After dropping Maggie off at Patty's, we were on our way to Nashville. The drive, car drop off at Courtney's and Lyft to the airport all went smoothly. We had time for a late lunch at Tootsie's airport lounge, and enjoyed the music while we ate.
Our flight left and landed early and we were picked up by Mick, Leanne and Susan at the Cedar Rapids Airport. We stopped in at our Air B&B (located in Cedar Rapids) and then headed to Iowa City for the Homecoming parade. Nephew Nathan had an ideal spot at the Midwest Bank where he works, so we all joined him and Mikayla to watch the parade. It was a great location. 
We ladies especially enjoyed the marching bands. The best is always saved for last... The Hawkeye Marching Band, with 280 members. We enjoyed watching them march by, and singing the fight song with them (video). 
Oh did this ever bring back memories. What fun I had, for five years, marching in the Hawkeye band.
Once the parade was over, we walked across and a little ways down the street to Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers where we enjoyed dinner in a noisy, rowdy, college restaurant. 
We did a little walking tour of a small area downtown to look in on two of our favorite, more frequented bars, The Airliner and Joe's Place.
In this photo, we three 'girls' are headed to the Pentacrest (where the original state capital building is) to check out the concert on the lawn.
There was a party goin' on. Today's music ain't like it used to be.
Below, here we all are, except Sue's husband Doug, who had stayed back at the Air B&B to catch up on much needed sleep after driving, through most of the night, from Texas, to get them here. (from the left - Mick, Leanne, Joe, me, & Susan)
I got an update from Patty, that Maggie and her kitty Ellie we happy together.
We finished our tour, driving around campus, and the neighborhood where our apartment was, reminiscing about old times and places we frequented as young college coeds.
We hit a grocery store on the way home and then sat up till almost 11pm, continuing to catch up on each other's lives.
Saturday 10/26 - The six of us were up and chatting, eating breakfast that Leanne had cooked, and sipping our caffeinated beverages.
We were out the door by 10am, headed for Iowa City once again. Parking was confusing and a bit of an un-known, so we ended up at Finkbine Golf Course, a little over a mile away from the stadium and the tailgate parties we were headed to. Doug is in this photo, between Sue and Mick.
Our first tailgate party was at John's, a friend of Nathan and Mikayla's. Man was it a ritzy, 'Hawkeye Heaven' kind of place.
There were two bars, three beverage refrigerators, four TVs, fire pit, and games... located in/on two garages, a roof top terrace, and two patio's. Here is Doug, Mick, Sue, Joe, Leanne, Nathan, and Mikayla.
Nathan with us three ladies.
We headed through the crowd and sea of tailgate parties to our next destination with Tracy and Teresa and their friends.
Joe on the phone with Teresa, trying to pin down their exact location.
We found Tracy and Teresa's group. We took pleasure in drinks (especially the apple cider caramel vodka) and an awesome spread of food for lunch. It was delicious. We enjoyed chatting with lots of fun, friendly people. On top of that, it was a beautiful day and the sunshine warmed us up.
Another group photo with Nathan, Mikayla, Tracy, myself, Joe, Leanne, Mick, Teresa, Doug, and Sue.
About 1:15 we were back on foot, headed to the Rec. Center for the Hawkeye Band warmup and Spirit Rally. It was a little difficult to see and hear from our spots, but the energy was palpable and the band and crowd were really getting fired up.
We followed the band as they marched over to Kinnick Stadium. We shuffled along with the sea of people but soon found our seats. The Children's hospital was behind us and over toward the center of the field. We were so far down the field, we were past the goalpost, in the end zone area.
The Iowa football players were warming up when we sat down. 
Before long the team left and the pre-game show began with the alumni band taking the field first. Wow, there were a lot of former students out there.
Their formations were for the other side of the field to 'read' (see) so it was hard to tell what they had formed unless we looked at the score board.
Soon Herky (our mascot) came out and ran across the field with an Iowa Hawkeye flag. The crowd erupted. 
