Red Cloud Buttes

Fort Robinson State Park, 2022 A typical scene around Fort Robinson in northwestern Nebraska, where our entire family (grandparents, three children, eight grand children and three dogs) gathered recently for five days. Thought for the Day: Remember, as far as anyone knows we’re a nice, normal family. Homer Simpson

July 4th Tradition

Fruit Pizza A long-standing family tradition was upheld again on this July 4th; i.e. the granddaughters help grandma make a fruit pizza resembling Old Glory. The kitchen seems to get smaller every year, but the laughter that much louder. Love it! Thought for the Day: We all can't be heroes, for someone has to sit …

New Year’s Prep

Well, you made it through the Christmas rush, all the gatherings, the Christmas cards, the family traditions, decorations, hours of baking, gift exchanges, the feast AND the celebration of the Christ child's birth. Now, it's time to relax. Oh, wait! It's your turn to host the New Year's Eve party. And, another resolution ... Uggh. …

Christmas Past

1958 This is the oldest family picture I could find with a Christmas tree, taken by my older sister. Wow! We really got dressed up for Christmas morning. I remember the time spent with my Dad shopping for the Christmas tree: going to several grocery store lots looking for the perfect tree. I would hold …

Reminder

Family Prayer, 2011 Above is a document recording the family Thanksgiving in 2011. At the time, I thought I could never be more grateful for the blessings I have received from my family. But, the blessings keep growing every year. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Thought for the Day: When I started counting my blessings, my whole life …

Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, the family gathered for their annual Halloween "reunion". This collage of past years' celebrations was made for "giggles and grins". Trick or Treat? Thought for the Day: The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.Thomas …

Apple Fest

Odd Ball October is apple picking time. As we've done for the last umteen years, the "fam" picked apples at the Morris Farm in Mondamin, Iowa. The weather was perfect. It was fun getting together. Thought for the Day: I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.Barbara Bush

Tradition

Fruit Pizza A fruit pizza representing the American Flag for July Fourth celebrations has been a family tradition for many years. Two beautiful granddaughters have started to carry on the tradition. Thought for the Day: A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.Winston Churchill

Easter, 2020

Easter Church Service The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc around the world and the Easter holiday was no exception. Our local church in Nebraska has been closed for almost a month, providing services on-line. They even tried drive-by communion one Sunday, but have since resorted to "self-serve" communion at home during the streamed services. We …

Sled Dog

Who Needs a Sled? Dogs like to be close to their human family, their pack. Whatever the family is doing, the family dog wants to be there, indoor or out. This dog didn't care much for riding on the sled, yet she wanted to actively participate in the fun. When the family made their first …

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious Apples Thunder and lightning kept me up all night, and the rain continued to fall gently during breakfast. The rain stopped, but cloudy skies prevailed as we departed at mid-morning for our annual family apple picking. The sun was just beginning to peak through when we arrived at the orchard near Mondamin, Iowa. …

July, 2018

Fifty years ago this month, my wife and I were married.  For giggles and grins, our 15 year old granddaughter tried on the wedding dress in our back yard.  Her brother was not amused. Thought for the Day:  If you find it hard to laugh at yourself, I would be happy to do it for …