Category Archives: Iowa

July 22, 2013 · 2:43 pm

NPR reporters ride RAGBRAI and my last minute bike repair!

naylorb:</p> <p>Some Aloha spirit in Iowa.<br />

naylorb:

Some Aloha spirit in Iowa.

Join 3 NPR reporters as they explore the Iowa they didn’t see on the presidential trail.

Don Gonyea, Scott Horsley and Brian Naylor will tour the state by bike this time around, as part of the Des Moines Register’s 41st Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI.

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FUN to see three NPR political reporters from Washington on Ragbrai this week as part of the cleverly-named No Pie Refused team!! http://www.desmoinesregister.com/VideoNetwork/2557490429001/NPR-s-No-Pie-Refused-trio-rides-RAGBRAI-XLI.

They’re blogging about the adventure – of course and posting some classic RAGBRAI photos. see: http://returntoiowa.tumblr.com/?ft=1&f=2,5,1013,1014,1016,1017,1134,1929301

We ended up riding in the rain (there was a boom of thunder as we set off) yesterday so I could get in one pre-RAGBRAI ride after three weeks away from serious bike riding. Unfortunately I had a little mishap that now requires a last minute bike repair job before I ride RAGBRAI tomorrow. This is not the the best time to be taking my bike into the shop – the bike stores here are stressed, to say the least, not only because they have mechanics along the RAGBRAI route but because the whole shebang comes o Des Moines tomorrow. But they promise to have my bike repaired (I need a new rear wheel rim) by the end of today. Here’s hoping – otherwise I’ll use my husband’s bike.

We’re lucky our mishap didn’t lead to serious injuries. My tire got caught in a slick rut along the Great Western Trail (that trail is getting a tad old and the makeshift repairs to the asphalt – black tar poured into cracks – are themselves a danger, especially in wet weather). My bike tipped over  but somehow I managed to right it and not hit the pavement. We didn’t realize until later that the bike got banged up in the process. Poor D, who was riding behind me, wasn’t as lucky. He braked to avoid crashing into me and fell, landing on his chest on the asphalt. He got a few cuts and bruises but professed to be okay. Scary.

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July 21, 2013 · 2:45 pm

Getting excited for RAGBRAI ride

 

It’s hard not to feel the excitement about RAGBRAI this year, which begins today in western Iowa – – especially since the whole city of Des Moines, where I live, is gearing up for the arrival of thousands of riders here on Tuesday (the route, which changes every year, goes through DSM for the first time in ages this year!). There are all sorts of parties, concerts, food vendors, residents readying for the big event!

And our friends in Windsor Heights (a DSM suburb) are among many who are opening their homes to host a few riders – and those riders  will definitely luck out. They’ll get a fantastic outdoor pool, beautifully landscaped yard, drinks, meals and meet two of the nicest Iowans ever (and that’s saying a lot)! Just heard from a friend in Ames who needs a place to stay – and even more important “a real shower” during the Des Moines overnight so looks like we’ll be squeezing some more people into our house. (We’re already hosting an Israeli exchange student as of today for several weeks).  The more the merrier.

I just pulled out the stuff from my official RAGBRAI packet (this is the first year I’ve gone legit and paid to ride for two days, rather than just hoping on the ride for a day as I did two years ago) and I’ve got various wristbands and bike tags. Cannot wait!!

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June 21, 2013 · 7:46 pm

Thoughts on leaving…

Clockwise:Charlottenburg Palace, Fernsehturm Berlin, Reichstag building, Berlin Cathedral, Alte

So as I’m rushing around trying to do all the last-minute errands  and tie up  work projects before leaving on a three-week trip to Berlin and beyond, I find myself feeling surprisingly sentimental about the calm, comfortable, everyday life I’m shelving briefly. Maybe that’s an unexpected bonus of travel, suddenly appreciating what you’re leaving behind and will soon return to!

