This blizzard hit like a freight train last night - winds gusting to well over 30-40+ mph & so loud it was a roar. Our wind gauge is getting a workout. The snow has been really fine, not even really flakes. School was cancelled, Butch had a snow day :-) When he went out to tackle shoveling - he said there was at least four inches on the walks.
It's a heavier, snow than we usually get too, but when the big gusts of wind hit it blows sideways. Just more of a messy storm, the non-stop wind is getting old. It also takes the 30° temperature feel like it's down in the teens.
Woods from the back deck~
I've gone out a couple times, but spent the afternoon in the kitchen. Chicken & rice soup sure sounded good for our dinner!
Poor little tree frog :-(
Our poor little tree frog from Washington, is hiding from the cold!
Back Deck~
It seems no matter what - snow goes everywhere! This one is so wet & sticky, it's too heavy for my blower. Nika's outside, heated bed, had a puddle of water in the middle, so is drying now. Usually, the snow doesn't blow so far in.
Nika~
As much as this particular Buhund likes the snow - today she prefers to be inside. We'd just sat down with our latte's when she came in, looked at Butch, then over at the fireplace. "Where's the heat?" Butch got up & turned it on. It's a good day to huddle indoors & pray the heat stays on!
Up early, breakfast was included with our room. With plenty to choose from, neither of us was really hungry yet. We were catching the earliest shuttle we could. We wanted plenty of time to check on the status of our seats & clear customs. We'd been notified our flight was running well over an hour behind schedule.
Once we reached the Delta booth, I again asked for upgraded tickets. We were there most of an hour, so it worked out well that the flight had been delayed. A supervisor was called over. We were upgraded to the second row behind first class - preferred seating - with more leg room! It was worth every minute of time at the desk!
The line at customs was long, but they were speedy & we were through with enough time to have lunch before going to our gate.
Details~
Boarding the jet, even at the door, I recognized this as a very nice aircraft. Easily the largest I've flown in, we soon found our seats. The few extra inches of space make such a difference in passenger comfort. I found a water bottle on my seat & handed it to the Steward behind me. He apologized & explained they had been diverted to pick us, up on very short notice. The plane we'd been scheduled to take had mechanical issues. My prayers had been answered.
More information~
With large monitors on the seat backs in front of us, I scrolled through the menu. (The page on the details of the flight, speed & air temperature, elevation, mileage to our destination, were fun to check during the flight.)
Where we'd been~
Once we were in the air, I discovered the air vent above me needed to be adjusted. The ceiling was so high - I couldn't reach it - without taking my shoes off & standing on my seat! Even then, I had to really stretch to turn it. I'd just finished when one of the crew came by & asked me with a big smile - if I'd accomplished my mission. :-)
Where the airport was in relation to the city~
Courtney was determined to stay awake the entire flight. I decided to watch a movie & Braveheart was the longest one I could find. We were offered bottled water shortly after take-off. Snacks next & dinner followed. Finally, ice cream! I don't think anyone turned it down. I lost count of the times we were offered either refreshment or food!
On our way!
After dinner, I continued my movie. Walking to the back of the plane to visit the lavatory - I'd just exited when the same crew member saw me. She asked if I was trying to get in my steps for the day? I looked as puzzled as I felt. She pointed out the facilities mid-way down the length of the plane. I hadn't even seen the sign. :-)
As badly as I wanted a window seat, none were available & I'm not complaining! But on the entire plane, there was only one row where the window blind was open. Not one single other passenger on the entire plane had their window blind open! Why oh why - take a window seat & not enjoy the views?
When we disembarked in Atlanta, I was feeling pretty decent. We were still behind schedule for our connecting flight to Omaha. The minute we were off the plane - airport personnel holding signs directed our every step. Talk about efficient! The line at customs was long, but moved fast. I had my second retinal scan. Courtney was behind me. The custom's officer was going to detain her. The scan didn't match the one taken on our way out. We were told the technology was brand new. Courtney explained she was accompanying me & was allowed through. Later, she realized she wasn't wearing her contacts & had been before.
