Day 8 Lincoln Nebraska

Finally got some sleep, but it was well after 12 pm Nebraska time. The air conditioner in this room is like sleeping next to a generator and I could not find any way of turning it off.

However the room is spotless and comfortable, with an iron and ironing board. Always a bonus for the traveller. For the idiot traveller, not wearing her glasses, the extremely short cord was slightly problematic, until I read the back of the iron, as I was putting it away, and discovered it had a retractable cord! Comfy bed, no fridge and a noisy air con.

Woken by my alarm at 7, humidity already climbing to 91% by 8 am- just what I hate. Breakfast was basic for the non GF. For me it was down to scrambled eggs again, but they did have fresh fruit and hot water (unfortunately at some point in the past they had used the urn for coffee- so back to hotel tea/coffee) Ate my breakfast with four other people and watched the news. Floods in the South and fires in California- the one I saw yesterday had grown much bigger.

Back to my room to wait and type and wait for my taxi driver.(Alaan)

First stop was the International Quilt and Study Centre (IQSC). My taxi driver had obviously never been there before and I had to tell him which building it was? As I arrived, so did Jo. With my personal guide, and being the first customers through the door, we chatted to the very friendly staff, had a browse on the ground floor, including the small gallery of modern work by Sheila Frampton Cooper and the conservation area. They also have an area of slightly used books, some quilt tops and blocks for sale. Unfortunately my bag was still almost full. I knew I should have done this trip in reverse.

Upstairs to the larger galleries where we saw the work of Lora Locke, who had greeted us downstairs) She had a small exhibition of quilt portraits and my favourite was one called “One last look?” Not sure of the exact title but it was very poignant.

By L Locke

from the Dillow Collection

Next was the Dillow Collection, requiring lots of “oohs and ahhs”, with the most incredible historic quilts featuring both wonderful patterns, but also some lovely prints. We joined the tour at 11- a tour group of three with a docent - Sheila.  Very personal tour. Although we went back through the Dillow Collection, she had lots of information.
The Mountain Mist exhibition was possibly (but maybe the Dillow?) my favourite. From there we toured the Chinese exhibition. Very different styles, different colours, different purposes. Then a quick look at the small doll quilt collection, before going down to pick up my backpack and our purchases. The building itself was very impressive and completed using personal donations from both large and small groups/ individuals. It houses 4,700 quilts and they are still acquiring more to fill gaps in the collection.

Jo very kindly drove us to a delightful restaurant “The Green Gateau.” I was desperate for a cup of tea and they had it and it was hot! We both ordered the same salmon salad and it was just delicious and fresh. Then our waiter came back with deserts, which included GF - panna cotta using coconut milk or crème brulee? Biggest decision of the week. I chose the panna cotta- GOOD choice! After a long lunch Jo drove me to the nearby Nebraska Museum. She was off shopping and I had time for more sightseeing.

Lunch at The Green Gateau.

The Nebraska Museum might be small, but it has just been upgraded and reopened. Free entry. AND a bonus quilt exhibition! Basically quilts across time in Nebraska.  Although a small selection, some lovely work. The other current displays include some beautiful black and white photographs, life on the plains, (must have been tough) Native American life and the changes they faced, agriculture on the plains and life across time in Nebraska.

In one of the main rooms was a quilt that was just outstanding by Grace McCance Snyder- made in 16 months (1942-3) based on a design from a china plate, containing 85,789 pieces and 5,400 yards of threads. It was a mosaic style with each of the tiny squares being ¼” finished. Truly remarkable, but not something I would even consider.

The tiny mosaic squares- coin is a 5c

From here I went up the hill in the 30+ C heat to the 121 M (400 F) tall Nebraska Capitol building, complete with nearly 10 M tall statue of “the Sower”, a symbol of the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. The Capitol was completed in four stages from 1922- 32. While the building stands well above the plains, inside is an Aladdin’s Cave of mosaics and art work on the second floor. There is also a viewing platform on the 14^th floor, but it was very close to closing time.

I went outside to wait for my taxi. The sun was blazing down and no trees on my side, but he picked me up and took me back to the hotel, where it was time for a cup of coffee flavoured tea and lot of typing. Another very busy day. Only 32 C (91F) at 5pm, but the humidity has fallen to 54%. Much nicer. Light clouds began to build on the horizon? I hope I don’t have to use any of those tornado safe spots.

part of the elaborate ceiling at the Capitol.