Oh, boy.   The beginning of our door-knocking excursion tonight was terrific.  The weather was cooler,  the grass greener, and people were in super spirits and excited about meeting Art.

Yesterday’s door-knocking brought us to another apartment complex in town.   Anyone (me) who’s ever complained about the lack of ethnic diversity in Iowa, is obviously not living in the right neighborhoods.

With only six homes left to visit in the current precinct we’re walking, the rain finally sent us scurrying back to the ArtStaedMobile.  Art decided it was better to get elected rather than electrocuted.

Had a good time d-k tonight with Art , it was another scorcher weather-wise, but we met some terrific neighbors and had many good conversations.  Had I FaceBooked last night, it would have been from a slightly different perspective.

While door-knocking with Art yesterday, we visited with many voters who were outside savoring a slight break in the temp.  A couple of neighbors were enjoying an afternoon chat when we approached.

It’s been fun to reminisce a bit as we begin our second round of knocking on doors.   Driving up to a house, one of us inevitably will say, “Isn’t this where we met Dan, playing soccer with his son?” and “Remember!

I’ve been fighting a summer cold all week.  My daily routine has been this:  sleep in – late- get up when my mom arrives to help with campaign note-writing (you are the BEST, Mom!), eat lunch (Campbell’s soup, Double Noodle Os), take a nap, go door-knocking with Art, eat supper and then more sleep.

Whew!  An incredibly busy, yet fruitful and productive day was had by the Staed family!  This afternoon we had a fun session of door-knocking quite close to home, meeting neighbors and getting energized by their enthusiasm for Art to win this election!

Door knocking tonight with Art was quite a workout!  If you think Cedar Rapids is flat, just do a little walking- or biking- on the northeast side of town!  We were both a bit breathless from yet another hill, when we met Josie (names changed), sitting outside reading a book on her front porch.  She was happy to take a break from reading to share her story. 

We had 10 RAGBRAI bikers from Simpson College stay with us last night and they were oh, so grateful for a night of air conditioning!  Although I attempted to move some of the campaign paraphernalia out of sight, it’s still fairly obvious Art  is running for office.  Cowboy cards, various copies of fundraising letters, a huge district map display (with the streets we’ve walked highlighted), newspaper clippings, and “Art Staed” stationery all pepper the tabletops.