Tag Archives: Thoughts

Winter…it found us.

by nebraskawheatie

Hello from very snowy Nebraska!

Almost exactly one month ago today, I wrote about how Eastern Nebraska has lucked out with the winter cold and snow. I had a feeling it was too good to be true.  For the past several days, the weatherman has been warning us of the impending snow storm coming from Colorado headed right for Eastern Nebraska before continuing its trek Eastward. My Grandpa always said that when we experience a strong wind from the East we should be watching for a bad storm. He was certainly right! The wind blew like crazy yesterday – straight out of the East. Branches that had been protected from previous winds found their way to the ground. Because I knew the storm was headed our way, I took a picture from the kitchen window to show you what it looked like prior to the storm. I couldn’t take a picture from the exact spot this morning because the window was wet from the snow.

We woke up to 12+ inches of snow. More than we’ve had all winter.  And no power.  The house was a little on the chilly side! Good thing the temperature outside wasn’t  below zero. What do you do when there’s no way to make coffee? Improvise. We’re lucky enough to have gas appliances in this old house so I heated some water for hot chocolate and instant coffee.

Callie’s enjoying her cup of hot chocolate.

Right after this picture was taken, the power came back on – for a short period of time. Then, it went back off again. Rather than sitting in here trying to stay warm, Callie and I went outside and shoveled for a while. The snow is wet and heavy – perfect for a snowman!

What’s this? I. Am. Honored!

by nebraskawheatie

So, I sat down this afternoon to share with you the picture that I have been so anxious to share (and I still will). However, when I logged into my WordPress account, I realized that I’d been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award.

We have Versatile Blogger Award rules to follow:

  1. In a post on your, blog, nominate 15 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award.

  2. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.

  3. In the same post, share seven completely random pieces of information about yourself.

  4. In the same post, include this set of rules.

  5. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs. (Or post to Twitter.)

6.  Copy this picture to your blog.

I’m a little unsure what this exactly means BUT it’s always fun to be nominated for any kind of award…right?  I’m not athletic and I wasn’t much involved in anything in High School – except FBLA. As I grew up and got married and started having babies, being awarded for anything other than “the worstest mommy I’ve ever had” award was never imagined. So I’m honored to think that I’ve “met” enough other wonderful bloggers out there who would even CONSIDER me for this award. I have been nominated by my new friend, Joy. The very first posting I read from her blog “My Universe is Still Coming Together” was “My Universe Came Together, While It Was Falling Apart” .  See, I’m still so new at this blogging thing, I don’t even know how to change the font color for my links (maybe someone can fill me in).  I related to how she felt with the death of her Grandma. My “harvest” Grandma meant the world to me and my universe fell apart when she died. I also relate to her desire to write and be a published writer. Thus began my newfound friendship with Joy. THANK YOU, JOY! for nominating me for this award! 🙂

Now, as part of the rules for the nomination, I’m supposed to nominate 15 more bloggers. So, here goes:

  1. My daughter, Jenna’s blog – Yensyphotos

  • The Wheat Harvest Movie

    • 3. Kuntz Harvesting

    1. icanseealotoflifeinyou

    5. farmchiclogic

    1. Lady of Ag

  • The Farmer’s Life

  • Small Nebraska Farming

  • Common Sense Agriculture

  • Agriculture Proud

  • Simple Gifts

  • Confessions of A Farm Wife

  • TALINORFALI

    • 14. suehealy

    15. My story uncensored

    The final part of the rules is to give you seven random facts about me:

    1. I procrastinate. I work better under the pressure of a deadline.

  • When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut.

  • My two least enjoyed household chores are folding clothes and dusting. I think that’s because those were the two chores my mom hated…someone had to do them.

  • Some day I want to visit Alaska. Mostly because that’s a trip my grandma always wanted to take and never did.

  • New things scare me. As soon as they become familiar and I know what I’m doing – watch out!

  • Once I set my mind on doing something, it takes a lot to get me to quit. I’m very persistent.

  • The word IMPOSSIBLE does not fit in my vocabulary.

  • I know I’m only supposed to do seven but I wanted to throw #8 in because I wanted you to know (unless you’ve already got it figured out) that God is important to me. I constantly look and listen for Him each day. When you watch for Him, you can see how He fits each piece of your life puzzle together creating a beautiful picture! I hope the people I come in contact with can see Him through me.

