Nebraska: Living History

Today I hit all three remaining items in my Geneva to do list (I already rode my bike around here).

First, Maddie and I visited the Geneva public library. They have a three-d printer! I didn't know libraries could do that, especially libraries in towns with populations under 2500. But they had that, and a few books too. I read the conclusion to Stephen Hawking's "A brief history of time" so I could more accurately speak about it (since so many people ask me about it as a Christian and a Scientist). It seems to hold up to what I had heard of it, it's got good science, but bad philosophy.

Next, we visited the Wessels living history farm in York. It was very unique, quite quaint, and rather beautiful. An old farmer died in 1993, leaving a one line will saying he wanted a living history museum made of his things. So, they've collected the house he lived in, a bunch of tractors, the church he went to, and other items from his time period, and moved them into a small farm. It's got about 20 volunteers working at it, and the two we met were very nice, polite, and passionate about history. One of them showed us the church, which included a pipe organ. After hearing me play on it,  he tried to convince me that I should learn to play the organ ("They need competent young organ players"). I was surprisingly moved by his earnest and heartfelt plea. I think I'll keep my eyes open to see if there's some place I can play and learn to play the organ. At the very least, it would be a nice skill to have.

Finally, we visited Hastings, where we saw Pitch Perfect 2, got colossal cookies, and got coffee from Art's Coffee bar. Art's was an interesting tea shop that I felt would have fit right in with all the tea stores I've seen in Southern California with it's vaguely hipster, progressive feel and look. Maddie got beans for her dad there and a cup for herself. Feeling relieved of my obligation to purchase anything by association with her, I didn't drink any of it, though Maddie says it was delicious.

Now, It's about time for me to leave Nebraska, though I've had a great time here. I've arranged a bit of a whirlwind tour for the next two days to get me home to California. I'll be stopping in Castle Rock, CO tomorrow, and Phoenix Wednesday to stay with other friends on the path back home (before later heading out to Golden, CO).

A solid reading tree by Maddie's porch, I must have read for an hour on that branch on the left

Max, Maddie's dog. Wanting to go outside. Again.

Next Stop: Castle Rock CO