EKjourney Backup

Amish country, big houses and barns, and very neat and orderly looking farms.  The Amish don't believe in having their pictures taken because they believe it to be a violation of the commandment of having no graven images so I was careful not to take any photos that were invasive or up close of people and I tried not to make a scene hanging out the van window with my camera.  But I sure wanted to! Public school in Amish country goes up to 8th grade.  They are small, one room (I think) school houses with outhouses. Amish teenagers playing volleyball in the park. Patiently gathering around the soda machine LOL.  Amish children are very well behaved from what I observed. A little boy with his cart and pony.

Getting to know Iowa!  Kelly was a great hostess and we did a good many things during our stay.  Iowa is....thunderstorms, lightning bugs, big horned worms, monarchs, ever changing and breathtaking skies, being with the best of friends, cottonwoods, wind, humidity, little old towns rich in history, farmhouses, crop dusters, painted quilts on barns, huge manicured lawns, Amish country, green, big eyed cicadas...just to name a few! After nearly two weeks in the car, the Kelly children were glad to see legos and play with friends! Look at me... ...I am cute! A tomato worm from the gardens. Monarchs, monarchs everywhere!  I don't think I have seen a single one here in Silverton.  I remember them from Southern Oregon but the milkweed that used to grow along the roadsides are sprayed down and the butterflies just don't come anymore.  There was milkweed growing wild all along the roads. Crocheting and knitting, there is something delightful about a gaggle of girls doin...