Nebraska

Patriotic Horses at the County Fair

August 10, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Patriotic Horse Stole My Heart

The social event of the year in many rural communities is the county fair and in Cass County Nebraska this is no exception. Saturday night at the horse arena is the 4-H Horse fun event which includes a costume contest, ribbon ride, egg and spoon, and sit-a-buck. This painted patriotic horse was my favorite horse of the night and I had to get more of their story.

So meet Willy, the Red, White, and Blue horse and his little owner Courtney. This is what 4-H, friends, family, and the fair is all about, fun, smiles and horsing around, literally. According to her Mom, Micki, Courtney couldn’t decide how to decorate Willy for the costume contest, Pegasus was the first idea, but the thought of trying to create wings and attach them to the horse was just too challenging.

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Patriotic Horse Costume — A girl and her horse (photo by Mom)

Courtney’s Dad was in the Air Force, and still works at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue Nebraska, so when her Mom saw this idea on line Courtney was very excited. Her friend didn’t have a horse to decorate so they went together as a team, one painted the stars and the other the red and white stripes.

They decided the opposite side should say “God Bless America” and tie red, white, and blue ribbons in WIlly’s mane and tail. The red leg wraps gave the whole presentation a patriotic “pop” and although they didn’t win, they turned some heads and made more than a few people smile.

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These girls have quite a number of years showing ahead and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year. Fun night is held the last night of the fair after all the “serious” show competitions and events. It’s time to unwind and have some fun. Thank you Micki for texting me pictures from earlier in the evening. By the time I got to the arena Willy’s paint was starting to rub off from the saddle and reins. I love watching the 4-H horse kids. I was a horse crazy when I was a kid and rode my bike into the country just to look at horses. Even though I didn’t own a horse, I joined 4-H and “borrowed” horses from club members, my first was a Quarter horse mare, Wimpy’s Kelly. I entered a few shows, but never really learned to “ride” and get a “seat” until college when a friend and I exercised roping horses at the local stable one summer.

The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses

Riding 3-4 horses a day taught you more in one day than a months worth of lessons. We even borrowed a cowboys horses an brought them to school one semester. When I became an adult and bought an acreage buying a horse was the first thing I did, her name was Tomcat Pat and she was a feisty energetic barrel and poles horse that loved to go trail riding. I was lucky enough to have her until she died at age 32, wish she were still around.

Patriotic Horse Costume Ideas and Resources

The Patriotic Horse – Stayton (Oregon) Daily Photo

Patriotic horse is patriotic. Or it’s just a coincidence it’s standing next to an American flag. Or is it? Yes, it is. Or not. This photo was taken along Sublimity Rd. SE, just outside of nearby Sublimity. In other news… Tomorrow is the …

Patriotic Horse Wear | Velvet Rider

Patriotic Horse Wear. July 3, 2014. Bookmark and Share. In honor of Independence Day, I decided to do a post on equestrian gear that celebrates our patriotism. There are options from subtle red, white, and blue to obvious flag references.

Patriotic Plume Browbands, Saddle Blankets and Rein Covers

WishPony.com to order your patriotic horse costume today! If placing custom orders for 4th of July (2011): Order by 5PM PST Wednesday June 15, 2011 for Standard Service Time and delivery by Saturday, July 2, 2011.

Free Tahmooressi Rally in Omaha Nebraska

July 30, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

It is time to free Tahmooressi from Mexico! Enough is Enough!

On Friday August 1st at 6:00 there will be a Freedom Rally in Omaha Nebraska at Memorial Park. Jill Tahmooressi, Mother of Andrew Tahmooressi, is the featured speaker. I listened to her radio interview on KFAB and it convinced me that my initial thoughts about this young man were accurate.

The more I learn about Marine Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi being held in a Mexican jail while thousands of illegals are crossing the Mexican border smuggling drugs, weapons and the the extremes the United States went through to free Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for five Taliban leaders the more pissed I become.

free tahmooressi — Click to donate to the Free Tahmooressi Fund

I’ve listened and read several accounts of the circumstances behind his wrong turn into Mexico. I’ve read that his story changed between lawyers, also that he had been to Mexico before. But, this is irrelevant in my opinion. Think about the circumstances and really how accurate are the rumors and the information?

There are a lot of irregularities and inconsistent stories, first there is a language barrier, second the Mexican police is known for being corrupt, and the lawyers he’s gotten haven’t exactly served him well either. I read the hard to see sign has been replaced since he was taken into custody, there are pages of documents missing from the initial report and an interpreter was not provided to him at the border. What truth can truly be disseminated from all this?

