Happy New Year

 









The New Year was welcomed in at 3:00pm this afternoon at Brookdale. We counted down the last 10 seconds, sang "Should old Acquaintance be Forgot" and drank our toast to 2020. Janet Jeffries played her guitar and sang old favorites to add to the festivities. It was a very appropriate event for most of us that will not even stay up anymore to see the ball drop in Times Square. This blog page is my 348 of 2019. It is also the 3,185th one since I started writing them in 2010. With our family scattered about, it still serves as an easy way to let them know what and how we are doing. The regular readership continues to grow which now goes well beyond family. Interestingly, every one of those pages can be brought up by checking on the home page. I put them all on a flash drive at the end of each year. HAPPY NEW YEAR

With Gladys

Here are pictures of some of us that had gone to be with Gladys after Don's funeral and lunch on .Saturday. It included the 4 daughters, Janice and Larry, Sandy, Carolyn and Elaine and I.

 We told some of Family stories. Sandy's experience with a lone Crow visiting their bird feeder recently brought on some interesting discussion on the Crow being a "Vrana" in the Czech language. While they are sometimes thought of as a symbol of death, they are also recognized for their intelligence.

Dons Funeral Program

Here is a copy of some of the funeral program from Don's service yesterday at St. Paulinus Catholic Church in Syracuse, NE. The Service was conducted by Father Ryan Salisbury and Father Michael Stec. The program also included the names of 40 immediate family members in addition to Gladys.
                                     A limb has fallen from our family tree, But I'm destined for Heaven, so grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs, The good life I lived for so very long. God gave me plenty of time to work and play, and a very special family to love every day.  Continue our traditions, I'm counting on you, Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, Remembering it all how much I was blessed. God called me Home, I'm now stronger than I have been, Make the most of your days...until I see you again

Don"s Funeral

Here is the Jerry Vrana family that were down from Tomah, WI today for Brother Don's funeral in Syracuse, NE. They are: (l-r) Carla Clay, Chad Clay, Cindy (Vrana) Clay, Sondra Vrana, Jerry'a widow and Tony Vrana, They left early after the funeral and lunch to drive back up to Tomah, WI this afternoon hopefully ahead of the oncoming weather. The funeral was a lovely service, so befitting Don. Grandson Tim Antes gave a beautiful family tribute. The songs "Whispering Hope" and "The Old Rugged Cross", both old family favorites were sung. The Church was filled with family being well represented. We went up to be with Gladys, the four girls, Janice and Larry from California and Sandy  from Lincoln after visiting with many family members following lunch. Others were getting together in a downtown location. There will be a couple weddings coming up but many are looking forward to a family reunion in Syracuse this coming summer.

Family Visitors

 SisterJanice, husband Larry Sorge and Grandson Phillip Goodwin flew into Lincoln yesterday afternoon to be here for Brother Don's funeral and came out to visit us this afternoon. They were met at the airport and are staying with Sandy (Soucek) and Mick Vercellino. Sandy is the daughter of Vivian and Eddy Soucek. Phillip was able to get a few days off from his position at Saint Marys College in Morega, CA where he serves as Senior Admissions Counselor and Visitor Coordinator. Phillip received his Masters Degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. He had earlier received his Bachelors Degree from Saint Marys and was pleased to become a member of the Administrative Staff. He is a great help to Grandparents, Larry and Janice are both in their 80's. He arranged to have wheel chairs for them when they changed planes in Salt Lake City where they had considerable distance between gates. Carolyn came down and we all just had a great visit. They are going down to Syracuse this evening for the family greeting Guest and a Rosary held. Carolyn is picking us up early tomorrow morning for the 10:00am funeral service. 

