Baker's heartbeat

  An Iowa sunset last autumn.      One of the first things we sixth-graders learned in Iowa history class was that the name, "Iowa" means "beautiful land" in the Native American language.     That's true, according to " Our Iowa Heritage ."     I think about this phrase because the beauty of one's state is certainly in the eyes of the beholder.     I was born and partly raised in Minnesota, which surely is a  beautiful state with all its lakes, waterfalls and natural areas. Other states we've traveled are very pretty as well: Mississippi, for example, has lots of trees and an obvious logging business. Florida has its beaches. There's also Wisconsin and Michigan.      My sister lives in Bozeman, Montana, and that has stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.  Montana has to be one of the more spectacular states in the nation, with Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and more. Residents there are perhaps used to the spectacular.    

There I am, in my Iowa State gear, after a 5K event in Bettendorf.      Some 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old every day and I have joined the crowd.       The youngest child of Emery and Barbara Cox, I was born on Dec. 12, 1957 at St. Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. My siblings are Cathleen, Emery III, Mary Barbara and Brigid.  All four were important in my upbringing.     I guess I'm writing this blog because I try very hard to live a healthy and happy life. This is supported by my husband of almost 35 years, Steve, and a wonderful blended family.     My life hasn't always been rosy, of course, but it's gotten appreciably better as I age. These days, I enjoy running, as many readers know, as well as a host of other passions. Interests include learning something new every day, keeping a clean and decorated house and yard, gardening, feeding birds, watching movies, scrapbooking, traveling and reading, reading, reading.     Each day starts with a "to do"