Momentous Move, Day 4

Today was the day that I would have to go back to my home in Omaha. A little bittersweet to say the least after what we had accomplished over the past several days. Even though we had spent the entire weekend in the house on the farm, it felt as if it were the last time I would do so. But that not being the case (the farm isn't going anywhere, just the people in it.) it was still a strange feeling. I walked through the house and took some additional photos. I know you're all shocked by this. However, an eerie feeling was lingering about in the atmosphere of the house. I felt as though we were abandoning something that was still in need of care. In my inner most thoughts, to me it was as if the house could actually "feel" the fact that we were leaving, or that Dad and Beverly weren't there any longer. I actually felt bad--for the house! Cathy and I stayed there alone the previous night and both of us were snapping pictures. She had one additional night in ND but would be staying in the house in Tioga.

The very empty living room that we all camped out in each night.


The once-upon-a-time piano/organ and computer room. The piano that we all learned to play is now at Cathy's house and the organ is at mine.



One of the bedrooms that I once slept in growing up.

My flight was scheduled out at roughly 4:55 PM. So we had plenty of time to go to Tioga and help out with other little projects in the new house. After we got there and ate some dinner, I went back into the laundry room and managed to empty the last of the boxes in there and organize the remaining items. Dad was sifting through a box of music that we brought with us and he picked out what he wanted to keep.

After relaxing for a while then it was time for Cathy to take me to Minot to the airport. I said my goodbyes to Dad and Beverly and we left them in their new house. Cathy would be returning back there for the night. Her flight would leave the next morning to go to her home in Portland, OR.

The days that I spent there seemed to go by much to quickly. It's always good to have the entire family all together, no matter the reason.

Momentous Move, Day 3

Today after camping out again on the living room floor at the farm, we got up and I made French Toast for breakfast.
After we cleaned up the kitchen, we had various other items that we wanted to take to town. So we actually had a small load that we took in one of the cars. Kevin and the girls packed up their belongings as they would head back to Dickinson later in the evening.

When we eventually got to the new house, we set about bringing into the house, the new load of things we brought with us. We tried to unpack some of the boxes and further organize the rooms that had been started the previous day. Soon it was time to have a little lunch so we dug out the leftover pizza and ate it up along with some pop or milk.
The evening plan was to take Dad and Beverly out for supper to celebrate their anniversary which was actually the next day. After calling a few places in other small towns nearby that we knew had pretty good food, we found out that they weren't open on Sundays (imagine!) and we ended up driving to Williston. There were 3 places that had been selected from the phone book that we thought might be good. We drove two vehicles as Kevin and the girls would leave for home after we finished eating. Dad, Beverly, Cathy and I would go back to Tioga afterwards.
The first 2 selections ended up being closed! Sheesh! Hasn't the great state of ND heard of staying open on Sundays like the rest of the world? Alas, we headed to Applebee's. It always has great food. There was a 20 minute wait but it could have been an hour and I think we would have stayed! We were getting pretty hungry! We had a lovely meal and filled up so much that I was ready for a nap!
Then it was time for Kevin's family to get on the road back home so the girls could get some sleep before school the next day. Unfortunately Susan was unable to attend because of obligations for the church which required her presence all weekend. We were sorry she couldn't share our weekend with us! :(
Then we headed north to go back to Tioga. Cathy and I were still going to the farm for the night. The next day I would be leaving to go back to Omaha.

Dad and Beverly waiting for their meals.

The day was ending on a very windy note and had been raining off and on most of the day. It felt like winter was in the air! Hopefully the next day wouldn't be as bad....hopefully.

