Granddaughter Skyla comes to Visit!

The afternoon of the 24th, granddaughter Skyla boarded a plane at Sea Tac in Seattle to make the flight to Omaha!  I was so excited when I'd heard from our daughter Jentry that Skyla wanted to visit!  The family lives on Camano Island, north of Seattle.  Her mother made the 75-mile drive south to Sea Tac through the usual heavy traffic.  It was a relief when Skyla texted, she was on the plane!  

I left home plenty early & at Eppley, stood in line for a guest pass that allowed me to be at the gate when she disembarked.  Since I didn't have a ticket per sea, I couldn't use my TSA pre pass & had to go through the usual security line.  Even so, I arrived at the gate in plenty of time.

9-25-25 Grammy & Skyla on the Bob Perry Pedestrian Bridge, Omaha, NE

I knew the bridge was just a short distance from Eppley, so after we took the shuttle to the Bronco, we Googled our way to a parking area.  It was my first time at the bridge & we really enjoyed the walk & views of the river.  We met another couple & exchanged a photo op.  The lady had flown in from Virginia & Skyla from Seattle.  Here we were, meeting in the middle of the country, over the middle of the Missouri River on the state boundary between NE & IA.  After our bridge walk, we had an early dinner at The Mattress Factory!

9-25-25 Skyla at Lake Manawa~

Skyla had tried Butch's e-bike, but it was too big for her.  Smokey, my analog bike fit her perfectly!  Watching her peddling along, standing up on the pedals, reminded me so much of when I was a kid climbing the hills of Boulder.  She was a trooper & even with the heat & bright sunshine we finished my usual 13+ mile loop!  Tastee Treat was next on our agenda!  We ordered two dinners to go. It was Skyla's first-time trying barbeque pulled chicken & hush puppies.  Of course we had dessert first!  Ice cream for the trip home!

I didn't take photos on the 26th.  Skyla wanted to help me with an outdoor project.  I had several small Ash trees in the marsh that needed to come out.  I used the small chain saw to cut them down & planned to cut them into short lengths.  There's an area across the creek where the bank is sliding, the perfect place to throw them.  Skyla grabbed one, gave a huge heave (Her Javelin throwing skills were on full display.) & it sailed over to the far side!  We ended up taking down seven trees!  

9-27 Skyla in front of the Adair County Courthouse, Greenfield, IA

The following morning, we dropped Finn off with Doris & were on our way to my hometown.  We parked just off the square. Skyla saw her great grandfather's name etched in the Veterans Memorial wall.  We shopped at Ed & Eva's; where Skyla found a super cute denim, handmade bag.  

We made the circuit of town, driving by the house my maternal grandmother lived in before moving to the farm, the house I lived in when I was only four, my paternal grandparents' home & the homes of my two best friends etc.  

We visited the Greenfield Cemetary & the graves of my parents & brother, paternal grandparents &  great grandmother.  Skyla is now the sixth generation to make this trek.  From Greenfield, we drove on toward Creston.  I turned onto the gravel road going out to my grandparents' farm where Skyla's mother spent a summer visiting, too.

The Fleming Farm~

We turned back to the main road & took another gravel road to Nevinville.  Just a wide spot in the road now, the town was bypassed when the train lines were built across the country.  My maternal grandmother went to school here & our family has had ties to the town for a very long time.  The church was where my maternal great-grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Skyla~

Every time we visit this area, I have to drive by the church.  Each time the deterioration has increased.  I find it so sad, to see this little country church with such historical significance go to ruin.  

Family plot~

We visited our family plot where Skyla's great, great grandparents & her great, great, great maternal grandparents are buried.  I hope she remembers & returns with her family someday.  I'd shown Skyla photos the evening before of our relatives so she would have a point of reference.

By the time we arrived in Creston, we were starving!  Pizza Ranch was our next stop.  Skyla had never had a dessert pizza!  The Staff made us a peach pizza & delivered it to our table hot out of the oven!

Our ride at Green Valley~

The final stop for the day was a bike ride at Green Valley State Park.  The temperature was in the 80's & Skyla isn't used to our blazing sunshine.  Her forearms were coloring red from our ride at Lake Manawa.  Not to be dissuaded though, we unloaded the bikes, wiped the gravel road dust off the seats & away we went.  It was a beautiful afternoon & is such a gorgeous place to ride.

Sunday the 28th, we arrived at Fontenelle Forest about noon.  Skyla's reservation at TreeRush Adventures was 12:30 p.m. She had three hours to do as many of the Adventure Courses as she wanted.  In the video Skyla is navigating through the most difficult challenge of the Osprey Course.  Skyla had done several of the courses when the family visited in 2023, but the courses are changed somewhat each season. I was amazed at how easy Skyla made it look, especially after seeing other's fall & dangle from their harness! 

