Li’lBit and I loaded up in the truck this AM and headed to the Casino in Tama for fuel – it is considerably cheaper there and since I was just about running on fumes, it was a nice savings.
Since we were over in the Tama/Toledo area and it was about lunch time, stopped at a local grocery and picked up a sandwich, some chips and a soda. Took the lunch and went to the little park down the road. The sandwich was wonderful – egg salad with lots of dill and pickles – just like I like it. And it was on a very chewy bun made of fry bread – YUMMY! Li’lBit and I both enjoyed it!
The park was near the Lincoln Highway Bridge historical marker….more really interesting info on the Lincoln Highway!
On the way back home, we followed the old Lincoln Highway until I lost the markers – but drove on just like I knew where I was going – and darn if I didn’t end up back in familiar territory.
Stopped at the vegetable stand and pick up some “peaches and cream” sweet corn – it’s soooo good I can eat it raw! Also picked up a few juicy peaches….oh, how I love fresh produce.
It’s a windy day here – not to warm – 83 degrees but with the wind/breeze, it is quite comfortable. Winds are sustained over 15 mph with gusts in the 20 mph range.
Because of the wind, I’m not taking Tinga outside today….took her out yesterday and she is soooo quiet (initially!) – then she decides to call out to all of the other birds in the area. What a clown she is when outside.
I am concerned about her – she is plucking again. I’m going to have to pay more attention to when she does this – I’m wondering if it is seasonal or hormonal. Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed that she stops soon! At least she doesn’t pluck naked – she gets down to the downy fluff and quits – moves to another area. Darn Her!!!
Plan to go to the Junction Bar & Grill with my sister tonite. Their soup and sandwich special for today is lamb stew and pastrami sandwich.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
It's Friday and Stock Car Races!
It’s Friday – another wonderfully cool and breezy day in Marshalltown – and with the windows open, I can hear the stock car races from the Fairgrounds. This evening, they sound so close, I think I can almost smell the fuel and the dust! As a child, I so enjoyed going to the stock car races with my dad.
This AM my weather radio went off with a severe thunderstorm warning. Fortunately for us, the storm stayed north of us and drifted to the east. Des Moines finally hit the 90 degree mark for the first time this summer. We made it into the upper 80s.
Last evening my sister and I met some friends at a great little restaurant north of town, That Place. I had some of the best fried catfish I've had in a long time – as usual, I ate too much – always do when I go out to eat!
The last few days have been “Bad Air Days.” Started Wednesday waking up to some really heavy air and fog. Thursday was some better but something must have blown in – I was fighting allergies and congestion. Today, although some deep lung congestion in the AM, I thought things were improving and WHAMMO – this afternoon everything seemed to ‘shut down’! Oh, I hate times like that – when even the breathing treatments don’t work. To compound things, when I’m not getting good air exchange, my joints and muscles don’t seem to want to go in the same direction and I find myself falling a lot……so this afternoon and much of this evening has been spent in bed.
Li’lBit has been having problems with seizures lately – she went quite awhile without one, but recently they seem to have reappeared and are getting stronger. Fortunately, I still have her meds.
With all of this medical upheaval, Tinga has been relegated to her cage most of the time and Holly does her best to stay out of our way!
Hoping tomorrow is a much better day.
Life is still good -- and I am Blessed -- and still pain free with the eye! YIPPEE!
This AM my weather radio went off with a severe thunderstorm warning. Fortunately for us, the storm stayed north of us and drifted to the east. Des Moines finally hit the 90 degree mark for the first time this summer. We made it into the upper 80s.
Last evening my sister and I met some friends at a great little restaurant north of town, That Place. I had some of the best fried catfish I've had in a long time – as usual, I ate too much – always do when I go out to eat!
The last few days have been “Bad Air Days.” Started Wednesday waking up to some really heavy air and fog. Thursday was some better but something must have blown in – I was fighting allergies and congestion. Today, although some deep lung congestion in the AM, I thought things were improving and WHAMMO – this afternoon everything seemed to ‘shut down’! Oh, I hate times like that – when even the breathing treatments don’t work. To compound things, when I’m not getting good air exchange, my joints and muscles don’t seem to want to go in the same direction and I find myself falling a lot……so this afternoon and much of this evening has been spent in bed.
Li’lBit has been having problems with seizures lately – she went quite awhile without one, but recently they seem to have reappeared and are getting stronger. Fortunately, I still have her meds.
With all of this medical upheaval, Tinga has been relegated to her cage most of the time and Holly does her best to stay out of our way!
Hoping tomorrow is a much better day.
Life is still good -- and I am Blessed -- and still pain free with the eye! YIPPEE!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Global Warming!
10AM, July 21, 61 degrees!!
