Fields of Opportunity:
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| Iowa Cornfield Just Sprouting |
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| NW Iowa Farm |
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| NW Iowa Farm |
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| Sibley, IA Woodpecker |
And corn!! Iowa has lots and LOTS of cornfields. And they are actually very beautiful!! Just sprouting now. They become tall, green, and lush. People here are sure proud of their farmers. Seeing them working the miles and miles of fields is truly a sight to behold! I tried getting pix of the wonderful barns and silos up here, but it's hard to capture the character in a snapshot. The riverbanks are beautiful as well. Beautiful pheasants all over the place, and Goldfinches (Iowa state bird), and some unique woodpeckers that I haven't seen before. This part of Iowa (the NW corner) is called Siouxland. You will see why as you read.
We spent about a month in KS and a month in Iowa. In the spring. Again. In a camper. During tornado season. However the Midwest is a great place to be! Wonderful people and beautiful country! And also birthplace of the famous American Gothic painting and artist, Grant Wood.
Remember the story a couple of emails ago about the wild hogs in TX? Well, sometime this month I heard on the news that TX is now allowing hog hunting from helicopters. It's called Pork Choppers. True.
Friends, please keep Adam Blanchard and family in your prayers and add to other prayer lists. He's the 27 year old from my hometown of Texarkana who has been missing since Feb 3. He was last seen in a remote area of Nevada. If you are a facebooker, you can keep up at
www.facebook.com/HelpFindAdam.
3-25-11: Today in El Dorado, KS, I visited the old Hot Rod Cafe downtown. They were having a living estate sale. Very interesting collection of auto and motorcycles and memorabilia. And a really pretty and old theater. This place has been featured on The Pickers. They are planning on turning it back into a cafe and already have started some live entertainment there. Worth a look if you are ever in this little town.
3-26-11: David and I went to Smith Center, KS for a couple of days – the home of the Excel Factory (our camper) to get a couple of things looked at. Around Newton, KS it began snowing on us and snowed the entire 2 days on us. Really pretty. And unexpected. Got a little sleet around Russell. Russell is the birthplace of Bob Dole, and is Post Rock Country.
3-30-11: My third grade friend, Baylie, texted me and told me about the Decorah, Iowa eagles' nest with the 24-7 live camera on
www.ustream.tv. Very cool! Mom and Dad eagle take turns sitting on the 3 eggs. Really fascinating when they get ready to trade places on the nest because we get a great shot of both of them and the eggs.
4-1-11: Jakeb and his new bride called to tell me they are pregnant! This is the couple that got married last month at Petit Jean. I thought it was an April Fool's joke, but no. The baby will arrive in December, so we'll get to be there for that!
4-2-11: 1st baby Decorah eagle hatched. Got a great look at it!
4-3-11: Taught Greg and Linda Sue to play Pennies from Heaven today. Can't remember the score, but I am sure the girls won! 2nd eagle egg hatched. Looks like a rabbit – deceased – is in the nest with them today. Mom is feeding it to the babies. Beautiful views of both Mom and Dad. Hailed a bit at the camper and had 70 mph wind gusts. But didn't feel too much of it due to how our camper is positioned.
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| Kentucky Coffeetree Pod and Nuts |
4-4-11: Been seeing trees at El Dorado SP these last couple of years that have HUGE pods but haven't been able to find out what they are. Maybe a Locust. The pods are 2 to 3 inches long and prob an inch and half wide. Found out today at the SP office that they are Kentucky Coffeetrees. The eagles have yet another critter in the nest with them. Hard to tell what it is: but looks like some sort of bird or rodent.
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| Heather Louise, #7 |
4-5-11: Went to Heather's first soccer game tonite at the high school David attended. Heather did great! That might have been our first school event since we retired. We both felt a little queezy being that near a school, but tried to just stay focused on the game. It worked. Really enjoyed it! Also worked out at a Curves today and a lady noticed my Third Day shirt and asked me if that had anything to do with the Walk to Emmaus. It didn't, but I've been on the Walk and it was wonderful sharing our Emmaus stories.
