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I only went on one doorscursion while visiting my brother, but it wasn’t in Iowa, and I’m not sharing those photos today. However, while in Iowa I took pictures of a number of interesting doors, along with a few other interesting items. As I often remind people, although it’s Thursday Doors, we can share other photos.
I’ve been going to Iowa for many years, but there are two things I’ve never experienced. One is the Iowa State Fair, and although I’d like to gnaw on a turkey leg or try some deep-fried butter, I don’t really want to experience the heat of Iowa in August and I would also like to avoid the grandstanding politicians.
The second event I have (make that had) never been able to experience is “Beer Club.” Beer club was started about 20 years ago when two guys got together (while their wives were at a book club) and “grilled some steaks and drank some beer.” Over time, more and more guys were invited. I think my brother was the 4th or 5th person to join. I’ve been regaled with stories, jokes and comments, under the heading of, “I heard this at Beer Club.” But I’ve never been there during the right week—until this year.
The day I arrived, a day that started at 3:00 am, we conducted the doorscursion I alluded to above, had breakfast in Minneapolis and drove three hours back to my brother’s house in Iowa. After getting settled and arguing with his cat, Sundance about which side of the bed would be mine, we headed out for Beer Club.
Beer Club meets in a variety of places. Sometimes, it meets at someone’s house. During Covid, it met in a city park, so social distancing could be enforced. It meets at restaurants, bars and breweries. This time, we drove to Polk, IA and gathered at Fenders, a brew pub.
I enjoyed a flight of interesting sounding beers, including—to some of your surprise—a dark ale. It was the darkest thing on the menu, and I knew, if I didn’t like it, my brother would drink it for me. Now, if that last sentence didn’t get Mary’s attention, I must tell her that the featured door in the gallery is from the Ladies Room of this pub. A pub I am sure she would like to visit, except for the dearth of Stouts and Porters. Mary is also known as Bikerchick, although she’s traded her motorcycle for a self-propelled set of two wheels.
I will add that previous experience has taught me that taking a photo of a Ladies Room door is not for the faint of heart. I captured one such door in Daytona, Florida (while visiting Cheryl and her husband) and as I was taking the picture, a woman exited the room.
Without further droning on by yours truly, I’ll let you investigate the gallery. I hope you will have some time to visit the other participants, whose links and pingbacks are listed in the comments.
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