First Ride of 2025~

 This was the first time I've been out since the beginning of the new year.  My usual goal of riding each month had a delayed start.  January weather was so cold & windy, I just didn't get out.  Today though, with only a couple days left in the month - was the day!

On the trail~

It was so beautiful, the air so fresh & I about had the park to myself.  I rode out the trail on west side of the lake to the train underpass, before turning back to the park.

Shadow in the sun~

I enjoy the mostly smooth surfaces of the trail, but as you can see in the photo above, this section has some big cracks.  The Loess soils don't lend themselves to asphalt.

Once a planted field~

The large section of land above had been planted in either corn or soy for the years I've been riding here.  Now, heavy equipment is clearing the area.  You can see roof tops of a subdivision in the distance & Mid America's coal plant.  It's so near to shopping etc., my guess is more residential housing will be built.

From the Indian Creek Trail~

I turned off Veterans Memorial Hwy & took the back way through the old campground before going back out to the street to turn north on the Indian Creek Trail.  

Mileage marker at the bridge~

Once across, I always enjoy the wooded section along the south side of the lake.  I stopped at my usual spot to admire the day & the view.  The Native American word Manawa meaning peace & comfort is so fitting for this park.

The lake with a thin ice layer~

It was one of those days, especially in the winter months that I don't want to end.  We managed a few warmer days, but the cold hasn't forgotten about us & is due to return.  It's been such a dry, dry winter - it doesn't bode well for the upcoming season.

Heading back~

As I approached the entrance to the new campground, movement in the trees caught my eye.

Four deer~

A group of five deer were on the move, crossing near the entry booth.  I couldn't get them all in one photo, but it was sure fun to see them.  The first time I've actually seen deer in the park.

Shadow turns over 600 miles~

My first ride on this bike was 3/28/24.  The bike shows the miles the motor has been on when I'm riding. I usually leave it on, except for an occasional downhill.  I still use my Garmin for keeping track of my rides.  The weather will dictate how far I'll get to ride by the end of March this year.  I do really enjoy the bike & my knees appreciate it too!

40th Annual Flower Festival @ St. Cecilia's Cathedral

 It was a bright, if brisk Saturday morning when I met with members of the Glenwood Garden Club to attend the Flower Festival at St. Cecilia's Cathedral in Omaha.  Each year there is usually a theme & this year's; Let There Be Light was intriguing.

Cover of this year's Brochure~

I was surprised when I looked back at the brochures I've collected.  My first visit was January of 2017 when I attended the 32nd event.  This trip isn't always on our club's itinerary, but this is the fifth time I've enjoyed the tour.  The Cathedral is so beautiful on its own merit, seeing the aisle's festooned with amazing art & floral displays is a treat for winter weary eyes.

The first of the Great Lights of Heaven~

We arrived about 9:30 a.m. & managed to find the last spot available in the church parking.  The streets surrounding the Cathedral were already lined with cars.  The crowd was the largest I've ever seen.  There were four of us in my group.  The crowd consisted of groups of people who would move from one display to the next, each one taking photos as they passed.  

I didn't take the time to get the name of each display or the designer responsible.  There were just too many people.

I think my first visit, when the theme was A Shared Story - Nebraska at 150-Years, was my favorite.  The theme was great & the smaller crowd made it much more enjoyable.

Becky, Charlotte, Ginny & me ~

A lady in the group behind us, offered to take our photo.  

Several of the designs were memorials to individuals, but this festival was dedicated to the memory of Brother William Woeger, FSC.

A beautiful aisle, with the feeling of a short pathway due to the effective lighting.

Tropical Colors & bright metal~

So many different varieties of flowers, the logistics involved in obtaining, transporting etc. must be tremendous.  

Poured & spun glass~

Above & several other displays included beautiful works of stained or poured glass.  Most of the metal & glass art was for sale.

A beautiful tall container~

By the time we'd woven our way around the entire nave, we were ready for something warm to drink at the least!  The building was colder today than any of our prior visits.  We'd left our coats in the car & had dressed warmly, but nonetheless - the temperature was in the 20's.

The 2nd Great Light of Heaven~

We walked over the Mgr. Ernest Graham Building where the Lithuanian Bakery was catering lunch.  Our other four ladies caught up with us in time to share a table.  Janiece, her guest Allie, Carolyn & Julie.  Arriving before the rush, hot hashbrown & sausage soup, coffee & bakery goods hit the spot.  I went home with Kolache to share with Doris!  It was again - a beautiful way to spend a late January day!  

Below I've listed the link to the prior Festival's I've attended~

32nd Annual Cathedral Flower Festival

33rd Annual

34th Annual 

35th Annual

To the Caves & Home~

 Butch has been busy since being home over Christmas.  His usual dispatches are from somewhere in IA, NE or SD to somewhere in the area of OH or MI.  Occasionally he may go to KY, TN, WI etc.  This last week though, he was sent to MO.  

Waiting to go in~

Not only MO, but to Americold, a delivery he hadn't made since driving for Blake Scott!  This was his first visit in the snow though!

Entrance to the Caves~

The road going in, hadn't been cleared, so it was icy & slick. Another truck had slid off the shoulder.

Spelunking anyone?

From the first time he was dispatched here, I was amazed at the size of the facility.  Drivers new to the area usually are smart enough to ask for a map!

Once inside~

Butch was pretty familiar with the layout, but this was an entrance new to him.  He made his way to the correct dock.

Maverick at the dock~

It's difficult to get an idea of the size, until you see a semi tractor/trailer at a loading dock.  Of course it stays a constant temperature year around.

Maverick~

This was to be Maverick's last run with Butch, but the new truck he was to pick up isn't ready yet.  When he called to tell me, he'd have time to make his delivery in Council Bluffs & come home overnight, I started dinner!

It was just after 7 p.m. when he turned down the street.  Finn gets so excited when he hears the sound of the diesel engine!  (You can hear his little sounds in the video.) It may be Maverick's last time home, depending on how the schedule goes.  It's been such a reliable truck; from 11-1-23 to 12-19-24 Butch has driven Maverick 143,257 miles.  By 7 a.m. today, he was back on the road.