Fritz Viering arrived at Ellis Island with $25 in his pocket, and the unfulfilled dream of his father to go to America. His father’s dream became his own.
Read MoreFritz Viering, far left, poses for a photo with men from his outfit, during WWI.
In Praise of Boyhood Heroes
Winning first place in the same competition that Grant Wood did, almost a century earlier, comes with a certain level of satisfaction.
Read MoreRaise a Pint of Guinness, and Sing Your Heart Out
There is something quite magical that happens when you sing with people from foreign lands—A bond is created. Souls are uplifted and perceptions change.
Read MoreWhat Every Parent Hopes For on Their Teenager's 16th Birthday
"Please dad, no! You're going to embarrass me!" Turns out my daughter has an amazing group of friends who didn't mind sharing how they feel about her.
Read MoreWhy Riding a Bike Across Iowa is a Metaphor of Life
The feeling of personal satisfaction when you finish RAGBRAI is uplifting and emotionally powerful. Many people cry when their journey is complete.
Read More
The new brick school building in Center Point, Iowa ‘consolidated’ several one-room schools in Washington township, in 1903. Note the outhouse behind the school on the lower right.
Ode to an Old High School Building
Center Point, Iowa had the only school I know where every day, as seniors, we would walk by the room we attended kindergarten. Growing up with that kind of community is priceless.
Read More