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[NRaleighLiberal]

This message was self-deleted by its author (NRaleighLiberal) on Mon Jun 20, 2016, 12:53 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[canoeist52]

1. What a delightful trip!

I'm jealous of your cabin stay and the pictures are great.

[Scuba]

2. And people say Iowa's not beautiful. These are great, thanks for posting.

[JDPriestly]

13. Don't believe "people." Iowa is not only beautiful, but as I remember, it smells wonderful.

Of course, some might not agree with me. You have to have inherited the nose of a farmer to like it I suppose.

[Scuba]

14. I grew up on a dairy farm. As we always said of manure, "smells like money".

[JDPriestly]

15. Manure is one smell in Iowa, but the smell of corn is what I love. It smells so sweet.

The manure doesn't smell so bad if it is properly handled.

[Suich]

3. This is my idea of Heaven on Earth!

Thanks for a great bunch of photos! I love the cabin and the gorgeous garden!

[Curmudgeoness]

4. Did you see the eagles?

Sorry---every time I hear Decorah, I will forever associate it with Bald Eagles now.

I just love that cabin you stayed in. And I am excited for you to have been able to share your love of tomatoes. I know you must have been floating on air!

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. the eagles apparently were not home - we biked right next to their nest area.

We did see bald eagles flying along the treeline when we looked off the deck.

It was really a gratifying trip - as the SSE Tomato Adviser, it is a role that it is a pleasure to play - I got to inspect all of the tomato trials - just very, very cool.

[Chemisse]

6. It just looks so beautiful and peaceful there.

I love the picture of tomatoes of all colors.

[NRaleighLiberal]

7. thanks! going through the post-trip let down now, eased by the DNC.

going to get busy - will be signing the book contract next week, a contract for an article to American Gardener, and a possible consulting gig at my old company....lots to sort through, and it will be a busy year no matter what!

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. so the tomato colors - left to right - will repost the pic below and list them

brown, green striped (and green fleshed), orange, purple, red/yellow bicolored (peeking through the rear), yellow, pink, white, green (barely visible - green fleshed when ripe also), and red.

the varieties (by memory) - left to right - Alsatian Black, Green zebra, Emmy, Cherokee Purple, Gold Medal, Hugh's, Brandywine, Great White, Dwarf Beryl Beauty and Italian Heirloom.

[NYC_SKP]

9. How Beautiful!!

[NRaleighLiberal]

10. Kicking - added my wife's and my first blog on the trip to the OP.

[dmosh42]

11. Drought conditions don't appear in that area?

[NRaleighLiberal]

12. From what they said, that part of NE Iowa and surroundings largely escaped it.

[NEOhiodemocrat]

16. Amazing, wish I could have been there

The cabin is beautiful and I love the picture of the assorted colors of tomato's. Can I ask what your favorite tomato is tastewise?