We made it to our gate to leave for Omaha with a few minutes to spare. As I boarded that plane, I knew it wouldn't be a pleasant trip. The door seal looked ancient, the jet was tiny & packed with seats. We were in row 20 something, over the wing. I ended up in the only seat on the jet that didn't recline. But! I had a window!
Leaving Atlanta~
I felt sorry for this crew. I don't know how they manage to keep their professionalism. Difficult when working with so many passengers, in such a cramped, confined space. The carts hardly fit down the aisle.
Evening views~
As afternoon turned to dusk, the lights came on in the cities below. At least this direction, we'd be gaining time!
I focused on the earth passing by beneath us. A less than 3-hour flight should feel like nothing after the hours we'd been traveling this day. No monitors on this old craft. The small boy in the seat in front of me, had his seat fully reclined, though he was seldom in it.
A last view~
I was thrilled to see the lights of Omaha come into view! It was dark, but oh how sweet those lights of home, looked. The captain made an announcement, military personnel were on the plane & asked everyone to remain seated until they could disembark. The passengers applauded & politely stayed seated.
Once we were cleared to exit, Courtney & I grabbed our bags & were out the door! As we passed security, we could see a very large crowd on both sides of the now cordoned hallway, through the airport. We had no choice but to take that path & it was a little embarrassing. Everyone was obviously there to welcome home the military who had exited the plane ahead of us. I heard Butch's voice & suddenly there he was, making his was through the throng of people! He led, we followed - ushering us to the Bronco, his hug felt so good! How he'd found parking at all, I don't know. Courtney had stayed awake our entire time 14+ hours in the air. Once we were home, she was off to bed! I don't remember my head hitting the pillow!
The next day, we returned to Eppley. Courtney had one more flight to make - home to Seattle. It seemed so strange to see her leave without me :-( Many thanks to my husband, our son-in-law, our grandkids (who were without their Mom for a couple weeks.) & most of all - our daughter for including me!
We both loved the adventure & neither of us will ever forget our time in Italy~
Please click on the link under the photo for some really interesting information on the artist that created this amazing art & the meaning behind the beauty. Just the statistics of the build are staggering. We're getting to know our way around Omaha better with every visit. Since we've yet to find a facility that isn't under some kind of construction - we've been doing some walking too! After finding a place to park, we started hiking around the UNMC University of Nebraska Medicine campus. Eventually, we found where we were supposed to be. This 82ft. glass tower is imposing & I'd like to come back to see it at night. The cloud above it almost looked like smoke coming from the top!
Don & Millies in Omaha~
When we were done with the business part of the trip, I was starved! A week ago we'd found Don & Millie's in Bellevue & totally enjoyed a local favorite - the cheese frenchee! I don't think I've ever written a blog post about food, but these are special. At least if you're a fan of grilled cheese. We were hiking back down the hill to the truck, when I looked across the street & there it was! A Don & Millie's! It must have been pre-ordained!
The Ultimate!
These are so very good that you can just ignore the calories! :-) With the Peters family coming for their summer visit in a couple weeks, I've already told them that they are in for a real treat!
Omaha has surprised us with it's cosmopolitan flair, while maintaining that friendly mid-west feel. We checked out a couple of the western wear stores in the area, but only one had any tack at all. Here too, growth is fast & fields are disappearing under acres of new home developments. Roads are constantly being widened to accommodate all the increased traffic. Having seen this happen through the years to Seattle, I don't wish it for Omaha~
From the first time we'd driven past the Dome of the Henry Doorly Zoo - I had to ask what it was? I first mentioned it to our friend Linus - who had actually worked there for several years! He & everyone else seemed unanimous - speaking high praise of this attraction.
