Padawan’s Short Trips

[Iowa Dave]

After I retired I worked for a turfgrass and sports field landscape supply firm. We had a lot of SE iowa school districts and parks and recreation departments as customers. We would make deliveries about every week down highway 1 through Kalona. Either going out or coming back there was always time to stop for some cheese curds, ice cream, or bakery in Kalona. We had a great delivery driver who had driven a log truck hauling hardwood logs from all over the state, and from Illinois and Missouri. He knew every little town with a good cafe, meat locker, bakery, you name it, he had been there. As we loaded his truck with the items he was delivering that day he’d ask what we wanted from those great little businesses. Took me several years to lose the weight
that job put on me. We shop at the Stringtown store just north of Kalona for all our baking and bulk foods needs.
Iowa Dave

 

[brroberts]

Back to Golden Delight bakery this morning for doughnuts and more bread. Next Stringtown Grocery for popcorn seasoning. We also wandered the greenhouse. Stopped next door at the Kalona Creamery for some cheese curds. Had a piece of fudge, but I preferred what we bought in Amana. They gave us free hot chocolate. What a healthy start to the day!

Next to the buggy shop where we talked astronomy and acoustics for a Sunday School room. I pulled out a small telescope, Seestar S50, and showed them the sun. Off to an Amish fabric store. Almost completely solids. Then to Country Nook greenhouse. It was similar to Stringtown. The Maple Avenue greenhouse was more expensive than Stringtown or Nook.

Then to JK Creative Wood followed by Midwest Woodworks. We liked both stores, and the furniture was par for Amish ffurniture. Then to Golden Valley Ranch for some amazing blueberry cheesecake Ice cream.

Finally we went to the quilt shops in Kalona.

It was a tough day of ‘healthy’ eating. Tomorrow we head to the COE park near Pella, IA to see tulips in Pella. It’s 90 miles tomorrow on the scenic route. The driving days are getting longer again…..

 

[Iowa Dave]

Have get some Dutch Letters in the bakeries in Pella. More healthy eating. That and a few cookies. Glad you’re eating good in the neighborhood. Makes those chain restaurants look like prison food, not that I would know.
Iowa Dave

 

[brroberts]

At Howell Station COE on the Des Moines River below the dam at Lake Red Rock outside of Pella, IA. This is a lazy day. It’s finally sunny, warm, and light breezes. We are just sleeping and reading with our feet up while pretending to watch the river in our camp chairs.

Doesn’t look like I have enough cell to post pictures. We’ll see.

 

[mfschu]

At Howell Station COE on the Des Moines River below the dam at Lake Red Rock outside of Pella, IA. This is a lazy day. It’s finally sunny, warm, and light breezes. We are just sleeping and reading with our feet up while pretending to watch the river in our camp chairs.

Doesn’t look like I have enough cell to post pictures. We’ll see.

We enjoyed touring Pella and the tour of the windmill in the historic area just off the square. Interesting place!

 

[brroberts]

Pella today for tulips.

 

[brroberts]

Yesterday’s from the campground that I couldn’t post.

Had S’mores in spite of the one fire resistant log.

 

[Mike G]

Tulips and windmills make me think of Holland, Michigan. Pella looks great!

 

[brroberts]

Watched eagles and pelicans fishing in the river while eating supper by our campfire. Another tough day, but we’re getting through this.

 

[Iowa Dave]

A wonderful bird is the pelican
His beak can hold more than his belly can.
He can take in his beak enough food for a week
But I’ll be darned if I know how the hellican
Always liked that one and never missed a chance to recite it in school.
Is class clown two words or one.?
Iowa Dave

 

[brroberts]

Today we drove to Hamilton, MO home of the 14 store Missouri Star Quilt Co. Barb went shopping. I read.

 

[brroberts]

Last day headed home. We enjoyed our time wandering around the Amish areas outside Jamesport, MO. Fudge was better in Amana, doughnuts and cheese better in Kalona. Greenhouses cheaper in Kalona, furniture cheaper in Jamesport. Didn’t look, but usually groceries are cheap in Jamesport. Interesting way of life, but I don’t want to live it. We leave for Costa Rica Saturday.