Travel Adventures

#17/52: Holy Family Shrine

May 22, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Holy Family Shrine can be seen as people travel on I-80 between Omaha and Lincoln Nebraska, although many do not know what they are seeing. It sits high on a hill and for those who take the time to venture off the beaten path.

It is very peaceful to walk through the gardens and reflect in the chapel. It is rumored that the Thorncrown Chapel in the Ozarks was the inspiration, but this I do not know for sure. It has become a popular location for photography and the view from the top of the hill is breath taking.

Prayers for a Woman’s Soul

Directions to Holy Family Shrine in Nebraska

Take Exit 432 off I-80, turn south towards the Flying J truck stop and go almost 1.5 miles on Hwy 31. There will be a sign on your right hand side onto Pflug Road (it is gravel) proceed west one mile. Hours are Mon-Sat 10-5 pm and Sunday 12-5pm. There is a parking lot outside the gate and you can walk on the hiking trail after hours.

Religious Gifts to Inspire

Jeremiah 29:11 Keyring Journey White Resin Plaque With Bronze Title Bar And Scripture Verse Jeremiah 29:11 Sterling Silver Miraculous Army Military Protection Medal Pendant KONOV Jewelry Classic Vintage Cross Mens Ring, Stainless Steel Band, Silver, Size 9

Information About the Holy Family Shrine in Nebraska

Holy Family Shrine still a beautiful traveler’s rest

The Holy Family Shrine is the result of a vision from a priest in the early 1990s that brought together four individuals who previous to the shrine’s inception, didn’t know each other. What they shared is a belief that it was God’s will to be involved …

Billionaire Joe Ricketts plans religious retreat near Mahoney State Park

The Holy Family Shrine, a glass-walled and timbered chapel seen by many interstate travelers, is about five miles north of the Ricketts property. Deacon Dave Christensen said he does not know much about the project but he welcomed it to the neighborhood.

Holy Family Shrine by BCDM Architects | CONTEMPORIST

BCDM Architects designed the Holy Family Shrine in Gretna, Nebraska. . Description from the architects: Through a unique and divine series of events, a group of people with diverse backgrounds discovered each other and …

Holy Family Shrine

The Holy Family Shrine overlooks the Platte River Valley and is covered in all natural prairie grass and wildflowers with a meditation trail winding throughout. The Holy Family Shrine offers an intricate architectural designed all glass chapel, …

The Holy Family Shrine, Gretna Nebraska

BCDM Architects designed the Holy Family Shrine church in Gretna Nebraska. Inspired from the Thorn Crown Chapel. Located off interstate 80, the Catholic chapel overlooks the Platte River valley and incorporates its …

Holy Family Shrine | Twenty Ten Productions

We just received a new lens in this week and finally got to test it out for the first time. With only a few days left before heading out to Colorado for a week in Estes Park, we made the trip to the Holy Family Shrine off of interstate …

Knorr Architecture Blog: A Religious Experience on …

The Nebraska apparition my sister and I came upon is the Holy Family Shrine –Fay Jones’ last ecclesiastical design. The entrance is a pedestrian tunnel carved through an earth berm seeded with prairie grass. This tunnel …

Reasons to love Nebraska {the Holy Family shrine}

Reasons to love Nebraska {the Holy Family shrine}. I’ve been daydreaming for a few years about camping near this gorgeous Nebraska spot so that I can take pictures at dawn or sunset. Turns out that’s already been done…by …

Holy Family Shrine by BCDM Architects » CONTEMPORIST

U.S. Marine in Service Charlies

April 18, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Nothing is sexier than a Marine in his BCG glasses at boot camp. Or maybe not, considering the nickname for the standard issue Marine eye glasses in 2011 were called “Birth Control Glasses” as in you look like the ultimate nerd, they cover your face, make your eyes look big and even cause Mom (me) to snicker a bit.

If a recruit wears glasses or contacts they are issued standard-issue spectacles, S9s or commonly called or BCG’s “Birth Control Glasses” because they are so ugly that no girl will come near you. They have been a staple in the military and are tough, sturdy and just plain ugly.

Marines joke about them, raze each other, but they are just as much as they are hated they hold a certain affection amoung the ranks. I just read on the Marine Corp blog they are being retired for those interested “Goodbye Birth Control Glasses” is a very good read.

This image was taken on Family Day at MCRD San Diego after the MotoRun. The new Marines change into their Service Charlies uniform, and garrison hat, or cover (Marines often refer to it as their “piss cutter”.) and then have their first five hour liberty to spend with their families on base.

