Farmer's Market

My cousin Susie says she could never live in Iowa ever since the day we had to drive one hour to get basil for her pesto recipe. I guess I know what she means. Saturday Phil and I drove all the way to Clive, outside of DesMoines, to drop my Saab off for service. The first real service it's had since we moved here.

Since we were already near Des Moines we headed over to the big Farmer's Market downtown, near the courthouse, something I've been wanting to do for a long time. We took Angie with us, figuring she would enjoy the day out, the people and the possibility of greeting other dogs. It was warm on Saturday, we didn't get to the market until probably close to 11. Phil dropped Angie and me off at the courthouse and went to park the car---we stood watching a juggler while listening to a really good bluegrass group, both of them busking for dollars from the appreciative crowd. The place was packed with all kinds of people, everybody noticed Angie, especially the little kids. I guess a Scotty is an unusual dog in the market, most people opting for the tiny designer dog or the huge rescued one. We saw one dog who looked enough like Pandy to be her twin, Angie smelled her and wagged her tail but I think she knew. . . .

Lots of beautiful vegetables, lots of home made bread, lots of crafts, lots of things to eat, but I was good, I ate my yogurt as I pushed through the crowd. I saw a few things I would have liked to have had, one was a tablecloth, orange, bright, but I don't know where I would use it. Another was an ankle bracelet, beautiful, the sign said $15, but when I tried to buy it she said it was $20!! I don't go for that, so I told her to keep it. Angie enjoyed walking through for about five minutes then she became skittish and stayed close to our feet. Phil bought some great looking tomatoes and some home made bread, I saw lots of cut flowers in almost every other booth. I wanted to buy a bunch, but I don't think they would have made it back to Humboldt. Angie made it almost to the end then she just stopped, would not move, she was hot and tired. Phil had to carry her the rest of the way. While we waited for him to get the car I poured water over her head, she wouldn't drink any but I knew she was thirsty. Finally, when in the car, we got her to drink, she panted for about a half an hour as we drove north.

All in all it was a wonderful day, I know when Celia comes to visit later this summer we will head down there again, maybe check out the market and some of the great looking restaurants in the area too.

Humboldt Fourth of July

We had a good Fourth of July here in Humboldt. As soon as we got up Phil headed outside to wash the cars, he has them both clean and shiny and beautiful. I goofed around doing some watercolors on the deck. It wasn't until later in the day we realized we missed the pancake breakfast and antique car show at the fairgrounds!!

I made a covered dish for both parties we were heading to, and then got dressed and RESTED, still tired from the surgery. We headed to Candis's house, she always has a nice party under the big trees in her yard. It was hot yesterday, but a cool breeze in the shade of those trees made it quite pleasant. Brenda and her mom were there when we showed up and other people came over the next hour. Candis had games for the kids, her Dad was there with a big tall hat, they are nice people. Marilyn came, then Judy and Bill with their daughter and grandchildren. Got some great photos of everyone. I drank my water while everyone chowed down on Made Rites, all kinds of salads and great looking deserts. Everyone felt sorry for me, but I told them I had to just make up my mind it wouldn't bother me---what else can I do---I have chosen the "impossible to cheat" diet and I'm all the better for it!

We stayed at Candis's until about 5:50 then headed over to the Neilson's who live behind us. They were finished eating and we had a nice visit with the group there. Before we knew it time came to get into our chairs and watch the parade. Marilyn came over to watch it with us. We always enjoy the parade, but the Republican Woman's elephant that blows bubbles was NOT in the parade!!! How disappointed I was! There were fire trucks with blaring horns and sirens, horses, tractors, old cars, floats and marching bands, so really, what else can you ask for??

When the parade was over I felt tired. We had two hours until the fireworks, but I didn't make it, had to lie down, fell asleep right away and heard the booms in my dreams.

Another good Fourth of July---wish my girls could have been here to see it with us.