A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....06-15-05....Iowa ~ Our 29th State

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_bear, dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

We're
"On the Road Again"...

Please join "A Few of FR's Finest" as we make a cyber-visit to another state in this great Union of ours.

Over the past couple years each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state for the Finest Thread. The remaining states are being presented, about one a month, in random order. We hope you are enjoying these visits to our beautiful United States. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your Fine state. I would appreciate your ideas and suggestions on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states
we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama 06-27-03 Maryland 07-11-03 Vermont 07-25-03 Utah 08-05-03 Texas 08-22-03 Nevada 08-26-03 Wash DC 09-05-03 Tennessee 09-17-03 Florida 09-19-03 Minnesota 10-03-03 New Mexico 10-14-03 Georgia 10-17-03 Louisiana 10-22-03 Michigan 11-04-03 South Dakota 11-14-03 California

01-09-04 South Carolina 02-06-04 West Virginia 02-20-04 Oregon 03-09-04 Pennsylvania 03-30-04 Wyoming 04-13-04 Mississippi 04-27-04 Missouri 05-25-04 Indiana 07-21-04 Virginia 08-18-04 Colorado 09-29-04 Idaho 10-20-04 New Hampshire 12-07-04 Hawaii 02-09-05 Maine 03-09-05 North Carolina 04-13-05 Arizona

Today we are visiting beautiful
Iowa in the heartland of America,
and we salute all of our FR
patriots from this Fine state.

The Hawkeye State

"Our Liberties We Prize
and Our Rights We Will Maintain"


A Brief History of
Our 29th State

The first white men who saw Iowa were the French Jesuit Father Marquette and Louis Joliet, who on the 17th day of June, 1673, coming down the mouth of the Wisconsin River, discovered the Mississippi and faced the picturesque bluffs of the Iowa shore. The first landing on Iowa territory recorded by Father Marquette in his journal was near Montrose, in Lee County, where he had a peaceful and memorable meeting with the natives. One hundred and fifteen years passed away from the time of Father Marquette's discovery until the first white settlement was made within the limits of the state. In 1788 Julien Dubuque, a French Canadian trader, obtained from the Indians a grant of land, in which to mine for lead; it extended seven leagues along the west bank of the Mississippi and was three leagues in width, including the territory on which now stands the city of Dubuque. This grant was afterwards confirmed by Baron de Carondelet, the Spanish governor of the province of Louisiana, and the strip of land became known as the Mines of Spain. Here Dubuque, with ten other Canadians, and aided by the Indians, operated the mines until his death in 1810, when the whites were driven out. Dubuque was buried on the top of an isolated bluff just below the present limits of the city of Dubuque, and a large cross marked his grave for many years. This became a well-known landmark to river men on the upper Mississippi, and is mentioned in books of travel. In 1832, in the territory east of the Mississippi, occurred the war with the Indians known as the Black Hawk War. This resulted in a treaty, made in the same year, by which the Indians relinquished that part of Iowa known as the Black Hawk Purchase, containing six million acres of land, lying immediately west of the Mississippi River, about ninety miles in width, and north of the Missouri State line. Although this was not the first concession of territory in Iowa by the Indians, it was the first which opened any portion of the land for settlement by the whites. Settlements were made in 1833 at Dubuque and at other points near the Mississippi River. Within ten years the title to practically all of the state was secured by treaties with the Indians. Attracted by glowing accounts of the richness of the soil, immigrants came pouring in from the New England states, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Missouri, and other states.

In 1834 that part of the Louisiana Purchase now included in the State of Iowa was made a part of the Territory of Michigan; in 1836 it was attached to, and made a part of, the new Territory of Wisconsin, and in 1838 was established separately as the Territory of Iowa. On 28 December, 1846, it was admitted to the Union as the twenty-ninth State, being the fourth state created out of the Louisiana Purchase. In 1854 the first railroad was built from Davenport west, and railroad-building then extended rapidly. In the same year was passed a law, prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors which, with some changes, is still on the statute books. In 1857 the state adopted a revised Constitution which, with a few amendments, is still the law. The progress of the state was checked by the Civil War, at the close of which, however, immigration recommenced, and population and wealth increased. Although the population in 1860 was less than 700,000, the state furnished, during the Civil War, 75,519 volunteers.

