Before I start my entry for today, I want to send a heartfelt congratulations to Christina and Justin for their performances at the Nebraska State Science Fair. Both did their parents, Science teachers, school and themselves proud for all the hard work and dedication they displayed. These are two very amazing and pleasant young people that will achieve much in life if they stay focused and true to their convictions. I also want to thank Ms. Rosenberg for her leadership and guidance. Teaching is far too often a thankless job and it takes a special person to not get jaded and just go through the motions each and every day. I hope she never loses her passion.
Well, it has been far too long since my last post. Sometimes life goes by at the speed of light, and it is all one can do to not get chewed up and spit out. I looked at the calendar the other day and until school gets out for the year in late May, things are going to continue to be hectic. I have a million things I need to do, my wife has a million things to do, and my daughter has almost no free time to herself until school’s out. I will ensure that we as a family call a timeout once in a while and do some family activities together. You know the saying…”All work and no play…” Gotta make sure no one gets burned out.
Spent this past Friday at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Was down there for the state Science fair. Had never been there before. Very nice campus. With Spring in full force, saw many pretty flowers around campus. (Click to enlarge)
Spent several hours just aimlessly wandering around and taking the environment in. Was a very nice day for the most part. Wandered into the Methodist Church and checked out the stained glass. I absolutely love stained glass. Not sure where my fascination emanates from. I just know I always enjoy looking at it and getting the back story about unique or odd glass. As I stated, the church had some very beautiful stained glass. The ceiling of the church had Abraham Lincoln dead center. (Click to enlarge)
The church is in Lincoln, Nebraska. Maybe that is why Honest Abe occupies the center. Maybe not. Someone from the church told a few of us that the church didn’t have enough funds to complete the originally planned stained glass. The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) of University Place said they would pay for the stained glass if they could complete the stained glass dome in the Methodist Church as they saw fit. They placed Abraham Lincoln’s likeness in the center. They gentleman sharing the story did not know why. As a result, I don’t know why either.
After the science fair was completed, we headed to my car so I could get a change of clothes to wear for the awards ceremony. I had been bumming around all day in shorts and T-shirt. Needed to make myself a bit more presentable. Ended up talking for a bit and while we talked, a friendly squirrel checked us out. As time went on, this little squirrel closed in on our small group. The squirrel jumped onto the tree nearest us and scampered up onto a branch and peered down at us. I snapped his picture. He held his pose and this is the result. (Click to enlarge)
A good time was had until it was time to head back to Omaha. As we were leaving the awards ceremony, the sky was growing dark and ominous. A considerable amount of rain & lightning could be seen North of our location. North of our location was exactly where I needed to drive. Decided it was better to drive slowly and make it home alive than to push things and possibly wreck. Slow and steady always works for me. Was a bit nerve racking getting home, but finally made it. Was glad to be home. It had been a long day.
Until next time,
Mark