This weekend called for a trip south to the Kansas City area to attend my nephew’s high school graduation.  That was the planned part; the unplanned part was that I strained my lower back a day before we were to leave.  Trying to maneuver in and out of a car was quite the test of endurance.  But….we persevered and arrived pretty much on schedule.  What I didn’t realize was that my back would continue to get worse over the next couple of days.  Try as I might, I was flat on my back in bed the day of the graduation.  My family members represented me at the ceremony, and I was lucky to see some cell-phone photos of the event.  The return trip home on I-35 North was uneventful, and was the extent of my photographic adventures this weekend.  For those of you that thought Iowa was flat, I have photographic proof that’s not the case.  The hillsides and pastures are all green from the recent rains, and many of the agricultural crops are starting to peek through the soil.  My back is mending, but it’s still not 100%.  To my “driver” – thanks!  And to my nephew Tanner –  congrats on all your accomplishments!  We couldn’t be more proud, and we look forward to your future endeavors.