Iowa's Capitol



During the over 150 years that Old Capitol has served Iowa as a seat of government and education, it has become a symbol of pride and excellence for The University of Iowa, Iowa City and the state. When Old Capitol's cornerstone was laid on Independence Day in 1840, Iowa City became the first "permanent" capital of Iowa, where the last four Iowa territorial legislatures met. In Old Capitol, Iowa made the transition to statehood. Here, the first governor was inaugurated, the first six Iowa general assemblies met, and the state's constitution--still the fundamental law of the state--was drafted. When the state government moved to Des Moines in 1857, Old Capitol was deeded to The University of Iowa and became the first building owned by the University.

The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, signifies the prodigious spirit of Iowa. Built between 1871 and 1886, this magnificent building represents, both inside and out, one of the nation's finest examples of 19th century architecture. Inside, the building features an array of majesty including many different types and colors of marble, works of art, fixtures and carvings in both wood and stone. One of the most commanding features of the building is the towering dome. The dome, constructed of steel and brick, is externally gilded with 23-karat gold leaf. A belvedere on top of the large dome features a golden lantern at the top. In addition, four smaller golden lanterns are each attached to copper-covered domes at every corner of the building. These four domes are decorated with vertical lines of intermittent gold, giving each a braided look. The state capitol is truly an impressive Iowa landmark. Each year the state capitol is visited not only by Iowans, but by people from all over the world. The capitol's golden dome can be seen for miles, symbolizing representative government for the citizens of the state.

Take a Tour of Iowa's Capitol Here




So, what is a "Caucus",
and why should we care about Iowa's?

What's a political caucus?

A caucus is a political meeting at the local precinct level during which delegates are selected to represent the sponsoring party at the county convention. County convention delegates, in turn, select delegates to the district, state and national conventions. The Democratic and Republican National Conventions then select their parties' nominees for President and Vice President, so the local caucus is the first step in nominating Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates for office.

Why are Iowa's caucuses so important?

Iowa's caucuses are important because they are the first to be held in the nation during each Presidential election cycle. They are the candidates' first opportunity to gauge their level of approval or popularity among voters.

• Ripley's Believe It or Not has dubbed Burlington's Snake Alley the most crooked street in the world.
   
• Dubuque is the state's oldest city.
   
• Spirit Lake is the largest glacier-made lake in the state.
   
• Imes Bridge is the oldest of Madison County's six bridges.
   
• Iowa's longest and highest bridge crosses Lake Red Rock.
   
• Elk Horn in the largest Danish settlement in the United States.
   
• At 16 miles, East Okoboji is the longest natural lake in the state.
   
• Kalona is the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi River.
   
• The Holliwell Bridge is the longest bridge in Madison County.
   
• Francis Drake was 66 years old at his inauguration and Iowa's oldest governor.
   
• Quaker Oats, in Cedar Rapids, is the largest cereal company in the world.
   
• The Saint Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville is the only basilica in the United States situated outside a major metropolitan area.
   
• Cornell College is the only school in the nation to have its entire campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
   
• A bronze life-sized sculpture of a Norwegian immigrant family (circa 1860) is located on a six acre restored prairie site located at the east entry to Lake Mills on Highway 105.
   
• Iowa's only operating antique carousel is located in the city of Story City.
   
• Iowa's only fire tower is situated in Yellow River State Forest.
   
• Herbert Hoover, a West Branch native, was the 31st president of the United States and the first one born west of the Mississippi.
   
• Mamie Doud Eisenhower's birthplace is located in Boone and includes a restored frame house, complete with summer kitchen and original furniture from the family.
   
• Van Meter is the hometown of baseball's Bob Feller, an Iowa farm boy who went on to greatness with the Cleveland Indians during the Golden Age of baseball.
   
• Born Donnabelle Mullenger in Denison, Oscar Award-winning actress, Donna Reed, started her career at the young age of 16.
   
• Glenn Miller, noted trombonist and orchestra leader, was born in Clarinda located in Southwest Iowa.
   
