3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Elmwood-Murdock

Celebrating Independence Day in Small Town America

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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

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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.

 

It’s Time for Nebraska Big Red Football

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The Phenomenon of Husker Football

It is time for Nebraska Big Red Football and if you live in Nebraska, the Midwest, or are a fan of college football you may of heard how passionate Husker fans are about their football, the players and their coaches. One person in particular strikes a solemn awe in Nebraskans, and that would be Tom Osborne. However, this is NOT your typical football blog post.

I Did NOT Grow up in Nebraska

The Nebraska Football ExperienceMy husband is just a little bit passionate about “his” team, me I like college football, but I grew up in Connecticut and went to Oklahoma State during the Barry Sanders years. (It was awesome!)

So, I’m not a dyed in the wool Nebraska fan. I do enjoy it though, for many reasons. First off, I like watching my husband enjoy a game. It’s like he’s back in college again.

Nebraskans are passionate about their Huskers, especially the football team. It’s a way of life in the state. When Nebraska alums move out of state they often find sports bars and form their own clubs. They have the most loyal following of any visiting team in the country. The Big Red is highly coveted for Bowl games just because our fans will travel.

100 Things Nebraska Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die (100 Things...Fans Should Know)100 Things Nebraska Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die (100 Things…Fans Should Know)What It Means to Be a HuskerWhat It Means to Be a HuskerThe Nebraska WayThe Nebraska WayHit 'em with Your Handbag: How Four Friends Helped Change Husker FootballHit ’em with Your Handbag: How Four Friends Helped Change Husker Football

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Memorial Stadium is sold out game after game and still holds the NCAA record for consecutive number of sellouts. However, if you want tickets they can be found. Often just walking up to the stadium just before game time you can buy them at face value. We are lucky (and thankful) that a friend from church offers to sell me their football tickets from time to time. In fact the first time she offered, the conversation went a little bit like this.

“Hi Dawn, I heard you might be interested in our Husker tickets this weekend?”

“Sure Betsy, Randy was going to be up in a tree stand deer hunting..” I look back at Randy in the kitchen, “..but judging on the look on his face I think he’d rather go to the game. It will be an early birthday present.” (I’ve been told I can’t say how old he’s turning, anyone want to guess?

Waiting for the Tunnel Walk, think he's excited?
Waiting for the Husker Tunnel Walk, think he’s excited?

The Loudest College Football Stadium in the Country

We got to the game early, it’s been said that only Nebraska fans show up in the stadium and hour early so they can watch warm ups. Well, we were there at least an hour ahead of time. That’s ok, I had my camera to play with and there was plenty of photo ops. The atmosphere in Lincoln Nebraska is like no other experience. Fans start tailgating at 9 am for a 2 pm game. Nebraska fans are also know for their hospitality towards visiting teams.

Nebraska Tailgating At It’s Best

Nebraska football tailgating at a Husker game is legendary. College football is not just a game here, it's an event.

Nebraska doesn’t have a professional football team in the state, but we make up for it with the Huskers. Husker fans take their Nebraska football tailgating seriously. Tents are erected, parking lots for a surrounding mile are rented.

Corporations rent space under the viaduct for catered parties and millions of dollars are spent on customizing trucks, vans, and party buses, all equipped with satellite televisions, grills and smokers.

Nebraska Corn Huskers NCAA Round Table Outdoor Patio TailgatingNebraska Corn Huskers NCAA Round Table Outdoor Patio TailgatingBest of Times Collegiate Patio Bar and Tailgating CenterBest of Times Collegiate Patio Bar and Tailgating CenterNebraska Cornhuskers Party Supplies Pack #3Nebraska Cornhuskers Party Supplies Pack #3NCAA 2' x 8' Tailgate Table NCAA Team: NebraskaNCAA 2′ x 8′ Tailgate Table NCAA Team: Nebraska

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Today we played Minnesota (2012), and for one of the few times this season we were pretty much assured a win. By how much would be the question. (Gotta keep reading to see by how much)

University of Minnesota visits the Huskers in Lincoln Nebraska
University of Minnesota visits the Huskers in Lincoln Nebraska

Saturdays attendance topped out at 85,330 and the Huskers still lead the NCAA record for number of sell outs for a college football team. An added bonus is getting to watch our local Elmwood-Murdock graduate play for the Huskers. Sam Burtch (below) was a freshman coming out of his red shirt year in 2012 and graduated with my son David. Sam has won Scout team MVP several times and has seen playing time during many games.