A July Day in Iowa -- Summer in Iowa -- and I'm wearing a long sleeved flannel shirt - YUP! It must be Global Warming! Al Gore -- get you butt up here and define Global Warming to me!!!
A July Day in Iowa -- Summer in Iowa -- and I'm wearing a long sleeved flannel shirt - YUP! It must be Global Warming! Al Gore -- get you butt up here and define Global Warming to me!!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Day in Pella, Part 3
This is absolutely unbelievable! It is July 18 and I have the space heater going! It was 51 degrees when I woke up this AM. It's made it up to 63 degrees by noon!
Yesterday was another 51 degree wake-up. Bea and I had scheduled our trip to Pella. I thought it would warm up while I were gone but took a jacket "just in case." We arrived in Pella in time for lunch. Stopped in at the Windmill Cafe for sandwiches and a delightful 'sampler plate" with some delicious breaded cauliflower, potato skins, cheese stick and onion rings -- all in a wonderful batter and deep fried! So much for the 'healthy veggie plate!!" I must say we definitely picked the wrong time to go for lunch in a narrow restaurant with wood floors and a low ceiling. There was a family reunion in town and they decided it was lunch time, too! My they were having a really good time....a little on the LOUD side but full of fun with the laughing, screetching and giggles!
Then off to do some 'tourist' stuff -- the bakery, the meat market, watched the Klokkenspel presentation, wandered in and out of the shoppes along the street and the square. Thank heavens for the benches provided! As we were leaving Pella, the winds were picking up out of the north, the sky was getting grey -- I was waiting for the snow to fly!
It was just a dreary kind of day I would expect in October or November -- but certainly NOT in the middle of July!
Yesterday was another 51 degree wake-up. Bea and I had scheduled our trip to Pella. I thought it would warm up while I were gone but took a jacket "just in case." We arrived in Pella in time for lunch. Stopped in at the Windmill Cafe for sandwiches and a delightful 'sampler plate" with some delicious breaded cauliflower, potato skins, cheese stick and onion rings -- all in a wonderful batter and deep fried! So much for the 'healthy veggie plate!!" I must say we definitely picked the wrong time to go for lunch in a narrow restaurant with wood floors and a low ceiling. There was a family reunion in town and they decided it was lunch time, too! My they were having a really good time....a little on the LOUD side but full of fun with the laughing, screetching and giggles!
Then off to do some 'tourist' stuff -- the bakery, the meat market, watched the Klokkenspel presentation, wandered in and out of the shoppes along the street and the square. Thank heavens for the benches provided! As we were leaving Pella, the winds were picking up out of the north, the sky was getting grey -- I was waiting for the snow to fly!
It was just a dreary kind of day I would expect in October or November -- but certainly NOT in the middle of July!
A Day in Pella, Part 2
A “must see’ visit to Pella is the VERMEER MILL, a recreation of an 1850 Dutch grain windmill, the front piece for an education and historical center. Completed in 2002, the largest working 100% wind-powered mill in the US reaches a height of 135 feet, tall enough to catch the winds of the mid-west. Built in The Netherlands, disassembled and shipped to Pella, it was reassembled by Dutch Craftsmen. Today the mill grinds wheat flour used in the local bakeries and restaurants.
Dominating the Central Park are the 65 foot high twin pylons of the TULIP TOREN (Tower). In 1940 a wooden version of the Tulip Tower, inspired by the biblical description of King Solomon’s Temple, was designed and built by a local architect. Built of wood, it soon deteriorated and in 1968 the city erected a permanent structure. During Tulip Time the Turen becomes the center stage for festival events. The Tri-Colors of the Flag of The Netherlands flies from the crest between the pylons. The Crest, which is a replica of the coat of arms of the Dutch Royal Family is inscribed with the motto “I Shall Maintain.” The flags of the 12 Netherland Provinces are flown behind the red-carpeted steps.
The KLOKKENSPEL, a European tradition, is the entrance way to Molengracht Plaza. The 7 animated figures are set in motion by the clock five times a day. The 147 bell carillon provides the music for the animation. Five brass bells on top of the arch were cast in Holland. They toll the hours and play chimes.
MOLENGRACHT PLAZA is a retail business complex fashioned after a Dutch community on a canal, complete with beautiful floral arrangements and outside dining.
Although born in Illinois, Pella is the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp. The Earp family moved to Pella when Wyatt was two. His home and others are available for tours.
A trip to Pella isn’t complete with stopping at the Jaarsma or Vander Ploeg Bakeries, Ulrich’s or In't Veld Meat Markets and the many other shoppes along and around the Central Park Square. And make sure you stop and admire the beauty of the Dutch Lace available in the fabric shoppes.
