Another Bitter Cold February~

 It's strange how when I think of the month of February, I always seem to remember more mild days than cold ones! I conveniently forget the days of bitter, record-breaking cold that usually dominate the month!

4:08 p.m. 2-12-25

Butch had been home & was gone again, driving on his birthday.  Wednesday, in the early dawn hours, our first real snowstorm of the winter season blew in.  It deposited about 4" of incredibly beautiful powder snow.  It was also incredibly cold.  We were in the negative digits & only warmed into the single digits.  We received about three 1/2" dustings of snow on top of the original 4".  Shoveling it was a breeze.

10:44 a.m. 2-12-2025 

When I went out back to blow the walkway, for at least the second time, I saw a black spot up in one of the trees along the edge of the woods.  I used my little Canon with the zoom lens to capture the photo above.  I've named him Blackie!  We probably have Blackie I, II & III at least, but who's counting?

11:52 a.m. 2-13-2025

Sunshine the following day made it seem less cold.  I went out to blow the walks again & pretended it was as warm as it looked.  The weatherman said the following days would be even colder.  When I could no longer feel my fingers through two sets of gloves, I'd just finished.

Valentine's day, 4:48 p.m. Tinkle Branch Trail~

Finn & I usually take our walks in the afternoon.  Once the temperatures dropped to single digits, we decided sitting in front of the fireplace would work for us!  We're both missing the walks we've found good days for in prior years.

2-19-2025, 9:51 a.m. 

This morning, we broke the record low temperature going back over 100-years.  Finn has amazed me with his toughness!  He goes out every day & sits in the sun on the deck for at least a few minutes - no matter how cold it is!  Yesterday afternoon we took our walk & ended up at the Cabin.  The heaters were keeping the chill out of the air.

The fifth day of record cold~

The sunshine is wonderful, but I'm ready for some warming!  I finished my latch hook project & my germanium starts are ready to go in pots.  The mother plants are taking up all the window space in the craft room.  Besides taking a few cuttings, I haven't cut them completely back yet, experimenting to see how they do.

A little bloom!

Butch came through today; Finn & I drove up to Sapp Brothers.  Finn started talking the minute we took the exit ramp!  He acted as guard dog in the warm semi while Butch & I had lunch.  Now, Butch is on his way to IN & Finn & I are looking forward to the much-anticipated warmer weather!

Breakdown~

February fifth, I received a text from Butch with the following photo attached.  I could hardly believe what I was seeing!  

2-5-2025 Maverick II gets towed~

 Butch had been at Pixelle in Chillicothe, OH picking up a load of paper to be delivered in Columbus Kansas.  From there, he was heading home for our birthday's.  He'd hooked the loaded trailer & was doing a final inspection when he noticed oil pouring from under the semi!  Pouring was the word he used!

Maverick II, ready to be towed~

Butch put in a call to Nationwide.  Since the truck was brand new & under warranty, the tow truck was called.  It would be hauled to McMahon Truck Center in Columbus, OH. 

Arriving in the tow truck at McMahon~

Butch arrived early afternoon.  He was hoping it would be a simple fix, maybe an oil pan gasket etc.  He'd had no warning at all that anything had been wrong.  Nationwide made him a reservation at a local Comfort Inn.  He grabbed his small bag & called an uber. 

2-6-2025 Comfort Inn, Columbus, OH

 The following morning, the news was not good.  Whatever repair was needed, parts would have to be ordered etc.  Nationwide found Butch a ride back to Omaha, with a driver he'd picked up a few weeks ago, who needed a ride to Chicago.

Frank coming up the street~

As Butch described it, he was a passenger princess all the way back to Omaha!  He hadn't taken anything out of Maverick II, not expecting the repair to last any length of time, or to be sent back this way.  Frank was on a schedule, so there was no time to pick up any personal belongings.

I asked Butch if there would be a truck for him here & he replied "yes".  Frank dropped Butch off at Nationwide & there was Maverick - waiting for him!  I'd asked him if there were any chance his original truck would still be there?  Well, it was! 

2-7-2025 Maverick!  The original!

 It didn't take him long to be on the road for home!  I don't think I've ever been happier to recognize the big blue truck coming down the street!  He'd made it home several days ahead of what we'd scheduled but earlier is always better than later!  Part of the reason it's so hard to make reservations for anything...

2-7-2025 Maverick back home~

I know this truck was happy to be back home.  I was very happy to have the driver back safely home!  Butch was here for three full days, before going back on the road Tuesday morning the 11th.  We'd had to pick up a new sleeping bag etc. for the trip back east. 

Nationwide dispatched him back to OH & within 40-miles of Columbus.  He made his delivery, then drove to McMahon to check on the 24 Volvo.  Word is - the crank shaft destroyed the engine.