 

Men's Coffee at Brookdale

We have made several attempts to get a men's coffee going here at Brookdale during the 2 + years that we have been here with little success. This time it.seems  like we will succeed. We have been meeting in the Coffee Room at 10:30, Tuesday mornings for the past 3 weeks. Here is the group that met this past Tuesday: (l-r) Alan, John, Tony, Bill and Carl. Bill and Carl took the opportunity to give us their  background. We felt this was a good way to get started and even though I've been in Kiwais with several of these fellows, I still learn from their presentations. Once we get this background we will plan to just have Open Sessions where anyone will be able to bring us any subject they wish to discuss. We were fortunate in getting an elderly lady to take this picture. I hear that the ladies are thinking about starting something similar.

Christmas at Hughes'

We had a wonderful Christmas today with our Seward family at the Hughes house. Carolyn and Ben fixed a delicious roast Turkey dinner with dressing, mashed potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and pink stuff, with southern pie for dessert. Some of us even enjoyed some Holiday Egg Nog. The kids brought along some of their gifts, I  was given a box of candy and Elaine received a beautiful blue jacket sweater. I got started reading a book that Ben had given to Carolyn; it is "To Speak for the Trees" by Diana Beresford-Kroeger. The author says it's her "Life's journey from ancient Celtic wisdom to a healing vision of the forest". I plan to finish reading it within the next few days. MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL.

Polka Music, etc.

Son Jon volunteered to write the page this evening as a tribute to Brother Don and his experience playing the accordion with him and Jon's Grandfather.

"A Bohemian Concertina Concert

Nearly 50 years ago, three generations of Vrana’s joined their musical talents on concertina. Grandpa Vrana (right), Uncle Don Vrana (left), and I (Jon Vrana, center) played a number of Czech polkas and waltzes, instrumentals and vocal). Songs like Cerna Vrana (Black Crow Polka). I trust that those listening to the music with as much joy as clearly displayed on the faces of the musicians.

Recently we lost my Uncle Don. I trust that he and Grandpa are entertaining heaven’s multitude with wonderful music of the squeezebox. I know I will miss hearing it from these guys."

Thank You Jon, your words and thoughts are appreciated. Dad
 

Brother Don joins the Folks

Here is a picture that was taken some years ago of brother Don with Mother and Dad up in the Soucek back yard. Don will be joining them this year as his first Christmas in Heaven. Dad died on December 15,1989 and Mother died December 6, 1990. Don joins other members of our immediate family including Eddy and Vivian Soucek and brother Jerry. Don's funeral will be at 10:00am Saturday morning. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 9 AM until 4 PM at the funeral home, then with family greeting friends from 5 PM until 6:30 PM at the church. Rosary will be held at 7 PM

Brother Don Passes

We received the call from Laurie this morning that Brother Don had died last evening. He never regained consciousness after being able to talk with them for a short while the previous night. They were convinced that he was able to understand our conversation with him while we were there yesterday. The family was meeting with the local mortician and Priest in planning the Rosary and Service. It is expected to be sometime late this week.

Brother Don

Family gathered in  brother Don's room at the Syracuse new hospital this afternoon. Many of the family live close-by and have been with him for his birthday celebration on Sunday and his going to the hospital a couple days later. It seems that he lost his balance while up during the night and fell on his face which would have contributed to his being in a coma. He

has been afflicted with COPD for some time and been short of breath. Becky and Mary Beth stayed with him last night at the hospital. He was able to talk with them a bit during the night but not so while we were there this afternoon. We can only ask for God's help for him as well as for the family.

Mothers and Children

These Mothers and Children were up to Brookdale last evening and sang Christmas Carols for us as we ate supper. The youngsters handed out cards and candy canes to us as well. The lady holding the youngster and song book is the wife of a new Coach at Concordia. They came to Seward a few months ago and bought a house from a couple that moved to Brookdale a short time ago. The ladies said they were not affiliated with any organization but just liked to sing and give their children an opportunity for more involvement in the Christmas Spirit. This was just one of several groups that have come through to entertain us while we are eating. They normally sing to us and then go down the hall to sing for the residents in the Assisted Living area. We can hear that as well so enjoy the background music.

