You Say February?!

I'm sorry, (Not really!) but there wasn't a one of us who could possibly believe that a day like this could possibly happen in February!  It was sunny, warm, light breeze, no bugs, just a totally perfect day to do about anything - especially ride!

Pete, Jo, Sue & Connie

We again went over to the Nebraska side of the river to enjoy the great riding at Two Rivers State Recreation Area.  Butch & Nika came too - Butch is still studying - the park is a very pleasant place to read! Since I'd set the bar high - passing the test for my CDL the first time, my husband had to do the same & did!  :-)

Ice still in the shaded areas~

I had expected our little group from last week for today's ride, so the surprise was on me when we had a much larger group!  Farah - after being so darn nice last Friday - was ornery today.  The larger group of horses got her excited - but she was giving me her head & at least didn't buck.

Following Sue & Jaz at the river~

We tagged onto Sue & Jaz - that kept us moving forward - always a good thing!  Later on in the ride, we went up front & rode with Taylor on Daisy - a beautiful cream buckskin mare who does a lot of gaming & can move out!  :-)  Farah of course was all over that!  We did some trotting & a bit of cantering.

On the Trail~

We met up with Sue again & this time Farah took the lead & finally calmed down.  I gave her a carrot - that gave her something to chomp on besides the bit.  Still - she gave me a very nice frame.  This is the time of year that we'd usually be conditioning for Mt. Adams - so it's time for me to look at the ride schedule & find one that looks good for us!

Our stalwart group of riders!

We had so much fun!  At one point someone said;  "Gosh, who could believe that we're riding in February, in weather like this, in Iowa!"  The next comment;  "We're in Nebraska!"  :-)  OK, we'll take it!  Whatever state we're in - it was the perfect place to be - on the back of a horse!

Freedom for Nika~

What a long wait!  Had we known when we signed the contract, we'd have a four-month wait, rather than the two-months we were told, I think we'd have checked with other fence companies.  After having the run of our acreage in WA the entire first four plus years of her life, confinement to the house, a cable or on leash wasn't any fun.  There were a couple times she managed to escape & run the neighborhood with us in pursuit - but it was scary - for us anyway!

Finally free!

This morning she was So happy to be able to start her new guard dog routine!

First taste!

Last night - when Butch got home - we turned her loose!  It took less than two seconds for her to go from zero to 50!  :-)

It was as much fun for us as it was for Nika!  She ignored us when we asked her to come in - staying out until well after dark & her dinner time!  When she did come up on the back porch - she was covered in mud from a fresh dig!  Straight to the bathtub we went!  After that - she was sound asleep in no time :-)

Our beautiful girl!

Today, she was back to beautiful!  Butch is asking her not to dig...  We'll see how far he gets with that - especially since here - like in WA - the moles are everywhere!

Viewing her new domain~

As we sat out on the swing enjoying the spring like morning - Nika too - found a new favorite spot!

Plattsmouth, NE

 A sunshine beauty of a weekend for our birthday's!  We love the Classic Cafe in Malvern - it's our usual spot for a late Sunday breakfast. We wanted to do some more exploring, so we turned toward another historic town, Plattsmouth, NE.

Heading over the PlattsmouthToll Bridge~

 To get there, the most direct way - you take the toll bridge - built in 1929.  It is a real beauty - with it's cantilevered truss style construction.  The sides aren't high & the drop down looks like a long way...

Looking over at the Train Trestle~

 A toll has been in place since the bridge was built.  The $1.50 expense is more than worth the trip over to the NE side of the river.  Now, the funds collected go to maintain the structure.  Even though it's the shortest way to get there from Glenwood, most of the traffic now goes further north & over the new bridge on Hwy 34.  Once across, you enter the town in less than a mile.  I didn't take any photos of the town itself, but we walked the main street, which was quiet.  As we passed Rohan Photography, Dan came out & invited us into his shop!  He had a beautiful book of photos from his trip to Washington State!  We ended up spending quite a while swapping stories & admiring his amazing photographs!

