tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336085422024-03-13T09:16:40.423-05:00Through Karen's EyesThoughts and ideas from a small town gal.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.comBlogger404125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-5457625613877386632014-01-05T08:29:00.001-06:002014-01-05T08:29:04.792-06:00Happier!Funny title, but it is true! Plus, there was an app advertised on Facebook yesterday with the same title. So of course I had to check it out. It's really a sweet little social app where you can read what is making other people happy, along with posting your own happy moments. I must have spent a good 15 minutes just reading uplifting and positive comments and personal stories. With all the cynisism and negativity that surrounds us daily through the media and other social sites, this is such a breath of fresh air. <div><br></div><div>There is an online course that will help you become a more positive person associated with the Happier app. Of course there is a fee for that, but the app itself is free. And I love free! </div><div><br></div><div>Check it out! It's simple! Here's a screenshot...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lcMjnYsz9Xs/UslsLpTyPcI/AAAAAAAAIzg/BmdK4HlRPqk/s640/blogger-image-1584578543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lcMjnYsz9Xs/UslsLpTyPcI/AAAAAAAAIzg/BmdK4HlRPqk/s640/blogger-image-1584578543.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Easy peeesy. Nice to have that little icon on your phone to remind you, even if you don't make a status update.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One more thing I found on Facebook this morning that really hit home. Yet another reason I am 'Happier'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gSp_8DBWjlM/UslsJzoWDWI/AAAAAAAAIzY/T0VxIE9NGlo/s640/blogger-image-975306719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gSp_8DBWjlM/UslsJzoWDWI/AAAAAAAAIzY/T0VxIE9NGlo/s640/blogger-image-975306719.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And all God's people say AMEN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Karen </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0Lincoln Lincoln40.879798 -96.700607tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-71606129900299994122014-01-01T14:09:00.002-06:002014-01-01T14:09:47.960-06:00New Year 2014<span style="color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! And to all that read this, may you find happiness and contentment in the coming year. I wanted to start off with a snippet from a love letter from my Heavenly Father...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!... Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn't that awesome? He writes the most wonderful things, many of which I have forgotten or yet to discover!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The year 2013 was full of all sorts of 'stuff'. There was lots of good stuff, and there was lots of bad stuff. When it came to the bad stuff, this child of God was making some very unwise decisions and harboring some very self-destructive emotions and thoughts. UGH. I would like to take it all back (wouldn't we all?), but if that would be the case I would not be sitting here today feeling a sense of peace and having hope. This has been a very hard journey; emotionally, physically and spiritually. All of which obviously needed some repairs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has a way about Him. I couldn't understand why the challenges were there, why the tension was getting higher, why this wasn't working and that wasn't helping, what in the world was going on? .... I just couldn't see past my own nose. God knew, and He chose to let me struggle until the exact moment when He knew I was totally broken to reveal the answers. He knew I had lessons to learn, and they wouldn't GET learned if I didn't struggle. Yes, He knows me pretty well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This isn't to say that now that the 'light' is back on, there won't be further life struggles or disappointments. But I want to make 2014 a year to<u><i><b> consciously</b></i></u> make the effort to make each DAY special, each PERSON I meet feel accepted and loved, and never take things for granted. Life here on earth just doesn't hold any guarantees.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like the verse says "I'm doing a new thing", let's start celebrating with a large iced coffee. Sounds rather small, but to me this is a HUGE treat. Plus it's homemade. :)</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBnsPlDMvaY/UsRxVuk26nI/AAAAAAAAIe4/BeTAqIy4Px0/s1600/Iced+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBnsPlDMvaY/UsRxVuk26nI/AAAAAAAAIe4/BeTAqIy4Px0/s1600/Iced+coffee.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a Cornish hen involved with this, too. Don't forget, my husband's hobby is being a chef! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shall we make 2014 a year of daily celebrations and fun? Why not! There is SO very much to be thankful for, and many many people to hug, make laugh, honor, and love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is going to be one of probably MANY days I'm going to say thank you for blessing this world with <b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">coffee</span></i></b>, Lord........ </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sing it, Frank! Get this year started with a jolt!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peace and love.....</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Karen </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0Lincoln, NE, USA40.806862 -96.68167900000003140.6145425 -97.004402500000026 40.999181500000006 -96.358955500000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-66304230392853556562013-04-14T13:00:00.001-05:002013-04-14T13:00:32.030-05:00Simplify: Chapter 56A, Page 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been nearly a year since my last blog. Sounds kind of like going to confession in the Catholic church a bit. But life is ever changing, and this chapter has opened with getting back to the basics: Faith, Family, Friends, and Simplicity.<br />
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There has been no need for crafting, or achieving some new 'design' to brag about. That's not where my spirit is in the beginning of Chapter 56. I've done all that, and if the good Lord wants that part put back into my life again, so be it. I certainly have the tools and supplies to handcraft numerous items. :) So if some of you follow www.thetygerlily.com there won't be much action over there (so no link is included). I'm letting that part of life go for now.<br />
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With becoming a techno geek(ish) gal, loving all there is to the iPad and Galaxy we've been blessed with, it still doesn't meet the inner need for pen, paper, pencils and highlighters.... So.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIqTE2nMhWg/UWrs-GAtjvI/AAAAAAAAHU8/4X6rA2gqHrs/s1600/41PPQQcpUSL._SL500_SS120_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIqTE2nMhWg/UWrs-GAtjvI/AAAAAAAAHU8/4X6rA2gqHrs/s1600/41PPQQcpUSL._SL500_SS120_.jpg" /></a>I've challenged myself with getting back to the basics of organization, keeping things simple, and being of service when the occasion arises. This will be a LONG process, as even though we live in a small duplex, there is a lot to organize and let go of. There is an organizer/planner out there called the "7 Minute Life Daily Planner" from <a href="http://www.thesevenminutedifference.com/" target="_blank">The Seven Minute Difference</a>. It is only big enough for a 3-month span of time, or one quarter of a year. Most businesses run this way, so why not give my own life this small increment of time to achieve some goals that MEAN something. Not necessarily monetary goals, but ones that come from my heart, of who I am and where God would lead. There are parts of this planner that I probably won't use due to the structure already put in place at work, and with my position. But these can be tweaked into the values I want to incorporate. The "5 before 11" section is where your top 5 priorities of the day should go: get them all done before 11:00 am. I'm replacing those with the 5 things I'm most grateful for during that day. So the 11:00 am turns into an 11:00 pm. It's also going to help me watch what I'm eating, and helping me to remember to DRINK MORE WATER! That is not always an easy task at work. But it's important.<br />
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So Chapter 56A will run for the next 90 days. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEfBApGf5qw/UWrrE20WYhI/AAAAAAAAHUc/8w5mHGzcVKs/s1600/North+Pointe+Community+Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEfBApGf5qw/UWrrE20WYhI/AAAAAAAAHUc/8w5mHGzcVKs/s320/North+Pointe+Community+Church.jpg" width="320" /></a>There is also a lovely church that has come into our lives, even though we have had so many discussions on whether an actual 'church' for us was needed. It's never easy to get connected, that takes time. But the pastor there is very passionate. What more can you want from a leader, right? So if you see me over on Facebook, you may see check-ins at <a href="http://www.northpointelincoln.org/" target="_blank">North Pointe Community Church</a> every other Sunday or so. With new beginnings, you have to start somewhere and give it an honest try.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q72sKKW0FyY/UWrsTOOmQ0I/AAAAAAAAHU0/Wm-u_DBMY3E/s1600/Tabitha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q72sKKW0FyY/UWrsTOOmQ0I/AAAAAAAAHU0/Wm-u_DBMY3E/s200/Tabitha.jpg" width="200" /></a>You may have noticed that I said every OTHER Sunday for church attendance. That is because on the other two Sundays, I get to put some volunteer time over at <a href="https://www.tabitha.org/" target="_blank">Tabitha</a> in their gift shop, which Facebook allows me to 'check in' at also. What lovely residents I have met and visited with there. It's good to hear the joys and the sorrows of the residents that come and see me. It has taught me people need people, and with that comes patience.<br />
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I hope that this hasn't all been too boring, but when you take each day as it comes and find the beauty and simplicity of what is around, I'm hoping that there will be inspiration for some of you to find where your passion is. And put it use! We've all been given talents and gifts - it would be selfish to hang on to those and not share with others.<br />
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It's not 11:00 pm yet, but there are two things that will be written in my "5 Before 11" spot today (remember, I'm switching it from morning to-do's to evening thank-you's):<br />
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1. Leftover morning coffee, poured over ice and blended with ColdStone Vanilla Coffee flavoring to enjoy after church.<br />
2. Income taxes all signed, sealed, paid, and driven to the post office personally.<br />
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Who knows what 3, 4 and 5 will be! The day is young, and I'm leaning towards being grateful for a husband who keeps the tradition of cooking chicken on Sunday's alive and well. The house smells divine. <br />
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Please feel free to leave feedback and ideas - I'm always curious as to what other people have found to work for their lives to keep them content, focused, but most of all passionate about what's in the soul and spirit.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0Lincoln, NE USA40.713956013410346 -96.94335975000001334.558175513410347 -107.27050825 46.869736513410345 -86.616211250000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-53432427306775456252012-06-01T08:58:00.000-05:002012-06-01T08:59:39.200-05:00Wedding RingsStrange title, but that's one of my goals - to be able to get my wedding rings back on my hand.<br />
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So here is my challenge and will need LOTS of support through the next 8 weeks. This scares me to my very core, but it has to get done for many reasons.<br />
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Yeah, Maxine here says a lot. I'm tired of how I look, and how I feel. The fat is getting fatter, but my job will continue to be sitting behind a desk and computer all day. Something needs to give.<br />
