On To Lincoln and the Big Ten!

Following the MAPS National Convention in Illinois we drove to Lincoln, Nebraska for our annual reunion with friends and family there.  Our gracious hosts, Fred and Janet, once again welcomed us to live on their property.  Thank you!!

Ashley, our oldest Granddaughter, flew from Florida to Omaha to spend time with us and travel to Florida with us.  She arrived in time to attend her very first football game ever and witness Nebraska's first home game of the new Big Ten conference membership.  We had breakfast at this local cafe with some very dear friends: Barb, Woody, Pam and Dana. 

 We all had a great time together!  (except, of course, the Ohio State fans who left disappointed!) The Huskers erased a 6-20 halftime deficit with the greatest comeback victory in NU history, winning 34-27! 

One afternoon, we, along with our friend Linda, dressed up and enjoyed a "high tea" at the beautiful home of a local entrepreneur, Ruby, who hosts these events regularly.  Fine time and good food!

A most enjoyable afternoon that afforded Ashley a chance to try on some of Ruby's vintage wedding gowns. 

Our Lincoln visits allow us opportunity to renew old friendships, which include some friends  whom we have not seen for many years. Terri Elliott met us for lunch in Omaha at her favorite Mexican restaurant, Julio's, and Ruth and Jerry Holan drove from Iowa to have lunch with us at Valentino's Pizza (the best in the world, I might add!)  Two wonderful reunions that highlighted this year's visit!  We are so thankful for these, and many other, longtime friends from our Lincoln sojourn.  A real treasure!

Ashley's visit was full of excitement: not just her first football game, but first real snow in a loooooong time.  That was fun!  We spent a day or two wandering Lincoln, visiting the State Capitol and geocaching the neighborhoods with our friend Linda.

We all had fun dancing with the Lincoln Scottish Country dancing group on several occasions. 

Halloween gives Christ's Place Church an opportunity every year to minister to the neighborhood in the form of "Trunk 'n' Treat", where the kids (of all ages!) can have fun in a very safe and protected environment.  We all pitch in with serving drinks, popcorn and hot dogs. 

Ashley jumps right in wherever we are and becomes part of the action; a great quality!  She helped set up, tear down and hosted some games.

We counted several thousand folks there and everyone had a blast!

Some of the pastoral staff even got in on the act!!                 Popeye and Olive Oyl showed up for the hot dogs (sorry: no spinach!)

Hermione was there, too, from Harry Potter fame.

 When we're in Lincoln Roger volunteers his medical services at the People's City Mission Clinic. Here are some of the splendid staff members he works with, who serve the patients here as a ministry. 

 Meg and Ashley both spent time there, as well, working with records and even having a chance to do some physical therapy again.  We're very thankful this clinic opened two years ago and is serving a large number of Lincoln's less fortunate and homeless individuals.