technology in agriculture

We missed out on seeing bunches of kids in costumes up here (if there were any) but we certainly saw staff in costume for both Dinner and Supper. I don't know what to call these "creatures" but it would be difficult to say anything about their attractiveness or absence thereof with their big mouths, short legs and big bottoms. Rosellen on the other hand was quite attractive and colorful with her outfit. There were several others that were interesting and others that I just didn't catch on as to who they were representing. Jeremy wore a large horse shoe around his neck with little yellow "pips" down around the open end that I never did get figured out. Maybe that was the "trick" and the "treat" would have been knowing what it represented.

Paul Siebert was back to Brookdale this afternoon and provided entertainment for the October Birthdays. There were an unusually large number of them that Rosellen recognized during a break in Paul's program. He not only provides excellent "sing along" music but also tells the story that goes with it. It seems that movies have done much more to popularize Country Music than did cowboys. He started his 50 minute program with the Guitar and big hat but switched to a Derby hat as he sang Celtic songs.While he played a conventional Banjo, the one shown here was hand made with a squash base covered with goat skin. It originated in Africa. He also played a Jaw harp, Dulcimer and button Accordion. He has a wonderful singing voice but can do imitations, even whistle and yodel. He said the program he provided us was the same as he did each of the 8-days of the State Fair.

Barb Liska, the head Dispatcher of the Seward County 911 office had the program today at Kiwanis. The primary responsibility of the Seward County Communications office is to dispatch for the Seward County Sheriff�s Department, Seward Police Department, Milford Police Department, all fire and rescue calls in Seward County, and handling all 911 and non-emergency calls. To report Crime Stoppers Tips, Call Crime Stoppers 402-643 3334.  Following her presentation  and questions from the audience, it seems that a couple people had difficulty getting through to her with the 911 number. In that case the number 492 643 4576 will get you to the Dispatcher. Another problem mentioned was coming upon an accident on a country road and not being able to determine the location. While the intersections are all marked, it can be a problem if you are driving by landmarks and are not aware of the road name or number. I would hope that technology would soon enable our smart phones to give us ...

Rev. Bob Perry from the Seward United Methodist Church led the Church Service at Brookdale this afternoon. Eli Stark provided accompaniment for Hymn singing. Rev. Perry used scripture readings  that told of Job being blessed with great wealth only  to see it destroyed and eventually returned, to support his discussion of our "accepting the new normal". I can't think of any place where the message would be more appropriate than  at a facility like Brookdale. None of us would be here were it not that we are adjusting to a different life style than what we enjoyed in our own homes. Like with Job, having faith in the Good Shepard to lead us is the only way we can adjust and accept this "new normal". Rev. Perry's examples were of his Dad's athletic endeavors that eventually led to golf; and even to the number of holes that he could play/day. I have been very fortunate in being able to "give up" jobs, public service positions, and recreational activi...

Our Spectrum Internet service has been erratic the past couple days, being "off" most of the time. I wasn't able to send a blog page yesterday.  The repair truck just pulled out so maybe they have it "fixed". Carolyn got us up to their house this afternoon. It's been a couple weeks since we've been inside so were very impressed with the progress. The counter tops and all the trim work is a big part of what hopefully will get done in the next couple weeks. A lot of work is still to be done in the bathrooms too. Carolyn is very pleased with the wooden beams in the Great Room that includes the Living, Dining and Kitchen areas. The view out the back of the house is beautiful this fall with the trees and grass so colorful. The area is a major addition to the City of Seward North Cemetery. They are having an addition added to the recently poured patio out the glass doors which will make it a very neat area. Carolyn has really been involved in every detail and ...

We at Brookdale were honored this afternoon when 5th graders from Saint John's came over to entertain us. They sang with various ones providing accompaniment on the piano, two girls played violins and they recited Bible verses along with their songs. During a break they passed out greeting cards with a little treat. Most importantly, they visited with us. Rosellen told us this morning about old folks regaining their childhood by watching kids play "kick the can". I felt a certain amount of youth in talking with them and telling of my 5th grade in "Oak Grove" country school northeast of Garland. We had just got back from Elaine getting her hair cut and set and my doing some shopping when we walked into the Dining Room for the entertainment.  In walked Carolyn and Jack. They had already been down to get his chocolate ice cream cone. Julie then also came up and we had a good visit in our unit. Carolyn and Ben continue to be involved on a daily basis in the construc...

I had an appointment with Dr. Donald Henslee who comes out from Lincoln to the Seward Hospital Specialty Center once per month. He reminded me this morning that it has been 26 years that he has been my Urologist. The Doctor who did my prostatectomy back in the spring of 1992 retired soon after the surgery and I've been with Dr. Henslee ever since. Though he monitored the increase in my PSA reading over the years; when it reached 61 back June of 2016, he decided it was time for hormone treatment. I had never had any radiation nor chemical  treatment following the surgery. I began a regimen of Lupron shots and a 7-day supply of Casodex pills. By October 2016 the PSA was down to 2.8 and by April of 2017, it was down to 0.70, and 0.47 in September. With what may have been some side effects, we decided to "pause" the Lupron for 6 months. It was at 0.40 in April and 1.16 today. We will continue the "pause" of treatment and look forward to the reading next May. I alway...