2021 Holiday 

to the Holy Land

(aka) Iowa

Today, 21 November 2021 which is two months after the end of this Holiday I will start to relate the events and include where appropriate a few pictures to show that a Wonderful time was had by all.  This Holiday started on 1 September 2021.

We departed our Home early enough that we thought we would have a wonderful Breakfast at "O.K. Cafe" on the Nortwest side of Atlanta.  We traveled through Atlanta in the HOV lane and were diverted at the North end of the I-75 and I-85 interchange just North of what was formerly the location of the Varsity.  The HOV Lanes were closed wo se traveled Northeast on I-85 to Spaghetti Junction where we transitioned to the Loop on I-85 Westbound to I-75 North of Atlanta.  Of course this prevented us from enjoying breakfast at the O.K. Cafe which would have required us to backtrack which we decided not to do.  This caused us to enjoy Breakfast at a Cracker Barrel somewhere in North Georgia.  The travel for the balance of the day was uneventful.  However My Bride used her Phone to learn that a fiery automobile wreck in Atlanta was the cause of the HOV shutdown.  We were able to press on to Terre Haute, Indiana where we sought refuge for the night at a well regarded Hotel Chain known as "Holiday Inn Express and Suites" at 2645 South Joe Fox Street.  This was the second challenge of the Holiday.  I soon discovered that this Hotel Chain had hired a person or persons unknown to me to run down the Halls on various Levels to slam doors to keep the Guest annoyed.  Note to Self:  If I ever check into this Hotel at this location again I will ask for "ear Plugs."  Future Problem/s solved.  After a Hotel Breakfast (provided in the rate structure) we set off for the adventures of Day Two - 2 September!

The equipment in our Car had the automated "Tire Pressure" light/s and we had a problem.  We searched for a fuel station that had an Air Pump and found one that had an automated Air Replacement System (ARS) for the sum of $2.00.  Again Problem Solved.  We arrived in Northeast Iowa the location of My Birth many years ago and were content with the travels after My Bride stopped at the "Farm Toy Outlet" in Dyersville to commence Her 2021 Christmas Shopping for some of the Little People in our lives.  

The next stop involved the famed "Field of Dreams" which we have visited many times.  

After this stop it was a few miles North to Monona, Iowa where we stopped for the evening and a few more days until My Sister tired of us and we would move on.  We enjoyed a Wonderful Evening in St. Olaf, Iowa.  I had previously heard of the famous "Pork Tenderloin Sandwich" that was available at the St. Olaf Tavern so I had to take up the challenge of enjoying this one-pound Tenderloin on a normal size bun.  It was great.  In as much as I was not the designated driver I also consumed and appreciated two Iowa Mixed/Poured Margaritas.

Four Pictures from the St. Olaf Tavern.

3 September - Day Three.  After a soothing night of sleep at My Sister's Bed and Breakfast - Again She was the Designated Driver we set out for Decorah Iowa and the Home of "Toppling Goliath Brewing Company" to meet Her Daughter and My God Daughter since 1972.  

"Toppling Goliath" was founded in 2009 and has a Reputation among Beer Lovers everywhere.  

When we arrived My God Daughter was already there and we went in to see what this place was all about.

Once we were seated, which did not take long I could not make up my mind as to what I should consume.  I selected a Flight of Five as you can see here.  Here is a close up of my five selections:

We also enjoyed Pizza which paired well with the Beer selections offered!

As we enjoyed the Pizza and Beer I was asked which one I appreciated the most!   I responded by stating "Intergalactic Warrior" which is an India Pale Ale.  As we departed I was presented a pack of this Beer.  Thank You!!!!!

