The Middle of Everywhere

Guess where we went?

 We didn't travel on to Lebanon for souvenirs though.

We took some great photos instead. I was a little worried there might be thunderbolts if I went inside to have a peek, but everything went fine. Someone stole the guest ledger (I looked for it to sign) which seems like a particularly sinful thing to do.

I got out of there in a hurry, just in case the lightning was on a time-delay or something.

This is the view looking out from the centre of the US. That's pretty much what it looks like from all directions for the next 100 miles or so. We drove the few minutes down the road to see it because we were already in Red Cloud taking the Willa Cather Foundation Tour. If you can get yourself to Red Cloud, Nebr. you must take this tour. We ended up with a private tour, and our guide had all sorts of interesting anecdotes to share. I always enjoy taking the tour when I'm there, but this was Danny's first visit, and he was visibly moved to be able to look at Willa's bedroom, and stand in the same yard she did as a child.

 

 On Willa's front porch...

...and in her picket-fenced yard. Cather wrote about the fence saying it was for keeping out stray cattle and horses. Having had enough loose cattle find their way to my flower-bed, I can agree with the wisdom of a fence!

The sun was in our eyes-can you tell?

We stopped at the Welcome Centre in Hastings, birthplace of Kool-Aid. I warned Danny beforehand, not to mention the Jonestown massacre. People from Hastings get all defensive, and let you know that it wasn't Kool Aid at all, but rather some competitor brand that was used to poison the cult followers...because apparently that makes a difference. They're really awfully proud of their drink mix, so I made sure he kept his mouth shut. There's a wonderful museum in Hastings, and a college, but it is the Kool Aid they want you to think of when you think, Hastings.

 

Here's the real reason for your trip to South Central Nebraska-the Fair. Danny's Prize winners from left to right are, Apricot Nectar (1st) Apricot Jam (2nd) Sweet Bing Cherry Jam (3rd) and Spiced Cherry Jam (4th).

Thank you all for your congratulations on the last post. He's read them, and is flattered

you took the time to post comments.

Don't worry kid, the bees can't get out.

 Huh? Let's see what the clown thinks about that...

 

...as I thought. The clown has other ideas.

 

 

This clown wanted my lollipop. He got it too!

Day two, we set out from Seward, Nebraska to head back to Omaha via Lincoln.

 But first, I went shopping at the best thrift store I know of. The boys went out adventuring on the town square.

 They saw giant insects...

Threw hats in the air...

...and stood around looking tough.

 

But all good things must come to an end, and tomorrow school begins again, bright and early.

All right Summer...it was nice while it lasted. You know what you've gotta do.

I have a tonne of laundry, but there will be photos of the haul (eventually) I promise.