More from Iowa

It has been a busy couple of weeks and that doesn't include time with the snowblower. Last week I was in Washington DC hosting 60 of our local business and government leaders. We held meetings with the staff from Senators Harkin and Grassley as well as Congressman Loebsack to present "asks" for federal funding. We also had meetings with the Senators and Congressman which are always interesting. But, I have to say it is REALLY tiring from my point keeping everyone on task and entertained during our three days in DC.

Sunday we were hit with another ice and snow storm. I will post pictures but the snow here is piled over our mailbox and the roads are still covered in ice. Many road crew workers said they hadn't seen anything like it in 25 years. It took until Thursday for Interstate 80 to clear. Our kids finally went back to school after a late start on Wednesday. Along with the Iowa City Chamber we hosted Corridor Day at the Capitol (Des Moines) on Wednesday and we had some fun making our way down the Interstate to get there. We had the new president of the University of Iowa with us and that always gets our elected officials attention. Right before lunch with 400 of our closest friends we had a meeting with Governor Culver. We also met with the Speaker of the House, Minority Leader and the leadership in the Senate. Above is my picture with our Governor. He beat out my first boss in the primary to get elected so it seems like a small world. Right after our meetings ended Wednesday I was responsible for our state association of chambers conference in West Des Moines. With almost 100 attendees over the three days of meetings and events, it ended today and to say I am very tired is an understatement. Josh has tournaments this week-end and also Gold Cup Piano Festival. Nate is in Des Moines with his new basketball team for the 3rd Grade State Boys Basketball Tournament. Isabelle is just excited to be at another basketball game.

Hope to hear from others. Just wish it warm up here but the good news is there must be an end to all of this sometime soon!

Sara