WHO KNOWS THE FUTURE?

       An exciting time. 

       When you're staring at 92 and something positive occurs that limits your lounge time or those dreaded TV reruns, yes....you do get a special "rush" that something different and better may be occurring.

       For several coming months now, in the 900 block of South Jackson, we'll have something to study and criticise and the ability to exercise our personal opinion of the proceedings.

       A new house is being built across the street, at almost arms length. I know we'll appreciate any blockage of snow or wind next winter but we'll also miss the beautiful view of the golf course the other times of year. We couldn't have it both ways could we?

       We met the occupying couple, who are coming from the Ames/Nevada area the other day and the lady of the house made comment, "the view is what sold us," while the male was especially impressed with the "wonderful meal we had" at one of our local restaurants.

       That type of adoration for this community I've lived in and promoted for 80 years was, of course, music to my ears BUT my moment became giddy when they added, "Ames is just too big and that daily South Duff fight is too much."

       Those comments added to my recent thought that, perhaps, they're a sign of new times, that a reversal may, slowly, be underway.

       The 2020 census showed that Ames had a population of 66,427 and was the ninth most populous city in Iowa. Good for them.....and we appreciate the many good and varied  opportuities they present from just 15 miles away. P.S. almost half of that 66 plus are students at ISU.

       But then, I remember, my dad, Clint, an Ames High graduate of 1929, telling me that he delivered papers to a portion of the 10,000 residents, 10,261 to be exact. 

      In that 2020 census, Boone was credited with 12,460, a handful more than the 11,886 of 1930. I'm inclined to think its more than that today.

      Look, I don't expect Boone to EVER romp to 60,000 residents or even 50 or 40,000 or much less AND Ames will, no doubt, continue to grow even more as time passes.

     But to me, it is interesting to dream of any kind of substantial population increase in Boone's future with, perhaps, the addition of some of those Ames folks or others who have "had it" with the large city "feel" in comparison to our much slower but pleasant "laid back" Boone existence.

     Just wonderin'.