Nope, I Will Not Say Good-Bye

Russell Curtis Huff, 71, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, February 18th as a result of a motor scooter accident near Brady, Nebraska. He was born on July 21, 1944 in La Junta, Colorado to Pauline Ellen and Russell Loyal Huff. Russ grew up in La Junta, then joined the Air Force upon his high school graduation. He served with honor for four years in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. Stationed in various places during the four years, his last post during service was Vietnam. When released from active duty, Russ moved to North Platte, Nebraska to be near family. He became a professional photographer, and moved to Gothenburg in 1973 after purchasing the old Krekeler Studio and opened Photography by Russ. He met his wife Brenda in Gothenburg when she returned after her service with the U.S. Army. They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 6th, 1978. Russ and Brenda embarked on a life of adventure and travel, living in Arizona, Nevada, Nebraska, and Taiwan. In Taiwan, Russ completed an advanced Teachers of English degree and became an English instructor and mentor to many doctors and nurses. One proud accomplishment was winning a Distinctive Contribution award from the Executive Yuan for his role in transforming Tri-Service General Hospital into an excellent English environment. Following Russ’ return to Gothenburg in 2007, he enjoyed a variety of activities. Woodworking, building and flying remote-control airplanes, and motorcycle/scooter riding were three of his passions. Russ’ big heart led him to bring a most excellent black cocker spaniel named Poco into his and Brenda’s lives on April 12, 2013. He was baptized in fatih at the First Baptist Church in Gothenburg on July 12th, 1984. Surviving are spouse Brenda (Gothenburg/Grand Island, NE), siblings Paula (Tom) Richardson (Mesquite, NV), Jim Huff (Nashville, TN), Jay Huff (North Platte, NE), and Sam Kibler (North Platte, NE), father-in-law Norman Porter (Gothenburg, NE), brothers-in-law Brad (Mary) Porter (Fremont, NE), Bill Porter (Gothenburg, NE), sister-in-law Beth (Mark) Jones (Midwest City, OK). Nieces and nephews include Adam and Megan Porter, Amanda, Peter, and Stacie Jones, Randy and Brian Milleson, and Kacie Kibler. Russ was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Polly and S. J. (Bud) Kibler, brother Sid Kibler, mother-in-law Margaret Porter and brothers-in law Bruce and Brian Porter. A graveside memorial service will take place at Fort McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell, Nebraska at 11:00 on Friday, February 26th with Pastor Larry Viter officiating. Luncheon will follow at the First Baptist Church in Gothenburg. Suggestions for memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Start Over Rover (Hastings, NE), Child Fund International.

February 28, 1934-September 19, 2014

Hard to say good-bye to mom. She is in a way better place, and for that I am thankful.

Our loss is heaven’s gain. Margaret Ann (Norsworthy) Porter, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, passed away on September 19th, 2014 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg. She was born on February 28, 1934 in Gothenburg to Ethel and Oliver Norsworthy. She was a proud 1952 graduate of Gothenburg High School. She also loved music and played the clarinet in high school. She was an active member of the marching band and cheered the Swedes on as a Junior High cheerleader. She participated in WMS at the First Baptist Church, Sunshine Homemakers, and the Meals on Wheels program. Margaret was an avid knitter throughout her life, making many beautiful items, but is more well-known for the winter stocking caps she knitted and donated to The Connection in North Platte, Nebraska. She loved her grandchildren and could be found playing board games with them as often as possible. She made sure to remember many people with cards of encouragement, sympathy, congratulations, etc. throughout the years. Margaret had a deep and abiding faith in God and was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Gothenburg. She had a kind and gentle soul and was an inspiration to many. Her legacy of kindness and cheerfulness will continue to be an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. Meeting Norman G. Porter was a highlight of her life and they were united in marriage on October 19, 1952. She was a very loving mother to six children. Surviving family members include her devoted husband, Norman of Gothenburg, four children; Brenda (Russ) Huff of Grand Island/Gothenburg, Brad (Mary) of Fremont, Nebraska, Beth (Mark) Jones of Midwest City, Oklahoma; and Bill of Gothenburg; five grandchildren; Adam (Stephanie) of Olathe, Kansas, Megan Porter of Blair, Nebraska, and Amanda, Peter and Stacie Jones of Midwest City, Oklahoma; and one brother, Duane (Alice) Norsworthy of Corpus Cristi, Texas. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, sister Emma Jane Rehm, infant sister Lavonne Jean Norsworthy, and two sons, Bruce Eugene Porter and Brian Ray Porter. Memorial Services will be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 10:00 am with Pastor Bill Ivey officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church, 1002 Ave C, Gothenburg, NE 69138.

