3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Small Town Living

Celebrating Independence Day in Small Town America

by

Across the United States millions of Americans are celebrating Independence Day with parades, picnics, barbecues and fireworks. The town of Murdock Nebraska is no different. However, our story is a little unique because you see it is a village of under 400 people. The town is joined by Elmwood Nebraska just six miles south and we form the community of Elmwood-Murdock joined together by our schools and with a total population of around a thousand people.

The day starts off with a 5K Dillon Synovec Memorial Run at 7:30 am and then continues with a parade, lunch hosted by the Lions Club, pie at the church, firemans water fight, tractor pull, softball games, and fireworks at the end of the night.

Patriotic pride on Independence Day

Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade
Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade

However during the 4th of July parade and Independence Day parade we grow to probably close to a thousand people. That is no joke. Our parade is one of the best around and over an hour long. You can see the sidewalks packed with people and this goes on for an amazing three blocks of main street. Well actually people are also sitting in their yards on the parade route also, but the announcers stand is on Main St (3rd Ave).

Online Stores 12-Pack US Stick Flag Standard, Wood Stick with Spear Tip, 8 by 12-InchNo-Fray Parade Flags, Set of 12

My friends always bring their donkeys and throw candy from the home made barrels on the side. Chris dresses up in his red and white “Husker” coveralls which double for the 4th of July.

Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day
Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day

Game Day Red and White Adult Bib Overalls

There wouldn’t be a country Independence Day parade without some antique tractors decked out in 4th of July bunting, and this one is an oldie. I’ve never even heard of a Rumley tractor before, obviously this brand is no longer made and was built before inflatable tires.

Tractor in the 4th of July parade
Tractor in the 4th of July parade

The marching band from Elmwood-Murdock high school marches, and because it’s the 4th and not a competition they are allowed to wear shorts and an school T-shirt. My daughter played the drums in school and during her senior year she moved up to the quads which is a coveted position. She felt like a “beast” when she played the quads.

Bass drum and the quads marching during the parade
My daughter on quads marching during the parade

After the parade one of the local 4-H clubs gives out free watermelon. It’s a favorite with the crowds and a good appetizer to the lunch served after the parade put on by the Lions Club.

Watermelon on the 4th of July
Watermelon on the 4th of July

Can’t go wrong with watermelon on the 4th of July, it’s a holiday tradition.

Watermelon Napkins and Plates for Summer Decorating and Picnics

The day continues with a tractor pull and one of my favorite activities the Fireman’s water fight. The local volunteer fire departments from about 8-10 towns in the area compete for bragging rights (and I’m sure a few beers) in water fights. The object of the game is to push the 55 gal barrel down the wire using the force from the water hose. If it’s hot the spray from the fire hoses are a welcome relief to the hot sun. It’s so much fun watching the little kids play in the water. (My daughter is sitting with our dog Leah to the left of the picture)

Celebrating the 4th of July with Fireman water fights
Fire Department Water Fights

For most kids the favorite part of celebrating Independence Day is the fireworks. This year my husbands family took a cross country trip from New York to tour the Western United States. They stopped by our house and the teenagers were so excited to light fireworks. Fireworks aren’t legal for the “regular” person to light in Buffalo. There are kid safe fireworks that are legal in all 50 states and small kids really don’t know the difference.

Pow Pow Party Snaps, a Super Noisemaker, 50 BoxesSmoke Balls – Assorted Colors, 72 Pieces

Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks
Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks

However you celebrate Independence Day, have a safe one, hug your families, salute the flag and remember we are celebrating our freedom, the birth of our country and all that we hold dear and take for granted: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, and freedom from tyranny. Our military fought for our freedom from the British in the 1700’s and continues to fight for those who suppress freedom around the world.

How Are You Celebrating Independence Day This Year?

Leave me a note below, I’d love to hear your traditions.

 

Colonel Tom Brewer: Warrier to Congressman

by

I am honored to know Tom Brewer, and his family. I don’t normally venture into politics on my blog, photography is my gig, but have made a few exceptions, Colonel Tom Brewer is reason to make that exception.  The more I learn about politics the more I’m fed up and tired of politics as usual and the career politicians who place their own interest first. We need more people in Washington that love America, understand what freedoms we truly have, and are willing to fight to keep that freedom.

Colonel Tom Brewer for Congress 2014
Click to go to the official Tom Brewer for Congress website

We have a commander in chief who has never served in the military, who doesn’t understand international politics and policies and has made decisions that have not only hurt our country but put thousands of our men and women in the military in harms way and placed them in danger.

This is where my endorsement (for what it’s worth) and political stance is front and center. I totally believe, trust and stand behind Colonel Tom Brewer for Congress for the third district in Nebraska. I have been fortunate to know him and his family for many years as they have lived in Eastern Nebraska and his kids have gone to the same high school as mine. His daughter is a good friend of my sons and I think the world of her.Click to the Colonel Tom Brewer for Congress 2014

Tom has not only served his country with honor and commitment, stood in the line of fire to protect his men, but also been placed in diplomatic leadership positions with international leaders and advisers. He was critical in helping build the Afghan National Army in the years after 9/11. There is much I can say about the man and his values, but I have decided to link to the media stories and interviews to let him tell it himself.