Next, we drove out to the Shilling Wildlife Management Area - just at the end of the town's main street.  The sun was getting low in the sky - perfect for taking a few photos - even with my smartphone.

Greenbriar gone wild~

 I've been researching the invasive species in Iowa & still think I've identified this plant correctly.  To see how destructive it is once it gains a foothold is downright scary!  As damaging as Blackberry is to Washington state & without the yummy berries!

Thorny too!

 Just the small needle sharp thorns make it difficult to walk through - the vines are so small & tough that they tangle your feet at every step.

Huge Tree!

 Some of the trees are huge - so beautiful to see - yet there are almost as many that are dead & bleached white.  I've been told that the big flood of 2008 drowned the root systems.

Where the Platte River joins the Missouri~

Here, the Platte River almost looks to be wider & bigger than the Missouri. What fun to stand where Lewis & Clark camped on their way to the west coast!  We've also visited Fort Clatsop, at the western end of their great trek! 

History on the banks of the river~

 As we watched the two rivers flow by - we heard the unmistakable sound of ducks!  Lots of quacking ducks!  Looking up - huge flocks were flying overhead!  Wave after wave of them - across the deep blue of the late afternoon sky...

Ducks flying over~

Magical~

Sunset~

It doesn't take long once the sun goes down, for the temperature to drop.  We had to remind ourselves that it was February after all!  A very far away place from where we've spent our birthday weekend for the past several years on Whidbey Island! 

Two Rivers State Park - Birthday Ride!

When the weather forecast was for 60+ degrees, I just kept my fingers crossed that it would be true!  On my birthday no less!  Sue & Jo invited me along to ride at Two Rivers State Park, NE - just about an hours drive from home.  My husband was kind enough to agree to drive us over.  That included hitching the trailer up over the sheet of ice that had formed just in front of the hitch.  It took 4-wheel drive to get the job done!

Farah checks things out!

 After the trailer, Farah comes next!  Butch managed to get the trailer turned & stay on the road - which was sloppy & slippery to say the least!  We used the GPS & pulled into the park right on time.  

Butch talking with Sue & Jo

 Butch & Nika were planning a nice long walk & had packed a lunch & good book!  Sue thougth that the trails might be too muddy, so we'd just planned to ride the roads - until - we saw that the trails were in much better shape than expected!

Sue - with feathers on her helmet :-)  & Jo!

 It was just so beautiful out!  We let the word "spring" spring from our lips more than once!   I loved the tour of another beautiful park!  Horse camping available here too, complete with corrals.

Entry to Horse Camp

 We took the trail along the Elkhorn River!  It was amazing to see all the sheets of ice moving in the current!  We could hear some deep sounds - the ice breaking off & entering the main flow.

Downstream ~

 The first time, the mares spooked, but on our return, even as a large piece broke away - Farah - to her credit - just kept going.

Between Sue's mare's ears :-)  Thank you Sue!

Such different views from those we've known so well - for so long.

Blocks of Ice jammed up against the river bank~

The sun felt So warm, we were soon peeling off layers!

Farah looking ahead!

 We stopped back at the Caboose Parking area to drop off coats, then headed out one more time, to the very north end of the trails & circled around an area where the Boy Scouts have been working to increase pollinators.

Pollinator Habitat Project~

 I'm looking forward to another trip here in the spring to see what has been planted.  The only major spook of the day, was when a couple hiking came around a corner & Farah thought it was a good enough excuse :-)

Returning to the parking area~

 I should have taken photos of the Cabooses!  They are available to rent & have beds, a kitchen area, bathroom with shower etc.  Very nice!  Even air-conditioning in the Summer!  We met with another group of riders, Tammy (Originator of the Great Trailriders Distance Derby) & I actually met face-to-face for the first time!  Too fun!

Our Route~

Here, where there really isn't back-country - the parks must be shared by all.  It seems that this has worked out for everyone & having trails to ride is what counts!  I'm hopeful that our new BCH Chapter can contribute trail-clearing hours at these beautiful park lands.