The facts remain he does not have a criminal record, he stated he did not want to go into Mexico. He declared his weapons. If you don’t want him in your country, make him do a U-turn and have him go back to where he started. Do not arrest a citizen of your neighboring country and throw him into a prison where he will be abused and mistreated.

The way I look at it it’s time to free Tahmooressi for these reasons.

1. What crime did he really commit? He was at the gate, not “in country” and while I can understand punishing and imprisoning a criminal, who had robed, raped, or murdered someone in their country, I cannot understand this. Andrew Tahmooressi does not have a criminal background. The border patrol should of just refused him entry, contacted the US Border Patrol and let them investigate the situation?

2. How often do Mexican illegals smuggle drugs and weapons into the United States? All the time, how many are caught? Very few. Andres didn’t actually smuggle them in, he declared them, if you’re smuggling something into the country you don’t tell someone about your contraband.

3. He called 911 and tried to get help saying he had crossed by accident. Another question is why didn’t the emergency operator try and help him, if his 911 signal still reached and would connect to the American Emergency network why can’t you get help, and WHY isn’t there an American border patrol at one of the busiest international crossings?

4. The United States sends millions of dollars to Mexico, not only from our government, but via their citizens who work (legally and illegally) in our country and send money back to their families. Mexico is supposed to be one of our allies, a friendly country who is in partnership in NAFTA with us and Canada. Why in the world then can they not release this man?

I have read and heard some people state he’s not a Marine, he was a civilian. However, he was on reserve status and actually had a notice to appear to his assigned duty station while he was in the Mexican jail. He had not found a permanent place to live so had all of his possessions in the car.

I will be attending the rally in Omaha, will you?

Information on the Omaha Free Tahmooressi Rally

Mother of Marine held in jail in Mexico to speak Friday in Omaha (Omaha World Herald)
Free Sgt Tahmooressi Rally, Omaha Nebraska (The Susan Smith Show)

Additional Information and News

Congress can’t get Obama’s attention to free Tahmooressi, We the People must

When justifying the release of five vicious Taliban terrorists detained at “Gitmo” in exchange for U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl, the president said, “We don’t leave our people behind.” He was subsequently accused of violating a law requiring him to …

Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi denied freedom by Mexican judge

Meanwhile, social media posters expressed outrage on GretaWire.com, Greta Van Susteren’s blog, on the breaking announcement of Sgt. Tahmooressi’s continued imprisonment. One wrote: “FREE TAHMOORESSI! NOW! Obama … Shame on you! You are a …

Afghan War Veteran Held in Tecate, Mexico: US Marine Sent Back to Prison …

Dozens of people, including some congressmen, have appealed to the U.S. State Department and Mexican officials to free Tahmooressi. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., and Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., sent a letter on July 8 asking for just that, according to Fox …

Celebrating Independence Day in Small Town America

July 4, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

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.

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).

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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

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Western Nebraska Sky Country

June 22, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Who needs mountains and oceans when the skies of Western Nebraska can give you all the scenery and glorious vistas you could want. So many people drive down I-80 through Iowa and Nebraska and say they don’t see anything except cornfields and flat land. I say slow down, take a detour on a country road where and actually look at the world around you. The open skies of the Midwest give a 360 panorama of blue sky combined with the action of the clouds.

This is the view from the back of my in-laws farm house outside of Palisade Nebraska. Every night the pheasants fly overhead and you can hear the male roosters crowing in the CRP grass surrounding the house.

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In June the wheat fields of Nebraska start to ripen and turn green. Rain is critical at this point, it helps fill out the berries and increases the yields. The farmers in Nebraska have been luckier in 2014 than the wheat farmers of Texas and Oklahoma. It seems the drought has broken. Southwestern Nebraska had 3 inches of rain one day, it was the most rain they have received at one time in over five years. To say my father in law was happy and smiling was an understatement.

Many people think of Nebraska as fly over country, a place not worth stopping as there is nothing to see. That couldn’t be further from the truth. What makes an ocean awe inspiring? The waves and the sky. Nebraska has waves of wheat and corn and a sky with personality and magnificent clouds. There is plenty to do and see in Nebraska if you just look: Omaha Zoo, Holy Family Shrine, rodeos, country fairs, football games, apple jack festival, and plenty more.