Neighborhood Kids

We moved into our big house here in Seward at the corner of 5th and Lincoln street in the early spring of 1956. Our back yard and Bob Dowding's next door became the gathering location for the neighbor kids.  Here is (l-r) : One of Ervin Siecks twins, Beth Hand, Mary Struthers, Judy and Joey Dowding, Tim Vrana, the other Sieck twin, Verlon Vrana on his 6th birthday, August 17, 1956 and Davey Justice. I don't know who the dogs belonged to.

Bob Dowding

I had a blog page a week or so ago on the story that Bob Dowding wrote a few years ago about his military service and life as a POW. At that time I indicated the need to write a follow-up after finishing reading the book. He was stationed at Mindanao island in the Philippines at the time of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack. He told some gruesome tales of being a prisoner where his weight dropped below 100 pounds, and of eating soup made from dead water Buffalo. The soup had worms in it but they ate them for a source of protein. 

After Bob was discharged and came back to Seward and lived a very normal life as noted in his obituary.

Robert "Bob" L. Dowding was born on November 17, 1918 in Seward, Nebraska to Floyd L and Agnes F. (Zeleny) Dowding and passed away on July 5, 2012 in Seward at the age of 93 years, 7 months and 18 days.

Bob grew up and graduated from Seward High School in the class of 1936.Bob enlisted into the United States Army on October 30, 1940, he served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was taken prisoner of war on Mindanao Island in the Philippines.

He was a prisoner of the Japanese for 3 1/2 years. Bob was awarded the American Defense Service ribbon with One Bronze Star, American Theater of Operations Service Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Philippine Defense with One Bronze Star and the Distinguished Unit Badge with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Victory Medal. Bob was honorably discharged from the Army on March 9, 1946.

Bob was united in marriage to Martha Vogeltanz on September 23, 1946, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church in Seward. Bob began working for the United States Post Office in 1946, he was promoted to Postmaster in 1965 and then retired in 1975.
Bob then began selling Real Estate for another 10 years until 1985. Bob enjoyed fishing and golfing. He was a lifelong member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, he was also a member of the Nebraska Branch of National League of Postmasters, Past League State President, Nebraska Branch of NAPUS, Seward American Legion and Past Legion Commander, Seward V.F.W., Past President of Seward Lumber and Fuel, Board Member of Blue River Board of Realtors.
 

Coffee at Brookdale

Here is a group that had coffee this morning at Brookdale. We have tried this before but this time I think it will work at 10:30am every Tuesday morning. They are (l-r): Marv, Carl, Larry, Alan, Wes, John and me. While 5 of us were in the Seward Kiwanis Club together for some time, we asked Larry, Wes and John to tell us about their background and what brought them to this facility. We will provide the same opportunity later to others. Even though we had know some of them through Kiwanis, I think we all learned things of interest that was new information for us. We were all very complementary about the staff here at Brookdale and realize that we need the social interaction that such a group can provide. It was apparent from what we heard this morning that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here and we all enjoy talking about it. We plan to meet in the private dining room next Tuesday where we have room for additional men and more privacy.

"Old Vrana Farm"

This is what I call "The Old Vrana Farm". It is where we moved to on February 8, 1932. The 200 acre farm was sold to neighbors in the 1960's after having been in the Vrana name for some 60 years. All the buildings have been torn down with only an old windmill with a damaged wheel remains. I came across this picture this evening while looking through old CD's that Cousin Phil Vrana sent to us back in 2004.  There are 2 CD's. The first I looked at has 193 pictures. I had to select and bring up each picture individually. The second CD has a "Movie" feature that ran the same 193 pictures and brought them up one after the other automatically.  While many of them are of Phil's family, their is good coverage of our Ancestry including cousins.

With Grandchildren

I look like I really had it made on this August 13, 1989 picture of little Tony, Julie and I in our 1st. street house.  Tim's were back to visit, we were home from Alaska, had helped celebrate Mother's 89th birthday and were looking forward to a new position as Executive VP of the Soil and Water Conservation Society in Ankeny, IA. I had already retired from the Soil Conservation Service and the Nebr. Natural Resources Commission and we had our Farm sale earlier in the year. In retrospect, I should have considered myself retired at this point rather than taking the job over in Ankeny. The folks both died during those 2+ years we were over there and I could have started playing golf earlier.