Knowing that Mason & Cassidy would be visiting with their mother, we purchased the Grandparents Pass. It was a great deal, allowing both of us & up to six children admission.
A Great Zoo~
We'd planned to go during the week, to avoid the huge weekend crowds. As we purchased tickets for the train & Skyfair - heavy dark clouds dominated the sky & thunder boomed. Rain to a bunch from Washington State? No Problem! :-) We were about the only people without umbrella's & had to laugh!
Having been given lots of good advice on how to plan our day - we decided to go in to the Lied Jungle first. It was like walking into a tropical rainforest! There were waterfalls, streams, ponds & many, varieties of creatures. A swinging rope bridge & the sound of the rain storm on the roof really added to the experience. Our timing couldn't have been better, when we emerged from the jungle, the rain had just let up & everything was so fresh & clean.
Next was the Butterfly & Insect Pavilion! What a beautiful place! There was a double door & mirrors so that you could check to be sure you weren't taking butterflies out with you!
The Giraffe's were so calm & friendly - more than happy to take leaves from the children's hands. the enclosure was large enough that the younger ones could actually run a little!
Up close & eating leaves :-)
Elephants, White Rhino's & other big game animals were in this area. We were exited about riding on the Skyfair! After looking at our map, we thought it would be the perfect way to get to the far northern end of the Zoo & see everything in-between!
From the air!
What a wonderful ride! We crossed above animal enclosures, gardens, ponds & the views were great! Since we were going to where the Lions are kept - it was thrill to see this big lioness snoozing!
"Typical cat" :-)
When we were in Greenfield a few months ago, I met a lady who asked where I'd started school. When I mentioned the basement of the Lutheran church - she said; "My brother started there too!" I'd managed to run into the sister of one of my best childhood friends - Doug. As I told Linus the story - he informed me that Doug is now the head Vet of the Zoo & a world expert on White Tigers. Having a description of him, as; "Tall & a big man." I kept an eye open for someone of that description without success. He is known for walking out & about at the Zoo, I do hope we manage to meet one of these days.
The largest in the world, this is more amazing from the inside than the view of it from out! The temperature was perfect! If you click on the link above, it will take you to a fact sheet & the facts of this exhibit are incredible.
Cassidy & Butch~
Lets face it - when it comes to sheer CUTE - Lemurs have got to be in the top ten! Some of the expressions on these little guys faces had us laughing! I think they enjoy people watching as much as the people enjoy watching them! Cassidy was ready to take one home :-)
lemur~
The collection of cactus was incredible - especially when you realize we're in Omaha - not the Southwest!
Cactus~
In a way - it was like one of the futuristic movies when mankind has to live in domes to survive. The birds here could fly around all over the dome & did! It was so fun when one of these beauties landed close by.
Bright colors!
When we thought we were through - we discovered that their was an entire world below us! As Mason got excited & Cassidy was ready to walk right it to the deep darkness - I was the one who could have passed on this exhibit! :-)
A very Big guy!
While I would have passed - Kingdom of the Night -the kids loved it! I kept wondering which of the creepy, crawly creatures in this barrier free habitat would crawl over my feet! :-)
Mason & Butch moving the big ball!
It was a relief when we finally found our way out into the fresh air again! :-) We ended the day's adventure at the Imax - with a very informative show on The Great White Shark! As we were walking back to the truck - we realized we'd been there for over eight-hours & hadn't seen it all! No problem - we'd be back!
Since the best laid plans have a way of going astray - plan B - which had originally been plan A - went into effect & went to Omaha! The twenty-five minute drive was easy! Parking was easy - we're loving the accessibility! So different from the hours in traffic that going anywhere near Seattle required!
What a nice facility, even with the gray skies, everyone was friendly & in no rush. We arrived early, I'd heard rumors about the exhibits & shopping - so we wanted plenty of time to look around.
The signage was Grand!
Once inside, the rows of vendor booths were amazing! Lots of high end products for the horses & beautiful jewelry, clothing, equine artists, accessories - you name it!
