What Cottage Did I Visit in Nebraska?

Sadly, my followers have still not be sent over to my new site.  You are probably one of them since you are reading this post here.

www.odysseythroughnebraska.com

I am working on fixing that.  In the mean time, if you would like to learn about the caretaker cottage that we recently saw in Nebraska, please click on the above link.

Note: due to the delays, I have also postponed my Holen One Farms BBQ Gift Pack Giveaway to expire on FRIDAY morning at 6:00 a.m., rather than tomorrow to give you a bit more time this week.  Please make sure to enter  – it is rather easy to do so!

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Where Oh Where Are YOU Tonight?: Are You Here, now the wrong place, Odyssey Through Nebraska Followers?

Omaha Lauritzen Gardens Tropical Two

PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOW AT A NEW LOCATION!

GO TO WWW.ODYSSEYTHROUGHNEBRASKA.COM INSTEAD OF THIS WORDPRESS SITE!

Transferring my website over from wordpress.com to a wordpress.org site has been more challenging than I expected.  Supposedly they migrated my followers from one place to the other, but since I have 77 followers on my new site and 200+ on my old, I am thinking that they made a wrong turn.

I could not help but think of the old song from Hee-Haw, “Where, Oh, Where Are You Tonight?”  Yep, I will proudly admit growing up watching that show.  My husband did as well, and we have been sitting here well past our bedtime watching possibly pirated clips on YouTube.  Also many sad attempts of people to recreate a show at their own community events – as my son would say, “This is rather awkward.”  I wanted to post a clip for you here to show you what I am talking about, but they are all too poorly done.  Anyway, I am severely digressing!

Because I really have no idea what is going on, I am going to post this at both sites.  I have been blogging NOW at http://www.odysseythroughnebraska.com INSTEAD.  But I am not sure that anyone who has signed up to get the posts has actually been having them arrive in their in-boxes.  Hopefully the migration will work at some point, but please feel free to “follow” me again if you are one of the ones who did not transfer over.

As for the theme of the website itself, I am not settled on one yet.  If you tried visiting this site during the week, you would have seen some images that did not quite belong.  For instance a tiger.  Ayers Rock in Australia.  Scuba Diving.  Images that were a part of designs that I could not manage to alter.  Right now I am using a theme that is not my favorite, but at least you are seeing Nebraska pictures.

Omaha Lauritzen Gardens Tropical One

This does include the pictures on this particular post that were part of a tropical display this spring at Lauritzen Gardens.  Between now and whenever, hopefully I will get a few things figured out.  Pretty sure I will be changing the look of things a few more times before I am satisfied.  Definitely hoping that I will continue to produce content that is helpful and enjoyable to read!  Thanks for sticking with me during this process!

P.S. PLEASE make sure to check out my great giveaway that I posted this previous Tuesday.  If need be, I will postpone the deadline.  I am hoping to have many great entries to choose from!

Categories: Where to Begin | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Moving Monday AND You Might Be From Nebraska If …

Well, I think that my website move is under way.  Sorry to do another post on this topic, but this process was more complicated then I thought it would be.  Picking a webhost just might be harder than picking out new paint or furniture!  Anyway, the only reason I am telling you this is because I will not be able to write again on here until the transfer is complete in 24-72 hours.  (That’s a LONG labor!)  Hopefully I will be up in time to do my give away tomorrow!  If not, I will be back as soon as possible!

For now, ponder calming effect of this picture … Don’t you want to just go to Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center with a picnic basket and a good book or two?  I do.  But as my kids are about to wake up, I am thinking this will not be happening!

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Lake

My husband was teasing me that the picture that I used last night of the Nebraska dirt road seemed to say “Dead End.”  That was not what I was exactly going for when discussing the move of my blog to a new ip address. 🙂  Peace and tranquility is more of the image I was hoping would appear!

Since all of this computer stuff has stressed me out a bit.  I was definitely in need of a laugh.  Someone posted this on the internet from an e-mail that was circulating awhile ago.  Normally I would just link you to the page, but I am not sure that I trust that site.  So, instead I am going to copy and paste.  Hope you enjoy the list!

YOU MIGHT BE FROM NEBRASKA IF …

1) You’ve never met any celebrities.

2) Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

3) “Vacation” means driving to the Henry Doorly Zoo or going to the State Fair.

4) You’ve seen all the biggest bands ten years after they were popular.

5) You measure distance in minutes.

6) Down south to you means Kansas.

7) You know several people who have hit a deer.

