Another exciting day in Retirementville! Went into town this AM to do some laundry—Oh, how I love that little laundromat – quiet, clean, a place to set and read while the laundry is washing and drying.
Got a late start today. It was about noon as I was loading up to head back home – so stopped at Taylor’s Maid Rite for a sandwich to go. For those of you not familiar with Iowa Maid Rites, they are loose meat sandwiches – no, Rosanne Barr did not invent loose meat sandwiches on the Rosanne Show!!
http://www.maidrite.com Walking into Taylor’s is walking back in time – there are no tables or booths….just a horseshoe shaped counter with stools, close enough together you literally rub shoulders with the folks on either side! You can watch the entire cooking, preparing, and serving operation in the center space. Malted milks are still served to you in the metal mixing container. No plates, a fork or spoon to eat the loose meat that drops out of the bun, served on the wrapping paper. The menu is slim – Maid Rites, chips, soft drinks or malteds. The sandwich is served with mustard, pickles and chopped onions. And, sin of all sins – after 70 years ketchup is now available on the counter – uncouth folks no longer have to sneak it in with them!
When I got home, I decided to put my Maid-Rite in a bowl so I didn’t loose the loose meat droppings all over my table – and along comes Tinga – she decided loose meat sandwiches are right up her alley! She just made herself right at home on the edge of the bowl and took her share -- actually, she too MORE than her share....she chomped off a huge piece of bun and flew off to her cage with it -- not quite sure how she could fly with something that big hanging from her beak. I just couldn't get to the camera in time.
Li'lBit is now enjoying what was left in the bowl.....so much for my lunch!
Now to the chores of the day -- steeping some hot tea -- much to chilly for ice tea. It's 2PM and only 70 degrees! Many months ago a dear friend turned me on to Adagio Teas and I'm just going crazy trying them all! http://www.adagio.com/
And, time to grind some more coffee - oh, how I love the smell of freshly ground coffee!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Lincoln Highway Bridge
Quotation from the monument:
THE HISTORIC ‘LINCOLN HIGHWAY’ BRIDGE
This bridge, constructed in 1915, was an early advertisement for the Lincoln Highway, which was the first successful effort to mark, promote, and build an automobile highway spanning the United States.
Initiated in 1913 as a memorial to the martyred President, the Lincoln Highway linked Iowa to both coasts and crossed the state by way of Tama. Motorists today can travel the original route through the city by following signs that begin at the bridge and continue west on 5th Street.
Guard rails spelling the name on both sides make this a unique bridge on the Lincoln Highway.
On March 30, 1978, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and community donations paid for its restoration in 1987. It stands as a dramatic reminder of a time when few roads were paved and the campaign to “get out of the mud” had just begun.
A Trip Down the Road
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.
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.
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!!
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