Des Moines

 

 

 I added a few more photos from I80 Truck Stop.

 

Eat a Burger or Keep Figure like Barbie? I definitely choose Barbie.

 

Found in the Bathroom on I80 Truck Stop. I loved my Barbie.

We had a great time visiting the gracious Judith Hainaut in Des Moines! A tire blew just as we were exiting into Judith's neighborhood so that added a little excitement. Tire blowouts on 5th wheels are common. Mike thought the tire was looking misshapen. When it blew it took off a tire molding too so Judy drove Mike back to the blow out point and I waited for repairman. We relaxed over Labor Day. Mike moved our 2013 Crossroads Cruiser 5th wheel and 2007 Chevy Silverado to alternating parking spots almost everyday in order to meet parking regulations. Other than that we had few demands.

Liz and Judy's dachshund Audrey in front of Judith's home.
   

 Except for the blown tire we enjoyed everyday in Des Moines with Judith.

We visited Neal Smith and caught rain.

Inside Neal Smith Nature Preserve

Hissop or hyssop is just one of many useful plants that Judith Hainaut, a master gardener grows in her lovely yard. Hyssop are a biblical plant eaten by butterflies.

Outside the Iowa State Capital.

Erotica in conservative Iowa? What Explains a bronze statue of a topless female with hands on her breasts in front of Iowa State Capital?

Iowa State Capital

Judith recommended that we take a complimentary (free) tour of the Iowa State Capital. After visiting important palaces in China, Vietnam, Southern India, Florence and Venice, Italy, Vienna and Munich, I can say that the condition of Iowa State Capital is immaculate. Only a few places compare like Hearst Castle. Does it rival them? No, Its culture promotes obesity, animal cruelty and fast food. Its history is limited and Des Moines is relatively remote. Only 4 million people in Iowa. Iowa is known as flyover county. The capital is not a residence. Legislative sessions last 4 months. But Capital is palatial. Wonder why our food system causes so much suffering? We have meet the enemy and it is Iowa. Follow the money.

Built between 1871-1886 the capital is the only 5-domed state capital. All 3 branches of government meet in the capital. It includes the governor's office, attorney general, treasurer, and secretary of state.   

 

Inside and Under the Dome

This gracious volunteer gave Mike and me a private tour of Iowa State Capital. The wall paper in stenciled. It is perfect.

Ceilings are immaculate. The Medici would envy Iowa.

Nothing open to public let alone free in Italy like this.

Iowa Supreme Court

 

Great Moldings!

Battleship US Iowa was 1st of its class. 

Marble inlay is walls.

That's a ceiling.

Details down to the artistic door hinges.

Who is he? Dunno. Just so you, dear reader can feel the Iowa power vibe. 

Fine Floors of course.

It looks good enough for Scarlett O'Hara. See the senators backslapping the farmers?  

One of many great floors.

Atop inside the Dome

Inside the Rotunda

Looking up in the Capital

Elegant French Fries?

In the Legislature

Great Library.

Mike in the Library of Iowa State Capital



Justice, Moderation, Temperance, Frugality, Virtue, and a Recurrence by Fundamental Principles. This saying on a bronze plaque is contradicted by their greed and need for fast food.






5 pound of Gold on Top of Iowa's Capital Domes.



Food Truck in Des Moines served me my first Jackfruit sandwich.  

Pappajohn Sculpture Garden



Judith Hainaut

Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden

Test Garden is a fun place to bring a lunch.

When you walk through the garden...
 

We visited huge and eclectic West End Salvage.

A picture is worth a 1000 words. West End Salvage is loaded with unique and unusual.

Variety like no where else ever.

Judith's Historic Home in hilly and cozy Victorian Sherman Hills in Des Moines.

Fun with Flowers!