cats on a leash, part ii

Yes, you saw that coming, didn't you? Unfortunately no pictures or video available. Yesterday the two people took their cats out again, on leashes. This time they decided it would be really clever or amusing maybe? to let or encourage the cats to CLIMB up a tree, still with the leash on! I don't understand! Luckily no other pet owners decided to take their dogs out at that moment, so there were no pet altercations.

Phew!

Impatient people and people who like their jobs

One of the more popular vehicles here is the Ford F-150. I hope that doesn't come across as some plug or anything but really a lot of people here drive trucks, a lot of people drive big trucks, and many people drive F-150's or greater. There are also some really impatient drivers. I have to say I wasn't as familiar w/truck drivers before as I am now.
The other night when we were driving home, we were stopped for a train crossing. This can take up to 5 minutes, depending on the length of the freight train, how many cars there are, etc. Apparently this proved to be just TOO Much for one driver (of an F-150)- after a couple minutes waiting, he just could not tolerate it any longer! He tore off, driving over the curb to take a detour through town to avoid the rest of the wait! It's rough, isn't it. Being expected to wait for the train to finish crossing like everybody else. Now I'm not saying F-150's equal more impatient drivers... but...there does seem to be a correlation there.

On the other hand, the people who work at the Farmer's Market are sooo friendly and chatty. Maybe it's because they know they are stuck there all day but they really are outgoing and sociable and seem appreciative of your business. Any time you go in, no matter what you buy, they are super nice.
As is the woman at the post office! She seems to truly like her job.

A History of Corn?

Here is the mural that is hanging at the Post Office:

Achtung, segway!

So one of the silliest things I've seen is anybody riding a segway. They just look like the most ridiculous things and anyone who rides one in turn, looks pretty absurd. In the urban metropolis that is downtown Ames, there are community safety officers (perhaps this is just a fancy title for parking cops or meter maids) who patrol the area to give out parking tickets ON SEGWAYS.
Now nothing inspires a sense of authority, and reminds me of Arrested Development, like a guy zipping around on a segway. Never mind that the thing only goes about 3 mph and the entire dwtn is about 8 blocks long.
These guys mean business and they patrol the street looking for cars that have overstayed the time limit to zip over to on their segway and give a ticket to. We witnessed TWO cars being ticketed on Tuesday by officer segway himself. One was an old guy in the bar we were sitting in and he went out to the car to discover his ticket. He looked kind of annoyed but he must have been relatively calm since officer segway sped away with a smile on his face. I think the tickets aren't for very much, maybe just a few dollars.

house of crap, iii

Today he moved one of the pickup trucks (now parked on the lawn), to make room for the dumpster. Maybe he really is remodeling for Britney.
http://amazingcornacopia.blogspot.com/2010/04/house-of-crap-ii.html

Also, saw a baby bunny & two other bunnies.

crazy daisies

Also, crazy daisies refers to daisies which are dyed artificial colors- ie. bright purple, green
* when you are looking at the sign advertising Crazy Daisies at Flowerama.
They are also on sale. But upon looking at them, I'd say fluorescent green & purples look pretty weird for flowers.
Call me a purist, but I will take the natural looking flowers.

Cats on the loose?

Submitted for your amusement:
Right outside our WINDOW--

Dude, What were you thinking?

The response of Bob, the banker, upon learning we had been out of town for VEISHA (an ISU festival). You may recall previous Bob conversations here:

previous visit

We were in the bank & decided to say hello to our friendly Iowan banker. Of course he had no idea who we were, and thus we probably confused him by greeting him as if he was a friend. To his credit, he covered well and acted as if, in fact, he did know us and we were old pals, just stopping in to say hello. Previously Bob had extolled the virtues of The State Fair, Duluth, Minnesota and the Living History Museum. Well we did see the State Fair and the other two are up in the air.
We asked him what kind of attractions and amusements were in store for the summer & spring
and he seemed shocked and honestly, a bit put off that we had not been there during VEISHA.
I'm not sure what the deal is with it, other than it is an annual festival at the university that has concerts and a parade. Also sometimes riots.Bob talked of the "international" food segment as being a highlight; however I feel a bit dubious about this since it looks like one of the vendors offers:
Smoked Turkey Drumsticks, Turkey Breast Sandwiches, Turkey Bacon Wraps, Breaded Turkey Tenderloins, Turkey Kabob, Pork Chop on a Stick, Walking Taco, Hamburger, Hot dog, Corn dog, Brats, Curly Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Cheese Balls, Nachos, Chips, Funnel Cakes, Slushes, Breakfast Food.

While these do sound like Iowan delicacies, I'm not truly sure how "international" they are...