Karen's Calendar

Today I'm forwarding a letter from a Farm Wife/Tire Store Manager from western Nebraska who has been writing these weekly "Gems" for a number of years. I have been fortunate to be on her mailing list. She is able to describe with words the highs and lows of farming  that only a farmer could know. Enjoy Karen's look at the New Year.

My new 2012 calendar....that uncharted map for a journey we've yet to begin... sleeps on my kitchen counter, dreamlessly marking the passage of time until the ticking clock wakes it....and gives it relevance. 

Like the blank pages of a travel log its 365 days wait to be filled with scribbled stories of our family's every-day adventures, even the shortest of tales important because they, too, are mile markers on the road to our final destination.

I don't know where my 2012  journey will lead me; the simple truth is I find it difficult to believe I'm as old as I am......that I'm not still thirty with a new baby and a couple of toddlers clinging to my legs; the past seems a blur of years.

But as much as I'd like to stir up a batch of time and preserve it like tomatoes or green beans I have to face facts: time is a non-returnable gift. You can't exchange it, re-gift it, or get your money back. All you can do is spend it.

You'll soon have 365 days in your pocket...use them wisely.

Happy New Year and God bless you and yours.

As Always,

Karen

Tom Osborne

I just finished reading Tom Osborne's most recent book, "Beyond The Final Score". It was published by Regal From Gospel Light, Ventura, California, U.S.A. in 2009. I enjoyed it and feel like I know Tom as a friend after reading the book. His candid description of his 6 years in Congress representing Nebraska's 3rd District helped me understand why it was not a good fit for him. His high personal standards made some decisions very difficult. The Chapter on Leadership was perhaps the most revealing.. He refers to the ideal type as "Transformational Leaders" which some call, "servant leadership". This is based on Jesus' teaching that "whoever wants to become great must become a servant to all" (Mark 10:43). John Wooden was one of his "mentors" who taught that "the process took precedence over the end result" and used a Grantland Rice quote to give it emphasis: "For when the one Great Scorer comes to write against your name, it matters not that you won or lost, but how you played the game".  His stories of Fishing, Flying and Family are all interesting as is the role Uncle Virgil played in his life and the development of the mentoring (Teammates) approach. The Country and the World would be a better place if we had more "Tom Osborne's".

Affectionate Treatment

First of all, I need to tell you that Elaine was with me and took this picture. I thought it should be recorded because it's been a long time since a young blond lady has put her arms around me as affectionately as is shown. It certainly helped take my mind off the stinging of the water being sprayed against my ear drum by the nurse. My appointment was for Dr. Van to look at my left knee that has given me some problems lately. A cartilage was removed from it many years ago and x-rays showed some fragments in the joint. He gave me a shot of cortisone but it didn't seem to help. Following an aggressive self administered Ben Gay message and heat pad treatment I felt a lump which I thought may warrant a Dr.'s visit. He promptly dismissed it as a Baker's Cyst which has since nearly disappeared. His examination also revealed a wax buildup in my ears which prompted the above scene. My knee felt better today than anytime in the past 3 weeks and I believe I can play golf again. I might have even tried it today except for seeing the Seward HS Girls beat Ralston 89-29  in a York tournament (#82 consecutive win). I may play golf tomorrow, and I may go back next week to have my ears irrigated again, or whatever. It doesn't take much to make an Old Man Happy

Dale and "Sister".

We were in Lincoln this afternoon and stopped by to visit Dale and Marlene. She had knee surgery last week and is recuperating at home following 3 days in the hospital. Elaine and Dale never get together without some new childhood story surfacing. Today's story was when she and Dale were playing in the corn crib as kids and he climbed up into a storage area where Santa Claus had hid their new red coaster wagon. It was at that formidable age when little "Sister" faced reality. Elaine has done some writing about their growing up on the farm but it is amazing how these new stories surface when they are primed by their conversations that feed off each other. They both seem to regain a youthful sparkle as they talk about their childhood. I think it even shows through on this picture.

Expectations

Carolyn and Ben hosted our Christmas Dinner that included Bev and Jerry, John's parents. As you can imagine, there was a lot of discussion about future events in which we all have an intense interest. Even little Pip seems to sense that something special is "in the works". We were sworn to secrecy  so our Christmas letter didn't even hint at the likely hood of a Great Grandchild. Now that the embargo has been lifted, we are telling everyone we talk to. Jerry and Bev are great people and we have always enjoyed our visits with them. They moved to Seward in 1986 and John and Julie were classmates from first grade on through High School. They were  competitors for first chair in the saxophone section of the Junior High Band. Mr. Frisbie, their instructor, even made the comment years ago that if they ever were to marry and have a family, the off-springs should be good musicians. Time will Tell. 

Merry Christmas

We received many Christmas Cards this year and appreciated every one of them. They came in various forms from emails to First Class Postage but it is the thought that counts. I'm a bit concerned about a couple people that we didn't hear from. Often that  isn't a good sign. My personal favorite card this year was from Elaine. The Holly pictured on the card looks very much like the plant we have in the front of our house with a few red berries and a lot of red lights. But it was the message on the inside of the card that made it most special. After a few "glowing" comments about a husband that are too embarrasing to make public, the punch line is: "I'm so glad you and I are 'us'". You can't get any better than that.

Christmas

We enjoyed Christmas Brunch at Carolyn and Ben's this morning along with John and Julie. The casserole was delicious as was the bread(cake) and fruit. The hot tea "hit the spot" and Ben's own carbonated drink was refreshing. The conversation included a bit of gossip about people at last night's Service at the Episcopal Church where Julie and the Choir sang, "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming".  It was a musical service with Mother Helen relating an interesting story of, "Love being placed in the Human Heart". After the Church Service we met for some "goodies" and gift opening at John and Julie's house. The gifts were of a practical nature to the extent of even anticipating future usefulness. We were back home in time to see the last half of  "The Sound of Music" for the umpteenth time and still enjoy it.  We plan to go back up to Hughes' this evening for our Christmas Dinner and I  believe Ben is fixing a Ham. I wish all Grandparents had the privilege of having a daughter, her husband and family nearby that they could enjoy and appreciate as much as we do ours. I believe this is what Mother Helen was talking about last night.