8) You have no problem spelling or pronouncing “Kearney” and “Beatrice”.

9) You know the answer to the question, “Is this Heaven?”

10) Your school classes were canceled because of cold.

11) Your school classes were canceled because of heat.

12) You know what Huskers are.

13) You’ve ridden the school bus for an hour each way.

14) You’ve ever had to switch from “heat” to “A/C” in the same day.

15) You think ethanol makes your truck “run a lot better.”

16) You know what “knee-high by the Fourth of July” refers too.

17) Stores don’t have bags, they have sacks.

18) You see a car running in the parking lot at the store with no one in it no matter what time of the year.

19) You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example: “Where’s my coat at?” or “If you go to the mall I wanna go with.”

20) You can locate Nebraska on the United States map.

21) Detassling was your first job.

22) Your idea of a really great Burger is when the meat is twice as big as the bun and accompanied only by ketchup and a dill pickle slice.

23) You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

24) You think of the major four food groups as beef, pork, casserole, and Jell-O salad with marshmallows.

25) When asked how your trip was to any foreign, exotic place, you say, “It was different.”

26) You carry jumper cables in your car.

27) You drink “pop.”

28) You know what the numbers I-80, 275 and 2 mean.

29) You know what “cow tipping” is.

30) You know what a “Runza” is.

 

Categories: Where to Begin | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments

Moving On …

File:Dukeville, Nebraska (8114832541).jpg

Possibly this post is a bit cruel to those of you who personally know me.  After all, we have been trying to sell our house.  Sorry – no news to report on that front.  But, I am about to attempt to move my Odyssey Through Nebraska WordPress site to a home of its own.  Hopefully tomorrow morning, you will be able to see http://www.odysseythroughnebraska.com

I think they will take care of transferring everything, but just in case, I thought I had better let you know where I am going.  Hope you keep traveling with me!

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Friday Photography: Happy Birthday, America, from Nebraska!

July 4th Eagle & Balloon

Even our national symbol is blown up …

July 4th Rider Collage

I love a parade!

July 4th Two Flags Collage

Flags from yesterday and today …

July 4th In God We Trust Edited

Our national motto …

July 4th Capital

Reminders of our government …

July 4th Kids on Capital Steps

A beautiful day to enjoy the Nebraska Capital!

 

July 4th Fireworks Collage

Have a safe and happy 4th of  July!  A BIG THANK YOU to those who serve our country and who have made freedom possible!  God bless America!

 

 

 

 

Categories: Annual Events, Frontier Trails, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Metro, Panhandle, Pioneer Country, Prairie Lakes, Region or City, Sandhills | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nebraska’s Small Town Independence Day Celebrations (Featuring Seward and Waverly)

4th of July Narrow

I am feeling a bit embarrassed this morning.  In my haste to try to get information out to you last night, so that you could actually catch the fireworks shows that were happening last evening, I forgot something rather important.  I only left “America’s Fourth of July City-Small Town USA!” city off of my list.  Jeepers!  I also know that nearby Waverly is having a full day of festivities.    These two towns get their own post evidently! 🙂

Photo taken from July Fourth Seward website

All of these events are taking place in Seward, and you can find a printable schedule on their site.

A Grand Parade at 4:00 pm                                   Outstanding Fireworks Display
“Food Alley”                                                                Free Movies at the Rivoli Theater
Crafts on the Square-Craft Show                          Humanities Presentations/Lectures
Patriotic Programs                                                   Children’s Games
Historic Exhibits                                                        Walking Tour of Downtown
Art Shows                                                                   Clowns
Quilt Lectures/Talks                                                 Special Seward County Independent
Quilt Exhibit                                                                Travelogues
Anvil Firing                                                                  Prayer Service
Grand Concert in Plum Creek Park                      Children’s Drama/Shows
Rotary Club Royalty                                                  Antique Auto Show/Contest
Parachutists                                                              Cloggers and Dancers
Holiday Lights Downtown                                       Horseshoe Contest
Carnival                                                                      Freedom Run
Bar-B-Que                                                                  Band Concerts
Miscellaneous Market                                             Tourist Family
Pet Parade/Contest                                                 Awards
Apple Pie Eating Contest                                       Pictorial Postal Cancellation
Guest Register                                                         Baseball games
Wild West Shootout                                                 Band Concerts
Magic Shows                                                            Family Shows/Concerts

Their GIANT fireworks salute takes place tonight at 10!