2-13 View inside Maverick II~

  Butch moved all of his personal belongings back into Maverick.  He'd been traveling without a microwave, his GPS, etc.  All his food was destroyed, since the truck hadn't been plugged into power.

He & Maverick are back on the road & as of last night, he was putting things away - again...   

First Ride of February~

 As the calendar page flips up to a new month, we've had a couple days of incredible temperatures for the time of year.  The day started out sunny, but by mid-morning the clouds had drifted in.  The temperature hovered in the upper 50's - pretty strange for February.

The Bronco & Shadow~

With colder weather in the forecast this coming week, I decided to take advantage of a warmer day with very little wind.  I'm thankful every time I make the drive, that Lake Manawa is a short distance from home.  I expected it to be busy on a Sunday but there were only a couple cars in the lot where I usually park.

On the trail~

I'm still surprised at how quickly a sunshine day can turn dark gray & gloomy.  The air was so fresh though & even without moisture, was relatively free from dust.

Indian Creek~

The heavy cloud cover was deceiving, it almost looked like rain, but I knew it was too dry for that.  It's so dry I have the humidifier going full time in the house.  

North end of the lake, looking south~

The water is still covered in ice, but not as thick as it was last week.  There was meltwater in many places.  The geese were happy to have some areas of open water.  It looks cold but really wasn't.  I did keep on both my coat & vest for the entire ride.

Picnic Shelter #7

I rode out the west side trail - again - to the underpass, before continuing on my usual full loop.  I only saw three other riders. Traffic was heavy on Veterans Memorial Hwy as usual & I was happy to get away from that section of the trail.

Looking NW across at Council Bluffs~

I stopped at the south boat launch & watched as people a short way down the shore walked way out on the ice. Not a chance I'd want to take with water on the surface.  

Even with my sunglasses on, my eyes are burning & red from the dry air by the time I get back to the Bronco.  This time of the year, I appreciate any day I can get out & enjoy a ride.  The weather forecast is for colder & windy conditions into the middle of the month. 

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

Seven Semi's in Four Years~

The 25th of February 2022, Butch received the keys to his first semi-truck. He had completed a month of training at Truck Dynasty for CFI in Joplin, MO, then another month (10,457-miles) driving with a trainer.  He wasn't able to leave town on his first dispatch until the 27th, when the roads reopened.

2-24-2022 - Big Red~

In the years since, Butch has driven seven trucks.  We gave them all a name; Big Red, Ranger, Blue, Rebel, Traveler, Maverick & Maverick II.  Four Freightliners & two Volvos.  Big Red was the only Kenworth, a T-680.  Big Red's breakdown & lengthy repair precipitated the move to Blake Scott Logistics June of 2022.

6-7-2022 - Ranger

In that same time, Butch has driven for four companies.  CFI, Blake Scott, Jacko & his current employer - Nationwide Transportation.  

9-8-2022 - Blue

With Blake Scott, he drove four of those seven trucks.  Butch moved from Ranger to Blue August of 2022.  A newer truck, but with quite a few miles.  After several visits to the shop for repairs, he was given another truck to drive until a replacement could be purchased.  

12-2-2022 - Rebel~

He ended up driving Rebel on two different occasions & loved this truck.  The newest Freightliner he'd driven. He didn't have too long to wait though, before he was called back to Salt Lake City to pick out his next, newer truck!  

2-8-2023 - Traveler with the new Blake Scott Logo~

December 16, 2022, Butch came home with Traveler.  He was driving Traveler when Blake Scott ran into difficulties & leased their last six trucks to Jacko out of Vancouver, WA.  Butch was the only driver Jacko hired, so he made the transition with Traveler. 

It wasn't a good match. Butch was driving the west coast again.  He did make the most of it though & managed several short visits with our daughters & grandkids!  He wasn't getting home either.  When he did, it would take forever to receive a dispatch to leave.  Jacko had very little business that wasn't in the west.  Butch had driven Traveler 96,888 when he handed the keys to Jacko October 24th, 2023.   

10-31-2023 Maverick~

Butch had applied at Nationwide during his home time, mid-October.  He was hired & was leaving on his first dispatch the end of the month, driving his first Volvo.  At first, he wasn't sure he liked the truck, but after a while, the roomy interior won him over. 

2-1-2025 Maverick II - days before the breakdown~

January 11, 2025, Butch was given the keys of a brand-new Volvo with 21 miles on the odometer.  February 5th, the truck was towed to McMahon Truck Center in Cincinnati, OH, for warranty engine replacement.  The odometer read 7,460 miles.

Returning to Omaha, Butch was given his original Volvo, Maverick to drive until the new truck was repaired.  Those first three years, Butch drove a total of 382,880 safe miles! 

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.