John Wayne and me

We have returned from Iowa.

America's Heartland. 

Home of corn, soybeans, hogs, Iowa caucuses, University of Iowa.  Where American Gothic was painted.  The setting for the Field of Dreams.   Land of small towns where no one locks their doors.

Home to Buffalo Bill, Grant Wood, Elijah Wood, Cloris Leachman, Herbert Hoover, Ashton Kutcher, Johnny Carson and John Wayne.

Home to authors John Irving, John Cheever, Jane Smiley, Philip Roth, Michael Cunningham, and Paul Harding.

And home to me.

Although, many of the landmarks of my youth have disappeared, a few still remain.  Like the University of Iowa in Iowa City.  I have many fond memories of traversing that campus.

Or napping on the lawns in between classes.

When I drive across the state, it never ceases to amaze me of its beauty and openness.  So much land.

So much fun.

And so much baldness! ~snort~  Sorry, I couldn't help myself.  No ... Iowa isn't known for its bald men.  But it is known for my men.  My son, Jason, The Professor and my brother, Marty, posed for this beauty shot!  Aren't they handsome!

Iowa.

Home of beautiful farmland, barns, long country lanes.  And once home to me.  And John Wayne.

A long long time ago.

It's fun to visit and yet always sweet to return home after traveling.   Do you ever return to your childhood hometown?   I'd love to hear!

Sharing with Wordless/Wordful Wednesdays  and  Outdoor Wednesday
and Project Alicia

Later friends,