My week in Iowa

A few random thoughts about my week in Iowa...

First, I was struck by two kinds of signs I saw in northeast Iowa. The first were abortion (pro-life) signs. Were these there when I was growing up? The second were sweet corn for sale signs. The juxtaposition of these signs certainly spurred some reflection. Life at its most complicated and most simple.

Second, I'm always taken aback when someone says they read this blog. I don' t know why I'm surprised--after all, I certainly hope that some people read it, but, still, it's pretty humbling. This is really an introduction for a public thank you to Melissa, one of the organizers of our reunion, for her kind words about it. They've stuck with me.

Third, I will never get tired of going to Adventureland, Iowa's version of Six Flags. I have nothing but great memories of going there growing up and it was such a thrill to take my kids. Caroline and Anne rode the log ride and, of course, they have pictures there at the end that you can purchase. I almost always look at them and then pass on by (tourist trap!), but I simply couldn't resist buying the shot of Caroline in front with a look of pure fear and joy and Anne in back with a huge smile. It was worth the $8.

Fourth, we drove by a Maid-Rite restaurant in Marshalltown and I couldn't believe the sign out front. They are now making ketchup available to customers. For the uninitiated, Maid-Rites are loose meat sandwiches, kind of like beefburgers, but really, really good. And putting ketchup on a Maid-Rite is like putting ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog. You just don't do it. Call me a fundamentalist on this one.