Skyla cooking our dinner!

Skyla loves to cook; she doesn't get that from me!  We'd gone shopping for the ingredients needed for Eggplant Parmesan.  Even after spending three hours in the trees & expending a lot of energy, she still put together a wonderful dinner!  I told her it was the first time in forever I didn't have to be the one in the kitchen!

Skyla at Eppley

Monday, we were up early.  Skyla was packed & took her bags to the Bronco.  We dropped Finn off with Doris & left for Eppley in plenty of time.  We had to wait in line at the ticket counter for my guest pass.  Skyla had lunch before we went through security.

The little germanium makes it safely to WA!

I'd rooted one of my little red germaniums & potted it that morning for Skyla to take home. At security, the plant was taken & set off to the side.  After I went through, I mentioned to an agent it was ours. They took the pot & did several tests.  When it was returned to me, I asked what the tests were for & was told; "Explosives".  Over the years, I've made at least a couple trips carrying on small plants, but this was a first.

It seemed like a whirlwind visit, the days flew by so fast...  It was very hard to see Skyla leave...  She was the first of our little group of now four grandchildren, to visit on her own.  I'm so proud of the young woman she's becoming. She promised to come again & I will hold her to it!  

Union County Historical Village~

 As we were driving through Creston, a sign advertising a Quilt Show caught my eye.  I've always loved quilts, my Aunt & my Grandmother made some amazing quilts.  I have one cut out, but the challenge will be sewing the pieces for the squares!  Maybe some future cold winter I'll take on the task.

In the meantime, I love admiring the work of other skilled artisans.  Butch was game to check it out, before we started the drive home.  We followed the signs & ended up at McKinley Park.  This was the park my paternal Grandparents used to take us to - for the Fourth-of-July Fireworks show!  

A welcoming view~

The beautiful sight of handmade quilts blowing in the wind, welcomed us to the Union County Historical Village.  We'd seen & commented on the historic buildings during another trip here, but it had been winter & the village closed to the public.  

The beginning of our tour~

Wondering at the time, about all the buildings, now we had the opportunity to tour the small town & enjoy the beautiful display of stunning quilts.

We both love antiques & appreciate learning about the history of an area.  Of course I have a personal interest, having spent summers on my Grandparents farm, just north of Creston.

Built in 1896 by William Harris~

It was - an absolutely perfect early June day!  Temperatures in the mid-80's, a light breeze & fluffy white clouds moving overhead.  A local quilters group had been contacted by the volunteer's who manage the village & the idea was born for a quilt show.

Paper Pieced Quilt~

Quilts were displayed both inside the historic buildings & outside too.  The variety was as impressive as the sewing craftsmanship.

Print Shop ~

Inside the print shop, we were treated to seeing a Chandler & Price in operation!  The gentleman operating it, had just closed his shop in Creston & retired.  Now, he enjoys demonstrating his craft to visitors.

General Store~

The General Store, was full to the brim, of items that would have been in stock, back in the day.  

Denim & old jean pockets!

There was so much to look at & some great informational displays.   Easily worth several visits, we plan to return.

Spaulding Church~

Seeing the church above was a déjà vu moment for me.  It looked familiar, yet out of place?   As we walked in, Butch saw a plaque near the door.  Though out of it's original place now, this building had been moved from Spaulding, IA in 1970. 

Creston News Advisor, April 29, 1970

I had ridden Topsy to the small town of Spaulding, more than once in the early 1960's.  I remember when we found the little ghost town for the first time & riding past the church.  I'm so glad it's been saved from the ravages of time.

Another beautiful quilt~

Butch found the machine shed!  I didn't think I'd ever get him out of there!  One of the tractors was almost identical to the one he re-built at Agriland!   He realized the seat on his isn't right - because it's not the original. 

Butch, in the Seagrave Fire Truck~

The Fire Truck above was street worthy!  Butch would have been happy to have taken it for a spin!  :-)  Seeing the two-row planters & one row harvesters gave us both such an appreciation of the hard, backbreaking labor yesterday's farmers put into growing our crops!

Truly, a wonderful place to visit & gain perspective of SW Iowa's rural heritage~

Green Valley State Park~

 Saturday, Butch drove an activity, so we loaded our bikes & left for Creston, Sunday morning.  The drive over is always so pretty.  Rain was predicted, it was overcast & cool.  Once in town, we stopped for lunch, before driving to the family plot north of town.  From there, on to Greenfield, to put fresh artificial flowers on my parents, brother & paternal Grandparents headstones.  Always a sad time for me.

