Sowbelly Canyon

NW Nebraska - 2022 The scenic drive through Sowbelly Canyon is a narrow, winding, decent county gravel road ... when it's dry. The last time I tried this road was mid-May, 2014 when I almost got stuck in the first 50 yards off the asphalt highway. The spring rains make this gumbo impassable. No problem …

Prairie Flower

This delicate wild flower was found along the Old Smiley Road in Fort Robinson State Park, in northwest Nebraska. The green spikes were about 18" long. If you can identify this plant or have any idea, please let me know. Tnx. Thought for the Day: In all things of nature there is something of the …

Can You Hear Me Now?

The middle of nowhere? We found it ...Toadstool Geological Park in northwest Nebraska. Millions of years of erosion of the sediment layers left sandstone formations on "stems" of clay. This unique landscape is surrounded by native grasslands in the Nebraska sandhills. Oddly enough, we still had cell service. Thught for the Day: Everyday, spend some …

Taps

Fort Robinson Hdqtrs One of the original Fort Robinson buildings is now a museum. Initially, in 1874, the site was an encampment during the Indian wars. The site became a fort in 1878 and continued to grow in size through WWII. Its storied history includes the surrender of Chief Crazy Horse, Walter Reed as the …

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

Minimalist

July 4th Parade Needless to say there are minimal requirements (none?) for entering the July 4th Parade at Cedar Creek, NE. Road-worthy? Well, it made it through the parade route. Looking on the bright side, I liked the flag-theme paint job (house paint?) and the visibility of the occupants. All in fun! Thought for the …

Sandhills Crane

Sandhills Crane, 2022 The light was pretty good for this mid-morning shot. Not too hot yet, and the birds were active. This photo was taken at the Wildlife Safari Park near Ashland, Nebraska. The drive-thru park has a wide variety of animals, all native to Nebraska except for the lonely Black Bear. Animals have plenty …

Spring Planting

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 …

Conestoga

Scottsbluff National Monument - Nebraska The first conestoga wagon was built in Conestoga, Pennsylvania in 1750. The covered wagons were solidly built out of heavy oak, with high axles to clear rocks, brush and tree stumps. It could haul six tons of cargo and was covered with heavy canvas. Covered wagons were common place during …

Lavender

Lavender - San Juan Island In temperate climates all over the world, you will find Lavender. Its history dates back to the Romans who used it in bathwater. Its versatility comes from 47 different varieties used in flower gardens, cooking, cosmentics and therapeutic oils. There are lavender fields within a short drive of my home …

Long Nights

Vitalva River - Prague, 2009 The winter solstice, shortest day of the year, is on December 21st, at the height of the Christmas celebrations. Too many things are going on to notice how short the days are. Now that the holidays are behind us we soon realize how short the days are, how frigid they …

Christmas Tree

2010 The Christmas tree at the Durham Museum in Omaha, NE is a traditional favorite. The tradition started in the early 1930's when Union Pacific set up a tree in their railroad terminal. This year's tree stands over 45' tall. Now, that's a Christmas Tree! Thought for the Day: A love of tradition has never …

Curling

Curling Olympic trials for the U.S. Curling Team are now taking place in Omaha, NE. Results of these trials will select the team to represent the United States in the 2022 Winter Olympics. It's not the kind of action sport that puts you on the edge of your seat; i.e. high drama with "last minute …

Frosty Morning

Mother Nature has a way of keeping you on your toes. In Nebraska, you never get bored with the weather -- it's always changing. Just when you think the weather is perfect, (relative to what?), the weather changes ... drastically. After several days of unseasonaly balmy weather (60's), the weather turned drastically to 3-4 days …

Witch’s Brew

DUI I came across this crash scene in a small Nebraska town. Too much "brew" for this witch. Still hung over from Halloween. Thought for the Day: Give my people plenty of beer, good beer, and cheap beer, and you will have no revolution among them.Queen Victoria

Prairie Flower

Mystery Flower I found this flower blooming in mid summer in a pasture near Niobrara, NE. It looked at home among the tall prairie grass, rolling hills and cattle. Can you identify it? Please let me know. Thought for the Day: It is the sweet, simple things of life that are the real ones after …

Traffic Cone

This is an artistic and creative way to control pedestrian traffic. It gets your attention, and politely asks you to "Keep Off The Grass". Where did I find it? Outside the Joslyn Museum in Omaha, Nebraksa. Where else? Thought for the Day:If you're in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you're still in …

Harvest Time

Corn Harvest, 2021 With perfect weather, the farmers are working dawn to dusk to bring in the harvest. Thought for the Day: Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.Theodore Roosevelt

State Fair

NE State Fair I attended the Nebraska State Fair last week. It was the first time I've been to the fair since it moved to Grand Island in 2010. Ho hum. Thought for the Day: The secret to happiness is having low expectations.Warren Buffett

New Flower

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant This strange plant showed up in my new wildflower garden. I contacted the source where I bought the "Pollinator Mix" to identify it, and was informed it is a Rocky Mountain Bee Plant. Hmmm, I thought the mix was native Nebraskan wildflowers. (Who cares!?) The wildflowers I planted this spring to …