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Along with being behind a computer at work, I do a lot of that at home, too. Playing games on Facebook and looking at as much inspiration as I can on Etsy, Pinterest and crafting sites just means I sit and let the fat roll on in at home, too.<br />
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But since I was on Facebook at just the right time, there was a post from an ex-coworker about her expanding her business and an opportunity to get healthy. And I trust this woman.<br />
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After a long day of thinking and praying on this, and a great discussion with my husband after work, I've taken on her challenge and will meet up with her this Sunday to get the ball rolling in a positive and healthy direction. Something that has weighed heavy on my mind for over a year, maybe more.<br />
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Starting Monday, with the help and support of you all (please), I will be taking on an 8 week body transformation/makeover challenge. Yes, there could be a prize at the end of the challenge, but that's not the important part. What's important is that hopefully she will transform my thinking and how I see myself along with getting me to a size and weight that my bones were MEANT to support. It's hard looking in the mirror every morning and feel that depressing feeling of being overweight.<br />
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After making this decision, she called me on the phone and we had a wonderful little discussion. She herself will be my personal trainer, to which I still tear up this morning with gratitude. She is a wonderful Christian woman with a strength within her that is so admirable. As I said before, I trust her. God put her in my life for the short time we worked together for a reason. I would never have guessed that THIS was why. Isn't He wonderful?<br />
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I weighed myself last night and realized I'm the weight I was when pregnant with our first child. That's obscene and ridiculous. With Shawna (our daughter) getting married in July, I can only hope that she will be proud to have her mother in some photos looking healthier and getting fit.<br />
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Yes, I'm ashamed of what has become of me. Let's pray Renee can lead me to a better life, in whatever way she has to do it.<br />
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God is good, He is faithful. And Bill will now have to learn to cook a bit differently, but HE has taken on that challenge himself to get us in better health.<br />
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Will keep ya posted.............<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-85031660799646939222011-08-28T11:06:00.000-05:002011-08-28T11:06:24.107-05:00Larry Vrba - Jewelry Designer / Nebraska BornWhile helping unload the master's drums from his vehicle this morning, it dawned on me to try and pick one item from the 'treasures' in our garage to put on eBay to sell. Digging is never fun, so I diverted my attentions to my "Karen Box" - the place where all things "Karen" should be stored. Found high school junk, grade school report cards, the stuffed bear in remembrance of our first grandchild who went to heaven before his/her birth. But the most surprising find was my grandmother's jewelry which I had thought was long lost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iYHe2Vq1EY/Tlpg287fzcI/AAAAAAAAFyI/Qm5IXieQvZU/s1600/Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iYHe2Vq1EY/Tlpg287fzcI/AAAAAAAAFyI/Qm5IXieQvZU/s320/Box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Is this a grungy looking box or what? But when I laid my eyes on this, my heart just started singing and remembering my Grandma Smith always brings a smile. When the box was opened, everything was a jumbled mess and there was more in there than just grandma's jewelry - but this is the straightened up view of what she allowed me to have back in the late 1970's -<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNkPXe4fIKI/Tlpg4X50E6I/AAAAAAAAFyQ/oPi7mcjrPao/s1600/Inside+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNkPXe4fIKI/Tlpg4X50E6I/AAAAAAAAFyQ/oPi7mcjrPao/s320/Inside+Box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Some basic and classic jewelry pieces! Not sure where she got the black beads, white beads or the green jeweled necklaces, but the bottom two necklaces were designed by her grandson (my cousin), Larry Vrba, and given to her by him in the 1970's. During the 70's, Larry was a designer for Miriam Haskell Jewelry in New York and I would assume to guess these two pieces were his design work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sgv5D7e1ts/Tlpg5PAommI/AAAAAAAAFyU/OlSIERjx8JY/s1600/Pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sgv5D7e1ts/Tlpg5PAommI/AAAAAAAAFyU/OlSIERjx8JY/s320/Pearls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mOQZIgq7AU/Tlpg3W9EIyI/AAAAAAAAFyM/PrxAt1Qf0i4/s1600/Costume+Jewelry+Miriam+Haskell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mOQZIgq7AU/Tlpg3W9EIyI/AAAAAAAAFyM/PrxAt1Qf0i4/s320/Costume+Jewelry+Miriam+Haskell.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We probably haven't seen Larry personally for over 30 years and have lost track of him and what he is doing these days. But there are some interesting links to some of the items he has designed on eBay and other places that carry his designs:<br />
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<a href="http://opulent-style.com/view_designer.php?id=29">Opulent Style</a><br />
<a href="http://www.morninggloryjewelry.com/vrba-jewelry-aid-16.html">Morning Glory Antiques</a><br />
<a href="http://www.trocadero.com/artofstyle/items/1005963/item1005963store.html">Art of Style</a><br />
<a href="http://www.milkywayjewels.com/earrings/BD151233.html">Milky Way Jewels</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jltimelessjewelry.com/haskell-set-909.html">Jennifer Lynn's Timeless Jewelry</a><br />
<a href="http://barmor.com/cfgallery/main.php?g2_itemId=1814">Casa Frela Gallery (with photo of Larry in 2009)</a><br />
.... and many items on eBay...<br />
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What a treat it was to find a photo of Larry that's only a couple years old! His designs are over-the-top and just a total JOY to look at! Talk about creative - this man's full of creativity.<br />
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And to think, Larry came from small town Nebraska - Schuyler to be exact. And our home is blessed to have two of his designs residing here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com2Lincoln, NE, USA40.806862 -96.68167900000003140.71577 -96.795100500000032 40.897954000000006 -96.56825750000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-58160398833871077472011-08-13T09:30:00.000-05:002011-08-13T09:30:52.284-05:00973.8 MilesWe're home. Settling back in. Washer running. Photos uploaded to Walgreen's to pick up later. Everything put back in its place.<br />
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Vacation is technically over, and now it's time to reflect on all that we've experienced and enjoyed.<br />
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Our Hastings, Nebraska, experience was phenomenal. Until 3:30 this morning. But more on that later. Yesterday was the beginning of a 3-day event celebrating Kool-Aid, which originated in Nebraska back in the 20's (under a different name). While checking into the <a href="http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-hastings-nebraska-NE004">Comfort Inn</a> on the south side of town, we enjoyed a wonderful visit with the desk clerk. He proceeded to give us coupons for a free drink to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rivals-Bar-Grill/103297083050146">Rivals</a> Bar and Grill and gave us a menu for another place he'd give us coupons for the following evening. Rivals was a great place and we were able to sit back and take care of emails and messages while enjoying a cold one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kool-aiddays.com/">Kool-Aid Days</a> is a huge event than has attracted about 50,000 people each year. We wanted to get a jump on it, and went to the <a href="http://www.hastingsmuseum.org/index.htm">Hastings Museum</a> after lunch to get our fill of history, art, and Kool-Aid information. As we were walking up towards the entrance, a local reported asked if she could interview us for a Kool-Aid spot on the news. Heck, why not. Most of you have seen this video we shot of the news over on Facebook, but here it is again. I just don't want to lose this as we laughed so hard at what dorks we are.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aU-L08YxHh4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Thought the iPad did pretty good actually - except it caught everything Bill and I said behind the 'camera'.<br />
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Didn't know we were going to be on TV, so shot a pic of ourselves off the hood of the car before we left.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L_XoXw4n9QI/TkaFbicK5oI/AAAAAAAAFvs/jPBToMJTv1k/s1600/Hastings+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L_XoXw4n9QI/TkaFbicK5oI/AAAAAAAAFvs/jPBToMJTv1k/s320/Hastings+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I think we have both gained about 79.8 pounds on this trip. Not eating in restaurants and eating in the hotel rooms means MORE food gets consumed. (Yeah, the diet starts back up today.) Bill thought it appropriate to wear his Pink Floyd t-shirt to the museum as their main display this summer is "Summer of Love - 1968 in America". We absolutely adored the Kool-Aid portion of the exhibit! It was bright, cheerful, colorful along with being interactive. The 1968 exhibit was good, too, but realized that we probably had most of this stuff in our garage! While looking at the guitar replicas that Paul McCartney and John Lennon had at that time and doing my own oo-ing and ah-ing, Bill chimes in and says, "Why don't they ever show the DRUMS???" He was joking, of course, but it's a good question.<br />
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There were more animal displays in this museum that we'd ever encountered before. Of course, there was a buffalo.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuXqIOvRC4I/TkaGwi0nh8I/AAAAAAAAFvw/yXgziTC0MYo/s1600/Hastings+%2523%2540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuXqIOvRC4I/TkaGwi0nh8I/AAAAAAAAFvw/yXgziTC0MYo/s320/Hastings+%2523%2540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.....enough said.<br />
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We totally enjoyed this whole experience, but decided it will be a LONG time before we do a museum or look at pioneer tools or Indian artifacts. We are on history overload today, which isn't a bad thing at all. We took the desk clerk's advice and went to <a href="http://www.taylorssteakhouseandcatering.com/">Taylor's Steakhouse</a>. Yes, we took it back to the hotel to eat, and it was fantastic food! The decor was right out of the 60's and 70's, but the food!!! OOOOO, good stuff. Highly recommend it.<br />
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Now back to why we are home a half day early. At 3:30 this morning, our smoke alarm in our room started screeching and when we got up there was water coming down from the alarm, down the hotel door and a couple other places. There was no fire, just someone above us forgot to turn the water off in his sink. This same person woke us up at 3:30 the night before roaming around his room. Anyway, by the time we notified the front desk, got more towels to wipe up the bathroom, put buckets and trashcans in place to catch the fast drips from the ceiling, we were stinking WIDE AWAKE! We weren't about to move our junk from one room to another for only a few hours, and we had nothing super important planned for the day we wouldn't miss. We just packed up and drove home. Straight home, no stops, no coffee. <br />
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When the car was unloaded I was able to see all the beautiful yarns picked up in Scottsbluff at Brown Sheep Company.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCZx9BT9nZs/TkaIpPwifQI/AAAAAAAAFv0/Ffp96GQipnA/s1600/Stash+from+Vacation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCZx9BT9nZs/TkaIpPwifQI/AAAAAAAAFv0/Ffp96GQipnA/s320/Stash+from+Vacation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, 7 bags full. Two skeins had been pulled out mid-week to start a TygerLily bag and I've taken over my own OGI bag as the new knitting tote.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnnRvaOx6o/TkaJBm6Y-YI/AAAAAAAAFv4/Fho1j3LoC14/s1600/Oatmeal+Brown+Sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnnRvaOx6o/TkaJBm6Y-YI/AAAAAAAAFv4/Fho1j3LoC14/s320/Oatmeal+Brown+Sheep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Life will now get back to normal. Probably not many stories from us for awhile. The coffee is on, and brunch is being served (by Bill). Bill really missed cooking - honestly. He is happy to be back in his kitchen - I am, too.<br />
