1. dubuque does not look like this, this shot was taken en route from illinois because i have a thing for silos. dubuque is hilly and gorgeous and filled with cows. it is perfect for a really difficult run that prepares you for the amount of cheese in the average iowa partygoer diet; it is perfect for discovering a patch of ambition, dreaming up projects. the type of thing that city streets with honky taxis does not foster.

2. & 3. host mum: molly, what do you like to eat?

me: anything but bananas, mushrooms, and seafood. i particularly love sampling local specialties.

host mum: oh, you know what you must try?

me: what must i try??

my head: local asparagus? corn? perhaps a pig from the farm down the road??

host mum: taco pizza from happy joe's!

so i ate the taco pizza. i enjoyed the taco pizza. i would totally eat again, that taco pizza. it is the answer to those times when i am eating a taco but am craving something doughy. taco stuff on pizza dough, get at that, rick bayless.

4. {left} & 6. another dubuque specialty, mario's panzerotti. essentially a deep fried calzone. yummy, but easter island face inducing when i consider my poor tummy in the aftermath.

4. {right} iowa people are boozy people in the best possible way. i began my days with whiskey in my coffee, ended them with all kinds of bubbly.

5. i caught a firefly on the summer solstice.

7. so much talent, about to eat so much taco pizza.

-yeh!