Cedar Creek, 2022 After a long day of fishing, the neighbors decided to take a break. Time to reflect on success and failure. Thought for the Day: By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. Confucius
Memorial Day means many things: flag-waving, cemetery visits, family get-togethers, picnics, 3-day weekends, outdoor activities, etc. Nothing beats an old fashioned sack race. Homemade fun! Thought for the Day: If a man does his best, what else is there?George Patton
Look hard. Concentrate on the spot 1/3 down from the top and 1/3 to the left of the right border, and you will see the head of a Mallard hen. It's amazing how she blends in with her background. On May 1st Mama & Papa duck were seen cavorting in the front yard of a … Continue reading Duck Cam
Barn Owl This barn owl looks healthy and full of life, but it wouldn't last long in the wild. He was hit by a moving vehicle, taken to the Raptor Woodland Refuge at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, and saved. He is healthy now, but can't fly well enough to feed himself. This is one … Continue reading Perpetual Care
Cedar Creek - May, 2022 The Canadian Geese finally got their new brood into the water. Spring was three weeks late this year, mid-May, and the proud parents couldn't wait to show off their beautiful offspring. I counted at least nine goslings I never get tired of this sight. Thought for the Day: The snow … Continue reading Morning Swim
A rare oriole showed up at our bird feeder recently. We rarely see orioles in our yard because we only use basket feeders hanging from trees. We got tired of raccoons rooting around our deck, and we're too lazy to put out special feeders for orioles and humming birds. Taken with my cell phone -- … Continue reading Special Guest
Omaha, 1975 On May 6, 1975 an F4 tornado (wind speeds between 207 and 260 mph) touched down in Sarpy County around 4:30 PM. It entered southwest Douglas County, close to where I lived at the time, and continued northeast, cutting a swath 8 miles long right through the city of Omaha. The billboard in … Continue reading 1975 Tornado
Blue Heron - 2018 How do you get to that itch on your back that's just beyond your reach? Back up to a wall's outside corner and do the "Hokey Pokey". But, Mother Nature gave the Blue Heron a long neck so he could avoid the Hokey Pokey. Thought for the Day: I believe in … Continue reading Back Scratcher
Pelican - Long Boat Key Little Known Fact: A pelican's beak can hold up to 3 gallons of water, but its stomach is only half the size of its beak. Thought for the Day: Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.Salvadore Dali
Ringling Museum - Sarasota, FL The Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), located in Sarasota, FL., was founded in 1927 by John and Mable Ringling. It is now the official State Art Museum of Florida. Also located on the 66 acre estate overlooking Sarasota Bay is the Ringling Brothers Circus Museum and the Ringling Ca' … Continue reading Ringling Museum of Art
Choke Cherries are aptly named. Fresh off the "vine", they are a "Wake-Up!" Their flavor is sharp and long-lasting as it sticks in the back of your throat. But, I thought they might mellow over the years and make a decent wine. WRONG! While the clarity is excellent, the color is uninviting. The aroma was … Continue reading Choke Cherry
Sanibel Island If you like sea shells, Sanibel Island, Florida is your little piece of heaven. Every high tide deposits another thick layer of sea shells of all colors, shapes and sizes. Another wonder of Mother Nature. Thought for the Day: In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.Aristotle
Easter Egg Hunt The 30th Annual Chapel Hills Easter Egg Hunt drew a big crowd this year. In spite of the chilly weather, people were eager to embrace a sense of normality. When the whistle blew, the surge of participants looked like a rendition of Bunker Hill. This patient four year old let the sugar-seeking … Continue reading Last But Not Least
Siesta Key Mailbox The beautiful bougainvillea in full bloom caught my attention in a quiet neighborhood of Siesta Key, FL. But, the mailbox through the wall is what kept my attention. The driveway entrance to the property is 50' to my left, and the wall continues to my right as well. The house inside the … Continue reading What!?
Bubble Room - Captiva The Bubble Room is a tourist attraction disquised as a great restaurant. Located in an old 3-story house on Captiva Island, the decor started in 1979 with a Christmas theme. The Christmas lights are still on but hardly noticed, being upstaged by the thousands of framed B&W photos of celebrities from … Continue reading Bubble Room
Another batch of home-made wine started in the summer of 1970. Preparing peaches was much easier than the dandelions. My review: Beautiful color and very clear. Virtually no aroma, forgettable to the palette with a spiritless finish. Hardly worth the effort. Thought for the Day: Yesterday's home runs don't win today's games.Babe Ruth
First Planting March came in like a lamb with several warm days in the high 60's, tempting all the gardeners to put something (anything) in the ground. As usual, March has a little something for everyone, and it went out roaring like a lion, ending with several blustery days in the 30's. Oh well, it … Continue reading Spring Planting
Joslyn, 2nd floor looking east Beginning May 2nd, Omaha's popular Joslyn Museum will be closed for two years. A $100 MM expansion project is already underway. This photo was taken from the second floor, next to the giant Chihuly glass sculpture. Omaha's Central High School can be seen in the background. Thought for the Day: … Continue reading Closed!
Pear wine was my third attempt, hoping fermentation would relieve my general dislike for the fruit. My review: A rich amber color and obvious clarity, matched with aroma hinting of light butterscotch, teases the palette's anticipation. However, the lack of any bold flavor makes for a timid finish. Thought for the Day: I cook with … Continue reading Pear
BFF - 1999 In 1999 we celebrated our 30th anniversaries (with our wives) in Hawaii. This was taken on South Point, the southern most tip of the Unitied States. Thought for the Day: Even in hell it is good to have friends.Czech Proverb