4-6-11: Today's Rocky's 9th birthday. He is so excited that it fell on Wednesday this year. That's his favorite day of the week. (hump day) Last year we took him to the park and to Sonic for his big day. This year we left him home and went to play 18 in Andover. This was like the first day we've been here that the wind wasn't blowing 300 mph. So it was a great day on the links. I even tied David on the first 9. That was the first time that's ever happened! But it was back to normal on the second 9. I only lost ONE ball (that was because I was too tired to go look for that one) and I only had to call “Practice Swing” on 2 dubs! Back at the camper, the bday dog and I sat out by our “own” little piece of the Walnut River, watched our “own” Canadian goose swimming around, listened to various birds whistle and chirp, (spring is in the air) and about every 30-40 minutes listened to the trains go by. Retirement is sweet.
4-7-11: I walked the bike path and the dam hill (levee). My pedometer didn't work, but it took me about 50 minutes and felt great! The hill is a great workout. Those of you who remember the wreck we had in 2000 know how blessed I feel to be able to do all this hiking! Not winning a race, but very thankful. Pia got kicked off American Idol tonite. Crazy.
4-9-11: David and I took about a 2 hr bike ride this morning and went to see Lincoln Lawyer this afternoon. Finally! We caught a decent movie in El Dorado, KS!! It's been a good day.
4-11-11: Harwood Cousins – thinking about and praying for you all!! Sure have fun memories of my favorite aunt!!
4-12-11: Linda Sue and Greg introduced us to a golf course in Wichita: Sierra Hills. It's very short (even so I came in last place). Great for pitching and putting practice. She said lots of men don't like to play it because it's short – they call it “Sara Hills”. LOL. They also introduced us to TJ's Burger House. Yummy burgers!
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| Ethan Gentry Goff |
4-13-11: We have a new family member! My niece, Laci, adopted her 18 mth old foster son today! Ethan Gentry Goff.
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| Andrew - a little shy on Grandpa's bday |
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| Dodger |
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| Andrew "reading" one of Grandpa's bday gifts |
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| Linda Sue, Greg, Nicole, Bonnie at David's 56th |
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| Nicole and Doug at David's bday |
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| Grandpa Mac and Grandpa David -- David's 56t |
4-16-11: Celebrated David's 56th today by having some of the McClintock troop out to the camper for cake and ice cream. Really nice weather and great company. Our sweet Andrew spent last night with us so he got to help decorate the cake. (it was store bought, but he added his fave: blue sprinkles). Really a heartbreaker when his parents and little brother came to get him. He cried and cried and didn't want to leave us. Ok, I know he was just tired, but it was still sad. He told his parents, “ I'm just wondered about Grandpa and Grammy.” I realize a lot of people wonder about us. But I think he meant “worried”. I was ready to go house hunting and settle down in KS at that moment!
4-19-11: Spending a couple of nites in Nebraska City, NE on our way to NW Iowa. Cannot wait to see Laura Lee. It's been nearly a year! Feels like winter up here. Laura says they have snow at her place. Which I'm looking forward to as long as we can find a campground open. Paid $4.19 for diesel today in Nebraska City.
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| David and Laura Lee |
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| Laura Lee and one of Rock Rapid's murals |
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| Rock Rapids mural on old house of ill repute |
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| Rock Rapids mural |
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| Our Sibley, IA peeps, Jerry and Barb |
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| Jerry Mathers' childhood home in Rock Rapids, IA |
4-20-11: Arrived Sibley, IA. It's a very cold 40 degrees. Missed snow by 1 day. We love Sibley. Stayed here last June and got to know the sweet couple – Jerry and Barb – who run the golf course and campground here. Jerry is also the mayor of Sibley. A very pretty town and sweet people. I could live here!! Got to go to Rock Rapids and see Laura Lee after work. Great to see my baby girl! Rock Rapids is a nice little town that is known for it's awesome murals and the fact that Jerry Mathers lived there at a very young age. Even before Leave it to Beaver. The murals began in 2002 and they have about 21 now. They add 2 or 3 each summer. Fun to drive (or walk) around and find them. Rock Rapids also boasts the first reinforced concrete bridge in the USA.
