A short, helpful guide to air travel
Flying in an airplane without crying is just one of those skills we are all supposed to have learned after a certain age. Sure, I get it. The jets fire [...]
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Posted March 16, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
Posted March 09, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
The ebb and flow of the family restaurant
Pushing and shoving each other, we make our way over from St. Mary’s School in Iowa City, through the back screen door off an alley from Linn Street, and into [...]
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Posted March 02, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
The wine lady
“I don’t think I’m all that interesting,” she tells me at the start. A little embarrassed, it seems. Put on the spot. A bit uncomfortable. Really? Can you take your [...]
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Posted February 24, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
Defining ‘rad’
“You’re certainly not cool enough to go in there.” I knew that, even without the helpful observation of my wife. I wasn’t at 16, and I’m certainly not at 61. [...]
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Posted February 17, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
Mary’s picture on a semi
Crowds storm the Hy-Vee on Valley West Drive. No, it’s not a riot, but carts are nearly full even though customers are only halfway through the many aisles with the [...]
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Posted February 10, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
The monastic life
Neon doesn’t seem the best light for contemplating the contemplative life. Not to mention those bright red shopping carts lined up in front with the red bulls eye prominent on [...]
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Posted February 03, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
The post office
The post office was established at Fort Des Moines in 1845, and was known as Raccoon River until June 1, 1846, when the name Fort Des Moines was given it. [...]
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Posted January 27, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
The caucuses: a soldier’s view
The retired Navy captain sat across the table at Smokey Row Coffee. Totally composed. Taking my measure is my guess. I start to feel a little warm under her scrutiny. [...]
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Posted January 20, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
Uncovering the dark underbelly of IT
Iowans pride themselves on not being rude. “Please. Sit down. Can I get you a cup of coffee? Do you want a slice of pie with that?” It may explain [...]
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Posted January 13, 2016in Joe's Neighborhood
The sledding hill
“Dad says it is your turn to go down the hill with me.” The young girl, her right side dipped in snow, her stocking cap covering only one ear, and [...]
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