Making Memories

Lake Panorama

Lake Panorama was the setting for my father-in-law's recent birthday. A beautiful private lake in central Iowa, the location is perfect for gathering the family together for special occasions. A friend of Jim's sister owns a condo on the lake, so most of the family stayed there. Jim and I slept at the local no-tell motel. It is nothing to write home about, but it is the only choice in the area. The bed and breakfast where we stayed a couple of years ago has since closed, sadly. I will give bonus points to the golf resort that owns the motel as they have striped one of the tennis courts for pickleball, so Jim and I were able to get a little play time in.

Both of Jim's sisters were able to make the trip this year, so all three kids were there. We had a wonderful time playing games, eating too much great food, going for boat rides and just sitting on the deck overlooking the lake. I just wish that our kids would have been able to come. It is a bit hard to get to from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Even for us it is a 7 hour drive.

Iowa State Capitol Building

When we left the lake Sunday afternoon, we drove to Des Moines to visit a fraternity brother of Jim's.  Steve was in our wedding, and Jim was in Steve and Ann's wedding (both of which took place 37 years ago!), and I am so happy that we have kept in contact with them throughout the years. Ann was out of town, but it was fun catching up with Steve. Monday morning we went to downtown Des Moines for a bit before heading out of town. I particularly wanted to see the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park (no relation to Pappa John's Pizza). A number of my Facebook friends from Des Moines have posted pictures of it, and I was eager to see the park first hand. It did not disappoint, and next time I am in Des Moines I want to go in the evening when the sculptures are lit. I should probably point out that Jim and I managed to forget every single camera that we own at home. Unbelievable! Thank goodness for smart phones with cameras!

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

As is evident from the photos, the sky was pretty threatening on Monday. The drive home from Des Moines was not the most pleasant we have ever experienced. While on Highway 163, which thankfully is four lane, the skies opened up. I have never driven in rain such as this. I pulled over on the shoulder multiple times, along with 75% of the rest of the drivers. The rain was coming down sideways, with little visibility. We finally drove out of that and were clear until just south of Hannibal where another downpour awaited us. We were pretty happy to get home in one piece. The bad drive could not negate the wonderful weekend we had visiting with family and friends though. It is all about making memories.