A Day at the Iowa State Fair

Thursday we got up very early to be at the Iowa State Fair by 6:00 a.m. for the Van and Bonnie morning show in the Grandstand. Shawn Johnson was their guest that morning.

As is the tradition of the Fair we had to once again see the Butter Cow in the Ag building

Enjoyed watching the Senior 4-H horse show
Some of the 4-H kids giving their cows a bath in anticipation of judging




It was a busy day at the Fair - lots of people and a fun day!

Week at the Lake

This past week we spent a few days with V & M at their "home" on the lake in Northern Minnesota. A great time of fun and relaxation. Thanks V & M for your hospitality!

Visit to the Ledges State Park and Train Ride

We spent a fun day Wednesday at the Ledges State park. Exploring and having a picnic.








Then on to the Boone Railroad for a 2 hour train ride across the Des Moines River








Our "Train Guide" was Dennis Holmes a friend from Steamboat Rock. What a pleasant surprise!

This week's project

Several years ago while visiting England we found this antique secretary. I have been using it as my desk and decided this week it was time to refinish it to match the rest of our furniture so here is the result of three days of stripping, sanding, sanding some more and staining.

BEFORE the refinishing project began

Finished project

Saturday Project in Germantown, TN

Our project for this past weekend was to make a gate into the side yard at A & K's. We had to tear out an old fence and replace it with a new one and add a gate. This is going to make it possible for them to have access to the side yard without having to go around the whole house. We also built, painted and hung shutters on the new garage.

Beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee

On our way home Thursday from Pigeon Forge we took the scenic route to Chattanooga. So glad that P wanted to see the city again. It is a beautiful city and fun to walk across the Tennessee River via the walking bridge.

The walking bridge across the river

View of the river

The water park and merry go round along the river walk

Lunch at a Bistro along the river

Kim and her Dad walking across the bridge

Overlooking the river

Adventures in Dollywood, TN

The past three days we have been in Pigeon Forge, TN visiting Sam who is working in Dollywood this summer and in training with the Navigators.

Sam making a sale
Sam hard at work in his "wild animal" shop

Norm and Jan at the Mill

Norm always on the phone doing his real estate "away from home"

Grandma and Peter

Art, Kim, Peter and Libby

Art, Kim, Peter, Samuel and Libby

Looks like this Dad is more tired than his kid!