Grand Hallway~
We moved through to the S&W Public Warm Up Arena to watch as the horses came out to play :-) High spirited, beautifully fit & impeccably tacked out. There was a coffee shop open at the Tailgate Restaurant, we sat a while to watch.
Having fun!
Next, we toured the informational exhibits! The one below was amazing! In case you don't recognize it - this wall display was of a horses digestive system! Equine Guelph was responsible for some wonderful, educational displays.
Very interesting :-)
Another - very creative way to explain the differences in horses shoes!
Shoes on display~
Of course we finally wandered in to the Boutique Shopping Village. There - I had to stop several times to admire the amazing high end saddles on display!
Bling anyone?
The ladies at the Back On Track booth took one look at my swollen wrist & insisted that I try one of their wrist braces. Within minutes the swelling had gone down. I bought one & am now sold on their products. Every vendor we spoke with mentioned how much they were enjoying the venue, the friendliness of the people & the atmosphere of the event.
In the arena~
The time flew by, the crowd increased in size & soon it was time to get into the line for a security check & to find our seats. We were just above the 21st. row & ended up with a bunch of rowdy kids behind us - of course. When one of them popped a plastic bag, I had to ask for a bit of quiet. At least now we know where we'll want to sit next time we visit.
Let the jumping being!
Watching this caliber of horse & rider teams is awe inspiring & breathtaking! The first round I thought the course was difficult, there were gasps of disappointment the few times that a rail went down.
It was a thrill when McLain Ward riding HH Amur - finish the first round in first place! At intermission,
it was amazing how many people were out in the arena, moving jumps,
putting up bigger, larger jumps & re-working the course for the
second round!
Winners of both rounds!
Watching as each team cleared the amazingly huge jumps had everyone on the edge of their seats! As McLain & Amur started their second & final round - you could have heard a pin drop! I was too busy enjoying every jump to take a photo.
As they cleared the final jump - the audience went crazy! Everyone jumped to their feet & the cheers were deafening! Amur had that look that some of us know very well - the; "OK, I'm the Greatest - where's dinner!"
Final scores~
Eighteen attempts to bring this talented equestrian to a win! That's determination! To see a mare best the competition was of course very personally satisfying :-)
Shannon had spotted Butch across the arena - she texted me; "Is Butch wearing a black hat & vest?" Yes - he was :-) We went to dinner afterward & had the pleasure of meeting Shannon's grandson, who's the same age as our eldest grandson Ben. Great way to end the week!
We've had a week of cloudy, rainy weather - reminiscent of Washington! Everyone tells me the rain is needed - that it's been a very dry, mild Winter & I do believe it. I'd hoped to attend an endurance ride in Kansas this weekend, but with all the rain - the steep slope & lack of space to turn around at Farah's stable - it would have been impossible with the truck, camper & trailer. The weather was threatening in SW Kansas - Tornado Alley& did I want that worry? No...
It was one of those days... Usually they happen on Monday's but
for me - I should have known when I was trying to move out the stove,
slipped, fell backward & landed with my left wrist first. The pain
wasn't too bad, so I hoped for a sprain & went ahead, determined to spent time with Farah.
Guilty! Now to the legs~
I should have taken a before picture! If you can imagine mud from the tip of the ears, covering almost every inch! With no grass to roll in, Farah - who loves to roll - has a spot in her paddock. When it's dry - it's dust, when it's wet - well... I had put dust masks in the truck, then forgot them when I transferred things to the Bronco.
When I noticed that Farah's tail was 6" shorter than it's ever been, I asked the lady who works at the barn if Farah's crazy neighbor might be grabbing at it? No, I watched as she stood at the outside door of the stall, on a slope that puts her tail right under her rear feet if she backs up. Once the mess was scrapped off, hair everywhere, I put her in the wash stall & washed out her tail. She danced, pranced, moved from side-to-side & made it miserable on us both.
