It's Halloween

Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite,

All are on their rounds tonight;

In the wan moon's silver ray,

Thrives their helter-skelter play.

                        --Joel Benton

In Costume

"When wiches go riding and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers,'tis near Halloween."

                                --unknown

Autumn's Blooms

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                     --Albert Camus

Still Picking

As this post's title implies, the corn and soybean harvest in Iowa is still underway.  Although most of the beans are out, A LOT of corn remains as farmers work around the clock gathering their crop.  These photos show the many machines used in getting the grain out of the field and into storage -- quite an undertaking.

A Popular Place

Throughout the past few weeks in these parts of Iowa, local pumpkin patches have had visitors galore who are looking for that perfect orange globe.  Since many producers say that this year's crop is good, most folks ought to easily find just the pumpkin they were looking for.  In addition to squash and gourds, several other items are often found at the pumpkin patch, including corn mazes -- and that sounds like a challenge for all ages.  Nevertheless, there are still a few days before Halloween so get out and have a look at all the seasonal decorations.

Fall Foliage

"Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it,

and if I were a bird I would fly about the 

earth seeking the successive autumns."

                                               --George Eliot

The Old Capitol

The Old Capitol, Iowa City, Iowa

For a time Burlington, Iowa was the state's capital city; however, in 1840 the search for a new location began.  According to online sources, several towns wanted that status and legislators could not agree on where it should be.  Finally the decision was made to call the new capital city Iowa City, and three commissioners were appointed to pick a spot within Johnson County. 

Eventually, as most know, the decision was made to make Des Moines the state capital, but the stone structure was deeded to the University of Iowa and became the first building owned by the University.  Since 1857 Old Capitol has served in many capacities, including library, chapel, armory, classrooms and more but remains today as a symbol of the history and progress of the state and the University.

Outdoors in Autumn

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine

by staying in the house.

So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air."

                                              --Nathaniel Hawthorne

Marching Band

In these parts, many high school homecoming celebrations take place during September and October, complete with a parade within the community that features numerous student activities, sports teams and organizations.  Of course, the marching band is another highlight of these spirit-filled events and proud parents, teachers and alumnae stand along the route waiting to hear the familiar school fight song.  As seen with this band, some directors allow members to wear a casual uniform on the warm fall days as they meander two to three miles through the town; however, when it comes to the half-time performance, it is full marching-band attire.

Being Creative

"Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death

but to inspire yourself to life."

                                                   --Adele Brookman

"Connected" in the Forest

"There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection."

                                                        --Unknown

Gone Fishin'

"Fishing is much more than fish....

It is the great occasion when we may return

to the fine simplicity of our forefathers."
                                               --Herbert Hoover

Halloween Fun

Have you adorned the inside of your home and exterior as well with all sorts of Halloween decor? Obvioulsy these homeowners are fond of this annual event and were eager to create an intriguing curbside view.  With all the lights, inflatable characters and more, a drive through your neighborhood might be entertaining as you take in all the outdoor haunts.  Enjoy.

Love Lilies

"When you have only two pennies left in the world,

buy a loaf of bread with one,

and a lily with the other."

                       --Chinese Proverb

 "Love is like dew that falls on both nettles and lilies."

                              --Swedish Proverb

Golden Canopy

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                                    --Albert Camus

Fall Tour of Iowa: Subtleties

"October's Party"

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came, --

The Ashes, Oaks and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand;

Miss Weather led the dancing;

Professor Wind, the band....

The sight was like a rainbow

New-fallen from the sky....

                                                                  --George Cooper

Buttons in Black & White

"The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don't have 

to explain things with words."

                                                             --Elliott Erwitt

Herky's Community

Herky's Community by Jo Myers-Walker

People of various ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds are represented on this particular Herky statue that is part of the Herky On Parade exhibit in the Iowa City-Coralville area.  Herky's Community was crafted by artist Jo Myers-Walker and represents all the folks who make up the Iowa City landscape.  Standing just across the street from the Old Capitol on the corners of South Clinton and Iowa Avenue, this creation captivates onlookers who try to identify all the characters included in this unique piece of public art.

Recognize Any of These?

If you have lived in Iowa for several years, then you probably recognize some of these former license plates.  Since I am a native of the Hawkeye State, I do recall many of the old plates and was trying to remember the period of time that each was in use.  A little stroll down memory lane.

And no, these don't belong to me but rather to a self-proclaimed 'junker' who buys lots and lots of old stuff and resells it in various locales.

Fall Tour of Iowa: Corn & More Corn

Although the combines are rolling, lots of grain remains to be harvested.  As seen in this image, currently Iowa's gently rolling hills are speckled with autumnal hues of red, orange, yellow and brown.  Truly beautiful vistas are just outside our doors.

Photo Contest Finalist

Here it is.  All Hands on Deck is a finalist for the Our Iowa magazine Photo of the Year.  Not only is this photo popular with folks around these parts, it is especially meaningful to my husband and his father, brother and nephew as these three generations continue the family farming operation and work side-by-side to make it a success.  Yes, this image (that I was fortunate enough to capture) is priceless.

                         

And now I need your vote.  If you are a subscriber, vote by email or snail mail.  To vote via email, type in the subject line "Vote Grand Prize," in the message type "Iowa People" and send to hotline @OurIowaMagazine.com.  Or send your vote to :  Focus on Iowa Photo Contest, Our Iowa, 1606 Golden Aspen Drive, Suite 109, Ames, Iowa 50010.

Thanks for voting!

Abstracts Competition

Blueberry Taffy by Stephanie Funke

In a recent online art exhibit featuring abstract compositions, Blueberry Taffy received special recognition.  To see many other delightful entries, visit the following site:   http://www.lightspacetime.com/abstracts-art-exhibition-october-2014/

Welcome to October

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, 

and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."   

                                                                                              --Nathaniel Hawthorne