Like Janice, I don't have any bull stories, except that a young couple named Bull (didn't catch the first names) had triplets today in Lincoln. They already had three children, so there are now at least eight people in Lincoln with our name. Wonder if we're related?
Stan and I went to Breckenridge a couple of weeks ago for a special ed directors' conference. I went to meetings and Stan went exploring during the day, then we went out with other Nebraskans at night. It was lots of fun, I learned a great deal, the scenery was breathtaking and the company delightful. On the way home, we decided to take a different road and found ourselves winding up and up and up until we were at the Continental Divide by the Loveland Pass. We stood near the snow and took pictures of each other by the sign. If I ever can figure out how to post them, you'll get to see them :}
Connie wrote a wonderful entry about our trip to Duncan, so all I'll add is that it was a grand time; I'm already looking forward to repeating it next year.
I've read several good books recently and thought I'd share my reactions with you. I read "The Red Tent" (recommended by Janice, right?) and I enjoyed the writer's lyrical style. I was stunned by how women and children were treated in this Old Testament time, but she could make it sound not so horrible just by how the author wrote. Until the end, that is, but I won't share that part. I was also surprised at the difference in how people worshipped and who they worshipped. It didn't sound much like what we do now, so thank goodness for Jesus and the New Testament.
I read "Freakonomics" and even though I'm not a numbers person, I found it fascinating. Two economists look at seemingly unrelated issues and make connections using statistics.
I also read "Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons". The title does not reflect the tone of the book at all. It tells the interwoven stories of five women who start a book club in the 60's and follows their lives through the 90's--through babies and the ups and downs of marriages and families. It's written in a clever format--each woman has alternating chapters about what's happening in her life. It's alternately hilarious, touching, heartbreaking, and rings true. I recommend it highly.
The Schmidt family, mom, dad, Beth and I got to do something fun this week: watch Owen pitch at Haymarket Park. He did very well--10(!)innings of scoreless ball, then his team ended up losing in the 11th. Afterwards, we visited a bit with Bob Shanahan and his wife (their son plays for the Lincoln East team that was playing next) and met Eleanor and Jeannie as they were arriving. Just goes to show that what I've always said to the kids: Whereever we go, there is a cousin. :)
I host my annual Summer Brunch for teachers and paras this coming week. I ask for RSVP's--Regrets Only--and if everybody comes who has not yet RSVPed, there could be 52 people here. The most I've had in the past was 35, so even though I think it will be about that many again, I can't count on it, so I'm planning to serve them egg casseroles, fruit and coffee cakes in the backyard. I'll let you know how it went in my next entry.
Mary Jo, I too remember the dry, dry summers and how agonizing it was to watch the corn die. I know many people who are terrified of thunderstorms and I cannot fathom that. I remember being much more scared of it not raining and the emotional and financial fallout. Fillmore County is filled with pivots, so while the farmers complain a/b the cost of irrigating, at least they know they'll get a crop.
Janice, I notice that you're still a night owl since your last entry was posted just after midnight :)
Sue, your flowers are quite impressive! Thanks for posting them.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the picnic.
Love,
Nancy