4 September - Day Four.  We planned this Holiday to Iowa once we received an Invitation to the Tenth Anniversary Invitation to a Party Honoring My Nephew and His Bride.  This was a Saturday and the day set aside for the Party, which was a Garden Party, at the Home of the Nephew when He was a Child and His Dad, My Sibling Brother.  This is the Farm Home where My Siblings and I enjoyed Our Youth as Wonderful "Farm Kids."  This Nephew is also the "God-Son" of My Bride so we both considered it important to be in Iowa for this Garden Party.  The food and beverages, Mild and Adult beverages were in abundant supply.  My Brother took great pride in having the "Iowa Bootlegger Special 'Templeton Rye'" available for me to enjoy and appreciate, which I did.  Once again, I was not the designated Driver.  Here are a few pictures from this Garden Party.

The Siblings!

The Sisters!

The Siblings shown with some significant others.

Unfortunately for us who remain, some have passed on to 

Better Gardens!!

5 September. Day Five.  This was a Sunday and My Bride and I attended Worship Services with our Host, My Sister and also the Designated Driver I have discussed earlier.

This congregation meets at 8:30 A.M. each Sunday!  After the Service we participated in the Fellowship of Worshippers and I was able to once again discuss Farming with the Young Man who rents My Sister's Corn and Bean acreage.  He is the Nephew of one of Her deceased Husband's Family.  

We then traveled to Guttenberg, Iowa to Worship at 12:30 P,M. at the Church where I was a Young Lutheran many years ago.  Of course we took a few pictures.  This one is across the street and is a Monument to Honor and also Memoralize the Local Heroes who have served our Great Nation.

We also visited the Memorial Park in Monona, Iowa that also Honors our Nation's Heroes.  This Park, like the one in Guttenberg was developed entirely with private donations.

On Sunday evening we gathered at the Home of one of My other Sisters and Her Husband for an evening of Fellowship and Pizza.  One would think we were Italians but we did descent from German stock however we all appreciate great food and beverages!!!

6 September - Day Six.  Labor Day found Alan relaxing while My Bride and My Sister performed retail therapy.  I conducted a Photo Shoot in the Lovely Gardens surrounding My Sister's County Home.

I believe that each of us inherited our love for flowers and lovely shrubs from out Mom, who always had lovely flowers.  She often placed arrangements from Her Gardens in the Church which we all attended in Guttenberg.  I must also state that with at least four feet of rich Iowa topsoil growing Flowers is not the demanding challenge that faces other Gardeners in other parts of the USA.

We concluded Labor Day Events with a lovely Dinner at the "Clayton Lighthouse" which is on the banks of the Mississippi River in Clayton, Iowa.  Clayton, Iowa is the location of my birth, although it was at a Farm Home near Clayton.  Here again I enjoyed a Margarita!!   This concluded Day Six!

 

"Three Concerns"

Build Back Better

Two Sided Information

Critical Race Theory

Many Years  ago My Dad gifted me with this board.  The reverse side clearly states "Board of Education!"  I am suggesting that this device may be appropriate for use at all levels of our Government here in the United States of America.

28 October 2021 - Our President presented a Speech to the Citizens of the U.S.A.  I am confident that may peoples around the world also watched and listened.  My summary of this Event is:

I watched Our President's Death With Dignity Speech! Unless I missed it he did not mention the fact that over 20 Heroes/Military Veterans take their lives each day here in the USA. Also, I did near him mention the 13 Heroes who recently were murdered in Afghanistan a few weeks ago during the poorly planned/executed departure from Afghanistan!!

 

I continue to be amazed that so many of our educators and elected leaders feel that our current President is saving the USA!!!  

27 October 2021 - I Published via E-Mail and also Facebook seeking an answer:

A Friend of Mine has asked me to find out.  They have no internet connection by their own choice!!

I just posted this on FaceBook, however I desire to expand the potential to learn the real answer.

I am asking this for a Friend.  Was our current White House Press Secretary a Scholar that was part of the Test and Evaluation of “The Common Core” Curriculum?  Or was she educated by a System that used The Common Core Curriculum?  Admittedly I do not know her age, however My research indicates that this system was established in 2008 and eventually adopted by a plethora of States in the 2010 time frame.

If this is the case My Friend appreciates why we have so much double talk from the current Press Secretary!