• The town of Fort Atkinson was the site of the only fort ever built by the U.S. government to protect one Indian tribe from another.
   
• Iowa is the only state whose east and west borders are 100% formed by water.
  Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
   
• The highest double track railroad bridge in the world, the Kate Shelley Bridge, is located at Boone.
   
• Iowa is the only state name that starts with two vowels.
   
• The famous actor John Wayne was born in Winterset on May 26, 1907.
   
• Iowa State University is the oldest land grant college in the U.S.A.
   
• Decorah hosts Nordic Fest a three-day celebration of Decorah's Scandinavian heritage.
   
• The National Balloon Museum in Indianola chronicles more than 200 years of ballooning history.
   

Winterset, Iowa, has never ranked with Acapulco and Aruba on any list of top tourist destinations.

''We're the breadbasket of the U.S. here,'' says Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Fuller. ''Most people relate to us as (having) cornfields, pigs and cows.''

But things changed in the farming town of 4,200 people - where the biggest claim to fame used to be John Wayne's birthplace - thanks to author Robert James Waller, actor/director Clint Eastwood, and a romantic little tale called ''The Bridges of Madison County.''


Before ''Bridges,'' published in 1992 and made into a movie by director Eastwood in 1995, Fuller expected about 10 visitors a week in her office, most of them there to see the first home of ''The Duke.''

In 1995, Fuller welcomed more than 30,000 people to the Madison County seat, sometimes as many as 500 in one day. The film created an instant cottage industry in the town. The covered bridges, which Eastwood's character is sent to photograph in the film, the farmhouse where actress Meryl Streep's character lived, and anywhere else remotely related to the film became instant tourist attractions.

''Iowa was not known as a tourism state,'' she said. ''When tourists got here, they were just amazed there are things to see in Iowa.'' ........By Doug Gross, Savannah Morning News

More information on
the bridges of Madison County.

Buffaloaf

2 lbs. ground Bison
1 1/2 pkg. soda crackers, finely chopped
1 egg
1/2 C milk
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt, Pepper, Garlic salt


Mix all the ingredients together and form into loaf. Bake at 275 - 300 F for approximately 1 hour. Serve on a platter with desired garnishes.

So, what's so special about Iowa?
Well, I can think of a couple things........

• Iowa rates SIXTH on the list of "Most Livable States, 2005"!

• The internationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair - "America's Favorite Fair" - annually attracts more than a million fun-lovers from around the world. Midwest Living magazine recently named the event one of the "Top 30 Things Every Midwesterner Should Experience." Last year's record-breaking Fair was named the #2 choice for summer fun in America by USA Weekend. This year's event promises 11 action-packed days of favorite foods, entertainment, competition and traditions August 11-21 in Des Moines.

I hope that our Iowa FReepers will stop by and tell us many more reasons why Iowa is a great place to call home!

And, last but not least, two thumbs up for the
University of Iowa's Fine athletic program!





The following websites provided information
and graphics for this presentation...

Iowa Fast Facts
The Bridges of Madison County
Decision Iowa
History of Old Capitol

03-29-05 ~ Hall of Fame #11

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 06-13-05 Military Monday 06-14-05 I Am Old Glory (Flag Day)

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

If you would like to be added to the Finest ping list, we would love to have you! Click -----> PLEASE ADD ME.
If you would like to be removed, click -----> PLEASE REMOVE ME.

[Mama_Bear]

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Aquamarine; DollyCali, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

Please keep these FReepers
and their loved ones in your prayers.