    • And finally, the pictures I wanted to share with you (you know what this means)

    And finally, Callie made a cake for me – complete with homemade fondant frosting – while I was gone Sunday afternoon watching Taylor’s UNO honor choir. What a kid!

    A Random Re-post

    by nebraskawheatie

    I’m in dire need of something that reminds me of summer. Eastern Nebraska has had a WONDERFUL winter as far as severity. Maybe a little too nice. We’re in need of some moisture and it sounds like it may be on the way starting Friday. For now, though, I’m really missing summer and the harvest. I started this blog late in the 2011 harvest season so I don’t have a lot to choose from.  I know I have fun reliving the crazy days of harvest:  Click here to read Finished with Winter Wheat in Jordan

    A Loud, Screaming THANK YOU!

    by nebraskawheatie

    I just realized something as I was brushing my teeth and getting ready to end the very first day of the new golden decade that I am about to begin.  It hit me like an emotional punch in the gut how BLESSED I truly am! I received more birthday wishes today than ever, I’m sure! I have Facebook to thank for that, I know. However, I also know there are a lot of wonderful people in my life. You are who makes me. 25 years ago, I was definitely not the same person I am today. I have grown and I have each one of you to thank for that!

    The opportunities I have been given the past 10 years have been amazing! I don’t know how the next 10 could get any better. I do know that with age comes wisdom and a sense of satisfaction in who you have become. For these two reasons alone, I look forward to what the next ten years have in store for me. And, I look forward to including you, my family and friends, in those moments. Thank you for taking the time to wish me Happy Birthday, for the phone calls, for the cards and for taking time to let me know you were thinking of me today. I woke up this morning and told myself, “I don’t feel any older” 🙂 It’s all good. I knew once I got through the reminders of the day, it will be ok – and it is.

    Goodbye 40’s…HELLO 50’s!

    by nebraskawheatie

    Tomorrow, I will be 18,261 days old…or 50 years old…or half a century old. WHOA! How can this be? Life really does happen in the blink of an eye! Am I feeling a little crummy about it, YES! Will I get over it the very next day, YES! I know we never know how long we have on this crazy earth and how long we have with our loved ones but by being 50, I know I’m closer to death than I am to birth.  For the heck of it, I went searching for some fun “being fifty facts” and the following are the ones I found that I liked:

    “Turning 50 heralds a decade of transition, many of them involving bodily changes. Menopause ends the childbearing years. Gray hairs supplant natural color, forcing one of three decisions: let nature take its course, cover the gray or try a completely different shade. (Unlike men, women haven’t embraced head shaving as midlife sexy.) Changes in vision require reading glasses. Gravity takes its toll as our necks sag, stomachs bulge, breasts droop, faces wrinkle, underarms swing like fish bellies. Waists thicken and knees and back ache. Skin loses its elasticity, causing some of us to try and turn the clocks back by means of all sorts of chemical and medical interventions — moisturizers, ointments to reduce age spots, wrinkle creams, Botox injections, plastic surgery, face and eye lifts.” (About.com Turning 50 – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Turning Fifty for Women)

    ” Women over 50 are president, CEO, and the star of their own lives. If you have the attitude that life is precious, that life is grandiose, that you don’t want to waste any time, you will make this quality time.” — S. Mitchell (WebMD 50 Great Things About Women Over 50)

    “It is not unusual for someone to feel a lot of anxiety about  turning 50 years old, but once you reach your 50s and beyond, you are going to  wonder what exactly it was you were so worried about.”

    Tonight, the sunset was spectacular! It was almost as though God was giving my 40’s a grand farewell and it made me smile! I look forward to what the      50’s have in store for me. I do know I’m not going to stop living life to the fullest, I will still view the word “impossible” as a bad word, and I will continue to look for God in every part of my day! Here’s to the next 50!

    The things you learn from Saturday morning tv

    by nebraskawheatie

    This past week, I have been “babysitting”. I’m not sure it’s really considered babysitting when you’re with kids who are part of the family. Mom and Dad are in the Bahamas…  I told them I think the scenario is backwards. I should be in the Bahamas and they should be home 🙂

    At the start of this adventure, it was a little more stressful not knowing schedules, etc. However, it’s all good now and I’m relearning what it’s like to be with and “in charge” of 5 and 8 year old girls. I’m LOVING it! The hardest part is keeping two households in order and getting the little girls in bed by 8:00. After they get on the bus in the morning, I close up their house and head for home for the rest of the day. It’s working and we’re finally into a routine – just in time for mom and dad to get home (Tuesday).

