Guests

____Actually they were Teresa's guests. Ruth and Bradley stopped on their way to Colorado. They slept at Teresa's. (They are more pet friendly than us.) We had suppers here. Ate out one noon and let Ruth try Glidden ice cream. She alway says she over eats in Iowa. Got to keep that going. We had sweetcorn from Dave's patch. Tomatoes aren't quite ready, so she missed those and not the right time of year for one of her favorites - caramel apples.

Ragbrai Follow-up

____We checked out Boone - the overnight town. Lots of people, but more room to spread out than Churdan. We turned and didn't try the downtown area they had blocked from traffic. The pictures are of the Wal-Mart parking lot, and also the replacement bus. ____I saw Pat in the grocery store this a.m. They didn't try serving sweet corn. He worked in Paton with the firemen. They had ribeye sandwiches. They served 1000, plus about 400 more that Churdan firemen had left over. Churdan had set up outside of town and didn't draw as big a crowd. A fellow at the edge of Paton tried to count the bikers as they left town. He had 16,000. When they were leaving Churdan, it would have been impossible to have an accurate count, just too many in groups.

Ragbrai

___We drove up to Churdan about 9:30 to watch the bicycles going through. We first noted many support vehicles at Fareway getting some shopping for groceries done. Probably a smart move on their part, to avoid the congestion in Carroll last night and Boone tonight. There was mile long trail of vehicles from the west waiting to go through the 4-way stop at Highway 4 and 30. (They needed a patrolperson to wave them through to speed things along.) ___In Churdan we set our chairs out on the curve on Highway 4. There was a steady stream of bicycles the 1/2 hour we watched. We proceeded to main street. The town was packed. People, bicycles, support vehicles, and cars all over. Every shady spot had someone or a team! The Kiwanis had sold out on sandwiches and this was 11:00. The street was packed with walking people, with and without bicycles. Vendors lined both sides. I didn't even get a picture. You would have had to been above the crowd to get one. What a mob--but a peaceful mob! ____Wondering how Pat and family were doing. The route goes right past their place. They had planned on selling sweetcorn. I don't know if it was ready in time or not. ____Dan plans to ride a day or so, starting at Marengo. He won't be too far from home this year.

Goldfinch

_____This silly little goldfinch comes and pecks on the window. I know the feeder needs filled again, but I don't think he is that smart. Or he knows it's nice and cool in here. Or he is just young and stupid. He only pecks where there aren't screens behind the window and he leaves it alone if the sheers are pulled. This has been going on for a few days.________Tues. ___Within a few minutes after opening the curtain he was back today!

County Fair

________Yesterday was entry day and this morning was judging day for our genealogy exhibits. We had 71 again this year. We had a good variety of things to display. Some of the Art Hall departments were down on entries, especially the junior division. There was a good showing for flowers and garden. There aren't as many kids that take part in 4-H now, but what they do is usually well done.

Getting Aquainted

___Becca was sleeping when I arrived, but T. was quick to disturb her. I bet he won't do that when they get her home. She wasn't quite sure she wanted to be awake and fussed a bit. She quiets when jiggled and talked to. Baby, Mom and Dad are all doing well. Big sister had patted her and leaned her face against her and held her for about 30 seconds, before that was enough yesterday. T. plans on having Mara at home tonight and her going to day care and getting back to a normal schedule before baby comes home.

Introducing--

Becca Kathryn ---- _______ Arrived this morning, daughter of Jenni and Tristin and has big sister, Mara. She is our second Great grand daughter. Congratulations to all!!!!!

Pop's Latest Project

Road ready on July 13, 2011 ____Golf carts are now legal on Jefferson streets. Pop has been shopping. He found a cart in Ankeny, from Craig's list. The light kit he is putting on was found by internet shopping too. He no longer has his scooter, so this is the replacement. It has to have lights to be street legal, even though they can only be driven between sunrise and sunset. But that includes brake and turning lights too, so should be safer. Now he needs a slow moving vehicle sign and a flag and he'll be ready to go.

Carved in Stone

___Here is a picture of the Doreen Wilber Memorial that we put a little of Mom's Memorial money toward. I didn't realize her name would be carved in stone at the site. (Her name is about 10th down on the side shown) See the target across the street?

Celebrate

_________It's a quiet weekend here. Pop may go to a car show tomorrow. I think I'll opt to stay home..... that is part of independence! There are plenty of things to keep busy and still won't have everything done.