Des Moines, Iowa
—  City  —
City of Des Moines

Clockwise from top: 801 Grand (Principal Financial Group), Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Kruidenier Trail bridge, and the Iowa State Capitol

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June 18, 2013 · 10:55 pm

At HoQ in Des Moines – fab soup, so-so quasadillas, odd service

HoQ restaurant - Des Moines, IA

HoQ restaurant 303 E 5th Street, Des Moines, IA. (515) 244-1213

I finally got around to trying HoQ, a new restaurant in Des Moines’ East Village and it was pretty good. A friend and I had a late lunch – around 1:30 p.m. on a weekday and were the only people there. The waiter was a little odd, the interior a bit stark but attractive. I had delicious asparagus bisque. My friend found her chicken quasadillas (or was it a burrito?) pretty ordinary. I’d try it again.

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June 7, 2013 · 11:02 pm

More excitement for the real Madison County (Iowa) – book, film, now Broadway musical!

Outside the revamped Northside Cafe in Winterset, Iowa

Outside the revamped Northside Cafe in Winterset, Iowa

Madison County Iowa and it’s famous covered bridges may soon see a resurgence of tourists thanks to the soon to be Broadway Musical based on Robert James Waller’s “Bridges of Madison County” novel.  The musical is debuting this summer at the famous theater festival in beautiful Williamstown, Massachusetts.

After the novel and then the movie came out in 1995 – which was filmed on location in Iowa with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, no less – people flocked to the area to visit the bridges. I took at least one English friend besotted with the novel to tour the area back in the mid 1990’s. If and when visitors return, they’ll find some added attractions and improvements in the county seat of Winterset – including the Northside Cafe, the old small town cafe that was used as a film location for the movie and is under new ownership with the same charm but much better food! There’s also some nice shops around the square and an English-style maze in the local park. And there’s a big move afoot to revamp the John Wayne Birthplace/museum  – a humble little white house (see photo below)- into a mega-John Wayne Museum.NYTimes story on Bridges of Madison County on Broadway!

Image

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June 5, 2013 · 4:33 pm

Earth-shaking art with Artquake at the Firehouse, courtesy of the DSM Social Club

We will be out of town for this event but it sounds like fun – and a good way to get a look at the new headquarters of the Des Moines Social club in the way cool old Art Deco firehouse downtown. Artquake is June 27 “featuring an explosion of local art and music.” Better than an earthquake! More details below and on the…Des Moines Social Club website

Des Moines Social Club announces Artquake, June 27 at the Firehouse

DES MOINES (June 4, 2013) – Art. Music. Illumination. Party. The Des Moines Social Club (DMSC) is proud to present Artquake, a party featuring an explosion of local art and music at the Firehouse, on Thursday, June 27 from 6-10pm. For one night, DMSC will transform the courtyard of their new home at the Firehouse into an interactive gallery to illuminate the artists and musicians creating right here in Des Moines.

Artquake will feature performances by Satellite State, D*ckweed and Tires, plus installations and live art by Van Holmgren, Asphate Woodhavet (Maxilla Blue), Body by Svec, Rachel Buse, Joe Crimmings, Lucas Moser, and Mickey Davis. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact and participate in light painting, screen printing, stenciling and painting a collaborative mural. An extravagant illuminated light art show will accompany the music performances, setting the stage of a truly unique experience.

About the Music

Tires will headline Artquake with their energetic, danceable electronic/instrumental rock. The band has consisted of Phillip Young on guitar and electronic sound manipulations and Jordan Mayland on drums and synthesizers since its formation in 2011. Chris Marshall joined the fray as a full time member in 2012, freeing the band to round out Tires’ massive wall of sound with more deliberate focus.

D*ckweed, a new Des Moines alt-country band, will make their debut performance at Artquake. This “supergroup” features a strong lineup of Des Moines talent including Bob Nastonavich, (Pavement), Patrick Tape Fleming (Poison Control Center, Gloom Balloon), Eric Moffitt (Wolves in the Attic, Mantis Pincers), and Trent Derby (Wolves in the Attic, Volcano Boys).

Satellite State, a rock group featuring local high school students that are most well known for playing in Poison Control Center, will round out the Artquake music lineup. With influences of Wavves, Quasi, and WAXEATER, Satellite State make a rock band what it is: distorted guitar and bass, lyrics about girl(s), dorky drunk fills, and hot men!

