Le Mars, Iowa

Daisy and I spent most of yesterday in Le Mars, Iowa. Among other things it is the Ice Cream Capital of the World. It is also the childhood home of my father and his family, and as such will be the site of the second Burkett Family Reunion next July. (If you're looking for Le Mars on a map, find Sioux City in western Iowa and go northeast about 30 miles.)

I've been to Le Mars twice in my life (I think) prior to this trip, so it was a lot of fun to be the "scout" for the reunion. Everywhere I went, I met really nice people who were so helpful. One hotel manager suggested a restaurant where we might have dinner on Friday night, and in talking to the manager there, she made a recommendation for a vet to board Daisy next year. At the Chamber of Commerce, the man I spoke with handed me his phone book to keep, saying he could get another one easier than telling me how to find where to get one.

I have to report on all my findings to the Reunion Committee, most of whom know the town better than I do. I know whatever decisions we make about hotels, restauarants, etc., we will have a great reunion because Le Mars is a great town with wonderful people whom I look forward to seeing again.

Daisy highly recommends the Wells Blue Bunny ice cream; I gave her a scoop to eat while I spoke with the tour manager there. She was incredibly informative about much more than the ice cream factory tour. In fact she said that if we plan in advance she can also take us on a tour of a local dairy.

I also explored several parks etc. The picture above is the Veterans' Memorial. As yesterday was Sept. 11, I found it appropriate to pay my respects there.

We're in South dakota now, visiting "cuzzins." On to Rapid City and the Black Hills tomorrow.