Hoo Ray, Spring!

Although we had a very mild winter, it's always nice to see a Spring day.  As winter's grip loosens its strangle hold on the Midwest, March's warming trend brings wide swings in the weather.   Short periods of sub-freezing temperatures make warm sunny days like this even more special. After being cooped up inside all …

Greenhouse Gases

I was at Lauritzen Gardens the other day, checking out the new Conservatory when I felt a cold mist on the back of my neck.  The misters in the Four Seasons area of the Conservatory had just started, trying to simulate winter in the southeast part of the country.  Think Augusta, Georgia with azaleas, magnolias pansies and …

Going Home

I just returned from a week in Florida; I got home Saturday night, but my luggage didn't arrive until the next day.  Yeah, I found it in the snow the next morning. Sanibel Island is a gorgeous place this time of year, with sunny skies, tropical plants, and wind chill in the 80's.  My suitcase …

Giant Pinwheels

This is what I imagine whenever I see one of these majestic windmills out in the middle of a farmer's field, a giant pinwheel.  Look closely and you might see the wind hiding in a big puffy cloud.  I never get bored seeing these colossal wind machines spread across the Iowa farmland, but I know …

Corn Crib

This poor corn crib has survived one too many "bin busters", record yielding harvests.  But, with this year's record-setting drought throughout the Midwest, the corn cribs will likely be little used, let alone bursting at the seams. Thought for the Day:  The harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers are few.        Matthew …