People in the third district don’t have “bad” things to say about Adrian Smith, but they really can’t say something positive he’s done either. Although it has come to light that Rep Adrian Smith In a recent poll in the Grand Island Independent  more than 70% think the 3rd District needs a military man to represent them in Congress.

Since then Colonel Brewer has taken Congressman Smith to task for not supporting the families of the men killed at Benghazi and has urged him to support HR 36 which would would support Congressional action to investigate the terrorist attack on Benghazi on September 11, 2012.

Tom Brewer speaks about Benghazi
CLICK to hear the radio interview

I have been following the events of Benghazi from the beginning as my oldest son was at Camp Bastion just a few months before the attack and it really hit close when men he knew and worked with died and were injured in the attack. Colonel Brewer knew and served with Navy SEAL Glen Doherty and in a radio interview this week stated the following:

“The mortars used to kill Americans on September 11, 2012 in Benghazi had American tail fin numbers. They were killed with our own weapons. And for the life of me, I don’t understand why Congressman Adrian Smith will not support an investigation that would allow the truth to come out.”

What is going on in Washington? Why are some state representatives hiding their head in the sand? The sitting Republican Congressman Adrian has time and time again turned down Tom Brewers request to debate before the primary. What is he afraid of, I say let’s get Tom Brewer elected, send him to Washington and let him take names and kick butt.

 

I encourage you to visit his website, contribute what you can, pass his information along to anyone in the country. It’s not just Nebraska he represents but all veterans, patriots and Americans. If you have contacts in the media or in the press get them in contact with Colonel Brewer and his campaign office. He not only has a story to tell, but is a leader who will get things done in Washington.

Colonel Tom Brewer Official Links

Video Stories

Nebraska Soldier retires After 36 years

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAEYYxFoC8w

Watch the Brewer vs Smith Debate

Watch the Republican primary debate between Tom Brewer and Adrian Smith at UStream.com decide for yourself who won the political debate. I have watched many political debates over the years and Tom Brewer did a fantastic job in my opinion, you would never know he hasn’t debated before, or been in the political area. I didn’t know he had such a public speaking presence.


Video streaming by Ustream
 Political Interviews

Learn where Tom Brewer stands on abortion (Pro-Life), the second Amendment (life time NRA member), Benghazi, immigration, the national budget, national defense, the Keystone Pipeline, the Tea Party, immigration, leadership, and more important issues facing our country today. He has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in domestic and international affairs.

Articles About Colonel Tom Brewer

Tom Brewers Military Career

Books

Chronicles the attack near Kabul Afghanistan where Tom Brewer and his men were outnumbered 10 to one, yet they held off the enemy for more than an hour before support arrived. Tom Brewer was shot six times yet still continued to fight and received his first Purple Heart.

If you know Colonel Tom Brewer you understand what he stands for, if you don’t get to know this man, he will tackle Washington like he has him military life, with honor and commitment.

 

My Youngest Daughter Graduates High School

by

Planning a High School Graduation Party for the Last Time

The day has come, I am an empty nester and my youngest has graduated from high school. I am planning my last high school graduation party.

Create personalized graduation gifts with a high school graduates baby picture and cap and gown photo. Then & now photo frames are unique graduation gift ideas for families. High school graduation gifts mean more when they are personal. Perfect graduation gifts for him and her. Order a frame with this 10x20 photo print along with your order, or purchase one after.

Where did the time go? It seemed like yesterday when she was just a baby.

THEN and NOW photo keepsake FrameTHEN and NOW photo keepsake Frame

It was a wild month leading up to the graduation ceremony and the graduation party. But I was so happy and glad we did everything to make the day and weekend special.

High School Graduation Party Ideas

When I mean we did everything we did everything. Including a photo-booth, chocolate-covered strawberries, and photo candy favors.

Graduation Candy Favors

It took me three weeks to recuperate, I think that’s a sign I’m getting older. Here are just a few from her party and graduation itself.

Hugging friends at graduation

I threw two high school graduation parties that year as my stepdaughter graduated from the same school. We had two parties, two sets of photos, twice as many pictures.

But, I had fun and wouldn’t have changed a thing. Ok, maybe not dipped so many chocolate-covered strawberries, but that’s another story.

High School graduation, a milestone event

These young adults are now on their way into adulthood, college, jobs, the military and places and experiences unknown.  As parents, we supported them in their activities, tried to correct behavior, and guided them in the ways of the world. It is now up to them.

My two sons graduated years ago and I kept several of their decorations. That saved some money. Since one party was a week before the other I could reuse decorations from one girl to the next, to a point.

Graduation party favors and streamers make a party special. Find high school party ideas and gifts for your special graduate.

Each had their own style and wanted to personalize their own celebration, which is the way it should be. These graduation party favor streamers are fun to wave and shake during the ceremony or during a graduation parade.