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A trip full of stories, memories and 973.8 adventurous miles.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-50349968216100079882011-08-12T09:03:00.001-05:002011-08-12T09:08:53.357-05:00Playing Nebraska Catch-UpAfter leaving Scottsbluff after staying for three nights (we loved it there) our goal was Ogallala and Front Street. Remember in an earlier post we had finally found it on our way out west, but it was closed. On a weekday, around lunchtime, this is what we encountered at Front Street...........<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZJolc1Sh-8/TkUmfzhLNUI/AAAAAAAAFus/mVxfQ8tclbM/s1600/Day+6+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZJolc1Sh-8/TkUmfzhLNUI/AAAAAAAAFus/mVxfQ8tclbM/s320/Day+6+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>......everything but the restaurant was closed. Had wanted our pictures taken 'western style' but their sign said they were at the county fair. Even the antique shop was no longer there and had moved across the street. So needless to say, we left, never to return. And it really put me in one fowl mood, shame on me. Drove on to North Platte for the night and try to get my attitude straightened out. :)<br />
But we made plans for the rest of the trip, and by the time we were on the road Thursday morning, we were both in a much better attitude and spirit. On to Kearney, Minden and Hastings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRpf5hnnZOw/TkUq7balqPI/AAAAAAAAFuw/3xnbP5dCp9k/s1600/Day+7+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRpf5hnnZOw/TkUq7balqPI/AAAAAAAAFuw/3xnbP5dCp9k/s320/Day+7+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> We have been to the "Great Platte River Road" archway near Kearney before, but never took the time to actually walk around and enjoy the historical walk through that spans the interstate below. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GySB6QE9_g/TkUrAle69HI/AAAAAAAAFu0/lF1_Yf4bBJ0/s1600/Day+7+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GySB6QE9_g/TkUrAle69HI/AAAAAAAAFu0/lF1_Yf4bBJ0/s320/Day+7+%25232.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Here we go with a picture by a buffalo again..... I think maybe it's just a big enough object that Bill can actually get a good focus on it with the camera. His good eye has been giving him issues this week, so any picture that he offers to take is a huge blessing, buffalo and all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--L0D76Iceqw/TkUrIJ7TN1I/AAAAAAAAFu4/Bq-EZb5AHEQ/s1600/Day+7+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--L0D76Iceqw/TkUrIJ7TN1I/AAAAAAAAFu4/Bq-EZb5AHEQ/s320/Day+7+%25233.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> A beautiful mosaic out front of the archway - tons of pennies have been thrown on it like a wishing well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIKXymv8CjE/TkUrM9r1TVI/AAAAAAAAFu8/TpbI_-WKgHo/s1600/Day+7+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIKXymv8CjE/TkUrM9r1TVI/AAAAAAAAFu8/TpbI_-WKgHo/s320/Day+7+%25234.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> It's just a magnificent place, in looks and structure. And the weather behaved beautifully.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm166TAPZv8/TkUrRul6DpI/AAAAAAAAFvA/Tk9cRUV1Xa8/s1600/Day+7+%25235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm166TAPZv8/TkUrRul6DpI/AAAAAAAAFvA/Tk9cRUV1Xa8/s320/Day+7+%25235.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> There was a little walk over bridge beyond the mosaic and the water was so blue. We just had to walk over the bridge and see what was on the other side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_TVS6eoK88/TkUrWpBQcCI/AAAAAAAAFvE/LGbXACTJNrw/s1600/Day+7+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_TVS6eoK88/TkUrWpBQcCI/AAAAAAAAFvE/LGbXACTJNrw/s320/Day+7+%25236.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> On our way back over the bridge, we finally read this sign. No fishing? Bill was quite disturbed. HA! If anyone has been to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and know how the koi is under the big bridge there, that's how the fish were under this bridge. Only these were good FISHING fish. Bill couldn't make them out very well due to his eyes, but I could not believe how many fish were close to the surface and taunting us. The little kids on the bridge were calling out the names of the fish. That didn't help poor Bill's un-fishing attitude any. But it was beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFA5u9JJ9_0/TkUrbREhGKI/AAAAAAAAFvI/_tTUyv_6lOs/s1600/Day+7+%25237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFA5u9JJ9_0/TkUrbREhGKI/AAAAAAAAFvI/_tTUyv_6lOs/s320/Day+7+%25237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Close to the end of the historical tour through the archway, there was a spot where you could stop and watch the interstate traffic and see if anyone is speeding. Of course, when we were there, no one was. Actually, there have been very few instances of speeders so far this trip!<br />
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On to Minden only a few miles southeast of Kearney....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FBFTOb6NGU/TkUrgsmLlrI/AAAAAAAAFvM/VjNQJxufU2E/s1600/Day+7+%25238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FBFTOb6NGU/TkUrgsmLlrI/AAAAAAAAFvM/VjNQJxufU2E/s320/Day+7+%25238.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> On our way into town, we knew to be watching for Bill's grandpa's arch that was reportedly along the highway before the entrance to the Harold Warp's Pioneer Village. So being tourists, I stopped in the middle of the highway and snapped a pic quick. Wasn't sure if we would see if good from the inside of the museum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RjXTIVpflY/TkUrlpaLkxI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/MgZolcsShDo/s1600/Day+7+%25239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RjXTIVpflY/TkUrlpaLkxI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/MgZolcsShDo/s320/Day+7+%25239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> But we did!! This used to be the archway on the east side of Columbus, Nebraska back in the day to welcome you to their town. Floyd Nichols (Bill's grandpa) is the artist and maker. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYIlk7DKsN4/TkUrqKFWScI/AAAAAAAAFvU/KQuKRGyVbPc/s1600/Day+7+%252310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYIlk7DKsN4/TkUrqKFWScI/AAAAAAAAFvU/KQuKRGyVbPc/s320/Day+7+%252310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The sun was playing perfectly off the relief work on the arch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbQmKyfBs-8/TkUrugQ2fiI/AAAAAAAAFvY/7evEVG1B__A/s1600/Day+7+%252311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbQmKyfBs-8/TkUrugQ2fiI/AAAAAAAAFvY/7evEVG1B__A/s320/Day+7+%252311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> They've preserved the newspaper article from 1980 explaining how Bill's mom, Ruth Nichols, had been searching for the arch to try and preserve it. It had been torn down in 1962 to make way for a wider highway into Columbus. This explains her work in getting it located and placed at this particular museum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9MrrWV68js/TkUrzhFq7SI/AAAAAAAAFvc/crVldeGcKL0/s1600/Day+7+%252312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9MrrWV68js/TkUrzhFq7SI/AAAAAAAAFvc/crVldeGcKL0/s320/Day+7+%252312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4VxnXoW9og/TkUr4kRDfQI/AAAAAAAAFvg/JhZjzMtdS-Q/s1600/Day+7+%252313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4VxnXoW9og/TkUr4kRDfQI/AAAAAAAAFvg/JhZjzMtdS-Q/s320/Day+7+%252313.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwElcyoTwFI/TkUsG3VeUkI/AAAAAAAAFvk/lDKAOdu7gaA/s1600/Day+7+%252314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwElcyoTwFI/TkUsG3VeUkI/AAAAAAAAFvk/lDKAOdu7gaA/s320/Day+7+%252314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Here is one VERY proud grandson - an he should be. I was even emotional about it. Bill's family is so full of art and creativity. <br />
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Side note: If you check back to a previous post about David City, you will see more of Floyd Nichols sculptures at the entrance of the city park. The David City artwork has a military theme and well worth taking a peek at.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kU8EDCpkaRk/TkUsL0ThCyI/AAAAAAAAFvo/XDZfnUEt_as/s1600/Day+7+%252315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kU8EDCpkaRk/TkUsL0ThCyI/AAAAAAAAFvo/XDZfnUEt_as/s320/Day+7+%252315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>With all the history we're encountered, and museums visited, we found plenty of historical items for my own craft and employment, and only drums that would reflect Bill's interests. But there were no printing presses to be found anywhere and it's been my mission all week to find at least one! And at Pioneer Village we finally located a room full of them. And out of that whole room, NONE of them (not even a maker) matched anything we had ever had in our business, nor where he works now. There were plenty of letter presses, and that particular hobby is quite popular on handmade sites these days. But my mission was now complete.<br />
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We stopped for a root beer float before leaving the village which topped off a nostalgic day perfectly. Back in the car and headed east to Hastings for Kool Aid Days, a 3 day event celebrating the fact that Kool Aid is part of Nebraska history.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-41938159400196036472011-08-09T19:58:00.000-05:002011-08-09T19:58:16.587-05:00Movie and Knitting DayHad to make one last trip to the Brown Sheep Company this morning - a girl has to when it's sold by the pound and not by the skein. Can't tell you how much money that got saved, and ooo la la the luscious stuff that got bagged up for round #2. When I got back, we were going to go fishing at Lake Minatare, but Bill had started watching old movies on TV and didn't want to move. No problem! So the only pics to show today is the project that had gotten started this week, and where it came to it's end - it got ripped out. Yeah, I know, it's another blurry pic, rats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7ekfp61x4k/TkHVK3Jz3dI/AAAAAAAAFuk/GQoqfq6g5gw/s1600/Day+5+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7ekfp61x4k/TkHVK3Jz3dI/AAAAAAAAFuk/GQoqfq6g5gw/s320/Day+5+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Since no fishing was on the plate, that meant I could dig in my new stash! Went to Joann's quick to get a different size set of needles and started a new handbag. This yarn is heavenly and even though it's color is called Oatmeal, think the name of the bag should be "Sandhills Something-or-other". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eC9wZHbHg7I/TkHWmcbVs_I/AAAAAAAAFuo/doVN7xavgNQ/s1600/Day+5+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eC9wZHbHg7I/TkHWmcbVs_I/AAAAAAAAFuo/doVN7xavgNQ/s320/Day+5+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yeah, it looks like a big banana shaped thing, but just you wait and see. Pretty stoked about this one. Just look at the bulky softness that yarn is sporting! OOOOOOOOOO, wow.<br />
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So we watched a couple more old movies, which was just plain fun to do together. Decided to pick up and go see one more movie in a theater while we had the chance. So we had a private showing (yep, we were the only ones there) of "Cowboys vs. Aliens". Not bad, but not that great either. Going to have to be pretty good to beat "The Rise of the Planet of the Apes" yesterday. <br />