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| Laura Lee and Laura Lee in Rock Rapids, IA |
4-22-11: Went to Rock Rapids. After working out at Curves, David and I ate lunch at Sully's downtown. I asked to meet Sully (Laura Lee said he used to live in TX), and the server said “are you Laura Lee's mom?” Not sure if it was the accent or what. But it turned out that her name is Laura Lee as well! And her family calls her Lulu like we do our Laura Lee! Sully's is a good place to eat. He does know how to fix good ole TX food. Makes the best salsa on earth. And homemade chips.
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| Becky and Laura Lee on her 29th |
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| Laura Lee's 29th |
4-23-11: Got to spend Laura's 29th bday with her. Seems like just yesterday that she was born! She and I spent part of the day in Sioux Falls, SD and the evening in Sibley. Sibley has a great Mexican place where she and I both like to eat.
4-28-11: My fave was eliminated from American Idol tonite – Casey Abrams. 5 left now. It's so much fun texting my Idol peeps: Linda, Kathey, Pam, Jerri, and Marlyse throughout the show to compare notes.
4-29-11: The Royal wedding: Prince William and Kate got hitched. I didn't watch it, but per Kathy P's suggestion, I watched the ABC highlights so I could see the funky and wacky hats!
5-2-11: Woke up to the news this morning that bin Laden was killed last night by US Navy Seals. Proud moment. I heard on the news that Hitler also died on May 1 years ago. However, I'm finding conflicting reports of that on google. Anyone know?
5-3-11: Played 9 in Sibley. David played well and I was pitiful. My excuse is a sore back.
5-5-11: Played 9 in Sibley again. I was pitiful again. No excuse this time.
5-7-11: The 3 of us went to Sioux Falls. Laura and I got massages and afterwards we all ate at Chevy's. Love Chevy's. Yummy Mexican food. Perfect weather today. Sunny and 70.
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| Mom's Day -- playing Panties |
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| Laura Lee beating me at Panties |
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| Rehm watching Laura Lee beat me at cards |
5-8-11: Mom's Day. Wonderful spending the day with my daughter. David and I taught her to play Pennies today and they clobbered me. She worked on her computer as she played and still beat me!
5-10-11: Played 18 at Sibley – I was a little less pitiful. Guess I just need the first nine to warm up.
5-11-11: Laura Lee came out to camper tonite and we got to spend about 30 min in the tornado shelter (bathhouse). Thankfully, it passed quickly and no damage reported. Big step up from last year when we were here!! However, June is the peak tornado season up here, so more to come I'm afraid.
5-12-11: Yay! My new hybrid club arrived today. Hoping this will change my game!!
5-15-11: Laura and I went to Sioux Center today (remember this is Siouxland: we have Sioux Center, Sioux City, and Sioux Falls) and then played cards. We also took her dog to Island Park on Rock River. Pretty spot in Rock Rapids. (Seems to be Rockland up here also: Rock Rapids, Rock Valley, Rock River, etc etc)
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| Bec and David at MN line |
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| Laura and Bec across the street at Iowa line |
5-16-11: Laura took David and me out to Blue Mounds State Park after supper. Saw the buffalo herds out there. Pretty spot. Not sure I'd want to camp there because they only have electric hookups. But maybe.
5-17-11: Even with the hybrid (which I like a lot) David clobbered me at golf this morning. Then Laura clobbered me at cards tonite. No respect.
5-18-11: Laura and I went to Rock Valley today after work. Fun little town with some great resale shops. I had to miss Idol, but my peeps texted a play by play for me. Thx ya'll!!
5-19-11: Haley was kicked off Idol tonite. She was one of my faves, too. The 2 finalists are Scotty and Lauren – both c&w, both Christians, and both still in high school! Love it!
5-22-11: Our last day with Laura Lee. We played lots and lots of cards all weekend. And she beat the socks off me nearly every time! Very hard to leave her. But such a blessing to get to spend a month with her. Praying for Joplin.
5-23-11: Stayed tonite in Story City, IA close to Ames where Iowa State Univ is. Pretty area. Around Ft Dodge we started seeing the Des Moines River which is very full and then some. Iowa is big on their wetlands preservation and they have more than plenty right now.