My first birthday in my home state for many, many years!  It was tough this morning - no happy birthday call from my mother...  But thanks to two new friends Sue & Jo - it was a Wonderful Day!

Something about Glenwood~

The temperatures took a nose dive yesterday.  With a wind of 10-15 mph., chilly would sure describe it.  At 8 a.m. this morning, it was ten-degrees, snowing & the air was full of small flakes going every direction!

From the front porch~

 Just a couple hours later, the sun broke through - sky turned blue & it was gorgeous!  Butch went out with a broom & started working his way up the sidewalk!  You can just see him across from the car on the road.  When I described Butch's outfit to a neighbor, she described hers & I may have to venture out to get some photos of the unusual garb worn!  Definitely Not REI!  :-)

This weeks quote in front of The Gathering Place~

At least one day a week, we go here for a late breakfast or early lunch!  :-)  Everyone has learned our names!  We try to make progress remembering the names of all our new friends too, but after all, we  have more to remember than they do!  :-) For a while we were;  The Coolidge Couple - but Linus & Kaye make sure we're introduced to one & all!

Over 1,700 miles~

Who but us - would decide on a cross-country move - then a whole house remodel?  :-)  Our list of projects is still a long one & Butch finds things to add to it.  Like yesterday when he said;  "This wall could be out another couple inches - I think I'll do it now so the tile will look better!"  I've found it easier to agree - as I'm sure his crews have over the years :-)

Guest Room~

 Going from two-bedrooms - to four has been Great!  It gave me room to incorporate some of Mom's things.  Her beautiful brass bed, little dresser & plant stand all seem happy to have found a spot.  The Tree of Life quilt Mom bought as a kit, then asked my Grandmother to put together.  I remember Grandma giving her grief over all the work it involved.  The cross-stitch was done by hand, as was the quilting.  Grandma never used a long-arm, her huge quilt frame sat in the downstairs hall.  

We've been told the town has been on a decline for many years.  The new highway was built around town, diverting travelers from local businesses.  With too many rental properties, high taxes & no industry it's now a bedroom community to Omaha.  Butch has been looking local, commute is not a nice word in his vocabulary.  In the meanwhile - we're enjoying our longest together time in years.

A Mid-Winter Day~

No, it sure didn't feel like Winter today!  Sunshine, wonderful clear skies & temperatures that rose above 50 degrees!  I'd been invited to ride & couldn't go :-(  It would have been a longer drive, to what looked like a really nice area, so I hope I'm invited next time! Too much paperwork for me to do. :-(  I will be so very glad when I'm done with it all...

Farah on the move~

 By mid-afternoon we'd caught up & drove out to our storage to bag another couple weeks worth of supplement.  We always try to keep a large enough supply on-hand that if we're called away unexpectedly - Farah won't run out.

With a strong wind blowing, Butch brought our girl out & she was So happy to see us!  It made me feel bad - that our visits this month - have been so sporadic.  Farah also seems to have a better understanding with the crazy gelding in the run next to hers.  She was calm, cool & kicked back to enjoy a good  grooming.  He's as crazy an Arabian as I've ever seen, working himself up into a full body sweat every time we take her away.  Even when we close the door, we can here him tearing back & forth & whinnying...  A calming  supplement might help him.

Farah & Butch

It's hard to see, but Farah had a mouthful of grass & as she chewed - the wind blew it back at Butch :-)   We'd hoped to let her graze a little, but the ground here is so soft.  She left holes with each step - even without shoes.  The grass doesn't have the roots that you'd expect & is So slippery!

At least on the hill, she's learned to handle the slippery nature of the footing & the wind doesn't seem to bother her as much as it used to.  We checked out the indoor arena & it's very nice.  Here, I think I'll be doing more riding in it - so will have to make up a lesson plan for us both.  She seems to be thriving & has kept herself pretty fit - all good!

32nd Annual Cathedral Flower Festival~

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 :-) 

Impressive statistics~

 Many famous people were represented too...

The West!  I was surprised to see Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show!   Lookout Mountain, outside Golden, CO still claims to be his true resting place, but stories abound!

Bill would have been surprised!

 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!