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Plans have been made for the next 4 days. We're moving out and onward bright and early. Think we'll have to play iPad darts again tonight though. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-10117946977263837462011-08-09T08:38:00.001-05:002011-08-09T08:40:23.670-05:00Real Brown Sheep, Family and Apes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bvjaNj_ozTA/TkExVHSZELI/AAAAAAAAFuU/jiQXggUrLio/s1600/Day+4+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bvjaNj_ozTA/TkExVHSZELI/AAAAAAAAFuU/jiQXggUrLio/s320/Day+4+%25233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Monday was anniversary day, and one of the most exciting days we've encountered yet. The major excursion in Scottsbluff was getting to visit the Brown Sheep Company. This is a textile plant that produces the Brown Sheep line of yarns and is set out in the country with beautiful bluffs as its backdrop. We were a little worried though, because we could not see any actual sheep in the area. But we wandered into the plant around 9:30 and immediately met one of the owners, Peggy Jo Wells. After some quick introductions and telling Peggy what I do for a serious past-time, she dropped everything and took us on a personal tour of the manufacturing plant. Exactly what we were looking forward to doing! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pLTa7O9wQI/TkExauHksBI/AAAAAAAAFuY/xbVOk7GY9kQ/s1600/Day+4+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pLTa7O9wQI/TkExauHksBI/AAAAAAAAFuY/xbVOk7GY9kQ/s320/Day+4+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> We learned many things, along with the fact that they do not have sheep on their property any longer. They get their wool from ranches in northern Colorado, have it cleaned (quite a process) in one of the Carolina's and then it all ships back to them for the rest of the process. And what a process it is! We got to watch all the steps taken from raw (clean) wool to the finishing touches for retail stores. They produce over 1000 colors and every weight of yarn you can imagine. Peggy gave us one of the most informative tours we've ever experienced. <br />
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After the tour was over, she re-read our sign in name and my business card and pronounced our last name correctly! ZING! We found out that her aunt was a Payzant from Schuyler and obviously that made us all relatives of sorts. Now that NEVER happens, does it? She excused herself for awhile to let us shop. OK, to let me shop and Bill took care of some business things on the phone. Felt like a kid in a candy shop. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAkO3K2O4SQ/TkExfritkBI/AAAAAAAAFuc/8ygYbFrzSaA/s1600/Day+4+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAkO3K2O4SQ/TkExfritkBI/AAAAAAAAFuc/8ygYbFrzSaA/s320/Day+4+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The bluffs behind the plant look rather hazy in this photo, but they were sharp to us. This pic was taken from their front driveway - just to prove they were out in the country - and on gravel road. Peggy said that there are people around here that still have no idea what they do for a living. Really? This company is huge and growing - internationally, too. <br />
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After Brown Sheep, we stopped downtown to see if someone could fix Bill's broken watchband. Dropped that off and went to an antique shop. Yes, just one. That was enough for us. We decided that we've been out of it long enough and the prices were obnoxiously high, that we'd had enough. So antique shops got marked off our agenda for the rest of the trip.<br />
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When his watch was fixed, we ran downtown again to pick it up and decided to actually go to a theater to see a movie. Something we never EVER do at home. Walked the mall the theaters were in looking for something fun to take back to the grandkids. There was nothing that shouted 'panhandle' to us, or cowboy/Western type stuff. But the movie? It was one of the best ever - the new Planet of the Apes. We both laughed, jumped in our seats, and of course I cried at some of it. We don't get out much. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9keGaw9nUM/TkExkpdGHMI/AAAAAAAAFug/CfPMcl2IqVo/s1600/Day+4+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9keGaw9nUM/TkExkpdGHMI/AAAAAAAAFug/CfPMcl2IqVo/s320/Day+4+%25234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here are four bags of FUN sitting in the back of the car from Brown Sheep. After sitting last evening, discussing our day and playing darts on the iPad, we decided to stay one more day here in the panhandle. There could possibly be some trout fishing available for Bill to enjoy, and I'm going back to Brown Sheep and pick up some things I left on her shelf yesterday. I may never get this chance again and have to snag the opportunity when I can.<br />
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Thank you for reading - enjoy this very day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-87128474822494333782011-08-08T20:18:00.000-05:002011-08-08T20:18:59.822-05:00Brown Sheep and ApesThe title is only a teaser to what hopefully will get written tomorrow. The wi-fi here at the hotel is very unstable this evening and uploading photos has proved impossible. <div><br />
</div><div>But it WILL consist of stories about Brown Sheep, and definitely apes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Where will we be tomorrow? Who knows!!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-44230165522785879722011-08-07T16:42:00.000-05:002011-08-07T16:42:06.314-05:00Mountain Time ZoneAfter lazily waking up to thunder storms this morning, we started off a fun and relaxing day of travel to the panhandle of Nebraska. <br />
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Only one 35 today.... just like yesterday. But who advertises good looking cashiers? Thought that was pretty funny.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9YA3VYMsEs/Tj8Bn3rFnxI/AAAAAAAAFt4/DF-QQgeY_ig/s1600/Day+3+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9YA3VYMsEs/Tj8Bn3rFnxI/AAAAAAAAFt4/DF-QQgeY_ig/s320/Day+3+%25231.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> And when we went to get some gourmet canned coffee, the front door had this sign overhead..... Really? We are nowhere? After having a good laugh about it, this gas station was obviously playing to the crowd driving through Nebraska that don't LIKE Nebraska. Back to I-80 and westward to Ogallala, where we thought about maybe staying a night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oc7HsC-jAKY/Tj8Bt9O-kcI/AAAAAAAAFt8/YwYOVJVHcXw/s1600/Day+3+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oc7HsC-jAKY/Tj8Bt9O-kcI/AAAAAAAAFt8/YwYOVJVHcXw/s320/Day+3+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And when we got to Ogallala, THEN we realize what idiots we were thinking that the Front Street of our past was in North Platte. Our car found its way to the REAL Front Street with the Pizza Hut across the street. Seeing it was closed, and a lot of the attraction wasn't going to be open on a Sunday, we decided to continue on to our final destination. Scottsbluff and the Brown Sheep Company.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k9zgAX7-RM/Tj8B2Es0hoI/AAAAAAAAFuA/_KvmFm1_eAs/s1600/Day+3+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k9zgAX7-RM/Tj8B2Es0hoI/AAAAAAAAFuA/_KvmFm1_eAs/s320/Day+3+%25233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Because we didn't study a map all that well when it came to Chimney Rock, we were happily surprised that it was right on our way. First thing out of the car, Bill says, "Read that sign!" WHAT??? Rattle snakes? Not liking this a whole lot....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HApHcnvCo14/Tj8B7MuZNUI/AAAAAAAAFuE/w96E1j7xV0Q/s1600/Day+3+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HApHcnvCo14/Tj8B7MuZNUI/AAAAAAAAFuE/w96E1j7xV0Q/s320/Day+3+%25234.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> So we (me) high tailed it into the information center to read about Chimney Rock. Yes, Bill made me take this picture. Kind of does something to the perspective of the area, huh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cM58I9gciPE/Tj8B_xCoZWI/AAAAAAAAFuI/hNaK0ZS9wIk/s1600/Day+3+%25235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cM58I9gciPE/Tj8B_xCoZWI/AAAAAAAAFuI/hNaK0ZS9wIk/s320/Day+3+%25235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> It was only mildly windy and I forgot my sunglasses, but Bill was able to get the shot he wanted. It's very difficult for him to take pictures with one eye, but he did good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evzc6GvMYDY/Tj8CD5_g90I/AAAAAAAAFuM/BxhEupA7Wvs/s1600/Day+3+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evzc6GvMYDY/Tj8CD5_g90I/AAAAAAAAFuM/BxhEupA7Wvs/s320/Day+3+%25236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Indians had named this formation "Elk Penis". Yes, I said that. Believe me, it was hard to type. And after leaving the center, Bill had a nice conversation with himself about how the Indians may have named it while sitting around a fire looking at the monument. If you know Bill, you'll know we were both laughing pretty hard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWPD1Utlx8Q/Tj8CPY3Ma4I/AAAAAAAAFuQ/yqRNNt_bgo8/s1600/Day+3+%25237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWPD1Utlx8Q/Tj8CPY3Ma4I/AAAAAAAAFuQ/yqRNNt_bgo8/s320/Day+3+%25237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This last picture was actually much prettier than it came out. There were not many clouds in the sky and this little bit of fluff was in a perfect spot. The scenery out there was breathtaking and really incredible. The state has the monument completely fenced off because of the erosion that's taking its toll. Looking at the drawings from the 1800's, it definitely has lost some height and changed shape just a little. <br />
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So now we are settled in Scottsbluff for at least two evenings. Tonight we're taking it easy as we realized that driving and riding in a car even for a little bit is hard on us. Tomorrow is the big day Bill is giving me - The Brown Sheep Company west of Scottsbluff on the way to Mitchell. Our waitress at lunch tells us it is going to be a GREAT time for us. And of course, I had to hand her my business card, as she ended up to be a crafter in her own right. <br />
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People - they always have a story to tell. And we've sure met some wonderful folks.<br />
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Enough for today - will have tons to report tomorrow! Check back when you can.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-43393275962291131202011-08-06T16:58:00.000-05:002011-08-06T16:58:36.321-05:00North Platte, NebraskaWe are just switching the whole trip up from the original plan. Thought about staying in Kearney one more day, but once we got in the car this morning, we headed for I-80 westbound. <br />
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As we listened to our favorite program on NPR, we decided on <a href="http://www.visitnorthplatte.com/">North Platte</a>. Only about 100 miles. No big deal. Lots to see in North Platte on a sunny day. Checked into a hotel and took off to see the city. We were so excited to visit Front Street again and see its museum and history center. We drove ALL over town to find it, and decided that it just didn't exist anymore. Where it should have been, there was a new strip mall. Stopped at a gas station for help and directions, and the kid working the joint honestly didn't know what we were talking about. Before we left, we sat on the curb to discuss our next adventure when I saw THIS.........<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaytHfxl-NI/Tj2xYrTCKVI/AAAAAAAAFtI/EM0MOywaxFo/s1600/Day+2+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaytHfxl-NI/Tj2xYrTCKVI/AAAAAAAAFtI/EM0MOywaxFo/s320/Day+2+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Our first '35' of the day..... And our only one for today. We got on Hwy 30 and drove west a bit and found <a href="http://www.visitnorthplatte.com/LCHM.html">Lincoln County Historical Museum and WWII Canteen</a>. Lincoln County has had major flooding this summer and we weren't even sure they would be open. They were open, and are keeping all the sandbags in place because the threat is still there. Minimal fee to tour the place, they accidentally gave us the senior citizen discount. But I wasn't going to correct this little old couple and pay a dollar more! It was a great way to spend some time............<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwupjbmqduY/Tj2xjb0PKuI/AAAAAAAAFtM/tYaNGFESPDc/s1600/Day+2+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwupjbmqduY/Tj2xjb0PKuI/AAAAAAAAFtM/tYaNGFESPDc/s320/Day+2+%25233.