Back in Creston, we signed into our room before driving out to Green Valley State Park.  I'd looked online & discovered there was a bike trail at least part way around the lake.  It was just before 6 p.m. when we found a parking area.  

Ready to ride~

Signage wasn't explicit, as to just where the trail was.  Butch saw a concrete trail just across the road from where we'd parked.  It looked to me, like it was heading the wrong direction, but away we went!

The top of the first hill!

Well...  I need to amend that statement!  Away Butch went, gears clicking!  My poor leg - was cold out of the gate...  I also haven't had any practice on BIG hills!  I was all the way into my highest gear, flying downhill.  Then - when Breezy hit the steepest part of the climb...  Well, too late to shift...

Butch at the crest~

When I was done walking my bike up to the top, the view that greeted me, was not the one I wanted to see!  I'm used to gradual inclines, not monster hills!  I continued on though - the downhills were a blast!  I did my best, but ended by walking at least a third of the way up.

Thankfully, the trail ended at a gravel road.  There were two ladies walking & I asked if there was another trail around the lake?

Well, yes!  There was one, the other direction from where we'd left the Explorer.  Oh No...  Now I had to do the same thing all over again!  My poor knee & ankle, were just not up to the multiple rotations of the lower gears.

Butch waits as I catch up~

It was a stunning evening!  Cool, no wind & the park freshly mowed.  We rode by a stand of young Walnut trees, my favorites.

Breezy at the lake~

I had to stop for a photo...  The sky, with clouds moving in, reflecting on the water was amazing...

The trail dropped us off at a road, with a share the roads, bike sign.  We took the road & came to the sign below, where the trail continued.

Entrance~

My Garmin hadn't recorder the earlier part of the ride on the hills & I hadn't noticed until we were on the lake trail.  From when I'd turned it on, we'd gone just over three-miles.

Such a beautiful park~

We whizzed right along & found the campground, where the trail again disappeared?  We stopped to talk to the Ranger & ask where the trail continued.  It didn't, except for a grassy way not mowed.  He  asked how far we'd ridden?  When I told him about 4-miles, he knew we'd started from the spillway parking area.  Our only option, was to ride back the way we'd come.

Tree Swallow~

It was such a nice evening, the ride back would be beautiful too.  The campground was full!  A couple young boys came up on their bikes & I asked if I could get a tow?  Oh - for the energy of youth!

Connie on the Causeway~

There were a few fishermen out on the lake, but the park was overall, very quiet.  As we rounded a corner, Butch had stopped to see the family of Geese below.  

Canadian Geese ~

We finished the ride at just under 8-miles, not counting the Big hills!  

The very bottom is where we'd parked~

The road you can just see at the bottom of the image, goes to Creston.  It's gravel from the parking lot we'd found - at the end of the concrete.  As you can see, it's a big lake!  Really a fun ride too!

Greenfield ~

It seems every year now, when the holiday's come round - we make the drive over to Greenfield.  It's the seasonal shop local weekend.  Since we do what shopping we can locally in Glenwood, it seems only fair to give Greenfield business owners a small boost too.

Inside Kelly's Flowers~

Butch had an activity to drive on Sat. & worked Friday morning.  He called just as I was leaving for the Y, to say he'd be home in time for us to make the day-trip. It was a gray, drizzly day, but not as cold as it looked. We took Hwy 34 to Creston .

On our way through town, I wanted to stop at Kelly's Flowers.  Always so beautifully decorated for the holidays & with a wonderful assortment of poinsettias, wreaths & gift.  What I'd forgotten, was that they also serve food!  We stayed for lunch & I found a cute light-up cardinal canvas print for the cabin!

Vicker Welsh Pony Farm~

Going north on Hwy 25 toward Greenfield, I had to stop for a photo of the miniature team!  Sadly, the herd was dispersed in 2006 due to the owners failing health.

Beautiful old signage~

Just a short drive & we were in Greenfield. Our first stop is always Ed & Eva's.  Featuring art-work from Iowa artists, it's a great place to find unique gifts.

Butch at the door~

I always remind Butch of a reason I need to buy more garden art!  The metal & stone animals always draw my attention, as do the metal flowers.  Metal in Iowa works through the harsh extremes of hot summers & cold winters!

Looking out the display window at the Adair County Courthouse & Butch's Truck

The little owl, came home with us.  I've collected a few owls & he won't blow away either!  Another bonus to outdoor garden art of metal & rock.

