Mines of Spain

Last October while we were in the Dubuque area, we stopped at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E.B. Lyons Nature Center.  The nature center was a sort of small museum with a gift shop and a conference room.   A field trip for an elementary school class seemed to be in progress; there were a lot of children.

We started our hike on the very short Pine Chapel Trail.  The roof of the chapel was being fixed, and a local historian happened to be there.  She told us about the chapel, built in the 1860s by Otto Junkermann to resemble a church he remembered in Germany.  It seems this chapel, though, was never really used as a church.  

Moonlit Eve, Foggy Morn, & Family History

As I've mentioned before, my family and I enjoy excursions around lakes and on trails in the area.  We have three runners in training  (best time so far: one of my sisters ran a 5K in a little over 24 minutes).  Those of us--including myself--who don't run, like to ride along on bicycles.  Below you can find an assortment of photos from various trips.

The trees above are in Deer Park.  For many years the city kept a herd of real reindeer in this park; the past couple years though, Santa has had to look elsewhere to replenish his herd.  

Interview with Kathleen Franck

On the campaign trail, you run into many interesting people.  You start to recognize all the news reporters and camera-people, and then there are the familiar faces you see here and there and everywhere, and yet can't seem to place.  

Photos in this post are courtesy of Kathleen Franck.

One of those faces was that of Kathleen Franck.  Eventually she came across some of my photos from events she attended on Facebook and sent me a friend request.  "I know this lady," I thought, "but who is she?!"  It turned out we had both been at the same places to see Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, and Carlee Fiorina!  We finally met after listening to Ted Cruz in Waterloo.

October Beauty

I decided it was time for an old-fashioned, non-controversial post.  Top on my list were articles about the St. Louis Zoo and the National Hot Air Balloon museum, but a  [very grumpy] person could say the election is already a zoo and the candidates are full of hot air, sooo...instead, here's a post to celebrate the beauty of an Iowan October.

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."  --L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Always There for Me

As long as the mountains stand,
As the sun for ages has brilliantly shined,

I’ll go with you as to the end this trail does wind

I’ll always be there to hold your hand.

Hummingbirds - 2015

" I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."  --Jeremiah 31:3

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.  The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."  --Psalm 138:7-8

Expenses, Relativity, and Elephants

Talk with any older person, and he or she will tell you how expensive everything is today.  The value of money has significantly lessened, but I won't argue that a lot of things are expensive.  What defines expensiveness?  

Today I was researching cell phone plans.  One was $30 a month for a 30-month contract.  I gawked, "Argh, that's expensive!  Imagine spending $900 for a phone/on phone bills."  But then, what is $30 worth?

Apparently this plate of mashed potatoes, salad, veggies, a roll, chicken, and a fish fillet is worth $30.   My parents took me out to my papa's high school reunion, where we dined at the Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo.  I am still in shock--thirty dollars for a meal, served buffet style, with no dessert!  It was good, but my mom and grandma can fix meals just as delicious--and they don't charge.    

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

Mission Impossible: A Natural "B"

 Anni from Hootin' Anni's Chronicles has given a Mission Impossible challenge at her blog: find your first initial in a natural state and then link-up with her within the next 2 weeks.  I thought finding a "B" would be a challenge, but I've watched the task force at work enough times to know that no mission is impossible. 

Sample 1: The orange sections on the edge of the outer wing form Bs when looked at two at a time.

If You Please

From 1908 to 1918, my great great grandmother, Ethel Carson,  had a little book where she kept a record of income, expenses, and various happenings around the farm.  She also wrote or copied one poem, "If You Please," but unfortunately did not indicate who the author was or if she wrote it herself.

Birds and Books

Unless you're a very patient person or fellow photographer, you may find me a terrible person with whom to take a bicycle ride because I frequently stop to take pictures.  My mom belongs in the first category; she's a very kind and patient person!  During one of our rides at the lake, she spotted this red-bellied woodpecker and pointed it out to me.

The red-bellied woodpecker is named for the reddish tint on its belly.  Although the red feathers on its head are much more obvious, another species already holds the name of red-headed woodpecker.  

Geese at Pine Lake

This fall my family and I went biking in the Pine Lake/Iowa River area and enjoyed watching the geese on the lake.  

Many seemed to have characters all their own.  A dear old friend of mine used to say "We're not all made from the same cookie-cutter!"  Wouldn't the world be a boring place if we were?  Apparently geese don't all come from the same cookie-cutter either.