Mother, Dad and Brother Don

This picture of Mother and Dad was taken back in the late 1970's It is out #7 west of Washington, DC of them looking over Arthur Godfrey's ranch and cattle. My folks never missed an opportunity to listen to him on radio back in those days. Elaine and I were able to see him while performing in DC. We also got the folks on a tour in the White House on their same trip. These were Happy Days as we looked forward to returning to Nebraska. We are scheduled to help my brother Don celebrate his 90th birthday tomorrow but the weather report isn't good. His birthday is actually the 17th and I have memories of that 1929 date.

Crow's Nest

This is something that many of you are already aware of but it was something I just learned about last evening. I entered my name in Google and searched . There must have been several hundred items come up. Many of the latter ones are copies of blog pages I'd posted as "Tony - The Crow's Nest". But it was most interesting. You may want to see what all they have for you. I have explained to many people that my use of the "Crow's Nest" stems from the relationship that the word "Vrana" refers to the big black Crow.

WW II Hero

Charlotte brings books up from the Library where she works after picking out what she thinks may interest us. This one came up yesterday and Elaine read part of it. I picked it up today and had a hard time putting it down. It was written by Bob Dowding with Judy Liska after Bob was back home in Seward after having spent time in a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp during WWII. It was copyright and published by Dageforde Publishing, Inc. 122 South 29th Street, Lincoln, NE 68510 in 1999. I thought we read it soon after it was published but find much of it new information. We knew Bob, Martha and their family back in the late 50's when we lived across the alley from them on Lincoln Street in Seward. Our kids played together and were good neighbors. The early part of the book covers Bob's growing up in the late 20's and 30's. I was able to relate to the schools that he attended and the places where he worked before going into the Service. I will need to write another blog page after finishing the book. Bob was a good example of how our Hero's can be honored and still live normal lives without many of their friends and neighbors knowing their history. 

Men's Coffee

We have tried to get a men's coffee group going here for the past several months without much success. Our "House sheet" of activities had Tuesday10:00am Mens coffee in the Coffee Room so I was there. Wes soon joined me and after a couple phone calls, Larry joined us. We drank coffee and just had a real good visit. While we have known each other for several years in Kiwanis, I leaned things from each of them that I hadn't known before. It seems that the days are pretty well filled with activities so it's difficult to find a time when this is high priority. We will keep trying because it might fill a need for some of us.

Seward Kiwanis Kitones

The Kiwanis Kitones sang up here at Brookdale this evening. I was setting up to close to get a picture of all 15 of them with one shot so this is my attempt to put two together. I had hoped to put them side-by-side but wasn't able to do so. It's interesting that there are 5 of us as residents that sang with the group at one time. They mentioned an average age of 83 if the one young guy was eliminated. And as it turned out he wasn't able to be with them tonight. I visited with several of them and believe that some of them will be up to visit

Good Family

Here is a picture of us remaining siblings and spouses at Brother Jerry's funeral in Tomah, WI. We have continued to 'maintain reasonable relationships with the family. I spent more time on the HP computer than what I got done. One of my problems is in getting the margins set and held in the WORD program. I also have a problem moving a copy of 2018 Highlights from the HP over to a flash drive. I've written to Jon for help. We did enjoy visiting with Verlon this afternoon and with Carolyn later in the day. We are looking forward to helping Brother Don celebrate his 90th birthday in a couple weeks. I distinctly remember telling Grandpa and Grandma Walker that "We have a real baby at our house" when they came to our house the morning after he was born.