    This morning, Brook woke up and decided she needed to make us scrambled eggs. Her dad has done a great job of teaching her to throw things together. She made them herself and included bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and black olives. They were really tastey! And above all else, she knew where the coffee was.

    Brook and her special recipe.

     Jilllian wanted her picture taken too.

    After breakfast, Jillian and I were watching Disney. The following came on during a commercial break. If it doesn’t inspire you to do something to change your world, nothing will!

    Happy Saturday!

    Like Two Sparrows in a Hurricane

    by nebraskawheatie

    I heard this song today – while on my way to the chiropractor.  I’ve heard it a million times and it’s sung by a country singer that I never really liked very well. Her voice is one, though, that makes me think about being a little girl. Her first song, “Delta Dawn”, was released when I was 10. She was 13. So, I guess we’ve sort of grown up together.

    When I heard Tanya singing her song on this particular day, it brought tears to my eyes. Why? I guess because I finally REALLY listened to the lyrics and it made me think of the past 30+ years of dating and being married to Jim.  We’ve been through the first two stanzas of her song and are now headed into the third. I realize she talks about being 83 and I’ve got a ways before that birthday finds me but it is right around the corner. The years go so fast as we live each day, which turn to weeks, months and years way faster than it did when I was 10.  Being “middle-aged’ makes a person reflect and realize just how fast life really does go. How do you make anyone going through the first or even the second stanza of this song realize that in the blink of an eye they’ll also be looking at the third?

    My advice to the first and second “stanza-ers”: Carpe Diem (seize the day)! Each day you are given on this earth is being exchanged for something.  Exchange your days working hard, build strong relationships, do something good, right, worth your while, and of good purpose. Above all else, keep the faith and watch how God meticulously pieces together your life puzzle as you experience each stanza of your life.

    “Two Sparrows In A Hurricane”
    She’s fifteen and he’s barely driving a car
    She’s got his ring and he’s got the keys to her heart
    It’s just matter of time
    They’ll spread their wings and fly

    Like two sparrows in a hurricane
    Trying to find their way
    With a head full of dreams
    And faith that can move anything
    They’ve heard it’s all uphill
    But all they know is how they feel
    The world says they’ll never make it, love says they will

    There’s a baby crying and one more on the way
    There’s a wolf at the door with a big stack of bills
    They can’t pay
    The clouds are dark and the wind is high
    But they can see the other side

    Like two sparrows in a hurricane
    Trying to find their way
    With a head full of dreams
    And faith that can move anything
    They’ve heard it’s all uphill
    But all they know is how they feel
    The world says they’ll never make it, love says they will

    She’s eighty-three and he’s barely driving a car
    She’s got his ring and he’s got the key to her heart
    It’s just a matter of time
    They’ll spread their wings and fly

    Like two sparrows in a hurricane
    Trying to find their way
    With a head full of dreams
    And faith that can move anything
    They’ve heard it’s all uphill
    But all they know is how they feel
    The world says they’ll never make it, love says they will

    Wine and birthdays.

    by nebraskawheatie

    Not sure how we got ‘er all done, but the festivities certainly made the weekend go much faster than I like. It all began Friday night with Jamie, Jenna and Callie. Last summer, Jamie had sent me a link for a “Living Social” coupon from the Slattery Vintage Estates winery and I thought it sounded like it would be something worth purchasing and taking advantage of. The deadline for the coupon was ever so sneakily creeping closer and closer so we decided to partake in our cheese,crackers and wine tasting adventure. We were missing Taylor. She is the HS girls basketball student manager and was at a ball game. It was a LOVELY evening. It got even better as we were leaving – the owner of the winery asked if I was the older SISTER. That was definitely a boost for the ‘ole ego!

    P.S. Callie was NOT drinking wine. She was enjoying an icy cold Pepsi in her souvenir wine glass.

     My poor starving children.

    Jamie giving us her famous “Jamie” look.

    Me and Jame.

    Jenna, Me and Callie

    Slattery Vintage Estates winery is a beautiful place – inside and out. In the summer, they offer some fancy tents to spend the night in, featuring wonderful old antiques. I think it would be quite the adventure hanging out there on a summer evening – as long as it wasn’t 102 with 90% humidity and lots of bugs.