As for WaverlyFest, you missed the state’s largest street dance last night.  Sorry!  But you still have time to make it to the 10 a.m. parade.  I could not find the exact schedule of events, but here is a description from their website of the upcoming events.  (Note: the picture is also from their website!)

Come join the Fourth of July celebration in Waverly Nebraska.  Events include a pancake feed, a parade, Ice Cream Social, Kid Games, Money Toss, Sand Volleyball, Beer Garden, Street Dance, and Swimming.  The celebration concludes with a Fireworks Display at Lawson Park.

However you celebrate the day of Independence, I pray that you and your loved ones stay safe!

flagparade

Categories: Annual Events, Lincoln, Metro, Region or City | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Celebrating Independence Day Across Nebraska

File:Fireworks 4.jpg

Image from Wikimedia Commons

I had hoped to get this posted earlier today because many events have been underway, at least in this area, for quite awhile.  Yet since there are a few more hours left until dark and the real shows are beginning, I decided it was still worth the post.  Obviously I will not manage to catch every town.  But here are some of the larger celebrations happening across Nebraska today, tomorrow and the rest of this week-end!

Frontier Trails

Grand Island: Fonner Park Fireworks at Dusk on July 4th

Hastings: 4th of July Concert with “The Rumbles” (possibly fireworks to follow?)

Kearney Fireworks: Thursday July 3rd 10 pm

Fort Kearny Stampede Day (July 4th Day)

Lewis and Clark

Columbus: Red, White & KaBoom on Thursday July 3rd

Norfolk (Saturday the 5th at 10 pm)

Metro

Fremont: Thursday Night

Lincoln: Uncle Sam Jam: Thursday July 3rd

Lincoln Red, White and Zoo (Friday All Day)

Two Other Lincoln Events on the 4th of July:

Celebrate America! — 9:30 a.m., kids’ parade and marching band; 10-11 a.m., patriotic program; 11-11:30 a.m., old-fashioned family games; 11:30 a.m.-noon, hot dog lunch, Cripple Creek Park, Pine Lake Road between 40th and 56th streets, north on Beaver Creek Lane; the park is on the corner of Fir Hollow and Beaver Creek Lane. Everyone welcome.

Fourth of July storytime — 11 a.m., SouthPointe Barnes & Noble Booksellers. “Corduroy’s 4th of July” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Omaha: Link to “Family Fun in Omaha” for all the area events!

Panhandle

Alliance: Laing Lake Lunatic Boat Races

Gering Fireworks (Thursday Night)

Scotts Bluff Area VIewing (Watch area fireworks from the Bluff – no actual fireworks permitted on site)

Pioneer Country

Beatrice: Homestead National Monument: Campire Series (July 4th evening events)

Nebraska City: Events on Friday and Saturday

York: July 3rd Fireworks

Prairie Lakes

Maxwell: Maranatha Bible Camp (Dinner, concert & fireworks: $)

North Platte Fireworks on July 4th- 8 p.m.?

Ogallala Fireworks: July 4th at Dusk

Sandhills:

Ainsworth Fourth of July (Celebration all day including races & evening fireworks)

Know of any other great events happening to celebrate the 4th of July?  Please post them on my “Odyssey Through Nebraska” Facebook Page!

Happy Birthday, United States of America!

 

 

 

Categories: Annual Events, Frontier Trails, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Metro, Panhandle, Pioneer Country, Prairie Lakes, Region or City, Sandhills | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Capitol: A Nebraska Masterpiece

Capitol Exterior

Truly the Nebraska Capitol is one of my very favorite places across the whole state.  Why it has taken me a year to feature Nebraska’s most recognizable building on this blog I am not sure.  Maybe this is because writing this post is STILL daunting to me!    How can you narrow down a building that contains so much architectural beauty, cultural significance and Nebraska symbolism.  I think this is why this post has never been written.  Today, in my own feeble way, I will attempt to give you a”quick” tour of this Nebraska Masterpiece.

Nebraska’s Capitol building is filled with murals, mosaics, tapestries and distinguishing architectural details.  Because I am pretty certain that no one will take the time to read 32 pages of one blog post, I am setting those details aside.  Additionally I plan on writing a separate post on my kids’ favorite part of the building: the tippy top.  To ride to the “14th” floor, one must climb into a rather small, older elevator.  By the way, in case you were wondering, despite its appearance to the contrary, you CAN in fact fit a double stroller inside to ride up.  We have done it successfully several times!

Back to the purpose of today’s blog … Just like our national government, our Nebraska state government has three branches.

