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.

Black Hills in 1957

We made several 3-day trips to the Black hills during these years.  This one was on August 4-6, 1957.  On this trip we visited Ft. Randall Dam, Terry Peak, Dinosaur Park and Homestead mine in addition to the Monument. We were fortunate to be able to do this while our kids were growing up.

Verlon's Snow Horse

Here is Verlon on a snow horse during the winter of '51-'52. I built a frame out of plaster lath and pasted on the wet snow.  I think I got more joy from it than he did. That was probably true of the snowman that he helped me make the same day.  This little 2 bedroom house was our first and it also had been Mother and Dad's first house here in Seward.

Verlon in the Snow

Here is Verlon on a snow horse during the winter of '51-'52. I built a frame out of plaster lath and pasted on the wet snow.  I think I got more joy from it than he did. That was probably true of the snowman that he helped me make the same day.  This little 2 bedroom house was our first and it also had been Mother and Dad's first house here in Seward.

Our Family 1974

This was taken in Soucek's back yard during the summer of 1974 to include Aunt Anna as well as most of Florence and Tony Vrana family. We were a growing family.

Family 1961

Here is a shot of the family gathered at the Folks' house for Christmas in 1961. These youngsters could be referred to as the 1st generation of Grandchildren. While they kept coming along, this was a good beginning. I had no problem "knowing" this group but have difficulty keeping up with the Great Grandchildren.

Florence & Tony Vrana family in1962

Sorge's were at the Folks at the Sandusky farm for Easter Sunday 1962. Dons drove up from Syracuse, we drove out from Lincoln, Souceks were from here in Seward and Jerry & Sondra are standing at the left edge . This was the last "family picture" that we were a part of before our 18 years in the Washington, D.C. area.

Albert and Flora Flowerday Family

This is a picture of Elaine's family taken during the summer of 1951. (l-r) Brother Bill and Gretchen, Les and sister Joyce, brother Dale and Alice, mother Flora and father Albert holding grandson Verlon, Dixie Flora's sister and Elaine. I took the picture.

Hartket Street House

Our 4 kids in the front yard of out house at 6515 Hartley St. in NE Lincoln.  We had moved in during the summer of '58 and this was about a year later. We were very fortunate in having Pershing Elementary in the next block to the west. (Part of the school ground is shown behind the kids).  Ken and Marian Ferguson were excellent next door neighbors as were others across the alley. Jim Cains lived nearby and we rode down to the office together,

New Overalls

Verlon and Tim on a stepping stone in front of our first house on Bradford Street in Seward during the early spring of '53. I assume that Grandma Flowerday had something to do with the new overalls and Elaine sewed the new shirts.

Good Sunday

Megan did a much better job singing "Peace like s River"(All is well) for the 2:30 Church Service here at Brookdale this afternoon than what I did  taking this picture. JoEllen led the service and several from the Methodist Church contributed. We had a busy day with John, Julie and the kids here right after lunch. Brother Don called on his new cell phone and Carolyn came right after the Service.  We are already under the influence of the incoming cold front with temperature at 30 by 7:00pm and single digits by morning with possible snow.

New Growth on Sheffeleria

We have had this Sheffeleria plant for several years.  We even would plant it in the back yard for the summer when we had the house. After moving it up here we have put it out on the Patio for the summer. One of our early frost this year seemed to have been a problem with some leaves turning yellow. Elaine has been watering it diligently since bringing it in. We were thrilled to see 3 new little shoots that "poped up" yesterday. I know this hardly compares with Janice's November Roses but it brings us some pleasure.

Siblings in 1938 with New Bike

This picture was taken in the spring of 1938 of my siblings, new bicycle and my new glasses. It was taken out on the Old Vrana farm with the wash house in the background. The shot of me is very similar to my blog page of 4/8/11 where I wrote that I looked like a "Honyak". It has been one of my most popular blog pages. By 1938 things became a bit better for us out on the farm.

Souceks Move

This would have been in the 1952-'53 time frame when we helped Viv and Eddy move from the Newton Farm to the Vrana Home place. I must have climbed up on the windmill to get the picture. Don and Gladys had moved to a Jones farm  NW of Seward making the Home Place available. The car is our '52 Chevy.

Kevin and Heidi Cheng

This was a busy day for us. We got around good time this morning, got the car out of the garage and stopped by "Bob's" for a haircut; then got over to the specialty clinic for a 10:00am appointment with Dr. Henslee. My PSA had gone up a bit but will check it again in 6 mo. We then went to Cattle Bank where Joettte helped us with a copy of a check endorsement and sold us a 5 yr (POD) CD. We were back home for lunch, had a short nap and heard Kevin and Heidi present an hour long program with his playing the piano and she the violin and announcing. They live in Central City and present programs and lessons throughout the area. They are both excellent musicians and will keep Brookdale on their schedule

1950 Family Reuinion at Dons

Here is a fall 1950 picture of a family get-to-gather at Don and Gladys' out at the old Vrana farm. It is a nice picture of Grandpa Walker with his hat on and Alma, his 2nd wife with him. The kids are Uncle Clyde', Doris and Harold.

Jim and Staff at Brookdale

Jim's birthday was celebrated at Dinner this noon by blowing out the candle on his cupcake and listening to us sing "Happy Birthday".  Jim does all the maintenance here and is kept very busy at it. We are currently waiting for him to put new light bulbs in and overhead fixture and help us set the clock on the electric  stove

Our Dining Room Table

 

We have had discussions at our table the past few days on "All Saints Day" and "All Souls Day". Bill brought out his Daily Devotional and read for Marv, Elaine and I what it had for definition of the two. It even led to discussion of "pergatory". Bill celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this past week. We appreciate the dignity he brings to the table every Sunday with his white shirt, tie and suspenders.

Stacking Alfalfa Hay with Kids

Don and I with our "first borns" Verlon and Kathy out in the alfalfa field on the "Mak" farm in late 1951. Don ran the hay buck on front of the JD taking it up to the "overhead" stacker. Dad ran the Ford tractor pulling the rope that took the load on the stacker up to where I was  with a fork on top of the stack spreading out the load and moving it into shape.               

Jack and I

This has been one of my favorite pictures of Jack and I.  He may have been able to feed himself by then but never turned down a little help. He would have been approaching 3 down at our house in 2017.  The Sheffelera plant in the corner of the kitchen looks better than it does today. This one of Jack at Bobs  getting one of his haircuts is also good

In addition to the subject of the picture, Julie and I in the mirror background adds to it. My Mother cut my hair when I was  a kid (even through HS). Grandpa Flowerday cut our 3 boys hair until we moved to Virginia. I took all 3 boys to the Barber College down in Alexandria where all 4 of us were given crew cuts.