A Drive Through the Countryside

This morning we awakened with the dawn to deliver a load of our concrete pads for propane tanks to a co-op near Des Moines.  The grass was still glittering with dew and crepuscular creatures were singing mellifluous ballads to our magnanimous Creator, thanking Him for another beautiful day.

Our journey to the co-op was uneventful.  We noticed several family businesses on the way, selling trellises, quilts, eggs, and potted flowers.  It was delightful to note that the spirit of entrepreneurship still flourishes in rural Iowa.

On our way home we chose a circuitous route, aiming to catch a glimpse of the more colorful side of the countryside.

Here's Saylorville Lake:

It reaches as far as the eye can see.

Shortly after crossing the lake, we reached Polk City where this large nut caught our eye:

"Can you imagine how big of a wrench you would need to tighten that?" Papa asked.  It's perfect for a Brobdingnagian.  Unfortunately the artist was not at the studio so we couldn't get a closer look at his artwork.

We drove through Rhodes and checked on the tank which adorns the heart of the town (I wrote about it here last year).

Down the road a ways in another small town we came across an old Phillips 66 gas station.

It was closed, but there would be a rush at the pumps if it reopens someday at the price of the last sale!

Total price: $1.95 (?)  36.9 cents per gallon.

Reminders of the past are always present in the countryside and small towns where the good old days will ever live on.  We returned safely home, and can only thank the Lord for "oh, what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day!"

"The Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel."