Back Home in Iowa

Always good to be back home in Iowa. Of course there are always changes that take place. The old school building that I went to High School in was torn down. Will see what the future holds for the land associated with it. Had an invitation to go to Luther College for an evening of song presented by an acapella group, Unchartered. Steph and Jim shared the evening with us and Jim sang several solos during the show. What talent these young men have. This was the first year that we have had Baltimore Orioles stop at our feeder. Nice to see all the birds back again this spring. Then off to Forest City to catch up with friends there. We picked up our new addition to our tractor collection. This is a 1948 Farmall MD diesel. This tractor represents the one that Jo's Dad had and I had previous on the farm. We had a good day helping Lynn and Fred cut down some trees and remove some stumps. Thought the stumps would never let go. Will make for a nice clearing to watch the wild life. Of course this is graduation time and Dawn and Garry had their son, Tyler, graduate this year. We enjoy getting together with family for these events.

Traveling North / Seeing the Kids

Watching the weather as we began our journey north, we were fortunate to avoid any severe weather. This spring seems to be having its share of very destructive weather. We were with Ryan and Melissa and enjoyed time with them. Looks like you may not want to have an earring issue when Melissa has the pliers in her hand. Had good weather going through the Appalachian Mountains. Such a beautiful area. Then on to see Ashley, Danny and Sabrina. Our grand-daughter is certainly growing up quickly. What a fun time, sharing books, a new truck to play with in the sand, and of course time outside in the grass picking dandelions.

Projects and Patio Friends

Spring in Florida has brought with it summer temperatures. It gave us some great weather to finish some projects before we head north to Iowa. To be more efficient we installed a new energy efficient roof on our home. We hope to reduce energy costs with this and a new high efficient heat pump. Long term we will enjoy some savings in energy costs. Our creature friends, especially the squirrels, were becoming frustrating at the bird feeder. Some research brought us to a feeder that has discouraged the wily squirrels from eating so readily at the Golden Corral bird feeder Buffet. It has been successful and they have moved on to the Country Kitchen across the street. Now the colorful birds enjoy our feeder and we enjoy them. We also installed a paver patio in our back yard so we can enjoy the birds and trees there. The Eastern Blue Birds, Finches, Morning Doves, Cardinals, Pilliated Wood Peckers, and many more entertain us in the evenings. We will have many comfortable evenings sitting on the patio and sharing time with friends. Looking forward to our orange trees producing a tasty crop of fresh oranges as we return in the fall.