Holdrege Sculpture Tour - Holdrege 

This is just a preliminary entry because we spent the entire time inside the museum instead of touring the sculptures.  My sister and her friend Sandy visited a few days before us and she told us so much about the museum that we didn't even read what the real Passport stop was about.  

But not to waste the entry, you must go inside this museum if you can make time for it.  It's probably the best tended and displayed early prairie life and times that I've ever found.  It's free to enter and they only ask for a donation if you can.  Anyone who grew up from the 1950's and on can relate to a lot of the items on display.  I'm going to display a few photos of particular interest and a collage of a bunch of others.

This is a Farmall F-20, top road speed was something like 6 miles an hour.  We had one of these on the farm and I did drive it some.  It won't mean much to many of you but the 20 in it's name meant it could pull a 2 bottom plow (slowly!).  It was started with a crank so Dad had to start it for me until I was in high school.

We also had a Farmall H.  This was also a 2 bottom plow tractor but could fly down the road at 16 miles an hour.  Ours had 2 wheels in front like most people are used to seeing.  This one had a 6 volt battery and an electric starter.  The engine horsepower of the H and F-20 were about the same but the H had about 50% more pulling power.

Next up is a dentist's office.  Boy, did I ever HATE to go in there.  It's not quite set up correctly in this picture.  That white bowl should be right next to the chair because you had to rinse your mouth out and spit in that.  No suction like today.  That long arm ran all the tools that were used to grind out your cavity.  It was powered by a long, round, rubber belt.  Our great uncle was our dentist but that didn't make it any better.

And finally, I spent many hours working with this.  Barbed wire.  Until I learned how to handle this, I was guaranteed to have leaked a little blood every time we went out to either build a new fence or take one down.  There were hundreds of different patents for barbed wire but the only one I've ever seen in use is approximately like the second one from the bottom.

The remainder of photos are of places or things I didn't really have much to do with, or maybe none.  I'm guessing my parents did and maybe some of you who look through this.

Steinbrink Landscaping - Kearney 

Beautiful area, certainly shows how well taken care of this business is.  I should have taken a video of driving in to showcase the well landscaped area.  Curb appeal, the impression one might look for when buying a house, exists here in spades!  They have definitely put forth a serious effort in making this place attractive.

Several large greenhouses housing thousands of plants. Outside has many more larger plants and trees.  I really don't know if there is anything you can't find here.

Spring Ranch Campground - Fairfield 

A most unusual campground in a very secluded area.  The short drive in from the road takes you through a small forest into a very quiet area.  The little booth above is where we stamped our Passport.

 There is a small lake and the most unusual waterfall I've ever seen.  You can enjoy this little sand beach area with a small group or yourself.  Swimming, fishing and other activities can be enjoyed here.  You can bring your own food or order food to be delivered when you book a stay.  There are also a variety of things available if the weather makes you stay indoors.

There is a variety of structures you can rent in this relaxing location including a small cabin and we saw what looks like the possibility of a couple yurts coming.  Each current accommodation has an indoor toilet and small refrigerator.  This place is really nicely done and well thought out.  

P.S.  I didn't get a photo of the waterfall because it's across the lake from the road and it was in a small, shaded spot.  You'll have to go and see it for yourself. 

 Willa Cather Home - Red Cloud 

We didn't follow directions very well.  We came to the home and found it closed and misread the hours as the home hours when, in fact, we should have gone to the National Willa Cather Center instead.  We'll see if we can run down here again to tour what we can.

 Superior Estates Winery - Superior 

They were closed when we stopped by.  Unfortunately, their open hours are very limited so we were unable to get them on a workable route.

Susan's Books & Gifts - Aurora 

This is a most unusual bookstore.  They only handle used books and there are a LOT of them.  They take in and move out about 2,000 books per month.  I don't usually put URLs on here, letting people look them up as they desire, but this one deserves the exception to the rule. Susan is not doing this to gain wealth, but to make the world a better place.  https://susansbooksandgifts.com/

All their books are donated and are sold for 2.99 each.  They also donate some books to certain groups.  

The whole premise of this store is friendship.  People volunteer to work here because they believe in the mission of Susan's Books to make it possible for just the right book to a change life.  

There's also a gift shop in the adjoining building to the north.  Susan is really full of enthusiasm for her mission.  When you stop in, make sure you take time to meet Susan and browse her store.  If you're a reader, you will absolutely find something to take with you.

S.A.M. Que & Catering - Kearney 

Very popular barbecue restaurant in Kearney.  It's an attractive location with a great menu.  All the normal BBQ items plus hamburgers.  

We ate there and numerous people came in to pick up orders to go while we were there.  They had run out of burnt ends dinners.  Apparently, they have a tremendous carryout business.  I had ribs made in St. Louis style that were lightly seasoned and served with a selection of sauces and Cindy had an order of loaded nachos.  As always, the plate of nachos were enough for 2 or more.

I liked the map they have on one wall.  Go Big Red!  Of course, that's not why Nebraska is red but I sure hope this year will finally be the year the Huskers turn in a winning season.  At least we can cheer on girls volleyball.  They haven't had a bad string of games for years.