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Many historical displays all the way from vacuum cleaners to this antiquated optometric practice! We cracked up at how scary all this equipment looked compared to today's technology. I'm thinking that where I work is much friendlier looking that THIS display! The doctor office display was just plain creepy and I had to move on real fast. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXr0H4ISyek/Tj2xl_7Io1I/AAAAAAAAFtQ/wExDyNnpExw/s1600/Day+2+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXr0H4ISyek/Tj2xl_7Io1I/AAAAAAAAFtQ/wExDyNnpExw/s320/Day+2+%25234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The museum had a lot of WWII history displays. This was hanging on one of the walls and do you see anything politically incorrect with the sub-headline? Somewhere in between 'dastardly' and 'attack'? Isn't it amazing what was acceptable in the public eye back in that era?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UG53Q87nZ9o/Tj2xopjs6KI/AAAAAAAAFtU/Ahv1c_LmeOw/s1600/Day+2+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UG53Q87nZ9o/Tj2xopjs6KI/AAAAAAAAFtU/Ahv1c_LmeOw/s320/Day+2+%25236.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> We both had a blast with this WWII helmet display. It was laid out so that you could try and guess which helmet belonged to which country, with the answers posted under the helmet when you picked it up. I had NO idea about any of them, but Wild Bill got every one of them CORRECT! He is sporting the German helmet in the above pic, and the French helmet in the blurry pic below. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUAxGzwOK9A/Tj2xq83dwdI/AAAAAAAAFtY/OX2ndBH4uDI/s1600/Day+2+%25237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUAxGzwOK9A/Tj2xq83dwdI/AAAAAAAAFtY/OX2ndBH4uDI/s320/Day+2+%25237.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfgjxJWlhjI/Tj2xusb9NxI/AAAAAAAAFtc/Vot6qw21I9s/s1600/Day+2+%25238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfgjxJWlhjI/Tj2xusb9NxI/AAAAAAAAFtc/Vot6qw21I9s/s320/Day+2+%25238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Don't think either of us had ever encountered an authentic Remington bronze sculpture, but we got to see two of them today! This sculpture was huge, and incredible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-37ehMBgS__A/Tj2xxH-NDQI/AAAAAAAAFtg/sVOtFPYzhj4/s1600/Day+2+%25239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-37ehMBgS__A/Tj2xxH-NDQI/AAAAAAAAFtg/sVOtFPYzhj4/s320/Day+2+%25239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bill said, "You're never in any pictures, so let me take one with you and that buffalo." A buffalo? I didn't ask why, it's probably better left alone. HA! But there, now you know that I'm really along on this trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiKR0KOsb3k/Tj2xzlLNvLI/AAAAAAAAFtk/inNam5ynYrk/s1600/Day+2+%252310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiKR0KOsb3k/Tj2xzlLNvLI/AAAAAAAAFtk/inNam5ynYrk/s320/Day+2+%252310.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> The museum had many buildings out back that included this house, which was actually a home purchased and built for $2,600 (I think) and ordered from the Sears Roebuck Company! WHAT???? Of course, Uno Orb knew that. This man watches too much TV. It was one incredible house, even being over 100 years old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CFak4r6Nhk0/Tj2x2Jf7qrI/AAAAAAAAFto/fl-USso79a0/s1600/Day+2+%252311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CFak4r6Nhk0/Tj2x2Jf7qrI/AAAAAAAAFto/fl-USso79a0/s320/Day+2+%252311.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> After seeing the old schoolhouse and the Lutheran church, we strolled back up front via the farm machinery. A few stories got told about Uncle Shorty and working on the farm. And out pops this jail! Bill throws himself in there and says, "Take my picture!!!" I took it, but it creeped me out a little. There are just some things in museums that creep me out, can't help it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpXMnwvEcQ4/Tj2x4jCGzbI/AAAAAAAAFts/TpJhOUXSESo/s1600/Day+2+%252312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpXMnwvEcQ4/Tj2x4jCGzbI/AAAAAAAAFts/TpJhOUXSESo/s320/Day+2+%252312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> As we were leaving, this handmade coffee table popped up near the exit. My thoughts went to my dear friend Madeline. She would have adored looking at this. It was made by a man around 1963 or so, using all of his mother's jewelry. Do you think she had enough jewelry or what? :) Interesting piece.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlUPGobe3wk/Tj2x7aavBAI/AAAAAAAAFtw/wQ8n0_rzfTg/s1600/Day+2+%252313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlUPGobe3wk/Tj2x7aavBAI/AAAAAAAAFtw/wQ8n0_rzfTg/s320/Day+2+%252313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> One more stop was decided on, and we only did it because it's the WORLD'S BIGGEST train yard. This is taken from the <a href="http://www.visitnorthplatte.com/GoldenSpikeTower.html">Golden Spike Tower</a> west of North Platte. When we got to the 8th floor to enjoy the lookout, the first thing you see is this corn field with an old locomotive designed within it. We got a picture of it quick because something about it made me queezy and even a bit dizzy. Weird. But way worth the price of admission.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDnesfDnl8o/Tj2x9zNSDOI/AAAAAAAAFt0/Lw74mFJLxGk/s1600/Day+2+%252314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDnesfDnl8o/Tj2x9zNSDOI/AAAAAAAAFt0/Lw74mFJLxGk/s320/Day+2+%252314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One last photo of the train yard. There would be no way of getting the entire thing in one picture. It was pretty awesome during the day, but our thoughts went what an incredible sight this could be at night. <br />
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Going to enjoy an evening in, watch a little TV, knit a little, and get ready for a new adventure tomorrow. Who knows exactly where we'll end up in the next 24 hours. But I'll sure let you know!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-51630493166230379632011-08-06T10:20:00.000-05:002011-08-06T10:20:19.578-05:00Mission 35We are most definitely showing our age. After leaving Lincoln at 2:00 pm yesterday we started talking about how far and how long to drive since we got to leave a whole day earlier than planned. <br />
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We have to admit though, that after the first 15 minutes, we were totally set and at ease with many things. Mostly the court date and any necessary appearances needed by Bill concerning the assault and robbery he had to endure last November. The prosecuting attorney called him while we were still within city limits and updated us on the case - which was ALL good. No appearances needed, the assailant plead out to 5 years on two counts. So SMOOTH sailing the rest of the week.<br />
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But back to the 'old' thing, when we hit GI town Bill looked at the time and he stated we were 20 minutes ahead of schedule. WHAT SCHEDULE, you goof!!!! I laughed so hard. This vacation is not about schedules, time, or anything like that. We live every day dealing with time, schedules, deadlines..... but not this week. It was a good checkpoint for us both - to relax, not worry, and enjoy.<br />
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So back to the beginning of the story.... I suggested as we pulled out of the driveway that we make it a Mission 35 trip. Anything we see with a 35 on it we would photograph, notate or talk about. At our initial gas up before leaving town, yep, you guessed it.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6BnhJelCQ7U/Tj1MmkNgXdI/AAAAAAAAFss/xRe8VoKGClo/s1600/Gas+Price.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6BnhJelCQ7U/Tj1MmkNgXdI/AAAAAAAAFss/xRe8VoKGClo/s320/Gas+Price.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our first "35"!!!! Just knew we were destined for "35" success!<br />
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As we neared Kearney and the magnificent archway, we were greeted by a group of hawks - 9 of them to be exact. Yet another showing of God's blessings.<br />
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Pull off the Kearney exit, and immediately we were like two little kids. "We have to see this, and this, and this, and go here and here and here!" Kearney was our first home as a married couple. So many memories in Kearney town. One goal was to find the tiki bar "The Elephant's Eye" which was in the Holiday Inn back in our day. We found the building, but it wasn't a Holiday Inn any longer, but it still had the tiki bar and huge pool. So yeah, sign us in and take our AARP card!! HA On a side note, if you are ever in Kearney, Nebraska, give the Ramada Inn a try - it is fantabulous and the staff is great. We are all about the people and these people are great.<br />
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After taking care of the necessities, off we go again to drive around the big city. First mission: find our original apartment. Without much effort, the car managed to find it with no problem, even though Bill was totally lost. No more drive-in theater in our back yard that would always tell us we were almost home. What we found, though, was sad. The measure of time took it's toll on the apartment house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBuuM0_s5gI/Tj1T-4lMM4I/AAAAAAAAFsw/4ng56IHsCUs/s1600/First+Home+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBuuM0_s5gI/Tj1T-4lMM4I/AAAAAAAAFsw/4ng56IHsCUs/s320/First+Home+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The overgrown bushes, trees and grass, along with the sad sloping of the porch roof only solidified the years we've been gone from here. We couldn't even tell if people lived here any longer and if I had had my wits about me, we should have rang the doorbell to see. I think we were just dumbstruck at its sadness. But that was one AWESOME upstairs apartment and still remember Bill's dad helping us move in and only slightly complaining about taking my piano up a flight of stairs. At $160 rent a month, we were blessed. <br />
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As time went on though, we wanted to start a family. So we needed more than a one bedroom walk up. And in 1977, living in a trailer park was a-okay and totally wonderful! So our next stop was off to the other side of town to R-Villa Trailer Court, #28. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fG-Q3k_fC3s/Tj1VhuNdlwI/AAAAAAAAFs0/N-xhIdlYKeQ/s1600/R-Villa+%252328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fG-Q3k_fC3s/Tj1VhuNdlwI/AAAAAAAAFs0/N-xhIdlYKeQ/s320/R-Villa+%252328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We honestly could NOT believe that this trailer home was STILL there and lived in after 35 years!!! This is where we took in our first dog, Woofer #1. She was a great dog and I can still see her sticking her nose out that front screen door. This is also the home where we welcomed our first baby, Season. Oh, the stories we had to tell for the next hour about this home. Here is where we were now called "a family". <br />
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More driving around was called for. Bob's was now SUPER Bob's, the music store had moved and grown, Central Avenue was simply divine to drive 5 mph down and have people wonder what was wrong with us. Hey, we're on VACA - get over it. :)<br />
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On the way back to the hotel, we wanted to make one actual stop - and that was at the Big Apple. The only place other than Shakey's pizza (which isn't there anymore) we would go entertain ourselves during our first pregnancy. Video games were just at the Pac Man stage, and bowling was huge. It was a great weekend haunt for us. But it also grew! Amazing sports bar that not only had pool tables, but ping pong, Keno, state of the art video games and great service! We kicked back for a beer and one game of Keno. Talked to the assistant manager a little and of course, handed him my business card JUST in case he would ever have vinyl banners to unload.<br />
