I’ve probably been to Iowa more times than I can count. After all, my wife is from Iowa. Most of her relatives are from Iowa. We have a foster child who lives in iowa. And – for over thirty years, our family lived in Fairmont which is fifteen miles from the Iowa border. Some of our friends lived in Iowa who worked in Fairmont.

Ten miles east of the town of Algona Iowa, roughly the same size as Fairmont, Ramona’s parents lived and farmed land until they retired in the late 1990’s. Then they moved to Fairmont until they both passed away. Most of Ramona’s aunts, uncles and cousins live in or Algona as well. Births, deaths, holidays and just visits had us visiting the area frequently.

Ramona’s bother and wife live in the little town of Forest City. We’ve been there many times for holiday celebrations, graduations and other events.

Our daughter, Lisa, competed in a vocal competition in Decorah, we’ve gone to musical productions at the casino in Emmetsburg, and to the famous Spencer County Fair. And – have enjoyed many meals at restaurant around the popular resort town on Lake Okoboji.