diversion to Mason City, Iowa

We drive north off interstate 80 for 3 hours to visit Jeff's father Charlie who just had a birthday the day before on July 1. Charlie was 83 that day and in reasonably good health despite some recent health challenges. We arrived in Mason City just around dinner time and meet up with Jeff's oldest sister and their father for a mini reunion. It's been 5 years since Jeff has seen these relatives. We laugh and joke around, tell embarrassing stories and all the changes that have happened to the small town we all once lived in. Charlie still does a few volunteer jobs at the Nature Center and local pre-school when he feels up to it.