Julie And Mike's Visit. The Rest Of The Story.

Cheryl Runs in Prep for Family

My last post seemed a little Over-Simplified.  (Or "Truncated",  As our fellow Pearson Coworkers might say.) So I thought I would follow up with a few more pictures and paragraphs filling in the various entertaining details to the rest of the story.  (Or "More Developement"   Another Pearson Coloquialism.)   So let's get started.

First stop!

We visited with them Friday Night after work and planned out the Saturday Adventures.   They were very agreeable with Cheryl's schelduled activities.  As with previous family visitations, there was always the chance that the state of Iowa would throw a wrench into the mechanics.  So we buckled up and hoped for the best, while planning for the worst.

Busy as always.

Early Morning coffee, and we were off to the Iowa City Farmer's Market.   A Pleasant affair that was filled with vegitables, colors, baked goods and politicians begging for votes.  (Must be nearing election time.)   We grabbed a few goodies, talked with some locals, and moved on to out next item on our itinerary.    Apples!

Next stop.  Crazy Busy!

People from Michigan should simply be enchanted with the way Iowa does apples.... Right?   Well, kinda.  Let's face it,  Only Washington State can  possibly rival Michigan when it comes to Apples.  ( It is a FACT! )   So after about 15 minutes, we had showed them everything that Iowa Apples had to offer.   Fresh baked Turnovers with Cinnimon Ice Cream. ( Still Very good though!)  Wilson's Orchard was flooded with families and kids.   Lots and lots of kids.    So there was no chance to pet any kittens or find a quiet place to relax and enjoy your fresh turnover. (What else would anyone do at the apple orchard?)   So on o the next item.

Perfect Bolete!   Mushrooms!

Crab Brittlegill.   Russela

Mushrooms!   I was not planning on even reaching this part.   The weather was heating up and Mike and Jules had stated their lack of "Mushroom Appreciation."   It has also been pretty dry this
entire week, so I was expecting no huge blooms of fruiting bodies.   The best I was hoping for was a pleasant walk in the shade.

They Look like they are having a Fabulous Time!

                   Julie Shows off he Bolete.            

I was pleasantly "disappointed" when Mike began to find Russelas and Milkies all over.   Many of them in "fresh" condition. Julie found a King Bolete and A Purple "Butt Shaped" mushroom.  (We called it the "Julius Glutius"!)  We spent a couple hours finding a vast variety of mushrooms.   King Boletes!   Fresh ones!   Lots and lots of Russelas ( Brittlegills) and several unknown "Julius Glutius" mushrooms.

Check out the goodies!

Not a Purple Cort?

 These are not Corts nor are they Blewits.  Once we get the Internet back ( or Cheryl's new book arrives) we will hopefully find the true identity. (They also has a white spore print,  Definately not a Cort!) Also some red stemmed Crab Brittlegills.  Very tasty! I can't wait to eat 'em!

Cheryl Shows off her Medals.

Inside our Tiny Apartment

Having worked up an appetite and feeling hot and sticky from the hike, we decided to catch a quick bite, top off the beverages and head for home.   We stopped by the store for some last minute items while Mike and I  looked at the local beer.   Some Beer from Kelona, Big Grove, and Cedar Rapids were selected;  along with some Hard Cider from Wilson's Orchard. (We could not find it at the actual orchard.... go figure.)  Mike says he enjoys sampling the local brews and bringing some home whenever he travels.

Inside our Kitchen...in out Tiny Aparment.

You Build It Pizza Party.

Pizza Making time!   Each of us made our own pizza, because that is how we treat our "guests" around here. They are responsible for their own tastes and flavors,  that way they can only blame themselves when they don't like it.   (Genius! if I do say so myself. )   Julie is "Gluten Free"  Meaning: fussy.    So she got the Glutten free pizza crust.  Mike and Cheryl enjoyed Flat bread.   And I got the Fresh hand-made pizza dough.   Because I'm
worth it!

Mike works on the fire.

His camping skils come in handy.

I was impressed that they sampled several varieties of mushrooms.   We did not add any of the wild ones on the pizza ( those are all MINE!  And for a later date.)   I did not want to be blamed for any mis-haps that might occur if someone got a tummy ache.   (Another Genius move by myself.)

Cheryl tries to roast Marshmallows.

After that,  we sampled the beer, Mike and I talked about camping and cars, and we went outside to build a fire and make s'mores.   After several attempts, I'm proud to say that the "men" got the fire going strong enough to get the marshmallows roasted.

She fails at the "challenge."

The Dog Stinkhorn.... For Julie

Overall, the day was a success!   At least for us.   We managed to entertain the family and not have to cancel any plans during the process. There were many other small things that I probably missed, but without pictures, there is very little point in mentioning it here and not.   

An Iowa Dust Devil.  Rare Sight!

The antique visit was brief and handly worth mentioning, but thankfully, was not the only thing that was on the table. A spectacular Dust Devil appeared on the gravel road near the Port-A-Jon Place.  It would have been nicer if the weather had been cooler, but I will take what I can get.  Especially here in Iowa, where Corn, Pigs, and Sun rule the day.   Perhaps next time they will bring their bikes and we can ride the trails.   We shall see.