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In summer the kitchen becomes a studio where I create things to eat incorporating fruit and vegetables from the garden. Experimentation is the rule, with a mind for the palates of both of us. I make a lot of dishes that don’t appear any other time but when the garden is coming in. Tradition is… Read more
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When Mark Divitt voted in the June 2 Democratic primary he noted there was no candidate on his ballot for the Iowa House of Representatives. That led to his decision to run, followed by Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart calling a special nominating convention for House District 91 on July 9. About half of… Read more
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I attended our home owners’ association annual meeting on Tuesday. Since we cut the number of board members back to seven, the positions have been filled, and life here goes on. The quarterly dues have been the same since we moved here in 1993. There is a road repair project going on, although our main… Read more
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As the sun rose behind me on the state park trail, I realized wildflower blooms are reaching peak. I stopped and took it all in. The variety of colors and shapes is visually appealing, even as I’m only beginning to be able to name them all. Yellows, reds, purples and whites, they all come together… Read more
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The Duane Arnold Energy Center was re-licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in December 2010, extending its operating license for 20 years to 2034. After the 2020 derecho damaged the plant, they didn’t reopen, and began the process of de-commissioning with intent to shut down. When a large contract with Google Energy, to purchase… Read more
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I was late getting out of the house to the state park trail on Sunday. The challenge was how to photograph the expansive patch of invasive lilies, and I had no good answer. I was distracted by the need to return home as quickly as possible to harvest the garlic crop I planted last fall.… Read more
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It is fitting that the late Scott Kleppe was named honorary Grand Marshall of this year’s Solon Beef Days. Kleppe was a constant presence in the city, and helped set up and tear down the event for decades while in the city’s public works department. He died unexpectedly on June 10. He will be missed… Read more
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Leaves on the Red Delicious apple tree I planted more than 30 years ago began developing spots, yellowing, and falling in late June and early July. In addition, a type of slime mold rooted in the large scar where the 2020 derecho blew down a main limb. Called dog vomit slime mold, it feeds on… Read more
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Wishing you peace as I take some time off. Read more
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Ambient temperatures reached into the 90s beginning Tuesday and have been unrelenting. That’s how early summer weather goes in Eastern Iowa. That’s a lie. According to local meteorologists, average temperatures are running about seven degrees above the 30-year average high. Read more
Tales from the pilgrimage.
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