The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. Two days of RAGBRAI filled with generous Iowa spirit, camaraderie, hard work, and unexpected miles. At a critical juncture on the first day of our ride (Day 6 for other RAGBRAI riders), we decided to ride the Karras Loop, adding 16 miles to our 84-mile … [Read more…]
It has been three weeks since Mom passed away. It has been three weeks of trying to find my footing, with a lot of slippery slopes making it tricky to find that footing. As Mom’s illness took such a sudden turn the second week of January, my siblings and I were able to be at … [Read more…]
If you haven’t read Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson, M.D., I highly recommend it. It’s short, it’s lessons apply to both personal and work-related situations, and the advice is timeless. The gist is quite simple: the unexpected can happen to us at anytime. It (an unexpected change) occurs regularly at home, at work, … [Read more…]
For a gal that is completely consumed by everything literacy, I sure do have a tendency to write about significant numbers: 60 Miles & Reading by the Numbers. This past weekend provided an opportunity to celebrate everything numbers. It marked the 70th anniversary of the West Point Sweet Corn Festival, an event marked by the … [Read more…]
Emmett Kruse’s 10 year wrestling “career” ended yesterday as he attempted, unsuccessfully, to punch his ticket to the state wrestling tournament. He wrestled his heart out, as every wrestler did, but to no avail. Emmett finished the day with two wins and two losses. Many of his teammates faired well: Fort Madison is sending SEVEN … [Read more…]
The 2022 Wind Down As we get ready to wrap up 2022, I can’t help but take a bit of time to reflect on the past year. ‘Tis the season for reflection and gratitude, right?! It’s always the season for both reflection and gratitude, and this time of year seems to make it even easier. … [Read more…]
I get to write this post from the Iowa State Fair in a campground that goes on for miles (or seems to, anyway!). Those of us who camp at the Iowa State Fair are a community of people who choose to drag half of our homes to Des Moines where we pack our campers in … [Read more…]