Capitol Judicial Branch

The Judicial branch.

Capitol Legislative Chambers

The Legislative Branch.

As long as the judges and senators are not work, both of these sections are part of the daily tours that run hourly (except at noon.)  Now we also happen to have an executive area where the governor and his staff are busily at work.  Since they are a bit more involved in the daily aspects of government, this section is usually closed to the public.  As we once had a special family event take place inside the Capitol, I do have a picture of the executive press room.

Capitol Executive Press Room with family

Cropped and from my scrapbook, really you only get a good idea of the official press conference desk.

These are the main sections that exist inside of the capitol.  Of course, the basement is filled with legislative offices and the cafeteria and a gift shop.  Statues of famous Nebraskans line the rotunda, but I think that is another post as well.  Guess you will be hearing about the Nebraska Capitol for a long time to come!

Capitol Walkway

Another favorite area – the outdoor mezzanine.  By walking around the outdoor platform, one can learn the names of all of the Nebraska counties.  One could also learns the basics of the history of government.  The relief carvings above the walkway are not necessarily in chronological order, so I do recommend getting the explanatory pamphlet from inside the capitol.  By the way, I wrote a more detailed article on walking around the Capitol with children for the May/June/July issue of the Lincoln Kids Newspaper.  You can pick up a copy from many area Lincoln places, or you can look online.

The Capitol Website has a wealth of information on all of the history and interesting facts of the building.  NET Public Television has also produced an excellent documentary on the Nebraska Capitol.  Our family was rivoted – okay, I definitely was, but my husband and kids also enjoyed the show!

Nebraska’s Capitol Masterpiece

Would you look at that?  I used the same word to describe the capitol that they did!  If you have never been to the Nebraska Capitol, I HIGHLY recommend you visit.  The Capitol Website also has downloadable building, Abraham Lincoln and civics scavenger hunts.  Completing these will help your older kids be engaged in the experience.  As for your younger kids, have them go on a shape and color hunt as you walk through.  The Capitol is filled with all sorts of possibilities!  In fact, below is a picture of one of the courtyard areas I have yet to explore.  Maybe someday I will figure out how to do that!

Capitol Courtyard

One more important item to note: The Nebraska Capitol Building can be found on both the “Lincoln: Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown” passport and the Nebraska Passport.  When you go visit, make sure to get a stamp.  The programs run through the end of August and September respectively.

 

 

 

Categories: Lincoln, Lincoln "Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown", Metro, Nebraska History, Nebraska Passport, Region or City | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wordless Wednesday: Where Were We (in Nebraska)?

7-2-14 Where Were We 3 7-2-14 Where Were We 4 7-2-14 Where Were We 5

7-2-14 Where Were We 6

7-2-14 Where Were We 7

7-2-14 Where Were We 8

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Tuesday Travel Tips: Having a Nebraska State Park Permit Expands Your Adventure Options

Today was the best kind of day: full of wonderful places and most importantly spending time with wonderful people.  We were with dear friends and then had a few adventures alone.  Lovely memories!  On the way back from our first adventure, we took a quick detour.

Conestoga Lake Zoomed In

Having driven by the Conestoga Lake sign many times, I thought it was high time that we stopped!  The park was so close to the main road and to Denton – a great location!

Conestoga Lake Sign

Conestoga Lake is one of the many state recreation areas across Nebraska.  I appreciate the fact that these areas can be found in SO many places across our state.  87 possibilities to be exact! As our kids continue to grow, I hope that we will make these outings happen more often.  And that we will have time to actually stop, as opposed to just driving into the parking lot like we did today!  This is why I plan to add a similar sticker (like the one below) every year from now on!

Nebraska Park Permit

This year we bought these little Nebraska park permit stickers for BOTH of our vehicles for UNDER $40.  Now we can stop at state parks when we are out and about – totally worth the outdoor adventures that await! I do believe that walking around Conestoga Lake would be a fun outing!

Conestoga Lake Shore

I am happy to announce that for my first bloGIVEversary prize, I get to give away a 2014 Nebraska Annual Park Permit!   Please enter below using the lovely Rafflecopter link!  Next Tuesday I will introduce my next prize and will announce this week’s winner then!

Link to Rafflecopter Giveaway

P.S. A big thank you to my dear friend who donated her extra park permit for me to give away to one of you!  Our family loves experiencing adventures with yours!  So glad that you are a part of our lives!

 

Categories: Annual Events, Metro, Region or City, Travel Tips | Tags: , , , , , | 12 Comments

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