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| Us at Amana Colonies, Iowa |
5-24-11: Arrived in the Amana Colonies in Iowa. Diesel is running anywhere from $3.70-$3.89 around here. Pretty terrain in this part of Iowa. Rolling hills, pastures and farmland. We drove the Amana Colonies trail just to get a feel for where everything is. Very unique part of the USA with lots of interesting history. (It all began when the Inspirationists from Germany came over in the 1800's due to severe religious persecution in their home country.) Our friends Glenda and Joe Bob, who we met in the TX Hill Country this year are workampers here. It's great being with them again! They are from west TX so they talk right.
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| David in Main Amana |
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| Henry, and Inspirationist and me at the Heritage Museum in Main Amana |
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| Becky in Main Amana |
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| Know what this is and what it used to be used for? |
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| A little privacy, plz? |
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| looking for a barrel for Niagara |
5-25-11: Went to a wonderful breakfast in Main Amana with Joe Bob and Glenda. Ok, picture this: this is a little bitty town in Iowa, we were in a little bitty cafe, and there were 2 tables with people in the cafe including us. As we were leaving, we asked the man at the next table to take our pix and found out he and his wife grew up in Texarkana, TX! They graduated from TX High in '62. Later today after going to Walmart in Cedar Rapids, David and I walked around Main Amana and soaked it in. Visited the Heritage Museum and learned much about the people and Colonies. In 1932, after being a self-supported commune all those years, the economy got the best of them and they became the Amana Society. The Society owns most of the town including the rv park where we are staying and tourism is a big part of their economy. (the former Amana appliance factory originated and is still here) The Inspirationists are still here, although the college guy, Harry, who worked the museum said he is probably of the last generation of them. They still have a church bldg here which does part of their service in German and part in English.
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| Kalona, IA Amish country |
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| shopping day in Kalona, IA |
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| quilt square on Kalona, IA sidewalk |
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| Kalona, IA Amish Farm |
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| Kalona, IA Amish School |
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| Kalona, IA Amish Country |
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| Joe Bob and Glenda |
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| David and Becky |
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| Bryce with William Allen McClintock |
5-26-11: Today the 4 of us drove over to Kalona, Iowa – a small town and Amish community. We took a van tour of the area. Saw many Amish in their buggies on the roads, in town taking care of business, working the fields, and running their stores and bakery. Yum yum re: the bakery! Very interesting and respectful lifestyle. I got several pix with them. JUST KIDDING – they don't believe in pix. This particular order uses steel-wheeled tractors and bikes. We saw one of the tractors on the road and it was quite a contraption. Ate at Tuscan Moon there. Highly recommend it if you come up this way. “ Wellkommen” to our newest little McClintock: William Allen. Bryce, send pix!!
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| David, Joe Bob, and Glenda in Middle Amana |
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| Ground is a little soft in West Amana |
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| Our new rocker for the camper |
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| Becky in High Amana |
5-27-11: David and I visited 5 of the other villages (Middle Amana, West Amana, Upper and Lower South Amana,High Amana, and Homestead) in the Amana Colonies today with Joe Bob and Glenda. Love the old homes and bldgs – many the original from the 1800's. High Amana has a wonderful general store that still carries some items found there 100 years ago. While at West Amana, we visited a shop called Baskets and Broomsticks which had, guess what – baskets and brooms. And some great woodwork as well as the state's largest rocker! Yay – another prop!
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| Linda, Chuck, Becky, David in Main Amana |
5-28-11: Chuck and Linda, a sweet Iowa couple we met 2 winters ago in the TX Hill Country (our first winter fulltiming) , came over to the Colonies to visit us today. They are former workampers and fulltimers and have educated us well on things we need to know. This is one of the hugest blessings about this lifestyle – having friends all over!
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| Mini Barn Museum in South Amana |
5-30-11, Memorial Day: David and I went over to “Lower” South Amana to the mini-barn museum. Very cool. Tons of beautiful replicas of barns and buildings built by the late Henry Moore, a retired farmer from NW Iowa. He began doing this when he was 58.
We've loved our time in Iowa! Truly one of the USA's best kept secrets!
After an overnighter in Illinois, we will spend June and July in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Looking forward to meeting some of David's cousins in Cinci for the first time. We'll see Niagra Falls and yes, Office fans, we will make a quick trip over to Scranton, PA as well!
Ya'll let me hear from ya!!
Much Love,
Byron McKeeby and Nan Wood (gotta google that)