Maigrey...............................cousin ladtx......................................2 sons scubachick.......................husband gator girl..........................husband severa................husband, brother LBGA.........................................son Hostel...................................cousin SpookBrat..........................nephew Himyar......................................son boxerblues............................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza...............................husband kemathen7.......................husband Diver Dave..............nephew, niece deadhead.............................cousin JimRobinson................2 nephews Armymarinemom...............3 sons Darheel.................................niece dixie sass............................nephew BeAllYouCanBe.......................son AgThorn...............................2 sons kneezles.....................................son The Mayor..............................niece ValerieUSA...........................2 sons StarCMC............................brother TexKat........................son, stepson Spruce.............................daughter ODC-GIRL....................active duty Dubya.................................nephew Donaeus.............................nephew SunflowerGal.................grandson katykelly...................................son Repubmommy...................brother Lakeside...............................2 sons philman_36....................2 nephews Veloxherc.....................active duty mrstank............................husband WVNan........................friend's son american_ranger......................son AF_Blue........................active duty lula.................................son-in-law auboy....................................cousin jamaly.....................brother-in-law Leofl...........................................son wingnutx......................active duty chena.........................................son LakeLady............................nephew LUV W........................................son cjk.................................active duty misty4jc............................husband mhking................................cousin The Mayor.................friend’s son Bykrbayb...................................son Colorado Slim...................nephew sneakers...................................son ariamne...........................2 cousins nelibeli...............................nephew Alouette.....................................son CGblue..........................active duty bigghurtt........................active duty Palladin.............................grandson Skimask.....................................son Gonzo...........................friend's son Its_me_K.E.T.............................son Socratic................................nephew

OhioWfan.....................................son mystery-ak....................son, husband Gogrammy............................grandson Inspectorette..................................son Blessed American..................nephew Slip18......................................nephew anniegetyourgun...................nephew Pippin.......................niece’s husband Doug from Upland............son-in-law weldgophardline...........brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater.................cousin WaterDragon...............SIL,grandson BeforeISleep..................................son Consort...................2 daughters, SIL Warrior Nurse............. ...active duty SK1 Thurman.................active duty David Osborne.................active duty fc2tomschermuly.............active duty bkwells.............................active duty LongCut...........................active duty Trish.................................active duty LadyX..................................grandson fawn796..................................nephew Homeschoolmama................nephew Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend Atomic Conspiracy .......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy ....niece, nephew MozartLover...................son, nephew visualops...................................cousin thumperusn.......................active duty cookcounty.....................................son RoseinRoseBear....cousin’s husband Conspiracy Guy................2 nephews MrsMike31...........................husband Notwithstanding..............active duty Q6-God/twin brother.......active duty eaglesiniowa.................................son spotbust1...............................husband Don Simmons..................active duty bjcintennessee..................son, niece campfollower............................fiance Ladysmith......nephew, friend’s son Painter...................................nephew ProudAFDad................................son MontanaCowgirlCop...........brother Katydidnt.....................................son Old Sarge........................active duty tina07............son-in-law and friend Hope and Glory............................son Tapatio................................2 nephews ak_daddoo................................nephew SilentServiceCPOWife.....husband Walkenfree...2 G’sons, G’daughter Walkenfree......................3 nephews Zechariah_8_13.........brotherinlaw Zechariah_8_13....................cousin DirtyHarryY2K...................daughter DirtyHarryY2K...................soninlaw El Gato....................................nephew frankiep...........................active duty MississippyMuddy.................sister MississippyMuddy.........2 nephews kimmie7................................brother Kramster..............................stepson jkphoto..................................nephew

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[Dan Lacey]

Dolly invited me to post a cartoon now and then, so, here you go! This cartoon is from a few days ago, and is about the fight to keep the Mount Soledad National War Memorial in San Diego. The broader message of the cartoon is that those who try to destroy Christianity are bound to destroy themselves.
This is a very enjoyable, positive thread. God bless!
Dan

[Texagirl4W]

Good morning, Mama_Bear. You must have been working for weeks on this post. Will be back later for more. }:-}

[GailA]

Good morning ALL. Dennis' neice lives in Dubuque, Iowa.

[Iowa Granny]

Good Morning Mama Bear. Impressive research on our great state.

Here is a link to the Iowa Legislature's Home page. I'm providing it so everyone can see a color photo (small, tho it is) of our beautiful Capitol building.

http://www.legis.state.ia.us/

Anyone who has lots of time can spend hours snooping around this site.

Thank you for all your detailed work in creating this tribute to Iowa.

[snugs]

What a beautiful presentation it must have taken weeks to put together

[DollyCali]

I was going to just ping you to ask you to post this thread url on your state page okay? See you found us!!! Great state.. great people!

[DollyCali]

Well, Mr. Faithmouse!!! so good to see you here and thanks for posting one of your original works!

