Her friend, Heather, loves playing matchmaker and had trying for months to set them up. Heather & her husband Greg had a housewarming party on Memorial Day weekend in 2009 and Heather seized the opportunity to introduce Mollie & Jake. There was no forewarning. Heather simply introduced them and then disappeared. “We were left here […]

s a kid, I absolutely loathed canning days. My mother had a garden that was so huge, it put the crop fields to shame. Over time, as my siblings have grown and moved out, her garden has gotten smaller and smaller. But, back then, it was enormous. My mom grew everything from sweet corn and […]

This past weekend was my little brother’s graduation. I’m not sure if it was a more joyous occasion for my mother or my brother. The entire weekend flew by in a blur. My sisters flew in on Saturday afternoon, baccalaureate was Saturday evening (my dad was the speaker!), and Sunday dawned bright and early with […]

The skies were cloudy with thunderstorms on the radar. The city was abuzz with the arrival of President Obama, First Lady Michelle, Vice President Biden, and Second Lady Jill. Not just that, but Hawkeye fans were out in full force celebrating Fryfest in preparation for the big in-state rivalry football game to come the next […]

The dresses and suits were hanging in the dressing rooms. The bouquets were carefully lined up in vases. Their dog, Kobe, was outside playing fetch with the groomsmen. The breeze whistled through the trees, just gently swaying the leaves. It was glorious. It was perfect. I have a theory that Friday weddings are always a […]

The sun flickered in and out behind the fluffy clouds panning across the bluest backdrop of sky. Inside, the bridal party ate sandwiches and the ladies finished hair and makeup. I found him sitting down reviewing his vows, carefully printed on paper that had been folded and unfolded many times already. He was ready. She […]