Great photo, especially the exceptional dynamic range.

I spent my childhood visiting my grandparents in Iowa. I even went to college there when the time came. I only spent about four months of elementary school in Red Oak but the place will remain with me forever, as will the kindness and forthrightness of the people there. The frontier mentality and tireless work ethic was a great model. I was always impressed that there was as much interest in women's high school basketball as for men's.
There was talk about the Swedes being new immigrants too so I think Iowa will deal fairly with spanish-speaking immigrants. How my grandmother laughed as she shared that they busily signed up the Swedish farmers to vote years ago without reallizing that none of the old gentlemen were actually citizens. I think she accepted those Swedish immigrants since her son married one, my mother.

I lived in Iowa from birth to age 28. Then I moved to the east coast (husband's insistence). I knew I'd miss the people, and I do. Humility is valued in Iowa, unlike the east coast where there is much pretense. People are friendlier.

I miss the scenery. It is so nice to be able to see the sky and see the land for miles. In Virginia the trees are so dense and tall that you can't see anything but trees when you drive down the road. very claustophobic. also makes me feel like anything could be hiding in those woods.

This picture is amazing. I want to frame it and put it on the wall.