by Jo Hill

Sunday, my grandson and I went walking in the East Village. Brady was spending some time with me, and I asked where he wanted to go, so off we went toward the
Capital and the new Federal building.. Half the fun of walking with Brady is that he loves taking pictures also, so we both were equipped with camera. None of this sharing one camera business!

It was a near perfect day and had lots of waiting subjects. The flowers are all blooming, and tucked in among the flowers and walkways we found many bugs. Now, a few years ago, I would have tried to steer clear of any of these. Brady, of course, was ready for even the ugliest, and was rewarded by having a very large Preying Mantis fly right at him.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t ready to catch the moment. It had been very patient with us and the decided to do some inspecting of his own. It was our day for large insects. Besides the mantis we saw a katydid, and one of the biggest bees around.

I love the urban prairie being started by the road. (have you seen it?)

There was a greedy squirrel with two hickory nuts in his mouth and a crazy lady flitting around on the top of the trees. Or, maybe it was just a tall monument.

 

There seems to also be more new places popping up all over the village. How long has the Grand piano Bistro been there?

If you have not walked the Capital grounds or are new to Des Moines be sure and do just that. There is still much improvement going on. The walkway on the south side looks almost finished, but since there are still bricks waiting–I’m sure there is more to do. Each time I go there I find things I haven’t seen or are new. I also noticed a number
of people walking the new gardens. So much nicer then the old parking lot.

We made a quick stop at the Historical Center to check it out and find some much needed water. Then back to my apartment and some relaxation. Nice Sunday with my youngest Grandson. And it’s so much fun to impress youngsters with my hip and urban lifestyle!