Didn't Lori do a great job in presenting Iowa? Not sure it will now be in contention to rival Las Vegas or NYC for tourism, but I would sure want to visit there & not just drive thru or fly over.

[The Mayor]

June 15, 2005

Working Wisely

Read:
John 9:1-11

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. —John 9:4

Bible In One Year: Song of Songs 5-8

In a photo on my wall, a rusted rake leans against a post in a vegetable garden overgrown with weeds. I took the picture several months after my father-in-law died and there was no one to care for his usually well-tended garden. One afternoon, he had leaned his rake against a post, walked to the house, and never returned.

The photo says two things to me about work: First, I must do it while I can. Second, I must keep it in perspective and not make it more important than it is. Because my days are numbered, I need God's wisdom to spend each one as I should.

When Jesus healed a man born blind, He told His disciples, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:4-5).

As Jesus labored in His Father's "garden" on earth, He demonstrated how to work wisely by having a balance between work and rest. He never valued productivity more than prayer, and He never became so preoccupied with a program that He failed to help people in need.

Lord, give us the wisdom to work faithfully while it is still day. —David McCasland

Lord, help me know from day to day
The good I should pursue;
And grant me wisdom to discern
The things I should not do. —D. De Haan

Work is a blessing when it blesses others.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
How Can I Find Satisfaction In My Work?

[DollyCali]

Oh My Lori, you have created a masterpiece. You truly did put a ton of work in this - not only the research but the lovely presentation. The gold makes me think of what I think about Iowa for.. grain... and then I note the state bird is primarily gold. I have just scanned it briefly now but am sending out now the link to my email list..

well, all I can say, is I am glad Dutchess is posting tomorrow NOT ME. Following Billie's Flag Day & Your Iowa Day would be very deflating for me!

Thank you Sistah.. I will be spending lots of time in the guts of the tread later.

IOWA IS FOR LOVERS !!!!

[Aquamarine]

Wow MB, this is one of your best State Posts ever!

I've never been to Iowa and this is probably as close as I'll ever come (although you never know). Very enjoyable cyber visit.

[Aquamarine]

Very nice work, welcome to The Finest!

Dolly is this the screen name we were to add to the ping list? You said faithmouse guy originally.

[FreeTheHostages]

Here's the calendar. I can't read it!, but it is someone apparently *not* working and enjoying a book. C'est la view.

[The Mayor]

Hi Free..My graphics are kinda screwy too. I am still trying to get my puter straightened out from the crash.

I love your calenders.

[newgeezer]

What a beautiful tribute to my home state. Thank you.

[DollyCali]

yes, I am sorry for confusion. My bad - All sistahs & Rus.. add Dan Lacey to the Ping list. Dan Lacey is the creator of Faithmouse.

[DollyCali]

Thanks for posting this on your state board. :-)

[The Mayor]

Okie Dokie! done..

[The Mayor]

Thanks Dan, I love your work.

[RushCrush]

WOW! That is amazing, thank you for all the work you put together for this thread! Iowa is a great state and very worthy of praise! Hello to all of you Iowa FReepers!Red State Forever!!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Morning, dollybear. : )

Your presentation of states is always soooo pretty. You must work your fuzzy little paws off gathering up the goodies for them : )

'Buffaloaf'

Coulda done without this. LOL

[RushCrush]

Iowa is a GREAT place to visit! This article is from the Sunday 6-12 edition of the travel section of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Book it to IOWA CITY

Nestled amid Midwest cornfields, thriving arts mecca attracts writers, book lovers - and hearty eaters Patti Ghezzi - Staff

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Iowa City, Iowa --- Flannery O'Connor famously honed her literary voice here, and aspiring writers have been traveling to this university town ever since.

From the Prairie Lights Bookstore to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, Iowa City has a bookish vibe that makes you feel like a writer even if your novel is stuffed in a desk drawer.

But this city of 62,000 is much more. It's picture-postcard farmhouses and cornfields amid a well-educated population and a bustling arts scene.

It's home to the University of Iowa, and one in four adults has an advanced degree. It's a serene, pretty place to escape the glow of the computer screen and rush-hour traffic. Walk, read, have a picnic, think and banter with friendly locals.