When I entered Common Core Education in My search engine this is what I first saw, so the answer to the question may be resolved.

28 October 2021:   For several days I have been composing a post regarding "Critical Race Theory" (CRT).  I have watched the news and listened to the concerns of parents who have become quite concerned at their respective School Board Meetings concerning CRT.  It has now reached the point that our USA Department of Justice has determined that these very concerned "Parents/Concerned Citizens" are considered Terrorist and the Attorney General has tasked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to check these Citizens out to appropriately even arrest them.  I can appreciate our Attorney General's concern, however I have learned this his own child has married a "Citizen" who is promoting the teaching of "Critical Race Theory" to our Children.  So now it becomes a "family issue."  The Attorney General may be ready to be an empty nester with his significant other and he does not desire to have the married daughter come back home.  So he is doing everything possible to insure that his married daughter can be supported in an appropriate manner by the very person who is working hard to promote "Critical Race Theory" to all of our Students that attend Public Schools.  Makes sense to me.  However I suggest that this is surely a conflict of interest on the part of the Attorney General who may be looking forward to his own retirement with the burden of supporting the married daughter should her Spouse become unemployed!  

I am shocked that our Government is now overlooking the basic concept of governing a Republic!!  From My point of view, many are merely serving their own personal interest.

So, I am suggesting that the Board of Education by employed with "Care" as displayed in the picture at the beginning of this post!  Thank You!

 

2021 Major League Baseball

National League Pennant Race

23 October 2021

Game Six

Truist Park

Atlanta, Georgia

My Son and I hosted His Son to this dramatic game which the Atlanta Braves won over the Dodgers with a score of 4 to 2.

30 Years ago I hosted My Son to a Major League Play Off game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburg, PA.  The was game seven and the Braves won and then traveled to the Twin Cities for the World Series.  The Twins were the World Series Winners in 1991.  

The first game of the 2021 World Series will be played on 26 October 2021 in Houston, Texas.  

Here is a series of pictures from the Play Off game we attended on Saturday, October 23, 2021

The following pictures were taken by My Son as we three boys enjoyed a "Boys Night Out" watching the Braves Win over the Dodgers with a score of 4 to 2!!

We did arrive early enough to enjoy a fine meal at "Gardens and Guns" at the Battery which was hosted by My Son!!!  Summary a wonderful day.  

 

Fall Planting

Cooler Days and the need for some Fall Color around the House and the availability of appropriate plants caused this series of plantings on 12 October 2021.

Ornamental Peppers - from left to right:   Sangria/Sedona Sun/Zamora Red/Sedona Sun/Sangria.  This Planter was placed on the table so we could enjoy morning coffee and other meals.  The Ornamental Peppers were purchased at Ace Hardware and the Planter was aeuired at Lowe's.

Zinnias and Mums placed in pots for the front entrance!  These plants were purchased at Mossy Corners near Smarr, Georgia!!

The planting in the two urns was accomplished in May and includes Ruby Slipper Coleus and "Orange Rocket" Barberry - Berberis thunbergil.  The plants identified in the urns were purchased at "Goodness Grows" in Lexington, Georgia!!!

To finish this Post I will also show the 13 Autumn  Ferns that were planted much earlier this year.  They  have flourished.  I purchased the quart size and the size indicates that they have grown well!!  Proof that plants do grow well and considerable sums of funds can be achieved by being willing to wait for the plant to flourish!!  The ferns were purchased at Site One on Thomaston Road in Macon, Georgia!

 

"We All Have Choices"

Each day in our own respective lives we all have choices!!!

Or in the case of a Georgia Prisoner whose case was just concluded, He has performed several choices with consequences.  His name is Donnie Rowe!

 Both of these situations are/were certainly drastic choices which is "Killing!"

The Top photo "My Body, My Choice" and the Bottom photo which could have the label "Your Body, My Choice" clearly point out two of the major problems with Our Society today.  In fact it could also be understood and stated that these problems are evident in the Society of the Whole World.

"Something We All Must Consider!"