Winding Pathways

08/13/2026

Buffy Fluffy is close to hatching eggs. She usually faces in with her tail out. In this hot August weather, yikes! Must be stuffy in there. But today, here she is facing out. So, a treat is in order. I presented her with three marshmallows, a small handfull of oats and half dozen kernels of corn. Guess which she ate first, second and third! Even our four-year old granddaughter figured that out in a flash!

07/21/2026

First batch of wrens fledging in June. The adults are back at it with a second brood. Parenting is LOTS of work.

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

Travel Iowa Falls! This ‘Scenic City’ known for bluffs and bridges is well named.
At the Equestrian Center the Iowa Arabian Horse Assoc. hosted an open ride.
A pleasant drippy day found hearty visitors and locals regaled with stories as we cruised up and down the Iowa River.
The Airbnb where we stayed mid-century modern sported contemporary appliances in a quiet retreat with unique touches and a fabulous host.

Supper? Be sure to eat at Chuong’s Chinese where the chef accommodates dietary needs.

Coffee Attic is the place for a great beverage and conversation where we met the director of the Convention Bureau who filled us in on back stories, introduced us to Dave at the Heartland Military Miseum.

This is a special place well organized and archived telling the story of local people’s involvement in conflicts (polite term for wars) US has been embroiled in or started. Over 100 in US history. GAAK. Including up to today’s most recent high ranking military personnel.

Calkins Nature Area shares yet another story of this unique area in central Iowa. A meeting of geology, botany, topography, fauna, water resources where for millennia nature and humans have interacted and used the resources to advantage. A lovely prairie coming into itself. An unusual collection of points and stone tools. All local.
Most surprising to us were the presence of trees and the deep valley of the Iowa River. The story of ‘Rocksylvania’ says it all.

Soon off to Eldora where more stories of Iowans’ roles in the Civilian Conervation Corps and POW WWII camp were.

Hidden gems of Iowa.

06/20/2026

A wren fledging. Winding Pathways

06/20/2026

Wren fledging

06/04/2026

Watching wren couple on deck as they sit on eggs and get ready to hatch and raise young.

06/02/2026

Watching the wren couple outside our kitchen window we sit amazement as they demonstrate perseverance, loyalty, courage, and ingenuity.

05/20/2026

Ferry across Mississippi River at Lansing, IA. Bridge with historic design coming along. Brest breakfast at the cafe on the River.