What a difference a day makes!

 A little more than a year ago the rumors were flying fast and furious that a Cement plant facility was proposed near Trophy Gardens. Nobody wanted this except the cement people. Across the street from Trophy is an elementary school; the proposed place was next door to the school. The cement folk did not win on their plea for a facility. Yeah for us!

I was much surprised to see there is a new proposal and again, Yeah for us! They are going to build a park on that land.

Here is a drawing of the proposed park.

I don't know who will have access but hopefully, they will let us have use of it.

Who knew?

 The rest of the country has been roasting but the upper midwest has been relatively cool by comparison. First thing you know, we will be the mecca of the country as folks down south and west try to avoid the extreme heat. I am not sure we are geared up for it although Iowa does handle RAGBRAI very well.

We are back into our usual routine after Pete and Jerilynn moved out. They were here just long enough for it to seem strange that they are not here. When they were here it actually felt like it does when we were in South Texas. The neighbors are close and interaction takes place daily. Butch and I adapt well to most situations so we will this time too.

Recent Photos:

On a warm and humid day, my daily glass of pickle juice was sweating and created this look that intrigued me. Pickle juice you might ask? Yes, and I find it quite tasty and refreshing. I dilute it with ice and water, 3/4 water to 1/4th pickle juice. Oddly I am not fond of pickles.

This is a sight we pass by on the bike trail. I have taken many photos of it in the past. The pampas grass in the foreground with the tree and the field of corn/soybeans in the background.

Dug In

 This past week I really dug in and did things I have had on my todo list all summer but I never seemed to get to it. There is always something to do. That is just life. But now my list is greatly reduced and it feels good!

We hit the ground running when we arrived in the Spring and I set aside things, like taking care of the many items we had to bring in from the motorhome when we sold it. Having an excess of tubs that needed to find a new home or the contents done away with etc.  Low and Behold! Decisions have been made and executed!

The house is as clean as it has been in a very long time. I know it won't last. That is a truth of housekeeping that is constant. Right now, I am enjoying the moment.

Yesterday, my friend Mickey and I toured Jefferson. We drove around the old neighborhoods we lived in as youngsters and then as young married couples. We drove out to the new facility for orphaned cats and dogs and looked it over. It is plush! I said," With this fine a place to live why would they ever want to leave."

Some new rentals are on the agenda to be built and we looked at the proposed areas chosen to build the housing. It was a fun time reminiscing and looking at things with new eyes.