I have two sons in the U.S. Marine Corp, one stateside and one in Afghanistan and have come across a Twitter theme #WarriorWednesday. So I thought why not start a new theme and feature on my blog. I don’t know how long this will last, but at least until I run out of photos and images. So it might take a while.

This photo started off as “PhotoShopFriday posting until I thought of the #WarriorWednesday. I adjusted the levels, color selected the blue sky, and darkened the blues, used shadows and highlights to open up the shadows on his face and then cropped for a better balanced photo.

Marine Corps Boot Camp

If you are interested in what Marine boot camp is all about here are some books that come highly recommended by Marine recruiters for new poolees (recruits waiting to ship to boot cam) and parents of Marines.

Welcome to Hell: Three and a Half Months of Marine Corps Boot Camp Marine Corps Boot Camp Survival Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Prepare For (And Live Through) Marine Corps Boot Camp This Recruit: A Firsthand Account of Marine Corps Boot Camp, Written While Knee-Deep in the Mayhem of Parris Island There’s Always One!: 50 Rules for Surviving Marine Corps Boot Camp The Making of a Marine Making the Corps: 10th Anniversary Edition with a New Afterword by the Author

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Photographing California Beaches, San Diego Style

March 6, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

While we were in California, for my son’s Marine Boot Camp graduation, we took in as much beach time as possible. I love the ocean and surf, and my photography bucket list was to take photos of the sunset over the Pacific and the sunrise over the Atlantic, and I have accomplished them both.

The ocean skies remind me of the midwest and big sky country. With the right lighting the sunsets are amazing and it feels as though you can see to the end of the earth.

Father and Daughter at the Beach — Father and Daughter at Coronado Beach

To achieve the golden oranges of the sky and clouds under expose a half a stop, your subject matter will be dark, but silhouettes against the sky can be very attractive. follow the rule of thirds by placing your horizon in the upper or lower third of the photograph, depending on what is more appealing, the surf or sky. Focal points such as people, a sunburst, or landscape try and place in the 2/3rds of the frame.

The San Diego Pier is one of the most famous photographic landmarks in Southern California. We didn’t have enough time for me to hike and get the photograph I really wanted, but this year I will have another opportunity when my step son graduates from Marine Corps boot camp.

My goal is to duplicate the below images.

Scripps Pier 2 (Giclee Art Print), Martha Dean Pier in the ocean at sunset, Oceanside, San Diego County, California, USA by Panoramic Images

My daughter and I could both live at the beach very easily, something soothing about the consistency and rhythm of the waves. Although the water was very cold, my daughter just had to go swimming, hey she’s sixteen, she knows enough to come in when she’s cold. Next day she learned to body surf, and did a pretty good job of it too. She was so proud.

Swimming in the Pacific Ocean, in October, just a little bit chilly

San Diego is a popular location for photographers and there even tutorials and guides to photographing the California coast. I am starting to take trips specifically for photographic purposes and with that quest comes preparation. Such as knowing the time of the sunset and when the lighting is best for certain landmarks, buildings and iconic landscapes. If you take your photography seriously then utilizing such guides is highly recommended.

Tips on Photographing San Diego

PhotoSecrets San Diego: The Best Sights and How To Photograph Them PhotoSecrets San Diego: A Photographer’s Guide PhotoSecrets San Francisco & Northern California: The Best Sights and How to Photograph Them The Photographer’s Guide to the California Coast: Where to Find Perfect Shots and How to

Marine Corps, MCRD Graduation Family Day

November 13, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Parent’s Survival Guide to Marine Corps Boot Camp

After thirteen weeks of intensive boot camp training, Marine recruits see their families for the first time the day before graduation at MCRD Graduation Family Day.

Plan to arrive on Wednesday afternoon or evening for a San Diego USMC Graduation because you will not want to miss anything!

I have THREE Marines and a USMC graduation in San Diego is NOT to be missed.

With each of my Marines, each San Diego Marine graduation in San Diego has been different.

Family Day during a Marine Graduation is held on Thursday, the day before the actual graduation at both MCRD San Diego or MCRD Paris Island.

The first time you actually see (or touch) your new Marine is during the Moto run in the Thursday morning. There is nothing like the excitement when they first run past.

You will cry, you will shake with excitement. Promise.

Up until Family Day, there are no phone calls (maybe one for travel plans), no emails, no Facebook, nothing. They are totally immersed in concentrated training and focused on the task.

In this day of instant communication, it is definitely a culture shock not only for the recruits but families who are used to being in touch with their kids at all times.

What Happens at a Marine Family Day?