Momentous Move, Day 2

Saturday morning started out with breakfast courtesy of Kevin. We ate scrambled eggs along with whatever else we could find in the pantry and fridge. Dad and Beverly came back to the farm later in the morning and Kevin's girls helped Beverly fill more boxes and occasionally helped figure out where to load some other smaller pieces of furniture. Cathy, Kevin and I loaded the heavier items. We still had Aunt Penny's pickup and the two cars to use. There was still the couch, a computer desk, a bed frame, some shelves, the computer, several kitchen appliances, and various other items that we used to fill spaces in each vehicle.
Once we had all the vehicles filled, we headed for Tioga. We drove to town like a military caravan.
The unloading process didn't take long with the girls to help carry smaller boxes and help sort them into the respective rooms. Dennis and Julie came back over during the day. Abigail and Hillary and Julie helped Beverly empty some boxes for the kitchen while Cathy organized the office and set up the computer. Suzanna and I worked on putting things away and organizing the storage cabinets in the laundry room.
Dad and I got the bed frame hooked up to the headboard in the 2ND bedroom but not without me bonking myself in the head with one of the wrenches I was using. (if you saw how I was positioned precariously over the bed in order to do this, you'd understand how it happened!) It slipped off the bolt and the handle smacked me on the forehead over my left eye! It instantly created a knot that felt like a small mountain! Nice.

Hillary and Dennis taking a break and having a serious conversation...hm.

Julie and Dennis asked us to come over to their house that night and they would BBQ for us for supper. We gladly excepted! The day was perfect for that. Abigail and Hillary went with Julie so that they could help her prepare our evening meal. They had definitely been busy! Hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, several toppings for the burgers, Kool-Aid, etc. We were full very quickly! It was so good to have a huge meal after all the work we'd been doing.

After we cleaned up the mess, the girls were wanting to play some outdoor games. We decided on Simon Says. I remember this game as a child. The girls and I initially started out the game. Julie and Cathy eventually joined in. It was pretty fun!

Later, when the mosquitoes came out and got out of control, we headed into the house. Dad and Beverly went home and the rest of us stayed and went downstairs to a lovely movie theatre setting. Dennis and Julie have a great set up for their huge TV and surround sound. We sat then and watched a movie. During this time Julie disappeared and brought from the kitchen bowls of ice cream with toppings for all of us to enjoy! Yummy! Perfect finish to our previous meal.

Outside on the patio before we ate. Suzanna and Hillary sharing the chaise lounge chair.

Dennis relaxing after our big meal. He took care of the grilling.

Dad and Beverly

Cathy and Kevin

We "children" headed back to the farm to get some sleep. Another successful day in which we accomplished a lot. Slowly but surely things were taking shape in Dad and Beverly's new house.

Here is my brother's post from his blog on the activites for this day.

Momentous Move

A few days ago, I flew home to ND to help out Dad and Beverly. They have been planning and working with a company that builds modular homes and had one put together in Tioga which is about 16 miles from the farm where my sister and brother and I all grew up. Actually the farm has been in the family since my Dad's Uncle Art homesteaded it.
Dad and Beverly were wanting to be in town for winter time especially because of being nearer to the doctor. The farm will still be there for them to go to whenever they just want to hang out and get out of town. It's still the best kept secret for peace and quiet! I sleep my best when I go home to the farm.
My sister Cathy got there a couple of days before me and she picked me up at the airport on Thursday. My brother Kevin and his 3 girls arrived later on Friday night after school.
Thursday Cathy and I had loaded up two cars with all their clothing and a few smaller items. Beverly and I and Cathy all made the drive to town and took it all into the new house. Dad was already there smoothing out some dirt piles (from the digging being done to build the garage) with his Bob Cat Tool Cat in preparation for the trailer full of furniture that would arrive the next day.
That night we were all back at the farm so Cathy and I once again set about loading up the 2 cars with smaller boxes. Beverly was packing them one by one and making piles for us to take out.
Friday during the day we started to take out the furniture and fill up the trailer that Beverly's son Dennis had loaned them for the move. It's normally used to haul his show car so it was nice and clean and had lots of space. We got the majority of the dressers, tables and chairs, cabinets for the laundry room, end tables, lamps, etc., taken out to the trailer and left room for the larger pieces that we would need help with.
That night after Dennis and Julie arrived, the four of us managed to get the huge and heavy items hauled out. Then we proceeded to fill the back of a pickup that my Aunt Penny loaned us. We also filled, once again, the two cars. It made me glad that I lift heavy things on a regular basis at my job! Things over all went very well.
We drove to Tioga and began the process of unloading all the vehicles. Dennis had a co-worker of his come by and he helped as well. It was nearly dark by the time we finished. Dennis' wife Julie ordered some pizza for pick up and then she and I went to get it.
Kevin and his 3 girls arrived a while later. After visiting a while, we set up the bed for Dad and Beverly and then we all headed out to get some sleep. My siblings, nieces and I went to the farm and let Dad and Beverly have some peace and quiet.