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Back to the hotel, and the Elephant's Eye Tiki Bar. An evening of unbelievable fun, service, people and these photos to share........<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HICav6Edx9s/Tj1YAdPlNBI/AAAAAAAAFs8/f9H7wtgGy7g/s1600/Elephant+Eye+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HICav6Edx9s/Tj1YAdPlNBI/AAAAAAAAFs8/f9H7wtgGy7g/s320/Elephant+Eye+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The evening started out meeting Dennis and Sue from Colorado, Jamie and Jenny from Iowa, 3 architects from our own town Lincoln, and ALL THESE PEOPLE who stepped up to make our 35th anniversary even more memorable!!! Take a look at this.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLfqsSW73Kc/Tj1YjSf606I/AAAAAAAAFtA/lHJjHJLfm4A/s1600/Tables+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLfqsSW73Kc/Tj1YjSf606I/AAAAAAAAFtA/lHJjHJLfm4A/s320/Tables+35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dennis is a mining engineer and between him and the 3 from Lincoln (playing with straws to design the number 35 before they went to task) they had this rolling down below the tiki bar. And then a wedding group came in and these kids did the same.... but they didn't have to think about it as long as us old codgers. They had their formation done in about 2 minutes. Oh, to be young again.......... nah.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pnm9vGD00o/Tj1ZofdwkcI/AAAAAAAAFtE/lHLRuk75IPc/s1600/Wedding+Party+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pnm9vGD00o/Tj1ZofdwkcI/AAAAAAAAFtE/lHLRuk75IPc/s320/Wedding+Party+35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We definitely had many blessings on our first unplanned and unexpected day of vacation. <br />
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Now it's time to get moving and get further west..................... we'll keep you posted. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-16714908501128761522011-05-28T18:35:00.002-05:002011-05-28T18:53:16.038-05:00David City, Nebraska - a Day Trip to Bone Creek Museum to Celebrate FAMILY<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An afternoon trip to celebrate family and it's art history.....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the route we took to get there, a route we've driven more times than we can remember. It was a pleasant drive past <a href="http://www.jamesarthurvineyards.com/">James Arthur Vineyards</a>, sleepy little towns, cemeteries with flags waving in the wind for the Memorial Weekend, rolling hills with lush trees and terraced farmland. One area especially was full of life: four hawks circling and a crane flying right along with us as we drove past. It was also very close to where I got my first deer in 2003.... with my car. </span><br />
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<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=6851+Whitewater+Ln,+Lincoln,+NE+68521&daddr=40.9586313,-96.704446+to:41.0754,-97.07701+to:David+City,+NE&geocode=FZTGbwIdQXc8-illJC8FBLmWhzFMuGGwmwNSSw%3BFaf6cAIdQmg8-inhYA1jB7eWhzFYJadBG3SYAA%3BFcjCcgId7rg2-inzO1u3uSqRhzEVVkJ8lTUYQQ%3BFSx-dQIdC_g1-injKG-9UNiQhzFStUMAcArJ8A&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=41.105226,-96.799164&sspn=0.810224,1.234589&ie=UTF8&ll=41.105226,-96.799164&spn=0.810224,1.234589" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got to David City about 15 minutes earlier than we'd planned, so a little driving around the old stomping grounds was a given. When you travel north into town, my old high school sits to the east. Then the beautiful golf course and updated and well maintained park lakes soon follow. Yes, there were golfers today as it was high school reunion time and there was plenty going on. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Across from the park lakes sits an art studio. And not just any art studio either. It is my mother-in-law's, where she teaches and helps children learn and enjoy art. Ruth is just too talented to NOT have a studio.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNExc7IIIHs/TeF5DceVsJI/AAAAAAAAFq8/4UkBJgmvUqg/s1600/Art+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNExc7IIIHs/TeF5DceVsJI/AAAAAAAAFq8/4UkBJgmvUqg/s320/Art+Studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a half a block further north we stopped and got a good shot of the old City Park entrance gate. These pillars were created by my husband's grandfather, <a href="http://www.prairiefirenewspaper.com/2009/05/the-creative-spirit-of-floyd-f-nichols">Floyd Nichols</a>, an artist in his own right, using metal in his work. Amazing things. After years of weathering, the original paint had come off the relief work soldiers. Bills' mom, Ruth (with the above art studio) took on the task of refurbishing the paint a few years back, and they still look wonderful.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCtnwVedtMI/TeF6YcWYpeI/AAAAAAAAFrE/1c_e0gFrLE4/s1600/North+Gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCtnwVedtMI/TeF6YcWYpeI/AAAAAAAAFrE/1c_e0gFrLE4/s320/North+Gate.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRgcf5SC_nc/TeF6bTRyEbI/AAAAAAAAFrI/hkYQjXStg14/s1600/South+Gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRgcf5SC_nc/TeF6bTRyEbI/AAAAAAAAFrI/hkYQjXStg14/s320/South+Gate.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRtRj9NcrzE/TeF6dzNm72I/AAAAAAAAFrM/hkeF7yG_yWU/s1600/South+Gate+Plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRtRj9NcrzE/TeF6dzNm72I/AAAAAAAAFrM/hkeF7yG_yWU/s320/South+Gate+Plaque.jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had never taken the time to look at the plaque underneath the soldier.... It proudly states that it was made by Floyd F. Nichols in the year 1940. And they still stand.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Driving down the highway on 4th Street just took me WAY back to the days of cruising around. But before we even get to 'downtown' we have to stop at Floyd Nichols' original home, which he built out of stone. Yes, stone. It still stands and his granddaughter and family live there now. It's still stunning.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnCaBs9h0Es/TeF8zTbdTAI/AAAAAAAAFrY/l621L8EryZU/s1600/Renee+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnCaBs9h0Es/TeF8zTbdTAI/AAAAAAAAFrY/l621L8EryZU/s320/Renee+Studio.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This studio, as it's called now, was a Dairy Queen when I was a little girl. Bill remembers it that way, too. So we pulled up to the little window that we used to get the BEST soft serve ice cream from, and Bill says, "I don't remember that window being that small." Of course not! We were all little and EVERYTHING was big, even that important ice cream window. Beyond the studio, you can see the stone house.....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNVCHnP7GLw/TeF9eFApq4I/AAAAAAAAFrc/rq2kof7cSGI/s1600/Nichols+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNVCHnP7GLw/TeF9eFApq4I/AAAAAAAAFrc/rq2kof7cSGI/s320/Nichols+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Phenomenal.... incredible.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This doesn't show it very well, but the whole highway was outfitted with American flags on the light poles. Yes, I took this driving, but there sure isn't any traffic anywhere, is there? :) The flags didn't show up too well, but they were there and they were wonderful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlyRRv_ijj8/TeF8s63X52I/AAAAAAAAFrQ/ujIOKLyGucg/s1600/Highway+North.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlyRRv_ijj8/TeF8s63X52I/AAAAAAAAFrQ/ujIOKLyGucg/s320/Highway+North.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though Ruth was not home, she wanted us to stop by and see her new siding on her home. That woman has it going on now!!! What an adorable little home she has - it's perfect...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qG-33Dkshlc/TeF8va7FTJI/AAAAAAAAFrU/MjnFVD9YEdY/s1600/Ruths+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qG-33Dkshlc/TeF8va7FTJI/AAAAAAAAFrU/MjnFVD9YEdY/s320/Ruths+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, we needed to get where we were supposed to meet and greet for the reception at Bone Creek, but one more little side trip to a place I'd haunt every summer as a kid..... the library. Well, this is the OLD library. I found out later that it has been turned into an apartment house of sorts. VERY sad. :( And the trim is painted lime green of all colors. It broke my heart to see it this way, but then again this place holds such wonderful memories.... and smells..... books!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SVoutnqD-o/TeF_r7wkm7I/AAAAAAAAFrk/qRbZCJ3AQV4/s1600/Old+Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SVoutnqD-o/TeF_r7wkm7I/AAAAAAAAFrk/qRbZCJ3AQV4/s320/Old+Library.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bonecreek.org/current.php">On to Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art</a>........ to meet, greet, hobnob, get some souvenirs and of course, learn some things. And we did!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJ9U9mGfIv0/TeF_KZ86VII/AAAAAAAAFrg/ttKiCVvaaIE/s1600/Bone+Creek+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJ9U9mGfIv0/TeF_KZ86VII/AAAAAAAAFrg/ttKiCVvaaIE/s320/Bone+Creek+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was blessed to nab this picture as no photography is to be taken inside the museum due to copyright infringements, etc. But none of Dale Nichols' painting are in full view and none of his work was compromised. In this photo is Dale's family: Holly and Dale (grandson), Joan and companion (daughter) and my mother-in-law Ruth (niece). Ruth is holding a new art book of Dale Nichols' paintings and history. We had to pre-order, but it's going to be well worth having.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2mRBQ3F59c/TeGBDFnEc8I/AAAAAAAAFro/2FSEYW9wrMc/s1600/Bone+Creek+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2mRBQ3F59c/TeGBDFnEc8I/AAAAAAAAFro/2FSEYW9wrMc/s320/Bone+Creek+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Amanda Mobley Guenther, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the author of the book on his work. She is absolutely one of the most genuine people around and for her to take on this project - wow! Check out the article from Omaha.com about her and the Dale Nichols project <a href="http://www.omaha.com/article/20110423/LIVING/704239881">HERE</a>.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nh7A_6duf9Y/TeGBFj87GCI/AAAAAAAAFrs/B0mHaXof8DQ/s1600/Bone+Creek+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nh7A_6duf9Y/TeGBFj87GCI/AAAAAAAAFrs/B0mHaXof8DQ/s320/Bone+Creek+%25233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, David City's fine mayor, Alan Zovodny, was there to give a fine little talk - and well done! And do you see the yellow State Farm building behind the mayor? That building used to be my dad's, where he worked himself night and day, day and night, as an accountant. It looks very cheery now with its yellow paint - even from the alley!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SeL1RcutVCo/TeGBJeh5ayI/AAAAAAAAFrw/fPe5w6qF-cg/s1600/Lt+Gov+Sheehy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SeL1RcutVCo/TeGBJeh5ayI/AAAAAAAAFrw/fPe5w6qF-cg/s320/Lt+Gov+Sheehy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, our <a href="http://www.ltgov.ne.gov/biographySheehy/">Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy</a> from Hastings, Nebraska. His speech about Nebraska and agri-tourism was really very interesting! Both Bill and I were glued to everything he was saying. But as you know, we are going to do the Nebraska Passport vacation this August and we are just hungry for trivia and even MORE trivia. I also enjoyed giving Mr. Sheehy a little tease about being from Hastings, and it claim to fame: Kool-Aid! Yes, check it out. Our own Hastings, Nebraska is the<a href="http://www.hastingsmuseum.org/koolaid/index.htm"> birthplace of Kool-Aid</a>! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Travel Nebraska - see what's out there! Never know what you might learn. :)</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-63413218821269606652011-05-15T09:11:00.001-05:002011-05-15T09:15:05.011-05:00Wine Tasting in a Candle Shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjwPNZ2pEZQ/Tc_UawJzDII/AAAAAAAAFqs/6Mp5gJNiK7g/s1600/198359_133539316717246_133539220050589_221412_2220672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjwPNZ2pEZQ/Tc_UawJzDII/AAAAAAAAFqs/6Mp5gJNiK7g/s1600/198359_133539316717246_133539220050589_221412_2220672_n.jpg" /></a></div>What a warm and scented welcome we got as we stepped into the <a href="http://hallowcandle.com/">Hallow Candle Company</a> here in Lincoln yesterday. They were the gracious hosts to a wine tasting from the <a href="http://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/">Glacial Till Vineyard</a> just located in a neighboring tri-city area.<br />