But the crowd got even louder when the football team came back out and two F-18 Hornets from VX-9 flew over the stadium (video).
We enjoyed a good football game. It was fairly close until early in the third quarter. 
Nathan was Grandpa Herky in the first quarter. We couldn't see much of him from where we sat, but (his mom) Teresa got a few good photos. She also reported that he did cartwheels in the end zone, we missed it.
In the lower photo, I put a dark pink line in the row, right where we sat. But I also circled it in yellow cause it is hard to see.
In the second half, the Hawks 'ran away' with the game. The final score was 40 - 14 against Northwestern. Go Hawks!
We left early hoping to 'beat the crowd' but most of the crowd had the same game plan.
Once back to Cedar Rapids, we let Doug and Sue's dogs out for a run and then went to dinner at Pizza Ranch. It was good eatin' but I ate too much.
Sunday 10/27 - It had been another kind of late night sitting up talking. Mick and Leanne had to be on the road by 8am, so we were all up to see them off. When we started packing up, Doug making room for Joe and I (and the two dogs) out in the car, Gracie and Buddy watched closely. They were very well mannered dogs.
We arrived at the Volk's about 11:00. Joe and I walked the two dogs while Doug and Sue got the second dog crate set up and re-packed the car. 
I have never been to Tracy and Teresa's new house in Hills. It is beautiful, and just the right size and comfort level. 
After a tour of the house and yard, we relaxed and watched football, and caught up on life. I also enjoyed a third cup of tea with some sweet snacks.
Teresa had invited the whole crew of siblings, kids, and grand-kids over for a Sunday potluck. We hung out all afternoon and early evening, and had a great visit. Lots of food was eaten and games were played. It was so nice to see our Iowa family. It just made Homecoming all the more special.
This was the third late night in a row for me, although I was in bed much closer to my usual bed time.
Monday 10/28 - I was up well before sunrise, which isn't that tough when it doesn't come up until 6am. This is a view from Volk's deck, shortly after sunrise.
I worked on this blog for several hours, until it was time to hit the road.
Teresa drove us to the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.
Hills is very rural, so this big farm equipment coming down the road was nothing unusual.
We had gotten to the airport with lots of time to spare, partly because our flight was delayed. So Joe napped, and I continued to work on this blog. It was very slow going because my little travel laptop is slower than molasses, a snail, or a turtle.
Our flight was quick and easy, and not very crowded, so we got to spread out. We moved way up front and sat across the isle from each other.
Nashville traffic was horrible so I persuaded Joe to stop for dinner before we got on the highway. I got this photo of Rico from Patty who did evening chores for me.
We pulled into our Flossmoor house at 7:10. Coming home was equally as sweet as going to Homecoming, because there's no place like home.
Tuesday 10/29 - I got all caught up on my blog. It helps to have a laptop that moves a lot faster than my travel one. I also tackled unpacking, laundry and other household chores. Then I put on my Halloween tights and t-shirt and headed to the gym. I only had time for arms and abs.
I met Betty at the ranch and immediately noticed how much calmer Rico was. And he came right up to me when I went to get him.
Betty and I had a nice 90 minute ride. Neither of our horses wanted to lead so we had to push them to move out as we took turns being in front. With some effort, I was able to get Rico collected into a very nice gait a few times. We also cantered in a couple of spots. I feel good about the progress we are making.
It was my night to feed, and as often is the case, Banner did not come in with the 'three Amigos' so I had to walk way out back to get him. The exercise is good for me, so no complaints.
And once Banner saw and heard me, he started walking my way.
I had put out six piles of hay in the paddock, but when I left, the 'three amigos' were all around one pile sharing it.
After feeding Dorado and Rico, I checked in on the chickens. They were all, already 'in bed' but the automatic door hadn't closed. Patty had just replaced the batteries, so I was perplexed. But then, I guess it had finally gotten dark enough, that it closed.
