Just sat talking with (mostly listening to) Mary Routh a Catholic Worker Catholic, feminist, and 8th generation Iowan. She told stories, mostly of her family. She’s got seven siblings that live within a 50 mile radius. She told a story of a sister who will soon be forced to move out of her house because she won’t be able to afford the rise in natural gas prices (it’s expected to jump 40% this winter). She told a story of her born again brother who is trying to save her and who supports Steve King, the Republican who represents western Iowa in the House. Steve King has been in the press recently for saying McCarthy was a “great American hero.” Apparently he was quoted as saying, “If you don’t think so, read your history”. And he is so popular in western Iowa that his seat is safe, he can say most anything he wants.

Just back from the library event in Ames. There weren’t many people, maybe 15, however we had a good time talking at the end. Sometimes a smaller group allows for a more intimate conversation.

Michael Gillespie from the Washington Report (www.wrmea.com) interviewed me before the event. I liked him. He was easy to talk with. He thinks, in addition to an article about the tour, WR will want to review the book and the American Educational Trust (which publishes the magazine) carry it. This would be a great help in getting the word out.

A good time in Minneapolis. Highlight: dinner with Jeanie.

With Jeanie in restaurant near University of Minneapolis

Saturday, October 8 (5:30pm)

Ames Library

Ames public Library
515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, Iowa

beginning with a potluck at 5:30 p.m. with presentation to follow

for more information: 515-964-2786

Back in Iowa, after four days in Minnesota.

A run with Charlie this morning. I was thinking of these days on the road, reminded of the stage in a marathon when all senses become focused on the running. I’ve run three marathons: Jericho, Boston, and Nashville Country Music Marathon. At the start of each, the first seven or eight miles, I talk with other racers, take in scenery, buildings, people, music. However, by the tenth mile the focus narrows, voices dim, including the one in my head, and there is just listening to the breathing, feeling legs and arms moving and feet striking the road. After three weeks on the road, I’ve hit a stride. Every leaving is an arrival is a leaving is an arrival. There is conservation of energy. During events, answers to questions have become more concise. Between events I am quiet and sometimes at a loss when asked simple questions. How do I like Iowa? ” I like it. The sky is so big here it’s part of the landscape.” ???? I call friends and family to stay connected and to hear their voices, however, I don’t have much to say. “It’s gotten cold here in Minnesota.” Most days, Charlie and I go for long walks. He keeps his nose to the ground and stops often to linger on a smell. I can get impatient, wanting us to keep moving. Yet later, when I am unsure of the way back to where we started, he turns us in the right direction.

In a couple hours, I will be heading to Ankeny and then to a library event in Ames. Tomorrow another library and, in the evening, an Islamic Center in Des Moines.

October 6 (7pm)

University of Minnesota
West Bank Campus
Blegen Hall, Rm. 125

October 5

Minnesota, MN

details coming

October 4

Normandale College
France Ave and 96th St
Bloomington, MN