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I got to the wine tasting a few minutes before my friend did, so it gave me a chance to look at all the handcrafted candles, jewelry, greeting cards and wonderful photography they have displayed there. It is definitely worth another trip there for gift purchases. One thing that caught my eye was a beaded chain with a tea steeper on the end where you put the candle chips in, and then hang it in your car! Now that was a much better idea than the normal pine tree air freshener we all know way too well. I adore local artisans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWPkJc-W5SU/Tc_ZhOUNAiI/AAAAAAAAFq4/nmMzNEd7JTY/s1600/Brchures+5.14.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWPkJc-W5SU/Tc_ZhOUNAiI/AAAAAAAAFq4/nmMzNEd7JTY/s200/Brchures+5.14.11.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
Once my buddy showed up we proceeded to the wine tasting table. Before I did anything else I picked up all the brochures I could (which was only three) that would give me information on this winery, and those located in Nebraska. To my pleasant surprise, there is actually a <a href="http://nebraskawines.com/index.php/wineries.html">2011 Nebraska Wine Tour</a> with an official passport that you can have stamped at each winery you tour. There is also a <a href="http://senewinetrail.org/">Southeast Nebraska Winery Trail</a> brochure that gives information on eight wineries closer to home. <br />
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Did you know there were so many in Nebraska? I sure didn't and am enjoying learning more about my 'backyard'.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/images/stories/wine-feature-edleweiss-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/images/stories/wine-feature-edleweiss-2009.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>We both tried sips of six different wines from Glacial Till, from a slightly dry red all the way to the dessert honey wine. I'm always one to ask questions, maybe to a fault, but the wine master (that's what I'll call him) said that their on-site bees had been killed off two years ago. And we all know that if one eats and enjoys honey, you need to purchase it locally for boosting your immune system. Each was wonderful in their own right, but the Edelweiss was by far my favorite. We have wine snobs, I mean, connoisseurs in our families. So the next question was, "Do you ship out of state?" The answer was no, but that didn't squash my spirit. So David and Julian, you will just have to come visit us here. <br />
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And how does one leave a tasting and not purchase something? That's the whole intent, right? When Sim and I left, there were three bottles of Edelweiss bagged up and ready to gift out to just the right recipients for just the right events.<br />
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So now not only is our garage a storage unit, it will now be a wine cellar. OK, maybe not a cellar, but I have claimed a shelf out there just for this reason.<br />
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What will be the next Nebraska place to visit? Who knows! This last one was on a whim with only a few hours of planning. Sometimes, those are the BEST of times. <br />
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Here is to good times, good wine, and wonderful friends.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-86553593989030021002011-05-14T10:28:00.000-05:002011-05-14T10:28:02.007-05:00Ma & Pa Kettle of Nebraska<a href="http://media.weirdworm.com/img/misc/nine-forgotten-franchises/kettle.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media.weirdworm.com/img/misc/nine-forgotten-franchises/kettle.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 267px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 329px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Old ma and pa took the whole evening discussing our upcoming trip and how we would like to have our anniversary picture done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">We did not even watch American Idol! Now that ought to show ya just how important this whole trip is to us. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">So after deciding that we'd better get signed up with AARP for roadside assistance, we started talking about how we want our anniversary pictures done. We are quirky, non-traditional in many ways, and are always going to be Bill and Karen. We are who we are, and we love each other for JUST that reason. There won't be many, if any, traditional poses taken, nor in a traditional setting. We have contacted a photographer and she has quoted a price that is perfect for the budget. Plus she's known us for many years and knows we just aren't traditional people. I think it's going to be wonderful! Do you ever remember Ma and Pa Kettle sitting for a picture other than something fun, quippy, quirky and totally them? Their movie still shots tell stories. THAT'S what we want. We hope she can catch us in a still photo, telling our story.... and we have plenty of stories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">So off I go to tackle another day, sign up for AARP, get money in the photographer's hands, wish our granddaughter a fantastic 9th birthday, and enjoy just a little bit more this place we call home - Nebraska.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-28904852883223113962011-05-14T10:10:00.002-05:002011-05-14T10:13:24.226-05:00Glacial Till Vineyard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/images/stories/dsc_0059.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/images/stories/dsc_0059.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/">Glacial Till Vineyard</a><br /><br />What a surprise to get this in our email box this morning! I had no idea that the Ashland/Palmyra/Bennet areas had a vineyard.<br /><br />Check them out as their summer season of activities and wines is just beginning - TODAY! Hope that we can check out Glacial Till one day soon ourselves.<br /><br />Another great perk of being a Nebraska gal. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-12837978937300921082011-05-14T09:37:00.000-05:002011-05-14T09:37:53.454-05:00A Sleepless Dishrag On OverDrive - TygerLily<a href="http://tygerlily.weebly.com/1/post/2011/05/a-sleepless-dishrag-on-overdrive.html">A Sleepless Dishrag On OverDrive - TygerLily</a><br /><br />The creative side of a home grown Nebraska gal.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-10152475795904728202011-05-13T19:56:00.004-05:002011-05-13T19:59:39.841-05:00Best of Nebrask on YouTubePlease give a few minutes to watch this fantastic video someone put together. It celebrates so well who and what Nebraska is all about.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4v3JXBK9Xgc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />Isn't God good? How can we question it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-41266122241648032732011-05-10T06:43:00.005-05:002011-05-10T07:03:19.662-05:00Champagne Dreams on a Beer Budget<span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Have you ever experienced a time when you know you're reaching a milestone and want to celebrate it like there was no tomorrow, and then realizing that your champagne dreams just don't add up to your beer checking account?</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Bill and I have been trying to figure out how to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary this coming August. We've thought of re-visiting our honeymoon trip, trying to see everything we saw then. But that was a long time ago when we had more energy than we knew what to do with. So that idea sat on the stove for a month or so cooking and stewing. But the other night, Bill looked at me and said, "If I could, I would take you to Paris for our anniversary." WHAT? We are blessed to be able to afford gas to drive to and from work, but Paris? But it was exactly the spark that was needed to the following conversation that led to us deciding on a trip that was just screaming our names: Nebraska. The state we were born and raised. The state we love, and we really wanted to see more of it and enjoy more of its history, quirkiness, and of course its beauty. Oh, yes, Nebraska is beautiful - it's "The Good Life".</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQnsKKqRtdqNdlFRlNVx57YyG-i-cp28svgdf8RDCQ6NFOf6M1TeQ"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQnsKKqRtdqNdlFRlNVx57YyG-i-cp28svgdf8RDCQ6NFOf6M1TeQ" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.visitnebraska.gov//">Visit Nebraska</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" > was a good starting place to plan. We are also going to get our </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" href="http://http//www.nebraskapassport.com/">Nebraska Passport</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" > to collect points on our trip to redeem for prizes and get into a drawing for a grand prize in October.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >So over the next three months, I will try and let my blog friends know what's in the works, the little side trips taken before the BIG trip happens in August. I want you all to enjoy Nebraska and it's offerings right along with us.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >So our champagne dream (of Paris) on a beer budget (our own back yard) will be coming to you very soon - so keep watch and ride along with us for some history, beauty, and of course humor for those of you who know us. :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-51944464257737329132011-01-09T10:35:00.001-06:002011-01-09T10:36:09.740-06:0020 WORDS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PLZxJZ70MQ4?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-90353216638550768092011-01-06T19:46:00.005-06:002011-01-06T20:22:02.599-06:00Your Perspective CAN Get You Through<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OgtBDmH5PmE/TSZ3SULXNHI/AAAAAAAAFos/51XWUS5Odnk/s1600/Attitude.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OgtBDmH5PmE/TSZ3SULXNHI/AAAAAAAAFos/51XWUS5Odnk/s200/Attitude.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559261946573173874" /></a><br />I'm a processor. My mind needs time to think about things presented. And some important things were brought forward in a meeting at work this morning. Perspective. <div><br /></div><div>A question posed to us was along the lines of: "What is your 'go to' point to get you through the stressful times and moments during the work day". I had to speak up and say that mine would be the loss of a child. We have lived through it and survived it - so work stress CAN be dealt with in a very positive way because I've experienced some of the worst. I attribute that positiveness because God has allowed us the beauty of PERSPECTIVE. </div><div><br /></div><div>But as the day went on, and I thought about the question, I came up with even more 'go to' items, there are way more than one. There are four, and I discussed these with my husband when I got home. Yes, the loss of a child would be number one, but we've lost everything else, lost the American dream if you please. We lost a business which lends itself to lifestyle and possessions . We lost our dream house because of the business. We lost a grandchild. Our lives had been consumed by the word 'loss' over most the past seven years. But through our loss there has been much gain. Perspective.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have overcome and defeated the odds of divorce after losing a child. My daughter has beat those odds, too, after losing her little girl, Lily. That is SUCCESS! Even though we don't own our dream home any longer, we have a roof over our heads. Yes, it's a rented one, but it's a ROOF. It's home. Even though we don't have our own business any longer and continue living a lifestyle that the Jones's would want to keep up with, we have employment. We have SUCCESS! We aren't encumbered by the courts or the system because of divorce, even though that was a close call. That is true SUCCESS. Our retirement funding is all gone, but we are healthy enough to have wonderful jobs that we hope we can be worthy to keep for many years to come. That is DAILY success. </div><div><br /></div><div>What are the successes in your life? I think true success can only be measured by what trials have been put in your life that could derail you. (And having said that, Bill and I have had great lengths of time being derailed.) What kind of perspective do you have? Is it getting you through the day? Is it making you a better person, family member, friend, spouse or co-worker? </div><div><br /></div><div>Just my thoughts. And I know that grace continues to shine down on us, even when we don't see it.