Every summer, aspiring writers make a pilgrimage to Iowa City for the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, a series of weeklong and weekend writing courses held at the university. Courses focus on poetry, fiction, memoir and other genres. Unlike the famed Iowa Writers' Workshop --- a selective and intensive program --- you don't need writing credentials to participate in the festival, just the registration fee ($475 for a weeklong course; $225 for a weekend session; this year's festival runs today through July 29). The festival attracts accountants, teachers, salespeople and homemakers. The 1,500 participants stay in dorms, hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.

The festival is about writing better; it's not a meet-and-greet with agents and publishers. Among the topics this summer: "Thickening the Plot with the Begged, Borrowed and Brainstormed," and "Advanced Novel: The Golden Triad of Revision."

Jennifer Cuthbertson, an Atlanta writer who works in communications for UPS, developed an immediate fondness for Iowa City when she took courses in children's writing and poetry.

"It's so walkable," she said. "It kind of reminded me of Athens, but more low key. At the cafes, they didn't care if you sat at a table and read a book all day."

In between reading and critiquing manuscripts, taking in lectures and conferring with instructors, there's time to take in the town.

The first stop for bibliophiles is Prairie Lights on Dubuque Street, a main artery in the shopping district. Prairie Lights embraces its independent-bookstore status by eschewing the wide open spaces found at chain stores and cramming the shelves full of books from best sellers to quirky novels by new writers.

The shop is known for its children's book section, which has Shel Silverstein classics alongside beautifully illustrated picture books, timely nonfiction titles ("The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq") and young adult novels. And, yes, customers can get on the waiting list for the next Harry Potter installment.

Owned by the chatty and knowledgeable Jim Harris, Prairie Lights hosts acclaimed authors, many with Midwestern roots, and holds readings live on public radio. Gish Jen ("Mona in the Promised Land"), Francine Prose ("Hunters and Gatherers") and Elizabeth Berg ("Range of Motion") made stops in recent months.

Around the corner on Iowa Avenue, writers with Iowa ties such as Tennessee Williams, John Irving and Kurt Vonnegut are represented by bronze plaques artfully imbedded in the sidewalk. Along with their names, you'll find quotations from their work, such as this gem from short story master Raymond Carver: Why don't you kids dance? he decided to say, and then he said it. "Why don't you dance?" "I don't think so," the boy said. "Go ahead," the man said. "It's my yard. You can dance if you want to."

Prairie Lights sells guides to the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk for $2.50.

The shopping district includes record stores, funky clothing shops, artsy-craftsy shops and galleries featuring ceramics, jewelry and other crafts, much of it by local artisans.

Explore the sprawling and shady university campus, anchored by the Old Capitol (Iowa City was once the state capital). Check out the University of Iowa Museum of Art, known for modern and African art, and Macbride Hall, where a natural history museum features stuffed mammals and birds.

The Iowa River runs through the campus, and its banks are ideal for a stroll, a picnic or a nap. A few miles away, Coralville Lake offers a look at fossils 375 million years old, the result of a 1993 flood that washed away soil and exposed an ancient sea floor. Visitors walk into the Devonian Fossil Gorge where huge, flat rocks are imbedded with fossils of ancient sea life. Some of the more detailed fossils are on display in the visitors' center, and Overlook Plaza captures the magnitude of the natural wonder.

For meals, Iowa City offers ethnic and vegetarian fare and seafood. The locals swear the beer and wine selection at John's Grocery, a family-owned corner store with a gourmet flair on East Market Street, is second-to-none.

The low-calorie lifestyle is not practiced in Iowa City, making it a fine place to enjoy a fried pork sandwich that stops just short of being too salty or too greasy. For dessert, try a moist slice of apple cake at the New Pioneer Co-op on South Van Buren Street.

True to its college-town identity, bars are about as plentiful as doctors of philosophy. Grab a beer at George's Buffet on East Market Street, where writer types go to imbibe.

The countryside outside Iowa City is dotted with cornfields and farmhouses. Head south 18 miles on Highway 1 to Kalona, a community that is home to Amish and Mennonites and known as the quilt capital of Iowa. The Woodin Wheel Antiques on B Avenue sells quilts of all sizes. Kalona Historical Village captures the Amish way of life through a restored church and "grandpa house," which shows how Amish care for the elderly.

