I’ve probably driven by Fat Putter at least 50 times in the last year or two, always reminding myself that sometime we should go there. Well, let me tell you that we should have gone sooner because it is super fun! Allow me to give you a look around…

Ok, fellow Iowans - did you know that the beautiful Iowa Capitol building in Des Moines was not the original Iowa Capitol? Despite learning Iowa history in elementary school, I had forgotten that the original capitol building was in Iowa City and served as its first seat of government for approximately ten years, from 1846 to 1857. The building would then become the University of Iowa’s first building.

I have to admit I was not prepared for the unbelievable beauty of the Exquisite Creatures exhibit. It was one of the best and most unique exhibits I have ever seen. The artist and naturalist, Christopher Marley, takes animals, fish, insects, and other creatures that have recently died and preserves them. While that itself is not so unusual, what he does with them is. He creates some of the most unique, gorgeous, and fascinating artwork I have ever encountered. REALLY.

The Phoenix/Scottsdale area has numerous self-driving cars for hire - reserved with an app like Uber or Lyft. The company is called Waymo and I got to ride in one to and from a tour in Old Town Scottsdale.

As many of you know, I like to spend time at the Iowa Great Lakes (Okoboji). It is one of my growing list of happy places. 😁 I love to sit and enjoy the water lap against the shore and take photos of the lakes and the natural beauty of the area.

I recently started taking classes at the Hot Shops in Omaha, Nebraska, and I have absolutely adored it! The Hot Shops is an artistic haven just north of downtown Omaha in and up and coming refurbished warehouse district