It was also so dark that the coop, outside motion detector light came on... and it was only 6:15. In this photo, the door is in the process of closing, with just a few inches to go... it slides down.
Poker Joe came home early, with an unsuccessful evening at the table. Even though he has skill, he needs some luck.
Wednesday 10/30 - I had morning chores, and as often the case, Wanda came running to greet me and then followed me around while I mucked.
I made a trip to town for supplies and hit four thrift stores looking for a replacement light weight jacket for the gym because the zipper on my old one had completely broken.
I was out at the ranch by 1:45 to ride with Patty. It was quite windy and fairly overcast.
When I walked up through the front pasture from the barn, the skies were still actually clear, off to the east. Our three amigos chomping away.
The sunshine was definitely spotty.
Dorado and Rico also were munching away. 
Rico is so relaxed now, he will lay down and roll without feeling threatened.
Once I got Rico's halter and called him, he came right over to me. What a good boy.
Patty and I went for a 3½ mile ride. Both horses were very good, although reluctant to lead some of the time. We just switched off being in front. Everything is bigger about Rico compared to my little Amiga. His height, neck and head, feet and legs, and length of his walk. It is taking some getting used to.
Rico doesn't have near the brio (a horse's natural energy, spirit, and willingness to go) as Amiga so takes a lot more leg and heel to get him going.
Near home, when Patty turned down Hathaway towards the ranch, I turned Rico the other way to see how he would do by himself. He did not want to leave Zorro.
I had to really squeeze my legs and kick to get Rico going, and bump him up into a gait. But then he eased into a real nice, smooth gait, until he stopped to poop. LOL He was rather nervous. On the trail through the woods behind our property, he hollered several times as we headed home, but none of the horses answered back.
Patty and Bonnie took these three photos of Rico and I once we got back. It clouded up and spit a little bit of rain as we finished up with the horses. Betty wasn't back with Dorado yet, so Rico ran the fence line since he couldn't see any horses. (The other four were down in the lower paddock.) I met Betty on Eli Ford and she later reported that Rico calmed right down when she unloaded Dorado. I need to get Rico comfortable with being alone some times.
Susan had made and left us treats in the tack room. How nice, and sweet, especially the candy. I can't believe she took time to do this when she has hip surgery tomorrow.
Joe and I watched Survivor before I hit the hay.
Thursday 10/31 - Happy Halloween!
I love this photo off of Facebook.
I had my usual morning at my computer and puttered around some before going to the gym. I stopped in at The Center to check out Gwen's Halloween costume.
From right to left, Gwen, Cathy, and another lady who works the front desk... dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from the movie Hocus Pocus.
They put a spell on me.
For two hours I worked hard at the gym (was even able to add a 4th pull-up to my total) and could feel the results with most of my muscles as I drove home. I had a big late lunch and then went outside to help Joe with leaf removal.
First I had to correct (what I considered) an error on Joe's part when he was wrangling leaf bags. He had dumped several full bags, right at the edge of the pond. No! We don't want them in the water or blocking our view of the edge. After taking care of the piles (see photo of how it looked when I had finished) I was too tired to do any more work.
My day ended at the 7th annual Halloween Party that Richard and Elaine (seen in this photo) put on every year. 
Here I am with Elaine. My costume was pretty lame, but I did remain fairly anonymous most of the night.
This is Sheri and Bill, who I sat with. I missed having Micki, who was back home in CA for a few months.
There was a crowd of close to a 100 people, a lot who I didn't know. The winners of the costume contest.
Uncle Fester who's light bulb really did light up. 
This was a pot-luck party, so there was a ton of food.
More costumes I liked. 
I sat out the few slow songs that played, but was up dancing most of the rest of the time. I sure enjoyed moving to music, as usual. And it proved to be a good workout.
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Sheri, myself, Elaine, and Penny, who did the DJing.
The party ended early (what is wrong with these old people?) and I went home (a homecoming I would have preferred to wait another hour on) and was in bed by 10:30. But I sure had a great time.
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