Nebraska State Capitol

I have always appreciated the architectural design of our State Capitol.

Construction started in 1922, completed in 1932.
The architect was Bertram G. Goodhue.
There are 15 floors above ground.
The building is 400 feet tall.
It is the third Nebraska State Capitol.

In response to the competition requirement that the new Capitol be built in a fiscally responsible manner, Bertram Goodhue’s “cross within square” floor plan allowed construction to begin around the old Capitol while still occupied, and workers still conducting state business. After the north and south sections of the outer square of the new building were constructed around the old, the offices were moved into the new and the old demolished. The second construction phase included the east side of the square and the north, south and east arms of the cross. Third phase construction completed the tower. In the final phase, workers finished the remaining west arm of the cross, completing the building in 1932 after ten years of construction.When landscaping was completed in 1934, the Capitol was fully paid for at a cost of $9.8 million.

Life is good ...

We've been blessed...

...oh yah!!!

13 year old grandson ...

Last week-end started the 2011 Cornhusker State Games. Grandson, Jake's middle school basketball team was entered in the "boys competitive" basketball games. There were five games over a period of two days. Fortunately games were held in air-conditioned high school gyms in Lincoln area -- so we avoided being out in the 100+ days!!! Here's Jake at free-throw line ... "sah-wish".

"Smoke Signal"

The 16-foot "Smoke Signal" sculpture in Pioneers Park depicts Chief Red Cloud and was created by Ellis Burman in 1935. The cast-concrete piece was renovated in 2007.Same sculpture circa 1940's ... pictured with Chief Red Cloud are Aunt Ruth and cousin Gene.

Bridges of Madison County - the movie

We've now viewed the movie ... Very good!! I love Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood is easy on the eyes.

Lifeboats ...

Lifeboats had dual purposes on the Westerdam. First and foremost in the event of an emergency evacuation from ship the three of us were to go to Boat 13. Be aware that we were on the 8th floor and would have to take the stairs to the third floor to board. Secondly, if we were anchored and going ashore it was our mode of transportation to pier, and to board for that we had to go to bowels of ship. It was an interesting ride...glad we didn't need it for emergency purposes!!!

Renovation "find" ...

As Larry was taking down drywall and window trim in the living room a grade school photo dropped out. We bought the house in November, 1977. We know it was wired in December, 1973. On the back of the picture is the name Erin Michelle - 1976 - age 5 1/2. What we'd like to know is if this little girl lived here. So was the photo stuck in the wall by a builder, previous owners, or some onery little tyke! ...AND...where is she now?