One of the reasons Tracy and I started this blog is to help us remember where we went, and when, and what we saw (and might want to explore further).  To help with this we’ll be retrieving some of our older posts from 犀利士
Facebook and sharing them here.  Even if you’ve seen this post by Tracy on her Facebook page, you may find a couple of new pictures below.

Yesterday was Chris’ birthday and we have been celebrating him. Last evening we went to the Balloon Glow at QU and met Taylor, Tristan and Sierra there. We enjoyed an evening of fair food, family, friends and glowing balloons.

Today Chris and I took the day off and went on a road trip. Our first stop was for lunch in Ottumwa at Canteen Lunch In The Alley. If you have never been you need to go. It is an amazing little place that has been in business for almost 100 years. To find it you need to know that it has had a parking structure built over it. It is in the alley under the parking structure. The first time we found it was pure luck. They only serve loose meat sandwiches and pie, but they are so good it doesn’t matter.

Our next stop, and real destination, was Oskaloosa, Iowa for a little exploring. We have been there before, but had never taken the time to explore and enjoy the down town area. Today we took plenty of time to explore and enjoy.

Oskaloosa has a very pretty park in the center of their square, which features this statue of Chief Mahaska:

And the very pretty bandstand behind it:

We went to the Smokey Row Coffee Shop and I took this photo from the balcony.  It’s a really neat place.

Among their decoration is this telephone booth:

Here’s a photo from the front.  It’s a very inviting place.

Here’s the coffee shop from the front.  The Book Vault next door is a really interesting place, a bookstore in an old bank building.

Their county courthouse, unlike most around here, isn’t in the middle of the square but instead is off to the side:

And this is one of several alleys they have redecorated as outdoor gathering and eating areas.