Sam Burtch, red shirt Husker freshman
Sam Burtch, red shirt Husker freshman

The game also represented  Tom Osbornes 500th official game and tribute ran from the pregame, to halftime and post game. Many people shed a tear, including my husband. The stadium reverberates with excitement and it’s something only to be experienced. The crowd, the noise, and the excitement of everyone in the stands is palatable, you can feel the vibration from your feet to your ears. It is infectious.

So really, going to a Nebraska football game is more than just the game, it’s an event. The camaraderie of the fans is second to none and even when they are beat by another team they are gracious and courteous to the fans of the opposing team. Husker fans don’t like to lose. Bill Callahan and Bo Pellini were evidence of that, but we don’t take it out on the visitors from out of state.

Nebraska Big Red Football
Tom Osborne and Coach Pelini do the tunnel walk together (can you spot them?)

Taylor Martinez completed 21-of-29 passes for 308 yards on the day, his third 300-yard passing day on the season and the fourth of his career. His favorite target was Bell, as the sophomore wide receiver hauled in a career-high nine catches for a career-high 137 yards with two touchdowns.

By the way Nebraska won 38-14, in case you were wondering.

Nebraska notched its fifth consecutive victory to improve to 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten. The Huskers registered their fifth straight nine-win season under Head Coach Bo Pelini and moved a win away from clinching the Big Ten Legends Division title. NU closes its regular season at Iowa in the Heroes Game on Friday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. That game will be televised nationally by ABC.

Greatest Fans in College Football
Greatest Fans in College Football

 

If you didn’t think Husker fans were fanatical check out all the official licensed products and gifts. you can get everything from Husker t-shirts to a Husker toilet seat cover, honestly search for it below.

More on Big Red Football

Nebraska Big Red Football 2011: Bo’s Foundation Is Taking …

Hello Husker nation and sports fans around the world. Less then a week till kickoff and other then injuries up front for the offense, it sounds like the.

Well-Known Coaches Commit to Tom Tribute – Huskers.com …

… host Chris Fowler and ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe will be catalysts for interactive dialogues and salutes that will honor Osborne’s contributions to the state of Nebraska, Big Red football and service to our country.

Recruits ready to show off skills : Sports – Lincoln Journal Star

“I mean, top in the nation, offensive line commits — whoo!” Okafor said. “You can never be unhappy with that.” The first session of Nebraska’s Big Red Football School certainly would elicit smiles from Husker recruiting junkies.

“Brother, My Brother”, a Tribute to Veterans

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On Veterans Monday I had the opportunity to merge two of my passions, my pride for my sons in the Marine Corp and my love of music, specifically the Elmwood-Murdock choir and band. Just wanted to share a preview of the the choirs song, “Brother My Brother” before I put together the full post, which will recap both schools and the local G.A.R museum.

It’s obvious this song was written with the American Civil War in mind, but I couldn’t find any other history. If anyone can point me in the direction I’d love to add it to the post.

Lyrics “Brother, My Brother”

Brother my brother
One blue and one gray
Will meet upon a quiet field
The morn of judgement day

Brother my brother
God has heard your battle call
Now he’ll watch his precious children
Learn how to stand, learn how to fall
And his eyes will look away

For his heart will so be torn
As his fields of gold turn scarlet
From the rage of battle born
And the silence of the night
Will be broken by the cries
Of the ones who’ve been forgotten
On the quiet field where honor lies

Give me now a splendid sun
With all his light full clear
Give me now a gentle autumn
Before the dying of the year
And some green unbloodied grass
While I can still see far
Give me one night on a river
And one unfailing star

Brother my brother
One blue and one gray
Will meet upon a quiet field
The morn of judgement day

Brother my brother
God has heard your battle call
Now he’ll watch his precious children
Learn how to stand, learn how to fall

My favorite Veterans Day piece the choir sang, by far, is the one a did a few years back of the choir singing Flanders Field. Take a look you won’t regret it!

