Shooting the Grinnell College Carnegie Library

This stately building was a Carnegie library but, in an unusual twist, it was built for Grinnell College. It's located along the western edge of the central portion of the school and truly is a handsome building. A new library has been built but the building continues to serve the school by housing offices.

Stopping by a new Winter Event

Des Moines isn't known as a big winter sports city but there are some pretty die hard participants who set up a little showcase to show us what they can do. Linda and I had seen a promotional blurb somewhere that there would be snowboarders at Nolen Plaza saturday night and figured it could be interesting to stop by. When we arrived, there were a lot of people around the plaza. A few light towers and a live band hammering out some high energy tunes energized the space. We got out and got in close to see that, yes, people were taking pretty abbreviated yet perilous runs across the plaza.

To get enough speed for the tricks on one run, they'd built a hill well over head high. This appeared to work pretty well. On another run, they'd set up some sort of high speed winch with a tow bar they could hang onto for a few seconds to launch them down the course. Truly, both were surprisingly effective.

The crowd was good, the tricks were entertaining, and the band was loud. What more could you ask for? I wouldn't be surprised to see them try this again next winter! I'd stop by again.

Watching Drake host UNI

As is becoming our custom, Linda and I attended another Drake - UNI sporting event. This time, the Drake men's basketball team was hosting and looking to continue to extend a startling streak of sixteen consecutive wins. This year's team is having something of a fairy tale season and interest around the city is picking up. Couple that with the in-state rivalry and the tickets that were once pretty easy to pick up have become harder to secure. Fortunately, we got ours and were on site for what was another very entertaining, well played game.

The visiting Panthers led by four with 5:32 left in the game; unfortunately, they didn't make another basket. Drake scored nine while UNI made one free throw giving a final score of 58-54... and the streak continues!

Learning a new term: Boston Marriage

Linda and I returned to the Viking Theatre to see David Mamet's play, Boston Marriage. The talented folks at Theater... for a change again put on a quality production at Grandview's Viking Theater. Unbeknown to us, the title of the production has, for over one hundred years, been used to describe a romantic friendship shared by two women. As such, the play presents events that take place over a day or two in the life of two women in such an arrangement and their maid. The crux of the story has to do with relationships they each have outside the home and how, when those relationships collide, it could threaten the stability of the home. It was an interesting and entertaining play; I'm sure we'll be back.

Visiting the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

As Linda and I passed the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, one of us commented that, if the sun were out, we might get a nice photo of the herd of bison. The next day the sky was clear but would only remain clear until around noon. If I hurried, I could get to the refuge before the clouds rolled in. If some of the bison were close enough, I thought I might be able to get a decent shot or two.

As I approached the entrance to the bison area, I could already see several lying on the ground. I paused to get a few shots like this one. A successful trip, worth the drive time.

Shooting the Pella Carnegie Library

This former library has moved on to a new career serving the citizens of Pella by housing many of the city documents. Located on the town square, it was easy to find and, happily, well maintained.

Shooting the Oskaloosa Carnegie Library

While in Oskaloosa, Linda and I swung by their recently expanded library. This portion appears to be the old main entrance. After the expansion that appears to have more than doubled the size, the main entrance is located more centrally down the left side of this photo. The expansion, active parking lot, and steady stream of people in and out of that entrance confirm that this investment in the community continues to pay dividends.

Shooting the Mahaska County Courthouse

Oskaloosa is the county seat of Mahaska County and this is their courthouse. Located on the edge of a very handsome block square park, this impressive building has a place of prominence in the community.

Oskaloosa is home to Musco Lighting, provider of lighting for major sports events around the world.

Shooting the Wapello County Courthouse

Ottumwa is the county seat for Wapello County and this is their courthouse. Located up the hill just north of the library, this is an impressive building. It's also the first I've seen with a native american at the peak.

From the Wapello County website:

Wapello County is named in honor of Fox Indian Chief “Wau-ba-law,” “Waupello,” or “Wa-pel-lo.” Chief Wapello was the second-in-command over the combined Sac and Fox Indians.

Rough cut sandstone was used for the five-story building. A large corner clock tower was part of the original design. In 1950 the clock tower and several chimneys were removed. About 450 tons of bricks were removed to help alleviate stress on the building. At the apex of the building stands an Indian statue representing Chief Wapello.

Shooting the Ottumwa Carnegie Library

Located in the municipal district of Ottumwa, the Carnegie Library is a handsome building. As we were there, a couple of people stopped in so it's clearly a factor in the community.

Trying Ottumwa's Canteen Lunch in the Alley

This little joint has it going on. Location, location, location seems to go out the window for these folks. The front door is on an alley downtown and a parking ramp has been built over and around them but they're still there.

Linda and I stepped inside and found the classic horseshoe shaped counter with over a dozen stools... nearly all filled! One of the three women running the joint pointed out a couple seats along the side and asked what we wanted on "it." Interesting to go somewhere that they know what you're there for. "It" is their truly tasty loose meat sandwich.

Practically by the time we'd settled on our stools, they were handing us our food. These three have it down. They cut the buns, slather the requested condiments, scoop up the meat, and do the fast food origami that holds it all together so smoothly that it was mesmerizing.

As I was about to finish my sandwich, the bun cutter asked if I'd like another; with marketing and product like that, I said "Sure!" and it was on the way.

The decor is not where they spend their money. I'm guessing many of the items were in place before the youngest of those working was born; it's just part of the experience. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Before we'd finished, the customers had completely turned over so there were plenty of watch. This place is a fixture and, in my opinion, well worth the stop.