Saturday, November 19, 2016 – Bridge & Barge Traffic, Cheese Factory, The Dutchman General Store, Carissa’s B-day

For our P-day we took a trip 55 miles northwest of Nauvoo to Cantril, Iowa to go shopping. On our way there we crossed the Mississippi River at Fort Madison, IA on a swinging truss bridge. Normally the bridge is open to auto traffic but this morning we got there just in time to be stopped. While we waited we watched the swinging truss bridge pivot open to allow a large barge pass by. It was very impressive, something you don’t see every day. 

Our first stop was at the Amish cheese making factory called the “Milton Creamery.” I’m not a cheese connoisseur but I really like their cheeses. We were here last April and I’ve wanted to return for their “Smoked Cheese Curd” ever since. Sis. Johnson also bought their smoked cheddar cheese. Mmmm-Goood!

Our next stop was at “The Dutchman General Store” in Cantril, Iowa, also owned and operated by the Amish. We were here last April too but we didn’t have enough time to really shop a lot. Today we had the time and really enjoyed the quantity, variety and low prices of everything. The prices are as good or better than Wal-Mart and you can’t beat the homemade freshness of everything. It was worth the drive.

 

On our way home we made our final stop at the Hy-Vee grocery story in Fort Madison, IA to finish our purchases we couldn’t find at “The Dutchman.” While we were there we ate our lunch at the Deli Dinner inside and had the “All-you-can-eat Soup & Salad Bar.” And . . . Oh was it good!

We finished a perfect P-day with two calls to family. Our first phone call was to our grand-daughter Carissa Johnson on her 4^th birthday. She’s a sweetheart and she melts our hearts. Next we had a video call on Skype with our son Ernie in Australia. Every Saturday evening we Skype him and his two sons, William and James. In Australia it’s Sunday morning and our schedules usually work out so we can talk and see each other. Sis. Johnson and I love the technology that allows us to keep in touch with our family.