A Mixed Bag in May

It was a beautiful Saturday morning on May 14th, but I was feeling bittersweet. Tekameh was my first stop, to pick up some wines from a local winery no longer in operation. While pleased with every red wine I'd ever tasted there and congratulatory on the owners' decision to retire, I made my trek north from my Lincoln home to pick up what would be my last set of reds from them. While in town, I thought I'd begin the Passport at the Master's Hand. As I entered, I couldn't help but notice the intense energy and enthusiasm, radiant throughout the store. Everyone, it seemed, bustled in every direction. As I waited for the crowds in the confection section to wane, I browsed intently at the home decor, organized neatly throughout the north end of the shop. My unwarranted attention in environments as this is always scented candles, the sweet fragrances and soothing sight of a burning wick always providing a calm, hominess to one's lair, not to mention the wonderful aromas emitted from them simultaneously. So I chose my scent (a spiced pumpkin for the upcoming fall season), and turned my face to the edible delights - another weakness I must reluctantly admit to. While popcorn, cinnamon rolls, and candies all sounded appealing, the square of dark chocolate fudge immediately drew my attention. Without a second thought, I decided it would be the one to take the cake. As I glanced around, I sensed something unusual, but couldn't quite figure it out. Then, as suddenly as the sight of the dark chocolate drew me, behold, I discovered it: I was the only adult male in the entire store! So yes, this one is tailored with women in mind, but hey - it just goes to show, as a guy you can still find something there that suits you!

I continued south into Omaha and arrived for my second stop at Four Sisters Boutique. Again, the only guy in a store customized for women! But low and behold more scented candles! A Capri Blue Volcano this time with a Passport discount price eventually drew me. That afternoon saw stop #3 at the Great Plains Black History Museum in north Omaha. I wasn't sure what to expect this time, but found the host extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and who relayed a story about how he and his wife enjoyed a prime rib on an anniversary celebration in my hometown of Wahoo. Is Nebraska great or what?!?! I thoroughly enjoyed the setups he arranged in the museum, which centered around historically black colleges and universities, well-known jazz artists who performed in the upper level of the very building in which we were standing, and of course the sports. I was pleasantly surprised to see Johnny Rodgers' Heisman Trophy on display!

Fast forward to the following Sunday morning, May 22. I was ready for my daily dose of exercise, and today's would feature a hike through the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center in Denton. An avid hiker since my return from the Pacific Northwest in 2016, I am always looking for another trail to tackle close to home. On my arrival, I was greeted by race volunteers. Unbeknownst to me, the Lincoln Track Club was hosting a prairie-to-prairie run-bike-run event that would soon meander its way to and finish at my very destination. The Visitors Center closed, but the staff remained gracious enough to allow me to tour the center, receive my stamp, and hike the trails prior to the athletes' journey southwestward. I am pleased to report only one runner crossed paths with me the entire time, and the peacefulness and pictures will reflect the serenity and natural beauty allotted to me as I trekked through the grasslands and rolling hills of eastern Nebraska.

May's Final Four: Now on to May 28, the following Saturday. An owl by nature, I was out with the larks at their first feeding to make my way through four more stops and end the month with eight. First came Tecumseh and the Johnson County Museum. As I absorbed the rich history put forth by the efforts of historical society curators and volunteers, I couldn't help but think about how many stories could and need to be told, throughout the more than 3100 counties (including parishes, in LA) drawn throughout our great nation. From local sports icons to the first founders of the cities and townships to the wars in which our country fought, Johnson County is proud of the heroes whose origins lie within their lines.

Next, I continued to Brownville, where I was unexpectedly greeted by a lineup of parked vehicles on Highway 136 and throughout the village streets. "What is this?", I asked myself as I struggled to locate adequate parking myself. A flea market was in progress, and I meticulously worked my way patiently amidst the crowds of attendees and stands of ambitious vendors toward my destination of Whiskey Run Creek. I'm sure they were loving the extra business this event drew, but for me, a past patron of the winery, I knew what I wanted and hoped for an expeditious exodus. Well, needless to say, it didn't flow so smoothly! Yet I still found my flavors and left with a sense of gratefulness, as small businesses like these need those long lines and an economic shot in the arm - especially now.

Now onward north, to Nebraska City. If I spend time traveling for a stop, you'd better believe I'll stay for all they have to offer. So I chose to take a tour and watch a short video about the history of firefighting in the city. The young lady who guided the tour (and it was just me on this one) was insightful and informative about all exhibits and encouraged me to continue to spend more time soaking in all the artifacts and write-ups on display. An avid history buff since my junior year of high school, I was happy to oblige and I stayed until all exhibits were sufficiently digested. Now, my final stop: Kimmel Orchard, another past favorite. At first glance, two items caught my eye, and a toss-up ensued in my head of which to purchase prior to my return home: Chambourcin (a red wine) or pickled quail eggs. Hmmm...I've always wanted to try quail eggs...but I didn't get that Chambourcin at Whiskey Run because I limited myself to only 2 bottles there...am I ready for those eggs yet? Well, it turns out not quite. I WILL, however, delve into quail eggs, when ready, with a gradual easing in, like developing a taste for intense dark chocolate and red wine to its complement! This May marked the beginning of my 2022 Passport journey! I look forward to what the next month has to offer! Enjoy the photos of the prairie!