Aaron and Murphy dropped me off at the Dallas airport and promised to pick me up at the New Orleans airport in about a week. I was off to Iowa to spend time with my mom, brother, sis-in-law, and nephew. I was also there to take my dad to his doctor appointment. I am so glad that I am able to make these trips to help my brothers and my dad, and get quality time with my mom and family.
It was another great visit to Iowa. Mom and Chris found lots of really cool places to go and things to see. Mom and I went to the high school’s production of Annie, and she took me to Hannibal, Missouri. Hannibal is the hometown of Mark Twain and the basis for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. We were able to go on two cave tours, Mark Twain Cave and Cameron Cave. I can’t imagine exploring those caves by candlelight like they did back when they were discovered. I also can not imagine letting children play in caves like the town kids did back then with only candles to light their adventures. Jessie James hid out in the Mark Twain Cave; they would also hold town meetings there. It was a really interesting tour with a unique insight into the town’s and Mark Twain’s history. What a great adventure!
My mom has some cool things from our family that go back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. This quilt, for example, is from the early 1900’s and is made from used hats. It is so unique and soft and beautiful!
My younger brother, Chris, has a background in professional photography. In his spare time he likes to go to small towns in Iowa and capture beautiful images. This trip, he was kind enough to take me with him and let me borrow his camera (I didn’t bring mine) to explore and take some photos. These towns were on The Des Moines River. The bridge used to be for automobiles, now it is only for pedestrians. Even walking on the bridge was a bit sketchy in parts, but a really fascinating walk.
The Mason House had peeked my interest. The name had nothing to do with the Mason organization, my middle child’s name is Mason, and the signage and building markings were intriguing.
There was a mill of some sort there at one time, and the town turned the remains of the foundation into a public garden. I am looking forward to seeing the garden in the spring or summer when it is in bloom. It was beautiful even in late fall.
This memorial bench really captured my imagination. It was so unique and thoughtful.
I had never seen a warning sign like this before. I could not stop giggling.
Chris and I went to 3 or 4 towns, down a few gravel roads, and saw some pretty cool sights. We ere headed down on gravel road and saw a rock with a plaque just randomly placed on the side of such a road. Of course we had to turn around and check it out.
Chris gets the credit of this photo. I love finding beauty in an unexpected place.
I spent my last full day there with my dad. Dementia, diabetes, and Parkinson’s has taken their toll on him. WE went to see is doctor and had some good quality time together. Then, it was back to Mom’s and off to the Cedar Rapids airport.
While I was having my adventures in Iowa, Aaron and Murphy were making their way from Texas to Louisiana. Aaron sent me this picture of Murphy listening to music. The speakers are above his head.
Next stop, Louisiana! Time to see more family, old friends, and have some good food!
Wandering Cindi 