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-76711738715397753232010-12-27T10:02:00.004-06:002011-05-14T10:31:51.210-05:00A Christmas Gift with "C"haracter<div style="text-align: left;">With my working and crafting so much on the TygerLily side of me, there hasn't been much time to blog about much of anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>But yesterday we spent some wonderful Christmas time with our own kids and grandkids. And every year the adults do a Hy-Vee Paper Bag Secret Santa exchange. Every gift must fit in a Hy-Vee paper bag, one to two pieces of tape to hold it closed at the top. Every gift must 'look' the same. As we arrive to the party, our oldest granddaughter Abby grabs each bag and then writes the name of the receiver on the front and then hides the bag. Abby totally controls it from then on, and she does a marvelous job. So when it's time for some adult fun, we gather around a table, Abby presents us with our Hy-Vee bags and then the rest of us have to guess who everyone's Secret Santa is! This year was incredibly HARD!!!!!! Plus there's that $60 bonus for the winner sitting in the middle of the table - and who couldn't use $60? But for the first time (I believe) our oldest daughter, Season, won with guessing 4 out of 6 correct. Bill and I did poorly with only 2 guesses right.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I wanted to show you what my own Secret Santa got me, which totally threw everyone in the mix completely off. </div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OgtBDmH5PmE/TRi6R7-BbXI/AAAAAAAAFoY/F9cbUbBrFaA/s400/Wine%2BGlass%2Bfrom%2BSecret%2BSanta%2B2010.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555394957679881586" /></div><div>Is this not the most charming and fun gift yet? Yes, Season had my name and this is what she she picked for me. It's very tall! She said that even though it was the letter "C" glass and my name didn't start with "C", she picked it because of the words ON the glass that started with the letter "C". She honored me by saying the words described me and what she thought of me. Now THAT'S a present I will treasure the rest of my life. And it's just plain FUN!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to my gorgeous and giving family - each and every one of you has such a special place in my heart, mind AND spirit. I adore gifts that come from the heart and this Christmas was one of those types of holidays. Perfect and memorable.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-51963010271213440802010-11-29T07:59:00.003-06:002010-11-29T08:27:31.252-06:00The Perfect Number 7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OgtBDmH5PmE/TPO4GZrx-RI/AAAAAAAAFoE/EB47pUaZpSE/s1600/Cloud%2BSeven.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OgtBDmH5PmE/TPO4GZrx-RI/AAAAAAAAFoE/EB47pUaZpSE/s200/Cloud%2BSeven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544977986336454930" /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wanted to mark today as "Year Number Seven", seven years since we lost our son, Tyler. It is amazing how God can give us such peace with such a simple thing as a number. Nothing can ever take the place of Ty, nor do we want anything to. But I believe God has put this on my heart today to just give that little extra calm to my life and my memories. Thanksgiving is usually very hard on my heart, but this year was a Thanksgiving to truly be THANKFUL for - family... and all of them surrounding us and letting us love them and laugh with them.</span></i><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tyler's marker reads '777', and not by our doing. It was what was offered. But in a tragic time, it was a sign of peace to us. </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In Scripture, we are given many instances of God's use of the number seven. It's perfectness.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Look at the BibleWheel.com has to say about the number seven:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b>God marked the Bible with the Number Seven because it is the fulness of God's revelation!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b>2. </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b>God marked the Bible with the Number Seven because it is His Oath! His Promise! His Covenant!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b>3. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">The phrase <b><i>seven times</i></b> is used frequently in Scripture to mark the work of God. The Levitcal Priests were told to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice <b><i>seven times</i></b>, Joshua was ordered to march around Jericho <b><i>seven times</i></b>, and Namaan was told to wash in the Jordan <b><i>seven times</i></b> to be cleansed of leprosy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, <b><i>purified seven times</i></b>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">5. Matthew 18:21 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till <strong style="font-weight: bold; color: black; font-style: normal; ">seven times?</strong> Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until <strong style="font-weight: bold; color: black; font-style: normal; ">seventy times seven. </strong></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b>6. Revelation 5:6 </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood <b><i>a Lamb as it had been slain</i></b>, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">7. Genesis 2:1 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the <strong style="font-weight: bold; color: black; font-style: normal; ">seventh</strong> day God ended his work which he had made; and he<strong style="font-weight: bold; color: black; font-style: normal; ">rested</strong> on the <strong style="font-weight: bold; color: black; font-style: normal; ">seventh</strong> day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the <strong style="font-weight: bold; color: black; font-style: normal; ">seventh</strong> day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had <strong style="font-weight: bold; color: black; font-style: normal; ">rested</strong> from all his work which God created and made.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">The following is from Bible-History.com (more examples):</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><p><b><i>The Number 7</i></b></p><p>The number 7 perhaps speaks of perfection or completeness. God's complete provision in His dealings with men.</p><p>Some examples:</p><p>7 days make a complete week</p><p>7 colors make a perfect spectrum</p><p>7 great land masses form a complete earth</p><p>7 notes make a perfect scale</p><p>7 great bodies of water form a complete ocean</p><p>There were the 7 days of creation as well as many other examples throughout the Scriptures:</p><p><b><i>Zech 3:9 For behold, the stone that I have laid before Joshua: upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,' says the LORD of hosts, `And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.</i></b><b><i></i></b></p><p><b><i>Rev 1:4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,</i></b></p><p>To the Jew every 7th day was a Sabbath.</p><p>Every 7th year was a Sabbatical year.</p><p>After the 7th Sabbatical year was the year of Jubilee.</p><p>Every 7th month was holy and had 3 feasts.</p><p>There were 7 weeks between Passover and Pentecost.</p><p>The Passover feast lasted 7 days.</p><p>The feast of Tabernacles lasted 7 days.</p><p>At Passover 14 lambs (7 twice) were offered daily.</p><p>At Tabernacles 14 lambs (7 twice) and 70 bullocks were offered.</p><p>At Pentecost 7 lambs were offered.</p><p>The time of mourning the dead was fixed to 7 days.</p><p>and so on...</p><p>Seven continues to have symbolic prominence in the New Testament, with Jesus telling Peter that it is not enough that he forgive the brother who had sinned against him seven times, but "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:21-22). Seven is also the number of Greek-speaking Christians appointed by the Twelve Apostles in Acts 6:3.</p><p>The New Testament concludes in a "great surge of sevens, with heptads, explicit and implicit, tumbling forth from many verses."</p><p>In the Book of Revelation there were:</p><p>The 7 letters to the 7 Churches.</p><p>The 7 Seal Judgements</p><p>The 7 Trumpet Judgements</p><p>The 7 Bowl Judgements</p><p>The 7 Golden Lampstands</p><p>The 7 Stars</p><p>The 7 Angels</p><p>The 7 Spirits of God</p><p>The Lamb with 7 Horns and 7 Eyes.</p><p>The 7 Lamps of Fire</p><p>The 7 Thunders</p><p>The Fiery Red Dragon with 7 heads and 7 Crowns.</p><p>The Leopard-Like Beast with 7 heads.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4untitled00000170.htm#c2f505da" style="color: blue; ">Scarlet</a>-Colored Beast with 7 heads.</p><p>The 7 Mountains</p><p>The 7 Kings</p></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now you all have a little insight into why the number seven means something to us today. It is the way things are to be, whether is it be pleasant or not.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; line-height: 19px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But there is peace.</span></i></b></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33608542.post-22245513514459354402010-11-11T08:36:00.005-06:002010-11-11T08:45:12.167-06:00The History of Aprons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OgtBDmH5PmE/TNwAhgu6oBI/AAAAAAAAFn8/1wCwdUzAkVw/s1600/apron2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OgtBDmH5PmE/TNwAhgu6oBI/AAAAAAAAFn8/1wCwdUzAkVw/s200/apron2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538302217481265170" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica; line-height: 17px; font-size: 13px; "><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="line-height: 17px; "><tbody style="line-height: 17px; "><tr style="line-height: 17px; "><td valign="top" style="line-height: 17px; padding-right: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-top: 0in; "><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="line-height: 17px; "><tbody style="line-height: 17px; "><tr style="line-height: 17px; "><td valign="top" style="line-height: 17px; padding-right: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-top: 0in; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The History of 'APRONS'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "> </span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">(sent from my sister-in-law) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I don't think our kids </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">know what an apron is.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for</span></span><span style="line-height: 23px; font-size: 13.5pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">removing </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">hot pans from the oven.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids..</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">And when the weather was cold Grandma wrapped it around her arms.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">bent over the hot wood stove.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><b style="line-height: 17px; font-weight: bold; "><i style="line-height: 17px; font-style: italic; "><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">REMEMBER:</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 12pt; "><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "> </div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">to thaw.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><b style="line-height: 17px; font-weight: bold; "><i style="line-height: 17px; font-style: italic; "><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron</span></span></i></b><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">.</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 31px; font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 62px; font-size: 36pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love...</span></span><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 10pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 17px; "></span></span></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span><div style="line-height: 17px; "></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: center; "> <div style="line-height: 17px; "></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "><div style="line-height: 17px; "> </div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173931657834513313noreply@blogger.com0