In coming back to cold, cold Ames Iowa to celebrate both my birthday and New Year’s I was initially regretting that I’d miss out on some killer parties but reasoning that it’d be good to come home. As my life now is fairly fast-paced, for this big city beach girl coming back to spend time by the fire and sipping wine alongside my snoozing parents is exactly what I needed!
It’s been about a year since I’ve been here, but the snow covered trees, rolling hills, and glimpses of red cardinals is more beautiful than I remember. Currently I’m drinking a Boulevard Pale Ale beer in my Uggs (which truly are serving to keep my feet warm) and no it’s not heaven but it is Iowa.
Definitely the best part about coming back was seeing the family. In Chilean style my mom made some awesome food and it was great to spend quality time with everyone. Hugs all around!! My stepsister, her husband, and their 2 kids were here only for the first day of my visit and it was wayyyy too short! Crazy how fast these kids grow and HOW SMART they are!! Makes me wonder how long it’s been since I visited Minnesota… when can I take leave again?
One thing they told me about was the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) they belong to. How have I not heard about this??!! Basically you buy shares in a local farm and they supply you with weekly or bi-weekly boxes full of veggies, herbs, etc. I looked into ones out where I live but still had some questions. Later I went to our local organic grocer, Wheatsfield Coop, and asked the cashier if she knew about them, if she had any guidance on how to choose one. She looks at me for a while (such that I start thinking “¿I am speaking english, No?”) and then she grins and exclaims “I own a CSA!”
She was super passionate about it and gave me a lot of advice, directing me to some sites for recipes, etc. Funny thing, I was also there buying a book called “Slow Food In The Heartland” by a chef at one of my favorite Iowa City restaurants, Devotay. It has a few recipes in it but also describes the whole buying locally and slow food movement that I plan to read as my carry-on when I fly back to SoCal tomorrow.
It has been good to be back, seeing childhood friends and visiting old haunts. I did make a trip to Iowa City which I really, really, truly do miss and love. Seeing all that intense Hawkeye fandom nearly made me tear up/cheer at the top of my lungs a few times! But after living 4 years in Chicago and now living literally ON the beach I wonder how I’d readapt to living in a smaller city which celebrates all 4 seasons … especially winter… with such fevor 🙂 Soooo I guess I’ll have to see what the military plans for my future, it’ll be exciting to see where life takes me!
… and speaking of Iowa, GO HAWKEYES!!! BEAT GEORGIA TECH!!!!
The Inspired Dr.Mom 