Wrapping up 2019

One of the things that Rusty and I do often is listen to live music.  I highly recommend it to everyone.  There is nothing more soul-inspiring than to be in the presence of a musician doing his/her best to entertain you!  I enjoy all types of music, and am especially fond of jazz.  Early this month we attended the UNL Glen Korff School of Music Faculty Jazz concert.

UNL Faculty Jazz

A few days later we went to the Lied Center for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

These fine musicians were beyond what I can describe!  Most of their tunes were arranged by one of the band members.  You really haven't heard Silent Night until you hear what this group can do with it.  It was a lovely way to get into the spirit of Christmas.






Then there was the performance at Lakeview Elementary school which was unable to match the previous two concerts in many ways, but way more important since Celeste was playing.

Celeste and her classmates warming up

What a cutie!

Proud Papaw and Celeste

We attended the Great Plains Bicycle Club annual Christmas party.  For most of us it's been months since we've seen each other on the trails, so it's fun to gather again and think about the rides we'll have in the coming year.

Rusty wore his naughty Santa Suit.

I visited Nebraska's State Capitol which always has a special tree set up in the rotunda for the holidays.

This year local artists were invited to decorate state-shaped ornaments.  Here are some of my favorites.

I spent a lovely evening at a wine tasting for Boisset Wines.  These three amigas signed up for more wines to be delivered to our homes.

Sharon, Sissy, Di

Daughter Lindsay graduated from Southeast Community College with a degree in Computer Technology.

walking across the stage and receiving her diploma

Proud Papa and daughter!  Associate of Applied Science Computer Information Technology.

Once again Chris hosted our annual ladies Christmas Tea.

Linda and Chris worked hard to prepare this delicious layout of scones, jams, cheeses, cookies,
and so many other delectable delights.

The beautiful table has many, many tiny snow globes.

Di, Chris, Lorraine, Linda

The Irving Middle School retired teachers meet monthly for breakfast.  I don't attend every month, so it was fun to see my former colleagues.

When winter prevents me from riding outside, I do spin classes at the YMCA.  The naked winter trees cast a pretty shadow on the window shades.

However, the weather was nice enough this past week that I rode outside a couple of times.

Christmas with the White family was very entertaining!

Lindsay, Celeste, and Anna

Rusty and Jeff

With our cedar strip canoe now completed, Rusty has been working hard to get his shop reorganized.  I gave him a smoothing plane for Christmas and he built a rack to hold his various planes.

Rusty owns and uses some power tools, but hand tools are his specialty.

We rang in 2020 at a house party with lots of biking friends.

Thanks to the Streichs for hosting a fun evening.

Our best wishes to all of you for a Happy New Year!