About the Art

Local artists will showcase the process of creation to Artquake featuring:

– Van Holmgren – live painting of 3D wood piece

– Asphate Woodhavet (Maxilla Blue) – live graffiti

– Joe Crimmings and Lucas Moser – interactive light painting installation

– Mickey Davis – interactive video installaion

– Emily Svec – live Body By Svec body painting

– More to be announced

Artquake

Thursday, June 27

Doors: 6:00pm, Show: 7:00pm-10:00pm

6-10pm

$5 at the door

All Ages

http://desmoinessocialclub.org/artquake
About the Des Moines Social Club

The Des Moines Social Club is a non-profit organization that provides thought-provoking theater, classes for people of all ages, promotion for local artists, and a recruiting tool for the many businesses in Downtown Des Moines. The organization’s vision is to build premier arts institutions that foster social change and revitalize cities. The Des Moines Social Club formed in 2007 and is currently located at 400 Walnut Street. Learn more athttp://desmoinessocialclub.org.

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June 4, 2013 · 10:36 pm

More Central Iowa cycling news: gnats on Neal Smith trail, BRAMCO ride Sat. in Madison County

So the good news is the Neal Smith trail from downtown toward Saylorville is largely open and not flooded (although word has it the area around the Saylorville marina is closed due to flooding). But my husband, who rode it yesterday, reports there are  lots of gnats. So ride with your mouth shut and wear glasses or goggles.  Meanwhile, there’s a good training ride for RAGBRAI riders (and anyone else) this weekend just southwest of Des Moines – – The 17th annual BRAMCO Ride (Bicycle Ride Across Madison County) is on Saturday. The weather forecast – of great pertinence especially this rainy spring/summer – is for temps in the 70s and a 20 percent chance of rain. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the North shelter in Winterset. (Not sure where that is.) The ride starts at 9 a.m. and costs $30. Riders have a choice of two loops – the 45 mile and 60 mile. All paved. Promises to be hilly!Snack and sag wagon provided.  For more info see: the Madison County Cycle Club website Madison County Cycle Club website.

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June 1, 2013 · 8:03 pm

Weekend away: Farm bounty in southwest Iowa

The Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center includes a community-supported agriculture garden, managed by Sarah Costa, above. Great photo by my friend Gary Fandel at the Iowa Farm Bureau!

Check out the story I wrote that appears in tomorrow’s Minneapolis Star Tribune Travel section on what to do and see in beautiful Adair Count, Iowa – including a pristine old farmstead and good farm-to-table restaurant at the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center, historically preserved buildings in Greenfield Iowa, a way cool museum with lots of vintage airplanes and a big rock along a country road painted each year with a new memorial honoring U.S. military vets. Star Tribune story on Greenfield Iowa

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May 30, 2013 · 1:24 pm

Iowa hinterland food scene on the move! latest Iowa Best Bite winner in Oskaloosa.

Chef Pam Oldes plates salads for the 2012 Best Bite Restaurant Challenge in Grinnell.
Chef Pam Oldes plates salads for the 2012 Best Bite Restaurant Challenge in Grinnell. / David Purdy/The Register

For those of us looking for good places to eat in the Iowa hinterland, there’s more good news from the organizers of the Iowa Best Bite contest – the winner of the second contest was chosen and will open a new restaurant in Oskaloosa called On the Green. DMRegister article about On The Green in Oskaloosa The first winner opened her restaurant Prairie Canary in Grinnell last fall and it’s a great addition to the restaurant scene not only in Grinnell but Iowa. I like that both winning chefs are women – although this appears to be just a coincidence.

One of the firms that organizes these contests told me that other Iowa cities are now lining up to host the third contest, two cities – as yet named – in particular are eager. Bring it on!

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May 21, 2013 · 1:54 am

Dark stormy night in Iowa/memories of Moore, Oklahoma and twister

Another dark and stormy night in Iowa after a surprisingly sunny day. The same weather as yesterday when a storm suddenly darkened the sky and tornados touched down near Des Moines. Fortunately no loss of life or serious damage reported. Unlike Moore Oklahoma where a tornado struck yesterday, killing 10 people. We stayed at a hotel in Moore in 2007 when we were attending my stepdaughter’s graduation from the u of Oklahoma in Norman. Even back then Moore was recovering from a 1999 tornado.

The weather was clear that day. But not four years earlier in Oklahoma City when we attended my stepdaughter’s high school graduation during a a tornado warning. And we were sitting outside on metal bleachers in a football stadium. The tornados had technically passed by graduation time but we still got rained on.

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