We Live and Learn

I've spent a lot of time looking at the desktop of both my Mac laptop and HP the past few days. Last evening as I was working away and watching the UN-L girls shut out Ball State 3-0, Our lights and TV went dark. We quickly found that some outlets were still alive. I checked the Breaker box and found a circuit questionable so moved it over but only about half of out outlets were alive. We slept pretty good but it was after 9:00am before we could request help. It got here about 2:00pm when the electrician brought it all back to life. He said that whenever a circuit breaker "flips", it's necessary to first flip it all the way back and then move it into the proper position. Whatever, it is working and so are the girls against Missouri tonight.

Word Program

For some odd reason, my HP computer worked better last week when Jon was here than it has since they went back home. I even called him tonight after not being able to close out the Word program I was working in. I am trying to get our Highlights listed for 2019. To do so, I go through my Diary and list any item that we may want to look back on. We had some discussion about it when he was here but had to call him tonight when I was unable to shut it down. A message said it because  something was still open. Jon's advice was to just walk away from it and give the machine time to close it out. He has an important commitment tomorrow morning but will call me back later in the day.

Bang !! Bang !!!!, Boom,

This picture brings a smile to my face whenever I see it. It may be that I know the story that's behind it. It was taken out at Elaine's folks in late November of 1954. Jon was born on 11/22/54 and we spent a few days at Flowerday's after she came home from the Hospital. He is in the basket on top of the Sewing Machine next to the Piano. Carolyn would have been about 13 months old at the time and delighted with the sounds she could make by sitting on the piano keys.

Interesting Day

This is one of the pictures from the '55-'56 group that Jon worked on while he was here. We had just moved to the "big house on 5th Street" when he was just a few months old. He left me with a copy on a flash drive of what he did and I got it plugged into our hp computer to see what all it includes. Jon has started by working up from our 1950 pictures and I am working back from my 2018 one's. I'm just getting a caption and date on each picture and wil let Jon consider any additional information.                 I spent a lot of time today on c span with the House Judicial Committee  utilizing 4 "experts" on Impeachment procedures to help the committee in determining and developing charges. On a lighter note, the Nebraska Girls basketball team just beat the Duke girls 83-79 in Lincoln. It was close all the way.

Decorating for the Season

Jon got  our Christmas Decorations out of the garage during the past week. And today Carolyn came over with both kids after picking Sadie up from 1st grade. Carolyn supervised the process but they got us decorated for the season including our little tree decorated.  The Nativity scene is set up on the hallway table under the painting of the old Vrana farm house. The 4 NOEL pieces are displayed on an end-table. Sadie was the one who picked the individual ornament out of the packaging. She handed it to Carolyn who installed a paper clip hook. She handed it to Jack who put every item on the tree. He preferred the lighted star for the top rather than the Angle. All Elaine had to do was to just enjoy the activity and will enjoy the decorations and their message throughout the Season.

We were pleased to get a phone call from Anna this evening saying they got back to DC where they met Mary, had supper and were headed to their house.

Good Visiit

Jon and Anna will be flying back home to Virginia tomorrow. Carolyn came down this afternoon to tell them Good Bye and I've ask Jon to write a bit.

"It's always a pleasure and a cherished opportunity to visit with my parents, as well as the rest of my family. This time was particularly valued because I didn't have to worry about work back in DC. The challenge that my dad and mom began with scanning the thousands of photos continues with tagging them and writing photo titles. It will take weeks and months, but will make the collection much more usable and will be a Vrana legacy for years to come". Thanks Jon, we certainly enjoyed your visit.

Cold Day

There was a lot of sitting and working on computers on this chilly day. It was the first day this fall when it didn't get above freezing. Jon and I worked on pictures with our laptops. It's a major project to get 70 years of pictures on a flash-drive and have some help in finding what you are looking for. Jon and I will continue working on it even after they go home. Anna spends a lot of time on her phone and Elaine works on "word search". Carolyn came by late this afternoon to fill our pill boxes. She told of having been down to the "lighted Christmas Parade" last evening and having a nice time.

