Iowa
November 3, 2010 at 10:38 amtravel
This past week, we flew out to Iowa with Matt’s family for his grandpa Bill’s memorial service. It was nice to spend time with family and hear lots of old stories and memories from all of the people that were part of his life. While I only met Bill a handful of times, it was easy to see the values that he imparted upon his family. It was said many times throughout the weekend that he was a hard worker. I remember going to Delaware for lunch with Matt’s parents and grandparents one day (Matt was out of town for a boxing tournament maybe?)… We were all sitting around on the back porch, plates cleared after eating, and enjoying the rest of our lemonade on a beautiful, sunny day. But Bill was walking around the yard, carrying his oxygen tank around with him, and watering and checking on all of the plants. I hadn’t noticed him getting up, but there he was, working away while the rest of us were relaxing. I will always remember that.
Here are some pictures from the trip:
COWS! at the Iowa Welcome Center
Momma Pig and baby piglets on the roadside. (Alternate caption: “When Farmers get bored at Halloween”)
Matt was a talented artist, even at a young age. I found this gem hanging on the wall in Bill’s room. Judging by the many 3d “S’s”, I would guess this is about 3rd grade.
Here’s an 80′ grain harvestor harvestore that we climbed to the top of on the family farm. Quite an impressive view up there. And lots of bird poop too.
EDIT: I’ve been informed that the city-slicker in me was showing when I mistakenly called that thing a “harvestor.” Silos, tractors, pitchforks – whatever! They all do the same thing. 
Sunset in Iowa. Too beautiful to capture in a photo.
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November 3rd, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Iowa is a great state. Lovely post and photos.
November 5th, 2010 at 5:16 am
Thank you for this sweet tribute, Lori. And congrats for climbing that silo!
November 11th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
That silo looks sweet. Its interesting how they put the round cage around the ladder, ostensibly to protect someone from falling off the ladder to the ground, but I imagine if you lost control you would bounce back and forth between the cage and the ladder all the way down. OUCH. I imagine if you leaned back on the cage you could grab the ladder rungs again though. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.