You get to hug your Marine recruit for the first time. Mom’s cry at the site of their son transformed so much in 13 weeks. Dads beam with pride as their child stands straighter and prouder than he has ever seen in the past. Brothers and sisters will stand in awe of their sibling who looks like the same person but is changed.

CafePress – Proud Marine Mom – Pullover Hoodie, Classic & Comfortable Hooded Sweatshirt CafePress – MARINES Eagle Globe Anchor – Proud DAD Dark T-Shir – 100% Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Soft and Comfortable Classic Tee with Unique Design

What to expect at an MCRD Graduation Family Day?

Ears Open, Eyeballs Click

Family Day at the Marine graduation in San Diego starts with the Drill Instructor introduction.

It’s an interactive introduction to what your Marine recruits learned and how they had to respond. The ears open and eyeballs click command is to listen and eyes on me, with a response of YES SIR, at the top of your voice.

You will get to practice this many times.

After the MotoRun your new Marines return to their barracks to shower and change into their Charlie uniforms for on-base Liberty.

Marine Corps 101

Parents and family have about 2 hours before the Liberty review begins. There is normally several presentations by the MCRD Commander with an introduction of all the drill instructors. It is here you will learn more about the next phase of your Marines training and success.
CafePress – Marine Mom Red Friday T-Shirt – Womens Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Comfortable & Soft Classic Tee

You can also shop at the MCRD Base Exchange for USMC Graduation Shirts and other Marine USMC merchandise if you didn’t buy them ahead of time. You really want to wear a Marine Mom Shirt and bring home several.

Each USMC Graduation Battalion has their own colors.

1st Recruit Training Battalion = Red
2nd Recruit Training Battalion = Gold (Yellow)
3rd Recruit Training Battalion = Navy Blue
4th Recruit Training Battalion = Maroon

Considering the Marine Corps graduations occur on Friday it’s only fitting to some Marine Mom T-shirts in Red RED so you can wear red on Fridays and support our troops.

Family Day Graduation Liberty

Finally, the time arrives when the new Marine Corps families and friends can hug their Marine. They will march and assemble by platoon and officially get dismissed.

Your new Marine will have four to five hours, on base, to enjoy with his family and friends. They are not free to do anything they want. They still have to be alert to salute and greet officers as they pass. My favorite part of the USMC Family Day is being escorted by my new Marine.

Seriously, they are taught to bend their left arm and escort females on base. There is a hierarchy. Grandma first, then Mom, then the girlfriend. So Marine Moms, you rank over girlfriends.

The pride you feel as a new Marine Mom is overwhelming and one you will never forget.

Bring Food to Family Day

It’s not that the Marines don’t feed your son or daughter. BUT, Marine recruits don’t have time to enjoy food, nor enjoy their favorite food. Starting at the third phase of training letters from boot camp will start sounding like a menu as Marine recruits start imagining home and their favorite foods. Ask what foods they want you to bring.

You may be surprised what food your Marine recruit is craving. My new Marine asked for food of all types and during his five-hour liberty on Thursday and he ate continuously.

All we could do was watch in amazement as two bags of homemade treats, beef jerky, oreo balls, “Memaws “(bran) muffins, Swedish fish, Pringles, cheeseburger, ice cream disappeared AFTER a full buffet lunch.

Marine Corps Traditions

Marines cannot eat and walk in uniform at the same time.

Nope, won’t happen, so expect a lot of stopping to snack. We stopped to eat beef jerky, we stopped for cookies, we stopped for drinks. It was a constant “Hold on, do you have any more ______”

You will also notice other Marine Corps traditions which may be new to you.

Marines cannot walk in uniform and talk on their cell phone at the same time
Marines cannot put their wallets in their pockets of their dress uniforms
Billfolds are kept in their sock (yes you heard me right)
They must keep their right hand free to salute.
They will greet EVERY Marine officer or Drill Instructor with the proper greeting “Good Afternoon Staff Sergent” even when walking and talking with you, expect to get interrupted as you walk and talk.

During MCRD Graduation family day you can do several things.

Pick up Marines Official Dress Blues photos (the Marine Corps boot camp videos will come via USPS mail a few months later)
Eat lunch at the Bay View Restaurant on Base (here you can take a photo of your Marine with his drill instructor)
Visit the USMC Museum San Diego right on base and listen to your son describe what boot camp was all about.
Kick back and relax in the courtyard area outside the MCRD Base Exchange area
Go shopping with your Marine at the Base Exchange. He will want civilian clothes.

