OT--NW Iowa

Thank you for the kind thoughts and the messages. I really appreciated it. Now, for something completely different! I am in NW Iowa with my parents. I came along to do much of the driving, and I am having a wonderful time. My dad's 2 brothers, sister and BIL all live in the area, along with bunches of my cousins, most of whom I haven't seen in 20 years. Dad is having a fine time visiting with his brothers, we are staying at my aunt's house, and we are enjoying ourselves. The first night we were here, one of my cousins and his wife stopped by, and we had a nice visit. On Tuesday we had dinner at my uncle's house (he cooked!) and a different two of my cousins came by after supper and we had a nice visit. We talked for 3 or 4 hours! Yesterday we hit the dollar store and the thrift store in the morning and then went to a different cousin's house for tea, and her sister was also there. If you are counting, that is 5 of the ones that live in the area. Of course, there are more cousins that live farther away. Today we looked at some of my dad's childhood haunts and the cemetery where my grandparents and great-grandparents are buried. I did espy a quilting/needlework shop and picked up a DOW (days of the week) embroidery iron-on and a set of "feed sack" dish towels to embroider them on. Then we went to see the egg "factory" my uncle started, which is now run by his son and grandson. That always fascinates me. Tonight I hope to see my college room mate! A week full of renewing relationships. Pictures to follow.