Cars at Culvers

Driving through Marshalltown on our way to Menards the other day, Papa and I noticed many classic cars on the road.  Where were they all headed?  We soon found out.  The Culver's parking lot was filled with beautiful, classy rides--and people admiring them.  It wasn't something we were going to miss!  I've paid to visit a museum with cars like these.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."  --St. Augustine

A Hike and a Canoe Trip

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."  --Robert Frost

This spring we have been canoeing in and hiking around the Iowa River and Pine Lake.  Photos here are assorted shots from the lake on March 28th and the river on April 16th & May 9th.  You'll notice some variety in the stages of spring.

Along the Iowa River

Last weekend my sister, mother, and I went thrifting in Iowa Falls, and enjoyed some time walking by the Iowa River.  The day was beautiful, and the trees were full of singing birds.  So, without further ado, I present the beautiful view.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  
He restoreth my soul:  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."  --Psalm 23:3

The Wellsburg Open - Part 3

After my second round game, I enjoyed a 20 minute break as the remaining games finished.  Soon, I was fired up and ready to go for the 3rd round.  Pairings were relatively easy this time, especially with printer problems resolved.  

In the photo above, players review games in the skittles room after the second round.  The only players in the Reserve section with perfect scores at this point were matched against each other for the third round: Ben Darr played Seth Derby, and Steve Jacobs played Daniel Carson.  Ben and Daniel both won their games and would meet for the Reserve championship in round 4.

The Wellsburg Open - Part 2

Saturday morning began early as we loaded our tournament supplies into the van, and arrived at the church by 7 A.M.  Pastor Mark of Wellsburg Reformed helped us set up the tables, and my family set up the concessions stand they provided.  Mayor Daggs of the neighboring town of Ackley had kindly loaned me extra tables for the skittles rooms. 

 

Hank Anzis arrived at about 7:30 with Seth, an aspiring player from the Marshalltown chess club.  Registration began at 8:15.  Several players who had not pre-registered showed up on site, so that in total, there were 35 competitors.

Searching for...Wellsburg? - Part 1

I've attended chess tournaments throughout Iowa for nearly half my life, and have enjoyed them all.  This past weekend, however, was a first for me. I got to see a chess tournament first hand from a director's point of view as I organized the Wellsburg Open.  

Early this year I decided on and rented the venue, Wellsburg Reformed Church, and announced the tournament.  About two weeks before the tournament, a very small trickle of pre-registrants began.  Most players waited till the week of the tournament to register; by the day of the tournament there were 26 players signed up.  One thing I will consider if I run another event is adding online registration, so players can see a list of other participants.