Due to my schedule, I traveled from Des Moines to Sully and then back to Des Moines this week. Then I had to travel to Traer and back to Des Moines and then to Independence and finally back to Des Moines. Sometimes the schedule doesn't work out as I hope but once I commit to a date I rarely change it. I have now logged over 30,000 miles in the state of Iowa and when I listen to the news or the weather channel I feel as if I have a personal connection with the towns mentioned.

Many of the comments I have received from Iowa teachers is one of envy - wishing they had the freedom to explore their state as I have done. Most of the teachers comment that I must have many stories I could tell and in truth I have enjoyed my visits because the people in Iowa have always put me at ease like I am a long lost cousin. Iowa is a beautiful state but what I have been most impressed with are the small towns and how each small town is determined to preserve its store brick fronts, old opry houses, and stone courthouses. Iowans take a lot of pride in their heritage and it is best seen in how well their small communities are maintained.

This week I spoke at Lynnville-Sully and was met by a spirited Bonita Jansen. I also spoke in North Tama and Steve Foster reminded me that North Tama is known for its baseball champions. I also spoke to the students at West Elementary in Independence and met Nancy White who is a board member on the Iowa Reading Association council. On Friday I spoke to the students at Jensen Elementary in Urbandale and had the privilege of speaking to a scientist and a dualing piano player. Jen Froelich was in charge of the event and the students had so much fun that the principal reported that he didn't have one visit from a disruptive student. It was a most interesting event with even a professional football player and illustrator. To top off the day, the fire department brought one of their fire engines and gave the stduents a live demonstration.

Just another week - another day spent in Iowa!