Couple continues to stay active as vendors

 This very talented Nashua couple stays active even after retirement. Don and Florence Boss have been vendors for the Gateway to Northeast Iowa Welcome Center since 2010. Don calls his two looms his exercise machines since he does get a lot of exercise making the rugs, placemats and table runners in his spare time. He has one loom for rugs and one loom for the table runners and placemats. One of the looms came from Florence’s mother which is still works just as good as when she used to use it to make rugs.The beautiful rugs are sturdy and colorful. Don runs the looms while Florence will tie the ends, which is a lot of tying since they have sold over 500 items at the Gateway to Northeast Iowa Welcome Center.“Don and Florence are such wonderful, talented people! I love being able to display their beautiful rugs at the welcome center! The small boot rugs have been very popular. I’m always happy seeing them come in with a basket full of rugs,” said Welcome Center Director Jen Hauser.Florence makes beautiful quilts with her quilting frame next to Don’s looms down in the basement. They both help each other when they can and this is why the couple has been married over 60 years. Quilts, baked potato bags and heart dishcloths are a few more items which are for sale at the gift shop, which Florence makes.Don said, “I give away a lot of rugs and give some to the church for door prizes,” which is his favorite part of making the different items.In the Boss’s spare time they like spending time with their family and friends, playing cards, gardening and are active members of their church and the Nashua VFW. They have a garden every year and can meat and vegetables.They have three children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren to keep them busy, also. It is a busy household when the family comes for the holidays.This talented couple has been through so much together through the years and enjoy making their items for everyone to enjoy.