About 30 miles west of Iowa City, the Amana Colonies cater to tourists in the authentic style. Amana people are German, but they are not Amish, so you won't see horse-drawn buggies. They do, however, make wine and German-style beer. Restaurants such as the Colony Inn serve meals of bratwurst and wiener schnitzel family-style.

Iowa City isn't bright lights, big city. But it's a relaxing place to go to get away from it all . . . and still find plenty to do.

IF YOU GO

Getting there

> Fly into the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, 20 miles north of Iowa City (connecting flights in Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Detroit and Chicago). Expect to pay about $375.

About the festival

> 2005 Iowa Summer Writing Festival: Sponsored by the University of Iowa Division of Continuing Education; weekend and weeklong workshops still available. 319-335-4160; www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/iswfest/html/welcome Where to stay

> The Sheraton Iowa City, 210 S. Dubuque St., is right on the Pedestrian Mall. Weekend rates run about $165 a night. 319-337-4058; www.sheraton.com/iowacity

> The Golden Haug, 527 E. Washington St., is a bed-and-breakfast run by Lila Haug, who cooks unusual, tasty breakfasts and knows the town well. Rates start at $100 a night. 319-354-4284; www.goldenhaug.com

> The Bostick Guest House, 115 N. Gilbert St., is popular among writers. Suites, spread over three neighboring houses, run $69 to $129 a week. 319-354-2453;

www.bostickhouse.com Information

> Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1-800-283-6592; www.iowacitycoralville.org.

[shempy]

I am in sunny Dubuque, Iowa myself! I love this city! Just last week Dubuque was ranked by USA Today as the most charming city in the midwest (whatever that means).

[DollyCali]

great post.. thanks for great contribution to thread. Nice to see you here. Well, I need to get busy. Truly a member of the PJ hadeen today.. and this is EASTERN TIME not. California time... sigh.

[Mama_Bear]

Good Wednesday morning to you, Aeronaut.

[Mama_Bear]

This is a very enjoyable, positive thread. God bless!

Thank you, for that and for the cartoon. It's a pleasure to meet another talented and creative FReeper.

I have added you to my Finest ping list. Hope to see you and your cartoons here often.

[Mama_Bear]

You must have been working for weeks on this post.

Well, in fact, I was. It shouldn't have taken anymore than a couple days, but on this one I did a little here and a little there, and was still working on it a half hour before I posted it. Seemed like it took me forever to get it finished. LOL

You have a great day down there in Texas. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Mornin' Gail. Always nice to have you join us here at the Finest. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you for all your detailed work in creating this tribute to Iowa.

Well, thank you for your compliment and for the Iowa State Legislature link.

I enjoyed learning about your state. It seems to be a great "all American" place to live and raise up a family.

[Mama_Bear]

What a beautiful presentation it must have taken weeks to put together

Thanks, snugs. Hope all is well in your little corner of the world.

[Mama_Bear]

You are such a tireless cheerleader for our thread, Dolly! Thank you so much for the life and energy you bring here. HUGS!

[Mama_Bear]

I would sure want to visit there & not just drive thru or fly over.

Me too! This happens every time I present a state. I want to go there and see for myself. Iowa seems like it is "the best of America", like the other heartland states - a great place to raise a family:-)

[dutchess]

Awesome job sistah!!!!! I alway thought of Iowa as boring....you make it look very inticing! And I just love the backgrounds and borders. Besides several "cardinal couples" our birdfeeders are full of goldfinches. I just love them!!!! Thanks again for a wonderful cybertour!!!! ((((lori)))) (sigh...off to another meeting...be back later)

[Mama_Bear]

Mornin' yer honor. Thanks for our Daily Devotional.

"Because my days are numbered, I need God's wisdom to spend each one as I should."

Amen to that.

[Billie]

Good morning, Finest, and hi, Lori - this is so pretty! Thanks for decorating the Finest with the best cyber tours of the whole USA! As one who's done two of these *most* time-consuming states (Texas and Hawail),I can appreciate all the work you do to gather, save, cut, paste, vignette, edit, edit, cut and then cut some more!