After moving in the big furniture, everyone was taking a rest. (sorry, it's a little blurry...but something was pretty funny!) Dad, Cathy and a friend of Dennis' from his work that helped us out.

Julie, Dennis (hidden), Dad, Dennis' friend, and Beverly--- chillin' out.

Back at the farm, we all set up camp in the living room. Even though there is a bed left there we all camped out instead. It was all very strange to be there without all the furniture that has always been there. The few times I remember the room being so empty is when the house was remodeled when I was just a child, and then when different furniture had been replaced at sorted times. Very surreal. Memories of holidays and birthdays and family gatherings came flooding back as I lay in my sleeping bag trying to go to sleep. My night was very restless needless to say.

We would have a lot more work ahead of us the next day but the biggest job had been accomplished.

I took some video after getting to Tioga during the day. It's a little rough but it lets you see the highlights of the house.

Obviously there is still some work to be done. A garage is in the process of being built. It will include a huge seperate storage area in the back enclosed as a seperate room. There will also be a deck built on the back that will have a ramp going down to the back of the garage for easy access. But they're in the new house and can at least rest easy knowing that the snow hasn't hindered the move. The weather was actually in the upper 80's and low 90's during the moving days. Beautiful for North Dakota in September! But after the garage is finished, there will be more things moved from the farm into the new garage and storage area. Much work is left to be done.

Guns & Hoses

I attended a benefit last night. The charity you ask? The Special Olympics of Nebraska. My friend Steve (Tammy's hubby) had some complimentary tickets from his employer. So in all, 10 of us met at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs for a boxing match. The MAC as it's sometimes called, is about the equivalent of the Quest Center in Omaha. In fact one is just across the river from the other.
Now I'm not much into boxing but this sounded like it could be fun. We had ring side seats, at tables, and there was a wait staff that gave us ample opportunity to order food and drinks!

The Omaha Police Officers Association and the Omaha Firefighters brainstormed and decided to have a boxing challenge. The title of the event was very clever. At least I thought so anyway. There is a band called Guns N' Roses. They are a rock group that was popular especially back when I was only about 20 or 21 years old. (don't say it, I know I'm getting old!) I'm assuming that they may have changed a small technical detail and came up with the name of the event from this band. But don't quote me. I could be completely off base. But that is what I thought of when I saw it!
There has been a lot of strict rules when it comes to attending events in the big arenas. For example, no cameras usually allowed. Therefore I left my camera at home thinking that this would be the case once again. But alas, there was no such rule on this particular occasion. I could have brought mine to the boxing match and taken better pictures than I did. So I was resigned to using my cell phone camera. If I had gone up closer to the rink, they would have been better than they actually look.

In between rounds during one of the matches.

Before the boxing started the lighting was a little different and gave me a better picture.

The final match.

The wins and losses were pretty even with each organization winning almost the same as the other. There was a match between two women too! All the boxers had trained at various gyms all over Omaha and some in Lincoln. They all wore protective head gear and no hitting was allowed below the neck (I think). At least no one did as far as I could tell. So it wasn't as rough as it could have been. I really did have a good time.

After it was all done, there was an after-event party/hang-out-and-meet-the-participants party very near the MAC. It was at the Quaker Steak and Lube. So I and 3 of my other single girl friends that attended, decided to go over there and have a little food and and some cocktails. One of them is a detective on the police force and knew several of the boxers. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the very temperate evening air whilst visiting with each other and some of the boxers.
It wasn't the venue that I would normally choose to attend but it was fun and something different!

Labor Day = End of Summer

Are you ready for it? The end of summer? The beginning of fall soon followed by winter and then inevitably Thanksgiving and Christmas? It's so unreal to me that this is the Labor Day weekend. I always remember as a child hearing many adults around me say that time flys when you get older but I never understood what they meant. Every year that goes by brings a clearer understanding to me of exactly what they were talking about. I know now just how quickly life passes by. What is the old adage? Good question. I really don't remember! But here's mine: "If you don't stop and smell the roses along the way, chances are you had way too much happening to realize they were there!" Some times people need to slow down in life and not be so involved in so many things. If you don't slow up a bit, before you know it, time has passed by and then you end up like me wondering where all the time has gone!

