Happy 80th Birthday Dad!

Posted on July 23, 2022 by vanbraman

Today back in Missouri my family had a birthday party for my Dad for his 80th birthday. His birthday was earlier in the week. I had hoped to attend, but had a class that ended late on Friday and another that starts early Monday morning. So, I joined by Facetime to sing happy birthday and later for a reading of some notes about memories from the family.

Tonight I will also share some pictures with you.

Kid in Overalls, Country Kid, Dad as ChildI really like this picture of my Dad in overalls from when he was growing up in Coin, Iowa.

Cow Riding, Fun on the Farm, 1950's Farm SceneMy Dad grew up on a farm and worked with many animals. Here he is riding a cow. Fall River Pass - Colorado - Old Jump Picture - Classic Jump PictureMy Dad likes to have a little fun, like posing for a Jumping Picture long before they became a fad. Or, was this a photo bomb?

Dad in Suit, Dad as a young man, Suit and TieHere is my Dad’s Senior picture, doesn’t he look great in his suit and tie? My Dad was also awarded the Iowa Farmer award by the FFA when he was in high school.

Dad Sleeping, Grandma's House, Sunday Nap, RelaxingSeveral of the memories today were about my Dad napping. Here he is in action or is it in-action? He was even taking a nap after dinner before the reading of the memories.

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY!!

 

Steven

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Time for Relays

Posted on July 22, 2022 by vanbraman

The World Championships are winding down with only a few days left. That means it is time for the relays.

I really like the relays as they bring back some wonderful memories of running in High School.

Letter Jacket - Block A - Ashland - Track and Field - Cross Country - BandI was on the track team during high school and lettered all four years. I was a distance runner and would run the half, mile and two mile. Of course these were really the 800, 1600 and 3200 but in the US we like to hold on to our old designations. I also ran in the 2 mile relay.

Iroquois League Champions - Track Banner - League Champion Banner - MemoriesMy best memories come from the relays. We were always competitive and would gain valuable points toward capturing the team championship.

2-mile relay team, track and field, league championsIn my Freshman year we won the Iroquois League Championship and our relay team took the Gold to contribute to the win. Eight years ago the school had new banners made and auctioned off the old banners. I now have the banner for the championship that I helped win. See my post Running Down Memory Lane for more about this banner.

Relay Baton, State Track Meet, Kansas State Track, Track and Field, RelaysIn my Senior year our 4×800 relay team qualified for the Kansas State Track Meet. We did not finish in the medals at State, but I have some great memories of running in the meet.

Kansas state track, 3200 meter relay, 2 mile relay, track and fieldI still have the baton from the race. I don’t remember how I ended up with it, but it has been tucked safely away for years. Just holding it brings back some great running memories.

Tonight were the heats for the 4×100 meter relays. Both the USA teams qualified for the finals.

I really wish that they would run the 4×800 at the Olympics. Also, why not add the 4×200, the sprint medley and the distance medley. This would give more track athletes a chance to win medals.

Just imagine a sprint medley of a 200, 200, 400 and 800 with the best runners in the world.

What do you think? Does professional track need more relays?

Steven

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