    On Saturday morning, I got up and drove the High School Art Club to Omaha (in the school bus) to tour the Joslyn Art Museum and the Latino Museum in South Omaha. I had never been to the Joslyn before. I’ve been to more art museums this year than I have in my entire life. In February, Jim and I were at the Louvre. In December, I very briefly walked through the National Art Museum in DC. Omaha’s Joslyn is not as big (of course) as the other two but it’s a very nice art museum. I was excited to see a couple Charles M. Russell paintings and also Currier and Ives. My harvest Grandma was the one who introduced me to both of these artists. Seeing them immediately took me back to a time and place when I was much younger. I appreciate the fact that Grandma passed the love of so many of her favorite things to me. The funny part is, I wasn’t even aware of it when it was happening.

    Taylor just inside the door of the Joslyn.

    “The Weeders”

     Charlie Russell painting – A Montana resident.

    Taylor and I in front of the Joslyn.

    When we got home from Omaha, about 3:00, the day wasn’t over yet. Callie and I decided we’d get her room painted. So, we have been painting a little here and little there with hopes of finishing before basketball practice starts (10th of Jan.). So, when I got home, I changed clothes and headed upstairs with her to paint a while. We had a little bit of time before needing to head to Mark and Candi’s for Brook’s 8th birthday party. When it was time, Cal and I cleaned up our paint brushes, changed clothes once again and headed to the Rathe’s house for supper. As usual, Mark put out a spectacular “feed” and we all ate till we were ready to burst. The little kids, though, were having way too much fun to waste much time eating!

     Happy birthday, Brook! Brook was showing us the matching nightgown she and her doll shared. CUTE!

    Taylor and her beau, Nick.

    This is what birthday parties are all about!

    After church on Sunday, Callie and I once again changed our clothes and headed upstairs to paint for a while before it was time to go party once again. This time, we would be celebrating Jim’s mom’s 88th birthday. We gathered for pizza and birthday cake. I think she enjoyed her day! This is the same woman who was struggling so very hard to breathe on Thanksgiving morning and ended up spending several days in ICU. She’s recovered quite nicely!

    The gang!

    Mom and her grandkids – notice…ALL GIRLS – except for her great-grandson.

     Added the grandson-in-laws.

    And now, her kids – Jim and Maureen. and me and Harv.

    Jim and his big sis, Maureen.

    Happy Birthday to Mom Z. and Brooklyn! We celebrated being 8 and being 88. It’s always fun celebrating a birthday and eating birthday cake!

     AND, Callie and I got her room finished!

    Are you sure it’s January 5?

    by nebraskawheatie

    Ok, so something is definitely up with the weather in Eastern Nebraska this year! I’m not saying anything bad about it whatsoever. Today’s record high is 62 degrees. We are looking at breaking that record. What this does do is mess with my day. When temps this nice happen, I feel like I should be finding SOMETHING to do outside. Maybe I should take down the Christmas lights. If Jordan were still with us, she’d have fun playing catch or chasing a frisbee. I’ve even recently read somewhere that someone local saw a snake in their yard. This is NOT typical weather but I’m loving it. Usually, though, when it’s this nice outside, it generally means something nasty is right behind it. I don’t think that’s the case this time. The weather man just called for 50 tomorrow and mid 40’s for the weekend.

    I’m still trying to get through my huge stack of “things to do” because I chose to ignore it over the holidays. I’m paying for it now.  I felt like I made progress yesterday and need to stay on track to be able to say the same today. But now…we’ve got a heat wave calling me to come outside. Spring fever – which leads to thoughts of this:

    And this:

    P.S.

    by nebraskawheatie

    P.S. There were no noisemakers coming from this house last night. I think the day has come before I was ready! However, the new year still made its way into our world. Happy January 1, 2012!

    Now, for a little interesting information to pass along. I have been posting since August. Yesterday, WordPress sent a note to inform me of the top rated blogs since that very first one. I thought maybe this would be of interest to you – my dear, loyal readers:

    #5. “And I wonder why it takes me so long to get back in the groove!” – September 2011

    #4. “The visible results of the 2011 Missouri River Flood” – November 2011

    #3.” When can I breathe?” – October 2011

    #2. “My first posting on my brand new blog” – August 2011

    And the #1 read posting goes to:

    “On the road…again“-  August 2011

    So…if you’re really bored today, check them out and see why so many read these particular posts. Have fun! 🙂