August Observations

August is always a struggle. It’s the thick of the summer duldrums and that nagging feeling it’s your last chance to extract your full measure of joy from summer. If you are a parent, teacher or someone whose life follows the school calendar, you know it is also pure mayhem. The market changes due to who is home buying and the transition creates a temporary slowdown in the quantity of buyers and then bounces back post Labor Day.

I usually take a long vacation in August and retreat as far North as I can to fish and hide from the sun/ humidity for the first few weeks of August. This year I tried new things.

Until the Black Keys played the Iowa State Fair last year, my last attendance was when Rod Stewart rocked the Grandstand in 1984, in tight red leather pants. Last year I went for the venue and the music, this year I tried the fair. For a girl that loves cows and fish, holy buckets of cows-there is a lot to love. Plus, I watched Adam enjoy East Side Night and that is just endearing.

Seeing the fish I love in DNR curated aquariums was educational and tempting (someday I’m going to get caught trying to fish in a giant aquarium, you heard it here first Bass Pro). If you know me, I don’t even need to mention the cows and the delight that whole experience was.

The food review was mixed, but I ate a lot of it so that seems to be a wash. Finished out the summer with a fishing trip to my hometown and gatherings of friends and family. For my DSM friends, don’t sleep on Dubuque for a weekend getaway this fall. It is beautiful this time of year and you can create your own adventure there. Nature, art, architecture, history, beauty and the Mississippi River. I truly love the town’s story even if I don’t read it as often as I did in my youth. Check it out, friends. If you need recommendations for the best of DBQ let me know-I know a girl.

Favorite Things in the 515-KNOTFEST

The last minute fishing trip is a tradition with Connor before his fall tours the last few years. this year is special, they left today and make a fun and rare Des Moines mid-tour stop on September 21st. Find me there, I’m going to be enjoying the 25th anniversary tour of Slipknot and Vended’s return to DSM with old and new friends.

Coming soon - My mid century modern journey and home. Also, client appreciation parties, pie and fall events for you!