by Jo Hill

I know we live in the Corn State, but I was surprised to see how much corn we have downtown, and not only at the Farmer’s Market.

I know I haven’t found all the Fall decoration, but there are many, all featuring Corn, Pumpkins, and Squash. The Convention Center were first I noticed. Then as I wondered around, I found more along Locust, with flowering cabbages also. But the best showing of all is one of the office building a block or so west of the Convention Center. I spent a long time wandering from one display to another. I couldn’t decide which one I liked best. Besides the corn and fall vegetables is an impressive display of Mums. The corn and Oak trees planted there has become home for a clever little four legged creature who liked posing for me.

Each time I walk the streets of downtown Des Moines, I think of all the time I worked here years ago, and although there were shops at street level, there was no beauty on the streets. Now we have a downtown that is bursting with color and there are flowers and plants everywhere. Nice change I must admit!!