New Bridge

 I grew up in Iowa Falls, Iowa and paid a visit today - there's a new bridge going up.

Green River

A Green River from the Princess Cafe in Iowa Falls, Iowa...a favorite of mine through the years, and years, and years...ok enough already with the years...

Sunset On Limestone Cliffs

Limestone Cliffs, Iowa Falls, IA

Spillway At The Iowa Falls, Iowa Dam

Calkins Nature Center

I visited Calkins Nature Center in Iowa Falls, Iowa yesterday working on an IFHS Class of 1969 Project.  I used a Neutral Density filter, really for the first time, since I was taking photographs in the middle of the day in harsh sunlight.  It softened the light a bit and kept a blue sky blue.

I didn't go inside the TeePee as it was 95 degrees outside with a humidity of at least that...  I have no idea what the heat index was but it had to be 1,000 (I exaggerate for effect).

Who Pulled the Plug?

They have lower the Iowa River in Iowa Falls to make some repairs on a sewer pipe which runs beneath the river. I guess it's easier if they drain the water first.
(Click on the photo to view a larger image).

More Fall Color

This is Estes Park in Iowa Falls, Iowa. I believe this might have been the peak for fall color - next - the browns of late fall - and then, oh no, the whites of winter... This 365 Project has 67 days left - then I'll have to ask myself whether or not I wish to do a second year 365 Project...

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Fall Refelected

The fall colors are reflected in the Veteran's Monument in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

(Click on the photo to vieew a larger image).

Virginia Harlan Hill

I had to attend a credit union meeting in Des Moines on Thursday and on the way home I felt an over-whelming urge to stop in Iowa Falls. We had to put my mother in Hospice a couple of weeks ago, and as I was returning to Waterloo I wasn't going to stop in Iowa Falls because I had a board meeting to attend - but I felt compelled to stop.

When I arrived at the nursing home I could tell that my mother was in her final stages. I sat with her about 10 minutes and then took her hand and told her it was ok to go. I told her to make sure to say hi to Uncle Oliver (he died 2 weeks ago), to Dad and to Jesus...she took one more breath and was gone.

I believe 4 things (1) there was Divine Intervention in my urge to visit Iowa Falls - God said, "Get your butt to Iowa Falls!!" - and I listened; (2) my Mother was waiting for me to tell her it was ok to go, and (3) there was a flock of people waiting to meet her in heaven and (4) my last words to her were, "Say hi to Jesus." And she promptly delivered the message. The care center, Heritage Care Center held a short bedside service and all of the nurses, CNAs and even the house cat Skat and Oreo the Dog attended. It is a moment etched in my mind forever.

We will be having her services on October 31^st - yes, Halloween. It's All Saints Day Eve and my mother loved to dress up for Halloween - in addition to my sister and I she raised several generations of kids and I sometimes think she enjoyed Halloween more than the kids. And, as my sister remembers she was always the first one to the door for the trick or treaters. So - next week as we celebrate the the life of my mother, Virgina Hill, remember her when the Ghosts, Goblins, princes and princesses come calln' at your house...

(Click on the collage to view a larger image - which are a collection of some of my favorite photos of my mother)

Iowa River Iowa Falls

One of my favorite views - the Iowa River at River Bend in Iowa Falls, Iowa. It was a cloudy day yesterday, but still a gorgeous view.


The Boat Club.
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Quiet Moment

A quiet moment along the Iowa River in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

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Moon Rise

The Moon rises above the Iowa River in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

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Old Pump

I visited the Calkins Nature Area in Iowa Falls, Iowa and noticed this old well pump. It's more than decorative as it still works.
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