Saturday Company```````````````

The John and Julie Owens family were here to visit including Sadie and Jack this morning. Carolyn came about the same time and Jon and Anna had arrived earlier. Jack and I spent some time taking our picture with the laptop with him setting on my lap-- none were especially good. We were pleased to see Julie looking much better than when we were out to their house on Thursday. Jack is never happy with just a nice smile for a picture but "sneaks" in something like pointing his finger so it will catch some attention. Son Jon and I made some progress working on our pictures (1950-Present). He is working on a system that will enable us to enter certain features and call them up from a flash drive. I will be working on pictures from year 2000 to the present and he will tackle the older ones. We basically already have them all on flash drives but many need to have captions, dates, and all need to be organized.

Good Day even with another game loss

We continue to enjoy having Jon and Anna visiting with us. Our activities today included getting me on Ancestry.com and learning that my DNA showed 42% Eastern Europe & Russia, England, Wales & Northwestern Europe 34%, Germanic Europe 13%, and Ireland & Scotland 11%. I was able to go through names of cousins recognizing only a few names. Jon has gone a lot further in the research of his name.   Since moving in here we have used the shower in the west room for storage of our pictures and photography equipment. We are using the shower in the tub in the east bedroom. With Jon and Carolyn hearing a bit more about the dangers of falls in the tub, they decided to clean out the shower with it's built-in seats for us to use. We also watched the Nebraska 24-Iowa 27 football game. Anna lead our Nebraska cheers but a last second field goal "did us in".

Thanksgiving

We followed our long standing tradition of watching the Macy Christmas Parade from New York City this morning. Jon and Anna were up here about 9:00am as we finished getting dressed after “processesing” the Omaha World Herald. It was delivered in a bag with the ads from the Lincoln paper, but no LJS. Carolyn picked us up at 11:45 and took us out to the Owens house for 1:00am Dinner. We were very disappointed that Julie was still in bed and not able to come down to eat with us. Carolyn had been out earlier to help John prepare the delicious Turkey Dinner with Cheese Cake Dessert. Julie did come down as we finished eating and had a small portion. Ben had driven out too so he brought us back home for our afternoon naps. Jon and Anna drove out also and spent much of the afternoon out there. Their rental car is one of the smallest Fords on the market and felt it would be difficult for Elaine and I to get into. Elaine and I had supper here in Brookdale this evening with Carl and Helen. Jon and Elaine got into her Ancesory. com this evening and pulled up some interesting information

Company at our Apartment

Grandmother Carolyn brought Sadie and Jack over to our apartment this afternoon after picking Sadie up from 1^st grade. They came over to visit and talk about travel out to the Owen's house for Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. Jon gets right down on the floor to “play” with them that seems to “fire-up” Jack to a certain extent. He and Jon were tossing Jack's stocking cap back and forth at each other and he found a place to hide behind the rocker. The supper call broke up the visit as Carolyn and the kids left and Jon and Anna ate Chili soup and Cinnamon Roll with us. Jon and I enjoyed an hour of singing old favorites and church songs during the afternoon with Elie playing the piano and a good sized group of us singing.

Turkey Dinner

Elaine and I ate Dinner today at the Brookdale Community Table in the Dining room. They had moved all of the small tables together to form a long one that reached from one end of the independent Dining room to the other. There must have been nearly 100 residents seated. They even had extra help serving the wine, salad, Turkey and Pecan pie. It was a great meal.  Jon and Anna prefer to get their meals down town rather than eat up here.

Jon and I went to coffee again this morning, We are trying to get a men's group meeting and had 3 additional people there today over yesterday. We decided to have published in the activity sheet for a 10:00am Men's Coffee on Tuesdays in the coffee room.

With this being a "blustery day" we didn't venture out, it rained, sleeted and snowed at various times during the day with the temperature hovering around 32 degrees. It wasn't a fit day for the State High School  Football Championship games played on a snow covered Memorial Stadium Field in Lincoln. The Class A game is still underway with the 5 lower classes having been played throughout the day.

Jon and Anna

I have given son Jon and opportunity to write my blog page for tonight since they got here to visit us. Here is what he has written: “My First Monday that I haven't worked since 5^th Grade

I believe that today was the first Monday that I have not been employed since I was about 12 years old. At that time, I worked a paper route, frequently assisted by my dad.