Tom Osborne Speaks About Character

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Nebraska and football just go together and to just about every Nebraskan Tom Osborne is a football legend. . Former Nebraska football coach, member of Congress, and currently University of Nebraska Athletic Director spoke at the small school of Elmwood-Murdock just before the University of Nebraska joined the Big 10 and here is what he had to say.

Tom Osborne talks about character
Tom Osborne talks about character

This was just  over a week before the Nebraska Huskers kick off their season, Tom Osborne would take time out of his busy schedule to speak to Elmwood-Murdock Booster Club event. This says volumes about his character.

Elmwood-Murdock High School not a Class A school, we don’t have a huge population base, but Doctor Tom explained it this way.  “We scheduled this function quite a while ago, and although Rose Bowl committee was in town today and wanted me to attend a function tonight. I told them I had somewhere more important to attend.”

Former Nebraska Husker coach talks about character
“Character is a choice”

Tom Osborne is a very soft-spoken man, even with a mic it was difficult to hear him and you could have heard a pin drop in  the auditorium as everyone was as quiet as they could be so they could hear him speak.

Many people speak about character, and Tom emphasized that “Character is not inherited, or a trait, it is a choice.” A choice the “defines  how you act when there are no sanctions” (an appropriate  football reference) “It’s how you act when no one is looking, when you know you won’t get caught. Will you follow the rules when the coach isn’t looking? Return that wallet when you could keep the $50 inside.”

Tom referenced another famous Nebraska native,  Warren Buffet who once said that “Character was an aspect he looked for in an employee, along with Intelligence and Energy.” Intelligence and  energy were wonderful, but without character a lot of harm could be created. A positive character was a trait Tom looked for in players.  “Character will define how you react in adversity” Will you blame, divide or see adversity as an “opportunity to learn and grow.”

Tom and Nancy Osborne receive a check for TeamMates
Tom and Nancy Osborne receive a check for TeamMates

Very few times will you hear a public figure speak about spirituality. Tom Osborne does not shy away from this topic. He considers “spiritual dimension to be very important to character. Even if someone is not religious, spirituality is important. Every morning the football players had an opportunity to participate in morning devotionals and prayer before every game. The players were willing to sacrifice themselves for the team. ”

I couldn’t help but think of Notre Dame and the troubles in Happy Valley when former Coach Osborne spoke of honesty being part of character that he cherishes and looks for in a player. “It’s telling the truth, even when it won’t make you look good. A good reputation takes 30 years to build, but only five minutes to wreck”

This man has lived and built his character and reputation through not only how he has coached the Nebraska Huskers, but also through community service.  He created the TeamMates mentoring program in 1991, volunteers for many community events, and has made many unpopular decisions in support of his players.

More About Tom Osborne

Simmons says Osborne letter was life-changer

“Coach (Tom) Osborne gave me the play to take in and to this day, I use it for motivation,” said Simmons, a motivational speaker himself, who knows how to turn it around. As a matter of fact, Simmons credits Osborne for helping him turn his life around …
Day 1: Fast-paced and guided by GPS

Popular guy: Husker video coordinator Mike Nobler did his best Tom Osborne impersonation during Monday’s practice, wearing a practice wardrobe straight out of the mid-80s. @HuskerExtraBC believe the term is business casual. Very casual. pic.twitter.com …
The LIST- Tom Osborne | Sport Leadership

This week, legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne discusses the influences on his Hall of Fame career, what traits he believes are most critical to effective leadership and his advice to the next generation of leaders.