Schweitzer Auction Service conducted the sale of Household Items for the Owens and Einspahr families today. It was held in the 4-H building here in Seward. We had  great help getting brush hauled to the "Burn Pile" early this morning and then down to the Auction. Sadie was there with Julie and John but Grandmothers, Carolyn and Bev shared in the pleasure of taking care of her. I got a couple bargains and Verlon got some neat old tools. Carolyn got several things and all of us enjoyed ourselves. There was a good-sized crowd and the Auctioneers did a great job of catching bids. Like with most Auctions, there are many bargains and some things sell for more than anticipated. It's the Market Economy in it's finest form. 

Fish Supper in Bee, NE

Remembering that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" and thinking that it might also be true of "the rest of us", we went to Bee for Fish Supper this evening. We have done that in the past when Verlon has been here and tonight we were pleased that Carolyn could go with us. We also enjoy picking up Cousin Terry who lives in Bee to accompany us to Lou & Mary Ann's. The food was exceptionally good tonight. Our having done more physical work the past couple days may have been a factor, but we all really enjoyed it. We not only continued to check off items on the "Home Maintenance" list but also enjoyed a lot of food and fellowship.

Home Maintenance

Our son from Richmond, VA is spending a few days with us and helping with annual maintenance projects. He flew in yesterday and made great progress today by taking out a big old Pfitzer on the  west side of the house, pruned the Japanese Maple (as shown in the picture), and trimmed the Yew Hedge on the north side of the deck. We also did a few other things including a lot of good visiting. He has come back about this time of year for the past several to do the painting, caulking, and "carpentry work" that is so important in keeping a house in good condition. We make up a list of things each year that we feel need to be done and often he sees things that we haven't even recognized. We are fortunate in having him spend this time with us. 

Animal Dung on Graveled Roads

You may wonder what this is and so do I. On our drive out in the "hills" yesterday, we came across several such substance on the graveled roads we traversed. When we saw our first of these substances, we didn't recognize them as animal dung. This "pile" is about 2 inches in diameter, and an inch and one half high. It is made up of 3-4 circles with the top one not much over an inch in diameter. Where there was one clump like this, there were 3-4  smaller pieces. Oddly, we must have seen 8-10 such clusters over a distance of 6--8 miles. All of the "deposits" appeared to be 2-4 days old. During the past few years, Farrel hogs have been identified in the area. My best guess is that it's Feral Hog Dung.  I would welcome any comments and corrections.

Wonders of Nature

Michael Forsberg, wildlife and conservation photographer provided entertainment at the Cattle National Bank & Trust Co., Appreciation Dinner this evening. Michael is a native Nebraskan who is gaining national prominence with his photos and books. This picture of a Bobcat is one taken by "movement triggered" photography at the Audubon Prairie within 15 miles of Lincoln where the Forsberg's live. It was a most interesting program. He spoke and showed pictures of the Sandhills Cranes, his underwater photography of aquatic life,  his involvement with the Platte River Time Lapse Photography Project, etc. We will be watching when more of his work is shown on TV and his pictures in the Nebraska Land Magazine.

We also maintained Elaine's birthday tradition of going for a drive in the country out northeast of Seward where we were raised. It is a beautiful time to drive on the country roads with wildflowers blooming and native grasses and plants in all their splendor. The scene here is at Johnson Dam about 3 miles north of Garland and just over half a mile from where I grew up. I also had the honor of being crew chief of the survey party that "staked out the dam" and was the Construction Inspector when it was being built as one of the early PL-566 dams. The water level in the lake is low this fall because of our dry summer. But our drive this afternoon and seeing the things of nature in all their glory, tied in nicely with Forsberg's message  and pictures celebrating natures wonders.  Happy Birthday, Elaine.

Expanded Memorial Stadium

This is what the newly remodeled Memorial Stadium looked like on Saturday evening when 91,131 fans watched the Huskers win 37-34 over a very talented Wyoming team. Brett Smith, their Quarterback was very impressive. The Stadium was built with a capacity of 31,080 in 1923. Engraved in the SW corner Pillar was the words of Hartley Burr Alexander, “Not the Victory but the action; Not the goal but the game; In the deed the glory.” I was familiar with the Inscription before ever seeing a game or being inside. It was clearly visible from 10^th street which was our normal route into Lincoln. In 1940, the Henry Schulte Field House was built that contained the scoreboard and clock. The “knothole” bleachers set up beyond the south end zone was the location from where I saw my first game. Permanent bleachers were set up at the south end zone in 1964 increasing the capacity to 48,000. In 1965 bleachers were added to the center section of the north end zone over the top of the Schulte Field House taking it to 52,455. The north bleachers were expanded bringing the capacity up to 62,644 in1966. A press box was added in 1967 taking it to 64,170. South end zone bleachers were extended in 1972 allowing 73,650. To make room for Husker Vision and Handicapped seating in 2000, seating was reduced to 72,700. Sky boxes and additional Club seating was added in 1999, (74,056) but actually reduced to 73,918 in 2000 to make room for more Club seating. Significant changes were make in 2006 with Sky boxes added in the north end zone and other changes brought the capacity to 81,067. Now during the past year, sky boxes have been added on the east side along with other seating there making the total capacity up to that 91,000 level.

Olde Glory Theatre and Community Hall

This is the old Presbyterian Church in Seward, NE. It was "decommissioned" as a Presbyterian Church a few years ago and has been utilized by another "break-away" group for the past couple years. After they moved on to larger facilities recently, the place was put on the market and purchased by the Seward Area Chamber of Commerce. Pat Coldiron, Chamber Executive Director and others spoke at a recent Open House where they discussed plans for the facility. It has been renamed, "Olde Glory Theatre and Community Hall". Goehner, a small nearby town, has a history of several years of  Melodrama performances and may try to duplicate their previous success here. There are other groups that have indicated interest in  Theatre use of the building.  The relatively new "Fellowship Hall" with a kitchen has potential for many uses. It is "handicap accessible" with an elevator to both levels. Pat and others are very optimistic about its future. I am personally pleased to see the building being utilized as planned. I have a picture of our Kindergarten Rhythm Band standing on the Church steps after having played there for a concert. It was where  my Great-Grandmother's funeral was held back in the 1930's. We also worshiped there during the 80's and early 90's; so the place has a lot of precious memories. I don't know how successful it may become in its "reincarnation" but certainly wish everyone involved "God's Favor".