If you haven't visited the other states linked above, you should! As MamaBear mentioned, each of the hostesses has profiled her own state:

FreeTheHostages showcased her Washington DC ; Dansangel featured Florida ; Aquamarine brought us Georgia ; I did both Texas and Hawaii; and Dutchess gave us a tour of Michigan . MamaBear has done ALL the rest! They are all wonderful and unique!

[LadyX]

YO, MAMA!!

While we always know your presentations will be

-- - -

Well... I showed this to my friend, Gustav,
and his reaction was

and I, *LadyX* say "Double Wow!!"

=============================================

This man sez,
" Your artistic ability is exceeded only by your modesty..:))"

"We at FR truly appreciate you!"

[Mama_Bear]

Oh My Lori, you have created a masterpiece.

You are too kind. Thanks so much.

well, all I can say, is I am glad Dutchess is posting tomorrow NOT ME. Following Billie's Flag Day & Your Iowa Day would be very deflating for me!

Oh now, stop that! You have brought such vitality and energy to our thread with your posts and the threads you have created. Now I am wondering what we did without you. LOL.

IOWA IS FOR LOVERS !!!!

It is? I didn't know that. So is Virginia. But I guess just about any state is for lovers when one is in love. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Wow MB, this is one of your best State Posts ever!

Really? Well, thank you, (((((((((Sistah))))))))).

[LUV W]

"Let's work till Jesus comes--let's work..."

We need to do our physical work, but also the work of the Lord, and you do that every day by giving us The Word! Thank you!

I wish you would/could post that picture--it says so much about how transient life really is!

[DollyCali]

oh dear. Dutchess, I believe you & I are getting a strong "hint"...I note our state isn't done yet. Perhaps we can tackle it together. We seem to have similar work modes. so the night before we will be sending frantic messages back & forth as we begin our challenge.

:-0

[Mama_Bear]

Morning, dollybear. : )

Good morning to you!

Your presentation of states is always soooo pretty. You must work your fuzzy little paws off gathering up the goodies for them : )

Yeah, I did work my little paws off on this one, but that's only because I dragged it out for over three weeks trying to get it finished. I made a mountain out of what should have been a mole hill. LOL.

'Buffaloaf'..... Coulda done without this. LOL

That really does not sound good, does it? LOL!! I put that recipe in just for you. I KNEW you'd be commenting on it. Betcha no one tries that recipe. Where does one get Bison meat, anyway? LOL

I know you've been a bit under the weather, so here's a get well smoooooch. Hope you feel better real soon.

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for bringing us our calendar page. What a charming little picture!

[LUV W]

Thanks for your beautiful presentation of the state of Iowa! I learned more about that state than I ever learned in school!.....beautiful pledge, too!

[DollyCali]

off to bike.. Later FRiends...

[Mama_Bear]

What a beautiful tribute to my home state. Thank you.

Thanks. I am pleased to see some Iowans stopping by today, and I truly do appreciate the heads up about the factual error on the river bordering Iowa.

"Iowa is the only state whose east and west borders are 100% formed by water. Missouri and Mississippi rivers."

The correction being: The northern section of the western border is formed by the Big Sioux river, which empties into the Missouri.

[Mama_Bear]

WOW! That is amazing, thank you for all the work you put together for this thread! Iowa is a great state and very worthy of praise! Hello to all of you Iowa FReepers!Red State Forever!!

I am so pleased you liked it. I don't think I have even been to Iowa. If I have been there, it was just to drive through many years ago. It does seem like a great place. It must be to rank sixth on the list of the best states in which to live.

[Mama_Bear]

This article is from the Sunday 6-12 edition of the travel section of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Thanks for bringing this! This is exactly what I hope that the FReepers will do when I post their home state. I can't possibly cover everything about a state, so I depend upon the native FReepers to fill in the blanks. Which is what you just did!

It's picture-postcard farmhouses and cornfields amid a well-educated population and a bustling arts scene........Iowa City isn't bright lights, big city. But it's a relaxing place to go to get away from it all . . . and still find plenty to do.

Well, you've convinced me. Sounds like a great place to visit! :-)

I appreciate your contribution.