There will be plenty of food and gift vendors in the courtyard area and instead of walking all over the base and being exhausted you can actually relax.

Gift Ideas for Marine Graduates

Many parents like to give a gift at graduation to remember this significant day. Below are the best graduation gifts for Marines based on not only the recommendations of my Marines but countless other Marine Moms and parents.

They don’t like MOTO military gifts though and ~~don’t~~ WON’T wear a huge emblazoned Marine Corps logo.

So save your official USMC clothing for yourself.

Gift Ideas for Marines

Core Values – U.S. Marines Challenge Coin KA-BAR Knife Desk Display Stand (USMC Emblem)Wrist Armor Men’s 37100002 C20 Analog Display Quartz Watch with Black Silicone Strap HCSB Marine’s Bible Sterling Silver United States Marine Corps Medal with Christ Cross Back, 3/4 Inch Allied Frame United States Marine Corps Certificate of Achievement Frame

What has been your experience at your Marines Family Day? What did you do differently and what would you recommend?

Day 243/365: Top 10 Reason Why I Love Southwest Airlines

September 16, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I love Southwest Airlines! Just about everything about it, from the friendly staff, the easy, no hassle reservations on their website and even their phone customer service. I have never gotten my luggage lost with Southwest, nor have I ever been charged a luggage fee. Which didn’t used to be an issue, but now, it’s a hassle on every other airlines.

My first flight on Southwest was probably back in the 1980’s or early 1990’s and I’ve flown several airlines over the past thirty years.

Flight Attendents are friendly and casual (no stuffy suits, and overdone makeup)
Pre-flight announcements are normally random and funny (I actually listen)
I get to pick my seat and who I sit next too for several hours
Passengers are more laid back and relaxed than other airlines (maybe due to more casual travelers and less “business” people who are flying the “other” airlines)
Never have lost my luggage
Checking in is easy (first to use computer terminals at airports)
On line reservations is easy, you know you’re getting the lowest price instead of playing the “pricing game”
No change fees!! No change fees!! Did you hear me, no CHANGE FEES or PENALTIES!!
No luggage charges (Hey other airlines, what’s up with that?)
I notice all the employees help each other out and are friendly to one another. Gotta be the khakis and casual attitudes.

First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently The Southwest Airlines Way Flying LUV: Southwest Airlines Strategic Analysis

The latest reason I like Southwest, my youngest son graduated Marine boot camp in early October. I made reservations, and a few days later I received a letter saying he would rather leave on a different day to come home on leave. I assumed I would have to pay a change fee for changing my flight. Considering the reason, my logic brought me to call customer service to plead my case a waive the change fee.

This was not needed. The customer service representative said there was no change fee and it’s very easy to change my reservation on line just by entering the confirmation number. No limit, no change fees and if the flight was cheaper I would get a credit. I reminded her I bought the cheapest “Wanna Get Away” Flight. Still no hassle, if the price was higher I would just pay the difference in the flight cost. She walked me through the website and by changing my reservation I actually saved over $200 on three flights by rebooking during their 2 Day sale. Awesome!

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action Southwest Airlines 82 Success Secrets – 82 Most Asked Questions On Southwest Airlines – What You Need To Know Southwest Airlines Crazy Recipe for Success Nuts!Lead with LUV: A Different Way to Create Real Success

It gets even better. The flight attendant on our flight from San Diego home gave a very touching welcome and tribute to the armed forces and our service men and women. She welcomed and thanked my son, the new Marine and gave him a angel medallion when he left the plane. I was so touched.

During my eleven year tenure at Oxbow Animal Health the book “Good to Great” was required reading. Without going into business philosophy on how this good company became great I’ll just tell you what I have seen and heard. There is the story about the elderly gentleman who needed help and a random luggage carrier took it upon himself to go above and beyond, find help, and make the decisions needed to satisfy a customers need.

Employees are empowered at Southwest to do the right thing, make decisions and make a difference. To have an impact on customer, make them remember you, make them remember a company is a philosophy every company should have. I have seen small things throughout the years on Southwest that make me smile. But how I was treated the past couple of weeks, and the ease of the transactions, just made me want to tell others. It was a much needed blessing in my very hectic past two months that made a difference.

Give a Southwest Airlines Gift Card to your favorite traveler $100

So here is to Southwest Airline, thank you for being customer friendly!

As as extra benefit Southwest flight attendants are not only friendly, but they are funny and people actually look forward to the pre-flight announcements. Unlike other airlines like Delta and American where most people ignore the safety brief. Enjoy the rapping flight attendant on Southwest.

What Makes Southwest Airlines Great?

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