Summer is hotter here

in the Midwest.  There's all kinds of different here.  Mike maintains that because he grew up in western New York he has a tie to Midwestern roots.  I will vouch that the accent in Iowa is more Rochester than say, northern Minnesota (darn it!).  I do not have any prior association with the Midwest so I am a stranger in a strange land. Humoring the dramatic Holly...I do love our neighborhood and home.  I was in the local co-op buying cheese.  I think there were more selections than when I was in France.  No shortage of farms here.  Although I applaud it, the recycling here in Iowa City/Coralville is more confusing and elaborate than in California.
Elise's new "climbing tree"

Our house is the one to the left.  Lots of space.