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You can even see road tracks in the dirt road. I’ve been visiting my in laws for many years during the summer and have never gotten mud on the car. We drove around through the canyons and it was very apparent the wildlife enjoyed the moisture as well. We spotted over 30 deer, a coyote, turkeys, and TWO jack rabbits. My husbands hasn’t seen jack rabbits out there in many years. Here is just one of the mule deer we saw that night. Notice the deer path on the ridge. This is a sight you never see driving 75 mph down the interstate. So next time you take a cross country trip. Take the road less traveled, slow down and enjoy the sights. The countryside has a lot to offer if you just want to look. Bring your camera, don’t be shy. Most people in the area are proud to show off their lovely state and are friendly as can be, as long as you smile and say “I didn’t realize Nebraska was so beautiful!”

Fun Things to Do in Nebraska

Nebraska event puts bison pies in the hands of determined competitors – Omaha …

CHADRON, Nebraska — LaRissa McKean walked into the competition circle in a pink dress, open-toed platform shoes, a Miss Northwest Nebraska sash and a generous portion of bison excrement in her hand. Earlier in the year, McKean, of Omaha, had won …

Fair keeps focus on all Nebraska has to offer – The Grand Island Independent …

UNL Extension staff members and volunteers have been transforming the outside of the Nebraska Building into a visual representation of the various crops, plants and trees the state has to offer. Inside an outline of Nebraska, all the state’s major …

State Games: Speer family continues tradition with Nebraska stop – Lincoln …

Shannon Evans and her daughter, Ava Haimes, and son, Dylan Evans, carry on a family tradition by participating in the State Games of America, this year with Shannon as a coach, Ava competing in gymnastics and Dylan in skateboarding.

Nebraska fun | Nebraska Passport 2015

Nebraska fun. Posted on May 29, 2015. My daughter lives in Minnesota. I always vow to stop at points of interest when traveling to see her. After receiving my passport I made up an agenda. Before leaving I visited the local attractions, Sew …

Chadron Intermediate School: Nebraska Fun Facts

Nebraska Fun Facts. Nebraska was once called “The Great American Desert”. In 1927, Edwin E. Perkins of Hastings invented the powered soft drink Kool-Aid. J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day in Nebraska City in 1872.

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Nebraska is a really interesting state! There are a ton of facts that I didn’t know about Nebraska. I’m going to list a few of them right here! Did you know that 911 was developed in Lincoln, Nebraska? Now it’s used all over the …

Guide of 10 Things to Do with Kids in Omaha, Nebraska …

It is the largest amusement park in Nebraska, and the site of the only roller coaster in Nebraska. Fun-Plex is established in 1987. Rides at Fun-Plex include a slick track, bumper boats, and go-gator kiddie coaster. There is a …

Memorial Day Patriotism

May 25, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Internet and Social Media Patriotism

I’m so glad to see Memorial Day patriotism spread all over the vast social media networks, including Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. People may criticize social media, call it a waste of time, snippets of fluff, but I do think one positive aspect of short exchanges of sentiment can be a statement of not only what you had for breakfast, but a reminder of what really matters in life.

Memorial day photos, MEMEs, and military tributes are covering the internet, signs of patriotism, love of country, and respect for our military. This is a good thing. In these days of political squabbles and infighting let’s not forget our men and women in the armed forces:the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, who have given the ultimate price and died serving our country and freedom.

I have combined my three passions (Quarters) photography, graphic design, and the military to give you the image below. Please feel free to share with your friends and family this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day Patriotism — Let us not ever forget, but always remember the reason for Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day,” a poem by Wallace Bruce, is the source of this patriotic quote. The poem was first published in a book called Wanderers in 1907. The glorious men “who kept the faith and fought the fight” are the soldiers who fought and died for their country; the citizens who owe their freedom to these individuals now have the duty to uphold the values for which these soldiers fought. Specifically, the poem is about the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. source

So this weekend, go to your picnics, enjoy your barbecues, throw a steak on the grill, but also take time to visit a cemetery, attend a Memorial Day parade or ceremony. Just think and reflect that while you are enjoying your life and freedom soldiers, Marines, sailors, and airmen fought in many wars before your time to ensure the freedom and rights of the United States of America.

Memorial Day Memorial Day for Kids Memorial Day Surprise The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans

After our annual trip to the town cemetery for a service and recognition I will head over to the senior center where lunch is served for the town and then to the GAR Hall to stroll through our Veterans Museum.

I’d like to know your holiday traditions and how you spend Memorial Day weekend, leave me a comment below and share how your town recognizes this patriotic holiday.