Beautiful Countryside~
I decided to take her out on a walk to let it dry before putting it into a tail bag.
The road~
I'm planning to do some riding on this road - it's not very long - but has a couple good hills where we could maybe get in a gallop or two. I'll be trailering out on my own soon too - as the weather improves. I'm also doing some research into the history of horses on the Wabash Trace - to lobby for continued Equestrian use - at least for the ten-miles that are advertised as available to horses.
Surface rock~
As you can tell from the photo above, this type of gravel is far from decent for horses, definitely requiring shoes for any moderately paced work.
Weight coming back on~
Farah was good until we lost sight of the stable. I'd wanted to walk quite a way further, but after watching as she circled me at a gallop, bucked, reared & otherwise was a kite at the end of the lead - I turned back.
By the time I'd stopped at the store & returned home, my wrist was twice it's size. I went through all my wrist braces, all for the right hand - I've broken that one several times... Only one for the left - so we picked up a new one today. No cast for me... I've ridden 50-miles carrying my stick with a broken right wrist. I hadn't wanted to miss the Golden Ears Ride, in British Columbia. With eight river crossings, it was always challenging. At the first one, Khari had refused. I lent my stick to my friend, who whacked her & in we went! No more problems the rest of the ride! :-)
My consolation prize? Tickets were still available to the FEI World Cup in Omaha tomorrow! (I'd sold ours after I found out the date conflicted with the endurance ride.) Since these new tickets are even more expensive - I'm hoping we'll have good seats!
Our Glenwood Garden Club, had planned a trip to attend this incredibly beautiful event at the Saint Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha. The sky was blue, sun was yellow & air was fresh, if chilly when we arrived! We found a parking spot & were some of the first to be welcomed inside! Several young men were available to lend a helping hand or arm to some of the more elderly attendees. (The Cathedral Arts Project mission - is to bring the arts to the heart of the city.")
Entrance to Saint Cecilia Cathedral~
Very well organized, all the halls around the sanctuary were lined with exhibits! Many of the vestibules too - were decorated with an amazing assortment of floral arrangements! This year's theme was A Shared Story - Nebraska at 150-years.
"There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before." - Wilia Carher
Each display had a informational board, explaining what the designs signified & what part of Nebraska's history was depicted.
Hanging from the ceiling!
To be in such an amazing, historic place, so full of grace, with the choir singing & organ playing was almost dizzying in it's grandeur.
Such incredible mixing of perfect blooms~
I took over 100 photos - just a few of the highlights here ~
One of the many informative signs~
When Clara entered this room ahead of me, I heard her exclaim, but I certainly didn't expect to see a saddle! Why not though! Without horses, the ranchers would have had a much tougher job.
The depiction~
It must take an army of volunteers to put these scenes together - the flowers were so fresh I just can't imagine the work it takes to grow them, have them bloom at the right time, deliver & arrange them all!
One of my very favorites :-)
Without the cattlemen & ranchers, we'd all be wondering where the beef is :-)
As the morning progressed - we worked our way around - Clara & I stopped many times to take photos.
One of the larger displays~
The Railroads - of course played a huge part in the growth of Omaha & our country.
Simply beautiful~
Leaving the Cathedral, we entered the Msgr. Ernest Graham Building. Here - we visited the Art Gallery & Gift Shop - where we purchased fresh cut flowers! In the cafeteria, where large windows gave views of the surrounding neighborhood, we enjoyed a catered luncheon. The hot chicken dumpling soup was perfect on a cold winter day! If I mention the desserts... yes... We shared one of the huge, home made pecan rolls!
Looking at one end of the Church~
As we were driving in Omaha, with no traffic, I had to ask if we were in the center of town & we were. Even with the new buildings & evident growth - it's still so easy to get just about anywhere. Stop lights timed to turn green as you approach - no long waits & again I'm just shocked at how accessible things here are. What an enjoyable day!
