N.Y. Her husband, Ron, grew up in Poweshiek County eating roast beef, mashed potatoes and homemade bread. They met in Boston, where Ron was in the Navy. Clayton likes entertaining and cooking for big groups. She puts on a big breakfast spread for her guests. When pheasant hunters stay a week at a time, she never serves the same thing twice.
Guests are on their own for noon and evening meals.
Clayton asks guests if they have any dietary preferences. Among her guests coming to visit Grinnell College, there are many vegetarians, diabetics, and Jewish people who don't eat pork, she notes. While Clayton grew up in the restaurant business, she and her older sister didn't cook much. Clayton uses prepared foods. Pizza is an example.