So much to see

August 2-3, 2019
Lincoln, Nebraska

So much to see.  So much to do.  Something for him.  Something for her.  Something for both of them.  

Did you know there is a Strategic Air Command Museum or SAC not far from our campsite in Ashland, Nebraska?

  Momma was sure that Dad would enjoy it so they checked it out.  Lots of history covered with space travel as well as planes and helicopters from the past.

Can you believe the size of these double doors that swing open for ease of loading and unloading cargo in the rear of the plane?

But if planes and space travel is not your thing, how about a visit to the International Quilt Museum on the University Campus?  Now you have to admit, when the docent shared that they have thousands of quilts, it is rather disappointing to be able to see less than 100 of them.  The collection began with a donation of 900 quilts and has grown over the years.  I guess if you keep changing your displays in the limited space, people will keep returning.  

In the Whimsy room, there was even a quilt made with buttons

It is much too heavy to hang, so it was displayed horizontally.  

This quilt was created with the goal of winning the $1000 prize money back when $14 a week was a decent salary.  It didn't win unfortunately even though the quilter put in hours of labor.

The Japanese got interested in quilting back in the 1950's when the men would come to the US to study US engineering and brought along their wives.  The wives, who had excellent needle skills, but had never quilted, became enthralled with quilting.  This Japanese quilter creates reversible quilts, quilting both sides (front and back) together at the same time.  

 Front

Back

And if you look close, she uses tiny strips so she has many shades of fabric to 'paint' her quilt and give it dimension. Mind boggling!! 

Some quilts have no definite pattern as the quilter is just using materials that she has.

 Including rice bags.

Now a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska wouldn't be complete without a tour of the Capital building.  The 'tower' Capital used to be the tallest Capital building until Louisiana decided they wanted that distinction.  

You can even take the elevator up to the 14th floor at the top for a view of the city.

The knowledgeable docent explained that Nebraskan's work together as one body to create laws and govern.  It is much more efficient and less costly.  These law makers work 90 days and are paid $12000 a year and by working together in one room, they can quickly accomplish their tasks.  

Every Nebraskan receives the same ballot as there are no party distinctions.  The primary ballot is just a list of names.  The top three move on to the fall election ballot. 

The docent also shared that they have to have a balanced budget so this Capital building that replaced the old decaying building was a pay as you go ten million dollar project over a period of 10 years...a million dollars a year....and it was finished on time and under budget, costing just under 10 million.  And yes, it has all the 'glitz' of most capitals with marble pillars and ceiling artwork.

In the Supreme Court chamber, there is no need for microphones.  The ceiling, wall tapestries and curved judge's bench is designed for perfect acoustics.  Everyone can hear without any amplification.

 The ceiling actually has recesses built in it.

And to handle cases efficiently without wasting the time of the court, there is a limit of 10 minutes to present your case.  No need to draw it out for an hour or more to try to convince/sway the judges.  

And there you have it, the reason why my outdoor playtime was rather limited.  Just too much to see and do away from the rig to spend all day playing with me.

I'm Chloe