Popular Graduation Party Decorations

Photobooth for Graduation party

High school graduation is special and it represents not only the end of their general school career but is a starting point for adulthood.

Many parents will post photographs that represent the journey from infant to adulthood to compare how they have changed and grown.

Etsy graduation gifts for her. Unique graduation gift ideas are easy to find on Etsy.

There are so many themed party ideas and you can go crazy on Etsy graduation gifts for her.  

Placing Flags For Memorial Day

by

In cemeteries all over the country flags are placed on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. Have you ever wondered how they suddenly appear, who places them, and how long it takes?

In Elmwood Nebraska, a town of just slightly over 800 people, we celebrate Memorial Day like many towns across the country. The local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) coordinates volunteers to met in the cemetery to place flags on the memorial crosses and markers. I’ve learned this event is often called “Flaging In”

Community helps place flags
Community helps place flags

A time of 7 o’clock pm was sent out for anyone who wanted to help decorate the cemetery. I got there about 7:05 and the people were already milling about with bundles of flags. All of the small flags had already been taken so a friend and I were given a basket of large flags to raise on the poles.

Boy Scout placing flags on Memorial Day
Boy Scout placing flags on Memorial Day

Each pole was at least a two person job, one to hold the flag to make sure it didn’t touch the ground, and the other to raise the pole. The flag wanted to fly free in the wind and I can’t describe the feeling I had as I released the flag into the wind and watch it unfurl. Maybe a sense of pride crept over my face along with a smile. It felt good.

Raising the flag on Memorial Day
Raising the flag on Memorial Day

Raising flags on Memorial Day
Raising flags on Memorial Day

American Flag Ready to fly on Memorial Day
American Flag Ready to fly

This was truly a community event with people of all ages helping.

American unfurls at half staff
American flag unfurls at half staff

It’s pretty amazing to gather with a group of people who feel the same way. Who want to remember veterans and those that died serving their country. People need to remember, never forget what makes the United States great.

Take time out this weekend from your barbecues, family get togethers and shopping to visit a military museum, take part in a Memorial Day ceremony at a church or cemetery. Look at the names and dates on the headstones and remember.

Where to Buy American Flags Made in America

Valley Forge Flag 3-Feet by 5-Feet Nylon USBulk American Flags for Cemeteries3′ X 5′ Flag Display Case

Recognizing Memorial Day

Patriotic Video: America, I Love You

by

This patriotic video might just make you forget the recent government scandals so prevalent right now. Although it seems patriotism and confidence in the United States is waning or lacking. I don’t think it’s true. Yes, if you listen to talk radio, or watch CNN or other news channels you might be depressed and discouraged. But I tell you, there are good people all across this country doing good things, helping out neighbors, serving in the military because they love where they live.

Keep Us Safe because Freedome is Not Free
Korean War Memorial: Washington DC on Memorial Day

When American citizens are left alone, without government intervention we help each other out and stand side by side during tragedies such as the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

In this week leading up to Memorial Day, I want to remind people the greatness of the American people outside the Washington Beltway. Memorial Day is not only a day to remember our veterans and those who died serving our country but to gather together as families worship and celebrate life, and remember those who have died and left an impact on our lives.

America I love YouMarine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA I’ve wanted to create a patriotic video that includes the many photographs I’ve taken over the years that have a military theme, or veterans theme, but didn’t have the appropriate music. This song “America, I Love You” was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician in Omaha, Nebraska. I first heard it last fall and fell in love with it and he graciously allowed me to use it for the video.

Veterans of all our wars deserve our thanks for making the sacrifice and serving their country. This includes not only the modern wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, Desert Shield, and Storm but the often forgotten Vietnam and Korean Veterans, along with those veterans from WWII and WWI.

It is the men and women of the Marine Corps, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and our National Guard that spend days away from family and friends, whether abroad or stationed in the United States, that serve to protect our freedom. We owe them our thanks for volunteering for a job many would never consider.The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

As you participate in Memorial Day celebrations, parades and picnics, stop by a cemetery and read the inscriptions on the War Memorials of soldiers from the French Indian War and even the Civil War. If you are lucky enough to live in New England search out the Revolutionary War cemeteries. Those soldiers truly fought for our freedom and Independence. They are the reason we celebrate the 4th of July.

If you recognize some of the photos it’s because they are some of my favorites from my Washington DC trip when my kids marched in the Memorial Day Parade and include the World War II Memorial, United States Marine Corps Memorial, Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and other images of freedom and sacrifice.

I was really quite surprised I had so many photographs of the American Flag and color guards taken at various parades. It never fails to give me a chill when the American Legion leads a parade with the flags and people stand to applaud, salute or put their hand over their heart.
My goal is to create a national sensation with this song. Patriotic pride needs to once again resonate through the land. So reblog this post, tweet it, post it to your Facebook page and PIN it on PINTEREST, let’s see how far this video and song can spread.

So post this for Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day and all other patriotic holidays.

Thank you and God Bless.