Here is an article that I found on the web (http://www.lifescript.com/) regarding Labor Day. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you.

The history of Labor Day seems unimportant for what has become a wonderful end of summer holiday for the American public. Beach parties, pool parties, barbecues and fireworks displays are just a few of the events that frequently herald the arrival of Labor Day. In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September, creating a long weekend for the working population. Traditionally, the passing of Labor Day meant the beginning of a new school year. Although many schools now begin their year well before Labor Day, the long weekend still provides a chance for families with children to take one last summer vacation. On your next Labor Day vacation, take time out to consider the history of Labor Day and its original meaning.While Labor Day is celebrated throughout the country, the origins and history of Labor Day have been somewhat lost to obscurity. Nonetheless, numerous traditions have sprung up around Labor Day and its ties to the symbolic end of the summer season. Labor Day is associated with barbecues, camping trips and outdoor fun. In fashion etiquette, Labor Day marks the transition from summer to fall fashions. The holiday means many things to different groups, but is always associated with the passing of the summer into fall.The United States and Canada stand alone in this particular association. In much of the world, especially Europe, Labour Day is celebrated on May 1. The history of Labour Day begins in Melbourne, Australia as part of the Eight Hour Day movement.
This movement took place in the 1850s, when workers began to organize around the concept of “eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest,” On April 21, 1856 stonemasons and other building workers in Melbourne organized a successful march for the Eight Hour Day cause.The anniversary of this march became a national holiday whose date was gradually moved to May 1.The May 1 date may have been chosen due to its historic significance. May 1 is May Day, first celebrated in pre-Christian Europe. In pre-Christian pagan culture, May 1 marked the beginning of summer with festivals and celebrations. As Christianity took over Europe, the Church and the State adopted the May Day celebrations, along with many other pagan festivals. Roman Catholics view May as Mary’s month and many May Day traditions are associated with the celebration of the Virgin Mary. Secular festivities carried on the tradition as well.In Australia, where the modern Labour Day was born, state and local governments control the date of its celebration. While Queensland and the Northern Territory celebrate on May 1, other areas of the country have set different dates ranging from the first or second Monday in March to the first Monday in October.The history of Labor Day in the United States dates to 1882, when the first Labor Day celebration was drafted and popularized by the Central Labor Union. Its aims were less political than those of the Australian founders, focused only on providing a day of rest for American workers. At that time, the order of festivities was drafted as part of the holiday’s proposal. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations everywhere. In those days parades and street festivals were on the agenda.
Political speeches were added later as the holiday gained significance in civic life.The Knights of Labor organized the first parade and passed resolutions to make it an annual event. However, many other labor organizations favored changing the date to May 1, the date of many international celebrations. However, the May 1886 labor strike and accompanying Hay market riots led President Grover Cleveland to support the continuation of the September date. Cleveland feared that changing the date of Labor Day to May 1 would be seen as supportive of the socialist and anarchist movements. Interestingly, much of the world used the Hay market riots as a justification for the May 1 Labor Day date.Canada also celebrates Labor Day in September. In fact, the United States history of Labor Day can be linked to the Canadian celebration. Canadian Labor Day began with the printers’ revolt in Toronto in 1872. Printers organized in an attempt to create a 54-hour workweek. However, organized or unionized activity was illegal and many of the printers were jailed. Protests and parades were quickly organized, leading to a repeal of the anti-union legislation and the release of the organizers. A movement similar to Australia’s Eight Hour Day movement of 1856, this one known as the Nine Hour Day movement, was born. An annual celebration to commemorate the events was also developed.In 1882, Peter McGuire, an American labor leader, witnessed the annual festivities in Toronto. He returned to the United States with the plan to institute a Labor Day celebration. With the Knights of Labor supporting him, McGuire mounted the first American Labor Day parade in September of that year.
Following the United States’ official adoption of the first Monday in September as Labor Day, Canada adopted the same date. Keeping the date consistent between Canada and the United States eased pressure on business that have operations on both sides of the border as well as demonstrating solidarity between the United States and Canada.With the settling of the Labor Day date in September and the emphasis on rest and relaxation, Labor Day became known for its end of summer celebrations. City and county governments often put on fireworks displays, festivals and other public gatherings. Labor Day in the United States is rarely politicized in the modern age, meaning that speeches or demonstrations are increasingly rare. Instead, public events tend to focus on recreation and relaxation. Parties and gatherings at home are also popular as adults and children alike enjoy a laid-back end to their summer fun.The end of summer connotations that Labor Day has developed have led to the holiday’s use as a marker between summer and fall. In the world of fashion, Labor Day has become a point of demarcation between summer styles and fall fashions. This led to a longstanding prohibition against wearing white after Labor Day. For many years, despite the rise and fall of various fashion trends, this rule has held fast.In reality, fashion etiquette originally prohibited wearing white shoes after Labor Day. White or “winter white” clothing was completely acceptable. It is not clear however when or where the prohibition developed.
Nevertheless, the tradition of not wearing white after Labor Day has gained a stronghold throughout the United States and Canada.However, times are changing. White clothing has been prominently featured in the winter collections of major designers for many years. Even white shoes are making a comeback in post-Labor Day collections. The longstanding “rule” is finally being challenged as Americans realize that in the right fabrics white can be a beautiful part of a winter wardrobe. Wearing white after Labor Day is now considered bold, daring and even innovative.Labor Day in the United States has lost many of its traditional associations. Today, the holiday is simply viewed as a long weekend of relaxation and family fun. When you celebrate Labor Day weekend this year, whether by hanging out at home or traveling with family and friends, remember the history of Labor Day, the holiday created for you and all working people. Enjoy yourself and have fun as you bid goodbye to the long hot days of summer and prepare for the fall that lies ahead.Are You a Fair-Weather Friend?A true friend will always be there for you in good times and bad, in sickness and health. But are you the type of friend who will stick around when stormy weather approaches, or are you ready to split when there's rain the in the forecast?