A welcome sight for the walkers are the numerous benches up and down the street. Most have dedications or memorial plaques on them.what a wonderful treat for those of us that aren’t quite as young and spry as we were a few years ago!
There is still much to see. It will take another trip to Pella to visit the Historical Village and the other sites. AND, to stop by the bakery and meat market AGAIN!!
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Day in Pella Iowa Part 1
Pella is a community in south central Iowa. Probably best known for Pella Windows and Doors, it is also the home of Central College (founded 1853) and several other companies. But, Pella’s claim to fame is “Tulip Time,” an annual celebration of it’s Dutch heritage.
Named after Pella in Asia Minor, a city of refuge for early Christians, it was founded in 1847 by Dominee (Reverend) Hendrik Scholte and the 800 immigrants that followed him from The Netherlands to escape religious persecution.
The King decreed all to follow the State Church. Those thinking the state church too informal, theologically unsound and lax, refused to follow the edict. By 1835 the Separatists were being imprisoned. Compounding the difficulties of the Separatists, all of Europe was suffering from a potato blight that caused famine in many parts fo the country.
Dominee Scholte and his family left first, followed by 800 others, sailing in four vessels to Baltimore, Maryland. From there they traveled by river and over land to reach St Louis, MO. Then following the direction of a Baptist circuit rider they traveled into Iowa.
The community purchased18,000 acres high on a ridge between the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers for $1.25 per acre. Much of the land already tilled and settled, the Dutch built houses of sod and roofed with prairie grasses. From the vision of the grass roofed homes, the area was called “Strawtown.” Gradually more and more Dutch and Americans settled in the fertile area.
To this day, Pella is known for its strong Christian community values. The town today, proud of its heritage attracts many tourists for its festivals, unique architecture and business district.
Named after Pella in Asia Minor, a city of refuge for early Christians, it was founded in 1847 by Dominee (Reverend) Hendrik Scholte and the 800 immigrants that followed him from The Netherlands to escape religious persecution.
The King decreed all to follow the State Church. Those thinking the state church too informal, theologically unsound and lax, refused to follow the edict. By 1835 the Separatists were being imprisoned. Compounding the difficulties of the Separatists, all of Europe was suffering from a potato blight that caused famine in many parts fo the country.
Dominee Scholte and his family left first, followed by 800 others, sailing in four vessels to Baltimore, Maryland. From there they traveled by river and over land to reach St Louis, MO. Then following the direction of a Baptist circuit rider they traveled into Iowa.
The community purchased18,000 acres high on a ridge between the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers for $1.25 per acre. Much of the land already tilled and settled, the Dutch built houses of sod and roofed with prairie grasses. From the vision of the grass roofed homes, the area was called “Strawtown.” Gradually more and more Dutch and Americans settled in the fertile area.
To this day, Pella is known for its strong Christian community values. The town today, proud of its heritage attracts many tourists for its festivals, unique architecture and business district.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Where's The Water!
Lucked out again last night -- my weather radio alarm went off about 9PM with a severe thunderstorm warning. After listening to the weather on the 10PM news and checking, one more time, the weather radar on line, I decided to go to bed....hoping it would miss us.
Well, it did -- sometime during the night the storm split and did some damage south of us and north of us, but we came through with little more than some wind, thunder and lightning.
About 2 AM I was up to check the weather (AGAIN!) and noticed I didn't have any water. Knowing that the connection on my hook-up is the old original connection, I thought I had a water leak outside -- so outside I went -- walked about the RV - no sign of a leak -- so back to bed.
This AM -- still no water -- heard Judy with some workmen outside by the utility building. Soon, Mary came by to say that the pump was out. But, how lucky can you get -- the guys in the park taking down the trees that had been wind-damaged earlier were also the pump and well repair guys! So, get off the tree trimming truck and get into the well/pump repair truck.
By 11AM we were back in the water business. Don't you just love it when the handiman is a jack of all trades and can 'fix' anything!
Well, it did -- sometime during the night the storm split and did some damage south of us and north of us, but we came through with little more than some wind, thunder and lightning.
About 2 AM I was up to check the weather (AGAIN!) and noticed I didn't have any water. Knowing that the connection on my hook-up is the old original connection, I thought I had a water leak outside -- so outside I went -- walked about the RV - no sign of a leak -- so back to bed.
This AM -- still no water -- heard Judy with some workmen outside by the utility building. Soon, Mary came by to say that the pump was out. But, how lucky can you get -- the guys in the park taking down the trees that had been wind-damaged earlier were also the pump and well repair guys! So, get off the tree trimming truck and get into the well/pump repair truck.
By 11AM we were back in the water business. Don't you just love it when the handiman is a jack of all trades and can 'fix' anything!
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