Nutcracker Collection~

We made our way around the square, finding a few unusual gifts.  There's always a fresh selection every time we visit.  A variety of gift & antique shops that make small town shopping fun.   Just as we were walking back to the truck, a thunderstorm hit!  We stood under an awning, looking at the truck just across the street.

At Sherbondy's

The truck came with a remote starting system & Butch used it.  I told him - I have to wonder if by the time we are really old - he'll just be able to drive the truck to us by remote control!  We finally made a run for it - getting us & our packages in without getting totally drenched.  We ran out of the rain just a few miles out of town!

I did end up buying our yearly Poinsettia at Sherbondy's - they grow the most beautiful plants~

Creston ~

 The first few years of my life, we lived in Creston, just a few blocks from my Grandparents house.  By March of 1954, my parents decided to move to Boulder, CO.

First Home in Creston~

I missed my Grandparents & friends, but I did love our house in Boulder.  I had a playroom in the basement & we were just blocks from the foothills.  Even with trips every summer to visit, it wasn't long until we were moving back to Iowa in November of 1956.

First home in Boulder, winter 1954

 This time to live in Greenfield, where I started elementary school.

My fraternal Grandfather was quite a businessman & entrepreneur.  From the family stories I've heard & the paperwork I inherited from my father's collection, Grandpa Jim had an Auto Livery & Taxi company, a Portable Hammer Mill & owned real estate both in Iowa & Missouri.  In 1947 he sold a rooming house in Creston, for the new Union County Court House to be built.

Notice the phone number~

Court House

 While we were searching for the houses I'd lived in, we drove by the original Post Office & Court House.

Post Office, Creston

I was impressed with the grand scale of the building, built in 1901.  On the register of National Historic Places.

Beautiful columns~

We ended the day at the city park. The smell of the lilac's drifting through the air as sweet as honey & almost overwhelming.

Entrance to the City Park~

It was quiet, just the sound of a lawn mower breaking the early evening quiet. The fish were jumping, surprising Nika! A great blue Heron flew the length of the lake & settled up at the shallow end to find his dinner.

Summit Lake, Sunset~

 I remembered those fourth-of-July evenings when we'd bring our blankets, sparklers & wait for the fireworks show to begin.  So beautiful with the reflection on the water. Afterward, Grandpa Jim would take us all out for ice cream!  The lemon was my favorite!

Fishing, 1955

 I loved to fish, just not bait the hook!  Mom's photo above won a photo contest & was published in the Creston paper.

Back Home in Iowa~

 It's Good to be Home!  It's a great feeling to be able to say home & feel like Iowa - now - really is Home!  We both found ourselves yearning for the wide-open spaces by our last days in the Pacific Northwest.  I really had to laugh when Butch said he missed seeing out!  The exact feelings I'd expressed to him all those years ago, when I'd first arrived in his native state.  

Farah & me~   What 13 degrees Looks like :-)

 Our friends Linus & Kay were waiting for us at Eppley.  It was wonderful to see their smiling faces!  We'd returned to a mid-west of snow & cold.  Burr!  Did it ever feel cold!  To go from a couple weeks mostly in the 40's - to the low teens was a switch! 

Once in Glenwood, there was more snow on the ground, than we'd seen so far.  Butch had to plug in his truck - so we could go pick up Nika.  The big diesel engine was cold!  Nika had given up on us...
Her expression was one of total disbelief, almost shock, when we walked in Chelsea's door.  Chelsea said it took Nika four-days to warm up to her, but after that she settled in.  (Chelsea works for Rover.com & what a great service they provide.)  After a good run in the yard - she was back doing her little happy prance & all was forgiven.

Farah~

Today, I couldn't wait to get out to see Farah.  Margie had been a super friend, checking on her twice.  The second time, making the trip out to our storage to find Farah's winter blanket!  The drive to the farm was dicey - with the snow & ice on the roads.  Since the forecast temperature was to drop to -35 for a while - I'd been worried.  Thankfully, it didn't go that low, but negative teens was still way colder than anything Farah had ever experienced.  After all, it's only her second winter here.

World of white~

My brush pile really shows up - with all the snow.  I look back at photos of my grandparent's house in Creston, about 1952 & wonder if we'll get to see that kind of winter?

It's beautiful, crunchy & Cold!  At least all the white highlights the work I've done along the creek.  The thermals I bought on sale in Seaside are really coming in handy now!

Merlin's Ball~

I still have a couple posts I want to write about our trip, we enjoyed it so much!  But it's nice to be back!  Happy New Year!