New Giant

So far I am happy with the new bike. Love having a Giant again.

Cruzbike SOLD!!!

Yeah, so the 'bent bug that bit me two years ago has worn out its welcome. The Sofrider sold to a nice guy from Lincoln. The Bacchetta Corsa? Still in my garage. Doggone it. I need it gone so I can get back to a Giant road bike.

A Very Different Bent

To celebrate the end of my master's level courses, we went to Kansas once again and brought home a bike. This is a front wheel drive Cruzbike. Very weird, pretty cool. At the moment I am thinking of saying good-bye to both of my 'bents and getting a steel diamond frame. Will decide when I am in the saddle again.

Work in Progress

This is my current project. I paper pieced the three blocks, which was a new technique for me. Love it, will do it again. I am now in the process of machine quilting it. I'm stuck with straight stitching for the moment on my old Kenmore because I lifted the presser foot on my Husqvarna Viking too high and broke the machine! Have to wait until I get back to GI for the repair...crossing fingers it won't be too pricey. Once the straight stitching is done, I hope to add in some free motion quilting. That's what I was trying when I broke my Viking. I need a new open toe foot and lots of practice!

Quilt Top

This is a quilt top that I began when we lived in Sedona, Arizona. It's traveled to Nebraska, Taiwan, and Nevada. I added on to it last year and am now finally ready to bite the bullet and take it to a shop for final quilting. No way am I going to attack that myself with my little home machine.

Zentangle/Zenspirations

Here's a photo of a door hanging I made for mom. I started out with an idea of using tangle patterns all around the border, but once I saw Joanne Fink's Zenspirations, I had to try my hand at that instead. I love the way this turned out and am ready to start my next project.

Bent???

I've thought about a recumbent for a long long time. Last week, after researching lots of different bikes, we went to Kansas so I could test-ride some. Mark, at The Hub, a fabulous shop in Hays, Kansas, put  a 24 inch carbon fork and wheel on a gently used Bacchetta Corsa to better fit my short legs. SOLD! It's a tricky little thing to ride, but I'm getting used to it. I've put on a bunch of miles already and can't wait to get out and get even more. Here are two photos of the new steed.

Still Making Cards

A Few More Cards

This is one addicting hobby!I've started using digital images, printing them on white textured paper, then coloring with copic markers. Man, those copics are AMAZING I can Zen out while coloring, talk about a really nice stress reliever. Here are two recent cards, both for former colleagues from TAS who are retiring.

Manipulated Moss Rose

Here's another card...this time with a manipulated original photo. (Used Picasa and their picnik editing tools.)

Digital Stamps vs Trainer Time

So, it snowed again, so there was no option (for me) to go for an outdoor bike ride. Hop on the trainer you say? Sure, it's set up in my dining room, should be a simple thing to get on. However...I have been bit by a new bug called "digital stamping and card making." I'm having a blast. Here are a few of the rather simple cards I have made:

Flipping Coins

So yesterday I decided to flip a coin to see if I could get an answer to my possibilities dilemma. Came up "no" twice in a row. Then later at home it came up "yes" twice in a row. What are the odds of that? Oh right, 50-50.

My mind has seemed to undergo a change just this past two days...it's telling me it's just fine to stay here now. And I'm not feeling the wanderlust bug tug on my heart right now, either. Strange.

Always Thinking of Possibilities

That, plus I always seem to find the grass greener anywhere but where I am. Been having a blast looking at various international school sites and seeing what jobs are available. Why? Because I can, I guess. Here is the weather forecast for three locations...one is where I currently reside, one is for where I resided for 11 years, and the last is for one in which I might like to reside...