I actually am off work the entire holiday weekend. This is usually unheard of for me. Normally I would work one of these days. Not this year.
This weekend is also the beginning of football season! University of Nebraska Cornhuskers opening game of this season was yesterday (they played Florida Atlantic and won by the way...)
and I hosted the normal football parties that coincide with these games. I had roughly 12-14 guests. Some of which had attended the game in Lincoln and then came by after they came back to Omaha. We grilled hot dogs and bratwurst and had way too much food to mention. Some of it included chips, 3 or 4 kinds of dips and salsas, beer bread, cream cheese covered by different jams, crackers, and the like. The rest of the main course was cucumbers in vinegar dressing and a pasta salad followed by chocolate zucchini cake and some cookies. We had numerous adult beverages to go along with all these tummy filling goodies! It was enjoyable to be out on the deck and have space for people out there.
And so it goes. Summer is officially over and we've jumped right into Fall. Unbelievable....

How did you spend your end-of-summer weekend better known as Labor Day?

Finally Off the Floor!

Last year in October I had purchased a 42' Toshiba TV but not a stand or wall mount for it. I knew which room it was for but hadn't decided if I wanted to hang it from the wall or just put it on a TV stand. I've had it sitting on the floor this entire time with the exception of Christmas when I placed it atop my piano to make space for the Christmas tree. It really didn't bother me to have it on the floor.
Well, with football season starting and the sharing of rotating football parties, I knew it would be better to have it off the floor!
So I went shopping last weekend. I found one that I liked (mainly for the price!) and brought it home. After putting it together and setting it in place, I knew that I had waited too long to get it! It is much better to have the TV off the floor!
It has 3 shelves to place other components or photos, etc., below all whilst holding the TV suspended overhead. See for yourself.....




Most of my guests noticed it and others were oblivious to it. I actually had to remind some of them that it wasn't there before! But some knew I had made the purchase.

It looks lovely and isn't overtaking the beauty of the fireplace next to it. A much neater appearance as well. You must visit me now to enjoy it with me!