The Roundup

Encounters: We recently returned from a vacation along the North shore of Lake Superior where we encountered the fabled “Minnesota Nice” attitude of the locals. We have vacationed in various parts of that state several times over the years and usually encounter the same smiling, friendly outward appearance from residents, minus the moody teenagers, of course.

Read: I am currently rereading the book “In No Time at All” By Carl Hamilton, first published in 1974, about many aspects of farm life in Iowa between 1910 and 1940. From the Amazon review blurb: “Those who grew up in rural Midwest America from 1910 to 1940 may remember and share the hundreds of recollections Carl Hamilton compiles in ‘IN NO TIME AT ALL. However, most of those folks who are still left, are well into their eighties and soon no one will remember first-hand. First writing for his children and grandchildren, Hamilton uses refreshing vignettes and profuse illustrations to create a humorous and honest piece of nostalgia. IN NO TIME AT ALL recalls the familiar trappings of country life between two world wars and, with a tinge of regret, commemorates their passing. Everything is here – the poetry of early mornings before the countryside awakens, the poverty of the Depression, the delights of the Fourth of July, and the drudgery of endless farm chores. Farmers “built the barn before the house,” once-a-week bathing was considered adequate, the main parking problem was getting near the popular grocery store, the “wish books” (catalogs) created unfulfilled expectations, and foreclosure and sheriff’s sales were death blows to Depression-weary farmers? During that era, on a midwest farm, the kitchen range was the heart of the home, necessities included carpet beaters, soapstones, curtain stretchers, and flatirons. Corn was planted when the oak leaves were as big as squirrels’ ears. If you didn’t grow vegetables, you didn’t have vegetables. Runaway Teams of horses terrified onlookers; and at least six hand operations were necessary to select and process open-pollinated corn. Phone service meant party lines and ringing central; The glamorous trains suffered from ”hot boxes” and “pulled couplings”; country kids came to school armed with a soggy sandwich, an apple, and a mashed-up cookie; The Model T rattled, vibrated, shook, shimmied, and occasionally kicked. Soap making called for ingredients at hand: lard, fat, and bacon grease. Read about a world gone by – It was as real as the world is today.”

Observed: Lake Superior. The waves, big clouds, sunshine, driftwood, beaches, little towns, forests, hiking, waterfalls, lighthouses, cliffs, and LOTS of dogs.

Website: Iowa Road Trip is a must-have on your device for both visitors to our great state of Iowa and locals wanting to do a little exploring.

Recipe: This isn’t a recipe this time, but a tip. We bought some local homemade maple syrup in Minnesota. The producer let us sample four different types, and the one we chose he recommended adding a little to morning coffee. So good.