Indoor Cycling

Not the easiest thing to do, but I am trying to stay motivated and ride my bike, which is set up on a Kurt Kinectic trainer, in my dining room. There are a couple of threads on bikejournal.com that are helping with my motivation, although I have neglected the bike for the past three days. Gotta convince me to get on before today is done!!!

Snow Day!

The snow fell softly for awhile...about 24-48 hours off and on. Here is the first snowfall photo...not too much just yet.

Here we have a bit more snow. All in all we had nearly 10 inches. Enough to actually have a snow day called.

New Post!

Been thinking about just deleting my blog, but there are a lot of posts that I want to remember. A lot of people I want to remember. So, maybe I'll get my arse in gear and post every once in awhile.

So, I am no longer in Taipei, but am now living and teaching in Nebraska. Unfortunately I am still not teaching in the same town in which my husband and I have our home. Not really holding out a lot of hope that it will happen for next year either, but one never knows.

My job this year is not an easy one, especially since I am fresh off the "private school in Taiwan boat"...where the climate isn't fraught with high-stakes testing and politicians who don't know any better, but still stick their noses in where they shouldn't. The teachers I work with are wonderful...they have been very welcoming and have made me feel right at home.

So, even though it's not my ideal situation, I am still very thankful to be here, and to have a good paying job.

Not Many Days Left in Taipei

This year will close one chapter of my life...on June 4th, my time at TAS will come to an end. I've had a blast and will definitely miss many many people. I am happy to be returning to Nebraska, and even though my new job will be 100 miles from my home, I am looking forward to new challenges...new school district, new bike routes, new friends...yep, the upcoming adventure should be a lot of fun.

Fun Travel

So, on December 29, I arrived in North Platte on time for my flight from there to Denver. The plane in Denver apparently had some issues, so they finally swapped out another one and made it to LBF almost two hours late. No trouble for me as I was spending the night in Denver, but the Great Lakes employees worked overtime for several people making new arrangements so all would get to where they were going.

Security in NP was pretty tight due to the "Christmas incident" with the terrorist from Nigeria. All our carry on baggage was hand checked and we were all patted down. Didn't take long, since there were just about 10 passengers.

Flight to Denver was nice, just a little bouncing around. The hotel shuttle arrived just 15 minutes after I got there, and then I enjoyed a nice repast from Ruby Tuesday's. Fantastic ribs and Louisiana shrimp...yummmmm.

I had asked for a 1:30 am wake up call and the 2:30 shuttle, but since I was still fighting jet lag, I awoke at 12:30. Went downstairs early to check out and await my scheduled shuttle departure time, but the driver was there so I went early. Only to have to wait at the airport until 4:30 when United opened their stations. Huh? They open only an hour and a half before their first flight was to leave? Got through quickly, then faced a long line for security. Huh? The line moved about as quickly as I've ever seen it, so it took just 10 minutes.

Got to the gate with plenty of time for my Denver to San Francisco 6:05 flight. Which FINALLY departed about 9:30 due to a brake problem. They scavenged a part from another airplane, which then need to scavenge a part from the next airplane in line. I don't know when the scavenging stopped, I only know that I was happy to take off. I had talked to a gate agent and inquired about the 8:30 flight (which I normally take) to SFO, but it was fully booked.

Interestingly, the guy in the seat next to me was also traveling from Denver to SFO to Tokyo and on to Taipei! ALL on the same flights as me. Our pilot really tried to make up for lost time, and would have gotten us into SFO ten minutes earlier, but some unruly passenger on another plane caused that plane to be moved to the front of all other incoming flights. When we did finally make it to the gate, we didn't know if we would make our flight...so we grabbed our carry ons (I blocked people from getting in front of us...my good Asian elbowing techniques worked well) and we RAN for the international terminal. While on the run, I slowed enough to look at the departure screen and found out departing gate...97...almost at the end of the terminal. I had to slow, but Nick kept on running.

Huffing and puffing I reached the gate where the doors were still open...I was the last person on board. I am still amazed that we made it...I was envisioning another overnight stay in San Francisco.

After that drama, the rest of the trip was completely uneventful and I arrived in Taipei 20 minutes earlier than scheduled. Now the jet lag fight begins anew...