Author Archives: Jeff

Sep 10

License Plate Letters — QCR

For the first time in 40 years, but only skipping one cycle that whole time, Iowa’s alphanumeric license plates have a Q as the first letter. The 1986 series, which was issued during calendar year 1985, set the Q’s aside … Continue reading

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Sep 06

IA 8 between Traer and Dysart closing for a month

I am going back home at least three times in the next month, so of course this is going to happen. Beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, through Friday, Oct.10, weather permitting, crews will close Iowa 8 from … Continue reading

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Sep 04

Who wants to read about pie?

OK, eating pie is better than reading about pie, but I can only do so much. Here’s a look at one of the pie contests at the Iowa State Fair.

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Sep 02

IA 330 through Albion closing for a month

A project I was keeping an eye on months ago is finally about to start. On Thursday, IA 330 between IA 14 and US 30 through Albion will close for a month. It’s just a small project south of Albion … Continue reading

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Aug 28

RAGBRAI in Aplington

Here’s my Substack story from when RAGBRAI passed through Aplington and Parkersburg. It’s only been a month since it happened, and if you haven’t read it, it’s new to you!

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Aug 26

Tiny town, big exhibit

The sign along Kansas Highway 9 said “Open every day”, and given that it was Sunday, I was going to give a museum in tiny Logan a chance. I was extremely not disappointed, and got a sneak peek at a … Continue reading

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Aug 22

And away we go (but not me)

(because someone jumped on the last two weeks of August before I even had a chance to look) (I wanted to see the Belfast Titanic museum, sigh) God bless you and your straight-outta-2000 website with football games time-coded to God’s … Continue reading

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Aug 20

RIP, Pizza Palace

Let the record show that I had the last two deep dish/pan slices from pizzas bought at Traer Pizza Palace. (I was told the mediums we were able to get were “the last” non-thin crusts.)

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Aug 18

And, per say*, and

The Latin phrase per se means “by itself” or “in itself.” Many many years ago in the English language, the alphabet ended with “&.” As Merriam-Webster says: “When the 27th quasi-letter & was referred to it was called & per … Continue reading

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Aug 15

A classic car story with a twist

What if you could get the car associated with your childhood memories back? And it was in approximate driving condition? Well, when I went to Conrad’s Black Dirt Days in June, I found someone who did just that.

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