20,000 can do to a town! Wednesday nite a storm, winds, rain, hail rolled through scattering the bikers in their tents into shelters. Must have been a short night for them; back on the road by 8AM with 60+ miles to ride to Cedar Rapids. At least the storm brought some cooler weather for their ride on Thursday.

Saturday the 28th Bea and I went to Stringtown Grocery at Kalona. I love that little Amish bulk grocery. Stock up on herbs, spices, some baking supplies and of course pick up some fresh baked goods! Not too sure my sister was really impressed, probably won’t do any of her own shopping there – but she did pick up a peach pie! Then into Kalona so I could get some pics of the sidewalk quilt squares in the main business area. Some are ‘memorials,’ others are sponsored by various businesses and families. Had a nice lunch at the Family Restaurant, stopped in at The Bakery and the General Store. Love shopping in that little town! I can always find something in Kalona that isn’t usually found in other stores.

Info and pics on the trips to Grinnell, Newton, Kalona and the RAGBRAI when I can get my darn picture program straightened out!  A computer whiz, I'm NOT!

And July comes to an end – still needing a cool front and rain, lots of rain. At least 10 inches just to catch up…but certainly don’t want it all at once!