Small town news

When I used to live in Chicago, the local Mount Vernon paper always gave me a bit of a chuckle. It's headlines would mention people by name, express concern over a specific building or plot of land, or even confront the latest debate over what flavor pie should be served at some town event. Admitedly, I'm exagerating a bit, but I do recall that the local paper always seemed so simple. What about all the "big" news that made Chicago run - movements in major industries, the impact of environmental policies, etc?! Flash forward now to my weekly reading list as a resident of Mount Vernon. You guessed it, that local newspaper is at the top! And guess what?! Those simple headlines really do address the things I care about. There are hundreds of other publications in print and online that can inform me of what's going on in industry and the world. And, even though I do hear rumors about what's going on town when I get my morning coffee, nothing beats the mostly unbiased viewpoint of the local weekly newpaper. Its reporters work hard to cover the issues that are important and they mostly stick to the facts as they observe them. Even better, if that coffee shop gossip intrigues me, the paper offers a great op-ed section that is frequently packed with local letters covering the gossip of the day!

New home built in town

One of the things I've come to cherish about this part of Iowa is that we have bald eagles. I grew up in Michigan believing that this state was the most famous place to see the bald eagle. My dad would talk about them and we'd look for them whenever we were out hiking somewhere. And yet, I only recall seeing a bald eagle once or twice during my childhood. Of course, in the 70's, we blamed that on over-hunting and called for a need to clean up our trash. Here in Iowa, especially this time of year, bald eagles are a regular sight. And, here in Mount Vernon, we've learned that a couple have moved in! The exciting part of their new home is that is right along one of my favorite running courses. It's right at the corner where I either choose a very long run or a little jaunt before I turn my bike northward for a ride of rolling hills. And, more importantly for me this year, it's along my drive into town. The DNR tells us this nest is the home nest for this pair of eagles and that they may have already laid a couple eggs in it. I stop to gawk at least one a day. There's nothing like seeing a bald eagle in the middle of the cornfield on a snowy day. A couple weeks ago, we pulled off the road to sit and watch EIGHT of them just grazing. The sight of a baldie soaring through the sky is amazing. The mght appear to be a normal hawk until they get close enough to recognize their extra wide wingspan. Or, if you're lucky, it's a blue sky day when you see one and their white head is unmistakeable against the clear blue background. I stop everytime I see an eagle. Which reminda me, I'm looking for a bumper sticker that might warn you of the fact. "I brake for bald eagles"

Hay!

Read more »

Buried in our devices

I appreciate Iowans for their appreciation of the slower parts of life. I feel as if I am surrounded by people who are expert, patient listeners who always have time on their hands, and I've tried hard to model that behavior. Recently however, I realized that this view of peaceful living may just be my own rose-colored ideas. Or, perhaps I've idealized it too much.  My realization came about during the Science Olympiad, of all places.  This is a competition for middle school and high school students.  They take tests, build stuff, follow directions and receive ranks/awards based on their science knowledge.  Topics vary.  My son and his classmates have been studying for this event since December. I didn't attend any interim events - most of what they did was closed to the public. I did make it to this final ceremony, where the state honors were being given in each category.  There were at least a dozen categories and 1st through 3rd place were awarded in each category, sometimes for both middle school and high school. So, a lot of awards were being given.  My gloomy realization came about as I watched the coaches and parents in attendance.  You see, I made an effort to applaud for every award winner that day. I really thought they deserved a moment of recognition for the hard work they put into achieving their place.  I am sure, or at least I hope that the other adults in attendance felt the same way,but I really couldn't be sure as very few we're applauding!  This is Iowa!  Where were the role models here??  I did see a few parents on their mobile devices.  Perhaps they were posting comments about how proud they were of their children, as was I.  I can't say that I managed to applaud for every single award; I'm sure I missed a few. But, I really did try.  I was a bit distraught over the fact that not even my own team's coaches modeled that behavior.  If we don't model simple appreciation and good sportsmanship, how will our kids learn it?  The incident made me appreciate coaches that go out of their way to teach these ideas to their athletes.  I had been convinced that we here in Mount Vernon, IA had a corner on polite behavior.  Sadly, perhaps not.  I still believe that Iowans are a more appreciative sort of people, but this recent experience has perhaps lowered the pedestal just a bit.

What are YOU training for?!

That was the question posed to me as I was halfway through my mile swim today at the community pool.  I didn't quite know what to say as I'm not training for anything. And it got me thinking about the question. Is there an implication there that you shouldn't be working out unless you are training "for" something??  Have I portrayed that attitude when it comes to getting out and moving?  Whoa.  I almost decided that I should set a goal this year of no races just so that I can patiently learn how to "train" for nothing at all!  One of things that stands out among the group of people that I like to run and bike with now is that most of us do so because we truly enjoy it.  Sure, we do some races and we have goals, but those seem minor when it comes to just being what I call "out and about".  I don't know, is that a uniquely Iowa thing?  Or Is that something only I profess?  I'm not sure.  What I do know is that being able to exercise is something I enjoy. It gives me time inside myself, time to contemplate and sometimes, time to spend with some great friends. I really don't need anything else.  After my lane partner for the day posed what I'm sure was an innocent-enough question, I gave him a smirk, then a fist pump and a wink and said, "for life!"  I am training for life!  What about you?!