3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

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The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

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The Flag Still Stands For Freedom
The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

During last years trip to Washington DC I had a chance to visit all of the war memorials. The Vietnam Wall affected me the most. To see all those names stretching out into the horizon gave this new Marine Mom a new perspective. Some day it could be my son’t name etched in the granite of a memorial.

It is through tears that I write this, just a little under two months before my youngest son leaves for Marine boot camp. The risk has doubled, the sacrifices of families, and loved ones that served and gave their all still proves that the Flag Still Stands for Freedom.

Thanks to MCPActions for having a Memorial Day contest to submit images of patriotism, freedom, and peace. Deadline is May 27th, so if you would like to submit yours head over there, a free 16 x 20 print will be awarded to ten winners.

Day 170/365: Exploring the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska

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Exploring the Rainforest at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

One of my passions, or “3 Quarters” is the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha Nebraska.

While my son was on leave from the Marines it was a trip we had to make as it has been a summer tradition and at least one annual trip every year. (when the kids were smaller it was several times a year) So enjoy a few pictures from the Lied Jungle and I’ll give a few facts along the way.

Did you know that this big zoo in the little city of Omaha Nebraska has been voted the Best Zoo in America?

Bet not, but the indoor rainforest is just one of the reasons.

Facts about the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska

The Lied Jungle was built in 1992 and is eight stories tall and has over 90 different species of animals living in both secure habits and roaming the paths and treetops. Many times I’ve seen a Golden Lion Tamarin in the branches above me. All the plants are real and it’s difficult to tell which vines are fake and hold mechanical cables.

Lied Jungle Omaha Nebraska
Waterfall in the Omaha Jungle

I’ve lost track of how many waterfalls there are, but I seem to remember a number over twenty. To walk through the Lied Jungle the first time would take several hours. There are many nooks and crannies to explore. One of our favorites is the small overlook at the top of the tallest 50-foot waterfall.


I didn’t even know my son was standing up there when I took this picture. So many great photo opp locations. I have been bemoaning the fact we don’t have any waterfalls here, but there are twenty waterfalls right in Omaha Nebraska, what am I thinking?

Lied Jungle Omaha Nebraska - Free roaming Monkeys roam the jungle and may just jump on your head
Monkeys in the Jungle Treetops

Covering one and a half acres directly inside the main gate, the Lied Jungle® has 123,000 square feet of floor space with 61,000 square feet of planted exhibit space, 35,000 square feet of display management area and 11,000 square feet of education space. One time I even saw real bananas growing in a clump on the forest floor.

How the Lied Jungle at the Omaha Zoo has Changed

Lied Jungle Omaha Zoo: treetop and canopy is over two stories tallAt one time you could see all the way across the jungle, now the plants and trees have grown too tall it’s truly a jungle environment. The animals, in the beginning, were damaging the plants too quickly, monkeys and the birds were shredding the leaves for nesting and food. Now they can’t tear it apart fast enough, it is truly a jungle environment.

I love the waterfalls, and the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska has several large indoor waterfalls. You can walk underneath, beside and touch the water, and it feels like you are in an actual jungle. My favorite is the swinging rope bridge. I never tire of walking across it.

The Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska has several large indoor waterfalls, many you can walk under and get refreshed
Lied Jungle Waterfall

You might be asking, so, where is the rope bridge? My picture this year didn’t turn out good, so below is one from last years trip.  I love this bridge, it swings, it’s wet, it’s very cool and so much fun!

For those less adventurous, or with a baby stroller, wheelchair, etc.  there is a path through the caves.

Swinging Rope Bridge in the Jungle
Swinging Rope Bridge in the Jungle (2010)

The Gorilla Complex is also another highlight of the zoo and who would have known we would have such world-class attractions in Omaha Nebraska. Not only do we have the Best Zoo in America, but recently received the Largest Zoo in the World recognition.

If any of my readers ever come to Omaha, seriously contact me, I will meet you there and give you a personal tour.

I love it that much.

Send me photos of your trip on my Facebook page, let me know how much you love the zoo.

Significance of Red Doors in a Church

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I didn’t know of the significance of red doors on churches  until I read, Finally A Red Door, on another  Project 365 blog.  Although this door is of a Catholic church in Connecticut the symbolism of a red door in churches spans many denominations. It is definitely a more popular tradition in older churches.

Catholic Church in Connecticut

According to Dr. Richard C Hoefler, dean of Christ Chapel at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, “Christians have entered into worship, into the presence of God, through the blood of Christ.” It is also said that a red door in the Lutheran Church harkens back to the time of Martin Luther, who posted his 95 Theses on the red doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany—the crimson color symbolizes the church as part of the Reformation. (Pastor Kuhlman, can you confirm?)

On the website St. David’s Episcopal Church  in Laurinburg, NC it explains: “Red Front Doors. The red doors symbolize the blood of Christ, which is our entry into salvation. They also remind us of the blood of the martyrs, the seeds of the church.”

Historically a church has been a place of sanctuary, a place where a soldier could not pursue an enemy, much like when one takes refuge in  Christ the enemy, the devil and evil,  cannot pursue and destroy you. Thank you Bonnie for bringing this little known history to my attention.

By the way, this door is at St. Francis Assisi in South Windsor Connecticut.

I am now on a quest for other Red Doors around the country, here is one in Nebraska City at an Episcopal Church

Symbolism in Churches

If you are interested in learning more about symbolism in churches and the meaning of certain design elements in architecture of a various churches the books below are full of interesting information of Christian symbolism.

The Secret Language of Churches & Cathedrals: Decoding the Sacred Symbolism of Christianity’s Holy BuildingsHow to Read a Church: A Guide to Symbols and Images in Churches and CathedralsSymbols of the Church


Day 50/365: Airport Adventure, With My Marine

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Can you find my Marine son in this picture? It’s as if he’s playing hide and seek. Now I can see why US Marines do not wear their cammies, ACU’s, or uniforms in public. They would stand out, and the purpose of camouflage is to hide and fit in with your environment.  The official regulations  on wearing uniforms at certain times is very strict in the Marine Corps and much too long to describe here. Since Nathan is strongly apposed to wearing it, I’m sure there are good reasons.

Day 50: Find the Marine

There is quite a bit of uniform envy around, if you can call it that, on both sides of the fence, with some very heated opinions on the pro and con. If you’re interested you can read more on the Terminal Lance forum. Terminal Lance also has a pretty funny Marine comic site that both my sons love to read.

Day 50: My son the Marine

We had quite the day, arrived at the Omaha Epply Airport early at 8:00 am just to find out we were six hours too early. So I got some extra quality one-on-one time with my son that we didn’t get during his leave.

The only thing I regretted was not being able to sleep late and wash my hair in the shower this morning.   To make it up he paid for my breakfast, blueberry pancakes, went shopping, and ran some errands  in Omaha. Lunch at Arby’s, again his treat.

Yup, I had a good day.

Day 35/365: Airport Homecoming

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Day 35: Homecoming

My Marine son comes home on leave. (any ideas which one he is?) First thing he said to his poolie brother, “Where is your regulation hair?” If their smiles were any indication they were pretty excited to see each other.

This visit is bittersweet, yes it’s soon enough after Christmas that the tree is still up and I get another Christmas with cinnamon rolls tomorrow night. But, I have to fly out to Connecticut to my Mothers hospital bed on Thursday.  She had a severe stroke and difficult choices will be made this week that will affect many lives. So, if you don’t see postings for a week that’s where I will be, prayers for peace and guidance is needed.