I used this first free day to start off a visit with my parents and then headed out to Phillips, Nebraska, with my younger daughter to visit the homestead of my great grandfather, Christopher Turner. The land was flat and the soil rich and produced good crops of corn to this day. I wonder how Turner traveled from Seward to Phillips to prove his deed. It took him about 7 years to get clear title to the land. That is a lot of times and miles traveled to meet the requirements of homesteading. Not many years later, he moved to Seward, married Matilda Robinson and settled down in a little house he built on 2^nd Street. That house still stands to this day.

The Folk's Wedding Annivversary in1983

Here is a family picture taken at the Folk's Wedding Anniversary in 1983. We were all gathered at their home here in Seward. Several Grandchildren did not participate.

My Birthday Party in 2013

This was a family gathering at our house to celebrate my 88th birthday. Janice and Larry were here from California; Don and Gladys with Dave McWilliams & Mary Beth, Kathy and Becky; Terry Soucek, Sandy & Mick; Elaine, & I, Ben and Carolyn, John and Julie Owens with Sadie. We don't know who took the picture on June 26th 2013.

Jon's Birthday Retirement

Jon's retired from USDA NRCS with 45 years of Service. He is shown here (in jeans) with the Agency Chief and good friend Matt Lohr.  Here is part of what he has written to fellow soil conservationist: "Through all of my travels, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with and learn from so many people, internal and external to the agency. I will miss each of you and will hold each of you in a special place in my heart. I wish you well and hope to leave you with one recommendation – Whatever you do, do it with great passion. If you don’t have passion for what you are doing, discover the passion or find something that you can be passionate about. Life is too short not to be passionate about what you do.
I am entering a new chapter of my life, as a historical raconteur. (Thank you, Tom, for introducing me to that word. Matches what I like to do perfectly.) I intend to spend my years researching, writing, and sharing my other passion, history, particularly of the 19th century.
My life has been enriched and inspired by each of you in your own special, unique ways. I hope that this is just a temporary farewell and that we have many opportunities to cross paths in the future.
Jon Vrana"

Jon David Vrana

Would you believe that the little fellow in this 1956 picture "Jon David Vrana" grew up to have a career with USDA as a Soil Scientist. His decision to attend Virginia Tech. and get an Agronomy Degree with a Soils major was made while working on a Science Fair Project in Wakefield HS in Arlington, VA. Prior to receiving his degree, he worked with SCS as a Student Trainee and upon graduation received a full-time appointment. He worked in Virginia, several locations in North Carolina , the New York State Office, The SCS Soils Center in Lincoln, Nebraska and eventually with the National Headquarters Office in Washington DC. Along the way, he received an advanced degree in Information Technology from George Washington University. Tomorrow, November 22, 2019 will be his 65th birthday and I understand  he has submitted his application for retirement from USDA Natural Resources Converation Service (NRCS) He makes us proud of his career and what more he may accompolish.

New Residents

We had a Welcome event for new residents at Brookdale this afternoon. They included Neil and Donna Wurst and Mrs. Iddo Heinecke.  Iddo retired from Jones National Bank here in Seward and died a few years ago. They lived in the Soucek neighborhood and she was a good friend of Vivian's. The Wurst's have lived in Milford where Neil managed the Co-Op filling station. They were both certified as "Judges" for the American Rose Society. They had a large personal collection of Hybred Tea Roses at their home  and traveled all over the U.S. as Judges at Rose Shows. Neil also sang with the Seward Kitones along with his brother Phil.

Bronco Busting Lesson #1

Here is another of the old pictures I've been working on. This one would have been back in 1952 when Elaine and her brother-in-law, Les Althouse gave Verlon his 1st lesson toward becomng a bull rider. (I don't think he ever had the 2nd) We had a good telephone visit with Verlon today and an email from Jon saying he and Anna will be here Sunday.