summer in Iowa

I remember last summer, in Boston, absolutely dreading this summer: being stuck in Iowa, working a lot, nothing to do, etc, etc.

And now, I must admit to feeling a little sheepish for my angst, because this is shaping up to be a really, really great summer. I love being on clinics.  Iowa will never be New England, and as always it is the people that I miss, but not having to worry about traveling across country and distrubuting the cats in places I hope they’ll be happy; not having to work a job I really, really hate; and not having to spend a fortune on housing, entertainment, etc. is really really nice.  Plus, I LOVE my apartment: poweful ceiling fans and AC when they can’t keep up, a sunny balcony from which the cats can soak in the sun and drool over all of the birds and the bunnies, and a pool and tennis court right out front… it’s positively luxurious.

And, I’m having fun. The flowers I planted have met mixed fates – the petunias and marigolds are thriving, others, not quite so much. But it’s still fun to have the space to do that, and watch the progress. I share a big huge vegetable garden – another first. It’s so much fun to watch things pop up in mostly neat rows, and I have high hopes that we’ll actually get a few vegetables at some point. Of course today will be my first day of weeding, so I might appreciate it a bit less in a bit. There’s a state park (Ledges) just a 10-15 minute drive away that it is surprisingly gorgeous and forested and hilly; great for a walk or bike ride. There are beaches, lakes, canoeing and kayaking, all at the ready. I bought a cheap bike (but in really great condition – anyone in Ames should totally check out Bicycle Surplus over off of Main St. for really great deals).

It’s not New England, but for now, it’s my home, and I’m glad that I’m enjoying it so much. Six weeks from today, I’ll be in the car, probably just an hour or two away, but well on my was to Maine via Boston, for a 6 week vacation. I’ll be thrilled, and excited and anxious to get there, but I think i might also feel the tiniest bit sad that my Iowa summer will effectively be coming to an end (I’ll be in New England til mid-September).