Iowa Farms

We drove to Iowa, arriving July 7th to visit with David's brother, Jack and our sister-in-law, Marion.  They live in Reinbeck, a small rural community with lovely farms and a quaint little down-town area.

Marion and Jack 

I was so amazed at the many rolling hills of lush, green corn and soybeans 
growing everywhere. The farm homes are so very beautiful with the crops surrounding them.  I took several moving shots right out of the pickup window.  Some shots were taken from grain bins where I climbed up to the top via a very nice metal ladder, I might add.  

 

 

Every inch of ground was utilized here -

the crops were planted right up to the house.

We left 100+ degree temperatures in Oklahoma and drove into 

this beautiful country with blue skies and green covered ground,

with 85 degrees the top temperature while we were there.  We 

came home to brown, crunchy grass and way over 100 temperatures.   

Okay, it was good, but we would NOT change winters with them.

This shot was as I was coming down the ladder

from the grain bins.  Love those evergreen trees!

The picture above is the home place where Marion was raised.

Marion's dad was born in this home and his dad built the house.

The farm is listed as a "Century Farm".  The homes in Iowa are

fascinating, but this one is special.  Jack and Marion bought the

home and they are remodeling by adding on and updating the

interior.  It is a full two story home with a full attic and basement.

Marion's parents built on a new section some years ago, and now 

Jack and Marion have added another section.  It is one huge historical

house.  I think it is so neat that the farm and home will continue the

tradition of family dwelling and working there.

David is checking out the new addition on the back of the house. 

This area added a new living room and bedroom - I think.  

Below will be Marion's painting room - a really nice area for her.

 

 Awesome landscape!

 I love the quilt painting on the barn.

Several barns in the area have quilt paintings on

them.  It was a community project a few years

ago.

We had a great visit and enjoyed our short stay in Iowa.  Thank you

Jack and Marion for your gracious hospitality.  We love you both.  It

was so nice to get to spend time with you and time with your daughter 

and grandchildren. The beauty of the many farming homesteads will

remain a pleasant memory for me.